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(11) | EP 1 188 993 A1 |
| (12) | EUROPEAN PATENT APPLICATION |
| published in accordance with Art. 158(3) EPC |
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| (54) | AIR CONDITIONER |
| (57) An air conditioning apparatus 1 comprises: an apparatus main body 2 disposed within a ceiling; and a decorative panel 4 that is attached to a lower face 3 of the apparatus main body 2 and is located on a ceiling surface 5. The decorative panel 4 is formed with a plurality of elongated outlets 11, and an air passage dimension adjustment mechanism 40 is provided in each outlet 11. The air passage dimension adjustment mechanism 40 includes a baffle plate that extends in the longitudinal direction of the outlet
11 and that can be rotated with respect to a longitudinally extending axis, thus adjusting
the air passage dimension in the transverse direction of the outlet 11. The baffle plate includes a first plate and a second plate that are connected in
a foldable manner. When the quantity of air discharge is restricted, there is no need
to narrow the width of discharged air flow, thereby maintaining the space to be air-conditioned
widely. |
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to an air conditioning apparatus for conditioning air such as an air conditioner.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002] For example, an air conditioning apparatus of the type installed on a ceiling is known. The air conditioning apparatus of this type includes a main body located in a ceiling, and a decorative panel located on the lower face of the main body to give on a room. This decorative panel has an approximately square shape when viewed at the bottom face, provided roughly in the center of the bottom face is a rectangular inlet through which room air is taken into the main body, and provided around the inlet are a plurality of, e.g., four, elongated outlets. Each of these outlets is formed into an elongated shape along the corresponding side of the inlet.
[0003] Now, depending on the installation location of an air conditioning apparatus, there is a need to allow the quantity of air discharge to differ from outlet to outlet. As an air conditioning apparatus that can satisfy such a need, an air conditioning apparatus in which the width of an air passage in each outlet is made variable to adjust the quantity of air discharge is known (see Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication NO. 2-8648, for example).
[0004] In this air conditioning apparatus, the quantity of air discharge is adjusted by narrowing or expanding the width of each outlet (i.e., its dimension along the longitudinal direction) with a baffle plate that can be displaced in the longitudinal direction of the outlet.
-SOLUTION-
[0005] However, if the width of each outlet is narrowed in the longitudinal direction, the width of discharged air flow is also narrowed, thereby reducing the space to be air-conditioned. This results in making it hard for the discharged air flow to sufficiently reach every corner of a room, and the comfortableness and the efficiency of air conditioning might be thus impaired.
[0006] It is therefore the object of the present invention to provide an air conditioning apparatus which can solve the above-described technical problem, can adjust the quantity of air discharge from each outlet and can also maintain the width of discharged air flow by the adjustment.
DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION
[0007] A first invention is directed to an air conditioning apparatus including an elongated outlet and provides the air conditioning apparatus that further includes air passage dimension adjustment means for adjusting an air passage dimension of the outlet in a transverse direction thereof.
[0008] According to this invention, the quantity of air discharge can be restricted, for example, by narrowing the air passage dimension in the transverse direction of the outlet. In this case, since the air passage dimension in the longitudinal direction of the outlet can be maintained in the same way as in the case where the quantity of air discharge is not restricted, the width of discharged air flow (i.e., the dimension of the outlet along the longitudinal direction) can be widely maintained. As a result, a wide space can be air-conditioned.
[0009] A second invention is directed to the air conditioning apparatus based on the first invention and provides one wherein the air passage dimension adjustment means includes a baffle plate that extends in the longitudinal direction of the outlet and that is rotated with respect to an axis extending in the longitudinal direction.
[0010] According to this invention, the quantity of air discharge can be adjusted, in a simple structure in which the rotatable baffle plate is used, without narrowing the width of discharged air flow. Furthermore, the rotatable baffle plate can adjust the air passage dimension as desired in a small space of the outlet in which the baffle plate is placed.
[0011] A third invention is directed to the air conditioning apparatus based on the second invention and provides one wherein the baffle plate is formed with a large number of small holes for ventilation.
[0012] According to this invention, the quantity of air discharge when the air passage dimension is narrowed to its maximum can be precisely restricted.
[0013] Also, an air deflection plate for guiding the discharged air flow may be provided in the outlet on the downstream side of the baffle plate. If the above-described small holes are provided in such a case, air streams flowing along the air deflection plate can be increased, thereby surely obtaining the effect of adjusting the direction of air by the air deflection plate.
