Air blowing structure and indoor unit of air conditioner

Abstract

An air blowing structure (21) comprises: a cross flow fan (22); and a housing (30) provided with the cross flow fan (22). The housing (30) has a case part (31) having a suction port (39) through which air is sucked, and a first member (41). The first member (41) has a tongue part (44) that partitions a suction region (SR) in which air is sucked into the cross flow fan (22) and a blowout region (BR) from which air is blown out from the cross flow fan (22), and a blowout part (43) positioned closer to a blowout port (40) side than the tongue part (44). The tongue part (44) is composed of a non-porous material, a part of the blowout part (43) is composed of a porous material (51), and the porous material (51) is provided from an upper surface (43a) to a lower surface (43b) of the blowout part (43).

Description

Ventilation structure and indoor unit of air conditioner

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an air blowing structure and an indoor unit of an air conditioner.

[0002] A known technique related to a crossflow fan is described in Patent Document 1. In Patent Document 1, the entire fan casing is made of a porous material.

[0003] Japanese Utility Model Application Publication No. 61-114000

[0004] The present disclosure provides a ventilation structure and an indoor unit for an air conditioner that can effectively suppress noise.

[0005] A first aspect of the air blowing structure that solves the above problem comprises a crossflow fan and a housing in which the crossflow fan is mounted, the housing having a case portion with an intake port through which air is drawn in, and a first member, the first member having a tongue portion that separates an intake area through which air is drawn into the crossflow fan from an outlet area through which air is blown out from the crossflow fan, and a blowing portion located on the outlet side of the tongue portion, the tongue portion being made of a non-porous material and a portion of the blowing portion being made of a porous material, the porous material being provided from the top surface to the bottom surface of the blowing portion.

[0006] According to this configuration, noise is reduced by the porous material provided in the first member, and therefore the air blowing structure can effectively suppress noise.

[0007] The second aspect of the air blowing structure is the air blowing structure of the first aspect, in which a heat exchanger is arranged above the first member, and a drain pan surface that receives condensation water from the heat exchanger is formed on the upper surface of the blowing section, and the porous material is provided from the portion of the drain pan surface that does not face the heat exchanger to the lower surface of the blowing section.

[0008] According to this configuration, an air layer can be provided between the drain pan surface and the underside of the first member, so that the air blowing structure can further suppress noise.

[0009] In a third aspect of the invention, in the air blowing structure of the first or second aspect, the porous material is provided in a portion of the blowing section that is different from a portion having the lowest vertical height.

[0010] With this configuration, the portion of the drain pan surface where moisture is likely to accumulate is not porous, so moisture accumulated on the drain pan surface is less likely to leak downward.

[0011] The air blowing structure of the fourth aspect is the air blowing structure of any one of the first to third aspects, wherein the porous material is arranged downstream of the tongue portion of the blowing section in the direction of the air flow caused by the cross-flow fan, and the end portion of the part of the blowing section made of the porous material downstream of the air flow caused by the cross-flow fan is closer to the tongue portion than the blowing outlet through which the sucked air is blown out.

[0012] According to this configuration, the porous material suppresses pressure fluctuations near the tongue where turbulence is likely to occur, thereby reducing noise.

[0013] The fifth aspect of the air blowing structure is the air blowing structure of the fourth aspect, wherein the blowing area is formed by a first wall surface on the first member side and a second wall surface opposite the first wall surface with respect to the blowing area, the tongue portion has an inner end located on the blowing area side, and the first wall surface has a first dimension from the blowing outlet to the inner end, a second dimension from the blowing outlet to a position that is 60% of the first dimension, and a third dimension from the blowing outlet to an end of the part of the blowing section made of the porous material on the blowing outlet side, and the third dimension is longer than the second dimension.

[0014] According to this configuration, the porous material can be provided in the vicinity of the tongue portion of the blowing section where turbulence is likely to occur, so that the air blowing structure can suitably suppress noise.

[0015] A sixth aspect of the present invention provides the air blowing structure of the fifth aspect, wherein the porous material has a structure that allows air to pass through, and faces both the blowing area and the suction area.

[0016] With this configuration, the space on the suction area side and the space on the blowing area side are connected via the porous material, and air flows out through the porous material to the suction area side, where the pressure is lower than that of the blowing area side, thereby enhancing the effects of suppressing pressure fluctuations and reducing noise.

[0017] A seventh aspect of the air blowing structure is the air blowing structure of the sixth aspect, wherein the portion of the blowing section made of the porous material has a first end face facing the blowing area, the first end face having a first width, and the first width having a dimension that is 10% or more of the first dimension.

