Patent Grant
9593864
This U.S. National stage application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(a) to Japanese Patent Application Nos. 2011-239781, filed in Japan on Oct. 31, 2011, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference.
The present invention relates to an air-conditioning indoor unit.
Commonly, the airflow direction of blown air in an air conditioner is adjusted by vertically inclining an airflow direction adjustment vane disposed in a blow-out port. Because an airflow direction that sends blown air at a person is uncomfortable, research pertaining to airflow direction has tended to focus exclusively on making the temperature distribution in an entire room uniform. In the air conditioner disclosed in Japanese Laid-open Patent Application No. 2002-61938, for example, a front surface inclined part of a front surface panel has a shape that is gently inclined toward the ceiling. When conditioned air blown out from the blow-out port is deflected to the front surface inclined part by a vertical airflow direction plate, the conditioned air is led toward the ceiling along the front surface inclined part. As a result, the conditioned air can reach further along the ceiling surface, and the temperature distribution of the entire room is made uniform.
However, there has recently been a greater need to create a more natural irregular (sudden) airflow. In air conditioners such as the one described above, even if the airflow direction adjustment vane is actuated automatically, it is a way for the airflow to gradually come closer and gradually go further away, which does not meet said need.
An object of the present invention is to provide an air-conditioning indoor unit that can instantly vary airflow direction and can create a more natural irregular airflow.
An air-conditioning indoor unit according to a first aspect of the present invention is an air-conditioning indoor unit capable of causing a flow of blown air blown out from a blow-out port to be diverted in a predetermined direction due to the Coand{hacek over (a)} effect, the air-conditioning indoor unit comprising a control unit for executing an airflow direction automatic switching mode. The airflow direction automatic switching mode is a mode of automatically switching between a Coand{hacek over (a)} effect use state in which the blown air is turned into a Coand{hacek over (a)} airflow along a predetermined surface and diverted in a predetermined direction, and a normal state in which a Coand{hacek over (a)} airflow is not created.
In this air-conditioning indoor unit, the airflow direction can be changed instantly by creating a Coand{hacek over (a)} effect of causing the blown air to adhere to a predetermined surface. This is useful when switching between an airflow that contacts a person and an airflow that does not contact a person, for example.
An air-conditioning indoor unit according to a second aspect of the present invention is the air-conditioning indoor unit according to the first aspect, further comprising a Coand{hacek over (a)} vane. The Coand{hacek over (a)} vane is provided in proximity to the blow-out port, and the Coand{hacek over (a)} vane turns the blown air into a Coand{hacek over (a)} airflow along the bottom surface thereof.
In this air-conditioning indoor unit, a downward airflow direction can be switched to horizontal or an upward airflow direction, and it is therefore easy to switch between an airflow that contacts a person and an airflow that does not contact a person, for example.
An air-conditioning indoor unit according to a third aspect of the present invention is the air-conditioning indoor unit according to the second aspect, wherein the control unit controls the orientation of the Coand{hacek over (a)} vane in the airflow direction automatic switching mode to switch between the Coand{hacek over (a)} effect use state and the normal state.
In this air-conditioning indoor unit, because the Coand{hacek over (a)} vane changes orientations, when the Coand{hacek over (a)} vane is positioned higher than the blow-out port, for example, downward blown air can be instantly switched to a horizontally blown Coand{hacek over (a)} airflow, or horizontally blown air can be instantly switched to an upward blown Coand{hacek over (a)} airflow.
An air-conditioning indoor unit according to a fourth aspect of the present invention is the air-conditioning indoor unit according to the second aspect, further comprising a movable member provided in proximity to the blow-out port. The control unit controls the orientation of the movable member in the airflow direction automatic switching mode to switch between the Coand{hacek over (a)} effect use state and the normal state.
In this air-conditioning indoor unit, because the movable member changes orientations, when the Coand{hacek over (a)} vane is positioned higher than the movable member, for example, the blown air is switched instantly to a horizontally blown Coand{hacek over (a)} airflow or an upward blown Coand{hacek over (a)} airflow by a process of gradually changing the blown air from downward blowing to upward blowing.
An air-conditioning indoor unit according to a fifth aspect of the present invention is the air-conditioning indoor unit according to the second aspect, further comprising a movable member provided in proximity to the blow-out port. The control unit controls the orientation of the movable member and the Coand{hacek over (a)} vane in the airflow direction automatic switching mode to switch between the Coand{hacek over (a)} effect use state and the normal state.
In this air-conditioning indoor unit, because the movable member and the Coand{hacek over (a)} vane change orientations, when the Coand{hacek over (a)} vane is positioned higher and further forward than the movable member, for example, the blown air is switched instantly to a horizontally blown Coand{hacek over (a)} airflow or an upward blown Coand{hacek over (a)} airflow by a process of gradually changing the blown air from downward blowing to upward blowing and causing the Coand{hacek over (a)} vane to gradually approach the blown air.
An air-conditioning indoor unit according to a sixth aspect of the present invention is the air-conditioning indoor unit according to the fourth aspect, wherein the control unit stops the action of the movable member and changes the orientation of the Coand{hacek over (a)} vane in the airflow direction automatic switching mode so that the Coand{hacek over (a)} vane spans the boundary between an area where a Coand{hacek over (a)} effect is created and an area where a Coand{hacek over (a)} effect is not created.
In this air-conditioning indoor unit, the position and incline angle of the Coand{hacek over (a)} vane are changed by changing the orientation of the Coand{hacek over (a)} vane. For example, when the Coand{hacek over (a)} vane is brought nearer to the blown air while the orientation is changed, the blown air is drawn toward the surface (bottom surface) of the Coand{hacek over (a)} vane with the Coand{hacek over (a)} vane in a position somewhat near to the blown air, and the blown air switches to a Coand{hacek over (a)} airflow along this surface. Conversely, when the orientation of the Coand{hacek over (a)} vane is changed in a direction of separating from the original blown air, the Coand{hacek over (a)} airflow is instantly dispelled and switched to the original blown air with the Coand{hacek over (a)} vane in a somewhat separated position.
An air-conditioning indoor a nit according to a seventh aspect of the present invention is the air-conditioning indoor unit according to the fourth aspect, wherein the control unit stops the action of the Coand{hacek over (a)} vane and changes the orientation of the movable member in the airflow direction automatic switching mode so that the movable member spans the boundary between an area where a Coand{hacek over (a)} effect is created and an area where a Coand{hacek over (a)} effect is not created.
