Air conditioning chamber

Abstract

The present invention provides an air conditioning chamber that can reduce the possibility of damage to the bottom during installation and reduce the influence of external temperature after installation. [Solution] The chamber body of the air conditioning chamber is made of an insulating material, and a portion of the top and bottom surfaces, with both ends of the chamber body along the longitudinal direction, are covered by a metal outer frame, while the other portions of the top and bottom surfaces are not covered by the outer frame and are exposed to the outside, and the bottom surface has multiple metal protruding members 90 that connect the two outer frames covering both ends of the bottom surface and protrude downward.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a chamber for air conditioning.

Background Art

[0002] In a whole-building air conditioning system or the like, generally, a main duct extends from an air conditioner installed in a building, and conditioned air is supplied to each air conditioning area such as a living room through a branch duct connected to the main duct. A branch chamber is provided between the main duct and a plurality of branch ducts. This type of branch chamber is typically configured in a rectangular parallelepiped hollow box shape. In a branch chamber having such a configuration, an inlet for conditioned air is formed at one end side in the length direction, and a plurality of outlets are formed at the other end side. The flow rate of the outlets closer to the inlet is smaller, and the flow rate of the outlets farther from the inlet tends to be larger. The difference in the flow rate of the air flowing out from the outlets is maintained in the branch duct and adjusted at the air dampers directly connected to each air conditioning area such as a living room, and the flow rate is equalized. However, the adjustment work at the air dampers requires a lot of time, and moreover, there are also differences in the characteristics of the variable air volume control devices (VAVs) arranged in the previous stage of individual air conditioners and branch chambers, so such adjustment work requires even more time. In this regard, it is ideal if the flow rate from each outlet of the branch chamber is uniform, because the time required for the adjustment work at the air dampers is reduced.

[0003] On the other hand, a technique has been proposed in which the branch chamber is configured in a flat box shape with a height smaller than the width, an inlet is formed in one wall in the height direction (thickness direction) (for example, the wall constituting the bottom surface), and the air flowing in from the inlet is made to collide with the other wall in the height direction (for example, the wall constituting the ceiling surface) to achieve rectification (for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

[0005] In the technology described in Patent Document 1, since the inlet must be formed in one of the walls in the height direction, the main duct must be connected to the branch chamber from above or below. For this reason, space for piping is required above or below in the space where the branch chamber is located, such as the space above the ceiling. Furthermore, in the technology described in Patent Document 1, the air flowing into the branch chamber changes direction when it hits the wall in the height direction before reaching the outlet, and then changes direction again when it hits the wall at the far end in the length direction, which is perpendicular to the height direction, resulting in a problem of large pressure loss.

[0006] In response to the above problems, the applicant of this application developed a branching chamber with a new structure (hereinafter referred to as "new chamber 100") in Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-212093. Figure 23 shows the inside of the chamber body 20 of the new chamber 100. By arranging the mesh member 40 and guide members 50A and 50B as shown in Figure 23, the above problems are resolved.

[0007] A further challenge here is to prevent damage to the new chamber 100 during installation work in buildings or other structures. As shown in Figure 24(a), bolts 200 and tools (hereinafter referred to as "scattered objects") may be scattered on the floor of the installation site. As a result, when the new chamber 100 is placed on the floor, the scattered objects may damage the chamber body 20 exposed at the bottom of the new chamber 100, and in some cases, an opening 20h may be created in the chamber body 20, as shown in Figure 24(b).

[0008] Furthermore, when the new chamber 100 is installed, it may be affected by the temperature outside the new chamber 100. For example, if the temperature outside the new chamber 100 is low and the temperature inside the new chamber 100 is high, and the metal outlets 32A and 32B are exposed to both the outside and the inside, heat will be conducted from the higher temperature to the lower temperature, as shown by arrow H1. This may cause condensation M1 to form on the outlets 32A and 32B inside the new chamber 100. Alternatively, if an upward airflow A1 is generated inside the new chamber 100 due to a temperature difference in the vertical direction, the new chamber 100 may not be able to perform its intended function.

[0009] Alternatively, if a gap develops between the metal outer frame 10 and the chamber body 20 over time, condensation M2 may form on the inner surface due to the temperature difference between the outer and inner surfaces of the outer frame 10.

[0010] Based on the above, the present invention provides an air conditioning chamber that can reduce the possibility of damage to the bottom during installation and reduce the influence of external temperature after installation. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] The first invention is an air conditioning chamber having a hollow box-shaped chamber body that is elongated in one direction, wherein the chamber body is made of an insulating material and is covered by a metal outer frame, and the upper and lower surfaces of the chamber body, with both end edges along the longitudinal direction of the chamber body being covered by the outer frame, the other parts of the upper and lower surfaces being not covered by the outer frame and exposed to the outside, and the chamber has a plurality of metal protruding members that connect both outer frames that cover both end edges of the lower surface and protrude downward from the chamber body.

[0012] According to the configuration of the first invention, when the air conditioning chamber is placed on the floor during installation, the presence of the protruding member allows for a large distance to be secured between the floor and the bottom surface of the air conditioning chamber. Therefore, even if there are scattered objects on the floor, the possibility of contact with the bottom surface of the air conditioning chamber is reduced, making it less likely for the bottom surface to be damaged. Furthermore, since the protruding member is made of metal, it has a relatively high thermal conductivity. And because it protrudes downward, where the external temperature is relatively lower, the temperature difference between the upper and lower parts of the entire metal component, including the outer frame and the protruding member, becomes large. Therefore, heat is efficiently conducted from the metal outer frame, which is located relatively above, to the protruding member located at the bottom of the air conditioning chamber, thereby reducing the influence of the external temperature on the air conditioning chamber.

[0013] The second invention is an air conditioning chamber in which, in the configuration of the first invention, the protruding member is composed of a flat portion formed by maintaining the shape of both ends in the width direction of a single metal plate along the longitudinal direction, and a bent portion formed by bending the central part of the metal plate in the width direction along the longitudinal direction.