[0014] A fourth invention is directed to the air conditioning apparatus based on the second or third invention and provides one wherein the baffle plate includes first and second plates that are relatively rotatably connected at adjacent edges thereof.
[0015] According to this invention, the plates are both relatively rotated to change the baffle plate into a folded state, thereby realizing adjustment to a desired air passage dimension in a small space.
[0016] A fifth invention is directed to the air conditioning apparatus based on the fourth invention and provides one wherein the air passage dimension adjustment means includes: a connection for rotatably connecting the adjacent edges of the first and second plates; a fixed part; and a movable part, the fixed and movable parts being provided to extend along the other edges of the first and second plates, respectively, wherein the movable part is actuated along a guide groove extending along the transverse direction of the outlet with the fixed part fixed, thereby allowing the connection to move correspondingly.
[0017] According to this invention, by a simple operation of moving the movable part along the guide groove, both the plates are moved conjunctly to adjust the air passage dimension with the baffle plate.
[0018] A sixth invention is directed to the air conditioning apparatus based on the fourth invention and provides one wherein the air passage dimension adjustment means includes: a first shaft for rotatably connecting the adjacent edges of the first and second plates; and second and third shafts provided to extend along the other edges of the first and second plates, respectively, wherein either one of the second and third shafts is fixed, and the other is actuated along the transverse direction of the outlet.
[0019] According to this invention, since the transverse direction, which is also the direction to operate the baffle plate, coincides with the direction to adjust the air passage dimension, the adjustment operation can easily be understood.
[0020] A seventh invention is directed to the air conditioning apparatus based on the fourth invention and provides one wherein the air passage dimension adjustment means includes: a first shaft for. rotatably connecting the adjacent edges of the first and second plates; second and third shafts provided to extend along the other edges of the first and second plates, respectively; a vertical groove for guiding vertical motions of the first shaft; horizontal grooves for guiding motions of the second and third shafts in the transverse direction of the outlet, respectively; and an actuating mechanism for actuating either one of the shafts along the groove that guides this shaft.
[0021] According to this invention, since the shafts are each guided along the corresponding groove, the air passage dimension can be equally adjusted with the baffle plate even by actuating any shaft. Therefore, it is possible to increase the degree of freedom of the shaft to be actuated and the layout flexibility of the actuating mechanism.
[0022] An eighth invention is directed to the air conditioning apparatus based on the seventh invention and provides one wherein the actuating mechanism includes a screw-operated actuating mechanism.
[0023] According to this invention, the actuating mechanism not only can have a simplified structure but also can be reduced in size.
[0024] A ninth invention is directed to the air conditioning apparatus based on the eighth invention and provides one wherein the screw-operated actuating mechanism includes: a bolt that is rotationally actuated with movement thereof in an axial direction restricted; and a non-rotatable nut that engages the bolt and moves together with the actuated shaft.
[0025] According to this invention, the actuating mechanism can have a further simplified structure and can be further reduced is size.
[0026] A tenth invention is directed to the air conditioning apparatus based on the first invention and provides one wherein the air passage dimension adjustment means includes a baffle member that extends in the longitudinal direction of the outlet and that moves in parallel with a plane of an opening of the outlet and in the transverse direction of the outlet.
[0027] According to this invention, the quantity of air discharge can be adjusted, in a simple structure in which the baffle member movable in the plane is used, without narrowing the width of discharged air flow.
[0028] An eleventh invention is directed to the air conditioning apparatus based on the first invention and provides one wherein the air passage dimension adjustment means includes one or more plate-like baffle members that are detachably attached to the outlet and that are formed to extend in the longitudinal direction of the outlet and to have a width smaller than the dimension in the transverse direction of the outlet.
[0029] According to this invention, the guantity of air discharge can be adjusted, in a simple structure in which the detachable baffle member is used, without narrowing the width of discharged air flow. Furthermore, since the baffle member can be detached, adjustment can be made to a desired air passage dimension without the need for any space for containing the baffle member.
[0030] A twelfth invention is directed to the air conditioning apparatus based on the first invention and provides one that includes: a decorative panel that is provided with a plurality of the outlets and is located on a ceiling; and an apparatus main body which is located above the decorative panel to discharge conditioned air out of the outlets.