[0018] With this configuration, the air blowing structure can suppress noise caused by turbulence and maintain its strength.

[0019] The air blowing structure of the eighth aspect is the air blowing structure of the seventh aspect, wherein the portion of the blowing section made of the porous material has a second end face facing the suction area, the second end face having a second width, and the second width being shorter than the first width.

[0020] According to this configuration, since the second width is shorter than the first width, it is possible to increase the contact area between the part of the blowout portion made of the porous material and the tongue portion.

[0021] A ninth aspect of the present invention provides the air blowing structure of the eighth aspect, wherein the second width is 50% or more of the first width.

[0022] According to this configuration, by ensuring a space on the first end face side and a space on the second end face side, pressure fluctuations due to turbulence that develops near the tongue of the blowing area can be suppressed, and therefore the air blowing structure can effectively suppress noise.

[0023] An indoor unit of an air conditioner according to a tenth aspect that solves the above-described problem includes the air blowing structure according to any one of the first to ninth aspects and a heat exchanger.

[0024] According to this configuration, the porous material provided in the first member suppresses pressure fluctuations near the tongue, where turbulence is likely to occur, thereby reducing noise. Therefore, the indoor unit of the air conditioner can effectively suppress noise.

[0025] An eleventh aspect of the air blowing structure that solves the above-mentioned problem comprises a crossflow fan and a housing in which the crossflow fan is mounted, wherein the housing has an intake port through which air is drawn, an outlet port through which the drawn air is blown out, a tongue portion that separates an intake area where air is drawn into the crossflow fan from the intake port, and an outlet area where air is blown out from the crossflow fan, and a porous material, wherein the porous material is positioned downstream of the tongue portion in the flow of air caused by the crossflow fan, and the downstream end of the porous material in the flow of air caused by the crossflow fan is closer to the tongue than the outlet port.

[0026] According to this configuration, the porous material suppresses pressure fluctuations near the tongue where turbulence is likely to occur, thereby reducing noise. Therefore, the air blowing structure can effectively suppress noise.

[0027] The air blowing structure of a twelfth aspect is the air blowing structure of the first aspect, wherein the blowing area is formed by a first wall surface on the tongue side and a second wall surface opposite the first wall surface with respect to the blowing area, the tongue has an inner end located on the blowing area side, and the first wall surface has a first dimension from the blowing outlet to the inner end, a second dimension from the blowing outlet to a position 60% of the first dimension, and a third dimension from the blowing outlet to the end of the porous material on the blowing outlet side, and the third dimension is longer than the second dimension.

[0028] According to this configuration, the porous material can be provided near the tongue portion where turbulence is likely to occur, thereby making it possible to effectively suppress noise.

[0029] A thirteenth aspect of the present invention provides the air blowing structure of the second aspect, wherein the porous material has a structure that allows air to pass through, and faces both the blowing area and the suction area.

[0030] With this configuration, the space on the suction area side and the space on the blowing area side are connected via the porous material, and air flows out through the porous material to the suction area side, where the pressure is lower than that of the blowing area side, thereby enhancing the effects of suppressing pressure fluctuations and reducing noise.

[0031] The air blowing structure of a fourteenth aspect is the air blowing structure of the third aspect, wherein the porous material has a first end face facing the blowing area, the first end face has a first width, and the first width has a dimension that is 10% or more of the first dimension.

[0032] This configuration makes it possible to suppress noise caused by turbulence and maintain strength.

[0033] In a fifteenth aspect, in the air blowing structure of the fourth aspect, the porous material has a second end surface facing the suction area, the second end surface having a second width, and the second width being shorter than the first width. With this configuration, since the second width is shorter than the first width, it is possible to increase the contact area between the porous material and the tongue portion.

[0034] According to a sixteenth aspect of the present invention, in the air blowing structure of the fifth aspect, the second width has a dimension that is 50% or more of the first width.

[0035] According to this configuration, by ensuring a space on the first end face side and a space on the second end face side, pressure fluctuations due to turbulence that develops near the tongue of the blowing area can be suppressed, and therefore the air blowing structure can effectively suppress noise.

[0036] The indoor unit of an air conditioner of a seventeenth aspect that solves the above problem comprises the air blowing structure of any one of the eleventh aspect to the sixteenth aspect, and a heat exchanger that exchanges heat with the air drawn in through the air intake port.

[0037] According to this configuration, the porous material suppresses pressure fluctuations near the tongue where turbulence is likely to occur, thereby reducing noise. Therefore, the indoor unit of the air conditioner can effectively suppress noise.

