Air conditioner

Abstract

The present invention provides an air conditioner with which the distance air can be blown out from a blowout port of the air conditioner is greater than in the past. An air conditioner 1 includes a housing 2, a double counter-rotating fan 6, and a filter 5. A suction port 22 and a blowout port 24 are formed in the housing 2. The double counter-rotating fan 6 is accommodated inside the housing 2 and includes a first impeller 60 and a second impeller 70. The first impeller 60 rotates around a first axis J1 in a first rotation direction, and draws in air through the suction port 22 into the housing 2. The second impeller 70 is disposed between the first impeller 60 and the blowout port 24, rotates around the first axis J1 in a second rotation direction opposite to the first rotation direction, and blows air inside the housing 2 out through the blowout port 24 to the outside of the housing 2. The filter 5 is accommodated inside the housing 2, and has curved surfaces 56, 57 through which the air drawn into the housing 2 through the suction port 22 by the driving of the double counter-rotating fan 6 passes.

Description

air conditioner

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

[0002] A conventional air conditioner includes a main body, a support portion that supports the main body, and a rotational position control portion that rotatably supports the main body relative to the support portion and maintains a desired rotational position (see, for example, Patent Document 1). The main body has a housing that has an air inlet and an air outlet formed therein. A fan motor, a fan, and a filter are provided inside the housing. The fan is rotated by the fan motor to draw air into the housing through the air inlet. The air drawn into the housing passes through a filter and is then blown out of the housing through the air outlet.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-18654

[0004] In conventional air conditioners, the air blowing distance, which is the distance that air blown out from the air outlet can reach, is relatively short due to pressure loss that occurs when air drawn into the housing passes through a filter.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide an air conditioner that can blow air from an air outlet of the air conditioner over a longer distance than conventional air conditioners.

[0006] An air conditioner according to one aspect of the present invention includes: a housing having an air intake port and an air outlet; a counter-rotating fan housed inside the housing and having a first impeller and a second impeller, the first impeller rotating around a first axis in a first rotational direction and drawing air into the housing through the air intake port; and the second impeller disposed between the first impeller and the air outlet and rotating around the first axis in a second rotational direction opposite to the first rotational direction and blowing air from inside the housing out of the housing through the air outlet; and a filter housed inside the housing and having a curved surface through which air drawn into the housing from the air intake port by driving the counter-rotating fan passes.

[0007] The counter-rotating fan of an air conditioner according to this embodiment improves the straightness of the air blown out from the outlet compared to conventional models, contributing to a longer air-transport distance, i.e., the distance that the air blown out from the outlet of the air conditioner can reach. A filter with a curved surface can ensure a larger surface area for the air drawn into the housing to pass through in a smaller space than a filter made of only flat surfaces, but it also suffers from a larger pressure loss than a filter made of only flat surfaces under the same surface area. In contrast, the counter-rotating fan of an air conditioner according to this embodiment contributes to a longer air-transport distance, i.e., the distance that the air blown out from the outlet can reach, compared to conventional models. A filter with a curved surface can ensure a larger surface area for the air drawn into the housing to pass through in a smaller space than a filter made of only flat surfaces, but it also suffers from a larger pressure loss than a filter made of only flat surfaces under the same surface area.

[0008] 4(A) is a front view of the air conditioner 1 when the outlet grille 23 is in a reference position facing forward. FIG. 4(A) is a right side view of the air conditioner 1 when the outlet grille 23 is in a reference position facing forward, FIG. 4(B) is a right side view of the air conditioner 1 when the outlet grille 23 faces downward, and FIG. 4(C) is a right side view of the air conditioner 1 when the outlet grille 23 faces diagonally upward and forward. FIG. 4(B) is a cross-sectional view of the air conditioner 1 taken along line 3-3 in FIG. 4(B). FIG. 4(C) is an exploded perspective view of the fan unit 7. FIG. 4(B) is a rear view of the shroud 10. FIG. 4(C) is a cross-sectional view of the fan unit 7 taken along line 8-8 in FIG. 4(B). FIG. 4(C) is a perspective view of the counter-rotating fan 6. FIG. 4(B) is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the air conditioner 1. FIG. 4(C) is an explanatory diagram of a table 103 stored in a memory 102. 13A is a plan view of the input unit 44 when the first mode is set, (B) is a plan view of the input unit 44 when the second mode is set, and (C) is a plan view of the input unit 44 when the third mode is set. FIG. 13B is a flow chart of the control process. FIG. 13C is a flow chart of the first mode process executed in the control process of FIG. 13. FIG. 13D is a flow chart of the second mode process executed in the control process of FIG. 13. FIG. 13E is a flow chart of the third mode process executed in the control process of FIG. 13.

[0009] An embodiment of an air conditioner 1 according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The drawings are used to explain technical features that may be employed by the present invention. The configurations of the device described are not intended to be limiting and are merely illustrative examples. The up-down direction and left-right direction in FIG. 1 respectively correspond to the up-down direction and left-right direction of the air conditioner 1. The longitudinal direction of the first arm 42 and the second arm 43 of the support body 4 corresponds to the up-down direction. The extension direction of the second axis J2 corresponds to the left-right direction. The side of the housing 2 on which the first arm 42 is located is the left side, and the side of the housing 2 on which the second arm 43 is located is the right side. The direction in which the first axis J1 extends is defined as the extension direction E. The extension direction E includes a first direction D1 and a second direction D2. The extension direction E changes depending on the position of the housing 2 around the second axis J2 relative to the support body 4.

[0010] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 , the air conditioner 1 includes a housing 2, a support 4, a filter 5, and a fan unit 7. The air conditioner 1 is an air purifier that is placed on a floor or a stand indoors, draws air into the housing 2, and blows the air from which substances to be removed by the filter 5 to the outside of the housing 2. The substances to be removed include, for example, airborne allergens such as dust, mold, and pollen, viruses and bacteria, and odors. The support 4 supports the housing 2 so that it can rotate about a second axis J2 and a third axis J3. In the following description, the reference position is defined as a position in which the outlet grille 23 of the housing 2 faces forward, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2A , and the configuration of the housing 2 will be described based on the case in which the housing 2 is in the reference position.

[0011] The housing 2 is a rectangular parallelepiped box that is long in the extension direction E. The housing 2 accommodates a filter 5 and a fan unit 7 inside. The housing 2 includes a main body 20, an intake grill 21, an exhaust grill 23, and a shroud 10. The housing 2 is formed with an intake port 22 and an exhaust port 24. The main body 20 is a square cylinder when viewed from the front. A left intake port 26 and a left protrusion 251 are formed in a left wall 25 of the main body 20. The left intake port 26 extends in the short direction of the left wall 25 and is a plurality of slits that are arranged at equal intervals in the extension direction E. The left protrusion 251 is a cylindrical convex portion that protrudes leftward from the left wall 25 and is centered on the second axis J2. A right intake port 28 and a right protrusion 271 are formed in a right wall 27 of the main body 20. The right suction port 28 is a plurality of slits that extend in the short direction of the right wall 27 and are arranged at equal intervals in the extension direction E. The right protrusion 271 is a cylindrical convex portion that protrudes rightward from the right wall 27 and is centered on the second axis J2.

[0012] The intake grille 21 is connected to the rear surface of the main body 20. The exhaust grille 23 is connected to the front surface of the main body 20. The intake grille 21 and the exhaust grille 23 of the air conditioner 1 of this embodiment have the same configuration. As shown in FIG. 1 , the exhaust grille 23 is formed with a plurality of exhaust slits 241 extending parallel to the second axis J2 and constituting the exhaust outlet 24. In this embodiment, the second axis J2 extends horizontally, more specifically, in the left-right direction. Although not shown in detail, the intake grille 21 is formed with a plurality of slits similar to those of the exhaust grille 23. The plurality of intake slits 221 of the intake grille 21 constitute the intake port 22. The intake port 22 and the exhaust port 24 are each formed on a plane intersecting the first axis J1. More specifically, the intake port 22 is formed on the intake grille 21, which forms a plane perpendicular to the first axis J1. The air outlets 24 are formed in the air outlet grill 23, which forms a plane perpendicular to the first axis J1. In this embodiment, the first axis J1 passes through the center of the air inlet grill 21 and the center of the air outlet grill 23. The first direction D1 is the direction from the air outlet grill 23 to the air inlet grill 21. The second direction D2 is the direction opposite to the first direction D1.

