Diffusion device

Abstract

To provide a diffusion device which achieves an airflow diffusion function quickly even when airflow blown from an air conditioner is weak.SOLUTION: A diffusion device includes: at least one propeller unit including a propeller which is rotated by wind power and a propeller shaft which rotatably supports the propeller; a support unit which supports the propeller unit; and a fixture which fixes the support unit to an air conditioner. The propeller shaft is positioned near an air outlet.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] One embodiment of the present invention relates to a diffusion device that is attached to an air conditioner and that diffuses airflow blown out from the air conditioner. [Background technology]

[0002] As an example of a device for diffusing the airflow blown out from an air conditioner, Patent Document 1 discloses a diffusion device that is attached to the air conditioner and has a propeller whose rotation axis vertically overlaps with the air intake port (hereinafter simply referred to as the intake port) of the air conditioner. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 3717509 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] An object of one embodiment of the present invention is to provide a diffusion device having a novel structure for diffusing an airflow blown out from an air conditioner. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] One embodiment of the present invention is a diffuser for diffusing airflow blown out from an air outlet of an air conditioner. The diffuser includes at least one propeller unit including a propeller that rotates by wind and a propeller shaft that rotatably supports the propeller, a support unit that supports the propeller unit, and a fixture that fixes the support unit to the air conditioner. The propeller shaft is located near the air outlet. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0006] [Figure 1]1A and 1B are schematic front and end views of a diffusion device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 1A and 1B are schematic rear and side views of a diffusion device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] 1A and 1B are a schematic front view and a schematic side view of an air conditioner and a diffusion device according to an embodiment of the present invention, respectively; [Figure 4] 1 is a schematic side view of a diffusion device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] 1A and 1B are schematic rear and side views of a diffusion device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a schematic rear view of a diffusion device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] 1A and 1B are schematic front and end views of a diffusion device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] 1A and 1B are schematic front and end views of a diffusion device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] 1 is a schematic perspective view of a diffusion device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 10] 1A and 1B are schematic rear and side views of a diffusion device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] 1A and 1B are schematic rear and side views of a diffusion device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] 1A and 1B are schematic rear and side views of a diffusion device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] 1A and 1B are schematic rear and side views of a diffusion device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] 1 is a schematic side view of a diffusion device according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0007] Hereinafter, each embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention can be embodied in various forms without departing from the spirit of the present invention, and should not be construed as being limited to the description of the embodiments exemplified below. To clarify the explanation, the drawings may show the width, thickness, shape, etc. of each part schematically compared to the actual form, but these are merely examples and are not intended to limit the interpretation of the present invention. In this specification and each drawing, elements having the same function as those described with reference to the previous drawings may be assigned the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations may be omitted.

[0008] In this specification and claims, the expression "a structure exposed from another structure" means a state in which a part of a structure is not covered directly or indirectly by another structure, and also includes a state in which this part not covered by another structure is covered directly or indirectly by yet another structure.

[0009] First Embodiment The structure of a diffusion device 130 according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described below. The diffusion device 130 is detachably attached to an air conditioner that is typically attached to a ceiling or wall in a room, and has the function of quickly responding to the airflow blown out from the air conditioner and diffusing the airflow. The following description will primarily use an air conditioner 100 that is installed on the ceiling as the air conditioner. In addition, with regard to the drawings used in the following description, a view obtained when observing the air conditioner 100 or diffusion device 130 from the floor side will be defined as a front view, and the opposite view will be defined as a rear view.