[0031] The air passage dimension adjustment means according to the present invention is preferably applied to an air conditioning apparatus of the type embedded within a ceiling, i.e., a so-called "cassette type" air conditioning apparatus.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0032]
FIG. 1 is a front cross-sectional view of a general structure of an air conditioning apparatus for illustrating a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a bottom view of a decorative panel of the air conditioning apparatus shown in FIG. 1.
FIG. 3 illustrates in bottom view the operation of an air passage dimension adjustment mechanism in an outlet of the air conditioning apparatus shown in FIG. 1, in which an air deflection plate is omitted, and (a) through (c) show respective states of the present invention in order of increasing the air passage dimension, while (d) shows a state of an outlet in an comparative example where the air passage dimension is approximately half-closed.
FIG. 4 is a front cross-sectional view of the air passage dimension adjustment mechanism shown in FIG. 3, and shows that a baffle plate is opened.
FIG. 5 is a front cross-sectional view of the air passage dimension adjustment mechanism shown in FIG. 3, and shows that the baffle plate is approximately half-opened.
FIG. 6 is a front cross-sectional view of the air passage dimension adjustment mechanism shown in FIG. 3, and shows that the baffle plate is closed.
FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of the air passage dimension adjustment mechanism shown in FIG. 3.
FIG. 8 is a front cross-sectional view of a modification of a connection of the baffle plate of the air passage dimension adjustment mechanism shown in FIG. 3.
FIG. 9 is a front cross-sectional view of an air passage dimension adjustment mechanism of an air conditioning apparatus for illustrating a second embodiment of the present invention, and shows that a baffle plate is closed.
FIG. 10 is a front cross-sectional view of an air passage dimension adjustment mechanism of an air conditioning apparatus for illustrating a third embodiment of the present invention, and shows that a baffle plate is opened.
FIG. 11 is a front cross-sectional view of the air passage dimension adjustment mechanism shown in FIG. 10, and shows that the baffle plate is closed.
FIG. 12 is a lateral cross-sectional view of the air passage dimension adjustment mechanism shown in FIG. 10.
FIG. 13 is an exploded perspective view of the air passage dimension adjustment mechanism shown in FIG. 10.
FIG. 14 is a lateral cross-sectional view which shows a modification of an air passage dimension adjustment mechanism of an air conditioning apparatus for illustrating a fourth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the air passage dimension adjustment mechanism shown in FIG. 14.
FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of an air passage dimension adjustment mechanism for illustrating a fifth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the air passage dimension adjustment mechanism for illustrating the fifth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of an air passage dimension adjustment mechanism for illustrating a sixth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the air passage dimension adjustment mechanism for illustrating the sixth embodiment of the present invention.
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
[0033] An air conditioning apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG. 1 is a front cross-sectional view of a general structure of the above-described air conditioning apparatus.
[0034] The air conditioning apparatus 1 is of the type embedded within a ceiling and includes an air conditioning apparatus main body 2 (which will be hereinafter called an "apparatus main body") located within the ceiling and a decorative panel 4 attached to a lower face 3 of this apparatus main body 2. The decorative panel 4 is located along a ceiling surface 5 to give on a room.
[0035] As shown in the bottom view of FIG. 2, the decorative panel 4 is formed into an approximately rectangular shape in plan view and includes an approximately rectangular inlet 10 in the center thereof and a plurality of, e.g., four, outlets 11 surrounding this inlet 10. Each of the outlets 11 is an elongated one which extends in the direction along the corresponding side of the rectangular shape of the inlet 10 and is formed into a rectangle on the surface of the decorative panel 4. As shown in FIG. 1, each of the outlets 11 is provided with an air deflection plate 13 for guiding discharged air flow in a predetermined direction. In addition, located above the inlet 10 is a filter 12 through which dust is removed.
[0036] Inside of the apparatus main body 2 is defined an air passage 20. This air passage 20 is in communication with the inlet 10 and each outlet 11. The apparatus main body 2 includes a casing 21 formed into a box-like shape, a centrifugal blower 22 located in the center of this casing 21, and a finned coil heat exchanger 25 located annularly to surround this centrifugal blower 22. The blower 22 is made up of a turbofan 23 and a fan motor 24 for rotatively driving this turbofan 23 in a predetermined rotational direction. The turbofan 23 rotates about the central axis of rotation which extends along the vertical direction.
