Air vent

Abstract

This invention provides a linear air diffuser that allows conditioned air to be blown in any direction using airflow adjustment vanes, while also preventing increased pressure loss, reducing noise, and offering easy maintenance. [Solution] The air diffuser 1 is a linear air diffuser equipped with wind direction adjustment vanes 20, 20 that extend in the longitudinal direction and have opposing vanes 21, 22 with an arc-shaped cross-section, from which conditioned air CA is blown out. It also has a chamber 10 which is roughly trapezoidal in front view, a motor and a transmission mechanism 40. An air inlet 11 is provided on the front of the chamber 10, wind direction adjustment vanes 20, 20 are provided near the blow-out opening 12 provided on the bottom surface of the chamber 10, a motor is provided on the outer surface of the chamber 10, the motor and wind direction adjustment vanes 20, 20 are connected by the transmission mechanism 40, and the motor is driven to change the inclination angle of the wind direction adjustment vanes 20, 20.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a linear air outlet installed on the ceiling surface of an office building office or the like, which can arbitrarily switch the air flow direction of air-conditioning air according to the needs of the occupants in the room by changing the tilt angle of the wind direction adjustment vanes.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a linear air outlet that can switch the air flow direction to the horizontal or vertical direction by operating a wind direction adjustment vane is known. And, among the linear air outlets, there is a known one provided with a wind direction adjustment vane configured to have two arc-shaped blades extending in the longitudinal direction and facing each other, and blowing out air-conditioning air from between the two blades.

[0003] Here, as a method of switching the air flow direction by a wind direction adjustment vane, there are a manually switched one and a one equipped with an automatic switching mechanism. For the manually switched one, an operator stands on a stepladder or the like and directly operates the wind direction adjustment vane by hand to change the tilt angle. On the other hand, for the one equipped with an automatic switching mechanism, there are the technologies described in Patent Documents 1 and 2.

[0004] Patent Document 1 describes an invention related to a method for changing the blowing direction of a linear air outlet and a blowing direction changing device. This invention is such that in an air chamber, a blade body formed in a vertically long circular cross-section that can open and close a long rectangular opening so as to form a linear opening is pivotally supported at an eccentric position on the side of the body portion from its center line. And, while eccentrically rotating the eccentrically pivotally supported blade body by wind force or a motor, the blowing direction of the air-conditioning air can be switched between the horizontal direction and the vertical direction from the linear air outlet.

[0005] On the other hand, Patent Document 2 describes an invention relating to a personal air outlet system that creates an air conditioning airflow environment tailored to an individual's preferences through remote control. This invention controls the tilt angle of the X-axis airflow adjustment vane and the Y-axis airflow adjustment vane by controlling the X-axis airflow direction control motor X and the Y-axis airflow direction control motor Y. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 6-137662 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 5-019844 [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0007] However, manually switching the airflow direction using a stepladder involves working at heights, which poses a risk to the worker. Furthermore, manually switching the airflow direction for multiple air vents installed in a room is a considerably time-consuming process.

[0008] Furthermore, while the airflow deflection method described in Patent Document 1 allows conditioned air to be blown in multiple directions, providing comfortable air conditioning without drafts for occupants, the eccentrically supported blades rotate eccentrically due to the rotation of a wind turbine installed inside the air duct. Therefore, the blades are constantly rotating, continuously changing the airflow direction, and cannot be stopped at any desired location.

[0009] On the other hand, the personal air outlet system described in Patent Document 2 allows for arbitrary control of the inclination angle of the air direction adjustment vanes in the X and Y axes using air direction control motors X and Y. However, as shown in Figure 3C of Patent Document 2, the air direction control motors 19X and 19Y need to be provided separately outside the chamber, which may make handling complicated or increase the overall size of the system. Furthermore, the air direction adjustment vanes in the X and Y axes described in Patent Document 2 are normally used to switch the direction of the blown airflow between horizontal and vertical. However, airflow blown diagonally downward may become airflow along the ceiling surface due to the Coanda effect, and may not be blown properly in the desired direction.

[0010] Therefore, the present invention aims to provide a linear air diffuser that can blow conditioned air in any direction using air direction adjustment vanes, allows for individual air direction setting for each diffuser according to the needs of occupants, prevents increased pressure loss and reduces noise, and offers good maintainability. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] The air outlet according to the present invention is This is a linear air diffuser equipped with a wind direction adjustment vane, which has two blades that extend in the longitudinal direction and have an arc-shaped cross-section, arranged opposite each other, and from which conditioned air is blown out. It has a chamber that is roughly trapezoidal in front view, a motor, and a transmission mechanism. An air inlet is provided on the front of the chamber, The airflow direction adjustment vane is provided near the air outlet opening located on the bottom surface of the chamber. The motor is provided on the outer surface of the chamber. The motor and the wind direction adjustment vane are connected by the transmission mechanism, and the motor is driven to change the inclination angle of the wind direction adjustment vane.