[0010] FIG. 1(A) shows a schematic front view of a diffusion device 130 attached to an air conditioner 100, and FIG. 1(B) shows a schematic end view taken along the chain line AA' in FIG. 1(A). There are no restrictions on the configuration of the air conditioner 100 to which the diffusion device 130 is attached, and the diffusion device 130 can be used with various types of commercially available air conditioners 100. FIGS. 1(A) and 1(B) show, as an example, an air conditioner 100 having an air intake 108 sandwiched between two air outlets (hereinafter simply referred to as "air outlets") 110. The air conditioner 100 further has a decorative panel 112 covering a portion of the ceiling 120, and the air outlets 110 and the air intake 108 are disposed in openings provided in the decorative panel 112. As shown in FIG. 1(B), a fan 106 is provided above the air inlet 108, and a heat exchanger 104 is provided in the air conditioner 100, overlapping the fan 106 horizontally and surrounding the fan 106. Indoor air drawn in through the air inlet 108 by the fan 106 (see dotted arrow) passes through the heat exchanger 104 and is heated or cooled. The fan 106 and the heat exchanger 104 are enclosed by a housing 102, and the air whose temperature has been controlled by the heat exchanger 104 is then blown out as an airflow from the air outlet 110 (see dashed arrow). Although not shown, the air outlet 110 may be provided with a looper that controls the direction of the airflow. The distance from the center of the air inlet 108 to one air outlet 110 is, for example, 15 cm to 60 cm, or 20 cm to 40 cm.

[0011] As shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the diffusion device 130 basically includes a suspension member 132, multiple beams 134, and at least one propeller unit 140. The at least one propeller unit 140 may include multiple propeller units 140. As described below, when the diffusion device 130 is attached to the air conditioner 100, the suspension member 132 overlaps with the air outlet 110 in the vertical direction, while the propeller unit 140 is arranged so that the rotation axis A1 of at least one propeller 144 overlaps with the air outlet 110. Herein, a propeller is defined as a unit composed of multiple blades that rotates by wind force around a rotation axis that penetrates a propeller shaft. A propeller shaft is a component that supports a propeller so that it can rotate. A propeller unit is defined as a unit including a propeller and a propeller shaft. Each component of the diffusion device 130 will be described below.

[0012] 1. Suspension member 2(A) and 2(B) are schematic rear and side views, respectively, of the diffuser 130. The suspension member 132 supports multiple beams 134 and multiple propeller units 140, and also functions as a connection for attaching the diffuser 130 to the air inlet 108. The suspension member 132 may have a shape that gives it a trapezoidal or rectangular projection surface in the horizontal direction, and is provided with one or more fasteners 136 on the top for connection to the air inlet 108. As shown in the schematic front view of FIG. 3(A), a panel 114 that functions as a primary filter is attached to the air inlet 108, and the panel 114 has multiple fins 114a arranged in parallel. There are no restrictions on the configuration of the fixing device 136, but for example, as shown in the schematic side view of Figure 3(B), by configuring it to have a hook that straddles one or more fins 114a, the diffusion device 130 can be hooked onto the panel 114, the suspension member 132 can be extended vertically, and the suspension member 132 can be positioned so that it overlaps the air intake 108 in the vertical direction.

[0013] 2. Beam Each of the multiple beams 134 has one end connected to the suspension member 132 and the other end connected to the propeller unit 140. There is no restriction on the number of beams 134, and it may be two, three, or more. As shown in FIGS. 1(A) and 1(B), when the diffuser 130 is attached to the air conditioner 100, the propeller unit 140 is positioned so as to vertically overlap the air outlet 110 or in the direction of the airflow from the air outlet 110. Therefore, the multiple beams 134 extend from the suspension member 132 as the center and have a length sufficient to allow the propeller unit 140 to overlap the air outlet 110 when the diffuser 130 is attached to the air conditioner 100. For example, the length of the beam 134 or the distance between the propeller unit 140 and the suspension member 132 may be 15 cm to 60 cm, or 20 cm to 40 cm. This length corresponds to the distance from the center of the air inlet 108 to one of the air outlets 110. As a result, when the diffuser 130 is attached to the air conditioner 100, at least one or all of the multiple propellers 144 (described later) are positioned near the air outlet 110 so as to receive the air blown out from the air outlet 110. More specifically, when the diffuser 130 is attached to the air conditioner 100, the rotation axes A1 of at least one or all of the multiple propellers 144 (described later) can be arranged to overlap the air outlet 110 in the vertical direction. Note that the beam 134 does not rotate in conjunction with the rotation of the propellers 144, but defines the position of the propeller unit 140 relative to the suspension member 132.

