air conditioner

Abstract

To provide an air conditioner improved in convenience with respect to hygiene of an operation panel.SOLUTION: An air conditioner 100 includes an operation panel 20, a blowout port 30, and a wind direction plate 4. The operation panel 20 receives operation of an operator. Air is blown out of the blowout port 30. The wind direction plate 4 is provided in the blowout port 30, and generates an air flow R1 from the blowout port 30 to the operation panel 20.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an air conditioner.

Background Art

[0002] An air conditioner that adjusts at least one of the temperature, humidity, cleanliness, and air flow of the air in a certain space is known. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an air purification device. The air purification device purifies the air in the space where the air purification device is installed. The air purification device of Patent Document 1 includes a main body case having an air intake and an air outlet, purifies the air sucked into the main body case from the air intake, and blows out the purified air from the air outlet. The air intake is provided on the side surface of the main body case, and the air outlet is provided on the upper surface of the main body case. The purified air blows upward from the air outlet.

[0003] The air purification device of Patent Document 1 includes an operation panel provided with various switches. The operation panel is arranged on the upper surface of the main body case. Specifically, the operation panel is arranged on the side (adjacent) of the air outlet.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, in a configuration where the air outlet and the operation panel are arranged on the same horizontal plane and the air blows upward from the air outlet, such as the air purification device of Patent Document 1, dust and the like are likely to accumulate on the operation panel. Considering the trouble of cleaning, there is room for improvement in terms of the hygiene of the operation panel.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide an air conditioner that improves convenience in terms of the hygiene of an operation panel.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] The air conditioner according to the present invention includes an operation panel, an air outlet, and a wind direction plate. The operation panel receives an operation by an operator. Air blows out from the air outlet. The wind direction plate is provided at the air outlet and generates a flow of the air from the air outlet toward the operation panel.

Effects of the Invention

[0008] According to the air conditioner of the present invention, convenience can be improved in terms of the hygiene of the operation panel.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0009]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments of the air conditioner according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings (Figs. 1 to 8). However, the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments, and can be implemented in various aspects without departing from the gist thereof. Note that descriptions of overlapping parts may be omitted as appropriate. Also, in the drawings, the same or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals and the description will not be repeated.

[0011] In this specification, for ease of understanding, the front-rear direction, left-right direction, and up-down direction are defined. Typically, the front-rear direction and the left-right direction are parallel to the horizontal plane, and the up-down direction is parallel to the vertical plane. In this embodiment, the side where the front panel 11 (see Fig. 1) of the housing 10 is disposed is the front side of the air cleaner 100, and the opposite side is the rear side of the air cleaner 100. Also, the side where the operation panel 20 (see Fig. 1) is disposed is the upper side of the air cleaner 100, and the opposite side is the lower side of the air cleaner 100. Further, when the air cleaner 100 is viewed from the rear side, the right side is the right side of the air cleaner 100, and the opposite side is the left side of the air cleaner 100. However, the front-rear direction, left-right direction, and up-down direction are defined only for convenience of explanation, and there is no intention to limit the orientation of the air conditioner of the present invention during use and assembly by these direction definitions.

[0012] Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing the air cleaner 100 of this embodiment. The air cleaner 100 is an example of an air conditioner. Hereinafter, embodiments of the air conditioner according to the present invention will be described taking the air cleaner 100 as an example. The air cleaner 100 improves the cleanliness of the air in the space where the air cleaner 100 is installed.

[0013] As shown in FIG. 1, the air purifier 100 includes a housing 10, an operation panel 20, an air outlet 30, and a wind direction plate 4. The operation panel 20 is attached to the housing 10. That is, the housing 10 supports the operation panel 20. The air outlet 30 is formed in the housing 10. The wind direction plate 4 is provided at the air outlet 30. The operation panel 20 receives operations from the operator of the air purifier 100. Cleaned air blows out from the air outlet 30. The wind direction plate 4 generates a flow R1 of air (cleaned air) from the air outlet 30 toward the operation panel 20.

[0014] According to the present embodiment, a flow R1 of air toward the operation panel 20 is generated. Therefore, since air flows along the operation panel 20, it is difficult for dust and the like to adhere to the operation panel 20, and the operation panel 20 becomes more hygienic. As a result, the labor of cleaning the operation panel 20 can be reduced. Thus, the convenience regarding the hygiene of the operation panel 20 can be improved.

[0015] Also, when wiping and cleaning the operation panel 20, there is a possibility of accidentally pressing a button arranged on the operation panel 20 and causing the air purifier 100 to malfunction. According to the present embodiment, since the operation panel 20 becomes more hygienic, the frequency of wiping and cleaning the operation panel 20 can be reduced. Therefore, the possibility of causing the air purifier 100 to malfunction can be reduced. Hereinafter, the air purifier 100 of the present embodiment will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 1.