In this air-conditioning indoor unit, when the blown air is deflected nearer to the Coand{hacek over (a)} vane by the movable member, the blown air is drawn toward the surface of the Coand{hacek over (a)} vane when somewhat near the Coand{hacek over (a)} vane, and the blown air switches to a Coand{hacek over (a)} airflow along the surface thereof. Conversely, when the orientation of the movable member is changed so that the blown air separates from the Coand{hacek over (a)} vane, the Coand{hacek over (a)} airflow is instantly dispelled and switched to the blown air in a somewhat separated position.
An air-conditioning indoor unit according to an eighth aspect of the present invention is the air-conditioning indoor unit according to the fourth aspect, wherein the control unit changes the orientations of the movable member and the Coand{hacek over (a)} vane in the airflow direction automatic switching mode so that the movable member and the Coand{hacek over (a)} vane span the boundary between an area where a Coand{hacek over (a)} effect is created and an area where a Coand{hacek over (a)} effect is not created.
In this air-conditioning indoor unit, when the orientations of the movable member and the Coand{hacek over (a)} vane are controlled so that the Coand{hacek over (a)} vane and the blown air whose airflow direction is adjusted by the movable member draw nearer to each other, the blown air is drawn toward the surface of the Coand{hacek over (a)} vane when somewhat near the Coand{hacek over (a)} vane, and the blown air switches to a Coand{hacek over (a)} airflow along the surface thereof. Conversely, when the orientations of the movable member and the Coand{hacek over (a)} vane are controlled so that the Coand{hacek over (a)} vane and the blown direction due to the movable member become distanced from each other, the Coand{hacek over (a)} airflow is instantly dispelled and switched to the blown air with the two components in somewhat distanced positioned from each other.
An air-conditioning indoor unit according to a ninth aspect of the present invention is the air-conditioning indoor unit according to any of the first through fifth aspects, wherein the control unit irregularly switches between the Coand{hacek over (a)} effect use state and the normal state in the airflow direction automatic switching mode. In this air-conditioning indoor unit, a more natural irregular airflow can be created.
An air-conditioning indoor unit according to a tenth aspect of the present invention is the air-conditioning indoor unit according to any of the first through fifth aspects, wherein the control unit regularly switches between the Coand{hacek over (a)} effect use state and the normal state in the airflow direction automatic switching mode. In this air-conditioning indoor unit, a more natural sudden airflow can be regularly created.
An air-conditioning indoor unit according to an eleventh aspect of the present invention is the air-conditioning indoor unit according to any of the first through tenth aspects, further comprising a person position detection sensor for detecting the position of a person. In the airflow direction automatic switching mode, the airflow direction of the blown air is generally toward the floor in the normal state. The airflow direction is determined based on a detection signal from the person position detection sensor. In this air-conditioning indoor unit, it is possible to automatically detect whether a person is present and automatically sent an airflow resembling a natural airflow to the person.
An air-conditioning indoor unit according to a twelfth aspect of the present invention is the air-conditioning indoor unit according to the first aspect, further comprising an airflow direction adjustment vane and a Coand{hacek over (a)} vane. The airflow direction adjustment vane varies the blowout angle of blown air relative to a horizontal plane. The Coand{hacek over (a)} vane, which is provided in proximity to the blow-out port, turns the blown air into a Coand{hacek over (a)} airflow along a bottom surface thereof. It is possible to vary the incline angle of the Coand{hacek over (a)} vane (32) relative to a horizontal plane. When the airflow direction automatic switching mode is executed, the control unit keeps the Coand{hacek over (a)} vane stationary in a predetermined stationary position and continuously varies the direction of the blown air in a predetermined vertical range via the airflow direction adjustment vane so that the Coand{hacek over (a)} effect use state and the normal state are alternated.
In this air-conditioning indoor unit, due to the direction of the blown air being varied vertically, an occupant of the room feels that the airflow gradually comes closer and gradually goes further away. By coming in contact with the stationary Coand{hacek over (a)} vane, the blown air becomes a Coand{hacek over (a)} airflow and heads in a direction that does not contact the occupant of the room, and the occupant therefore feels that the airflow has suddenly stopped. Furthermore, when the blown air separates from the stationary Coand{hacek over (a)} vane, the Coand{hacek over (a)} airflow is dispelled and the occupant feels that an airflow has started to be blown unexpectedly.
An air-conditioning indoor unit according to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention is the air-conditioning indoor unit according to the twelfth aspect, wherein the control unit shifts the stationary position of the Coand{hacek over (a)} vane when the number of variations of the direction of the blown air reaches a predetermined number.
In this air-conditioning indoor unit, the timing at which the blown air comes in contact with the Coand{hacek over (a)} vane and becomes a Coand{hacek over (a)} airflow is different from the previous instance, the timing at which the airflow contacts the occupant is therefore irregular, and this feeling of irregularity brings the airflow more closer to a natural airflow.
An air-conditioning indoor unit according to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention is the air-conditioning indoor unit according to the first aspect, further comprising an airflow direction adjustment vane and a Coand{hacek over (a)} vane. The airflow direction adjustment vane varies the blowout angle of blown air relative to a horizontal plane. The Coand{hacek over (a)} vane, which is provided in proximity to the blow-out port, turns the blown air into a Coand{hacek over (a)} airflow along a bottom surface thereof. It is possible to vary the incline angle of the Coand{hacek over (a)} vane relative to a horizontal plane. When the airflow direction automatic switching mode is executed, the control unit keeps the airflow direction adjustment vane stationary in a predetermined stationary position and continuously varies the direction of the blown air in a predetermined vertical range via the Coand{hacek over (a)} vane so that the Coand{hacek over (a)} effect use state and the normal state are alternated.
In this air-conditioning indoor unit, when the blown air is oriented toward the occupant of the room by the airflow direction adjustment vane, the vertical variation of the incline angle of the Coand{hacek over (a)} vane causes the blown air to come in contact with the Coand{hacek over (a)} vane, becoming a Coand{hacek over (a)} airflow and heading in another direction not contacting the occupant, and the occupant therefore feels that the airflow has suddenly stopped. The Coand{hacek over (a)} vane then moves away from the blown air, thereby dispelling the Coand{hacek over (a)} airflow and causing the blown air to again contact the occupant, who therefore feels that an airflow has started to be blown unexpectedly.
An air-conditioning indoor unit according to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention is the air-conditioning indoor unit according to the fourteenth aspect, wherein the control unit shifts the direction of the blown air when the number of cycles of varying the incline angle of the Coand{hacek over (a)} vane reaches a predetermined number.
In this air-conditioning indoor unit, the timing at which the blown air comes in contact with the Coand{hacek over (a)} vane and becomes a Coand{hacek over (a)} airflow is different from the previous instance, the timing at which the airflow contacts the occupant is therefore irregular, and this feeling of irregularity brings the airflow more closer to a natural airflow.