[0014] 4(A) to 4(D) are schematic side views showing the relationship between the suspension member 132 and one beam 134. As shown in FIG. 4(A), when the longitudinal direction of the suspension member 132 is arranged vertically, each beam 134 can be attached to the suspension member 132 so as to extend horizontally from the suspension member 132. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 4(B), the beams 134 may extend horizontally while tilting relative to the vertical. In this case, the angle θ between the extension direction of the beam 134 and the horizontal plane may be, for example, ±30° or less, ±15° or less, or ±10° or less. Alternatively, the beam 134 may be curved. For example, as shown in FIG. 3(C), the beam 134 may have a portion that extends primarily horizontally and a portion that extends primarily vertically. The horizontally extending portion and the vertically extending portion may be tilted relative to the horizontal and vertical directions, respectively. In either case, as shown in Figure 4(D), when the longitudinal direction of the suspension member 132 is arranged vertically, the beam 134 is configured so that vector 134a directed from the end connected to the suspension member 132 to the end connected to the propeller unit 140 has horizontal component 134b. Also, even if vector 134a has vertical component 134c, the beam 134 is configured so that horizontal component 134b is larger than vertical component 134c. The suspension member 132 and the beam 134 function as a support unit when attaching the diffusion device 130 to the air conditioner 100.

[0015] 3. Propeller unit As shown in FIGS. 1A to 2B, multiple propeller units 140 are attached to the ends of a corresponding number of beams 134. Each of the multiple propeller units 140 basically includes a propeller shaft 142 and a propeller 144 composed of multiple blades. Each propeller shaft 142 is attached to one beam 134, and a propeller 144 is provided above or below the propeller shaft 142. Each propeller 144 is connected to the propeller shaft 142 so as to rotate (spin) around a rotation axis A1. The blades of the propeller 144 include polymers such as polyolefins such as polyethylene and polypropylene, polystyrene and its derivatives, polyamides, polyimides, polyesters such as polyethylene terephthalate, and polycarbonates. The blades may also include fibers such as glass fibers and carbon fibers. By configuring the propeller 144 so that it contains a polymer composited with fibers, it is possible to impart high strength to the propeller 144 while at the same time reducing its weight, and as a result, even if the airflow from the air outlet 110 is weak, the propeller 144 begins to rotate in quick response, thereby exhibiting an airflow diffusion function. Note that when the longitudinal direction of the suspension member 132 is arranged vertically, the rotation axis A1 of the propeller 144 does not necessarily have to be vertical, and may be inclined at an angle of 30° or less, 20° or less, or 10° or less from the vertical, for example.

[0016] 4. Variations (1) Reinforcement As an optional configuration, the diffusion device 130 may include a reinforcing ring 146 as a reinforcing member that radially surrounds the suspension member 132 and overlaps the beams 134 (see FIGS. 2A and 2B). The reinforcing ring 146 is disposed above or below the beams 134 and is connected to the beams 134. The diffusion device 130 may further include one or more reinforcing braces 138 connected to the beams 134 and the suspension member 132. When the reinforcing ring 146 is provided, the reinforcing brace 138 may be connected to the beams 134 via the reinforcing ring 146, as shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B. The number of reinforcing braces 138 may be the same as or different from the number of beams 134. The reinforcing braces 138 may be arranged so as to overlap the beams 134 in the vertical direction when the longitudinal direction of the suspension member 132 is arranged vertically (see FIG. 2(A)). Alternatively, although not shown, they may be arranged so that some or all of them do not overlap the beams 134. By providing the reinforcing rings 146 and / or the reinforcing braces 138, the extension direction of the multiple beams 134 can be stabilized and bending of the beams 134 can be prevented. As a result, the vertical position of the propeller unit 140 can be stabilized. For example, even when the airflow is strong, vibration of the beams 134 due to the airflow can be prevented.

[0017] (2) Propeller unit configuration and layout The configuration of the propeller unit 140 can also be changed as desired. For example, as shown in FIG. 2(A), each propeller 144 may have four blades, three blades, or five or more blades. Alternatively, as shown in FIGS. 5(A) and 5(B), the propeller unit 140 may have a protector 148 for protecting the propeller 144. The protector 148 may be configured to overlap the propeller 144 in the vertical and horizontal directions when the longitudinal direction of the suspension member 132 is arranged vertically. Alternatively, as shown in the schematic rear view of FIG. 5(C), a propeller 144 having a ring 144b connecting all of the blades 144a may be used.