[0014] According to the configuration of the second invention, the mechanical strength of the protruding member is increased by having a flat portion and a bent portion. Furthermore, since the flat portion is in contact with the outer frame that covers both ends of the bottom surface of the chamber body, heat conduction from the metal outer frame to the protruding member can be made more efficient. In addition, since both the front and back surfaces of the bent portion are exposed to the outside, heat can be dissipated to the outside from both the front and back surfaces. In other words, the flat portion receives efficient heat conduction, and the bent portion can efficiently dissipate heat. [Effects of the Invention]

[0015] According to the present invention, the possibility of damage to the bottom during installation can be reduced, and the influence of external temperature after installation can be reduced. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0016] [Figure 1] This is a schematic perspective view of an air conditioning chamber according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] It is a schematic perspective view showing the internal structure of the chamber body. [Figure 3] It is a schematic perspective view of the chamber body. [Figure 4] It is a schematic plan view, schematic side view, and schematic front view of the branch chamber. [Figure 5] It is a schematic plan view, schematic side view, and schematic front view for explaining the dimensions of the branch chamber. [Figure 6] It is a schematic view showing a member made of a microduct plate. [Figure 7] It is a schematic view showing a member made of a galvanized steel plate. [Figure 8] It is a schematic view showing members etc. made of a galvanized steel plate. [Figure 9] It is a schematic view showing a net-like member. [Figure 10] It is a partial enlarged view etc. of the net-like member. [Figure 11] It is a conceptual diagram showing the flow of air passing through the net-like member. [Figure 12] It is a schematic view showing a protruding member. [Figure 13] It is a schematic view showing a guide member. [Figure 14] It is a schematic view showing the manufacturing method of the branch chamber. [Figure 15] It is a schematic view showing the manufacturing method of the branch chamber. [Figure 16] It is a schematic view showing the manufacturing method of the branch chamber. [Figure 17] It is a schematic view showing a measurement method. [Figure 18] It is a diagram showing measurement data. [Figure 19] It is a conceptual diagram showing the flow of air. [Figure 20] It is a conceptual diagram showing the flow of air. [Figure 21] It is a conceptual diagram for explaining heat conduction and heat dissipation. [Figure 22] It is a schematic perspective view of the air-conditioning chamber according to the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 23] It is a schematic view showing an example of an air-conditioning chamber. [Figure 24] This is a schematic diagram showing an example of an air conditioning chamber. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0017] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Configurations that can be appropriately implemented by those skilled in the art will be omitted from the description, and only the basic configuration of the present invention will be described.

[0018] <First Embodiment> The configuration of the air conditioning chamber 1 (hereinafter referred to as "chamber 1") will be described in general terms with reference to Figures 1 to 3. Figures 1(a) and (b) are schematic perspective views showing the external shape of chamber 1. Figure 2 is a schematic perspective view showing the internal structure of chamber 1, with the outer part indicated by a dotted line. Figure 3(a) is a schematic perspective view showing the external shape of the chamber body 20 (hereinafter referred to as "body 20"). Figure 3(b) is a schematic perspective view showing the internal structure of body 20, with the outer part indicated by a dotted line. In this embodiment, chamber 1 is a branching chamber, but the present invention is not limited to branching chambers and is applicable to all types of air conditioning chambers.

[0019] <Chamber body configuration> As shown in Figures 3(a) and 3(b), the main body 20 is configured as a hollow box shape that is elongated in one direction. The main body 20 has a front wall portion 24, a back wall portion 26, a first side wall portion 22A, a second side wall portion 22C, a bottom wall portion 22B, and a top wall portion 22D. The first side wall portion 22A and the second side wall portion 22C are positioned opposite each other. The bottom wall portion 22B and the top wall portion 22D are positioned opposite each other. The front wall portion 24 and the back wall portion 26 are positioned opposite each other.

[0020] In this specification, in the direction connecting the front wall portion 24 and the rear wall portion 26 (hereinafter referred to as the "longitudinal direction"), the front wall portion 24 side is considered the front, and the rear wall portion 26 side is considered the rear. The foremost part is called the front, and the rearmost part is called the rear end. The front wall portion 24 side is considered the front, and the rear wall portion 26 side is considered the back. As shown in Figures 3(a) and 3(b), the main body 20 is formed as a rectangular parallelepiped having a longitudinal direction.

[0021] As shown in Figures 3(a) and 3(b), the peripheral wall portion 22 is composed of a first side wall portion 22A, a second side wall portion 22C, a bottom wall portion 22B, and a top wall portion 22D. The front wall portion 24 is positioned to close the front end of the peripheral wall portion 22. The rear wall portion 26 is positioned to close the rear end of the peripheral wall portion 22.

[0022] As shown in Figures 3(a) and 3(b), an inlet 30 for air to flow into the main body 20 is connected to the center of the tip wall portion 24. The air flowing into the main body 20 through the inlet 30 is, for example, air whose temperature and humidity have been adjusted by an air conditioner.

[0023] Multiple outlets 32A, etc., are formed at different positions in the longitudinal direction on the first side wall 22A and the second side wall 22C, respectively. Outlets 32A and 32C are connected to the first side wall 22A, and outlets 32B and 32D are connected to the second side wall 22C. Air flows out of the main body 20 from outlets 32A to 32D. Outlets 32A to 32D are cylindrical members having the same diameter (inner diameter).

[0024] Furthermore, the tip wall portion 24 has an opening with substantially the same diameter as the outer diameter of the inlet 30, and is configured to allow the inlet 30 to be fitted into it. Similarly, the first side wall portion 22A and the second side wall portion 22C have openings with substantially the same diameter as the outer diameter of the outlets 32A to 32D.

[0025] As shown in Figure 3(b), we can conceive of a line segment SL connecting the center of the front wall 24 and the center of the back wall 26 in a front view, and conceive of a plane perpendicular to line segment SL, which we define as the orthogonal plane. That is, the orthogonal plane is a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. In other words, the orthogonal plane is a plane parallel to the inner surface of the front wall 24 and the inner surface of the back wall 26. The orthogonal plane can be conceivable at any position in the longitudinal direction of the main body 20.