[0012] The air diffuser according to the present invention, with this configuration, can drive a motor to change the inclination angle of the airflow adjustment vane via a transmission mechanism. Furthermore, since the motor is located on the outer surface of the chamber, obstacles (such as components of the transmission mechanism) that obstruct the airflow path inside the chamber can be reduced to the absolute minimum.

[0013] Furthermore, the air diffuser is provided with multiple wind direction adjustment vanes. Each of the multiple wind direction adjustment vanes is provided with a first connecting portion (wind direction adjustment vane side connecting portion), A second connecting portion (transmission mechanism side connecting portion) is provided to connect the first connecting portions, It is desirable that the transmission mechanism is connected to the second connecting section.

[0014] Furthermore, the air vent has a photoelectric switch and control device. The transmission mechanism has a rotating plate with a projection and an arm with a pivot point in the middle. The rotating plate is connected to the motor, which is positioned such that the motor shaft is in a horizontal position. One end of the arm is connected to the rotating plate, The other end of the arm is connected to the second connecting part, When the motor is driven, the photoelectric switch is provided in a location where the projection of the rotating plate is directly below it. It is desirable that the photoelectric switch is configured to detect when the projection of the rotating plate, which rotates around the motor shaft by the motor, reaches the vicinity of the photoelectric switch.

[0015] With this configuration, the timing when the protrusion of the rotating plate, which is driven by the motor, reaches directly below can be detected by a photoelectric switch. Furthermore, when the protrusion of the rotating plate is in the position directly below, the arm and the first and second connecting parts are configured so that the direction of air conditioning airflow is 0° (vertically downward), allowing the photoelectric switch to detect the timing when the direction of air conditioning airflow is 0°.

[0016] Furthermore, the air intake has a control device, It is desirable that the control device is configured to regularly change the angle of the wind direction adjustment vane by controlling the motor and stop it for a certain time at a certain angle.

[0017] In addition, it is desirable that the air intake is configured to provide a fan at the air inlet.

Advantages of the Invention

[0018] Due to such a configuration, the air intake according to the present invention (1-1) By driving the motor, the inclination angle of the wind direction adjustment vane can be easily changed through the transmission mechanism. Therefore, the air-conditioning air taken in from the air inlet can be changed in wind direction to an arbitrary direction by the wind direction adjustment vane provided near the blowing opening on the bottom surface of the chamber and blown into the room from the blowing opening. Thus, the occupant can use the air intake according to the present invention to generate an air current directed at the occupant according to preference and obtain a sufficient sense of air flow. (1-2) Since the motor is provided on the outer surface of the chamber, the motor does not become an obstacle that obstructs the flow path in the chamber, and it is possible to suppress an increase in the pressure loss of the air intake and the generation of noise caused by the obstacle, and it does not affect the shape of the air-conditioning air, and it is possible to supply comfortable air-conditioning air desired by the occupant. (1-3) Furthermore, since the motor is provided on the outer surface of the chamber, maintenance work such as cleaning and replacement of the motor can be easily performed.

[0019] (2) Also, by providing the first and second connecting parts, the driving force of the motor transmitted through the transmission mechanism is transmitted to a plurality of wind direction adjustment vanes by the first and second connecting parts at the same time. Therefore, it is possible to synchronize the change in the inclination angle of the plurality of wind direction adjustment vanes. In particular, by connecting a plurality of wind direction adjustment vanes by the first and second connecting parts so that the inclination angles of the plurality of wind direction adjustment vanes are the same, the air current after the wind direction change is stabilized and a directional air current can be generated.

[0020] Furthermore, it has a photoelectric switch and control device, and the transmission mechanism has a rotating plate and an arm, (3-1) When the control device controls the motor drive based on the operating time to adjust the rotation direction and angle of the rotating plate, and consequently the angle of the airflow adjustment vane, errors inevitably occur in the accumulated operating time, which may cause unintended changes in the tilt angle of the airflow adjustment vane. However, by resetting the accumulated operating time of the motor when the photoelectric switch detects the timing when the air conditioning air outlet direction becomes 0°, normal operation can be maintained without causing errors. (3-2) Furthermore, by having the control device control the motor drive based on the operating time and adjust the angle of the wind direction adjustment vane, it is possible to perform accurate wind direction adjustment using an inexpensive motor without requiring an expensive motor such as a stepping motor, thus reducing manufacturing costs.

[0021] Furthermore, the control device periodically changes the angle of the wind direction adjustment vanes and stops them at a certain angle for a certain period of time, (4-1) The airflow adjustment vanes perform a swing motion, which involves regularly changing their angle and stopping at a certain angle for a certain period of time, thereby diffusing conditioned air within a certain space. (4-2) Furthermore, by having the airflow adjustment vane stop for a certain period of time during its swinging motion, it is possible to sufficiently blow conditioned air in the direction from which the conditioned air is blown when it stops, thereby providing occupants with a moderate sense of airflow. By increasing the time that the airflow adjustment vane stops at a certain angle, it is possible to provide occupants with an even more satisfying sense of airflow.