[0018] The number and arrangement of the beams 134 and propeller units 140 of the diffusion device 130 can be changed as appropriate to suit the specifications of the air conditioner 100. For example, when an air conditioner 100 is used in which four air outlets 110 are arranged along each side of the air inlet 108, as shown in FIG. 6(A), when the diffusion device 130 is attached to the air conditioner 100, multiple (e.g., five or more) propeller units may be arranged radially so that the rotation axis A1 of none of the propellers 144 overlaps with the air inlet 108 and each air outlet 110 overlaps with the rotation axis A1 of at least one propeller 144. In other words, the multiple propeller units 140 may be arranged radially around the suspension member 132 and spaced apart from the suspension member 132, and multiple beams 134 may be configured to space the multiple propeller units 140 apart from each other. 6(B), the beams 134 may be arranged so that, when viewed from the front, the air inlet 108 is sandwiched between two groups each including three or more propeller units 140. In either case, the propeller units 140 may be arranged so that the rotation axes A1 of three propellers 144 selected from the propellers 144 are aligned in a straight line.

[0019] The beams 134 may all have the same length. This allows the diffusion device 130 to be constructed using beams 134 of a uniform length, thereby improving productivity. In this case, the rotation axis A1 of the propeller 144 is disposed circumferentially around the suspension member 132.

[0020] In contrast, to more efficiently direct the airflow from the air outlet 110 toward the propeller 144 of the propeller unit 140, each beam 134 may be configured so that its length can be reversibly changed. For example, as shown in the schematic front views of FIGS. 7(A) and 7(B) and the schematic end view along the chain line BB' in FIG. 7(A), each beam 134 is configured with two beams (a first beam 134-1 and a second beam 134-2) and one beam 134 can be inserted into the other beam 134. In the example shown in FIG. 7(A), the propeller unit 140 is provided at one end of the first beam 134-1, and the other end is configured so that it can slide within the second beam 134-2. Furthermore, the second beam 134-2 has a plurality of openings 134-2a arranged in the extension direction of the beam 134 (see FIG. 7(A)). On the other hand, one opening 134-1a is provided in the first beam 134-1 (see FIG. 7(B)), and a spring 152 and a screw 150 are disposed in the opening 134-1a (see FIG. 7(C)). The screw 150 is formed so that its lower portion is larger than the opening 134-2a so that a portion of the screw 150 is exposed through the multiple openings 134-2a and another portion is not exposed. The restoring force of the spring 152 presses the screw 150 outward from the opening 134-1a, resulting in a portion of the screw 150 being exposed through the opening 134-2a. Therefore, the movement of the first beam 134-1 is limited by the screw 150, and the length of the beam 134 can be changed by changing the opening 134-2a from which the screw 150 is exposed. By making the length of the beam 134 variable, the distance from the rotation axis A1 of the propeller 144 provided at the tip of the beam 134 to the suspension member 132 can be changed. Therefore, the diffuser 130 can be attached to the air conditioner 100 so that the rotation axis A1 always overlaps with the air outlet 110, regardless of the arrangement of the air outlet 110. In the examples shown in Figures 7(A) to 7(C), the beam 134 extends and retracts in stages, but the beam 134 may also be configured to extend and retract continuously. Note that one of the beams 134 to which the propeller 144 is attached (here, the first beam 134-1) can be considered to be the extension / retraction section.

[0021] Alternatively, each beam 134 may be configured to be bendable. For example, as shown in the schematic front view of FIG. 8(A) and the schematic end view (FIG. 8(B)) along the chain line CC' in FIG. 8(A), each beam 134 is configured with two beams (a first beam 134-1 and a second beam 134-2), each with a through hole. By connecting the two beams 134 using a screw 154 and a nut 156 that engage with the through holes, the beam on which the propeller unit 140 is provided (here, the first beam 134-1) can be rotated relative to the other beam (here, the second beam 134-2) about the through hole. As a result, the angle between adjacent beams 134 can be arbitrarily changed. Here, the beam on which the propeller unit 140 is provided (here, the first beam 134-1) can be considered the bent portion of the beam 134.