[0038] Fig. 2 is a perspective view of an indoor unit of an air conditioner of an embodiment. Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing a cross section of the indoor unit of Fig. 1 as seen from the longitudinal direction. Fig. 4 is an enlarged view of a part of the cross-sectional view of Fig. 2. Fig. 5 is an example of a graph showing the magnitude of blowing noise relative to the air volume when a porous material is provided in the blowing section, a porous material is further provided in the tongue section, and no porous material is provided in the tongue section. Fig. 6 is an example of a graph showing the magnitude of blowing noise relative to the air volume when a porous material is provided in the blowing section and a porous material is not provided in the blowing section. Fig. 7 is an enlarged view of a porous material of a first modified example. Fig. 8 is an enlarged view of a porous material of a second modified example.

[0039] <Embodiment> A ventilation structure 21 and an indoor unit 11 of an air conditioner according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 1 to 5 .

[0040] <Indoor unit and air blowing structure of air conditioner> The indoor unit 11 of the air conditioner shown in Figures 1 to 3 is configured to cool or heat the space inside a room. The indoor unit 11 is a wall-mounted type that is attached to the wall WL inside the room. The indoor unit 11 is connected to the outdoor unit of the air conditioner by a refrigerant piping.

[0041] The indoor unit 11 includes an air blowing structure 21 and a heat exchanger 12. The air blowing structure 21 includes a cross flow fan 22 and a housing 30 in which the cross flow fan 22 is provided.

[0042] The housing 30 is formed in a box shape extending in the longitudinal direction X of the indoor unit 11. The housing 30 has a case portion 31. The case portion 31 has a top surface portion 32, a first front surface portion 33, a second front surface portion 34, a rear surface portion 35, a bottom surface portion 36, a first side surface portion 37, and a second side surface portion 38. The top surface portion 32, the first front surface portion 33, the second front surface portion 34, the rear surface portion 35, and the bottom surface portion 36 extend in the longitudinal direction X.

[0043] The first side surface portion 37 is connected to one end of the top surface portion 32, the first front surface portion 33, the second front surface portion 34, the rear surface portion 35, and the bottom surface portion 36 in the longitudinal direction X. The second side surface portion 38 is connected to the other end of the top surface portion 32, the first front surface portion 33, the second front surface portion 34, the rear surface portion 35, and the bottom surface portion 36 in the longitudinal direction X.

[0044] The case 31 has an internal space IS formed by a top surface 32, a first front surface 33, a second front surface 34, a rear surface 35, a bottom surface 36, a first side surface 37, and a second side surface 38. The indoor unit 11 is installed on the wall WL, for example, by attaching the rear surface 35 to a mounting plate provided on the wall WL with screws or the like.

[0045] The case portion 31 has an intake port 39 through which air is drawn. The intake port 39 is provided in the top surface portion 32. The intake port 39 extends in the longitudinal direction X along the top surface portion 32. The case portion 31 has an outlet 40 through which the drawn air is blown out. The outlet 40 is provided between the second front surface portion 34 and the bottom surface portion 36. The outlet 40 extends in the longitudinal direction X along the second front surface portion 34 and the bottom surface portion 36.

[0046] The heat exchanger 12 exchanges heat with the air drawn in through the air inlet 39. The heat exchanger 12 has a plurality of fins and a plurality of heat transfer tubes that pass through the fins. The heat exchanger 12 exchanges heat between the refrigerant flowing through the heat transfer tubes and the air passing through the heat exchanger 12. The heat exchanger 12 functions as an evaporator or a condenser depending on the operating state of the indoor unit 11. The heat exchanger 12 is disposed in the internal space IS of the case 31 so that at least a portion of the heat exchanger 12 is located closer to the air inlet 39 than the cross flow fan 22.

[0047] The indoor unit 11 further includes an air filter 13. The air filter 13 is provided in an internal space IS of the case 31. The air filter 13 is detachably attached to the case 31. An air filter support 31a that supports the air filter 13 includes a first air filter support 31b near the rear surface 35 and a second air filter support 31c on the second front surface 34 side. The second air filter support 31c contacts the first member 41. The air filter 13 is supported by the first air filter support 31b and the second air filter support 31c.

[0048] The air filter 13 captures dust in the indoor air sucked in through the air inlet 39. When the air filter 13 is attached to the case 31, it is located between the top surface 32 of the case 31 and the heat exchanger 12. The air filter 13 prevents dust in the indoor air from adhering to the surface of the heat exchanger 12.

