Air guide mechanism and air conditioner

Abstract

The present invention provides an air guide mechanism that allows temperature-controlled air to reach a distant place while reducing the possibility of dew condensation. An air guide mechanism (300) for guiding air that has passed through a louver provided at an air outlet for blowing out temperature-controlled air is provided with: a main body (310) having a guide plate-side guide surface (311) for receiving the air that has passed through the louver; and a plurality of vortex generation parts (320) that extend upward from the guide plate-side guide surface (311) and generate vertical vortices around an axis along the main flow direction of the air.

Description

Air guide mechanism and air conditioning device

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an air guide mechanism and an air conditioning apparatus.

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an outlet airflow control device in which a plurality of right-angled triangular vertical vortex generators are planted on the lower surface of an up-and-down airflow deflector installed in an outlet nozzle so that their bases are joined to the lower surface for the purpose of guiding the outlet airflow in the vertical direction. Here, the vertical vortex generators are structures that generate vertical vortices whose axes are in the same direction as the outlet airflow.

[0003] Patent No. 3198936

[0004] By generating vertical vortices, it is possible to mix the temperature-adjusted air with the surrounding air and have the air reach long distances. However, when a vortex generating unit is attached to a louver installed inside an outlet nozzle as in Patent Document 1, when the louver receives temperature-adjusted air (e.g., cold air), the cold air may mix with the surrounding air, causing condensation to form on the louver and / or components in its vicinity.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made in consideration of these circumstances, and aims to provide an air guide mechanism and an air conditioning device that can direct temperature-controlled air over long distances while reducing the possibility of condensation occurring.

[0006] In order to solve the above problems, the air guide mechanism and air conditioning apparatus of the present disclosure employ the following measures.

[0007] An air guide mechanism according to one aspect of the present disclosure is an air guide mechanism for guiding air that has passed through louvers provided at the outlet of an air conditioning device from which temperature-adjusted air is blown out, and comprises a main body having a guide surface that receives the air that has passed through the louvers, and a plurality of vortex generating sections that stand upright from the guide surface and generate vertical vortices around an axis along the main air flow direction.

[0008] An air conditioning apparatus according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes an air guide mechanism and the louver provided at the air outlet.

[0009] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to allow temperature-controlled air to reach long distances while reducing the possibility of condensation occurring.

[0010] 1 is a bottom perspective view of an air conditioning apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a side view as viewed from the direction of arrow A shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is an upper perspective view of an air guide mechanism. FIG. 4 is a plan view of a main body and a vortex generating unit as viewed from above. FIG. 5 is a side view of a vortex generating unit as viewed from the direction of arrow B shown in FIG. 6. FIG. 6 is a plan view of a vortex generating unit as viewed from the direction of arrow C shown in FIG. 7. FIG. 7 is a plan view of a vortex generating unit as viewed from the direction of arrow C shown in FIG. 7 (air flow is shown). FIG. 8 is a front view of a vortex generating unit as viewed from the front. FIG. 9 is a front view of a plurality of vortex generating units as viewed from the front. FIG. 10 is a graph summarizing the relationship between widthwise distance (vertical axis) and average wind speed (horizontal axis) at positions 0.5 m, 1.0 m, 2.0 m, and 3.0 m in front of the air outlet. FIG. 11 is a graph summarizing the relationship between height from the floor (vertical axis) and average wind speed (horizontal axis) at a position 2.0 m in front of the air outlet.

[0011] Hereinafter, an air guide mechanism and an air conditioning apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0012] In the following description, the vertical direction refers to the direction from top to bottom or bottom to top, the front-to-back direction refers to the direction from front to back or back to front, and the left-to-right direction refers to the direction from left to right or right to left. The vertical, front-to-back, and left-to-right directions are generally perpendicular to each other. These directions are terms used to facilitate understanding of the description and do not limit the actual position of the product.

[0013] [Overall Configuration] The air conditioning device 10 is, for example, a ceiling-mounted indoor unit that takes in indoor air, adjusts the temperature of the taken-in air, and supplies the temperature-adjusted air to the room. As shown in Fig. 1, the air conditioning device 10 includes a main body case 100 that houses devices and parts such as a motor, a fan, a heat exchanger, a bell mouth, and a drain pan (not shown), and a louver 200 and an air guide mechanism 300 that are provided at an air outlet 123 of the main body case 100.