[0013] As shown in FIGS. 4 to 8 , the shroud 10 holds the counter-rotating fan 6. The shroud 10 includes a cylindrical body 11, a first plate 13, a second plate 14, a contact portion 17, multiple beams 15, a wiring housing portion 18, and a wiring cover 19. The cylindrical body 11 is a cylinder centered on a first axis J1 in a front view. Multiple flanges 111 extending parallel to the first axis J1 are formed on the outer periphery of the cylindrical body 11. The first plate 13 extends from an end of the cylindrical body 11 in the first direction D1, perpendicular to the first axis J1, and in a direction away from the first axis J1. The outer periphery of the first plate 13 has a square shape centered on the first axis J1. The second plate 14 extends from an end of the cylindrical body 11 in the second direction D2, perpendicular to the first axis J1, and in a direction away from the first axis J1. The outer periphery of the second plate 14 has a square shape centered on the first axis J1.

[0014] The abutment portion 17 is a cylindrical body centered on the first axis J1 and disposed between the first impeller 60 and the second impeller 70 in the extension direction E of the first axis J1. The abutment portion 17 abuts against the outer periphery of the motor holder 9 to fix the motor holder 9 in the space surrounded by the cylindrical body 11 of the shroud 10. As shown in FIG. 7 , the abutment portion 17 includes fixing portions 172 to 178 that protrude from the inner periphery toward the first axis J1. The fixing portions 172 to 178 are disposed at equal intervals on the inner periphery of the abutment portion 17. A screw hole is formed in each of the fixing portions 172, 174, 176, and 178. The fixing portions 173, 175, and 177 are each a pin that protrudes in the first direction D1.

[0015] The multiple beams 15 constitute part of the housing 2 and are arranged between the first impeller 60 and the second impeller 70 in the extension direction E of the first axis J1. The multiple beams 15 support the motor holder 9. In this embodiment, the multiple beams 15 are composed of beams 151 to 161. The beams 151 to 161 have the same configuration. In the following description, when there is no need to distinguish between the beams 151 to 161, they will simply be referred to as beams 15. One end of the beam 15 is connected to the abutment portion 17, and the other end of the beam 15 is connected to the inner circumference 12 of the cylindrical body 11.

[0016] As shown in FIG. 8 , each beam 15 has an inclined surface 16 that is inclined with respect to the first axis J1 in a direction opposite to the inclination of the multiple first blades 62 of the first impeller 60 (described later). The multiple first blades 62 of the first impeller 60 are inclined toward the first rotation direction R1 as their portions are closer to the first direction D1. Meanwhile, the inclined surface 16 of the beam 15 and the multiple second blades 72 of the second impeller 70 (described later) are inclined toward the second rotation direction R2, opposite the first rotation direction R1, as their portions are closer to the first direction D1. The inclined surface 16 is a curved surface. More specifically, the inclined surface 16 has an arc shape that is convex in the first rotation direction R1. As shown in FIG. 7 , the shape of the beam 15 as viewed from the extension direction E of the air conditioner 1 is an arc shape that extends concavely in the first rotation direction R1 from a contact portion 17 that contacts the motor holder 9 toward the housing 2. When viewed from the rear of the air conditioner 1 with the housing 2 in the reference position, the beam 15 has an arc shape that extends concavely in the clockwise direction.

[0017] The wiring accommodating portion 18 accommodates a first wiring 631 of the first motor 63 (described later) and a second wiring 731 of the second motor 73 (described later). The wiring accommodating portion 18 extends leftward from the left end of the abutting portion 17 in a groove-like shape and is connected to the inner periphery 12 of the cylindrical body 11. The wiring accommodating portion 18 includes fixing portions 181 and 182. As shown in FIG. 8 , the wiring accommodating portion 18 has an inclined surface 183 that is inclined with respect to the first axis J1 in a direction opposite to the inclination of the multiple first blades 62 of the first impeller 60 (described later). The inclined surface 183 is flat. The wiring cover 19 includes a cylindrical portion 191 and a cover portion 192. The cylindrical portion 191 is cylindrical and centered on the first axis J1 and abuts against the abutting portion 17. The cover portion 192 is a plate that extends rightward from the right end of the cylindrical portion 191 and is curved in an arc-like shape that is convex in the first direction D1. The cover portion 192 is fixed to the wiring accommodating portion 18 by a screw 193 fastened to the fixing portion 181 and a screw 194 fastened to the fixing portion 182, and covers the first wiring 631 of the first motor 63 and the second wiring 731 of the second motor 73 accommodated in the wiring accommodating portion 18 from the first direction D1 relative to the wiring accommodating portion 18.

[0018] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 , the support body 4 supports the housing 2 rotatably about a second axis J2 perpendicular to the extension direction E in which the first axis J1 extends. The support body 4 is U-shaped in a front view. The support body 4 includes a base 40, a rotating table 41, a first arm 42, and a second arm 43. The base 40 is a square plate in a plan view. Although not shown, a first gear 47 and multiple rollers are provided on the upper surface of the base 40. The first gear 47 is a cylindrical body centered on the third axis J3 and has multiple teeth on its outer periphery. The multiple rollers are arranged at equal intervals on a concentric circle centered on the third axis J3 and having a larger diameter than the first gear 47. The multiple rollers are provided to rotate the rotating table 41 relative to the base 40.

[0019] The rotating table 41 is a square plate in a plan view. An input unit 44 used to input various commands is provided on the upper surface of the rotating table 41. Details of the input unit 44 will be described later. The rotating table 41 is supported by the base 40 so as to be rotatable about a third axis J3 relative to the base 40. The third axis J3 passes through the center of the rotating table 41 and extends in the vertical direction. A fourth motor 45 and a first sensor 46 (shown in FIG. 10) are provided on the upper surface of the rotating table 41 and forward of the third axis J3. The fourth motor 45 is a stepping motor. Although not shown, the rotation shaft of the fourth motor 45 extends downward and is connected to a transmission mechanism including a first gear 47. When the fourth motor 45 is driven, the connecting gear connected to the rotation shaft of the fourth motor 45 moves circumferentially around the third axis J3 along the first gear 47. As a result, the rotating table 41 rotates about the third axis J3 relative to the base 40. The first sensor 46 outputs a detection result indicating the position of the rotating table 41 relative to the base 40 to the control device 100 .

[0020] The first arm 42 extends upward from the left end of the rotating table 41 and the center in the front-to-rear direction. The first arm 42 faces the left wall 25 of the housing 2. The first arm 42 supports a left protrusion 251 of the housing 2. The second arm 43 extends upward from the right end of the rotating table 41 and the center in the front-to-rear direction. The second arm 43 faces the right wall 27 of the housing 2. The second arm 43 supports a right protrusion 271 of the housing 2.

[0021] The support body 4 supports the housing 2 rotatably around the second axis J2 using the first arm 42 and the second arm 43. A third motor 48, a second sensor 49, and a transmission mechanism 50 are provided on the second arm 43. The third motor 48 is a stepping motor. The third motor 48 rotates the housing 2 around the second axis J2 to change the attitude of the housing 2 relative to the support body 4. In other words, the third motor 48 changes the orientation of the air inlet 22 and the air outlet 24 relative to the support body 4. The rotation shaft of the third motor 48 extends leftward and is connected to the transmission mechanism 50, which includes a second gear 501. The second gear 501 is a spur gear that rotates around the second axis J2. A right protrusion 271 protruding from the right wall 27 of the housing 2 is connected to a portion of the left surface of the second gear 501 that intersects with the second axis J2. When the third motor 48 is driven, the second gear 501 rotates about the second axis J2, and the housing 2 rotates about the second axis J2 relative to the support body 4. The second sensor 49 is located to the right of the second gear 501. The second sensor 49 detects the position where the notch provided in the second gear 501 is formed, and outputs the result of the detection to the control device 100 as a detection result indicating the position of the housing 2 relative to the support body 4.