[0016] As shown in FIG. 1, the housing 10 extends in the vertical direction. The housing 10 has a housing main body 10a and a ceiling panel 10b. The housing main body 10a has a box shape with an open upper surface. The ceiling panel 10b is arranged at a position closing the opening of the upper surface of the housing main body 10a.

[0017] The housing body 10a has a front panel 11 and a main body portion 12. Both left and right ends of the front panel 11 are bent rearward. The main body portion 12 is disposed behind the front panel 11. Both left and right ends of the main body portion 12 are bent forward. Both left and right ends of the main body portion 12 may be in contact with or close to both left and right ends of the front panel 11 respectively.

[0018] The ceiling panel 10b is attached to the front panel 11 and the main body portion 12. Specifically, the ceiling panel 10b is attached to the inner side of the upper part of the front panel 11. Also, the ceiling panel 10b is attached to the inner side of the upper part of the main body portion 12.

[0019] An air outlet 30 is formed in the ceiling panel 10b. In other words, the ceiling panel 10b has the air outlet 30. Also, an operation panel 20 is attached to the ceiling panel 10b. Specifically, the operation panel 20 is disposed on the side of the air outlet 30. In this embodiment, the operation panel 20 is disposed behind the air outlet 30. Therefore, the operation panel 20 is disposed behind the air deflector 4. The air deflector 4 generates an air flow R1 from the air outlet 30 rearward.

[0020] According to this embodiment, the operation panel 20 is disposed near the air outlet 30. Therefore, it is possible to more easily generate the air flowing along the operation panel 20. Also, compared with the configuration in which the operation panel 20 is disposed at a position far from the air outlet 30, the air volume of the air flowing along the operation panel 20 can be increased. Therefore, it is more difficult for dust or the like to adhere to the operation panel 20.

[0021] In this embodiment, the air outlet 30 is disposed at a position lower than the upper ends of the front panel 11 and the main body 12. The posture of the air outlet 30 is substantially horizontal. The rear portion of the ceiling panel 10b is inclined upward with respect to the air outlet 30. Specifically, the rear portion of the ceiling panel 10b is inclined obliquely upward to the rear with respect to the air outlet 30. The rear portion of the ceiling panel 10b is the portion of the ceiling panel 10b that is behind the air outlet 30. The rear end of the ceiling panel 10b is connected to the upper end of the main body 12. The operation panel 20 is attached to the rear portion of the ceiling panel 10b. Therefore, the operation panel 20 is inclined upward with respect to the air outlet 30. Specifically, the operation panel 20 is inclined obliquely upward to the rear with respect to the air outlet 30. Specifically, the operation panel 20 is inclined such that the position in the vertical direction becomes higher at the portion farther from the air outlet 30 in the front-rear direction.

[0022] According to this embodiment, since the operation panel 20 is inclined with respect to the air outlet 30, the air flow R1 from the air outlet 30 toward the operation panel 20 can be more easily generated as compared with the configuration in which the operation panel 20 is flush with the air outlet 30. Specifically, by inclining the wind direction plate 4 with respect to the air outlet 30, the air flow R1 toward the operation panel 20 can be generated. In this embodiment, the wind direction plate 4 is in a posture of being inclined obliquely backward. Specifically, the wind direction plate 4 is inclined such that the position in the vertical direction becomes higher at the rear portion.

[0023] Further, according to this embodiment, the air flowing from the air outlet 30 toward the operation panel 20 is guided by the operation panel 20 in the direction in which the operation panel 20 is inclined. That is, the operation panel 20 controls the direction (the direction of the air flow) in which the air blown out from the air outlet 30 flows. In other words, the operation panel 20 functions as a wind direction plate. Specifically, the blown air from the air outlet 30 is guided obliquely upward to the rear by the operation panel 20. Note that the inclination angle of the operation panel 20 is not particularly limited. For example, the inclination angle of the operation panel 20 may be 35 degrees or more and 55 degrees or less.

[0024] Next, the operation panel 20 will be described. The operation panel 20 has various buttons operated by an operator, for example. The various buttons include, for example, a button for instructing the start and stop of the operation of the air cleaner 100. The operation panel 20 may further have a first light-emitting part for presenting that the air cleaner 100 is in operation. The light-emitting part includes, for example, an LED (Light Emitting Diode) lamp.

[0025] The various buttons of the operation panel 20 may include a button for adjusting the air volume of the air blown out from the air outlet 30. The operation panel 20 may further have a first display part for displaying the air volume of the air blown out from the air outlet 30.

[0026] As shown in FIG. 1, the air cleaner 100 of the present embodiment further includes an illuminance sensor 21 for detecting the illuminance of light. The illuminance sensor 21 is provided on the operation panel 20. Specifically, the illuminance sensor 21 is disposed in a hole formed in the operation panel 20.