[0014] The main body case 100 is a housing that is rectangular when viewed from below and has an internal space for accommodating devices and components. The main body case 100 is installed, for example, on the ceiling of a building.

[0015] The main body case 100 has a box-shaped cabinet 110 embedded in the ceiling and a top panel 120 attached to the lower part of the cabinet 110 and exposed to the ceiling surface. The top panel 120 has a panel main body 121 formed as a rectangular frame and a grill 122 provided in the center of the panel main body 121.

[0016] Four air outlets 123 are formed in the top panel 120. The air outlets 123 are openings through which air that has passed through the heat exchanger (i.e., temperature-adjusted air) is blown out. The four air outlets 123 are arranged to surround the grille 122 in the left-right and front-back directions. The number and arrangement of the air outlets 123 can be changed as appropriate.

[0017] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, each air outlet 123 is provided with a louver 200 and an air guide mechanism 300 .

[0018] The louver 200 is a component that guides the air blown out from the air outlet 123 and adjusts the direction of the air. As shown in FIG. 2 , the louver 200 has a louver-side guide surface 201 that faces diagonally upward and forward. The louver-side guide surface 201 is a surface that receives the air blown out from the air outlet 123. The air blown out from the air outlet 123 and reaching the louver-side guide surface 201 flows along the louver-side guide surface 201. This adjusts the direction of the air blown out from the air outlet 123. The louver 200 is rotatably attached to the main body case 100 and rotates around a louver-side rotation axis Cl that extends in the left-right direction in FIG. 2 (a direction perpendicular to the up-down and front-back directions). Therefore, the louver 200 adjusts the direction of the air in the up-down direction.

[0019] Air guide mechanism 300 is a component that guides air that has passed through louvers 200 (i.e., air whose direction has been adjusted by louvers 200) to further adjust the direction of the air. As shown in Figure 3, air guide mechanism 300 is a component that is generally U-shaped overall, and includes a main body 310, a vortex generating unit 320, and a support unit 330.

[0020] The support unit 330 is a generally U-shaped unit having two parallel arms 331 and a connection panel 332 disposed between the two arms 331. Each arm 331 extends in the front-rear direction, has a fulcrum 331a formed at its base end (rear end), and is connected to the connection panel 332 at its tip (front end). The connection panel 332 is a plate-like unit extending in the left-right direction, and both ends are connected to the tips of the arms 331. The support unit 330 is rotatably attached to the main body case 100 via the fulcrum 331a of each arm 331 and rotates around a guide mechanism-side rotation axis Cg extending in the left-right direction in FIG. 2 . The rotational movement of the support unit 330 is linked to the rotational movement of the louver 200, for example. The support unit 330 is, for example, formed by integrally forming the two arms 331 and the connection panel 332 as a single component.

[0021] 2 and 3, the main body 310 is attached to the upper surface of the connection panel 332 of the support part 330. As shown in Figures 2 to 5, the main body 310 is a plate-like part that is rectangular when viewed from above, with the left-right direction as the longitudinal direction (width direction), the front-rear direction as the lateral direction, and the up-down direction as the thickness direction.

[0022] The main body 310 is a plate-like portion extending in the left-right direction. The main body 310 has a guide-plate-side guide surface 311 facing upward. That is, the upper surface of the main body 310 serves as the guide-plate-side guide surface 311. The guide-plate-side guide surface 311 is a surface that receives air that has passed through the louvers 200 (i.e., air whose direction has been adjusted by the louvers 200). The air that has passed through the louvers 200 and reached the guide-plate-side guide surface 311 flows along the guide-plate-side guide surface 311. This adjusts the direction of the air that has passed through the louvers 200. Specifically, the direction of the air that has passed through the louvers 200 faces upward (toward the ceiling) compared to when the air guide mechanism 300 is not present. This prevents the air from directly hitting the user, reducing the feeling of a draft.

[0023] The guide plate-side guide surface 311 is provided with a plurality of vortex generating sections 320. The plurality of vortex generating sections 320 include, for example, vortex generating section 320A, vortex generating section 320B, vortex generating section 320C, and vortex generating section 320D. Hereinafter, when each vortex generating section is described separately, at least one of the reference symbols 320A, 320B, 320C, and 320D will be used. When each vortex generating section is described without distinction, the reference symbol 320 will be used. Each vortex generating section 320 is a section for generating longitudinal vortices around an axis along the main flow direction of air passing through the louver 200. The vortex generating sections 320 are erected upward or diagonally upward from the guide plate-side guide surface 311 and are arranged in a row with intervals between them in the width direction of the main body 310. Each vortex generating section 320 may be integrally formed with the main body 310 as a single component, or may be a separate component connected and fixed to the main body 310.