[0049] The cross flow fan 22 is a substantially cylindrical impeller extending in the longitudinal direction X. The cross flow fan 22 is provided in the internal space IS of the case portion 31. The cross flow fan 22 has blade edges 23 provided on the outer periphery of the cross flow fan 22.

[0050] When the cross-flow fan 22 rotates, indoor air is drawn into the internal space IS of the case 31 through the air inlet 39. The drawn air passes through the air filter 13 and then the heat exchanger 12. After heat exchange in the heat exchanger 12, the air is blown out into the room through the air outlet 40 by the cross-flow fan 22.

[0051] The housing 30 has a first member 41. The first member 41 extends from the second front surface 34 toward the cross flow fan 22. The first member 41 extends along the cross flow fan 22 in the longitudinal direction X. A tongue portion 44 of the first member 41 faces the cross flow fan 22 in the radial direction of the cross flow fan 22. A gap is provided between the tongue portion 44 of the first member 41 and the outer periphery of the cross flow fan 22. The heat exchanger 12 is disposed above the first member 41. The first member 41 is formed, for example, from a porous resin material and a non-porous resin material.

[0052] The housing 30 has a second member 42. The second member 42 is provided diagonally below and rearward of the cross flow fan 22. The second member 42 guides the air blown out from the cross flow fan 22 to the air outlet 40. The second member 42 is, for example, a part of the housing 30. The second member 42 may be separate from the housing 30. The length of the second member 42 in the longitudinal direction X is substantially equal to the length of the air outlet 40 in the longitudinal direction X.

[0053] The indoor unit 11 further includes a flap 14. The flap 14 is provided on the lower edge of the second member 42 so as to be rotatable relative to the second member 42. The flap 14 is formed in a flat plate shape extending in the longitudinal direction X. The length of the flap 14 in the longitudinal direction X is substantially equal to the length of the air outlet 40 in the longitudinal direction X. The flap 14 rotates relative to the second member 42 by, for example, a flap drive motor.

[0054] The region where air is drawn into the crossflow fan 22 from the suction port 39 is defined as the suction region SR. The suction region SR is, for example, the region between the heat exchanger 12 and the crossflow fan 22. The region where air is blown out from the crossflow fan 22 is defined as the blowout region BR. The blowout region BR is, for example, the region between the second member 42 and the crossflow fan 22. The blowout region BR is, for example, the region between the flap 14 and the crossflow fan 22. The blowout region BR is, for example, the region between the flap 14 and the first member 41.

[0055] The first member 41 has a tongue portion 44 and a blowing portion 43. The blowing portion 43 is located closer to the air outlet 40 than the tongue portion 44. A portion of the blowing portion 43 is made of a porous material 51. The portion of the first member 41 other than the tongue portion 44 constitutes the blowing portion 43. The blowing portion 43 and the tongue portion 44 are integrally formed. Details of the tongue portion 44 and the porous material 51 will be described later.

[0056] A drain pan surface 41a that receives condensation water from the heat exchanger 12 is formed on the upper surface 43a of the blow-out portion 43. The drain pan surface 41a is formed by a surface of the upper surface 43a of the blow-out portion 43 that is closer to the cross flow fan 22 than the second air filter support portion 31c and a third surface 44e of the tongue portion 44. In the longitudinal direction X, the length of the drain pan surface 41a is substantially equal to the length of the heat exchanger 12.

[0057] The tongue portion 44 divides the space around the cross flow fan 22 into a suction region SR and a blow-out region BR. The tongue portion 44 extends in the longitudinal direction X along the cross flow fan 22. The tongue portion 44 faces the cross flow fan 22 in the radial direction of the cross flow fan 22. A gap is provided between the tongue portion 44 and the outer periphery of the cross flow fan 22.

[0058] The tongue portion 44 is a portion where the air flow along the blade edge 23 of the cross flow fan 22 branches into a flow that flows from the gap between the cross flow fan 22 and the tongue portion 44 toward the suction region SR and a flow that flows toward the air outlet 40. The tongue portion 44 has a tongue surface portion 44x that is disposed on the surface of the tongue portion 44. The tongue surface portion 44x includes an inner end 44a that faces the flap 14. The tongue surface portion 44x includes an outer end 44b that is adjacent to the porous material 51. The tongue surface portion 44x includes a first surface 44c, a second surface 44d, and a third surface 44e. The tongue portion 44 is formed of a non-porous material. The non-porous material is a material that has a higher density than the porous material 51.

[0059] The first surface 44c curves to protrude from the inner end 44a toward the blowing region BR adjacent to the crossflow fan 22. The second surface 44d is connected to the first surface 44c. The second surface 44d curves to fit the outer peripheral shape of the crossflow fan 22. The second surface 44d faces the crossflow fan 22 with a gap therebetween. The third surface 44e is connected to the second surface 44d. The third surface 44e is provided between the upper end of the second surface 44d and the outer end 44b. The third surface 44e is flat.