[0022] Alternatively, the diffusion device 130 may be configured so that each beam 134 rotates (oscillates) around a rotation axis A2 that passes through the suspension member 132. An example is shown in the schematic perspective view of FIG. 9. For clarity, a portion of the suspension member 132 and two beams 134 are shown. As shown in FIG. 9, through-holes are provided at the ends of each beam 134, and multiple beams 134 are arranged so that the through-holes overlap each other. Furthermore, the multiple beams 134 are connected to each other using bolts 160 that pass through the through-holes, nuts 162, and the like. This allows the multiple beams 134 to rotate around the rotation axis A2 by loosening the bolts 160, thereby allowing the angle between adjacent beams 134 to be arbitrarily changed. The mechanism for expanding, contracting, bending, and rotating the beams is not limited to the above example; any suitable mechanism can be applied.

[0023] As described above, in the diffuser 130, the propeller units 140 are provided at the ends of multiple beams 134 extending from the suspension members 132. Therefore, when the diffuser 130 is attached to the air conditioner 100 so that the suspension members 132 overlap the air inlets 108, the rotation axes A1 of at least one or all of the propellers 144 overlap the air outlets 110. Furthermore, by utilizing the telescopic, bending, and rotating mechanisms of the beams 134, it is possible to attach the diffuser 130 to the air conditioner 100 so that the rotation axes A1 of one or all of the propeller units 140 overlap the air outlets 110, regardless of the arrangement of the air outlets 110. Therefore, even if the airflow blown out from the air outlets 110 is weak, a sufficient airflow can be directed at the blades of each propeller 144. At this time, the beams 134 do not rotate together with the propellers 144 but remain stationary. That is, the airflow contributes to the rotation of only the propellers 144, and does not require the strength necessary to rotate the beams 134. As a result, even if the strength of the airflow from the air conditioner 100 is low, each propeller 144 begins to rotate at the same time as the airflow is blown out, so the rotation of the propellers 144 quickly reaches a steady state after the air conditioner 100 starts operating. That is, the airflow diffusion function can be quickly realized.

[0024] This contrasts with conventional diffusers, which use a single propeller with its rotation axis vertically aligned with the air inlet 108. In conventional diffusers, the propeller's rotation axis passes through a suspension member, and the propeller blades are connected to the suspension member by a beam. Therefore, the airflow from the outlet 110 must be strong enough to rotate the blades and the beam simultaneously. As a result, if the airflow intensity is weak, the propeller may not be able to rotate, and even if the airflow intensity is increased, it takes time to achieve steady-state rotation. Furthermore, when focusing on a single blade, the blade alternates between receiving and not receiving the airflow, causing the beam to vibrate vertically, resulting in unstable rotation. Therefore, by applying this embodiment, the drawbacks of conventional diffusers are eliminated, providing a diffuser that operates stably.

[0025] Second Embodiment In this embodiment, a diffusion device 170 having a different structure from the diffusion device 130 of the first embodiment will be described. Descriptions of structures that are the same as or similar to those described in the first embodiment may be omitted.

[0026] 10(A) and 10(B) are schematic rear and side views of the diffusion device 170, respectively. Similar to the diffusion device 130, the diffusion device 170 has multiple beams 134 extending radially, one end of which is attached to the suspension member 132. However, the diffusion device 170 further includes a single annular base ring (base member) 172, to which the other ends of the multiple beams 134 are connected. In other words, the multiple beams 134 connect the base ring 172 and the suspension member 132. The base ring 172 also constitutes a support unit.