[0026] As shown in Figures 3(a) and 3(b), a mesh member 40 is positioned in front of the longitudinal direction of the outlets 32A and 32B, which are formed closest to the inlet 30. The mesh member 40 is a member for homogenizing the flow rate of air in orthogonal planes and is an example of a means for homogenizing the flow rate. Note that "homogeneity" does not mean making the flow rate of air completely identical in all parts of the orthogonal planes. It means that the flow rate in the orthogonal planes is closer to being identical after passing through the mesh member 40 than before passing through the mesh member 40.

[0027] Inside the main body 20, a guide member 50A is positioned on the first side wall 22A, and a guide member 50B is positioned on the second side wall 22C. Guide member 50A is positioned between outlet 32A and outlet 32C, and guide member 50B is positioned between outlet 32B and outlet 32D. Guide members 50A and 50B are configured so that a portion of the air that has passed through the mesh member 40 is struck by them, its direction of travel is changed, and it is guided to outlets 32A and 32B.

[0028] <External configuration of the branching chamber> As shown in Figures 1 and 2, a portion of the main body 20 is covered by a metal outer frame 10. Specifically, the front wall portion 24, the back wall portion 26, the first side wall portion 22A, and the second side wall portion 22C are covered by the outer frame 10. Parts of the bottom wall portion 22B and the top wall portion 22D, specifically both ends along the longitudinal direction of the main body 20, are covered by the outer frame 10, while other parts of the bottom wall portion 22B and the top wall portion 22D are not covered by the outer frame 10 and are exposed to the outside. In other words, most of the bottom wall portion 22B and the top wall portion 22D are not covered by the outer frame 10 and are exposed. The bottom wall portion 22B is an example of a bottom surface, and the top wall portion 22D is an example of a top surface.

[0029] As shown in Figures 1(b) and 2, a plurality of protruding members 90 connect to the outer frame 10 that covers both end edges of the bottom wall portion 22B and protrude downward from the main body 20. The protruding members 90 are made of metal, and in this embodiment, three are arranged. More specifically, the portions 10aa and 10ba of the outer frame 10 cover both ends of the bottom wall portion 22B in the width direction, along the longitudinal direction. The three protruding members 90 are arranged so that their longitudinal direction is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the chamber 1 and are fixed to portions 10aa and 10ba.

[0030] The outer frame 10 has an opening formed at a position corresponding to the inlet 30, with a diameter substantially the same as the outer diameter of the inlet, and is configured so that the inlet 30 can be fitted into it. Similarly, the outer frame 10 has openings formed at positions corresponding to the outlets 32A to 32D, with a diameter substantially the same as the outer diameter of the outlets 32A to 32D.

[0031] A cylindrical inlet 30 is fitted into the main body 20 and the outer frame 10 in such a way that it passes through the openings of the main body 20 and the outer frame 10. Similarly, cylindrical outlets 32A to 32D are fitted into the main body 20 and the outer frame 10 in such a way that they pass through the openings of the main body 20 and the outer frame 10.

[0032] <Airflow and dimensions in Chamber 1> Figure 4(a) is a schematic plan view of Chamber 1, Figure 4(b) is a schematic side view of Chamber 1, and Figure 4(c) is a schematic front view of Chamber 1. As shown in Figure 4(a), air supplied from the direction of arrow X1 flows into Chamber 1 from the inlet 30 and flows out through outlets 32A to 32D to ducts 80A to 80D connected to each of the outlets 32A to 32D. The amount of air flowing out into ducts 80A to 80D is substantially the same, as shown by arrows Y1A to Y1D. In this specification, substantially the same means that the deviation from the reference flow rate is within 10%. Ducts 80A to 80D are, for example, sound-insulating flexible ducts.

[0033] Referring to Figure 5, the relative dimensions of each part of Chamber 1 will be explained. Figure 5(a) is a schematic plan view of Chamber 1 seen through to the inside. Figure 5(b) is a schematic side view of Chamber 1. Figure 5(c) is a schematic front view of Chamber 1.

[0034] As shown in Figures 5(a) and 5(c), the width of the inner shape of the outer frame 10 is width W1, while the width of the internal space of the main body 20 is width W2. Width W2 is smaller than width W1 by the thickness w22 (see Figure 6(a)) of the microduct plates on both sides that make up the main body 20. Thickness w22 is 25 millimeters (mm). The total thickness of the microduct plates on both sides is 50 millimeters (mm). Therefore, width W1 is 400 millimeters (mm) and W2 is 350 millimeters (mm).

[0035] The diameter (inner diameter) of the inlet 30 is diameter d30, and the diameter (inner diameter) of the outlets 32A to 32D is diameter d32. Diameter d32 is smaller than diameter d30. Diameter d30 is 250 millimeters (mm), and diameter d32 is 175 millimeters (mm).

[0036] The width of the space between guide members 50A and 50B is width W3. Width W3 is defined by the extent to which guide members 50A and 50B extend toward the center line SL (hereinafter referred to as "extended width"). The extended width of guide members 50A and 50B is defined as the length to which air flowing in from the inlet 30 can flow out from the outlets 32A to 32D at a uniform flow rate in the configuration of the chamber 1. The extended width is width W8. The ratio of twice the extended width W8 to the width W2 of the internal space of the main body 20 (W8 × 2 / W2; hereinafter referred to as "extended ratio") is in the range of 0.30 to 0.60, preferably in the range of 0.35 to 0.50, and even more preferably in the range of 0.40 to 0.50. In this embodiment, W8 is 80 millimeters (mm) and as described above, W2 is 350 millimeters (mm), so the extended ratio is approximately 0.46. In this embodiment, the width W3 is 190 millimeters (mm).

[0037] As shown in Figure 5(b), the internal height of Chamber 1 is height H1, while the internal height of the main body 20 is height H2. Height H2 is smaller than height H1 by the thickness w22 (see Figure 6(a)) of the microduct plates on the ceiling and bottom surfaces that make up the main body 20. Therefore, height H1 is 350 millimeters (mm) and height H2 is 300 millimeters (mm).