[0024] [Configuration of Vortex Generator] The configuration of the vortex generator 320 will be described in detail.

[0025] 4 and 6 , the vortex generating section 320 has a known airfoil shape when viewed from the upright installation direction (when viewed from above). Specifically, the vortex generating section 320 has a leading edge 321, a trailing edge 322, a pressure surface 323 that smoothly connects the leading edge 321 and the trailing edge 322, and a suction surface 324. Here, the pressure surface 323 corresponds to the underside of the wing and generates a high-pressure region. The suction surface 324 corresponds to the upper surface of the wing and generates a low-pressure region.

[0026] As shown in Figures 7 and 8, when the air passing through the louver 200 reaches the leading edge 321 of the vortex generating section 320, the air splits at the leading edge 321, with some of the air flowing along the pressure surface 323 and some of the air flowing along the suction surface 324. At this time, a high-pressure region is generated on the pressure surface 323 side, and a low-pressure region is generated on the suction surface 324 side. At the upper end surface (wing tip surface 325) of the vortex generating section 320, air flows from the high-pressure region toward the low-pressure region. This air inflow overlaps with the air flow that has passed through the louver 200 and the air flowing along the suction surface 324, generating a longitudinal vortex. Note that this principle is similar to the generation of wingtip vortices in an aircraft.

[0027] It is preferable that the blade tip surface 325 is a plane that coincides with a plane that is approximately perpendicular to the direction in which the vortex generating section 320 is erected. This allows air to forcefully flow from the high-pressure region to the low-pressure region through the blade tip surface 325, making it easier to generate strong longitudinal vortices.

[0028] By generating vertical vortices, the temperature-adjusted air can be mixed with the surrounding air and spread over long distances (improving the straightness of the air). Furthermore, the vertical vortices can diffuse the temperature-adjusted air in the width direction and vertical direction. In other words, the temperature-adjusted air can be spread over a wide area. Furthermore, the vortex generating unit 320, which is provided to mix the air and spread the air over a wide area, acts to obstruct the flow of air that has passed through the louver 200. However, by forming the vortex generating unit 320 in an airfoil shape, air resistance can be reduced.

[0029] From the perspective of generating strong vertical vortices, it may seem preferable to provide the vortex generating unit 320 on the louver-side guide surface 201 of the louver 200, where air flows at a faster speed. However, if the vortex generating unit 320 is attached to the louver-side guide surface 201 of the louver 200, when the louver 200 receives cool air, the cool air may mix with the surrounding air, potentially causing condensation on the louver 200 and / or components nearby. Therefore, in this embodiment, the possibility of condensation is reduced by generating vertical vortices using air (air that has passed through the louver 200) that is at least warmer than the cool air before passing through the louver 200. Furthermore, when the vortex generating unit 320 is attached to the louver-side guide surface 201 of the louver 200, the air blown out from the air outlet 123 diffuses in the width direction once it passes through the louver 200. Some of the air diffused in the width direction cannot be received by the guide-plate-side guide surface 311 of the air guide mechanism 300 and instead directly hits the user.

[0030] The trailing edge 322 of the vortex generator 320 may be a sharp edge or may be rounded (R-shaped) with a predetermined trailing edge radius. The trailing edge radius of the vortex generator 320 is preferably, for example, 0.2 mm to T / 2 mm, where T is the maximum blade thickness (see FIG. 6).

[0031] [Arrangement of Vortex Generators] The arrangement of the multiple vortex generators 320 will be described in detail.

[0032] When the center line in the width direction of the main body 310 is defined as Lce, the vortex generating parts 320 are arranged symmetrically with respect to the center line Lce. Therefore, in the following description, the range AL to the left of the center line Lce will be described in detail.

[0033] 3 and 4, the multiple vortex generating parts 320 are arranged in a row at intervals in the width direction of the main body part 310. As shown in Fig. 4, the multiple vortex generating parts 320 in this embodiment are arranged in the order of vortex generating part 320A, vortex generating part 320B, vortex generating part 320C, and vortex generating part 320D in the direction away from the center line Lce. However, the number of vortex generating parts 320 can be changed as appropriate.