[0027] Multiple propeller units 140, each including a propeller 144, are attached to a base ring 172. The rotation axes A1 of the propellers 144 of each propeller unit 140 may all overlap the base ring 172, as shown in FIG. 10(B). In this case, the rotation axes A1 of all of the multiple propellers 144 may be arranged on a single circumference. Alternatively, although not shown, when the longitudinal direction of the suspension member 132 is arranged vertically, the diffusion device 170 may be configured so that at least one rotation axis A1 does not overlap the base ring 172 in the vertical direction by tilting the propeller shaft 142 from the vertical direction. The propeller unit 140 may be arranged above the base ring 172, or may be arranged below the base ring 172, as shown in FIGS. 11(A) and 11(B). The multiple beams 134 may also be bent. For example, as shown in Figure 10(B), when the longitudinal direction of the suspension member 132 is arranged vertically, the multiple beams 134 may have portions extending horizontally and portions extending vertically. Alternatively, as shown in Figures 12(A) and 12(B), when the longitudinal direction of the suspension member 132 is arranged vertically, the multiple beams 134 may entirely overlap the base ring 172 in the horizontal direction.

[0028] In the diffuser 170, the multiple propeller units 140 are also separated from one another by the base ring 172, so that when the diffuser 170 is attached to the air conditioner 100, at least one or all of the rotation axes A1 overlap the air outlets 110. This provides the same effects as the diffuser 130 of the first embodiment. Furthermore, in the diffuser 170, the multiple beams 134 are held by the suspension members 132 and the base ring, preventing the beams 134 from bending due to external forces. This effectively suppresses vertical vibration of each propeller unit 140 caused by airflow.

[0029] Third Embodiment In this embodiment, a diffusion device 180 having a different structure from the diffusion devices 130 and 170 of the first and second embodiments will be described. Descriptions of configurations that are the same as or similar to those described in the first and second embodiments may be omitted.

[0030] As can be seen from the schematic back and side views shown in Figures 13(A) and 13(B), the diffusion device 180 differs from the diffusion device 170 in that multiple suspension members 132 are attached to the base ring 172. The multiple suspension members 132 extend in the same direction with respect to the base ring 172. More specifically, the multiple suspension members 132 extend perpendicular to the plane formed by the base ring 172, and a fastener 136 is attached to each of the suspension members 132. There is no restriction on the number of suspension members 132, and it may be two or three. The multiple suspension members 132 are arranged on the base ring 172 so that the angles between adjacent suspension members 132 around the center of the base ring 172 are the same or substantially the same.

[0031] The diffusion device 180 further includes a plurality of beams 134 connected to the base ring 172 and extending outward from the base ring 172. Furthermore, a plurality of propeller units 140, each including a propeller shaft 142 and a propeller 144, are connected to the base ring 172 by the plurality of beams 134. In the example shown in FIG. 13(B), each beam 134 extends from the base ring 172 to the outside of the base ring 172. Specifically, the beams 134 extend perpendicular to the direction in which the suspension members 132 extend and in a radial direction from the center of the base ring 172. Therefore, the plurality of propeller units 140 are disposed on the opposite side of the base ring 172 from the center of the base ring 172. However, the plurality of beams 134 may extend at an angle inclined from the radial direction or may extend outward from the plane formed by the base ring 172. Furthermore, the plurality of propeller units 140 may be disposed above or below the beams 134.

[0032] Furthermore, as described in the first embodiment, each beam 134 may be configured to be extendable or bendable. Alternatively, each beam 134 may be configured to rotate about a rotation axis A3 that passes through the base ring 172 and extends in a direction perpendicular to the plane formed by the base ring 172. A mechanism for rotating the beam 134 may be, for example, similar to the example shown in Figures 8(A) and 8(B), in which through holes are formed in the base ring 172 and the beam 134 and bolts and nuts that pass through the through holes are used.

[0033] In the diffuser 180, the base ring 172 and the beams 134 separate the propeller units 140 from each other and from the suspension members 132, so that when the diffuser 180 is attached to the air conditioner 100, at least one or all of the rotation axes A1 of the propellers 144 overlap the air outlets 110. This provides the same effects as the diffusers 130 and 170 of the first and second embodiments. Furthermore, because the diffuser 180 is attached to the air conditioner 100 with the fasteners 136 provided on the suspension members 132, the diffuser 180 can be held below the air conditioner 100 more stably.

[0034] <Fourth embodiment> In this embodiment, a diffusion device 190 having a different structure from the diffusion devices 130, 170, and 180 of the first to third embodiments will be described. Descriptions of configurations that are the same as or similar to those described in the first to third embodiments may be omitted.