[0027] The illuminance sensor 21 is used for controlling the start and stop of the operation of the air cleaner 100 when the mode of the air cleaner 100 is the automatic operation mode. Specifically, the air cleaner 100 starts operating when the illuminance sensor 21 detects an illuminance equal to or higher than a predetermined value. On the other hand, the air cleaner 100 stops operating when the illuminance sensor 21 detects an illuminance lower than the predetermined value or when the illuminance sensor 21 stops detecting the illuminance. The various buttons of the operation panel 20 may include a button for instructing the start and stop of the automatic operation. The operation panel 20 may further have a second light-emitting part for presenting that the air cleaner 100 is in automatic operation.

[0028] The air purifier 100 of this embodiment has a function of humidifying air in addition to the function of purifying air. The various buttons on the operation panel 20 may include a button for instructing the start and stop of the humidifying operation. The operation panel 20 may further include a third light-emitting unit for presenting that the air purifier 100 is in the humidifying operation. Also, the operation panel 20 may further include a second display unit for displaying the humidity of the air. When the air purifier 100 starts the humidifying operation, the purified and humidified air blows out from the air outlet 30.

[0029] According to this embodiment, since the operation panel 20 is inclined upward, it is easy to visually recognize the operation panel 20 even from a position away from the air purifier 100. Therefore, even from a position away from the air purifier 100, the operating state of the air purifier 100 and various display contents can be visually recognized. For example, even from a position away from the air purifier 100, the first light-emitting unit can be visually recognized to confirm whether the air purifier 100 is in operation. Also, even from a position away from the air purifier 100, the first display unit can be visually recognized to confirm the air volume of the air blowing out from the air outlet 30.

[0030] Also, according to this embodiment, the illuminance sensor 21 is arranged on the operation panel 20 in an upwardly inclined posture. Therefore, compared with the configuration in which the operation panel 20 is arranged on a horizontal plane, it becomes easier for the illuminance sensor 21 to detect the light generated from the lighting attached to the ceiling.

[0031] For example, when the air purifier 100 is installed near the wall of the room and the lighting is arranged at a position away from the wall of the room, in the configuration where the operation panel 20 is arranged on a horizontal plane, the light generated from the lighting is irradiated obliquely with respect to the operation panel 20. Therefore, it is difficult for the light generated from the lighting to enter the hole where the illuminance sensor 21 is arranged. Thus, it is difficult for the light generated from the lighting to enter the highly sensitive part of the illuminance sensor 21. As a result, it is difficult to detect the light generated from the lighting. On the contrary, according to the present embodiment, since the operation panel 20 is inclined, the light generated from the lighting is irradiated onto the operation panel 20 from the front. Therefore, it is easy for the light generated from the lighting to enter the hole where the illuminance sensor 21 is arranged. Thus, it is easy for the light generated from the lighting to enter the highly sensitive part of the illuminance sensor 21. As a result, it is easy to detect the light generated from the lighting.

[0032] Subsequently, the operation panel 20 and the wind direction plate 4 will be further described. As shown in FIG. 1, the operation panel 20 is arranged at a position higher than the air outlet 30. The wind direction plate 4 protrudes from the air outlet 30 and is inclined upward with respect to the air outlet 30. Specifically, the wind direction plate 4 is inclined obliquely upward to the rear. By the wind direction plate 4 protruding from the air outlet 30, the air blown out from the air outlet 30 can be more stably guided in a predetermined direction by the wind direction plate 4. Further, since the operation panel 20 is arranged at a position higher than the air outlet 30, even in the configuration where the wind direction plate 4 protrudes from the air outlet 30, the air flow R1 from the air outlet 30 toward the operation panel 20 can be generated.

[0033] As shown in FIG. 1, in the present embodiment, in the vertical direction, the lower end of the operation panel 20 is arranged at the same height (position) as the tip of the wind direction plate 4 or at a position higher than the tip of the wind direction plate 4. Therefore, it becomes possible to flow the air blown out from the air outlet 30 along the entire surface of the operation panel 20. Thus, it becomes difficult for dust and the like to adhere to the entire surface of the operation panel 20, and the operation panel 20 becomes more hygienic.

[0034] Next, with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, the air purifier 100 of the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 2 is a top view showing the air purifier 100 of the present embodiment. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the operation panel 20 extends in a direction orthogonal to the direction in which air flows (the direction of the air flow R1). The wind direction plate 4 extends in the direction in which the operation panel 20 extends. In the present embodiment, the operation panel 20 and the wind direction plate 4 extend in the left-right direction.

[0035] According to the present embodiment, since the wind direction plate 4 extends in the direction in which the operation panel 20 extends, the air blown out from the air outlet 30 can flow along the entire surface of the operation panel 20.

[0036] Next, with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, the wind direction plate 4 will be described. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the air purifier 100 of the present embodiment includes a plurality of wind direction plates 4. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 2, the air purifier 100 of the present embodiment includes a first wind direction plate 41 to a fourth wind direction plate 44 (four wind direction plates 4).