[0022] As shown in FIG. 3 , the filter 5 is housed inside the housing 2. The filter 5 has curved surfaces 56 and 57 through which air drawn into the housing 2 from the air inlet 22 by the counter-rotating fan 6 passes. The filter 5 is a U-shaped HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filter that is open in the second direction D2. The filter 5 has a tip portion 51, a left portion 52, a right portion 53, and curved portions 54 and 55. The tip portion 51 is a portion disposed opposite the air inlet 22. The left portion 52 is a portion disposed opposite the left air inlet 26 and is connected to the left end of the tip portion 51 via the curved portion 54. The right portion 53 is a portion disposed opposite the right air inlet 28 and is connected to the right end of the tip portion 51 via the curved portion 55. The length of the left portion 52 and the right portion 53 in the extension direction E along the first axis J1 is each longer than the thickness of the filter 5. The surfaces of the tip portion 51, the left portion 52, and the right portion 53 are flat, the surface of the curved portion 54 is a curved surface 56, and the surface of the curved portion 55 is a curved surface 57. The filter 5 removes substances to be removed from the air sucked into the housing 2 from each of the suction port 22, the left suction port 26, and the right suction port 28, and purifies the air.

[0023] The fan unit 7 includes a counter-rotating fan 6 and a motor holder 9. The fan unit 7 is housed inside the housing 2 via a shroud 10. The counter-rotating fan 6 is a so-called counter-rotating axial fan. The counter-rotating fan 6 has a first impeller 60, a first motor 63, a second impeller 70, and a second motor 73.

[0024] The first impeller 60 rotates around the first axis J1 in a first rotational direction R1 and draws air into the housing 2 through the suction port 22. The first impeller 60 is disposed between the second impeller 70 and the filter 5 in the extension direction E of the first axis J1. The first impeller 60 includes a first impeller cup 61 and a plurality of first blades 62. The first impeller cup 61 is cup-shaped and centered on the first axis J1, with an opening formed in the second direction D2. The first impeller cup 61 has a first bearing portion 611 aligned with the first axis J1. A first shaft insertion hole 612 extending along the first axis J1 is formed in the first bearing portion 611. The plurality of first blades 62 are disposed radially from the outer periphery of the first impeller cup 61 at equal intervals around the first axis J1. The shapes of the plurality of first blades 62 are identical to one another. The number of first blades 62 can be changed as appropriate, and in this embodiment, there are seven first blades 621 to 627. In the following description, when there is no need to distinguish between the first blades 621 to 627, they will simply be referred to as first blades 62.

[0025] The first motor 63 rotates the first impeller 60 in a first rotation direction R1. The first motor 63 is a stepping motor and includes a first body 64 and a first output shaft 66. The first body 64 is cylindrical and centered on a first axis J1. A permanent magnet and a coil are housed inside the first body 64. The surface of the first body 64 facing the first direction D1 is a first abutment surface 65 that abuts a first bracket 86 (described later). The surface of the first body 64 facing the second direction D2 is a first opposing surface 69 that faces the second impeller 70. The first output shaft 66 extends from the first body 64 in the first direction D1 and is coupled to the first impeller 60. The first output shaft 66 is inserted into a first shaft insertion hole 612 of the first impeller cup 61 from the second direction D2 relative to the first impeller cup 61.

[0026] The second impeller 70 is disposed between the first impeller 60 and the air outlet 24. The second impeller 70 rotates around the first axis J1 in a second rotation direction R2 opposite to the first rotation direction R1, and blows air from inside the housing 2 to the outside of the housing 2 through the air outlet 24. The second impeller 70 includes a second impeller cup 71 and a plurality of second blades 72. The second impeller cup 71 is cup-shaped and centered on the first axis J1, with an opening formed in the first direction D1. The second impeller cup 71 has a second bearing portion 711 aligned with the first axis J1. The second bearing portion 711 is formed with a second shaft insertion hole 712 extending along the first axis J1. The plurality of second blades 72 are disposed radially from the outer periphery of the second impeller cup 71 at equal intervals, centered on the first axis J1. The shapes of the plurality of second blades 72 are identical to one another. The number of second blades 72 can be changed as appropriate, and in this embodiment, there are ten second blades 721 to 730. In the following description, when there is no need to distinguish between second blades 721 to 730, they will simply be referred to as second blades 72. The number of second blades 72 is greater than the number of first blades 62.

[0027] The second motor 73 rotates the second impeller 70 in a second rotation direction R2. The second motor 73 is a stepping motor and includes a second body 74 and a second output shaft 76. The second body 74 is cylindrical and centered on the first axis J1. A permanent magnet and a coil are housed inside the second body 74. The surface of the second body 74 facing the second direction D2 is a second abutment surface 75 that abuts against a second bracket 96 (described later). The surface of the second body 74 facing the first direction D1 is a second opposing surface 79 that faces the first impeller 60. The second output shaft 76 extends from the second body 74 in the second direction D2 and is connected to the second impeller 70. The extension direction of the second output shaft 76 from the second body 74 is opposite the extension direction of the first output shaft 66 from the first body 64. The second output shaft 76 is inserted into the second shaft insertion hole 712 of the second impeller cup 71 from the first direction D1 relative to the second impeller cup 71.

[0028] The motor holder 9 is disposed between the first impeller 60 and the second impeller 70 in the extension direction E, and holds the first motor 63 and the second motor 73. The motor holder 9 includes a first cup 80, a first bracket 86, a second cup 90, a second bracket 96, and connecting members 971 to 974.

[0029] The first cup 80 holds the first motor 63 via a first bracket 86. The first cup 80 is cup-shaped and centered on the first axis J1, with an opening formed in the second direction D2. The diameter of the first cup 80 is smaller than the diameter of the first impeller cup 61. The first cup 80 includes first flanges 821 to 828 and a first fixing surface 83. The first fixing surface 83 is the surface of the first cup 80 facing the first direction D1. A first insertion hole 84 and first screw holes 851 to 854 are formed in the first fixing surface 83. The first insertion hole 84 is a circular through-hole centered on the first axis J1. The first screw holes 851 to 854 are arranged at equal intervals around the first insertion hole 84. The first flanges 821 to 828 extend radially from the outer periphery of the end of the first cup 80 facing the second direction D2, centered on the first axis J1. The first flanges 821 to 828 are disposed at equal intervals in the circumferential direction around the first axis J1. A first outlet 829 for the first wiring 631 of the first motor 63 is formed in the first flange 828.

[0030] The first bracket 86 has a dish shape that is recessed in the second direction J2 and is centered on the first axis J1. A bearing insertion hole 88 and screw holes 871 to 874 are formed in the first bracket 86. The bearing insertion hole 88 is a circular through-hole that is centered on the first axis J1. The first bearing portion 611 of the first motor 63 is fitted into the bearing insertion hole 88. The screw holes 871 to 874 are arranged at equal intervals around the bearing insertion hole 88. The first bracket 86 is fixed to the first abutment surface 65 of the first motor 63 with screws.

[0031] The second cup 90 holds the second motor 73 via a second bracket 96. The second cup 90 has a shape similar to that of the first cup 80, and is cup-shaped with an opening centered on the first axis J1 and facing the first direction D1. The diameter of the second cup 90 is smaller than the diameter of the second impeller cup 71. The second cup 90 includes a second fixing surface 93 and second flanges 921 to 928. The second fixing surface 93 is the surface of the second cup 90 facing the second direction D2. A second insertion hole 94 and a plurality of second screw holes 95 are formed in the second fixing surface 93. The second insertion hole 94 is a circular through-hole centered on the first axis J1. The plurality of second screw holes 95 are arranged at equal intervals around the first insertion hole 84. The second flanges 921 to 928 extend radially from the end of the second cup 90 facing the first direction D1, centered on the first axis J1. The second flanges 921 to 928 are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction around the first axis J1. A second lead-out port 929 for the second wiring 731 of the second motor 73 is formed in the second flange 928.