An air-conditioning indoor unit according to a sixteenth aspect of the present invention is the air-conditioning indoor unit according to the first aspect, further comprising an airflow direction adjustment vane and a Coand{hacek over (a)} vane. The airflow direction adjustment vane varies the blowout angle of blown air relative to a horizontal plane. The Coand{hacek over (a)} vane, which is provided in proximity to the blow-out port, turns the blown air into a Coand{hacek over (a)} airflow along a bottom surface thereof. It is possible to vary the incline angle of the Coand{hacek over (a)} vane relative to a horizontal plane. When the airflow direction automatic switching mode is executed, the control unit continuously varies the direction of the blown air in a predetermined vertical range via the airflow direction adjustment vane, and continuously varies the incline angle of the Coand{hacek over (a)} vane in a predetermined vertical range, so that the Coand{hacek over (a)} effect use state and the normal state are alternated.
In this air-conditioning indoor unit, due to the vertical variation of the direction of the blown air, the occupant of the room feels that the airflow gradually comes closer and gradually goes further away. The blown air comes in contact with the Coand{hacek over (a)} vane, thereby becoming a Coand{hacek over (a)} airflow and heading in a direction not contacting the occupant, and the occupant therefore feels that the airflow has suddenly stopped. Furthermore, when the blown air separates from the Coand{hacek over (a)} vane, the Coand{hacek over (a)} airflow is dispelled and the occupant feels that an airflow has started to be blown unexpectedly.
In the air-conditioning indoor unit according to the first aspect of the present invention, the airflow direction can be changed instantly by creating a Coand{hacek over (a)} effect of causing the blown air to adhere to a predetermined surface. This is useful when switching between an airflow that contacts a person and an airflow that does not contact a person, for example.
In the air-conditioning indoor unit according to the second aspect of the present invention, a downward airflow direction can be switched to horizontal or an upward airflow direction, and it is therefore easy to switch between an airflow that contacts a person and an airflow that does not contact a person, for example.
In the air-conditioning indoor unit according to the third aspect of the present invention, because the Coand{hacek over (a)} vane changes orientations, when the Coand{hacek over (a)} vane is positioned higher than the blow-out port, for example, downward blown air can be instantly switched to a horizontally blown Coand{hacek over (a)} airflow, or horizontally blown air can be instantly switched to an upward blown Coand{hacek over (a)} airflow.
In the air-conditioning indoor unit according to the fourth aspect of the present invention, because the movable member changes orientations, when the Coand{hacek over (a)} vane is positioned higher than the movable member, for example, the blown air is switched instantly to a horizontally blown Coand{hacek over (a)} airflow or an upward blown Coand{hacek over (a)} airflow by a process of gradually changing the blown air from downward blowing to upward blowing.
In the air-conditioning indoor unit according to the fifth aspect of the present invention, because the movable member and the Coand{hacek over (a)} vane change orientations, when the Coand{hacek over (a)} vane is positioned higher and further forward than the movable member, for example, the blown air is switched instantly to a horizontally blown Coand{hacek over (a)} airflow or an upward blown Coand{hacek over (a)} airflow by a process of gradually changing the blown air from downward blowing to upward blowing and causing the Coand{hacek over (a)} vane to gradually approach the blown air.
In the air-conditioning indoor unit according to the sixth aspect of the present invention, the position and incline angle of the Coand{hacek over (a)} vane are changed by changing the orientation of the Coand{hacek over (a)} vane. For example, when the Coand{hacek over (a)} vane is brought nearer to the blown air while the orientation is changed, the blown air is drawn toward the surface (bottom surface) of the Coand{hacek over (a)} vane with the Coand{hacek over (a)} vane in a position somewhat near to the blown air, and the blown air switches to a Coand{hacek over (a)} airflow along this surface. Conversely, when the orientation of the Coand{hacek over (a)} vane is changed in a direction of separating from the original blown air, the Coand{hacek over (a)} airflow is instantly dispelled and switched to the original blown air with the Coand{hacek over (a)} vane in a somewhat separated position.
In the air-conditioning indoor unit according to the seventh aspect of the present invention, when the blown air is deflected nearer to the Coand{hacek over (a)} vane by the movable member, the blown air is drawn toward the surface of the Coand{hacek over (a)} vane when somewhat near the Coand{hacek over (a)} vane, and the blown air switches to a Coand{hacek over (a)} airflow along the surface thereof. Conversely, when the orientation of the movable member is changed so that the blown air separates from the Coand{hacek over (a)} vane, the Coand{hacek over (a)} airflow is instantly dispelled and switched to the blown air in a somewhat separated position.
In the air-conditioning indoor unit according to the eighth aspect of the present invention, when the orientations of the movable member and the Coand{hacek over (a)} vane are controlled so that the Coand{hacek over (a)} vane and the blown air whose airflow direction is adjusted by the movable member draw nearer to each other, the blown air is drawn toward the surface of the Coand{hacek over (a)} vane when somewhat near the Coand{hacek over (a)} vane, and the blown air switches to a Coand{hacek over (a)} airflow along the surface thereof. Conversely, when the orientations of the movable member and the Coand{hacek over (a)} vane are controlled so that the Coand{hacek over (a)} vane and the blown direction due to the movable member become distanced from each other, the Coand{hacek over (a)} airflow is instantly dispelled and switched to the blown air with the two components positioned somewhat distanced from each other.
In the air-conditioning indoor unit according to the ninth aspect of the present invention, a more natural irregular airflow can be created.
In the air-conditioning indoor unit according to the tenth aspect of the present invention, a more natural sudden airflow can be regularly created.
In the air-conditioning indoor unit according to the eleventh aspect of the present invention, it is possible to automatically detect whether a person is present and automatically send an airflow resembling a natural airflow to the person.
In the air-conditioning indoor unit according to the twelfth aspect of the present invention, due to the direction of the blown air being varied vertically, an occupant of the room feels that the airflow gradually comes closer and gradually goes further away. By coming in contact with the stationary Coand{hacek over (a)} vane, the blown air becomes a Coand{hacek over (a)} airflow and heads in a direction that does not contact the occupant of the room, and the occupant therefore feels that the airflow has suddenly stopped. Furthermore, when the blown air separates from the stationary Coand{hacek over (a)} vane, the Coand{hacek over (a)} airflow is dispelled and the occupant feels that an airflow has started to be blown unexpectedly.
In the air-conditioning indoor unit according to the thirteenth aspect of the present invention, the timing at which the blown air comes in contact with the Coand{hacek over (a)} vane and becomes a Coand{hacek over (a)} airflow is different from the previous instance, the timing at which the airflow contacts the occupant is therefore irregular, and this feeling of irregularity brings the airflow more closer to a natural airflow.