[0022] In addition, by installing a fan at the air inlet, (5-1) A fan can draw conditioned air from the space above the ceiling into the air diffuser, and the airflow direction can be adjusted by the airflow adjustment vane before being supplied into the room. (5-2) Since the conditioned air is blown by a fan, the installation of ducts connecting the air conditioner and the air outlet is unnecessary, making ductless air conditioning possible. (5-3) Since stopping the fan operation also stops the airflow, it becomes possible to deliver conditioned air only to the necessary locations according to the needs of the occupants, thereby saving energy by cutting unnecessary power consumption while ensuring the comfort of the occupants. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0023] [Figure 1] (i) is a front view showing an embodiment of the air outlet of the present invention, and (ii) is a rear view. [Figure 2] (i) is a plan view showing an embodiment of the air outlet of the present invention, and (ii) is a bottom view. [Figure 3] (i) is a left side view showing an embodiment of the air outlet of the present invention, and (ii) is a right side view. [Figure 4] Figure 1(ii) is a partially abbreviated cross-sectional view AA. [Figure 5] Figure 2(ii) is a partially omitted cross-sectional view BB. [Figure 6] This diagram illustrates the change in the direction of airflow from the air conditioning system, based on Figure 5. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0024] Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to Figures 1 to 6, where the dashed arrows in Figures 5 and 6 indicate the flow of airflow (conditioned air). Components that are the same as those already described are denoted by the same reference numerals in the drawings, and their detailed descriptions are omitted.

[0025] [Air vent] First, the configuration of the air diffuser of the present invention will be described. The air diffuser of the present invention is a linear type air diffuser equipped with a wind direction adjustment vane, which has two vanes that extend in the longitudinal direction and have an arc-shaped cross-section, arranged opposite each other, and from which conditioned air is blown out. In addition, although the air diffuser 1 according to this embodiment is installed on the ceiling board 80 with the discharge opening 12 facing the room R (see Figure 5), it is not limited to this, and for example, the air diffuser 1 can be fixed to a T-bar that constitutes a system ceiling, or the air diffuser 1 can be installed on a plate-shaped member provided in a grid partitioned by T-bars. The air diffuser 1 includes a chamber 10, a wind direction adjustment vane 20, a motor 30, a transmission mechanism 40, a photoelectric switch LS, and a control device 70 (see Figures 1 to 5).

[0026] [chamber] In this embodiment, the chamber 10 has a roughly trapezoidal shape when viewed from the front (see Figure 1(i)). An air inlet 11 for taking in conditioned air SA is provided on the front of the chamber 10 (see Figures 1(i) and 5). On the other hand, a discharge opening 12 for blowing the taken-in conditioned air SA into the room R is provided on the bottom surface of the chamber 10 (see Figures 2(ii) and 5).

[0027] In this embodiment, a small chamber 13 is provided in front of the chamber 10 so as to cover the air inlet 11, and a fan 60 is provided in front of the small chamber 13 (see Figure 5). As a result, when the fan 60 is operated, the conditioned air SA surrounding the fan 60 is drawn in and taken into the chamber 10 from the air inlet 11 via the small chamber 13 (see Figure 5).

[0028] The fan 60 in this embodiment employs an axial flow fan. Of course, the type and size of the fan 60 can be arbitrarily selected depending on the application and the location where the air outlet 1 is installed.

[0029] By installing a fan 60 in the air diffuser 1, the fan 60 can be operated or stopped by a switch installed in the room via wiring or by operating a wireless terminal such as a mobile phone, allowing conditioned air from the ceiling space to be drawn into the air diffuser 1, and the airflow direction can be adjusted by the airflow adjustment vanes 20, 20 before being supplied to the room R. Furthermore, since the conditioned air SA is blown by the fan 60, the installation of a duct connecting the air conditioner (not shown) and the air diffuser 1 is unnecessary, enabling ductless air conditioning. In addition, since the airflow stops when the fan 60 is stopped, it is possible to blow the conditioned air SA only where needed according to the needs of the occupants, thereby ensuring the comfort of the occupants while cutting unnecessary power consumption and saving energy.

[0030] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a straightening grid 14 is provided inside the small chamber 13 to straighten the conditioned air SA taken into the small chamber 13 (see Figure 4). Specifically, a straightening grid 14 is provided on the downstream side 13a of the small chamber 13, consisting of two flat plates arranged in a grid pattern in both the vertical and horizontal directions in a plan view (see the same figure). This straightens the swirling airflow generated by the fan 60 and takes the conditioned air SA into the chamber 10.