[0034] In the following description, the term "chord line 326" is used, and the chord line 326 is a straight line connecting the leading edge 321 and the trailing edge 322. Furthermore, in Figure 4, instead of the chord line 326, a line Lch, which is a line extending both ends of the chord line 326, is displayed. This is because if the chord line 326 were displayed in Figure 4, the chord line 326 would be short and difficult to see.

[0035] [Direction in which the pressure surface of the vortex generating section faces] As shown in Figure 4, the chord line 326 (line Lch) of each vortex generating section 320 is inclined so that the pressure surface 323 faces at least upstream in the main airflow direction. By arranging each vortex generating section 320 in this manner, the pressure of the high-pressure region generated on the pressure surface 323 side can be further increased. This increases the differential pressure between the high-pressure region and the low-pressure region, allowing for the generation of stronger longitudinal vortices.

[0036] [Arrangement of Two Adjacent Vortex Generators Near the Center in the Width Direction] As shown in FIGS. 4 and 9 , two adjacent vortex generators 320A near the center in the width direction of the main body 310 are arranged so that their pressure surfaces 323 face each other. By arranging them in this manner, when two adjacent longitudinal vortices interfere with each other, as shown in FIG. 9 , the two longitudinal vortices strengthen each other's rotation. This allows the temperature-adjusted air to reach a greater distance in the central region Rc, as shown in FIG. 4 . Furthermore, the air in the outer region Ro is dragged by the air in the central region Rc due to its viscosity. As a result, the temperature-adjusted air can reach a greater distance throughout the entire width direction. Of the two adjacent vortex generators 320A, one vortex generator 320A is located in a range AL to the left of the center line Lce, and the other vortex generator 320A is located in a range AR to the right of the center line Lce.

[0037] Here, the central region Rc is a region located in front of two adjacent vortex generating sections 320A near the center in the width direction of the main body 310. In other words, the central region Rc is a region through which air flows after passing through the two vortex generating sections 320A. On the other hand, the outer region Ro is a region located in front of the vortex generating sections 320 (320B, 320C, 320D) other than the vortex generating section 320A. In other words, the outer region Ro is a region through which air flows after passing through the vortex generating sections 320B, 320C, 320D. In other words, the outer region Ro is a region located outside the central region Rc in the width direction. However, the boundary between the central region Rc and the outer region Ro does not have to be strict.

[0038] 9, two adjacent vortex generating parts 320A near the center in the width direction of the main body part 310 are arranged with a gap in the width direction so that the generated longitudinal vortices interfere with each other. By arranging them in this way, the two adjacent longitudinal vortices come closer to each other, making it easier for the two adjacent longitudinal vortices to interfere with each other.

[0039] As shown in FIG. 4 , two adjacent vortex generating sections 320A near the center in the width direction of the main body 310 have inclined chord lines 326 (lines Lch) such that the leading edges 321 are positioned outward of the trailing edges 322 in the width direction. This arrangement causes two adjacent longitudinal vortices to move toward each other, making them more likely to interfere with each other. In FIG. 4 , in a range AL to the left of the center line Lce, the chord line 326 (lines Lch) of the vortex generating section 320A is inclined by −10 degrees with respect to the center line Lce, with the clockwise direction being positive (+). Note that this numerical value for the angle is merely an example.

[0040] [[Arrangement of Vortex Generators Located Outside Two Adjacent Vortex Generators Near the Center]] As shown in FIG. 4 , each of the vortex generators 320B, 320C, and 320D located outside the two vortex generators 320 has a chord line 326 inclined so that the trailing edge 322 is located outside the leading edge 321 in the width direction. This arrangement allows the temperature-adjusted air to be efficiently diffused outward in the width direction. In other words, the temperature-adjusted air can be efficiently distributed over a wide area. In FIG. 4 , in the range AL to the left of the center line Lce, the chord line 326 (line Lch) of the vortex generator 320B is inclined by +10 degrees relative to the center line Lce, and the chord lines 326 (line Lch) of the vortex generators 320C and 320D are inclined by +20 degrees relative to the center line Lce. Note that these numerical values ​​regarding angles are merely examples.