In the air-conditioning indoor unit according to the fourteenth aspect of the present invention, when the blown air is oriented toward the occupant of the room by the airflow direction adjustment vane, the vertical variation of the incline angle of the Coand{hacek over (a)} vane causes the blown air to come in contact with the Coand{hacek over (a)} vane, becoming a Coand{hacek over (a)} airflow and heading in another direction not contacting the occupant, and the occupant therefore feels that the airflow has suddenly stopped. The Coand{hacek over (a)} vane then moves away from the blown air, thereby dispelling the Coand{hacek over (a)} airflow and causing the blown air to again contact the occupant, who therefore feels that an airflow has started to be blown unexpectedly.
In the air-conditioning indoor unit according to the fifteenth aspect of the present invention, the timing at which the blown air comes in contact with the Coand{hacek over (a)} vane and becomes a Coand{hacek over (a)} airflow is different from the previous instance, the timing at which the airflow contacts the occupant is therefore irregular, and this feeling of irregularity brings the airflow more closer to a natural airflow.
In the air-conditioning indoor unit according to the sixteenth aspect of the present invention, due to the vertical variation of the direction of the blown air, the occupant of the room feels that the airflow gradually comes closer and gradually goes further away. The blown air comes in contact with the Coand{hacek over (a)} vane, thereby becoming a Coand{hacek over (a)} airflow and heading in a direction not contacting the occupant, and the occupant therefore feels that the airflow has suddenly stopped. Furthermore, when the blown air separates from the Coand{hacek over (a)} vane, the Coand{hacek over (a)} airflow is dispelled and the occupant feels that an airflow has started to be blown unexpectedly.
Embodiments of the present invention are described below with reference to the drawings. The following embodiments are specific examples of the present invention and are not intended to limit the technical scope of the present invention.
(1) Configuration of Air-Conditioning Indoor Unit 10
The main body casing 11 has a top surface part 11a, a front surface panel 11b, a back surface plate 11c, and a bottom horizontal plate 11d, and the interior of the casing accommodates the indoor heat exchanger 13, the indoor fan 14, the bottom frame 16, and the control unit 40.
The top surface part 11a is positioned in the top of the main body casing 11 and an intake port (not shown is provided in the front of the top surface part 11a.
The front surface panel 11b constitutes the front surface part of the indoor unit, and has a flat shape with no intake port. The front surface panel 11b is also turnably supported at the top end on the top surface part 11a, and can be actuated in the manner of a hinge.
The indoor heat exchanger 13 and the indoor fan 14 are attached to the bottom frame 16. The indoor heat exchanger 13 conducts heat exchange with air passing through. The indoor heat exchanger 13 also has an inverted V shape in which both ends curve downward in a side view, and the indoor fan 14 is positioned underneath. The indoor fan 14, which is a cross flow fan, blows the air taken from within the room back out into the room after causing the air to pass through while in contact with the indoor heat exchanger 13.
A blow-out port 15 is provided in the bottom part of the main body casing 11. The blow-out port 15 is provided with a turnable airflow direction adjustment vane 31 for varying the direction of blown air that is blown out from the blow-out port 15. The airflow direction adjustment vane 31, which is driven by a first motor 70, not only varies the direction of the blown air but can also open and close the blow-out port 15. The airflow direction adjustment vane 31 can assume a plurality of orientations of different incline angles.
A Coand{hacek over (a)} vane 32 is provided in proximity to the blow-out port 15. The Coand{hacek over (a)} vane 32 can be made by a second motor 72 to assume an orientation inclined in the forward-backward direction, and when operation has stopped, the vane is accommodated in an accommodation part 130 provided to the front surface panel 11b. The Coand{hacek over (a)} vane 32 can assume a plurality of orientations of different incline angles.
The blow-out port 15 is joined with the interior of the main body casing 11 by a blow-out flow channel 18. The blow-out flow channel 18 is formed from the blow-out port 15 along a scroll 17 of the bottom frame 16.
Indoor air is drawn into the indoor fan 14 via the intake port and the indoor heat exchanger 13 by the working of the indoor fan 14, and is blown out from the indoor fan 14 and then from the blow-out port 15 via the blow-out flow channel 18.
The control unit 40 is positioned to the right of the indoor heat exchanger 13 and the indoor fan 14 when the main body casing 11 is viewed from the front surface panel 11b, and the control unit controls rotational speed of the indoor fan 14 and the actuating of the airflow direction adjustment vane 31 and the Coand{hacek over (a)} vane 32.
(2) Detailed Configuration
(2-1) Front Surface Panel 11b
The front surface panel 11b extends in a slight arcuate curve from the top front of the main body casing 11 toward the front edge of the bottom horizontal plate 11d, as shown in
(2-2) Blow-Out Port 15
The blow-out port 15, which is formed in the bottom part of the main body casing 11 as shown in
(2-3) Scroll 17
The scroll 17 is a dividing wall curved so as to face the indoor fan 14, and is part of the bottom frame 16. The final end F of the scroll 17 reaches the peripheral edge proximity of the blow-out port 15. Air passing through the blow-out flow channel 18 progresses along the scroll 17, and the air is sent tangentially to the final end F of the scroll 17. Therefore, if the blow-out port 15 did not have the airflow direction adjustment vane 31, the airflow direction of air blown out from the blow-out port 15 would flow substantially along a tangent L0 to the final end F of the scroll 17.
(2-4) Vertical Airflow Direction Adjustment Plate 20
A vertical airflow direction adjustment plate 20 has a plurality of vane pieces 201 and a linking rod 203 for linking the plurality of vane pieces 201 as shown in
The vane pieces 201 swingably move left and right centered about a vertical state relative to the longitudinal direction of the blow-out port 15, due to the horizontal back-and-forth movement of the linking rod 203 along the longitudinal direction of the blow-out port 15. The linking rod 203 is moved horizontally back and forth by a motor (not shown).
(2-5) Airflow Direction Adjustment Vane 31
The airflow direction adjustment vane 31 has a surface area sufficient to close the blow-out port 15. With the airflow direction adjustment vane 31 in a state of closing the blow-out port 15, the outer surface 31a thereof is finished to a convex and slightly arcuate curved surface in the outer side so as to be an extension of the curved surface of the front surface panel 11b. The inner surface 31b (see
The airflow direction adjustment vane 31 has a turning shaft 311 at the bottom end. The turning shaft 311, which is in proximity to the bottom end of the blow-out port 15, is linked to a rotating shaft of a stepping motor (not shown) fixed to the main body casing 11.