[0031] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a rectifier plate 15 is provided inside the chamber 10 to rectify the conditioned air SA taken into the chamber 10 (see Figure 4). More specifically, a plurality of flat plates are arranged along the longitudinal direction of the discharge opening 12, and more specifically, eight flat plates are arranged on each side in the left and right directions, with a small gap in the center of the longitudinal direction. Of these eight flat plates, the innermost one is positioned vertically, the one next to it is positioned at a slight incline with its lower end facing outwards, and the remaining six are positioned at an inclination angle similar to that of the inclined surface 10a of the chamber 10. This makes it possible to adjust the conditioned air SA discharged from the discharge opening 12 so that, in a front view (see the same figure), the conditioned air SA is discharged from the portion directly below the air inlet 11, while also diffusing evenly in the longitudinal direction of the discharge opening 12. In this embodiment in particular, the angles of the rectifier plates 15 are adjusted as described above so that the conditioned air SA spreads throughout the entire outlet opening 12 (see the figure). In this embodiment, there are eight rectifier plates 15, but the number, shape, and mounting position (angle) of the rectifier plates 15 can be appropriately modified depending on the size of the air diffuser 1.

[0032] In this way, the air diffuser 1 can rectify the conditioned air SA taken in from the air inlet 11 via the small chamber 13 using the rectifying grid 14 and rectifying plate 15, and then blow it out evenly from the discharge opening 12.

[0033] [Wind direction adjustment vane] Furthermore, the air diffuser 1 is equipped with a wind direction adjustment vane 20 near the discharge opening 12 (see Figures 2(ii) and 5). Specifically, the wind direction adjustment vane 20 is built into the chamber 10, in the portion facing the discharge opening 12 located at the bottom of the chamber 10.

[0034] In this embodiment, the wind direction adjustment vane 20 is composed of blades 21 and 22, a support member 23, and a shaft portion 24. Specifically, the blades 21 and 22, which have an arc-shaped cross-section, are arranged so that the inner sides of the arcs face each other, and both ends of the blades 21 and 22 are supported (fixed) by the support member 23 (see Figure 4). A shaft portion 24 is provided at the center of the support member 23 to rotatably support the blades 21 and 22 (see Figure 5). The configuration is such that conditioned air SA is blown out from between the blades 21 and 22 when the blades 21 and 22 are tilted at a predetermined angle (see Figure 5). Therefore, the wind direction adjustment vane 20 can blow out a directional airflow from the opening between the blades 21 and 22. In this embodiment, two sets of wind direction adjustment vanes 20 are provided (see the same figure), but the number of wind direction adjustment vanes provided may be one set or three or more sets.

[0035] As will be described later, the blades 21 and 22 tilt to a predetermined angle (see Figure 6). In this explanation, the state in which the opening between the blades 21 and 22 faces vertically and the conditioned air SA is blown directly below the outlet opening 12 (as shown in Figures 5 and 6(iii)) is referred to as 0° (vertically downward). In a right side view (see Figure 6), the state in which the air direction adjustment vane 20 is tilted to the right and the opening between the blades 21 and 22 faces to the left is indicated by minus (-), and the state in which the air direction adjustment vane 20 is tilted to the left and the opening between the blades 21 and 22 faces to the right is indicated by plus (+). Specifically, as shown in Figure 6, the direction of air conditioning air SA discharge changes in accordance with the tilt of the air direction adjustment vane 20. Figure 6(i) shows the discharge direction at -30°, Figure 6(ii) shows the discharge direction at -15°, Figure 6(iv) shows the discharge direction at +15°, and Figure 6(v) shows the discharge direction at +30°.

[0036] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the wind direction adjustment vanes 20, 20 are connected by a connecting portion 50 (see Figure 5). Specifically, each of the wind direction adjustment vanes 20, 20 is provided with a first connecting portion (wind direction adjustment vane side connecting portion) 51 extending upward, and these first connecting portions 51 are connected to each other by a second connecting portion (transmission mechanism side connecting portion) 52 extending horizontally, so that the inclination angles of the wind direction adjustment vanes 20, 20 move (tilt) in sync (see Figures 4 and 5).

[0037] [motor] Furthermore, the air diffuser 1 is mounted on the outer surface of the chamber 10 such that the motor 30 has a horizontal motor shaft 30a (see Figure 4). In particular, in this embodiment, the motor 30 is mounted on the inclined surface 10a of the chamber 10, and the motor cover 31 is attached over it (see the same figure). The transmission mechanism 40, including the rotating plate 41 and arm 42 which will be described later, is also housed inside the motor cover 31.

[0038] In this way, by providing the motor 30 on the outer surface of the chamber 10, the motor 30 does not become an obstruction that hinders the flow path inside the chamber 10, thereby suppressing the increase in pressure loss at the air outlet and the generation of noise caused by such obstructions, and without affecting the shape of the conditioned air SA, it is possible to supply the comfortable conditioned air SA desired by the occupants. In addition, maintenance work such as cleaning and replacing the motor 30 can be easily performed.