[0060] The blowout region BR is formed by a first wall surface 45 on the first member 41 side and a second wall surface 46 on the opposite side of the blowout region BR from the first wall surface 45. The first wall surface 45 is formed on the underside of the first member 41. The second wall surface 46 is formed by the second member 42 and the flap 14. The first wall surface 45 and the second wall surface 46 are arranged so that the cross-sectional area of ​​the blowout region BR widens toward the end. The blowout region BR has a diffuser function because the cross-sectional area increases toward the air outlet 40.

[0061] <Porous Material> The porous material 51 has a structure that allows air to pass through. The material of the porous material 51 is not particularly limited. The material of the porous material 51 is, for example, a resin, a ceramic, a metal, or the like. For example, the resin is a foamed resin. For example, the ceramic or metal is a porous sintered body. The metal may be a net-like body also called a mesh.

[0062] The porous material 51 is disposed downstream of the tongue portion 44 of the blowout portion 43 in the direction of the air flow caused by the cross flow fan 22. The porous material 51 is provided from the upper surface 43a to the lower surface 43b of the blowout portion 43. In one example, the porous material 51 is provided from a portion of the drain pan surface 41a that does not face the heat exchanger 12 to the lower surface 43b of the blowout portion 43.

[0063] The porous material 51 is disposed in a portion of the blowout portion 43 adjacent to the tongue portion 44. The porous material 51 is provided in a portion of the blowout portion 43 that is different from the portion having the lowest vertical height. The porous material 51 is provided in the blowout portion 43 by insert molding, adhesive, ultrasonic welding, screw fastening, or the like. The porous material 51 may be provided intermittently or continuously in the blowout portion 43 in the longitudinal direction X.

[0064] The portion of the blowing section 43 made of the porous material 51 has a first end 52 on the side of the air outlet 40. The first end 52 is the end on the downstream side of the air flow caused by the cross flow fan 22. The first end 52 is closer to the tongue portion 44 than to the air outlet 40.

[0065] The portion of the blowing section 43 made of the porous material 51 has a second end 53 on the tongue 44 side. The second end 53 is the end on the upstream side of the air flow caused by the cross flow fan 22. The second end 53 contacts the tongue 44.

[0066] The portion of the blow-out section 43 made of the porous material 51 faces both the blow-out region BR and the suction region SR. The portion of the blow-out section 43 made of the porous material 51 has a first end surface 54 facing the blow-out region BR. The portion of the blow-out section 43 made of the porous material 51 has a second end surface 55 facing the suction region SR.

[0067] The dimension of the first end face 54 is a first width L1. The first width L1 is the distance between the downstream end and upstream end of the porous material 51 in the air flow caused by the cross flow fan 22 on the first wall surface 45. The dimension of the second end face 55 is a second width L2. The second width L2 is the distance between the downstream end and upstream end of the air flow caused by the cross flow fan 22 on the portion of the second end face 55 facing the suction region SR.

[0068] 4 shows an example of a graph comparing the magnitude of the blowing noise relative to the air volume for pattern 1 and the magnitude of the blowing noise relative to the air volume for pattern 2. Pattern 1 is a case where porous material 51 is provided in blowing portion 43, and porous material 51 is further provided in tongue portion 44. Pattern 2 is a case where porous material 51 is provided in blowing portion 43, but porous material 51 is not provided in tongue portion 44. The solid line in FIG. 4 is a graph of the magnitude of the blowing noise relative to the air volume for pattern 1. The dashed line in FIG. 4 is a graph of the magnitude of the blowing noise relative to the air volume for pattern 2.

[0069] The magnitude of the blowing noise relative to the air volume in pattern 1 is greater than the magnitude of the blowing noise relative to the air volume in pattern 2. That is, in the case of pattern 2, the blowing noise can be reduced more than in the case of pattern 1.

[0070] <Relationship Between the Dimensions of the First Wall Surface and the Porous Material> The first wall surface 45 has a first dimension S1 from the air outlet 40 to the inner end 44a. Specifically, the first dimension S1 is the distance between the inner end 44a and the end of the first wall surface 45 downstream of the air flow caused by the crossflow fan 22. The first wall surface 45 has a second dimension S2 from the air outlet 40 to a position that is 60% of the first dimension S1. Specifically, the first dimension S1 is the distance between the end of the first wall surface 45 downstream of the air flow caused by the crossflow fan 22 and a position that is 60% of the first dimension S1. The first wall surface 45 has a third dimension S3 from the air outlet 40 to the end of the porous material 51 on the air outlet 40 side. Specifically, the first dimension S1 is the distance between the downstream end of the air flow caused by the cross-flow fan 22 on the first wall surface 45 and the downstream end of the air flow caused by the cross-flow fan 22 on the porous material 51 on the first wall surface 45.