[0038] The length of the inner shape of chamber 1 is length L1, while the length of the internal space of the main body 20 is length L2. Length L2 is smaller than length L1 by the thickness w22 (see Figure 6(a)) of the microduct plates at the front and rear ends that make up the main body 20. Therefore, length L1 is 750 millimeters (mm) and length L2 is 700 millimeters (mm).

[0039] The width W1 is greater than the height H1. And the length L1 is greater than the width W1. Therefore, the approximate external shape of chamber 1 is a flattened rectangular parallelepiped that is elongated in the direction of the line segment SL. Similarly, the width W2 is greater than the height H2. And the length L2 is greater than the width W2. Therefore, the approximate external shape of main body 20 is a flattened rectangular parallelepiped that is elongated in the direction of the line segment SL.

[0040] <About each component> Next, we will describe each component that makes up Chamber 1. Figures 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, and 12 show the main components that make up Chamber 1.

[0041] Figure 6 shows a component formed by processing a microduct plate. Microduct plates, also known as glass boards, are made by solidifying glass fibers with a thermosetting resin and finishing the outer part with aluminum foil reinforced with glass threads. Microduct plates have excellent heat insulation and sound insulation properties, and can transport air quietly without significantly changing the air temperature. Furthermore, microduct plates are lightweight, and are significantly lighter than the steel plates commonly used in ducts. The microduct plate of this embodiment weighs approximately 64 kilograms (kg / m²) per cubic meter. 3 ). If, in this embodiment, the component formed by processing the microduct plate were made of a metal steel plate, the weight would increase by approximately 35%. The microduct plate is an example of a thermal insulation material.

[0042] Figure 6(a) shows the peripheral wall portion 22 in an unfolded state. The peripheral wall portion 22 in the state shown in Figure 6(a) is folded to become the peripheral wall portion 22 that constitutes the main body 20.

[0043] As shown in Figure 6(a), the microduct plate is a plate-shaped member with a thickness w22. In this embodiment, the thickness w22 is 25 millimeters (mm). The microduct plate forms a peripheral wall portion 22 consisting of a first side wall portion 22A, a second side wall portion 22C, a bottom wall portion 22B, and a top wall portion 22D. The first side wall portion 22A has openings 22a and 22c formed at different positions in the longitudinal direction (direction shown by arrow X10), with a diameter substantially the same as the outer diameter of the outlets 32A and 32C.

[0044] In the second side wall 22C, openings 22b and 22d are formed at different positions in the longitudinal direction, having substantially the same diameter as the outer diameters of the outlets 32B and 32D. In the longitudinal direction, openings 22a and 22b are formed at substantially the same position, and openings 22c and 22d are formed at substantially the same position. Grooves b1 and b2 for fixing the mesh member 40, and grooves c1 and c2 for fixing the guide members 50A and 50B are formed in the first side wall 22A and the second side wall 22C. A triangular groove a1 with a triangular cross-section is formed between the first side wall 22A and the bottom wall 22B for folding in the direction of arrow Z1. A triangular groove a2 for folding in the direction of arrow Z2 is formed between the bottom wall 22B and the second side wall 22C, and a triangular groove a3 for folding in the direction of arrow Z3 is formed between the second side wall 22C and the top wall 22D.

[0045] Figure 6(b) shows the front wall portion 24 and the back wall portion 26. Both the front wall portion 24 and the back wall portion 26 are formed by processing a microduct plate. The front wall portion 24 is constructed by forming an opening 24b in the main body portion 24a. The diameter of the opening 24b is substantially the same as the outer diameter of the inlet 30.

[0046] Figure 6(c) shows the guide sections 50A and 50B. The guide sections 50A and 50B are collectively referred to as the "guide section 50". The guide section 50 is also formed by processing a microduct plate.

[0047] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram showing the components that make up the outer frame 10. The outer frame 10 is formed by processing a metal plate. The metal plate is, for example, a galvanized steel plate with a thickness of 0.6 millimeters (mm).

[0048] Figure 7(a) is a schematic perspective view showing the first side frame 10a and the second side frame 10b. The first side frame 10a is a member for covering the first side wall portion 22A, and the second side frame 10b is a member for covering the second side wall portion 22C. As shown in Figure 7(a), the first side frame 10a and the second side frame 10b each have an outer surface 12a and an inner surface 12b, and their upper and lower ends are bent inward.

[0049] The first side frame 10a has openings 14a and 14c formed at different positions in the longitudinal direction (direction indicated by arrow X10). Opening 14a is formed in a position and shape corresponding to opening 22a of the first side wall 22A, and opening 14c is formed in a position and shape corresponding to opening 22c. The second side frame 10b has openings 14b and 14d formed at different positions in the longitudinal direction. Opening 14b is formed in a position and shape corresponding to opening 22b of the second side wall 22C, and opening 14d is formed in a position and shape corresponding to opening 22d.

[0050] Figure 7(b) is a schematic perspective view showing the front frame 10c and the back frame 10d. The front frame 10c is a member for covering the front wall portion 24, and the back frame 10d is a member for covering the back wall portion 26. As shown in Figure 7(b), the front frame 10c is constructed by forming an opening 16b in the main body portion 16a. The opening 16b of the front frame 10c is formed in a position and shape corresponding to the opening 24b of the front wall portion 24. The back frame 10d is constructed by the main body portion 18, and no opening is formed in the main body portion 18.

[0051] Figure 8(a) is a schematic perspective view showing the inlet 30, Figure 8(b) is a schematic perspective view showing the outlets 32A to 32D, and Figure 8(c) is a schematic perspective view showing the mesh member 40.

[0052] The inlet 30 and outlets 32A to 32D are formed by processing a metal plate. The metal plate is, for example, a galvanized steel plate with a thickness of 0.6 mm. As shown in Figure 8(a), the inlet 30 consists of a cylindrical portion 30a and a flange portion 30b. As shown in Figure 8(b), the outlets 32A to 32D consist of a cylindrical portion 32a and a flange portion 32b.

[0053] <<Regarding the mesh-like material>> As shown in Figure 8(c), the mesh member 40 is composed of a frame portion 40a and a mesh portion 40b. The mesh member 40 will be described in detail below with reference to Figures 9 and 10.