[0039] In particular, in this embodiment, since the motor 30 is provided on the inclined surface 10a of the chamber 10, the motor 30 fits within the width direction in a side view of the chamber 10, which allows the dimensions of the air outlet 1 itself to be reduced, thus achieving a compact design.

[0040] A rotating plate 41 is attached to the tip of the motor shaft 30a, and the rotating plate 41 rotates when power is supplied to the motor 30 (see Figures 4 and 5). In this embodiment, a synchronous motor is used for the motor 30, but it is not limited to this as long as it can rotate the rotating plate 41. The motor 30 is also connected to a control device 70, which will be described later, and its drive is controlled by the control device 70. Therefore, the rotation direction of the motor 30 can be switched between clockwise and counterclockwise within a predetermined rotation range by the control device 70.

[0041] [Transmission mechanism] Furthermore, the air diffuser 1 connects the motor 30 and the air direction adjustment vanes 20, 20 with a transmission mechanism 40 (see Figure 4). The transmission mechanism 40 in this embodiment consists of a rotating plate 41 and an arm 42 (see the same figure).

[0042] As mentioned above, the rotating plate 41 is attached to the tip of the motor shaft 30a, and when the motor 30 is driven, it rotates around the motor shaft 30a (see Figure 6). In this embodiment, the motor 30 is driven to rotate the rotating plate 41 left and right within a predetermined angular range (see the same figure). Furthermore, the rotating plate 41 in this embodiment is formed in a roughly oval shape with curved portions at the upper and lower ends, and a projection 41a is provided on the curved portion at the lower end (see the same figure).

[0043] Meanwhile, the arm 42 has one end 42a connected to the rotating plate 41 and the other end 42c connected to the second connecting part 52 (see Figures 4 and 5). In detail, one end 42a of the arm 42 has an opening 42s that extends in the longitudinal direction of the arm 42, and a pin P provided on the rotating plate 41 engages with it by being inserted through this opening. Therefore, at one end 42a of the arm 42, as the rotating plate 41 rotates, the pin P provided on the rotating plate 41 side moves within the opening 42s (see Figure 6).

[0044] On the other hand, the other end 42c of the arm 42 is engaged with the central part of the second connecting portion 52 by a pin (see Figure 5).

[0045] Furthermore, a pivot point 42b is provided in the middle of the arm 42 (see Figure 5). In this embodiment, the arm 42 is indirectly fixed to the chamber 10 slightly below its center by a pin, forming the pivot point 42b, and the arm 42 is configured to tilt left and right at the pivot point 42b (see Figure 6).

[0046] To describe the configuration of the transmission mechanism 40 in detail, first, when the motor 30 is driven, the rotating plate 41 also rotates in sync with it. Here, when the rotating plate 41 rotates counterclockwise, the arm 42 connected to the rotating plate 41 also rotates counterclockwise around the pivot point 42b and tilts to the left (see Figures 6(i) and (ii)). Then, the wind direction adjustment vanes 20, 20 connected to the arm 42 via the connecting part 50 tilt so that the opening between the blades 21, 22 faces to the left (see the same figure). On the other hand, when the rotating plate 41 rotates clockwise, the wind direction adjustment vanes 20, 20 tilt so that the opening between the blades 21, 22 faces to the right (see Figures 6(iv) and (v)). In this way, the transmission mechanism 40 transmits the rotational motion of the rotating plate 41 to the wind direction adjustment vanes 20, 20 via the connecting part 50.

[0047] Specifically, with this configuration, the lever principle dictates that the engagement point between one end 42a of the arm 42 and the rotating plate 41 is the "point of force application," the pivot point 42b of the arm 42 is the "fulcrum," and the engagement point between the other end 42c of the arm 42 and the second connecting part 52 is the "point of application." As the rotating plate 41 rotates, the part at the point of application (the second connecting part 52) ​​moves horizontally, and the tilt angle of the wind direction adjustment vanes 20, 20 changes as the first connecting part 51 tilts in conjunction with this movement (see Figure 6). In this embodiment, since the distance between the point of force application and the fulcrum is longer than the distance between the point of application and the fulcrum, a small force that rotates the rotating plate 41 can be converted into a larger force that changes the inclination angle of the wind direction adjustment vanes 20, 20. Therefore, even a small motor can change the inclination angle of the wind direction adjustment vanes 20, 20, thus enabling miniaturization and power saving of the motor.