The turning shaft 311 turns counterclockwise in the front view of
With the airflow direction adjustment vane 31 in a state of leaving the blow-out port 15 open, the air blown out from the blow-out port 15 flows substantially along the inner surface 31b of the airflow direction adjustment vane 31. Specifically, the air blown out substantially tangentially to the final end F of the scroll 17 is varied in terms of airflow direction somewhat upward by the airflow direction adjustment vane 31.
(2-6) Coand{hacek over (a)} Vane 32
The Coand{hacek over (a)} vane 32 is accommodated in the accommodation part 130 while air-conditioning operation has stopped and during operation in a normal blow-out mode, described hereinafter. The Coand{hacek over (a)} vane 32 separates from the accommodation part 130 by turning. A turning shaft 321 of the Coand{hacek over (a)} vane 32 is provided to a position in proximity to the bottom end of the accommodation part 130 and on the inner side of the main body casing 11 (a position above the top wall of the blow-out flow channel 18), and the bottom end of the Coand{hacek over (a)} vane 32 and the turning shaft 321 are linked with a predetermined gap in between them. Therefore, the more the turning shaft 321 turns and the farther the Coand{hacek over (a)} vane 32 separates from the accommodation part 130 in the indoor unit front surface, the more the Coand{hacek over (a)} vane 32 rotates an that the bottom end thereof is positioned at a lower height. The incline when the Coand{hacek over (a)} vane 32 has rotated open is less than the incline of the indoor unit front surface.
In the present embodiment, the accommodation part 130 is provided outside of a blowing path, and the entire Coand{hacek over (a)} vane 32 when accommodated is accommodated on the outside of the blowing path. An alternative to this structure is one in which only part of the Coand{hacek over (a)} vane 32 is accommodated on the outside of the blowing path and the rest is accommodated within the blowing path (in the top wall part of the blowing path, for example).
The turning shaft 321 turns counterclockwise in the front view of
With the Coand{hacek over (a)} vane 32 accommodated in the accommodation part 130, the outer surface 32a of the Coand{hacek over (a)} vane 32 is finished to a convex and slightly arcuate curved surface in the outer side on as to be an extension of the slightly arcuate curved surface of the front surface panel 11b. The inner surface 32b of the Coand{hacek over (a)} vane 32 is finished to an arcuate curved surface so as to run along the surface of the accommodation part 130.
The longitudinal dimension of the Coand{hacek over (a)} vane 32 is set so as to be equal to or greater than the longitudinal dimension of the airflow direction adjustment vane 31. The reason for this is because all of the blown air whose airflow direction is adjusted by the airflow direction adjustment vane 31 is received by the Coand{hacek over (a)} vane 32, and the purpose is to prevent the blown air from the sides of the Coand{hacek over (a)} vane 32 from short circuiting.
(3) Blown Air Direction Control
As means for controlling the direction of blown air, the air-conditioning indoor unit of the present embodiment has a normal blowing mode in which only the airflow direction adjustment vane 31 is turned to adjust the direction of blown air, a Coand{hacek over (a)} effect use mode in which the airflow direction adjustment vane 31 and the Coand{hacek over (a)} vane 32 are turned to make the blown air into a Coand{hacek over (a)} airflow along the outer surface 32a of the Coand{hacek over (a)} vane 32 due to the Coand{hacek over (a)} effect, and a blow down mode in which the distal ends of both the airflow direction adjustment vane 31 and the Coand{hacek over (a)} vane 32 are oriented forward and downward to lead the blown air downward.
Because the orientations of the airflow direction adjustment vane 31 and the Coand{hacek over (a)} vane 32 change with each blown direction of air in the modes described above, the orientations are described with reference to
(3-1) Normal Blowing Mode
The normal blowing mode is a mode in which only the airflow direction adjustment vane 31 is turned to adjust the direction of blown air, and this mode includes “normal forward blowing” and “normal forward-downward blowing.”
(3-1-1) Normal Forward Blowing
(3-1-2) Normal Forward-Downward Blowing
At this time, the control unit 40 turns the airflow direction adjustment vane 31 until the tangent at the front end E1 of the inner surface 31b of the airflow direction adjustment vane 31 is oriented more forward and downward than horizontal. As a result, the blown air is in a forward-downward blowing state.
(3-2) Coand{hacek over (a)} Effect Use Mode
The term Coand{hacek over (a)} (effect) refers to a phenomenon whereby, when there is a wall next to a flow of a gas or liquid, the flow diverts toward a direction along the wall surface even if the flow direction and wall direction are different (“Dictionary of Law” by Asakura Publishing Co., Ltd.). The Coand{hacek over (a)} effect use mode includes “Coand{hacek over (a)} airflow forward blowing” and “Coand{hacek over (a)} airflow ceiling blowing” which use the Coand{hacek over (a)} effect.
The method for defining the blown air direction and the Coand{hacek over (a)} airflow direction differs depending on how the reference position is found, and one example is therefore given below. However, the method is not limited to this example.
In the Coand{hacek over (a)} effect use mode of the present embodiment, the Coand{hacek over (a)} vane 32 is preferably in a position in front of (downstream of the blowing) and above the airflow direction adjustment vane 31.
The method for defining the opening angle between the airflow direction adjustment vane 31 and the Coand{hacek over (a)} vane 32 differs depending on how the reference position is found, and one example is therefore given below. However, the method is not limited to this example.
In both “Coand{hacek over (a)} airflow forward blowing” and “Coand{hacek over (a)} airflow ceiling blowing,” the airflow direction adjustment vane 31 and the Coand{hacek over (a)} vane 32 preferably assume orientations in which the inner angle formed by the tangent to the final end F of the scroll 17 and the Coand{hacek over (a)} vane 32 is greater than the inner angle formed by the tangent to the final end F of the scroll 17 and the airflow direction adjustment vane 31.
For the inner angle, refer to
In the Coand{hacek over (a)} vane 32 during the Coand{hacek over (a)} effect use mode as shown in
The Coand{hacek over (a)} airflow is also created easily by the Coand{hacek over (a)} effect in the upstream side because the rear end of the Coand{hacek over (a)} vane 32 is at a lower height position than when operation has stopped.