[0032] The second bracket 96 has a dish shape that is recessed in the first direction J1 and is centered on the first axis J1. The second bracket 96 has an insertion hole 98 and multiple screw holes 97 formed therein. The insertion hole 98 is a circular through-hole that is centered on the first axis J1. The second bearing portion 711 of the second motor 73 is fitted into the insertion hole 98. The multiple screw holes 97 are arranged at equal intervals around the insertion hole 98. The second bracket 96 is fixed to the second abutment surface 75 of the second motor 73 with screws.

[0033] The air conditioner 1 includes a plurality of first fixing members 67, a plurality of first elastic bodies 68, a plurality of second fixing members 77, and a plurality of second elastic bodies 78. The plurality of first fixing members 67 include first fixing members 671 to 674. The first fixing members 671 to 674 are screws. In the following description, when the first fixing members 671 to 674 are not distinguished from each other, they will be simply referred to as first fixing members 67. The plurality of first elastic bodies 68 include first elastic bodies 681 to 684. The first elastic bodies 681 to 684 are walnuts, which are fastening components formed by embedding nuts in a cylindrical body made of resin such as rubber. The first elastic body 681 is inserted into the screw hole 871 of the first bracket 86. The first elastic body 682 is inserted into the screw hole 872. The first elastic body 683 is inserted into the screw hole 873. The first elastic body 684 is inserted into the screw hole 874. In the following description, when there is no need to distinguish between the first elastic bodies 681 to 684, they will simply be referred to as the first elastic body 681. Each of the multiple first elastic bodies 68 is disposed between the first motor 63 and the first cup 80. More specifically, in the extension direction E, each of the multiple first elastic bodies 68 is disposed between the first abutment surface 65 of the first motor 63 and the first fixing surface 83 of the first cup 80.

[0034] As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 , the first fixing member 671 is inserted into the first screw hole 851 of the first cup 80 from the first direction D1 relative to the first cup 80 and fastened to the first elastic body 681. Similarly, the first fixing member 672 is inserted into the first screw hole 852 and fastened to the first elastic body 682. The first fixing member 673 is inserted into the first screw hole 853 and fastened to the first elastic body 683. The first fixing member 674 is inserted into the first screw hole 854 and fastened to the first elastic body 684. The first fixing member 67 fixes the first main body 64 and the first cup 80 to the first main body 64 from the first direction D1 via the first elastic body 68. In this embodiment, the first fixing member 67 fixes the first bracket 86 fixed to the first main body 64 and the first cup 80 to the first main body 64 from the first direction D1 via the first elastic body 68. The first fixing surface 83 and the first bracket 86 of the first cup 80 are housed in the first impeller cup 61. The position of the first cup 80 around the first axis J1 relative to the first motor 63 is adjusted to a position where the first wiring 631 of the first motor 63 faces the first flange 828.

[0035] The multiple second fixing members 77 have the same configuration as the multiple first fixing members 67. The multiple second elastic bodies 78 have the same configuration as the multiple first elastic bodies 68. The multiple second elastic bodies 78 are arranged between the second motor 73 and the second cup 90. More specifically, in the extension direction E, each of the multiple second elastic bodies 78 is arranged between the second abutment surface 75 of the second motor 73 and the second fixing surface 93 of the second cup 90. The second fixing members 77 are inserted into the second screw holes 95 of the second cup 90 from the second direction D2 and fastened to the second elastic bodies 78. The second fixing members 77 fix the second main body 74 and the second cup 90 to the second main body 74 from the second direction D2 via the second elastic bodies 78. In this embodiment, the second fixing members 77 fix the second bracket 96 fixed to the second main body 74 and the second cup 90 to the second main body 74 from the second direction D2 via the second elastic bodies 78. The second fixing surface 93 and the second bracket 96 of the second cup 90 are housed in the second impeller cup 71. The position of the second cup 90 around the first axis J1 relative to the second motor 73 is adjusted to a position where the second wiring 731 of the second motor 73 faces the second flange 928.

[0036] The connecting members 971 to 974 connect the first cup 80 and the second cup 90 with the second body 74 spaced apart from the first body 64 in the second direction D2. The connecting members 971 to 974 also fix the motor holder 9 to the abutment portion 17. Specifically, the connecting member 971 is inserted through the first flange 821 and the second flange 921 and fastened to the fixing portion 172. The connecting member 972 is inserted through the first flange 823 and the second flange 923 and fastened to the fixing portion 174. The connecting member 973 is inserted through the first flange 825 and the second flange 925 and fastened to the fixing portion 176. The connecting member 974 is inserted through the first flange 827 and the second flange 927 and fastened to the fixing portion 178. The fixing portion 173 is inserted through the first flange 822 and the second flange 922 from the second direction D2 relative to the motor holder 9. Similarly, the fixing portion 175 is inserted through the first flange 824 and the second flange 924. The fixing portion 177 is inserted through the first flange 826 and the second flange 926. The first flanges 821 to 828 and the second flanges 921 to 928 are each disposed between the first impeller cup 61 and the second impeller cup 71 in the extension direction E, and are housed between the abutment portion 17 and the cylindrical portion 191. As shown in FIG. 9 , the first wiring 631 of the first motor 63 is drawn from the first lead-out opening 829 of the first flange 828 to the wiring housing 18. The second wiring 731 of the second motor 73 is drawn from the second lead-out opening 929 of the second flange 928 to the wiring housing 18. When the first cup 80 and the second cup 90 are connected, the extension range of the first outlet 829 and the extension range of the second outlet 929 do not overlap with each other in the circumferential direction around the first axis J1.

[0037] The electrical configuration of the air conditioner 1 will be described with reference to FIG. 10 . As shown in FIG. 10 , the air conditioner 1 includes a control device 100, an input unit 44, a first motor 63, a second motor 73, a third motor 48, a fourth motor 45, a first sensor 46, and a second sensor 49. The control device 100 is connected to each of the input unit 44, the first motor 63, the second motor 73, the third motor 48, the fourth motor 45, the first sensor 46, and the second sensor 49. The control device 100 includes a CPU 101 and a memory 102. The CPU 101 is responsible for main control of the air conditioner 1 and performs various calculations and processes in accordance with various programs stored in the memory 102. The memory 102 is composed of a ROM, a RAM, etc., and stores various programs and setting values ​​for operating the air conditioner 1. The control device 100 controls the rotation speed of the first motor 63 and the rotation speed of the second motor 73. The control device 100 of this embodiment controls the rotation speed of the first motor 63 by controlling the drive current supplied to the first motor 63. The control device 100 controls the rotation speed of the second motor 73 by controlling the drive current supplied to the second motor 73.

[0038] 2(A) to 2(C), the position of the housing 2 relative to the support body 4 about the second axis J2 and the operation modes executed by the air conditioner 1 will be described. The control device 100 selectively executes a first process in which the rotation speed of the first motor 63 is lower than the rotation speed of the second motor 73, and a second process in which the rotation speed of the first motor 63 is higher than the rotation speed of the second motor 73. In the air conditioner 1 of this embodiment, when the position of the housing 2 relative to the support body 4 is in the reference position shown in FIGS. 1 and 2(A), the angle is 0° in the up-down direction and 0° in the left-right direction.

[0039] When the first mode is selected by the mode selection switch 442 (described later), the air conditioner 1 has the air outlet 24 facing downward relative to the horizontal, as shown in Fig. 2(B) . More specifically, the angle between the first axis J1 and the horizontal plane is 90°. As a result, when the first mode is selected, the air conditioner 1 blows out purified air from the air outlet 24 below the air outlet 24 and over a relatively wide area on a plane perpendicular to the first axis J1.

[0040] When the second mode is selected by the mode selection switch 442, the air conditioner 1 has the air outlet 24 facing upward relative to the horizontal, as shown in Fig. 2(C). More specifically, the angle between the first axis J1 and the horizontal plane is 30°. As a result, when the second mode is selected, the air conditioner 1 blows out purified air from the air outlet 24 diagonally upward from the air outlet 24 and to a relatively long range along the first axis J1.