[0071] The second width L2 is shorter than the first width L1. The second width L2 may be longer than the first width L1 or may be equal to the first width L1. The second width L2 has a dimension that is 30% or more of the first width L1. Preferably, the second width L2 has a dimension that is 50% or more of the first width L1. Preferably, the second width L2 has a dimension that is 80% or more of the first width L1.

[0072] The third dimension S3 is longer than the second dimension S2. The third dimension S3 is 70% or more of the first dimension S1. Preferably, the third dimension S3 is 80% or more of the first dimension S1. The first width L1 is 10% or more of the first dimension S1.

[0073] 5 shows an example of a graph comparing the magnitude of the blowing noise relative to the air volume in the case of pattern 3 with the magnitude of the blowing noise relative to the air volume in the case of pattern 4. Pattern 3 is a case where the porous material 51 is provided in the blowing section 43. Pattern 4 is a case where the porous material 51 is not provided in the blowing section 43. In one example, the position in the blowing section 43 where the porous material 51 is provided satisfies formulas (1) to (3). (Formula 1): S3 / S1 = 0.85 (Formula 2): L1 / S1 = 0.13 (Formula 3): L2 / L1 = 0.83

[0074] The solid line in Fig. 5 is a graph of the magnitude of the airflow noise relative to the air volume for pattern 3. The dashed line in Fig. 5 is a graph of the magnitude of the airflow noise relative to the air volume for pattern 4. The magnitude of the airflow noise relative to the air volume for pattern 3 is smaller than the magnitude of the airflow noise relative to the air volume for pattern 4. In other words, the airflow noise can be reduced more in pattern 3 than in pattern 4.

[0075] The effects of this embodiment will be described. (1) The air blowing structure 21 includes a crossflow fan 22 and a housing 30 in which the crossflow fan 22 is mounted. The housing 30 includes a case 31 having an inlet 39 through which air is drawn, and a first member 41. The first member 41 includes a tongue 44 that separates an inlet region SR where air is drawn into the crossflow fan 22 from an outlet region BR where air is blown out from the crossflow fan 22, and a blowout region 43 located closer to the outlet 40 than the tongue 44. The tongue 44 is made of a non-porous material. A portion of the blowout region 43 is made of a porous material 51. The porous material 51 is provided from an upper surface 43a to a lower surface 43b of the blowout region 43.

[0076] According to this configuration, noise is reduced by the porous material 51 provided in the first member 41. Therefore, the air blowing structure 21 can suitably suppress noise. In this embodiment, the porous material 51 is provided on the first member 41 closer to the cross flow fan 22 than near the air outlet 40, which is easily touched by a user's hands. This makes it difficult for the first member 41 to be damaged, and also makes it possible to maintain the appearance and shape of the indoor unit 11.

[0077] (2) A heat exchanger 12 is arranged above the first member 41, and a drain pan surface 41a that receives condensed water from the heat exchanger 12 is formed on the upper surface 43a of the blow-out section 43, and the porous material 51 is provided from the portion of the drain pan surface 41a that does not face the heat exchanger 12 to the lower surface 43b of the blow-out section 43.

[0078] According to this configuration, an air layer can be provided between the drain pan surface 41a and the lower surface 43b of the blow-out portion 43, so that the air blowing structure 21 can further suppress noise.

[0079] (3) The porous material 51 is provided in a portion of the blow-out portion 43 that is different from the portion having the lowest vertical height. With this configuration, the portion of the drain pan surface 41a where moisture is likely to accumulate is not porous, and therefore, in the air blowing structure 21, moisture accumulated on the drain pan surface 41a is less likely to leak downward.

[0080] (4) The porous material 51 is disposed downstream of the tongue 44 of the blow-out section 43 in the direction of the airflow caused by the cross-flow fan 22. The end of the portion of the blow-out section 43 made of the porous material 51 that is downstream of the airflow caused by the cross-flow fan 22 is closer to the tongue 44 than the air outlet 40 through which the sucked air is blown out. With this configuration, the porous material 51 suppresses pressure fluctuations near the tongue 44, where turbulence is likely to occur, thereby reducing noise.