[0041] As shown in FIG. 4 , each of the vortex generating sections 320B, 320C, and 320D is arranged with its pressure surface 323 facing outward. As shown in FIG. 10 , the vortex generating sections 320B, 320C, and 320D are spaced apart in the width direction to prevent interference between the generated longitudinal vortices. For example, the spacing is set to be at least wider than the spacing between the vortex generating sections 320A. This arrangement prevents two adjacent longitudinal vortices from interfering with each other and canceling out their rotations. The reasons for arranging the vortex generating sections 320B, 320C, and 320D with their pressure surfaces 323 facing outward are to achieve two things: (1) to primarily receive air at the pressure surfaces 323, and (2) to position the trailing edge 322 outward of the leading edge 321 in the width direction.

[0042] [Orientation of the Wing Tip Surface] As shown in FIG. 2 , it is preferable that the wing tip surface 325 of the vortex generating section 320 coincide with the horizontal plane in a predetermined case. Here, the predetermined case refers to the case where the louver-side guide surface 201 of the louver 200 is closest to the horizontal plane within the movable range (rotation range) of the louver 200. However, the movable range of the louver 200 refers to the movable range during normal operation and does not include the movable range during stoppage or preparation for operation. In other words, the movable range of the louver 200 refers to the movable range that can be selected by an operator through operation during normal operation (e.g., operation on the operation panel). This allows for effective generation of vertical vortices when blowing air in a direction closest to the horizontal, i.e., when it is desired to supply air to a distant horizontal location.

[0043] [Effects] According to this embodiment, the following effects are achieved.

[0044] The air guide mechanism 300 includes a main body 310 having a guide-plate-side guide surface 311 that receives air that has passed through the louvers 200, and multiple vortex generating units 320 that extend upward from the guide-plate-side guide surface 311 and generate vertical vortices around an axis along the main air flow direction. By generating vertical vortices, the temperature-adjusted air can be mixed with the surrounding air and spread over a long distance (improving linearity). Furthermore, by generating vertical vortices, the temperature-adjusted air can be diffused in the width direction and vertical direction. In other words, the temperature-adjusted air can be spread over a wide area. Furthermore, since the air guide mechanism 300 guides air that has passed through the louvers 200, the air guide mechanism 300 guides air that is at least higher in temperature than the air (cool air) before passing through the louvers 200. Therefore, the possibility of condensation can be reduced compared to when the vortex generating units 320 are attached to the louvers 200.

[0045] The shape of each vortex generating section 320 as viewed from the direction of erection is wing-shaped, which reduces air resistance. Furthermore, the wing-shaped vortex generating section 320 efficiently generates strong wingtip vortices, which can be used as longitudinal vortices. Furthermore, the wing-shaped vortex generating section 320 has lower air resistance and can efficiently generate longitudinal vortices compared to, for example, a vortex generating section that has a simple rectangular shape as viewed from the direction of erection. Furthermore, the wing-shaped vortex generating section 320 can generate stronger longitudinal vortices compared to, for example, a vortex generating section that has a triangular shape as viewed from the direction of erection.

[0046] Two adjacent vortex generating sections 320A near the center in the width direction are arranged so that their pressure surfaces 323 face each other. Therefore, when two adjacent longitudinal vortices interfere with each other, the two longitudinal vortices strengthen each other's rotation. This allows the temperature-adjusted air to reach a greater distance in the central region Rc. Furthermore, the air in the outer region Ro is dragged by the air in the central region Rc due to its viscosity, so that the temperature-adjusted air can reach a greater distance throughout the entire width direction.

[0047] Two adjacent vortex generating units 320A near the center in the width direction are spaced apart in the width direction so that the generated longitudinal vortices interfere with each other. The interference between the two adjacent longitudinal vortices further strengthens the rotation of each other. This allows the temperature-adjusted air to reach a greater distance in the central region Rc. Furthermore, the air in the outer regions Ro is dragged by the air in the central region Rc due to its viscosity, resulting in the temperature-adjusted air reaching a greater distance across the entire width direction.

[0048] The two adjacent vortex generating sections 320A near the center in the width direction have inclined chord lines 326 so that the leading edge 321 is positioned outward of the trailing edge 322 in the width direction. This makes it easier for the two adjacent longitudinal vortices to interfere with each other, further strengthening their rotation. This allows the temperature-adjusted air to reach a greater distance in the central region Rc. Furthermore, the air in the outer region Ro is dragged by the air in the central region Rc due to its viscosity, so that the temperature-adjusted air can reach a greater distance across the entire width direction.