[0041] In the air conditioner 1 of this embodiment, in addition to the first and second modes, a third mode can be selected using the mode selection switch 442. The third mode is a mode in which the position of the housing 2 relative to the support body 4 about the second axis J2 and the third axis J3 is set by the user. When the third mode is selected, the air conditioner 1 controls the rotation speed of the first motor 63 and the rotation speed of the second motor 73 according to the air volume specified by the user via the input unit 44.

[0042] Referring to FIG. 11 , the table 103 stored in the memory 102 will be described. The table 103 stores the correspondence between the drive current supplied to the first motor 63 and the drive current supplied to the second motor 73, the initial value, and the operation mode. In the table 103, values ​​such as the first predetermined value K1 indicate the drive current. Values ​​in parentheses indicate the motor rotation speed when the drive current is supplied. For example, when the first mode is selected, the control device 100 executes the first process. That is, the control device 100 sets the drive current of the first motor 63 to the first predetermined value K1 and the drive current of the second motor 73 to the second predetermined value K2. When the drive current of the first predetermined value K1 is supplied, the rotation speed of the first motor 63 is 550 rpm. When the drive current of the second predetermined value K2 is supplied, the rotation speed of the second motor 73 is 800 rpm.

[0043] The input unit 44 will be described with reference to Fig. 12(A). As shown in Fig. 12(A), the input unit 44 includes a power switch 441, a mode selection switch 442, a timer switch 443, an air volume switch 444, a vertical swing switch 445, and a horizontal swing switch 446, as well as a mode selection LED 452, a timer LED 453, an air volume LED 454, a vertical swing LED 455, and a horizontal swing LED 456. The power switch 441 is operated to turn the power on or off. Each time the mode selection switch 442, the timer switch 443, the air volume switch 444, the vertical swing switch 445, and the horizontal swing switch 446 are operated, one option is selected from a plurality of options in a predetermined order.

[0044] Specifically, the mode selection switch 442 is operated to select the operation mode of the air conditioner 1 from a first mode, a second mode, and a third mode. The mode selection LED 452 has three LEDs corresponding to the three modes, and only the LED corresponding to the selected mode is lit.

[0045] The timer switch 443 is operated to select the timer time for turning off the power of the air conditioner 1 from among 0.5 h, 1.0 h, 2.0 h, and no selection. The timer LED 453 has three LEDs corresponding to the three types of time, and only the LED corresponding to the selected time is lit. When no selection is made, the timer LED 453 is turned off.

[0046] The air volume switch 444 is operated to select the air volume from strong, medium, and weak when the operation mode of the air conditioner 1 is in the third mode. The air volume LED 454 has three LEDs corresponding to the three air volumes, and only the LED corresponding to the selected air volume is lit.

[0047] The vertical swing switch 445 is a switch for selecting the vertical swing setting and is operated to select the angle of the swing range when swinging the housing 2 of the air conditioner 1 around the second axis J2 from 90°, 60°, 30°, and no selection. The vertical swing LED 455 has three LEDs corresponding to three angles, and only the LED corresponding to the selected angle is lit. When no selection is made, the vertical swing LED 455 is turned off. When the vertical swing is set to 90°, 60°, or 30°, the control device 100 swings the housing 2 around the second axis J2 within the swing range set. When the left-right swing is set to no selection, the control device 100 does not swing the housing 2 around the third axis J3.

[0048] The left / right swing switch 446 is a switch for selecting the left / right swing setting, and is operated to select the angle of the swing range when swinging the housing 2 of the air conditioner 1 around the third axis J3 from among 180°, 90°, 60°, and no selection. The left / right swing LED 456 has three LEDs corresponding to three different angles, and only the LED corresponding to the selected angle is lit. When no selection is set for the left / right swing, the left / right swing LED 456 is turned off. When the left / right swing is set to 180°, 90°, or 60°, the control device 100 swings the housing 2 around the third axis J3 within the swing range that is set. When no selection is set for the left / right swing, the control device 100 does not swing the housing 2 around the third axis J3. The types of switches included in the input unit 44 may be changed as appropriate, and the input unit 44 may include only some of the power switch 441, mode selection switch 442, timer switch 443, air volume switch 444, up / down swing switch 445, and left / right swing switch 446, or may include other switches. The input unit 44 may be, for example, a liquid crystal panel and a touch screen.

[0049] An overview of the operation of the air conditioner 1 will be described. When a user turns on the power of the air conditioner 1 via the input unit 44, power supply to the counter-rotating fan 6 begins. The first impeller 60 of the counter-rotating fan 6 rotates around the first axis J1 in a first rotation direction R1, and the second impeller 70 rotates around the first axis J1 in the first rotation direction R1. The counter-rotating fan 6 draws air into the housing 2 from the air inlet 22, the left air inlet 26, and the right air inlet 28. The air drawn into the housing 2 passes through the filter 5, thereby removing substances to be removed from the air. The first impeller 60 of the counter-rotating fan 6 sends the purified air toward the space between the first impeller 60 and the second impeller 70. The air sent by the first impeller 60 to the space between the first impeller 60 and the second impeller 70 changes its flow along the inclined surface 16 of the beam 15, heads toward the second impeller 70, and is sent by the second impeller 70 toward the air outlet 24. The magnitude of the flow velocity of the air blown out of the air outlet 24 and the degree of spreading about the first axis J1 each differ depending on the rotation speed of the first motor 63 and the rotation speed of the second motor 73.

[0050] The control process of the air conditioner 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 13 to 16 . In the control process, the control device 100 controls the drive of the first motor 63, the second motor 73, and the third motor 48 depending on the mode selected by the user using the mode selection switch 442. Specifically, when the first mode is selected, the control device 100 drives the third motor 48 so that the air outlet 24 faces downward relative to the horizontal direction and executes the first process described below. When the second mode is selected, the control device 100 drives the third motor 48 so that the air outlet 24 faces diagonally upward relative to the horizontal direction and executes the second process described below. The control process is initiated when the power is turned ON using the power switch 441. When the power is turned ON, the control device 100 executes the following steps in accordance with instructions contained in a program for executing the control process stored in the memory 102. Various parameters required for executing the control process are stored in the memory 102. Various data obtained during the control process is stored in the memory 102 as appropriate.

[0051] As shown in FIG. 13 , the control device 100 refers to the table 103 in FIG. 11 and initializes the drive currents of the first motor 63 and the second motor 73 (S1). The control device 100 sets a first initial value k1 for the drive current of the first motor 63 and a second initial value k2 for the drive current of the second motor 73. The control device 100 drives the fourth motor 45 and the third motor 48 to move the position of the housing 2 relative to the support 4 to an initial position (S2). Around the second axis J2, the control device 100 drives the third motor 48 to change the angle of the housing 2 about the second axis J2 relative to the support 4. The control device 100 stops driving the third motor 48 when it determines, based on the output result of the second sensor 49, that the angle of the housing 2 about the second axis J2 relative to the support 4 has reached the angle of the initial position. Around the third axis J3, the control device 100 drives the fourth motor 45 to change the angle of the housing 2 about the third axis J3 relative to the base 40. The control device 100 stops driving the fourth motor 45 when it determines, based on the output result of the first sensor 46, that the angle of the housing 2 about the third axis J3 relative to the support body 4 has reached the angle of the initial position.

[0052] The control device 100 determines whether the first mode is ON, i.e., whether the mode selected by the mode selection switch 442 is the first mode (S3). If the first mode is selected (S3: YES), as shown in FIG. 12A, the control device 100 determines whether the position of the housing 2 relative to the support 4 about the second axis J2 is downward as shown in FIG. 2B (S4). The position of the housing 2 relative to the support 4 about the second axis J2 is determined based on the detection result output from the second sensor 49 to the control device 100. If the position of the housing 2 relative to the support 4 about the second axis J2 is downward (S4: YES), the control device 100 performs the processing of S10, which will be described later. If the position of the housing 2 relative to the support 4 about the second axis J2 is not downward, this is because the power has just been turned on or the operation mode has been switched to the first mode from another mode (S4: NO). In this case, the control device 100 executes the first mode processing (S5).