[0081] (5) The blowout region BR is formed by a first wall surface 45 on the first member 41 side and a second wall surface 46 on the opposite side of the blowout region BR from the first wall surface 45. The tongue portion 44 has an inner end 44a located on the blowout region BR side. The first wall surface 45 has a first dimension S1 from the blowout outlet 40 to the inner end 44a, a second dimension S2 from the blowout outlet 40 to a position 60% of the first dimension S1, and a third dimension S3 from the blowout outlet 40 to the end of the portion of the blowout section 43 made of the porous material 51 on the blowout outlet 40 side. The third dimension S3 is longer than the second dimension S2. With this configuration, the porous material 51 can be provided near the tongue portion 44 where turbulence is likely to occur, thereby enabling the air blowing structure 21 to effectively suppress noise.

[0082] (6) The porous material 51 has a structure that allows air to pass through and faces both the blow-out region BR and the suction region SR. Near the tongue 44, the air flows through the gap between the crossflow fan 22 and the tongue 44, and the flow toward the suction region SR merges with the flow toward the blow-out port 40. Therefore, turbulence is likely to occur and grow due to the collision of the air flows with the tongue 44, the mixing of the flows, and friction on the wall surfaces. According to the above configuration, the space on the suction region SR side and the space on the blow-out region BR side are connected via the porous material 51, allowing a small amount of air to flow through the porous material 51 to the suction region SR side, where the pressure is lower than that of the blow-out region BR side. This enhances the effects of suppressing pressure fluctuations and reducing noise.

[0083] (7) The portion of the blowing section 43 made of the porous material 51 has a first end surface 54 facing the blowing region BR. The first end surface 54 has a first width L1. The first width L1 is 10% or more of the first dimension S1. With this configuration, the air blowing structure 21 can suppress noise caused by turbulence while maintaining its strength.

[0084] (8) The portion of the blowing portion 43 made of the porous material 51 has a second end surface 55 facing the suction region SR. The second end surface 55 has a second width L2. The second width L2 is shorter than the first width L1. With this configuration, because the second width L2 is shorter than the first width L1, the contact area between the portion of the blowing portion 43 made of the porous material 51 and the tongue portion 44 can be increased.

[0085] According to the above configuration, the following effects can be further obtained depending on the method by which the porous material 51 is provided in the blowout portion 43. When the porous material 51 is attached by insert molding or adhesive to the portion of the blowout portion 43 adjacent to the tongue portion 44, the area of ​​the joint between the portion of the blowout portion 43 made of the porous material 51 and the tongue portion 44 can be increased, thereby increasing the strength of the joint. When the porous material 51 is attached to the portion of the blowout portion 43 adjacent to the tongue portion 44 by ultrasonic welding, screw fastening, or the like, a space for embedding a welded portion or a screw hole can be secured on the second end 53 side of the portion of the blowout portion 43 made of the porous material 51.

[0086] (9) The second width L2 is 50% or more of the first width L1. With this configuration, by ensuring a space on the first end face 54 side and a space on the second end face 55 side, pressure fluctuations due to turbulence developed near the tongue 44 of the blowing region BR can be suppressed. Therefore, the air blowing structure 21 can effectively suppress noise.

[0087] (10) The indoor unit 11 of the air conditioner includes the air blowing structure 21 and the heat exchanger 12. With this configuration, the porous material 51 provided in the first member 41 suppresses pressure fluctuations near the tongue portion where turbulence is likely to occur, thereby reducing noise. Therefore, the indoor unit 11 of the air conditioner can effectively suppress noise.

[0088] <Modifications> In addition to the above-described embodiments, the air blowing structure 21 and the air conditioner indoor unit 11 of the present disclosure may be configured in the following modifications or in a combination of at least two modifications that are not mutually contradictory.

[0089] As shown in FIG. 6 , the porous material 51 may be disposed on the first member 41 so as to be located between the outer end 44 b of the tongue surface portion 44 x and the inner end 44 a of the tongue surface portion 44 x in the extension direction of the first wall surface 45. When the porous material 51 is disposed on the first member 41 so as to be located between the outer end 44 b and the inner end 44 a in the extension direction of the first wall surface 45, the following effects can be obtained depending on the method by which the porous material 51 is provided on the first member 41. When the porous material 51 is attached to the first member 41 by insert molding or adhesive, the area of ​​the joint between the porous material 51 and the tongue portion 44 can be increased, thereby increasing the strength of the joint. When the porous material 51 is attached by ultrasonic welding or screw fastening, a space for embedding a weld or a screw hole can be secured on the second end 53 side.