(3-2-1) Coand{hacek over (a)} Airflow Forward Blowing
Next, the control unit 40 turns the Coand{hacek over (a)} vane 32 until the outer surface 32a of the Coand{hacek over (a)} vane 32 reaches a substantially horizontal position. When the outer surface 32a of the Coand{hacek over (a)} vane 32 has an arcuate curved surface as in the present embodiment, the Coand{hacek over (a)} vane 32 is turned until the tangent L2 to the front end E2 of the outer surface 32a is substantially horizontal. In other words, the inner angle R2 formed by the tangent L0 and the tangent L2 is greater than the inner angle R1 formed by the tangent L0 and the tangent L1, as shown in
The blown air adjusted to forward-downward blowing by the airflow direction adjustment vane 31 flows adhering to the outer surface 32a of the Coand{hacek over (a)} vane 32 due to the Coand{hacek over (a)} effect, and changes to a Coand{hacek over (a)} airflow along the outer surface 32a.
Therefore, even if the direction of the tangent L1 to the front end E1 of the airflow direction adjustment vane 31 is at forward-downward blowing, the direction of the tangent L2 to the front end E2 of the Coand{hacek over (a)} vane 32 is horizontal, and the blown air is therefore blown out in the direction of the tangent L2 to the front end E2 of the outer surface 32a of the Coand{hacek over (a)} vane 32, i.e. in a horizontal direction, due to the Coand{hacek over (a)} effect.
Thus, the Coand{hacek over (a)} vane 32 separates from the indoor unit front surface, lessening the incline, and the blown air is readily subjected to the Coand{hacek over (a)} effect further forward than the front surface panel 11b. As a result, even when the blown air whose airflow direction is adjusted by the airflow direction adjustment vane 31 is blown forward and downward, the air is diverted horizontally by the Coand{hacek over (a)} effect. This means that the airflow direction is varied while pressure loss due to the draft resistance of the airflow direction adjustment vane 31 is suppressed, more so than in a conventional (Patent Literature 1) method in which air immediately after passing through the blow-out port is brought near the front surface panel and directed upward by the Coand{hacek over (a)} effect of the front surface panel.
(3-2-2) Coand{hacek over (a)} Airflow Ceiling Blowing
Next, the control unit 40 turns the Coand{hacek over (a)} vane 32 until the tangent L2 to the front end E2 of the outer surface 32a is oriented forward and upward. In other words, the inner angle R2 formed by the tangent L0 and the tangent L2 is greater than the inner angle R1 formed by the tangent L0 and the tangent L1, as shown in
Therefore, even when the direction of the tangent L1 to the front end E1 of the airflow direction adjustment vane 31 is forward blowing, the blown air is blown out in the direction of the tangent 12 to the front end E2 of the outer surface 32a of the Coand{hacek over (a)} vane 32, i.e. toward the ceiling due to the Coand{hacek over (a)} effect because the direction of the tangent L2 to the front end E2 of the Coand{hacek over (a)} vane 32 is forward-upward blowing. The Coand{hacek over (a)} airflow reaches farther because the distal end of the Coand{hacek over (a)} vane 32 protrudes farther outward than the blow-out port 15. Furthermore, because the distal end of the Coand{hacek over (a)} vane 32 is positioned higher than the blow-out port 15, airflows that would pass over the top side of the Coand{hacek over (a)} vane are suppressed, and upward diverting of the Coand{hacek over (a)} airflow is therefore not likely to be inhibited.
Thus, the Coand{hacek over (a)} vane 32 separates from the indoor unit front surface, lessening the incline, and the blown air is readily subjected to the Coand{hacek over (a)} effect farther forward than the front surface panel 11b. As a result, even when the blown air whose airflow direction is adjusted by the airflow direction adjustment vane 31 is blown forward, the air is diverted upward by the Coand{hacek over (a)} effect. This means that the airflow direction is varied while pressure loss due to the draft resistance of the airflow direction adjustment vane 31 is suppressed, more so than in a conventional (Patent Literature 1) method in which air immediately after passing through the blow-out port is brought near the front surface panel and directed upward by the Coand{hacek over (a)} effect of the front surface panel.
As a result, the blown air is diverted toward the ceiling while the blow-out port 15 remains seemingly open, more so than in the invention disclosed in Patent Literature 1 in which an airflow is created along the front surface panel. In other words, the blown air is diverted toward the ceiling while the draft resistance is kept low.
The dimension of the Coand{hacek over (a)} vane 32 in the longitudinal direction is equal to or greater than the dimension of the airflow direction adjustment vane. 31 in the longitudinal direction. Therefore, all of the blown air whose airflow direction is adjusted by the airflow direction adjustment vane 31 can be received by the Coand{hacek over (a)} vane 32, and the effect of preventing blown air from the sides of the Coand{hacek over (a)} vane 32 from short circuiting is also achieved.
(3-3) Downward Blowing Mode
Next, the control unit 40 turns the Coand{hacek over (a)} vane 32 until the tangent to the front end E2 of the outer surface 32a is oriented downward. As a result, the blown air is passed between the airflow direction adjustment vane 31 and the Coand{hacek over (a)} vane 32 and blown downward.
Particularly, even when the airflow direction adjustment vane 31 is oriented further downward than the tangent angle to the final end of the scroll 12, the control unit 40 can create a downward airflow against the outer surface 32a of the Coand{hacek over (a)} vane 32 by implementing the downward blowing mode.
(4) Actuation
The actuation of the air-conditioning indoor unit, which uses the blown air direction control described above, is described below with reference to the drawings.
(4-1) Coand{hacek over (a)} Airflow Direction Setting
(4-1-1) First Orientation of Coand{hacek over (a)} Vane 32
Herein is a description of the method whereby the user selects the Coand{hacek over (a)} airflow.
First, the user uses the cursor 52a to select “Coand{hacek over (a)} airflow direction setting” from the menus displayed on the display unit 52. A detailed description is omitted because the techniques for selecting and confirming a menu through the remote control 50 are widespread public knowledge.
(4-1-2) Second Orientation and Third Orientation of Coand{hacek over (a)} Vane 32
Next,
Once a Coand{hacek over (a)} airflow has been created, the direction of the Coand{hacek over (a)} airflow can be adjusted by varying only the angle of the Coand{hacek over (a)} vane 32, without moving the airflow direction adjustment vane 31. For example,
Assuming a Coand{hacek over (a)} airflow is reliably created with the second orientation and the orientation of the airflow direction adjustment vane 31 does not change, it is clear that the Coand{hacek over (a)} airflow in the third orientation, which is further downward than the second orientation, does not break away from the outer surface 32a of the Coand{hacek over (a)} vane 32. Thus, when Coand{hacek over (a)} airflow ceiling blowing is to be implemented, it is achieved by selecting either the second Coand{hacek over (a)} angle or the third Coand{hacek over (a)} angle with the cursor 52a in
In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the second orientation and the third orientation of the Coand{hacek over (a)} vane 32 are selected when the intention is to send conditioned air far. For example, when there is both a great height distance from the blow-out port 15 to the ceiling and a great opposing distance from the blow-out port 15 to the opposite wall, the orientation of the Coand{hacek over (a)} vane 32 is preferably the second orientation. On the other hand, in cases such as when there is a small height distance from the blow-out port 15 to the ceiling and a great opposing distance from the blow-out port 15 to the opposite wall, the orientation of the Coand{hacek over (a)} vane 32 is preferably the third orientation. Thus, the user can select the orientation of the Coand{hacek over (a)} vane 32 via the remote control 50 in accordance with the size of the indoor space, and conditioned air can therefore be spread evenly throughout the air conditioning target space in addition to the orientations being highly practical.