[0053] As shown in FIG. 14 , in the first mode process, the control device 100 stops driving the first motor 63 and the second motor 73 (S11). After stopping the driving of the first motor 63 and the second motor 73, the control device 100 drives the third motor 48 to rotate the housing 2 to a position where the housing 2 is oriented downward about the second axis J2 relative to the support 4 (S12). The process of S12 changes the orientation of the air outlet 24 to a downward orientation. After stopping the driving of the third motor 48, the control device 100 refers to the table 103 of FIG. 11 and sets the drive current of the first motor 63 to a first predetermined value K1 corresponding to the first process (S13). Furthermore, the control device 100 refers to the table 103 and sets the drive current of the second motor 73 to a second predetermined value K2 corresponding to the first process (S14). The control device 100 supplies a drive current of the first predetermined value K1 set in S13 to the first motor 63 and a drive current of the second predetermined value K2 set in S14 to the second motor 73 (S15). Through the processes of S11 to S15, the rotation speed of the first motor 63 becomes smaller than the rotation speed of the second motor 73. More specifically, through the processes of S11 to S15, the control device 100 stops the drive of the first motor 63 and the second motor 73 and drives the third motor 48 to orient the air outlet 24 downward from the horizontal. Thereafter, with the air outlet 24 facing downward from the horizontal, the control device 100 controls the rotation speed of the first motor 63 and the second motor 73 so that the rotation speed of the first motor 63 is smaller than the rotation speed of the second motor 73. The control device 100 then ends the first mode process and returns to the control process of FIG. 13 .

[0054] After the process of S5, the control device 100 determines whether an instruction to turn off the power has been detected (S10). The control device 100 detects an instruction to turn off the power when the power switch 441 is operated or when a specified time has elapsed after the timer time set by the timer switch 443. If an instruction to turn off the power has not been detected (S10: NO), the control device 100 returns the process to S3. If an instruction to turn off the power has been detected (S10: YES), the control device 100 ends the control process.

[0055] If the first mode is not ON (S3: NO), the control device 100 determines whether the second mode is ON, i.e., whether the mode selected by the mode selection switch 442 is the second mode (S6). If the second mode is selected (S6: YES), as shown in FIG. 12(B), the control device 100 determines whether the position of the housing 2 relative to the support body 4 about the second axis J2 is obliquely upward, as shown in FIG. 2(C) (S7). The position of the housing 2 relative to the support body 4 about the second axis J2 is determined based on the detection result output from the second sensor 49 to the control device 100. If the position of the housing 2 relative to the support body 4 about the second axis J2 is obliquely upward (S7: YES), the control device 100 performs the process of S10 described above. If the position of the housing 2 relative to the support body 4 about the second axis J2 is not obliquely upward, this is because the power supply has just been turned ON or the operation mode has been switched from another mode to the second mode (S7: NO). In this case, the control device 100 executes the second mode process (S8).

[0056] As shown in FIG. 15 , in the second mode process, the control device 100 stops driving the first motor 63 and the second motor 73 (S21). After stopping the driving of the first motor 63 and the second motor 73, the control device 100 drives the third motor 48 to rotate the housing 2 to a position where the position of the housing 2 about the second axis J2 relative to the support 4 is oriented obliquely upward (S22). The processing of S22 changes the orientation of the air outlet 24 to an obliquely upward orientation. After stopping the driving of the third motor 48, the control device 100 refers to the table 103 of FIG. 11 and sets the drive current of the first motor 63 to a third predetermined value K3 corresponding to the second process (S23). Furthermore, the control device 100 refers to the table 103 and sets the drive current of the second motor 73 to a fourth predetermined value K4 corresponding to the second process (S24). The control device 100 supplies a drive current of the third predetermined value K3 set in S23 to the first motor 63 and a drive current of the fourth predetermined value K4 set in S24 to the second motor 73 (S25). Through the processing of S21 to S25, the rotation speed of the first motor 63 becomes greater than the rotation speed of the second motor 73. More specifically, through the processing of S21 to S25, in the second mode, the control device 100 stops the driving of the first motor 63 and the second motor 73 and drives the third motor 48 to orient the air outlet 24 above the horizontal. Thereafter, with the air outlet 24 orientated above the horizontal, the control device 100 controls the rotation speed of the first motor 63 and the rotation speed of the second motor 73 in S25 so that the rotation speed of the first motor 63 becomes greater than the rotation speed of the second motor 73. The control device 100 then ends the second mode processing and returns to the control processing of FIG. 13 . After the process of S8, the control device 100 executes the process of S10.

[0057] If the second mode is not ON (S6: NO), the control device 100 executes the third mode process (S9). As shown in FIG. 16, in the third mode process, the control device 100 acquires the air volume set by the air volume switch 444 (S31). In the case of FIG. 12(C), the control device 100 acquires "high" as the air volume. The control device 100 references the table 103 of FIG. 11 and sets the drive current of the first motor 63 to a fifth predetermined value K5 corresponding to the "high" air volume acquired in S31 (S32). The control device 100 references the table 103 and sets the drive current of the second motor 73 to a sixth predetermined value K6 corresponding to the "high" air volume of the third process (S33). The control device 100 supplies the drive current of the fifth predetermined value K5 set in S32 to the first motor 63 and supplies the drive current of the sixth predetermined value K6 set in S33 to the second motor 73 (S34).

[0058] The control device 100 determines whether the up-and-down swing is set by the up-and-down swing switch 445 (S35). In the case of Fig. 12(C), the up-and-down swing is set to 90° (S35: YES), so the control device 100 drives the third motor 48 to swing the housing 2 relative to the support body 4 around the first axis J1 within the range of 90° specified by the up-and-down swing switch 445 (S36). If the up-and-down swing is set to non-selection (S35: NO), the control device 100 does not drive the third motor 48.

[0059] If the up-and-down swing is set to "not selected" (S35: NO), or after S36, the control device 100 determines whether the left-right swing is set by the left-right swing switch 446 (S37). In the case of Fig. 12 (C), the left-right swing is set to 90° (S37: YES), so the control device 100 drives the fourth motor 45 to swing the housing 2 relative to the support body 4 around the third axis J3 within the range of 90° specified by the left-right swing switch 446. If the left-right swing is set to "not selected" (S37: NO), the control device 100 does not drive the fourth motor 45.

[0060] If left / right swing is not selected (S37: NO), or after S38, the control device 100 ends the third mode process and returns to the control process of Fig. 13. After S9, the control device 100 executes S10. Through the above control processes, the control device 100 selectively executes a first process in which the rotation speed of the first motor 63 is lower than the rotation speed of the second motor 73, a second process in which the rotation speed of the first motor 63 is higher than the rotation speed of the second motor 73, and a third process in which the rotation speed of the first motor 63 and the rotation speed of the second motor 73 are set according to the air volume set by the user.

[0061] The air conditioner of the above embodiment includes a housing, a counter-rotating fan, and a filter. The housing is formed with an air inlet and an air outlet. The counter-rotating fan is housed inside the housing and has a first impeller and a second impeller. The first impeller rotates around a first axis in a first rotational direction and draws air into the housing through the air inlet. The second impeller is disposed between the first impeller and the air outlet and rotates around the first axis in a second rotational direction opposite to the first rotational direction and blows air from inside the housing to the outside of the housing through the air outlet. The filter is housed inside the housing and has a curved surface through which air drawn into the housing through the air inlet by driving the counter-rotating fan passes. The counter-rotating fan of the air conditioner improves the linearity of air blown out from the air outlet compared to conventional systems, contributing to a longer air delivery distance, which is the distance that air blown out from the air outlet of the air conditioner can travel. More specifically, the air blowing distance is the maximum distance from the air outlet of the air conditioner to the position where the air blown out from the air outlet reaches, in the direction of the first axis. A filter with a curved surface can ensure a surface area through which air drawn into the housing passes in a smaller space than a filter consisting of only a flat surface. However, under the same surface area, the pressure loss is greater than that of a filter consisting of only a flat surface. In contrast, the counter-rotating fan of an air conditioner contributes to extending the air blowing distance from the air outlet compared to conventional filters, even if the pressure loss is greater than that of a filter consisting of only a flat surface due to the filter having a curved surface.