[0054] As shown in Figures 9(a) to 9(c), the mesh member 40 is constructed by fixing the mesh portion 40b to the frame portion 40a. Figure 9(a) shows the mesh member 40 in a front view, and Figure 9(b) shows the frame portion 40a and the mesh portion 40b in a front view. Figure 9(c) is a plan view of the mesh member 40 of Figure 9(a) as seen from the direction of arrow Z11.

[0055] As shown in Figure 9(b), the frame portion 40a is composed of a frame-shaped member 40a1 with a rectangular opening 40a2 formed in the center. In the frame-shaped member 40a1, the outer edge of the mesh portion 40b is fixed to the inner portion 40a1a along the opening 40a2.

[0056] As shown in Figures 9(a) and 9(b), the mesh portion 40b is composed of a plurality of openings 40b2 and a mesh body 40b1 that divides the openings 40b2. In this embodiment, the openings 40b2 are square openings when viewed from the front. The frame portion 40a is formed by processing a metal plate. The mesh portion 40b is formed by punching out a metal plate. The metal plate is, for example, a galvanized steel plate with a thickness of 0.6 millimeters (mm). Specifically, a die is prepared with a square cross-section perpendicular to the punching direction and sides of 20.0 millimeters (mm), and the die is mounted on a turret punch press machine to punch out the metal plate and form square openings 40b2. Multiple openings 40b2 are formed by punching out the metal plate multiple times. The remaining portion after punching out the metal plate becomes the mesh body 40b1.

[0057] As shown in Figure 9(a), the frame portion 40a of the mesh member 40 is a member with a width W4 and a height H3. The mesh portion 40b, when fixed to the frame portion 40a, is a member with a width W5 and a height H4. The width W4 is greater than the width W2 of the main body 20 (see Figure 5(a)) and smaller than the width W1 of the outer frame 10 (same). The height H3 is substantially the same as the height H2 of the main body 20 (see Figure 5(b)). The width W4 is 370 millimeters (mm), and the width W5 is 312 millimeters (mm). The height H3 is 300 millimeters (mm), and the height H4 is 268 millimeters (mm).

[0058] Figure 10(a) is a conceptual diagram showing an enlarged view of region 40p1, which is part of the mesh portion 40b in Figure 9(a). As shown in Figure 10(a), the mesh body 40b1 is composed of multiple horizontal lines 40b11 and vertical lines 40b12. The horizontal lines 40b11 and the vertical lines 40b12 are orthogonal to each other. More specifically, the direction in which the horizontal lines 40b11 extend and the direction in which the vertical lines 40b12 extend are orthogonal to each other.

[0059] One surface 40b11s and 40b12s of each of the multiple horizontal lines 40b11 and multiple vertical lines 40b12 is the surface facing the direction in which air flows into the chamber 1 (the front side). In the mesh member 40, the side opposite to the front side is called the back side. Each surface 40b11s and 40b12s is configured to be convex toward the inlet 30. In other words, the cross-section of each horizontal line 40b11 in the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, and the cross-section of each vertical line 40b12 in the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, is smaller on the front side than on the back side. Specifically, the most protruding parts of surfaces 40b11s and 40b12s are flat, but arcs are formed on both sides (see Figure 11).

[0060] Figure 10(b) is a schematic diagram conceptually showing a region 40p1, which is part of the mesh section 40b in Figure 9(a). The width w11 of the mesh body 40b1 is the width of the horizontal line section 40b11 and the vertical line section 40b12 in a front view (viewed from the direction of the inlet 30), and in this embodiment, it is 2.5 millimeters (mm). The opening 40b2 is square in a front view, and the length of one side w12 is 20 millimeters (mm). The opening ratio in the mesh section 40b is specified to be within a predetermined range of 50% or more, preferably 60% to 95%, and more preferably 75% to 95%. In this embodiment, the opening ratio is approximately 89%. The opening ratio is the proportion that the opening 40b2 occupies in the entire mesh section 40b. If the area of ​​one opening 40b2 is s1, the opening ratio is the proportion that the total area s1 of the entire mesh section 40b occupies.

[0061] The opening ratio is basically defined by the ratio of the width w11 of the horizontal line section 40b11 and vertical line section 40b12 constituting the mesh body 40b1 to the width w12 of the opening 40b2. The opening ratio is substantially the same in each part of the mesh section 40b. For example, as shown in Figure 10(b), if the area of ​​the part containing the four openings 40b2 is area s2, then the ratio of the four areas s1 to area s2 is the opening ratio. That is, as shown in Equation 1 in Figure 10(b), the opening ratio (s1 × 4 / s2) is defined as a value between predetermined values ​​V1 and V2. And value V1 is 50. Preferably, value V1 is 60 and value V2 is 95. Even more preferably, V1 is 75 and V2 is 95.

[0062] Next, the function of the mesh section 40b will be explained with reference to Figure 11. Figure 11 is a conceptual diagram showing the function of the mesh section 40b when air flows into the chamber 1 from the inlet 30. In Figure 11, arrows A1, etc., are vectors indicating the airflow.

[0063] As shown in Figure 11(a), the opening ratio of the mesh section 40b is large, approximately 89%, so most of the air passes through the opening 40b2 without hitting the mesh body 40b1. However, some of the air hits the mesh body 40b1 and changes direction, as shown by the dotted line. This change in airflow then affects the direction of the air that passed through the opening 40b2 without hitting the mesh body 40b1, and as a result, the direction of most of the air passing through the mesh section 40b is directly or indirectly influenced by the mesh body 40b1. For example, airflow A5 passes through the opening 40b2 without hitting the mesh body 40b1, but is influenced by airflow A1, which has changed direction after hitting the mesh body 40b1, and changes direction as well. Now, if we focus on the area of ​​the chamber 1 in the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (orthogonal direction), the area of ​​the chamber 1 is larger than the area inside the inlet 30. In other words, compared to the inlet 30, the chamber 1 has a larger space in the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction in the orthogonal plane. Therefore, while individual air molecules constituting the airflow move in a longitudinal direction vector at the inlet 30, once they enter the interior of the chamber 1, they acquire a vector component in the orthogonal direction. Furthermore, because the airflow is divided by the mesh body 40b1, the airflow in the higher flow rate area tends to be pulled towards the airflow in the lower flow rate area. In addition, as some of the air molecules come into contact with the mesh body 40b1, the air molecules passing through the mesh member 40 are directly or indirectly affected, resulting in a larger orthogonal vector component. As a result, even if the airflows A1 to A8 do not have the same flow rate and are not uniform, they spread out in the orthogonal direction and become uniform after passing through the mesh section 40b.