[0048] Here, since the motor 30 rotates the rotating plate 41 at a constant speed within a predetermined angular range, the tilt (rotation angle) of the rotating plate 41 and the tilt angle of the air direction adjustment vanes 20, 20 are uniquely determined based on the operating time of the motor 30. Therefore, the air diffuser 1 can change the tilt angle of the air direction adjustment vanes 20, 20, and consequently the direction of air conditioning air SA discharge, to any angle (-30° to +30°) by controlling the drive of the motor 30 and how many seconds the rotating plate 41 is rotated (moved) in which direction. Of course, the design can be changed as appropriate, but for example, if the rotating plate 41 is rotated (moved) clockwise for 1 second, the air direction adjustment vanes 20, 20 will tilt to the left, changing the direction of air conditioning air SA discharge to +15°, and if the rotating plate 41 is rotated (moved) counterclockwise for 2 seconds, the air direction adjustment vanes 20, 20 will tilt to the right, changing the direction of air conditioning air SA discharge to -30°.

[0049] [Photoelectric switch] Furthermore, the air outlet 1 is equipped with a photoelectric switch LS at a location where the projection 41a of the rotating plate 41 is directly below when the motor 30 is driven (see Figure 6(iii)). In this embodiment, when the projection 41a of the rotating plate 41 is directly below the rotation axis 30a of the motor 30, the arm 42 and connecting part 50, etc., are configured to make the air outlet direction of the conditioned air SA 0° (see the same figure).

[0050] Here, the photoelectric switch LS detects when the projection 41a of the rotating plate 41, which is rotated by the motor 30, reaches the vicinity of the photoelectric switch LS. As described above, in this embodiment, the photoelectric switch LS is provided in a location where the projection 41a of the rotating plate 41 is directly below it. Therefore, the photoelectric switch LS can detect the timing when the projection 41a of the rotating plate 41 reaches directly below it, that is, the timing when the conditioned air SA is blown directly downward from the outlet opening 12 (when the blowing direction of the conditioned air SA becomes 0°).

[0051] [Control device] The control device 70 controls the drive of the motor 30, thereby changing the angle of the wind direction adjustment vanes 20, 20 to any angle, changing their angle regularly, and stopping them at a certain angle for a certain period of time. In this embodiment, the control device 70 is installed on the back of the chamber 10 (see Figure 2(ii)), but the position of the control device 70 and the size of the control device 70 are not limited to those exemplified.

[0052] In this embodiment, the control device 70 controls the rotation direction and rotation angle of the rotating plate 41 by controlling the drive of the motor 30 based on the operating time. Since the tilt angle of the wind direction adjustment vanes 20, 20 is uniquely determined by the rotation direction and rotation angle of the rotating plate 41, the control device 70 controls the drive of the motor 30 based on the operating time to change the rotation direction and rotation angle of the rotating plate 41 so that the tilt angle of the wind direction adjustment vanes 20, 20 becomes the required angle.

[0053] [Air vent operation] Next, the operation of the air vent of the present invention will be described.

[0054] First, we will explain the case in which an occupant changes the direction of the air conditioning air SA to any angle by changing the tilt angle of the air direction adjustment vanes 20, 20 of the air diffuser 1. In this case, the occupant controls the drive of the motor 30 via the control device 70 by operating a switch installed in the room via wiring or a wireless terminal such as a mobile phone.

[0055] For example, if the initial state is when the air conditioning SA is blown out at 0° (see Figure 6(iii)), the control device 70 sends an instruction to the motor 30 such as "rotate the rotating plate 41 clockwise for A seconds from the initial state" when an occupant operates a switch or the like. As a result, the motor 30 is driven according to the instruction, the air direction adjustment vanes 20, 20 tilt to the left, and the air conditioning SA blows out at +15° (see Figure 6(iv)).

[0056] Alternatively, if the control device 70 transmits an instruction to the motor 30, such as "rotate the rotating plate 41 counterclockwise for C seconds from the initial state," through the operation of a switch or other means by an occupant, the airflow adjustment vanes 20, 20 will tilt to the right, and the direction of air conditioning air SA will be -15° (see Figure (ii)).

[0057] Since the tilt angle of the air direction adjustment vanes 20, 20 is uniquely determined based on the operating time of the motor 30, the direction of the air conditioner SA can be changed to any angle such as ±5° or ±10° by controlling the drive of the motor 30 and adjusting "in which direction (clockwise / counterclockwise) the rotating plate 41 is rotated for how many seconds".

[0058] Thus, the air diffuser 1 can easily change the inclination angle of the airflow adjustment vanes 20, 20 via the transmission mechanism 40. This allows the conditioned air SA taken in from the air inlet 11 to be directed in any direction by the airflow adjustment vanes 20, 20 and blown into the room from the outlet opening 12. Therefore, occupants can generate airflow directed towards them according to their preference and obtain a sufficient sense of airflow.

[0059] Next, we will explain the case where the air outlet 1 performs a swinging motion. In this case, the control device 70 changes the direction of air conditioning air SA discharge as follows.