[0037] Further, the apparatus main body 2 is provided with: a heat insulator 26, disposed along the inner face of the casing 21, for thermally insulating the air passage 20 from the exterior of the casing 21; an annular drain pan 27, placed below the heat exchanger 25, for receiving water drops falling from the heat exchanger 25; a bell mouth 28, placed inside from the drain pan 27, for directing air from the inlet 10 toward the turbofan 23; and an electrical equipment box 29, disposed on the lower face of the bell mouth 28, for containing electrical equipment such as a circuit board.
[0038] The air passage 20 includes: a first section, located in the center of the casing 21, in which air flows upwardly from the inlet 10 into the turbofan 23; a second section in which air flows, by means of the turbofan 23, almost horizontally and radially outwardly of the turbofan 23 and passes through the heat exchanger 25; and a third section in which air flows downwardly along the lateral face of the casing 21 to reach each outlet 11.
[0039] On activation of the fan motor 24, air is sucked through the inlet 10, passes through the first and second sections of the air passage 20, and then undergoes heat exchange at the heat exchanger 25. The air is heated up during heating operation while it is cooled down during cooling operation. Next, the air passes through the third section of the air passage 20 and is then discharged from the four outlets 11 toward the room.
[0040] The air conditioning apparatus 1 according to the present invention includes an air passage dimension adjustment mechanism 40 for adjusting the air passage dimension (W1) at each outlet 11 which extends along the transverse direction of each outlet 11. In this structure, as shown in FIG. 3, the quantity of air discharge from each outlet 11 can be adjusted without changing the width of discharged air flow from each outlet 11 (i.e., the dimension of each outlet 11 in the longitudinal direction).
[0041] FIGS. 4 through 6 are front cross-sectional views, each showing the air passage dimension adjustment mechanism 40 and the region adjacent thereto (the region A in FIG. 1). FIG. 4 shows the state in which the outlet 11 is open, FIG. 5 shows the state in which the outlet 11 is half-open, and FIG. 6 shows the state in which the outlet 11 is closed. FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of the air passage dimension adjustment mechanism 40.
[0042] As shown in FIG. 7, the air passage dimension adjustment mechanism 40 includes: a baffle plate 41, which is provided in the outlet 11 in a displaceable manner, for baffling, such as stemming or restricting, air flow in the outlet 11 through its displacement; a displacement mechanism 42 for supporting the baffle plate 41 to allow the displacement of the baffle plate 41 and for guiding the baffle plate 41 to a predetermined position; and a holding mechanism 43 for holding the position of the baffle plate 41. The respective members of the air passage dimension adjustment mechanism 40 are placed on the upper face side of the decorative panel 4. The air passage dimension adjustment mechanism 40 is provided in each outlet 11.
[0043] Each outlet 11 is defined by a member, which is provided in the decorative panel 4, for forming an air passage. Each outlet 11 includes an exit facing the room and an outlet air passage that adjoins this exit at the upstream side, with the upstream side region of this outlet air passage being in communication with the lowermost downstream region of the third section of the air passage. 20 of the apparatus main body 2. The exit is formed into a rectangle. The outlet air passage has a rectangular cross section substantially equal in shape to the exit and extends in the vertical direction, thus allowing air to flow vertically. The rectangular cross section of the outlet air passage coincides longitudinally with the rectangle of the exit. The outlet air passage includes an air deflection plate 13 disposed in the vicinity of the exit, and the baffle plate 41 is disposed in a region of the outlet air passage immediately upstream of the air deflection plate 13.
[0044] In the description below, the direction in which the outlet 11 is longer, i.e., its lengthwise direction, will be called a "longitudinal direction", while the direction in which the outlet 11 is shorter, i.e., its widthwise direction, will be called a "transverse direction". Also, in each of the drawings, shown as needed are the arrow Y indicating the longitudinal direction, the arrow X indicating the transverse direction, and the arrow Z indicating the vertical direction.
[0045] The baffle plate 41 includes a first plate 44 and a second plate 45 that are relatively rotatably connected at adjacent edges 46 and 49 thereof. The plates 44 and 45 have substantially the same shape and are each formed into a long, approximately rectangular shape along the longitudinal direction of the outlet 11. The corresponding long sides of this rectangle include the above-described edges 46 and 49, respectively, and are nearly equal to those of the cross sectional shape of the outlet air passage. Further, the short side of the rectangle is nearly half of that of the cross sectional shape of the outlet air passage.