[0037] As shown in FIG. 2, each of the wind direction plates 4 has a wind direction plate main body portion 4a, a right side portion 4b, and a left side portion 4c. The wind direction plate main body portion 4a extends in the left-right direction. The right side portion 4b and the left side portion 4c are examples of two side portions. The right side portion 4b and the left side portion 4c extend from both ends of the wind direction plate main body portion 4a to the side opposite to the operation panel 20 side, respectively. In the present embodiment, the right side portion 4b extends forward from the right end of the wind direction plate main body portion 4a. The left side portion 4c extends forward from the left end of the wind direction plate main body portion 4a.

[0038] In this embodiment, the right side portion 4b includes a first arc portion 4d. The first arc portion 4d is provided at the end of the right side portion 4b on the side of the wind direction plate main body portion 4a and is connected to the right end of the wind direction plate main body portion 4a. The first arc portion 4d is arc-shaped and curves rearward from the right end of the wind direction plate main body portion 4a. In other words, the end of the right side portion 4b on the side of the wind direction plate main body portion 4a (the tip of the right side portion 4b) is arc-shaped. Similarly, the left side portion 4c includes a second arc portion 4e. The second arc portion 4e is provided at the end of the left side portion 4c on the side of the wind direction plate main body portion 4a and is connected to the left end of the wind direction plate main body portion 4a. The second arc portion 4e is arc-shaped and curves rearward from the left end of the wind direction plate main body portion 4a. In other words, the end of the left side portion 4c on the side of the wind direction plate main body portion 4a (the tip of the left side portion 4c) is arc-shaped.

[0039] The wind direction plate main body portion 4a is in a posture that is obliquely fallen backward and is inclined obliquely upward. Specifically, the wind direction plate main body portion 4a is inclined obliquely upward to the rear. That is, the wind direction plate main body portion 4a is inclined toward the operation panel 20. Therefore, the wind direction plate main body portion 4a can generate an air flow R1 from the air outlet 30 toward the operation panel 20.

[0040] The first wind direction plate 41 to the fourth wind direction plate 44 are similar in shape, and the sizes of the first wind direction plate 41 to the fourth wind direction plate 44 decrease in this order. The second wind direction plate 42 is disposed inside the first wind direction plate 41. The third wind direction plate 43 is disposed inside the second wind direction plate 42. The fourth wind direction plate 44 is disposed inside the third wind direction plate 43.

[0041] According to this embodiment, since the wind direction plate 4 has the right side portion 4b and the left side portion 4c, it is difficult for the air blown out from the air outlet 30 to flow in the left-right direction. Therefore, it is difficult for the air blown out from the air outlet 30 to flow in a direction different from the direction toward the operation panel 20. Thus, it is difficult for the air volume flowing toward the operation panel 20 to decrease. As a result, it is more difficult for dust or the like to adhere to the operation panel 20.

[0042] Further, according to the present embodiment, since the wind direction plate 4 has the first arc portion 4d and the second arc portion 4e, compared with the configuration in which the right side portion 4b and the left side portion 4c are orthogonal to the wind direction plate main body portion 4a, air stagnation is less likely to occur at the left and right bending portions of the wind direction plate 4. Alternatively, turbulent flow is less likely to occur at the left and right bending portions of the wind direction plate 4. Therefore, the amount of air flowing toward the operation panel 20 is less likely to decrease. As a result, dust and the like are less likely to adhere to the operation panel 20.

[0043] Subsequently, with reference to FIG. 2, the air outlet 30 will be described. As shown in FIG. 2, the air outlet 30 has a lattice shape. In other words, the air outlet 30 is a grille-type opening. Specifically, the air outlet 30 has a plurality of first blades 51 and a plurality of second blades 52. The first blades 51 and the second blades 52 are orthogonal to each other. Specifically, each of the first blades 51 extends in the left-right direction. The plurality of first blades 51 are arranged in the front-rear direction. Each of the second blades 52 extends in the front-rear direction. The plurality of second blades 52 are arranged in the left-right direction. The wind direction plate 4 is connected to the second blades 52. The wind direction plate 4 and the second blades 52 may be integral or separate.

[0044] In the present embodiment, the first blades 51 are in a posture of being obliquely fallen backward and are inclined obliquely upward. Specifically, the first blades 51 are inclined obliquely upward and backward. That is, the first blades 51 are inclined toward the operation panel 20. Therefore, the air flow R1 from the air outlet 30 toward the operation panel 20 can be more easily generated.

[0045] Subsequently, with reference to FIG. 2, the housing 10 will be described. As shown in FIG. 2, the housing 10 further has a rear panel 13. The rear panel 13 is attached to the rear surface (back surface) of the main body portion 12. In the present embodiment, the rear panel 13 is detachably attached to the main body portion 12. The rear panel 13 is an example of a panel portion.