[0049] The chord lines 326 of the vortex generating sections 320B, 320C, and 320D arranged on the outside are inclined so that the trailing edges 322 are positioned further outward in the width direction than the leading edges 321, and this allows the temperature-adjusted air to be efficiently diffused outward in the width direction. In other words, the temperature-adjusted air can be efficiently distributed over a wide area.

[0050] The vortex generating sections 320B, 320C, and 320D arranged on the outside are spaced apart in the width direction so that the generated longitudinal vortices do not interfere with each other, and therefore it is possible to avoid interference between two adjacent longitudinal vortices that would cancel out each other's rotations.

[0051] Since the chord line 326 of each vortex generating section 320 is inclined so that the pressure surface 323 faces upstream in the main airflow direction, the air is received mainly by the pressure surface 323. This makes it possible to further increase the pressure in the high-pressure region. This increases the pressure difference between the high-pressure region and the low-pressure region, making it possible to generate stronger longitudinal vortices.

[0052] Here, we will explain experimental data using an air conditioning device 10 that employs the air guide mechanism 300 of this embodiment, and a comparative air conditioning device 10 that employs an air guide mechanism 300 that omits the vortex generating section 320.

[0053] FIG. 11 shows a graph summarizing the relationship between widthwise distance (vertical axis) and average wind speed (horizontal axis) at positions 0.5 m, 1.0 m, 2.0 m, and 3.0 m forward of the air outlet 123. Here, the widthwise distance is based on the center line Lce. According to FIG. 11 , the average flow speed in the central region Rc (e.g., the region within a widthwise distance of 0.3 m) did not differ significantly between the case with the vortex generating unit 320 and the case without the vortex generating unit 320. On the other hand, the average flow speed in the outer region Ro (e.g., the region beyond a widthwise distance of 0.3 m) tended to be higher with the vortex generating unit 320 than without the vortex generating unit 320, the farther forward the position from the air outlet 123. This indicates that the generation of vertical vortices and the arrangement of the vortex generating unit 320 allowed air to efficiently reach a wide range in the width direction. 11 shows line L1 (with vortex generating section 320) and line L2 (without vortex generating section 320) connecting widthwise distances where the average wind speed is 0.3 m / s at each position in front of the air outlet 123. Comparing line L1 and line L2, it can be seen that the range of widthwise distances where the average wind speed is 0.3 m / s is wider in the case where the vortex generating section 320 is present than in the case where the vortex generating section 320 is absent. Note that a wind speed of 0.3 m / s is the wind speed that is the benchmark for when a person can feel the wind.

[0054] 12 shows a graph summarizing the relationship between the height from the floor (vertical axis) and the average wind speed (horizontal axis) at a position 2.0 m in front of the air outlet 123. Here, the air outlet 123 is assumed to be installed at a height of 2.0 m from the floor. Comparing the height from the floor at which the average wind speed is 0.3 m / s, it can be seen that the height from the floor at which the average wind speed is 0.3 m / s is lower with the vortex generating unit 320 than with the vortex generating unit 320 without. This means that the generation of vertical vortices and the placement of the vortex generating unit 320 efficiently diffuse the air over a wide area downward.

[0055] [Variation 1] Two adjacent vortex generating sections 320A near the center of the width of the main body section 310 are arranged so that their abdominal surfaces 323 face each other, but from the viewpoint that the two longitudinal vortices strengthen each other's rotation, the two vortex generating sections 320A may also be arranged so that their back surfaces 324 face each other.

[0056] [Modification 2] The main body 310 may be configured to be movable relative to the connection panel 332 of the support part 330. For example, the main body 310 in Fig. 3 may be configured to rotate relative to the connection panel 332 about a rotation axis extending in the left-right direction.

[0057] [Modification 3] The vortex generating section 320 may be configured to be movable relative to the main body section 310. For example, the vortex generating section 320 in Fig. 3 may be configured to rotate about a rotation axis extending in the up-down direction relative to the main body section 310. In other words, the inclination angle of the chord line 326 may be variable.

[0058] [Modification 4] The connection panel 332 of the support section 330 and the main body section 310 do not need to be separate components, and the connection panel 332 and the main body section 310 may be integrated. That is, the main body section 310 may also serve as the connection panel 332.

[0059] [Modification 5] The air conditioning device 10 may be a type other than a ceiling-mounted type. For example, the air conditioning device 10 may be a wall-mounted indoor unit.