[0090] 7 , the portion of the blowout portion 43 made of the porous material 51 may be tapered so that the first end surface 54 is wider than the second end surface 55. Depending on the method by which the porous material 51 is provided to the first member 41, the following effects can be obtained. When the porous material 51 is attached to the first member 41 by insert molding or adhesive, the area of ​​the joint between the porous material 51 and the tongue portion 44 can be increased, thereby increasing the strength of the joint. When the porous material 51 is attached by ultrasonic welding or screw fastening, a space can be secured on the second end portion 53 side for embedding a welded portion or a screw hole.

[0091] The above describes an embodiment of the air blowing structure 21 and the indoor unit 11 of the air conditioner. However, it will be understood that various modifications of the form and details are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the air blowing structure 21 and the indoor unit 11 of the air conditioner as set forth in the claims.

[0092] 11...indoor unit, 12...heat exchanger, 21...air blowing structure, 22...crossflow fan, 30...housing, 31...case portion, 39...intake port, 40...blowout port, 41...first member, 41a...drain pan surface, 43...blowout portion, 43a...upper surface, 43b...lower surface, 44...tongue portion, 44a...inner end, 45...first wall surface, 46...second wall surface, 51...porous material, 54...first end surface, 55...second end surface, BR...blowout area, L1...first width, L2...second width, S1...first dimension, S2...second dimension, S3...third dimension, SR...suction area.

Claims

1. An air blowing structure (21), comprising: a cross-flow fan (22); and a housing (30) in which the cross-flow fan (22) is provided, the housing (30) having a case portion (31) having an inlet (39) through which air is drawn; and a first member (41), the first member (41) having a tongue portion (44) that separates an intake region (SR) through which air is drawn into the cross-flow fan (22) from a blowing region (BR) through which air is blown out from the cross-flow fan (22), and a blowing portion (43) located on the blowing port (40) side of the tongue portion (44), the tongue portion (44) being made of a non-porous material, and a portion of the blowing portion (43) being made of a porous material (51), the porous material (51) being provided from an upper surface (43a) to a lower surface (43b) of the blowing portion (43). Ventilation structure.

2. The air blowing structure as described in claim 1, wherein a heat exchanger (12) is disposed above the first member (41), a drain pan surface (41a) for receiving condensation water from the heat exchanger (12) is formed on an upper surface (43a) of the blowing section (43), and the porous material (51) is provided from a portion of the drain pan surface (41a) not facing the heat exchanger (12) to a lower surface (43b) of the blowing section (43).

3. The air blowing structure according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the porous material (51) is provided in a portion of the blowing section (43) other than a portion having the lowest vertical height.

4. The air blowing structure described in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the porous material (51) is positioned downstream of the tongue portion (44) of the blowing section (43) in the air flow caused by the cross-flow fan (22), and the end portion of the blowing section (43) made of the porous material (51) downstream of the air flow caused by the cross-flow fan (22) is closer to the tongue portion (44) than the blowing outlet (40) from which the sucked air is blown out.

5. The air blowing structure as described in claim 4, wherein the blowing area (BR) is formed by a first wall surface (45) on the first member (41) side and a second wall surface (46) on the opposite side of the first wall surface (45) with respect to the blowing area (BR), the tongue portion (44) has an inner end (44a) located on the blowing area (BR) side, and the first wall surface (45) has a first dimension (S1) from the blowing outlet (40) to the inner end (44a), a second dimension (S2) from the blowing outlet (40) to a position that is 60% of the first dimension (S1), and a third dimension (S3) from the blowing outlet (40) to an end of the portion of the blowing section (43) made of the porous material (51) on the blowing outlet (40) side, and the third dimension (S3) is longer than the second dimension (S2).

6. The air blowing structure according to claim 5, wherein the porous material (51) has a structure that allows air to pass through and faces both the blowing area (BR) and the suction area (SR).

7. The air blowing structure described in claim 6, wherein the portion of the blowing section made of the porous material (51) has a first end face (54) facing the blowing area (BR), the first end face (54) has a first width (L1), and the first width (L1) has a dimension that is 10% or more of the first dimension (S1).

8. The air blowing structure described in claim 7, wherein the portion of the blowing section (43) made of the porous material (51) has a second end face (55) facing the suction region (SR), the second end face (55) has a second width (L2), and the second width (L2) is shorter than the first width (L1).

9. The air blowing structure according to claim 8, wherein the second width (L2) has a dimension that is 50% or more of the first width (L1).

10. An indoor unit (11) for an air conditioner, comprising: an air blowing structure (21) according to any one of claims 1 to 9; and a heat exchanger (12).

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