[0062] The air conditioner of the above embodiment includes a first motor, a second motor, and a control device. The first motor rotates the first impeller in a first rotational direction. The second motor rotates the second impeller in a second rotational direction. The control device controls the rotational speed of the first motor and the rotational speed of the second motor. The control device selectively executes a first process in which the rotational speed of the first motor is lower than the rotational speed of the second motor, and a second process in which the rotational speed of the first motor is higher than the rotational speed of the second motor. By executing the second process, the air conditioner control device improves the straightness of the air blown out from the air outlet compared to conventional processes, contributing to a longer blowable distance of the air blown out from the air conditioner's air outlet compared to conventional processes. By executing the first process, the air conditioner control device reduces the straightness of the air blown out from the air outlet compared to when the second process is executed, contributing to a wider blowable range of the air blown out from the air conditioner's air outlet in the radial direction away from the first axis.

[0063] The air conditioner's air inlet and air outlet are each formed on a plane intersecting the first axis. The air conditioner includes a support that supports the housing rotatably about a second axis perpendicular to the direction in which the first axis extends. The control device executes the first process when the air outlet faces downward relative to the horizontal. By executing the first process when the air outlet faces downward, the air conditioner's control device contributes to reducing dust being stirred up below or around the air conditioner housing by air blown downward from the air outlet.

[0064] The air conditioner of the above embodiment includes a support body that supports the housing so as to be rotatable about a second axis perpendicular to the direction in which the first axis extends, and an air outlet grille having a plurality of slits extending parallel to the second axis and constituting an air outlet. The plurality of slits extending parallel to the second axis of the air outlet grille of the air conditioner contribute to guiding the air blown out of the housing from the air outlet along a direction parallel to the second axis. When the air conditioner is used in an orientation in which the second axis is parallel to the horizontal direction, the plurality of slits of the air conditioner contribute to guiding the air blown out of the housing from the air outlet along the horizontal direction.

[0065] In the above embodiment, the first impeller of the air conditioner has a plurality of first blades, and the second impeller has a plurality of second blades, the number of which is greater than the number of first blades. The first and second impellers of the air conditioner can finely divide the air into soft air when the plurality of first blades of the first impeller draw air into the housing. The air blown out by the plurality of second blades of the second impeller weakens the swirling flow of the air sent by the first impeller and contributes to making the air flow straight.

[0066] In the air conditioner of the above embodiment, the extension direction of the first axis includes a first direction and a second direction opposite to the first direction. The air conditioner includes a first motor, a second motor, and a motor holder. The first motor has a first body and a first output shaft extending from the first body in the first direction and connected to the first impeller, rotating the first impeller in a first rotational direction. The second motor has a second body and a second output shaft extending from the second body in the second direction and connected to the second impeller, rotating the second impeller in a second rotational direction. The motor holder is disposed between the first impeller and the second impeller in the extension direction and holds both the first motor and the second motor. The motor holder has a first cup that holds the first motor, a second cup that holds the second motor, and a connecting member. The connecting member connects the first cup and the second cup with the second body spaced apart from the first body in the second direction. The air conditioner motor holder contributes to reducing the size of the air conditioner and reducing the manufacturing costs of the air conditioner compared to when the first motor and the second motor are held by separate members. Because the air conditioner motor holder is disposed between the first impeller and the second impeller in the extension direction of the first axis, a heat dissipation area can be secured between the first body of the first motor and the second body of the second motor in the extension direction of the first axis, contributing to cooling each of the first motor and the second motor by air passing between the first impeller and the second impeller.

[0067] The air conditioner of the above embodiment includes a first elastic body, a second elastic body, a first fixing member, and a second fixing member. The first elastic body is disposed between the first motor and the first cup. The second elastic body is disposed between the second motor and the second cup. The first fixing member fixes the first main body and the first cup to the first main body from a first direction via the first elastic body. The second fixing member fixes the second main body and the second cup to the second main body from a second direction via the second elastic body. The first elastic body, second elastic body, first fixing member, and second fixing member of the air conditioner contribute to stably fixing the first motor and the second motor to the motor holder with a relatively small number of parts. The first elastic body and second elastic body of the air conditioner absorb vibrations of the first motor and the second motor by elastic deformation, contributing to suppressing transmission of the vibrations to the first impeller and the second impeller.

[0068] In the above embodiment, the first impeller of the air conditioner has a plurality of first blades. The housing has a beam disposed between the first impeller and the second impeller in the extension direction of the first axis. The beam has an inclined surface that is inclined with respect to the first axis in a direction opposite to the inclination of the plurality of first blades, and supports the motor holder. Compared to a case without an inclined surface, the beam of the air conditioner housing converts a portion of the velocity energy of the air drawn in by the first impeller into pressure energy, contributing to the formation of an airflow with high static pressure.

[0069] The inclined surfaces of the beams of the air conditioner in the above embodiment are curved. Compared to when the inclined surfaces are flat, the inclined surfaces of the beams of the air conditioner housing contribute to smoothly changing the direction of the flow of air sucked between the first impeller and the second impeller by the first impeller. The inclined surfaces of the beams of the air conditioner convert part of the velocity energy of the air sucked by the first impeller into pressure energy, contributing to forming an airflow with high static pressure. An airflow with high static pressure is less likely to experience a decrease in air volume due to resistance. Therefore, the inclined surfaces of the beams of the air conditioner contribute to blowing out air with high directivity from the air outlet.

[0070] In the above embodiment, the beams, as viewed from the extension direction of the air conditioner, have an arc shape that extends concavely in the first rotation direction from the contact portion that contacts the motor holder toward the housing. Compared to when the beams are linear as viewed from the extension direction along the first axis, the beams of the air conditioner housing contribute to smoothly changing the direction of the flow of air sucked between the first and second impellers by the first impeller.

[0071] The air conditioner of the above embodiment includes a third motor and a mode selection switch. The third motor rotates the housing around the second axis to change the orientation of the air inlet and air outlet relative to the support. The mode selection switch is operated by a user and selects an operating mode of the air conditioner from multiple modes, including a first mode. When the first mode is selected by the mode selection switch, the control device stops driving the first motor and the second motor, drives the third motor to orient the air outlet downward from the horizontal, and then performs the first process. The air conditioner control device contributes to preventing problems, such as stirring up dust, that occur when the first process is performed when the housing is positioned around the second axis in an unsuitable position for the first process.

[0072] The multiple modes selectable by the mode selection switch of the air conditioner in the above embodiment include a second mode different from the first mode. When the second mode is selected by the mode selection switch, the control device stops driving the first motor and the second motor and drives the third motor to orient the air outlet upward from the horizontal direction, and then executes the second process. The air conditioner control device contributes to preventing problems such as stirring up dust that occur when the second process is executed when the position of the housing around the second axis is not suitable for the second process.

[0073] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment and various modifications are possible. The air conditioner may include a heat exchanger. The type, material, shape, size, and arrangement of the filter may be modified as appropriate. For example, the cross section parallel to the first axis may be M-shaped. The configuration and arrangement of the input unit may be modified as appropriate. For example, the input unit may be provided on the housing.

[0074] The shape of the housing may be modified as appropriate. At least one of the intake port and the exhaust port may not be formed on a plane intersecting the first axis. The housing may not be supported by a support or rotatable around the second axis. The second axis may extend in a direction intersecting the horizontal direction. The second axis may not be perpendicular to the direction in which the first axis extends. The longitudinal direction, length, width, and number of the multiple slits in the exhaust grille may be omitted as appropriate. The first cup and the second cup may not be connected via the first elastic body, the second elastic body, the first fixing member, and the second fixing member, and may be connected by a fixing member such as a screw. The first opposing surface of the first motor and the second opposing surface of the second motor may not be spaced apart in the extension direction. The first cup may be fixed to the outer periphery of the first motor, and the second cup may be fixed to the outer periphery of the second motor.