[0060] Assuming the initial state is when the air conditioner SA is blown out at 0° (see Figure 6(iii)), [1-1] Starting from the initial state, rotate the rotating plate 41 clockwise for A seconds to set the direction of air conditioning air SA to +15° (see Figure (iv)). [1-2] In the above state, the rotation of the rotating plate 41 is stopped for S seconds. [2-1] From the above state, the rotating plate 41 is rotated further clockwise for B seconds to set the direction of air conditioning air SA to +30° (see Figure (v)). [2-2] In the above state, the rotation of the rotating plate 41 is stopped for S seconds. [3-1] From the above state, rotate the rotating plate 41 counterclockwise for B seconds to set the direction of air conditioning air SA to +15° (see Figure (iv)). [3-2] In the above state, the rotation of the rotating plate 41 is stopped for S seconds. [4-1] From the above state, the rotating plate 41 is rotated further counterclockwise for A seconds to set the direction of air conditioning air SA to 0° (see Figure (iii)). [4-2] In the above state, the rotation of the rotating plate 41 is stopped for S seconds. [4-3] At this time, the photoelectric switch LS, which detects the timing when the air conditioner SA is blown out in a direction of 0°, notifies the control device 70 of the detection information, and the control device 70 resets the accumulated operating time of the motor 30. [5-1] From the above state, the rotating plate 41 is rotated further counterclockwise for C seconds to set the direction of air conditioning air SA to -15° (see Figure (ii)). [5-2] In the above state, the rotation of the rotating plate 41 is stopped for S seconds. [6-1] From the above state, the rotating plate 41 is rotated further counterclockwise for D seconds to set the direction of air conditioning air SA to -30° (see Figure (i)). [6-2] In the above state, the rotation of the rotating plate 41 is stopped for S seconds. [7-1] From the above state, rotate the rotating plate 41 clockwise for D seconds to set the direction of air conditioner air SA to -15° (see Figure (ii)). [7-2] In the above state, the rotation of the rotating plate 41 is stopped for S seconds. [8-1] From the above state, the rotating plate 41 is rotated further clockwise for C seconds to set the direction of air conditioning air SA to 0° (see Figure (iii)). [8-2] In the above state, the rotation of the rotating plate 41 is stopped for S seconds. [8-3] At this time, the photoelectric switch LS, which detects the timing when the air outlet direction of the conditioned air SA becomes 0°, notifies the control device 70 of the detection information, and the control device 70 resets the accumulated operating time of the motor 30. Then, return to [1-1] and repeat these actions.

[0061] Thus, when the control device 70 controls the drive of the motor 30 based on the operating time and adjusts the rotation direction and rotation angle of the rotating plate 41, and consequently the tilt angle of the air direction adjustment vanes 20, 20 and the air conditioner air SA discharge direction, errors inevitably occur in the accumulated operating time, which may cause unintended changes in the air conditioner air SA discharge direction. However, when the photoelectric switch LS detects the timing when the air conditioner air SA discharge direction becomes 0°, the control device 70 resets the accumulated operating time of the motor 30 (see [4-3] and [8-3] above), thereby maintaining normal operation without causing errors.

[0062] Furthermore, the control device 70 controls the drive of the motor 30 based on the operating time, adjusting the tilt angle of the airflow adjustment vanes 20, 20 and the direction of air conditioning air SA discharge. This eliminates the need for expensive motors such as stepping motors, allowing for accurate airflow adjustment even with inexpensive motors, thus reducing manufacturing costs.

[0063] Furthermore, the control device 70 causes the air direction adjustment vanes 20, 20 to swing by regularly changing their angle and stopping them at a certain angle for a certain period of time (as described in [1-2] above), thereby diffusing the conditioned air SA within a certain space.

[0064] Furthermore, by having the airflow adjustment vanes 20, 20 stop for a certain period of time during their swing motion (the above S seconds being approximately 30 to 60 seconds), it is possible to sufficiently blow out the conditioned air SA in the direction from which it is blown when the vanes stop, thereby providing occupants with a suitable sense of airflow. If the airflow adjustment vanes do not stop for a certain period of time and the direction of airflow SA constantly changes, occupants will not be able to feel a sufficient sense of airflow. In addition, by increasing the time that the airflow adjustment vanes 20, 20 stop at a certain angle, occupants can be given an even more satisfying sense of airflow.

[0065] Furthermore, the time for rotating the rotating plate 41 clockwise / counterclockwise, as well as the time for stopping, can be arbitrarily set by changing the parameters stored in the control device 70. Also, since the different frequencies (60Hz / 50Hz) in western and eastern Japan affect the rotation speed of the motor 30, these times (parameters) can be switched during operation depending on the region in which the air diffuser 1 is used.