[0046] Next, referring to FIG. 3, the air cleaner 100 of the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 3 is another perspective view showing the air cleaner 100 of the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 3, the air cleaner 100 further includes a suction port 60. The air outside the air cleaner 100 is sucked into the inside of the housing 10 from the suction port 60. The suction port 60 is, for example, a grill-type opening. Since the suction port 60 is a grill-type opening, large dust and the like can be trapped at the suction port 60. That is, the suction port 60 can function as a filter.

[0047] In the present embodiment, the suction port 60 is formed in the rear panel 13. Therefore, the air outside the air cleaner 100 is sucked into the inside of the housing 10 from the rear of the air cleaner 100 and then blown out from the upper part of the air cleaner 100 obliquely upward to the rear. For example, the suction port 60 may be composed of a mesh member arranged in the frame-shaped opening of the rear panel 13.

[0048] Next, referring to FIG. 3, the housing 10 will be described. As shown in FIG. 3, the main body 12 has a first groove 14. The first groove 14 is provided on the left side surface and the right side surface of the main body 12 respectively. The first groove 14 facilitates the carrying operation of the air cleaner 100. Specifically, the first groove 14 extends in the front-rear direction. The rear surface of the first groove 14 is open. The left first groove 14 has an open left surface (the upper surface of the groove). The right first groove 14 has an open right surface (the upper surface of the groove). An operator carrying the air cleaner 100 can hook a finger on the left and right first grooves 14 to carry the air cleaner 100.

[0049] As shown in FIG. 3, the main body 12 further has a second groove 15. The rear surface (the upper surface of the groove) of the second groove 15 is open. The second groove 15 extends along the boundary between the main body 12 and the rear panel 13. In other words, the second groove 15 extends along the edge of the rear panel 13 attached to the main body 12. In the present embodiment, the second groove 15 extends in the left-right direction along the upper end of the rear panel 13. The second groove 15 facilitates the operation of removing the rear panel 13 from the main body 12.

[0050] Next, referring to FIG. 4, the first groove portion 14 will be described. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing an enlarged part of the air cleaner 100 of the present embodiment. Specifically, FIG. 4 shows a cross-section around the first groove portion 14 on the left side.

[0051] As shown in FIG. 4, the main body portion 12 has a protrusion 14a. The protrusion 14a protrudes downward from the upper wall surface of the first groove portion 14. The protrusion 14a extends in the front-rear direction within the first groove portion 14. Note that the main body portion 12 further has a protrusion 14a provided within the first groove portion 14 on the right side. By having the protrusion 14a within the first groove portion 14 in the main body portion 12, an operator carrying the air cleaner 100 can hook a finger on the protrusions 14a within the left and right first groove portions 14 to carry the air cleaner 100. Therefore, the carrying operation of the air cleaner 100 becomes easier.

[0052] In the present embodiment, instead of the protrusion 14a, at least the upper wall surfaces of the left and right first groove portions 14 may be subjected to anti-slip processing. For example, for anti-slip purposes, a large number of minute irregularities may be provided on at least the upper wall surfaces of the left and right first groove portions 14.

[0053] Next, referring to FIG. 4, the first groove portion 14 will be further described. As shown in FIG. 4, in the present embodiment, the angle θ1 between the upper wall surface of the first groove portion 14 on the left side and the left side surface of the main body portion 12 is 90 degrees or less. Similarly, the angle θ1 between the upper wall surface of the first groove portion 14 on the right side and the right side surface of the main body portion 12 is also 90 degrees or less. As a result, compared with a configuration where the angle θ1 is larger than 90 degrees, it becomes easier to support the first groove portion 14 with a finger, and thus the carrying operation of the air cleaner 100 becomes easier.

[0054] Next, referring to FIG. 5, the second groove portion 15 will be described. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing an enlarged part of another part of the air cleaner 100 of the present embodiment. Specifically, FIG. 5 shows a cross-section around the second groove portion 15.

[0055] As shown in Fig. 5, the upper end of the rear panel 13 covers a part of the open surface (rear surface) of the second groove portion 15. Therefore, when removing the rear panel 13 from the main body portion 12, the operator can easily hook a finger on the upper end of the rear panel 13 through the second groove portion 15. Thus, the operation of removing the rear panel 13 from the main body portion 12 becomes easy.

[0056] In the present embodiment, the second groove portion 15 has a first wall surface 15a (inner wall surface) and a second wall surface 15b (inner wall surface). The first wall surface 15a and the second wall surface 15b extend in the left - right direction. The first wall surface 15a and the second wall surface 15b are connected at the bottom 15c of the second groove portion 15. In the present embodiment, the connecting portion between the first wall surface 15a and the second wall surface 15b is arcuate in cross - section. The first wall surface 15a protrudes upward from the bottom 15c of the second groove portion 15 and is connected to the rear surface of the main body portion 12. The second wall surface 15b protrudes rearward from the bottom 15c of the second groove portion 15. The tip of the second wall surface 15b is covered by the rear panel 13.