(4-1-3) Fourth Orientation and Fifth Orientation of the Coand{hacek over (a)} Vane 32
Once a Coand{hacek over (a)} airflow has been created, the direction of the Coand{hacek over (a)} airflow can be adjusted by varying only the angle of the Coand{hacek over (a)} vane 32, without moving the airflow direction adjustment vane 31. For example,
Assuming a Coand{hacek over (a)} airflow is reliably created with the fourth orientation and the orientation of the airflow direction adjustment vane 31 does not change, it is clear that the Coand{hacek over (a)} airflow in the fifth orientation, which is further downward than the fourth orientation, does not break away from the outer surface 32a of the Coand{hacek over (a)} vane 32. Thus, when Coand{hacek over (a)} airflow forward blowing is to be implemented, it is achieved by selecting either the fourth Coand{hacek over (a)} angle or the fifth Coand{hacek over (a)} angle with the cursor 52a in
As is clear from the description above, the orientation of the airflow direction adjustment vane 31 varies with the first orientation, the second orientation, and the fourth orientation of the Coand{hacek over (a)} vane 32. In other words, the Coand{hacek over (a)} airflow created by the Coand{hacek over (a)} vane 32 can be directed in any direction by the combination of the orientation of the airflow direction adjustment vane 31 and the orientation of the Coand{hacek over (a)} vane 32.
(4-2) Airflow Direction Automatic Switching Action
First, the airflow direction adjustment in
A more natural airflow of contacting the person suddenly can be created by changing an airflow directed at a person 400 as shown in
For example, the user indicates and confirms “random” with the cursor 52a, whereby the airflow direction adjustment vane 31 is fixed in a slightly downward orientation and the Coand{hacek over (a)} vane 32 moves in irregular cycles so as to span the boundary between the area where a Coand{hacek over (a)} effect is created and the area where a Coand{hacek over (a)} effect is not created. A Coand{hacek over (a)} airflow is thereby repeatedly created and dispelled, and an airflow that suddenly contacts the person 400 is produced.
(4-2-1) Action by Coand{hacek over (a)} Vane 32 Alone
The Coand{hacek over (a)} vane 32 then lowers past the P1 position and the P2 position to the P3 position, and then returns to the P1 position. The blown air is thereby drawn toward the outer surface 32a of the Coand{hacek over (a)} vane 32, becoming a Coand{hacek over (a)} airflow that flows along the outer surface 32a. Assuming the P1 position is a position where the Coand{hacek over (a)} vane 32 is in the second orientation, the Coand{hacek over (a)} airflow is directed to the ceiling and therefore does not contact the person 400. At this time, the user feels a sensation that the airflow that had so far been contacting the user has suddenly ceased.
In the case described above, the P0 position is not an area that creates the Coand{hacek over (a)} effect, but the P1 position and the P2 position that the Coand{hacek over (a)} vane 32 passes through are included within the Coand{hacek over (a)}-creating area that reliably creates the Coand{hacek over (a)} effect, and the Coand{hacek over (a)} vane 32 without fail spans the boundary between the Coand{hacek over (a)} non-creating area and the Coand{hacek over (a)}-creating area.
If the Coand{hacek over (a)} vane 32 returns to the P0 position which is the first orientation after the passage of an arbitrary time duration, the Coand{hacek over (a)} effect is instantly dispelled, and the blown air switches to an airflow along the inner surface 31b of the airflow direction adjustment vane 31. At this time, the user feels a sensation that the airflow is suddenly contacting him.
By irregularly repeating the actions described above, a sudden and more natural airflow can be made to contact the person 400. Further, by repeating the actions described above with each passage of a fixed time duration, a regular natural airflow can be made to contact the person 400.
(4-2-2) Action by Airflow Direction Adjustment Vane 31 Alone
The airflow direction adjustment vane 31 then lowers to the Q0 position, whereby the Coand{hacek over (a)} airflow breaks away from the outer surface 32a of the Coand{hacek over (a)} vane 32, the blown air instantly switches to an airflow along the inner surface 31b of the airflow direction adjustment vane 31, and the air contacts the person 400. At this time, the user feels a sensation that the airflow is suddenly contacting him.
After the passage of an arbitrary time duration, the airflow direction adjustment vane 31 rises from the Q0 position past the Q1 position and the Q2 position to the Q3 position, and then returns to the Q1 position. At this time, the blown air is instantly drawn toward the outer surface 32a of the Coand{hacek over (a)} vane 32, becoming a Coand{hacek over (a)} airflow that flows along the outer surface 32a. The Coand{hacek over (a)} vane 32 is in the second orientation, and the Coand{hacek over (a)} airflow is oriented toward the ceiling and therefore does not contact the person 400. At this time, the user feels a sensation that the airflow that had so far been contacting the user has suddenly ceased.
In the case described above, the Q0 position is not an area that creates the Coand{hacek over (a)} effect, but the Q1 position and the Q2 position that the airflow direction adjustment vane 31 passes through are included within the Coand{hacek over (a)}-creating area that reliably creates the Coand{hacek over (a)} effect, and the airflow direction adjustment vane 31 without fail spans the boundary between the Coand{hacek over (a)} non-creating area and the Coand{hacek over (a)}-creating area.
By irregularly repeating the actions described above, a sudden and more natural airflow can be made to contact the person 400. Further, by repeating the actions described above with each passage of a fixed time duration, a regular natural airflow can be made to contact the person 400.
In addition to action by the Coand{hacek over (a)} vane 32 alone and action by the airflow direction adjustment vane 31 alone, the natural airflow described above can also be produced by actuating both the airflow direction adjustment vane 31 and the Coand{hacek over (a)} vane 32.
(5) Characteristics
(5-1)
In the air-conditioning indoor unit 10, the control unit 40 can execute an airflow direction automatic switching mode. The airflow direction automatic switching mode is a mode of automatically switching between a Coand{hacek over (a)} effect use state in which the blown air is turned into a Coand{hacek over (a)} airflow along a predetermined surface and diverted in a predetermined direction, and a normal state in which a Coand{hacek over (a)} airflow is not created. Therefore, the airflow direction can be changed instantly in the air-conditioning indoor unit 10.