[0046] Furthermore, the baffle plate 41 is provided with a connection 52 which includes a first shaft 53 for rotatably connecting the first plate 44 and the second plate 45 at their adjacent edges 46 and 49, and a second shaft 56 and a third shaft 57 that are provided to extend along the other edges 47 and 50 of the plates 44 and 45, respectively. The second shaft 56 and the third shaft 57 extend longitudinally, in parallel with each other, from transverse edges 48 and 51 of the plates 44 and 45, respectively.
[0047] The baffle plate 41 can be folded up by relatively rotating both the plates 44 and 45 with respect to the axis of the first shaft 53. In this manner, the baffle plate 41 can be in a flat state in which both the plates 44 and 45 are positioned to extend opposite to each other from the first shaft 53 (see FIG. 6), a superposed state in which both the plates 44 and 45 are positioned to extend in the same direction from the first shaft 53 (see FIG. 4), and a half-folded state in which both the plates 44 and 45 are positioned in a half-folded manner (see FIG. 5).
[0048] The baffle plate 41 extends in the longitudinal direction of the outlet 11 in each of the states described above and is rotationally displaced relative to the axis C of the second shaft 56. By rotationally displacing the baffle plate 41, the edge 50 of the baffle plate 41 moves back and forth in the outlet air passage along the transverse direction. As a result, the dimension of the baffle plate 41 measured along the transverse direction can be changed, while the air passage dimension can be adjusted transversely between the inner face of the air passage and the edge 50. Furthermore, when the baffle plate 41 is folded up by relatively rotating both the plates 44 and 45 with respect to the first shaft 53 so that the dimension of the baffle plate 41 measured along the transverse direction is reduced, the dimension of the baffle plate 41 measured along the flowing direction of air can also be reduced.
[0049] The baffle plate 41 can be displaced to assume an opened position for expanding the air passage dimension (see FIG. 4), a closed position for narrowing the air passage by the rotation from the opened position with respect to the second shaft 56 (see FIG. 6), and an arbitrarily half-opened position located between the opened position and closed position (see FIG. 5). The baffle plate 41 can be guided by the displacement mechanism 42 to smoothly realize each of the positions and states described above.
[0050] The displacement mechanism 42 includes: the abovedescribed connection 52; the second shaft 56 as a fixed part to be fixed, the third shaft 57 as a movable part to be actuated; a pair of bearings 59 for rotatably supporting the second shaft 56 while restricting its position; and guide members 58 for guiding the third shaft 57. Each of these guide members 58 is formed with a guide groove 60 extending along the transverse direction. Also, the edge 50 of the second plate 45, on which the third shaft 57 is located, is formed with a pinchable operating knob 61 for facilitating the actuation of the third shaft 57 by manual operation.
[0051] The connection 52 includes a plurality of tubes 54 provided on the first plate 44, a plurality of tubes 55 provided on the second plate 45, and the above-described first shaft 53 passing through the tubes 54 and 55 of both the plates 44 and 45, thus forming a hinge for rotatably supporting both the plates 44 and 45 with respect to the first shaft 53.
[0052] The guide members 58 and bearings 59 are provided correspondingly to make a pair on both sides with respect to the longitudinal direction of the outlet 11 and are fixed to the decorative panel 4. Each of the bearings 59 is located beside an end of the corresponding guide groove 60 which is located closer to the inlet 10. The guide grooves 60 are open to the outlet air passage. Fitted into the guide grooves 60 are the second shaft 56 as the fixed part and the third shaft 57 as the movable part. The second shaft 56 is supported, with passing through the guide grooves 60, by the bearings 59. Both the shafts 56 and 57 that have been fitted into the same guide grooves 60 in this manner are brought closer to each other in the opened position of the baffle plate 41 so that they can be compactly positioned.
[0053] The holding mechanism 43 is made up of a pair of sealing members 62, each applied to a part of the corresponding guide member 58 which forms an inner face of the air passage, and the edges 48 and 51 of the first plate 44 and the second plate 45 which face the sealing members 62. Each of the sealing members 62 is formed into a plate of elastic material and is in contact with the corresponding edges 48 and 51 of the baffle plate 41. When the baffle plate 41 is in the closed position, each sealing member 62 is in contact with almost the entire surfaces of the edges 48 and 51 which face the sealing member 62. When the baffle plate 41 is in the half-opened position, each sealing member 62 is at least partially in contact with the edges 48 and 51 to cause frictional resistance, thereby holding the position of the baffle plate 41.