[0035] One difference between the diffuser 190 and the diffusers 130, 170, and 180 is that it has the function of diffusing the airflow blown out from the wall-mounted air conditioner 100. Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 14(A) and 14(B), the diffuser 190 includes a beam 134 and multiple suspension members 132 that extend perpendicular to the direction in which the beam 134 extends. Each of the multiple suspension members 132 is configured to be rotatable around an axis in the direction in which the beam 134 extends (see the dotted arrows in FIG. 14(B)). Therefore, by fixing the diffuser 190 to the panel 114 of the air outlet 110 using fixtures 136 so that the suspension members 132 are at the same height, the beam 134 can be extended horizontally.

[0036] The diffuser 190 further includes one or more hanger rods 192 extending perpendicular to the direction in which the beams 134 extend. Like the suspension members 132, the hanger rods 192 are each configured to be rotatable around the axis of the direction in which the beams 134 extend (see the dotted arrows in FIG. 14(B)). In other words, the diffuser 190 is configured so that the angle between the directions in which the suspension members 132 and the hanger rods 192 extend can be arbitrarily changed. Therefore, when the diffuser 190 is fixed to the panel 114, the hanger rods 192 can be extended in the vertical direction. Although not shown, it is preferable that the length of the hanger rods 192 be adjustable, similar to the beams 134 described in the first embodiment.

[0037] A propeller unit 140 is attached to each hanger rod 192. Here, the propeller shaft 142 is also configured so that its extension direction can be changed relative to the extension direction of the hanger rod 192 (see the solid arrow in FIG. 14(B)). Therefore, by adjusting the angle of the propeller shaft 142 relative to the hanger rod 192, the propeller unit 140 can be positioned so that the rotation axis A1 of the propeller 144 passes through the air outlet 110. Furthermore, by adjusting the length of the hanger rod 192, it is also possible to make the rotation axis A1 of the propeller 144 substantially parallel to the direction of the airflow blown out from the air outlet 110 (see the outline arrow). Therefore, by using the diffusion device 190, it is possible to effectively diffuse the airflow from the air conditioner 100 that is mounted on a wall.

[0038] The above-described embodiments of the present invention can be implemented in any suitable combination as long as they are not mutually inconsistent. Furthermore, even if a person skilled in the art appropriately adds, omits, or modifies the configuration based on each embodiment, such additions, omissions, or modifications are included within the scope of the present invention as long as they incorporate the gist of the present invention. Furthermore, even if there are other effects and advantages different from those achieved by the aspects of the above-described embodiments, those that are clear from the description in this specification or that can be easily predicted by a person skilled in the art are naturally considered to be achieved by the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0039] 100: air conditioner, 102: housing, 104: heat exchanger, 106: fan, 108: intake port, 110: outlet port, 114a: fin, 120: ceiling, 130, 170, 180, 190: diffuser, 132: suspension member, 134: beam, 134a: vector, 134b: horizontal component, 134c: vertical component, 136: fixture, 138: reinforcing brace, 140: propeller unit, 142: propeller shaft, 144: propeller, 144a: blade, 144b: ring, 146: reinforcing ring, 148: protector, 160: bolt, 162: nut, 172: base ring, 192: hanger rod

Claims

1. A diffusion device for diffusing an airflow blown out from an air outlet of an air conditioner, At least one propeller unit including a propeller that rotates by wind force and a propeller shaft that rotatably supports the propeller; a support unit that supports the propeller unit; and a fixing device for fixing the support unit to the air conditioner; the propeller shaft is located near the air outlet, The support unit includes: a suspension member extending from the fixture; and a plurality of beams suspended from the suspension member and extending radially from the suspension member; A diffusion device, wherein the at least one propeller unit includes a plurality of propeller units, the plurality of propeller units being provided on each of the plurality of beams.

2. the fixing device fixes the support unit to the air conditioner so that the extension direction of the suspension member is perpendicular to the air conditioner; The diffusion device of claim 1 , wherein each of the plurality of beams is configured such that a vector connecting one end to the other end has a component perpendicular to the fixture.

3. The diffusion device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein at least one of the plurality of beams is configured to oscillate about an axis in a vertical direction relative to the air conditioner.

Images