(5-2)
In the air-conditioning indoor unit 10, the Coand{hacek over (a)} vane 32, which is provided in proximity to the blow-out port 15, turns the blown air into a Coand{hacek over (a)} airflow along the bottom surface thereof. In the airflow direction automatic switching mode, the control unit 40 controls the orientation of the Coand{hacek over (a)} vane 32 to switch between the Coand{hacek over (a)} effect use state and the normal state. The control unit 40 can also control the orientation of the airflow direction adjustment vane 31 to switch between the Coand{hacek over (a)} effect use state and the normal state in the airflow direction automatic switching mode. Furthermore, the control unit 40 can control the orientations of both the airflow direction adjustment vane 31 and the Coand{hacek over (a)} vane 32 to switch between the Coand{hacek over (a)} effect use state and the normal state in the airflow direction automatic switching mode. Therefore, the air-conditioning indoor unit 10 can switch downward blown air instantly to a horizontally blown Coand{hacek over (a)} airflow, or horizontally blown air instantly to an upward-blown Coand{hacek over (a)} airflow.
(5-3)
In the air-conditioning indoor unit 10, the control unit 40 can stop the action of the airflow direction adjustment vane 31 and change the orientation of the Coand{hacek over (a)} vane 32 in the airflow direction automatic switching mode so that the Coand{hacek over (a)} vane 32 spans the boundary between the area where a Coand{hacek over (a)} effect is created and the area where a Coand{hacek over (a)} effect is not created. The control unit 40 can also stop the action of the Coand{hacek over (a)} vane 32 and change the orientation of the airflow direction adjustment vane 31 in the airflow direction automatic switching mode so that the airflow direction adjustment vane 31 spans the boundary between the area where a Coand{hacek over (a)} effect is created and the area where a Coand{hacek over (a)} effect is not created. Furthermore, the control unit 40 can change the orientations of both the airflow direction adjustment vane 31 and the Coand{hacek over (a)} vane 32 in the airflow direction automatic switching mode so that the airflow direction adjustment vane 31 and the Coand{hacek over (a)} vane 32 span the boundary between the area where a Coand{hacek over (a)} effect is created and the area where a Coand{hacek over (a)} effect is not created.
(5-4)
In the air-conditioning indoor unit 10, the control unit 40 can irregularly switch between the Coand{hacek over (a)} effect use state and the normal state in the airflow direction automatic switching mode. Therefore, a more natural irregular airflow can be created. The control unit 40 can also regularly switch between the Coand{hacek over (a)} effect use state and the normal state in the airflow direction automatic switching mode. Therefore, a more natural sudden airflow can be regularly created.
(6) Modifications
(6-1) First Modification
The airflow direction automatic switching action of the above embodiment is initiated by selecting the natural airflow setting via the remote control 50, and this action is repeated as long as it is not canceled by the user with the remote control 50. Therefore, it is preferable to have a function whereby the airflow direction automatic switching action is canceled when the user leaves the room.
The Coand{hacek over (a)} vane 32 then lowers past the P1 position and the P2 position to the P3 position, and returns to the P1 position. The blown air is thereby drawn towards the outer surface 32a of the Coand{hacek over (a)} vane 32, and becomes a Coand{hacek over (a)} airflow flowing along the outer surface 32a. Assuming the P1 position is the position where the Coand{hacek over (a)} vane 32 is in the second orientation, the Coand{hacek over (a)} airflow is oriented toward the ceiling and therefore does not contact the person 400. At this time, the user feels a sensation that the airflow that had so far been contacting the user has suddenly ceased.
If the Coand{hacek over (a)} vane 32 returns to the P0 position which is the first orientation after the passage of an arbitrary time duration, the Coand{hacek over (a)} effect is instantly dispelled, and the blown air switches to an airflow along the inner surface 31b of the airflow direction adjustment vane 31. At this time, the user feels a sensation that the airflow is suddenly contacting him.
By irregularly repeating the actions described above, a sudden and more natural airflow can be made to contact the person 400.
(6-2) Second Modification
The swinging of the airflow direction adjustment vane 31 causes the direction of the blown air to vary vertically, and an occupant of the room therefore feels that the airflow gradually comes closer and gradually goes further away. By coming in contact with the stationary Coand{hacek over (a)} vane 32, the blown air becomes a Coand{hacek over (a)} airflow and heads in a direction that does not contact the occupant of the room, and the occupant therefore feels that the airflow has suddenly stopped. Furthermore, when the blown air separates from the stationary Coand{hacek over (a)} vane 32, the Coand{hacek over (a)} airflow is dispelled and the occupant feels that an airflow has started to be blown unexpectedly.
(6-3) Third Modification
When the blown air is oriented toward the occupant of the room by the airflow direction adjustment vane 31, the swinging of the Coand{hacek over (a)} vane 32 causes the blown air to come in contact with the Coand{hacek over (a)} vane 32, becoming a Coand{hacek over (a)} airflow and heading in another direction not contacting the occupant, and the occupant therefore feels that the airflow has suddenly stopped. The Coand{hacek over (a)} vane 32 then moves away from the blown air, thereby dispelling the Coand{hacek over (a)} airflow and causing the blown air to again contact the occupant, who therefore feels that an airflow has started to be blown unexpectedly.
(6-4) Fourth Modification
The swinging of the airflow direction adjustment vane 31 causes the direction of the blown air to vary vertically, and the occupant of the room feels that the airflow gradually comes closer and gradually goes further away. When the airflow direction adjustment vane 31 and the Coand{hacek over (a)} vane 32 draw closer together until there is a predetermined gap in between them, the blown air comes in contact with the Coand{hacek over (a)} vane 32, thereby becoming a Coand{hacek over (a)} airflow and heading in a direction not contacting the occupant. At this time, the occupant feels that the airflow has suddenly stopped. When the airflow direction adjustment vane 31 and the Coand{hacek over (a)} vane 32 separate until there is a predetermined gap in between them and the blown air separates from the Coand{hacek over (a)} vane 32, the Coand{hacek over (a)} airflow is dispelled and the occupant feels that an airflow has started to be blown unexpectedly.
The present invention is useful as a wall-mounted air-conditioning indoor unit.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
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| 2011-239781 | Oct 2011 | JP | national |
| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind | 371c Date |
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| PCT/JP2012/072145 | 8/31/2012 | WO | 00 | 4/25/2014 |
| Publishing Document | Publishing Date | Country | Kind |
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| WO2013/065395 | 5/10/2013 | WO | A |
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