[0057] When the air cleaner 100 is installed in a posture along the vertical direction, the first wall surface 15a is inclined rearward with respect to the vertical direction D. The inclination angle θ2 of the first wall surface 15a is 60 degrees or less. The inclination angle θ2 is preferably 45 degrees or less. More preferably, it is 30 degrees or less. Since the inclination angle θ2 is 60 degrees or less, it becomes difficult to hook a finger on the second groove portion 15. Therefore, since it becomes difficult for the operator to grasp the second groove portion 15, the operator can be induced to carry the air cleaner 100 using the left and right first groove portions 14. As a result, the risk of dropping the air cleaner 100 due to forcibly carrying it using a portion (the second groove portion 15) that should not be grasped during carrying of the air cleaner 100 can be reduced.

[0058] Specifically, when carrying the air cleaner 100 using the second groove portion 15, there is only one location where the operator supports the air cleaner 100. As a result, there is a risk that the air cleaner 100 may drop when being carried. In contrast, according to the present embodiment, since the shape of the second groove portion 15 can be made a shape that is difficult for a finger to catch, the operator can be discouraged from carrying the air cleaner 100 using the second groove portion 15, and the risk of the air cleaner 100 dropping when being carried can be reduced.

[0059] Further, by setting the inclination angle θ2 to 45 degrees or less, it becomes more difficult for a finger to catch on the second groove portion 15, so that the risk of the air cleaner 100 dropping when being carried can be further reduced. When the inclination angle θ2 is set to 30 degrees or less, it becomes even more difficult for a finger to catch on the second groove portion 15, and the entire surface of the first wall surface 15a can be visually recognized. Thus, the operator can intuitively understand that a finger cannot catch on the second groove portion 15.

[0060] Note that it is preferable that the first wall surface 15a and the second wall surface 15b are not subjected to anti-slip processing. Since the first wall surface 15a and the second wall surface 15b are not subjected to anti-slip processing, it becomes even more difficult for a finger to catch on the second groove portion 15, and the operator can be further guided to the left and right first groove portions 14.

[0061] Next, referring to FIG. 6, the air purifier 100 of the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 6 is a side view showing the air purifier 100 of the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 6, in the present embodiment, the operation panel 20 faces the upper part of the front panel 11 in the front-rear direction. In other words, when the air purifier 100 is viewed from the front side, the front panel 11 extends in the vertical direction up to the height covering the operation panel 20. Therefore, when the air purifier 100 is viewed from the front side, the operation panel 20 is hidden by the front panel 11 and cannot be visually recognized. Thus, for example, when the user is sitting on the sofa, the light generated from the operation panel 20 does not enter the user's field of vision, and a comfortable environment can be provided for the user. The light is generated, for example, from the first light emitting part to the third light emitting part described with reference to FIG. 1, and the first display part and the second display part described with reference to FIG. 1.

[0062] Next, referring to FIG. 7, the air purifier 100 of the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the configuration of the air purifier 100 of the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 7, the upper end of the second blade 52 is located above the upper end of the first blade 51. As a result, it becomes difficult for the air blown out from the blowout port 30 to flow in a direction different from the direction toward the operation panel 20 by the second blade 52.

[0063] Next, referring to FIG. 7, the air purifier 100 of the present embodiment will be further described. As shown in FIG. 7, the air purifier 100 of the present embodiment further includes a dust collection filter 71, a deodorizing filter 72, a wind generating part 73, a humidifying part 74, and a sterilizing active ingredient generating part 75. The dust collection filter 71, the deodorizing filter 72, the wind generating part 73, the humidifying part 74, and the sterilizing active ingredient generating part 75 are arranged inside the housing 10.

[0064] The dust collection filter 71 and the deodorizing filter 72 are arranged in front of the suction port 60 and face the suction port 60. The dust collection filter 71 removes dust and the like sucked into the housing 10 together with the air sucked into the housing 10 from the suction port 60 from the air. The deodorizing filter 72 removes odor components contained in the air sucked into the housing 10 from the suction port 60 from the air.

[0065] In this embodiment, the dust collecting filter 71 is disposed behind the deodorizing filter 72. Therefore, the dust collecting filter 71 is disposed closer to the suction port 60 than the deodorizing filter 72. For example, the dust collecting filter 71 directly faces the suction port 60. The deodorizing filter 72 faces the suction port 60 through the dust collecting filter 71. The dust collecting filter 71 may be in contact with the suction port 60 or may be close to the dust collecting filter 71.

[0066] The air generating unit 73 is disposed in front of the dust collecting filter 71 and the deodorizing filter 72. The air generating unit 73 sucks in the air around the air generating unit 73. The sucked air blows out in a direction different from the direction in which the air is sucked into the air generating unit 73. As a result, wind is generated. In this embodiment, the air generating unit 73 sucks in air from the rear surface 73a and the front surface 73b of the air generating unit 73. The sucked air blows out from the upper surface 73c of the air generating unit 73. The blowout port 30 is located above the air generating unit 73. When the air generating unit 73 is driven, air is sucked into the housing 10 from the suction port 60 and blown out from the blowout port 30.