[0060] [Additional Notes] The air guide mechanism and the air conditioning apparatus according to one embodiment of the present disclosure described above can be understood, for example, as follows.

[0061] The air guide mechanism (300) according to the first aspect of the present disclosure is an air guide mechanism for guiding air that has passed through louvers (200) provided at an air outlet (123) of an air conditioning device (10) from which temperature-adjusted air is blown out, and comprises a main body (310) having a guide surface (311) that receives the air that has passed through the louvers, and a plurality of vortex generating sections (320) that stand upright from the guide surface and generate vertical vortices around an axis along the main flow direction of the air.

[0062] The air guide mechanism includes a main body having a guide surface that receives air that has passed through the louvers, and multiple vortex generators that extend upward from the guide surface and generate vertical vortices around an axis along the main air flow direction. By generating vertical vortices, the temperature-adjusted air can be mixed with the surrounding air and spread over a long distance (improving linearity). Furthermore, by generating vertical vortices, the temperature-adjusted air can be diffused in the width direction and vertical direction. In other words, the temperature-adjusted air can be spread over a wide area. Furthermore, because the air guide mechanism guides air that has passed through the louvers, the air guide mechanism guides air that is at least higher in temperature than the air (cool air) before passing through the louvers. Therefore, the possibility of condensation can be reduced compared to when the vortex generators are attached to the louvers.

[0063] In the air guide mechanism according to the second aspect of the present disclosure, in the first aspect, the shape of the vortex generating portion as viewed from the direction of erection is an airfoil shape having a leading edge (321) and a trailing edge (322), as well as a pressure surface (323) that generates a high-pressure region and a dorsal surface (324) that generates a low-pressure region.

[0064] The shape of each vortex generating section when viewed from the direction of installation is wing-shaped, which reduces air resistance. Furthermore, the wing-shaped vortex generating sections generate wingtip vortices that can be used as longitudinal vortices.

[0065] In the air guide mechanism according to the third aspect of the present disclosure, in the second aspect, the multiple vortex generating sections are arranged at intervals in the width direction of the main body section, and two adjacent vortex generating sections near the center in the width direction are arranged so that their ventral surfaces or their back surfaces face each other.

[0066] Two adjacent vortex generating units near the center in the width direction are arranged so that their pressure surfaces or back surfaces face each other. Therefore, when two adjacent longitudinal vortices interfere with each other, the two longitudinal vortices strengthen each other's rotation. This allows the temperature-adjusted air to reach a greater distance in the central region (Rc). Furthermore, the air in the outer region (Ro) is dragged by the air in the central region due to its viscosity, so that the temperature-adjusted air can reach a greater distance throughout the entire width direction.

[0067] In the air guide mechanism according to the fourth aspect of the present disclosure, in the third aspect, two adjacent vortex generating sections near the center in the width direction are arranged at a distance in the width direction so that the generated longitudinal vortices interfere with each other.

[0068] Two adjacent vortex generating units near the center in the width direction are spaced apart in the width direction so that the generated longitudinal vortices interfere with each other. The interference between the two adjacent longitudinal vortices further strengthens the rotation of each other. This allows the temperature-adjusted air to reach a greater distance in the central region. Furthermore, the air in the outer regions is dragged by the air in the central region due to its viscosity, resulting in the temperature-adjusted air reaching a greater distance across the entire width direction.

[0069] The air guide mechanism according to the fifth aspect of the present disclosure is the third or fourth aspect, in which the chord lines (326) of the two vortex generating sections adjacent to each other near the center in the width direction are inclined so that the leading edges are positioned outward in the width direction relative to the trailing edges.

[0070] The chord lines of two adjacent vortex generating sections near the center in the width direction are inclined so that the leading edge is positioned outward of the trailing edge in the width direction, which makes it easier for the two adjacent longitudinal vortices to interfere with each other and further strengthen their rotation. This allows the temperature-adjusted air in the central region to reach a greater distance. Furthermore, the air in the outer regions is dragged by the air in the central region due to its viscosity, so that the temperature-adjusted air can reach a greater distance across the entire width direction.

[0071] The air guide mechanism according to the sixth aspect of the present disclosure is, in any of the third to fifth aspects, such that each of the vortex generating sections arranged outside two adjacent vortex generating sections near the center in the width direction has an inclined chord line such that the trailing edge is positioned outside the leading edge in the width direction.