[0066] Furthermore, the air diffuser 1 can also initialize the air outlet direction of the conditioned air SA (the tilt angle of the air direction adjustment vanes 20, 20) when in operation (when the power is turned on). For example, when the power is turned on, the control device 70 rotates the rotating plate 41 clockwise for X seconds using the motor 30 (X seconds is the time it takes for the rotating plate 41 to rotate at least 360°), and when the photoelectric switch LS detects that the air outlet direction of the conditioned air SA has become 0°, the rotation of the rotating plate 41 is stopped at that time. In this way, the air diffuser 1 can initialize the air outlet direction of the conditioned air SA to 0° when the power is turned on.

[0067] On the other hand, if the rotating plate 41 is rotated for X seconds and no detection is made, the control device 70 determines that there is an abnormality and issues an error alert. There are no restrictions on the means of issuing an error alert, such as light or sound, but in this embodiment, an LED (not shown) is provided in a position visible from between the blades 21 and 22 of the air direction adjustment vane 20 inside the chamber 10, and when the control device 70 detects an abnormality, it makes the LED blink.

[0068] In this embodiment, the LED is positioned so that it is visible from between the blades 21 and 22 of the air direction adjustment vane 20 inside the chamber 10. This allows occupants to clearly see the LED from the air outlet opening 12, and because the LED is in an inconspicuous position, the aesthetic design of the room R where the air diffuser 1 is installed is not compromised. Of course, if visibility for occupants is a priority, the LED can be placed on the underside of the air diffuser 1 (near the air outlet opening 12), and there are no particular restrictions on the size, shape, flashing / lighting pattern, or color of the LED.

[0069] Furthermore, the control device 70 can detect abnormalities (such as malfunctions or disconnections) in the motor 30, fan 60, and photoelectric switch LS, in addition to cases where the air outlet direction of the conditioned air SA is not detected as 0° even after rotating the rotating plate 41 for X seconds, and can issue an error alert (by flashing the LED). In this way, the air diffuser 1 can notify occupants of abnormalities using the LED, allowing occupants to quickly notice the problem and perform maintenance work promptly.

[0070] The air outlet 1 described above is merely an example of an air outlet according to the present invention, and the configuration of the present invention is not limited to the examples given, without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, the direction of air outlet for the conditioned air SA may be other than the exemplified angle (-30° to +30°). [Industrial applicability]

[0071] This invention allows conditioned air to be blown in any direction using airflow adjustment vanes, while also preventing increased pressure loss and reducing noise. Furthermore, it is an air diffuser that is easy to maintain, making it widely usable in various locations and facilities, and thus industrially useful. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0072] 1 Air outlet 10 chambers 10a Outer surface of the chamber (inclined surface) 11 Air inlet 12 Outlet openings 13 small chambers 13a Downstream side of the small chamber 14 Rectifier grid 15 Rectifier plate 20 Wind direction adjustment vanes 21,22 feathers 23 Support member 24 Shaft section 30 motors 30a motor shaft 31 Motor Cover 40 Transmission mechanism 41 Rotating plate 41a Protrusion 42 Arms 42a One end of the arm 42b Fulcrum part 42c Other end of arm 42s opening 50 Connection part 51. First connecting section (wind direction adjustment vane side connecting section) 52 Second connecting section (connecting section on the transmission mechanism side) 60 fans 70 Control device 80 Ceiling board LS Photoelectric Switch P pin SA Air Conditioning R Indoor

Claims

1. This is a linear air diffuser equipped with a wind direction adjustment vane, which has two blades that extend in the longitudinal direction and have an arc-shaped cross-section, arranged opposite each other, and from between the two blades that conditioned air is blown out. It has a chamber that is roughly trapezoidal in front view, a motor, and a transmission mechanism. An air inlet is provided on the front of the chamber, The airflow direction adjustment vane is provided near the air outlet opening located on the bottom surface of the chamber. The motor is provided on the outer surface of the chamber. The motor and the wind direction adjustment vane are connected by the transmission mechanism, and the motor is driven to change the tilt angle of the wind direction adjustment vane. Air vent.

2. Multiple wind direction adjustment vanes are provided, Each of the multiple wind direction adjustment vanes is provided with a first connecting portion, A second connecting portion is provided to connect the first connecting portions together. The transmission mechanism is connected to the second connecting part. The air outlet according to claim 1.

3. It has a photoelectric switch and control device, The transmission mechanism has a rotating plate with a projection and an arm with a pivot point in the middle. The rotating plate is connected to the motor, which is positioned such that the motor shaft is in a horizontal position. One end of the arm is connected to the rotating plate, The other end of the arm is connected to the second connecting part, When the motor is driven, the photoelectric switch is provided in a location where the projection of the rotating plate is directly below it. The photoelectric switch detects when the projection of the rotating plate, which rotates around the motor shaft by the motor, reaches the vicinity of the photoelectric switch. The air outlet according to claim 2.

4. It has a control device, The control device controls the motor to regularly change the angle of the wind direction adjustment vane and to stop it at a certain angle for a certain period of time. The air outlet according to claim 1.

5. A fan is provided at the aforementioned air inlet. The air outlet according to claim 1.

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