[0067] For example, the air generating unit 73 includes an impeller and a first driving unit that is a driving unit for rotating the impeller. The impeller rotates about a first central axis that is a central axis extending in the front-rear direction. When the first driving unit rotates the impeller, air is sucked in from the rear surface 73a and the front surface 73b of the air generating unit 73, and air blows out from the upper surface 73c of the air generating unit 73. The air generating unit 73 includes, for example, a sirocco fan.

[0068] Specifically, inside the housing 10, a first air passage through which air flows from the suction port 60 to the rear surface 73a of the air generating unit 73 and a second air passage through which air flows from the suction port 60 to the front surface 73b of the air generating unit 73 are formed. In the present embodiment, the second air passage extends from the suction port 60 through the lower side of the air generating unit 73 to the front surface 73b of the air generating unit 73. By driving the air generating unit 73, an air flow R2 from the suction port 60 toward the rear surface 73a of the air generating unit 73 and an air flow R3 from the suction port 60 toward the front surface 73b of the air generating unit 73 are generated.

[0069] The humidifying unit 74 is disposed in the second air passage. The humidifying unit 74 humidifies the air passing through the second air passage during the humidifying operation. That is, the humidifying unit 74 humidifies the air flowing from the suction port 60 toward the front surface 73b of the air generating unit 73. As a result, the humidified air blows out from the blowout port 30.

[0070] For example, the humidifying unit 74 includes a water tank, a disk-shaped humidifying filter, and a second driving unit that is a driving unit for rotating the humidifying filter. The humidifying filter rotates about a second central axis that is a central axis extending in the front-rear direction. The water tank stores water. For example, the water tank stores tap water. The lower portion of the humidifying filter is immersed in the water in the water tank to absorb moisture. The upper portion of the humidifying filter is located above the water tank. The air passing through the second air passage passes through the upper portion of the humidifying filter. By the second driving unit rotating the humidifying filter, the portion of the humidifying filter that has absorbed moisture moves from the inside of the water tank upward above the water tank. As a result, the air passing through the second air passage passes through the portion of the humidifying filter that has absorbed moisture and is humidified.

[0071] The sterilization active ingredient generation unit 75 generates a sterilization active ingredient, which is an ingredient effective for sterilization. The sterilization active ingredient is sent out from the air outlet 30 by the air blown out from the upper surface 73c of the air generation unit 73. Specifically, inside the housing 10, a third air passage through which air flows from the upper surface 73c of the air generation unit 73 to the air outlet 30 is formed. The sterilization active ingredient generation unit 75 is disposed above the air generation unit 73 and generates the sterilization active ingredient in the third air passage. As a result, the sterilization active ingredient is sent out from the air outlet 30.

[0072] According to the present embodiment, an air flow R1 containing the sterilization active ingredient can be generated. Therefore, the air containing the sterilization active ingredient flows toward the operation panel 20. As a result, the operation panel 20 is sterilized by the sterilization active ingredient. Thus, the operation panel 20 can be made more hygienic.

[0073] For example, the sterilization active ingredient generation unit 75 may include a discharge generation device that generates discharge. The discharge generation device generates ions or active species as the sterilization active ingredient by generating discharge. For example, the discharge generation device may generate plasma discharge to charge and ionize oxygen and moisture in the air. Alternatively, the discharge generation device may generate plasma discharge to generate active species such as high-speed electrons, hydroxyl radicals, and excited oxygen molecules. For example, the discharge generation device may generate streamer discharge, which is a type of plasma discharge, to generate active species. Note that the ions generated by the discharge generation device may be either positive ions or negative ions, or both. For example, the ions generated by the discharge generation device include positive ions H + (H2O)m and negative ions O 2- (H2O)n. Here, "m" and "n" are each arbitrary natural numbers.

[0074] Subsequently, with reference to FIG. 8, the air cleaner 100 of the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the air cleaner 100 of the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 8, the air cleaner 100 further includes a control unit 76.

[0075] The control unit 76 controls each part of the air purifier 100. For example, the control unit 76 controls the operation panel 20, the illuminance sensor 21, the wind generation unit 73, the humidifying unit 74, and the antibacterial active ingredient generation unit 75. Specifically, the control unit 76 controls the first display unit, the second display unit, and the first to third light emitting units of the operation panel 20 described with reference to FIG. 1. Further, the control unit 76 causes the illuminance sensor 21 to detect light. Also, the wind generation unit 73, the humidifying unit 74, and the antibacterial active ingredient generation unit 75 are driven.