[0054] The adjustment of the air passage dimension is carried out as follows. Specifically, the operating knob 61 is manipulated with fingers or a tool through the outlet 11 to actuate and displace the third shaft 57 as the movable part along the guide groove 60. This movement, with the second shaft 56 positionally restricted, allows the connection 52 to correspondingly move through the second plate 45 and allows the second plate 45 to rotate on the second shaft 56 while relatively rotating both the plates 44 and 45. Thus, the baffle plate 41 can be displaced to assume a desired position.
[0055] In the closed position, as shown in FIG. 6, the baffle plate 41 is in the flat state so that the direction in which both the plates 44 and 45 are aligned is approximately perpendicular to the flow direction in the outlet air passage. The baffle plate 41 reduces the air passage dimension of the outlet air passage to zero to fully close the outlet 11 and thereby also reduce the quantity of air discharge to zero. In this state, the baffle plate 41 is positioned to rise at the center thereof, thus steadily receiving wind pressure applied upon the baffle plate 41.
[0056] If the first plate 44 is rotated with respect to the second shaft 56 from the closed state, the baffle plate 41 is allowed to assume the half-opened position, and if the first plate 44 is further rotated by approximately 90 degrees and erected, the baffle plate 41 is allowed to assume the opened position. The baffle plate 41 in the opened and half-opened positions is located right above the air deflection plate 13 in the outlet air passage. In these cases, when viewed in a cross-section taken across the longitudinal direction, the baffle plate 41 is located at the side of the outlet air passage where the air deflection plate 13 is placed with respect to the line which extends along the flow direction and which goes through the transverse center of the outlet air passage (see the line CL shown in FIG. 5), so that the baffle plate 41 opens the space of the outlet air passage located at the opposite side thereof.
[0057] In the opened position, as shown in FIG. 4, the baffle plate 41 is in the superposed state in which both the plates 44 and 45 are folded up and opposed face to face so that they are superposed along the direction of air flow. In the opened position, the baffle plate 41 expands the air passage dimension to its maximum to fully open the outlet 11. As a result, the quantity of air discharge also reaches its maximum. In this case, since both the plates 44 and 45 can be positioned along the flowing direction of air through their superposition, this prevents the baffle plate 41 from baffling air flow.
[0058] In the half-opened position, as shown in FIG. 5, the baffle plate 41 assumes such a V-shaped attitude that both the plates 44 and 45 deploy toward the downstream side. In this attitude, the top of the folded portion of the baffle plate 41 faces the upstream side. The baffle plate 41 partially opens the outlet 11 with transverse air passage dimension W1 set at a desired value in the range from zero to a value corresponding to the opened position. Accordingly, the quantity of air discharge can be adjusted in accordance with the transverse air passage dimension W1.
[0059] It should be noted that, although the baffle plate 41 can completely close the outlet 11 in this embodiment, the present invention is not limited to this arrangement. For example, in the case where it will be sufficient if the quantity of air discharge from the outlet 11 is made adjustable within a predetermined range exceeding zero, a gap for ventilation may be secured between each of the edges 47 and 50 of the baffle plate 41 and the inner face of the air passage when the baffle plate 41 is in the closed position. Alternatively, ventilation may also be carried out as in a second embodiment.
[0061] The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in the points described below and is constituted in a manner similar to the first embodiment as for the other points; therefore, the same members are identified by the same reference characters and the description thereof will be omitted. FIG. 9 is a front cross-sectional view of a region adjacent to the outlet 11 in this embodiment.
[0062] The baffle plate 41 in the second embodiment is formed with a large number of small holes 65 for ventilation. The small holes 65 are dispersedly arranged over almost the entire surfaces of the first plate 44 and the second plate 45. Via these small holes 65, ventilation is allowed through the baffle plate 41.
[0064] The third embodiment differs from the first embodiment in the points described below and is constituted in a manner similar to the first embodiment as for the other points; therefore, the same members are identified by the same reference characters and the description thereof will be omitted.
[0065] In the third embodiment, as shown in FIG. 13, the displacement mechanism 42 differs from that in the first embodiment. The second shaft 56 can also be displaced.