[0064] In reality, the air flowing into the chamber 1 from the inlet 30 does not have a uniform flow rate in the orthogonal plane. Generally, the flow rate is higher in the center, as shown by the difference in arrow thickness in Figure 11(b). Air molecules that have passed through the mesh member 40 and acquired a vector component in the orthogonal direction tend to be drawn towards the direction of lower flow rate, where the relatively lower pressure is. For example, the air flows A12, 13, A16, and A17 in the center have relatively high flow rates. In contrast, the air flows A11, A14, A15, and A18 in the periphery have relatively low flow rates. As a result, air molecules that have passed through the mesh member 40 and acquired a vector component in the orthogonal direction tend to be drawn towards the periphery. Therefore, even if the air flows A11 to A18 do not have the same flow rate and are not uniform, they become uniform after passing through the mesh 40b.

[0065] <<Regarding protruding members>> Figure 12(a) is a schematic perspective view showing the protruding member 90, and Figure 12(b) is a schematic front view showing the protruding member 90.

[0066] The protruding member 90 is formed by processing a metal plate. The metal plate is, for example, a galvanized steel plate with a thickness of 0.6 millimeters (mm). As shown in Figures 12(a) and (b), the protruding member 90 consists of flat portions 92A and 92B formed by maintaining the shape of both ends in the width direction of a single metal plate along the longitudinal direction, and a bent portion 94 formed by folding the central part in the width direction of the metal plate along the longitudinal direction.

[0067] Screw holes 93 are formed near both ends in the longitudinal direction of the flat portions 92A and 92B. The protruding member 90 is fixed to the outer frame 10 by the engagement of screws or bolts with the screw holes 93.

[0068] As shown in Figure 12(b), the protruding member 90 is formed to be symmetrical in a front view. The bent portion 94 is formed by a top portion 94a and two slanted portions 94b located to the left and right of the top portion 94a. The angle θ1 between the flat portion 92A (92B) and the slanted portion 94b is 135 degrees. The angle θ2 formed by the two slanted portions 94b is 90 degrees.

[0069] <<Regarding guide members>> Next, the guide members 50A and 50B will be described with reference to Figure 13. As mentioned above, the guide members 50A and 50B are collectively referred to as "guide member 50". Figure 13(a) is a front view of the guide member 50, Figure 13(b) is a plan view of the guide member 50 of Figure 13(a) viewed from the direction of arrow Z12, and Figure 13(c) is a side view of the guide member 50 of Figure 13(a) viewed from the direction of arrow X12. As shown in Figures 13(a) to 13(c), the guide member 50 is a plate-shaped member with a thickness of 50w1. The thickness 50w1 is the thickness of the microduct plate, which is 25 millimeters (mm). The guide member 50 is configured with a height of 50h and a width of W6. The height h50 is 300 millimeters (mm), and the width W6 is 92.5 millimeters (mm).

[0070] Of the total width W6, the width of the base portion 50a is W7, and the width of the extension portion 50b is W8. The base portion 50a is the part fixed to the main body 20, and the extension portion 50b is the part that extends into the internal space of the main body 20. The outer edge of the extension portion 50b is formed in an arc shape, with the central part 50c in the height direction being the most protruding. The width W7 of the base portion 50a is 12.5 millimeters (mm), and the width W8 of the extension portion 50b is 80.0 millimeters (mm).

[0071] The outer edge of the extended portion 50b is formed in an arc shape, so as not to excessively obstruct the airflow in the longitudinal direction within the main body 20. Furthermore, although the central part of the orthogonal plane within the main body 20 is likely to have the highest flow rate, the central part 50c of the extended portion 50b in the height direction protrudes the most, so the direction of airflow near the central part of the orthogonal plane within the main body 20 can be changed and guided to the outlets 32A and 32B, thereby efficiently achieving uniform flow rate.

[0072] <Manufacturing method for branching chambers> The manufacturing method of the chamber 1 will be outlined below with reference to Figures 14 to 16. In the state before folding the peripheral wall portion 22 shown in Figure 6(a), the outlets 32A to 32D are inserted from the inside into the openings 22a to 22d as shown in Figure 14(a), and the guide members 50A and 50B are fixed to the first side wall portion 22A and the second side wall portion 22C as shown in Figure 14(b). After that, the peripheral wall portion 22 is folded to form a cylindrical shape with a rectangular parallelepiped cross-section. Note that in Figure 14(a), for the sake of explanation, the state in which the chamber is folded without fixing the guide members 50A and 50B is shown. In practice, as shown in Figure 14(b), the peripheral wall portion 22 is folded after fixing the outlets 32A to 32D and the guide members 50A and 50B to the peripheral wall portion 22.

[0073] Next, the folded state of the peripheral wall portion 22 is slightly released, and the mesh member 40 is fixed in a position forward of the outlets 32A and 32B, as shown in Figure 15(a). Subsequently, as shown in Figures 15(b) and 15(c), the cylindrical portion 30a of the inlet 30 is inserted into the opening 24b of the tip wall portion 24 and fixed in place. The inlet 30 is fixed to the tip wall portion 24 with the flange portion 30b in contact with the back surface of the main body portion 24a. Next, as shown in Figure 16(a), the tip wall portion 24 with the inlet 30 fixed to it is fixed to the front end of the peripheral wall portion 22. The back wall portion 26 is also fixed to the rear end of the peripheral wall portion 22. This completes the formation of the main body 20. Subsequently, as shown in Figure 16(b), the outer frame 10 is fixed to the main body 20. This completes the assembly of the chamber 1. The outer frame 10 is fixed with screws or the like. Then, as shown in Figure 1, the three protruding members 90 are fixed to the outer frame 10 by screws or bolts so as to connect the outer frame 10 that covers both end edges of the bottom wall portion 22B. Although a suspension member for suspending the chamber 1 from the ceiling of the building is connected, its description is omitted in this specification.