[0076] Specifically, when the operation panel 20 receives an instruction to start the operation of the air purifier 100, the control unit 76 controls the first display unit, the second display unit, and the first to third light emitting units of the operation panel 20, and drives the wind generation unit 73 and the antibacterial active ingredient generation unit 75. Further, when the operation panel 20 receives an instruction to start the automatic operation, the control unit 76 causes the illuminance sensor 21 to detect light. Also, when the operation panel 20 receives an instruction to start the dehumidifying operation, the control unit 76 drives the humidifying unit 74.

[0077] The control unit 76 has, for example, a storage device and a control device. The storage device stores a computer program and data. The storage device includes, for example, a semiconductor memory. The storage device may include at least one of a ROM (Read Only Memory) and a RAM (Random Access Memory) as the semiconductor memory. Alternatively, the storage device may include a non-volatile semiconductor memory capable of writing and erasing data. The control device executes the computer program stored in the storage device to control each part of the air purifier 100. The control device includes, for example, a processor. The control device may include a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or an MPU (Micro Processing Unit) as the processor. The control unit 76 may be a microcomputer.

[0078] The embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the drawings (Figs. 1 to 8). However, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and can be implemented in various forms without departing from the gist thereof. Further, the plurality of components disclosed in the above embodiments can be modified as appropriate. For example, a component among all the components shown in a certain embodiment may be added to the components of another embodiment, or some of the components among all the components shown in a certain embodiment may be deleted from the embodiment.

[0079] The drawings schematically show each component mainly for easy understanding of the invention, and the thickness, length, number, interval, etc. of each illustrated component may be different from the actual ones for convenience of drawing preparation. Further, the configuration of each component shown in the above embodiment is an example and is not particularly limited, and it goes without saying that various changes can be made without substantially departing from the effects of the present invention.

[0080] For example, in the embodiment described with reference to Figs. 1 to 8, the air purifier 100 was described, but the air conditioner of the present invention is not limited to the air purifier 100. The air conditioner of the present invention is applicable to a device that adjusts at least one of the temperature, humidity, cleanliness, and air flow of the air in a certain space. For example, the air conditioner of the present invention can be applied to a humidifier, a dehumidifier, a cooler, and a heater.

Industrial Applicability

[0081] The present invention is useful for an air conditioner that adjusts at least one of the temperature, humidity, cleanliness, and air flow of the air in a certain space.

Explanation of Signs

[0082] 4: Wind direction plate 20: Operation panel 21: Illuminance sensor 30: Air outlet 75: Bactericidal active ingredient generating unit 100: Air purifier

Claims

1. An operation panel that receives an operator's operation, An air outlet from which air blows out, A wind direction plate provided at the air outlet for generating an air flow from the air outlet toward the operation panel And comprising, The operation panel is an air conditioner that guides the wind from the wind direction plate obliquely upward by inclining such that the position in the vertical direction becomes higher as the part is farther from the air outlet.

2. The operation panel is arranged on the side of the air outlet, and the air conditioner according to claim 1.

3. Further comprising an illuminance sensor that detects illuminance, The illuminance sensor is arranged on the operation panel, and the air conditioner according to claim 1 or claim 2.

4. The wind direction plate protrudes from the air outlet, and the air conditioner according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The lower end of the operation panel is arranged at the same height as the tip of the wind direction plate or at a position higher than the tip of the wind direction plate, and the air conditioner according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The operation panel extends in a direction orthogonal to the direction in which the air flows, The wind direction plate extends in the direction in which the operation panel extends, and the air conditioner according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. The wind direction plate is inclined, and the air conditioner according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. The wind direction plate is, A wind direction plate main body portion that extends in the direction in which the operation panel extends, And two side portions that respectively extend from both ends of the wind direction plate main body portion to the side opposite to the operation panel side And having, and the air conditioner according to claim 6.

9. The wind direction plate main body portion is inclined, and the air conditioner according to claim 8.

10. The wind direction plate includes a first wind direction plate and a second wind direction plate that is smaller in size than the first wind direction plate, The second wind direction plate is arranged inside the first wind direction plate, and the air conditioner according to claim 8 or claim 9.

11. Further comprising a sterilization active ingredient generation unit that generates a sterilization active ingredient that is an ingredient effective for sterilization, The sterilization active ingredient is sent out from the air outlet, and the air conditioner according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. The sterilization active ingredient generation unit includes a discharge generation device that generates a discharge, The discharge generation device generates ions or active species as the sterilization active ingredient by generating the discharge, and the air conditioner according to claim 11.

13. The air conditioner further comprises a housing having a main body and a rear panel detachably attached to the back of the main body and having a suction port formed therein for sucking external air into the interior. The operation panel is supported on the upper part of the main body. The main body has a groove portion extending along the edge of the rear panel attached to the main body. The groove portion has a wall surface protruding upward from the bottom of the groove portion. The wall surface is inclined with respect to the vertical direction, and the inclination angle with respect to the vertical direction is 60 degrees or less. The air conditioner according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

14. The inclination angle of the operation panel with respect to the horizontal plane is 35 degrees or more and 55 degrees or less. The air conditioner according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

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