[0075] The shape, number, arrangement, etc. of the beams may be changed as appropriate. The beams do not have to have inclined surfaces that are inclined in the opposite direction to the inclination of the multiple first blades with respect to the first axis. The inclined surfaces may be flat instead of curved. The shape of the beams when viewed from the extension direction of the air conditioner may be linear. The inclined surfaces of the wiring accommodating sections may be curved similarly to the inclined surfaces of the beams. Two wiring accommodating sections may be provided to accommodate the wiring of the first motor and the wiring of the second motor separately.

[0076] The shape, size, number, and arrangement of the first impeller and the second impeller of the counter-rotating fan may be changed as appropriate. For example, the number of the first blades may be equal to or greater than the number of the second blades. The inclination of the first blades and the inclination of the second blades relative to the first axis may be changed as appropriate. The control device may be capable of selectively executing the first mode and the second mode, but may not be capable of executing the third mode, or may be capable of selectively executing a mode different from the first mode or the third mode.

[0077] The rotation speed of the first motor and the rotation speed of the second motor in the first process and the second process may be changed as appropriate. The relationship between the rotation speed of the motor and the drive current may be changed as appropriate depending on the type of motor and the configuration of the impeller rotated by the motor. The method of controlling the rotation speed of the first motor and the second motor may be changed as appropriate depending on the type of motor. The control device may not stop the drive of the first motor and the second motor, or may decelerate at least one of the first motor and the second motor before starting execution of at least one of the first process and the second process.

[0078] The orientation of the air outlet of the housing in the first mode may be changed as appropriate, and may be in any orientation, or may be in an orientation in which the air outlet faces downward at any angle relative to the air inlet. The orientation of the housing in the second mode may be changed as appropriate, and may be in any orientation, or may be in an orientation in which the air outlet faces upward at any angle relative to the air inlet. The orientation of the housing may not be changeable around the second axis as the center of rotation, or may be manually changeable around the second axis. The changeable range of the orientation of the housing about the second axis as the center of rotation may be changed as appropriate. Similarly, the orientation of the housing about the third axis as the center of rotation may not be changeable, or may be manually changeable. The changeable range of the orientation of the housing about the third axis as the center of rotation may be changed as appropriate. When the air inlet faces upward at any angle relative to the horizontal and the air outlet faces downward at any angle relative to the horizontal, the control device controls at least one of the rotation speeds of the first motor and the second motor so that the rotation speed of the first motor is smaller than the rotation speed of the second motor. Furthermore, when the air inlet faces downward relative to the horizontal direction and the air outlet faces upward relative to the horizontal direction, at least one of the rotation speeds of the first motor and the second motor is controlled so that the rotation speed of the first motor is greater than the rotation speed of the second motor. In this case, the orientation of the air inlet or the air outlet may be detected by the second sensor or may be input by the user.

[0079] 1: air conditioner, 2: housing, 4: support, 5: filter, 6: counter-rotating fan, 9: motor holder, 15: beam, 16: inclined surface, 17: contact portion, 22: air intake, 23: outlet grille, 24: outlet, 56: curved surface, 57: curved surface, 60: first impeller, 62: first blade, 63: first motor, 64: first main body, 66: first output shaft, 67: first fixing member, 68: first elastic body, 70: second impeller, 72: second blade, 73: second motor, 74: second main body, 76: second output shaft, 77: second fixing member, 78: second elastic body, 80: first cup, 90: second cup, 100: control device, D1: first direction, D2: second direction, E: extension direction, J1: first axis, J2: second axis, R1: first rotation direction, R2: second rotation direction

Claims

1. An air conditioner comprising: a housing having an intake port and an exhaust port; a counter-rotating fan housed inside the housing and having a first impeller and a second impeller, wherein the first impeller rotates around a first axis in a first rotational direction and draws air into the housing from the intake port; and the second impeller is disposed between the first impeller and the exhaust port and rotates around the first axis in a second rotational direction opposite to the first rotational direction and blows the air inside the housing out of the housing from the exhaust port; and a filter housed inside the housing and having a curved surface through which air drawn into the housing from the intake port by the operation of the counter-rotating fan passes.

2. An air conditioner as described in claim 1, further comprising: a first motor that rotates the first impeller in the first rotational direction; a second motor that rotates the second impeller in the second rotational direction; and a control device that controls the rotation speed of the first motor and the rotation speed of the second motor, wherein the control device selectively executes a first process in which the rotation speed of the first motor is lower than the rotation speed of the second motor, and a second process in which the rotation speed of the first motor is higher than the rotation speed of the second motor.

3. An air conditioner as described in claim 2, characterized in that the air inlet and the air outlet are each formed on a plane that intersects with the first axis, and the air conditioner further comprises a support that supports the housing so that the support is rotatable about a second axis that is perpendicular to the direction in which the first axis extends, and the control device executes the first process with the air outlet facing downward rather than horizontally.

4. The air conditioner according to claim 3, characterized in that the control device executes the second process in a state where the air outlet is directed upward from the horizontal direction.

5. An air conditioner as described in claim 1, characterized in that it comprises: a support that supports the housing so that it can rotate about a second axis that is perpendicular to the direction in which the first axis extends; and an air outlet grille that forms the air outlet and has multiple slits that extend parallel to the second axis.

6. The air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein the first impeller has a plurality of first blades, and the second impeller has a plurality of second blades, the number of which is greater than the number of the first blades.

7. The air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein the extension direction of the first axis includes a first direction and a second direction opposite to the first direction; and further comprising: a first body; a first motor having a first output shaft extending from the first body in the first direction and connected to the first impeller, and rotating the first impeller in the first rotational direction; a second body; a second motor having a second output shaft extending from the second body in the second direction and connected to the second impeller, and rotating the second impeller in the second rotational direction; and a motor holder disposed between the first impeller and the second impeller in the extension direction and holding both the first motor and the second motor, the motor holder comprising: a first cup for holding the first motor; a second cup for holding the second motor; and a connecting member for connecting the first cup and the second cup when the second body is spaced apart from the first body in the second direction.

8. An air conditioner as described in claim 7, further comprising: a first elastic body arranged between the first motor and the first cup; a second elastic body arranged between the second motor and the second cup; a first fixing member that fixes the first body and the first cup to the first body from the first direction via the first elastic body; and a second fixing member that fixes the second body and the second cup to the second body from the second direction via the second elastic body.

9. An air conditioner as described in claim 7 or 8, characterized in that the first impeller has a plurality of first blades, the housing is arranged between the first impeller and the second impeller in the extension direction of the first axis, has an inclined surface inclined in the opposite direction to the inclination of the plurality of first blades with respect to the first axis, and has a beam that supports the motor holder.

10. The air conditioner according to claim 9, wherein the inclined surface is a curved surface.

11. An air conditioner as described in claim 9, characterized in that the shape of the beam when viewed from the extension direction is an arc extending concavely in the first rotation direction from the contact portion that contacts the motor holder toward the housing.

12. An air conditioner as described in claim 3, further comprising: a third motor that rotates the housing around the second axis to change the orientation of the air inlet and the air outlet relative to the support; and a mode selection switch that selects the operating mode of the air conditioner from a plurality of modes including a first mode, wherein when the first mode is selected by the mode selection switch, the control device stops driving the first motor and the second motor, drives the third motor, and orients the air outlet downward relative to the air inlet from the horizontal direction, and then executes the first process.

13. The air conditioner described in claim 12, characterized in that the plurality of modes selected by the mode selection switch include a second mode different from the first mode, and when the second mode is selected by the mode selection switch, the control device stops driving the first motor and the second motor, drives the third motor, points the air outlet upward relative to the air inlet from the horizontal direction, and then executes the second process.

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