[0074] <Measuring airflow> Next, the measurement of the airflow rate in chamber 1 will be described with reference to Figures 17 and 18. Figure 17 is a schematic diagram showing the measurement method. As shown in Figure 17(a), chamber 102 is connected to blower 100 via duct 120. Then, chamber 102 and chamber 1 are connected via duct 122. Chamber 102 is configured to adjust for the difference in diameter between duct 120 extending from blower 100 and duct 122 connected to chamber 1. The air blown from blower 100 flows in the direction of arrow X1. A measuring probe 104 of a differential pressure gauge (manometer, e.g., WO81 FS manufactured by Yamamoto Electric Works) and a measuring probe 106 of an anemometer (Kanomax Anemomaster MODEL 6115, Kanomax Anemomaster measurement software MODEL 6000-40) are placed in front of chamber 1 (50 to 100 millimeters in front). Airflow is calculated based on wind speed and the opening area of ​​the passageway.

[0075] As shown in Figure 17(b), the air velocity is measured at the outlets 32A to 32D of the chamber 1. For each of the outlets 32A to 32D, the air velocity is measured at multiple positions P1 to P9 on the opening surface as viewed from arrows T1 to T4. The measurement probe 104 of the differential pressure gauge described above is also placed at each of the positions P1 to P9 of the outlets 32A to 32D, and the difference with the static pressure in front of the chamber 1 is measured by the differential pressure gauge.

[0076] Figure 18 shows the measurement data. The wind speed at the front of Chamber 1 where the measurement probe 106 was placed was 5.5 meters per second (m / s). The airflow rate was 980 cubic meters per hour (CMH).

[0077] At the four outlets 32A to 32D, the reference average wind speed is set at 2.83 (m / s). If the deviation from the reference average wind speed is within 10% at any of the outlets 32A to 32D, the wind speed of the air flowing out from outlets 32A to 32D is considered to be substantially the same and uniform. The average speed is the average wind speed measured at the above-mentioned positions P1 to P9. In Figures 18(a) and 18(b), "A" represents outlet 32A, "B" represents outlet 32B, "C" represents outlet 32C, and "D" represents outlet 32D. The measurement results for each position P1 to P9 are shown in Figure 18(b). As shown in Figure 18(a), the average velocity at outlets 32A to 32D is 2.76 (m / s) to 2.89 (m / s), and the deviation from the reference average wind speed of 2.83 (m / s) is within 3%, so it can be said that the wind speed of the air flowing out from outlets 32A to 32D is substantially uniform.

[0078] Regarding airflow, the standard average airflow rate is set at 245 CMH, and if the deviation of the airflow rate from each outlet 32A to 32D from the standard airflow rate is within 10%, then the airflow rate from outlets 32A to 32D is considered substantially uniform. The average flow rate for each outlet 32A to 32D is the average of the flow rates calculated based on the wind speed measured at positions P1 to P9 and the respective opening areas at positions P1 to P9. The measurement results for each position P1 to P9 are shown in Figure 18(b). As shown in Figure 18(a), the average flow rates at outlets 32A to 32D are 238 CMH to 250 CMH, and since the deviation from the standard average wind speed of 245 CMH is within 3%, it can be said that the airflow rate from outlets 32A to 32D is substantially uniform.

[0079] Regarding pressure loss, a baseline average pressure loss of 7 Pascals (Pa) was set, and if the actual pressure loss was 7 Pascals or less, it was considered to be sufficiently small. The pressure loss was calculated by averaging the difference between the static pressure before chamber 1 and the static pressure at each outlet 32A to 32D, P1 to P9, and then averaging the pressure losses at each outlet 32A to 32D to obtain the final average value. As a result, the pressure loss was 3 Pascals. Therefore, the pressure loss can be considered sufficiently small.

[0080] <Supplementary explanation> Next, referring to Figures 19 and 20, the airflow due to the configuration of Chamber 1 will be explained in comparison to the airflow in configurations other than Chamber 1. Figures 19 and 20 are conceptual diagrams showing the airflow in Chamber 1, etc. In Figures 19 and 20, solid and dotted arrows indicate the airflow.

[0081] Figure 19(a) is a conceptual diagram showing the airflow in chamber 1. Air flowing into chamber 1 from inlet 30 is homogenized by passing through mesh member 40, even if there are differences in wind speed or airflow volume in orthogonal planes. This makes it easier for air to flow into outlets 32A and 32B, and also makes it easier for air to change direction when it hits guide members 50A and 50B and flow toward outlets 32A and 32B. Since guide members 50A and 50B do not reach the center of chamber 1 in the width direction, some air flows toward the back wall 26 without hitting guide members 50A and 50B. As a result, some air flows directly into outlets 32C and 32D, and some air changes direction when it hits the back wall 26 and flows toward outlets 32C and 32D. At this time, the air as a whole flows from the front wall 24 to the back wall 26, but focusing on each air molecule, passing through the mesh member 40 gives it a vector component in a direction different from the direction of straight-line movement. Therefore, it is highly likely that the air will hit the back wall 26 at an angle other than 90 degrees, rather than 90 degrees. As a result, when the air hits the back wall 26, it is more likely to efficiently change its angle and flow into the outlets 32C and 32D. Consequently, the air velocity and volume of the airflow Y1A to Y1D flowing out from the outlets 32A to 32D are uniform, and the pressure loss is small, resulting in energy savings.