[0072] Each vortex generating section disposed outside two adjacent vortex generating sections near the center in the width direction has an inclined chord line so that its trailing edge is positioned outside its leading edge in the width direction, thereby enabling the temperature-adjusted air to be efficiently diffused outward in the width direction, i.e., the temperature-adjusted air can be efficiently distributed over a wide area.

[0073] The air guide mechanism according to the seventh aspect of the present disclosure is such that, in any of the third to sixth aspects, each of the vortex generating sections arranged outside two adjacent vortex generating sections near the center in the width direction is arranged so that each of the ventral surfaces faces the same direction and is arranged at intervals in the width direction so that the generated longitudinal vortices do not interfere with each other.

[0074] Each vortex generating section arranged outside two adjacent vortex generating sections near the center in the width direction is arranged at intervals in the width direction so that the generated longitudinal vortices do not interfere with each other, thereby preventing two adjacent longitudinal vortices from interfering with each other and canceling out each other's rotations.

[0075] An air guide mechanism according to an eighth aspect of the present disclosure is any one of the second to seventh aspects, wherein the chord line of each of the vortex generating portions is inclined so that the pressure surface faces upstream in the main flow direction of air.

[0076] The chord line of each vortex generator is inclined so that the pressure surface faces upstream in the main airflow direction, so that the pressure in the high-pressure region is mainly received by the pressure surface. This further increases the pressure difference between the high-pressure region and the low-pressure region, allowing for the generation of stronger longitudinal vortices.

[0077] An air conditioning apparatus according to a ninth aspect of the present disclosure includes the air guide mechanism according to any one of the first to eighth aspects and the louver provided at the air outlet.

[0078] DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Air conditioning apparatus (indoor unit) 100 Main body case 110 Cabinet 120 Top panel 121 Panel main body 122 Grill 123 Air outlet 200 Louver 201 Louver side guide surface 300 Air guide mechanism 310 Main body 311 Guide plate side guide surface 320 (320A, 320B, 320C, 320D) Vortex generation section 321 Leading edge 322 Trailing edge 323 Pressure surface 324 Back surface 325 Blade tip surface 326 Blade chord line 330 Support section 331 Arm 331a Fulcrum portion 332 Connection panel AL Left side range AR Right side range Cg Guide mechanism side rotation axis Cl Louver side rotation axis Lce Center line Lch Line along the blade chord line Rc Central region Ro Outer region T Maximum blade thickness

Claims

1. An air guide mechanism for guiding air that has passed through louvers provided at the outlet of an air conditioner from which temperature-regulated air is blown out, comprising: a main body having a guide surface that receives the air that has passed through the louvers; and a plurality of vortex generating units that stand upright from the guide surface and generate vertical vortices around an axis that follows the main flow direction of the air.

2. An air guide mechanism as described in claim 1, wherein the shape of the vortex generating section as viewed from the direction of installation is an airfoil shape having a leading edge, a trailing edge, a pressure surface that generates a high-pressure area, and a suction surface that generates a low-pressure area.

3. An air guide mechanism as described in claim 2, wherein the plurality of vortex generating sections are arranged at intervals in the width direction of the main body section, and two adjacent vortex generating sections near the center in the width direction are arranged so that their ventral surfaces or their back surfaces face each other.

4. An air guide mechanism according to claim 3, wherein two adjacent vortex generating sections near the center in the width direction are arranged with a gap in the width direction so that the generated longitudinal vortices interfere with each other.

5. An air guide mechanism according to claim 3, wherein the chord lines of two adjacent vortex generating sections near the center in the width direction are inclined so that the leading edge is positioned outward in the width direction relative to the trailing edge.

6. An air guide mechanism as described in claim 3, wherein each of the vortex generating sections arranged outside two adjacent vortex generating sections near the center in the width direction has an inclined chord line so that the trailing edge is positioned outside the leading edge in the width direction.

7. An air guide mechanism as described in claim 3, wherein each of the vortex generating sections arranged outside two adjacent vortex generating sections near the center in the width direction is arranged so that each of the pressure surfaces faces the same direction and is arranged at intervals in the width direction so that the generated longitudinal vortices do not interfere with each other.

8. An air guide mechanism according to any one of claims 2 to 7, wherein the chord line of each of the vortex generating sections is inclined so that the pressure surface faces upstream in the main air flow direction.

9. An air conditioning device comprising: the air guide mechanism according to claim 1; and the louver provided at the air outlet.

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