[0082] Figure 19(b) shows chamber 1X. Unlike chamber 1, chamber 1X does not have the mesh member 40, guide members 50A and 50B. If there is a difference in wind speed or airflow rate in the orthogonal plane, the air flowing into chamber 1X from the inlet 30 flows towards the back wall 26 in that state. Here, even if there is no difference in wind speed or airflow rate in the orthogonal plane, the amount of air flowing along the first side wall 22A and the second side wall 22C is small because the air does not diffuse easily in the direction of the orthogonal plane. For this reason, it is difficult for air to flow into the outlets 32A and 32B. Most of the air hits the back wall 26 directly, changes direction, and flows into the outlets 32C and 32D. For this reason, the air flows Y1AX and Y1BX flowing out from outlets 32A and 32B have smaller wind speeds and airflow rates than the air flows Y1CX and Y1DX flowing out from outlets 32C and 32D. For example, in the case of airflow, the ratio of the front outlets 32A and 32B to the rear outlets 32C and 32D is approximately 2 to 8.

[0083] Figure 20(a) shows chamber 1Y. Unlike chamber 1, chamber 1Y does not have guide members 50A and 50B. Air flowing into chamber 1Y from inlet 30 is homogenized by passing through mesh member 40, even if there are differences in wind speed or airflow in orthogonal planes. This makes it easier for air to flow into outlets 32A and 32B. However, most of the air flows towards the back wall 26. As a result, some of the air hits the back wall 26, changes direction, and flows into outlets 32C and 32D. At this time, the air as a whole flows from the front wall 24 to the back wall 26, but if we focus on each air molecule, passing through mesh member 40 gives it a vector in a direction different from the direction of straight travel. Therefore, it is highly likely that it will hit the back wall 26 at an angle other than 90 degrees, rather than 90 degrees. Therefore, when the air hits the back wall 26, it efficiently changes angle and is more likely to flow into the outlets 32C and 32D. In chamber 1Y, the airflow Y1AY and Y1BY flowing out from outlets 32A and 32B have lower wind speeds and airflow volumes than the airflow Y1CY and Y1DY flowing out from outlets 32C and 32D. For example, in terms of airflow volume, the ratio of the front outlets 32A and 32B to the rear outlets 32C and 32D is approximately 3 to 7.

[0084] Figure 20(b) shows chamber 1Z. Unlike chamber 1, chamber 1Z does not have a mesh member 40. If there is a difference in wind speed or airflow rate in the orthogonal plane, the air flowing into chamber 1Z from the inlet 30 will flow towards the back wall 26 in that state. Even if there is no difference in wind speed or airflow rate in the orthogonal plane, the amount of air flowing along the first side wall 22A and the second side wall 22C will be small because the air does not diffuse easily in the direction of the orthogonal plane. However, some of the air hits the guide members 50A and 50B, changes direction, and flows towards the outlets 32A and 32B. Since the guide members 50A and 50B do not reach the center in the width direction of chamber 1, some of the air flows towards the back wall 26 without hitting the guide members 50A and 50B. As a result, some air flows directly into outlets 32C and 32D, while some air hits the back wall 26, changes direction, and flows into outlets 32C and 32D. Therefore, the airflow Y1AZ and Y1BZ flowing out from outlets 32A and 32B has lower wind speed and volume compared to the airflow Y1CZ and Y1DZ flowing out from outlets 32C and 32D. For example, in terms of airflow, the ratio of the front outlets 32A and 32B to the rear outlets 32C and 32D is approximately 4 to 6.

[0085] From the above, it is clear that the configuration of the chamber 1, which includes the mesh member 40 and guide members 50A and 50B, is useful for equalizing the flow rate of air flowing out from the outlets 32A to 32D.

[0086] <Heat conduction and heat dissipation by the outer frame 10 and protruding member 90> Figures 21(a) and (b) are conceptual diagrams illustrating heat conduction and heat dissipation by the outer frame 10 and the protruding member 90. In the environment in which the chamber 1 is installed, the temperature outside the chamber 1 is generally higher towards the top. Therefore, in the chamber 1, as shown by arrows C1, C2, and C3, heat is conducted from the upper part of the outer frame 10 to the lower part of the outer frame 10 and the protruding member 90 located at the bottom of the chamber 1, and heat is dissipated. As a result, the temperature in each part of the outer frame 10 is made uniform, and heat is dissipated to the outside.

[0087] <Second Embodiment> Next, a second embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 22. Common points with the first embodiment will be omitted from the explanation, and only the differences from the first embodiment will be described.

[0088] As shown in Figures 22(a) and (b), in the chamber 1A of the second embodiment, three protruding members 90 connect to the outer frame 10 that covers both end edges of the bottom wall portion 22B and protrude downward from the main body 20. Furthermore, three more protruding members 90 are positioned above the main body 20. That is, three protruding members 90 connect to the outer frame 10 that covers both end edges of the ceiling wall portion 22D and protrude upward from the main body 20.

[0089] By arranging the protruding members 90 on the top and bottom of the chamber 1A, for example, when installing multiple chambers 1A, it becomes easy to stack and temporarily store them without damaging the main body 20 of the chamber 1A.

[0090] Furthermore, the air conditioning chamber of the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. In addition, each of the above embodiments can be combined as appropriate, as long as it does not create a technical inconsistency. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0091] 1.1A Air Conditioning Chamber 10 Outer frame 20 Main unit 22 Peripheral wall section 22A First side wall part 22B Bottom wall part 22C Second side wall part 22D Ceiling and wall section 22a,22b,22c,22d opening 24 Tip wall 24b opening 26 Back wall 30 Inlet 32A, 32B, 32C, 32D Outlet 40,40X,40Y mesh member 50A, 50B Guide Member 90 Protruding member

Claims

1. An air conditioning chamber having a chamber body with a hollow box shape that is elongated in one direction, The chamber body is made of a heat insulating material and is covered by a metal outer frame. A portion of the top and bottom surfaces of the chamber body, where both ends along the longitudinal direction of the chamber body are covered by the outer frame, and the other portion of the top and bottom surfaces is not covered by the outer frame and is exposed to the outside. The outer frames, which cover both ends of the bottom surface, are connected, and the chamber body has a plurality of metal protruding members that project downwards. Air conditioning chamber.

2. The aforementioned protruding member is A flat section is formed by maintaining the shape of both ends in the width direction of a single metal plate along the longitudinal direction, It is composed of a bent portion formed by bending the central part of the metal plate in the width direction along the longitudinal direction, The air conditioning chamber according to claim 1.

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