[0066] The displacement mechanism 42 includes: the above-described first shaft 53 for rotatably connecting the first plate 44 and the second plate 45 at their adjacent edges 46 and 49; the second shaft 56 and the third shaft 57 that are provided to extend along the other edges 47 and 50 of the first plate 44 and the second plate 45, respectively; and a pair of guide members 58 for guiding the first through third shafts 53, 56, and 57. The pair of guide members 58 are opposed to each other and disposed correspondingly at the ends of the baffle plate 41 in the longitudinal direction. Each of the guide members 58 is provided with a vertical groove 66 for guiding vertical motions of the first shaft 53, and a pair of horizontal grooves 67 and 68 for guiding transverse motions of the second shaft 56 and the third shaft 57, respectively. In addition, the displacement mechanism 42 includes an actuating mechanism 70 for actuating the first shaft 53 along the vertical groove 66.
[0067] As shown in FIG. 10 and FIG. 11, when viewed in a cross section taken across the longitudinal direction, the vertical groove 66 is located at a position roughly corresponding to the center of the outlet air passage in the transverse direction and extends vertically. The pair of horizontal grooves 67 and 68 are aligned in the transverse direction and arranged on both sides of the vertical groove 66, respectively. The vertical groove 66 and the pair of horizontal grooves 67 and 68 are separated from one another. The pair of horizontal grooves 67 and 68 are on substantially the same level with the lower end of the vertical groove 66 and each extend horizontally in such a manner as to get away from the vicinity of the vertical groove 66. The ends of the pair of horizontal grooves 67 and 68 away from each other are formed to cut into inner walls of the outlet air passage.
[0068] In the baffle plate 41 in the closed position, both the plates 44 and 45 are aligned so that the upper faces thereof are substantially flush with each other, while the remote edges 47 and 50 of both the plates 44 and 45 enter the portions of the grooves formed in the inner walls of the air passage. Also, in the opened position, the baffle plate 41 is located roughly in the transverse center of the outlet air passage and takes the shape of a roughly inverted V. Further, in the baffle plate 41 in the half-opened position, the angle formed in a V shape by both the plates is larger than that formed by both the plates in the opened position. Furthermore, the air passage dimension can be adjusted transversely between a pair of transversely opposed inner surfaces of the air passage and both the edges 47 and 50 of the baffle plate 41, in which case air flows on both sides of the baffle plate 41 in the transverse direction.
[0069] As shown in FIG. 12, the actuating mechanism 70 includes a screw-operated actuating mechanism 71. This screw-operated actuating mechanism 71 includes: a bolt 72 that is rotationally movable with its axial movement restricted; and a nut 73 engaged with the bolt 72 in a manner that its female thread is screwed on a male thread of the bolt 72. This nut 73 is fitted fixedly to the first shaft 53 to be actuated and is relatively rotatable with the bolt 72 but not rotatable around the central axis of the bolt 72. In accordance with the rotational movement of the bolt 72, the nut 73 and the first shaft 53 move together.
[0070] The bolt 72 includes a screwed portion 78 that is externally threaded and extends in one direction (i.e., the axial direction), a joint 79 that is provided at the end of this screwed portion 78 and has a circumferential face, and a head 76 provided at the end of the joint 79.
[0071] The screwed portion 78 is placed to be in parallel with the vertical groove 66 for guiding the first shaft 53 and to extend in the vertical direction. The bolt 72 is rotatably supported by a supporting member 74 disposed on the upper end of the screwed portion 78 and a supporting member 75 provided around the joint 79. Also, the supporting member 75 is sandwiched between a snap ring 77 and the head 76 that are fitted to the joint 79. Thus, the bolt 72 is restrained against axial movement. The head 76 of the bolt 72 is placed downwardly and is easily operable from beneath with the use of a tool T such as a screwdriver.
[0072] On rotation of the bolt 72, the nut 73 and the first shaft 53 move along the vertical groove 66. In parallel with this, the second shaft 56 and the third shaft 57 move along the corresponding horizontal grooves 67 and 68, thereby smoothly displacing the baffle plate 41. For example, if the bolt 72 is moved to rotate right-handedly, the nut 73 moves downward and the first shaft 53 also moves in the same way. Correspondingly, the baffle plate 41 is displaced to the closed position. If the bolt 72 is rotated reversely, the nut 73 and the first shaft 53 move upward, and the baffle plate 41 is thus displaced toward the opened position.
[0073] In the third embodiment, the actuating mechanism 70 for. actuating the first shaft 53 is provided, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the actuating mechanism 70 for actuating the first shaft 53 may be omitted, and an actuating mechanism for actuating the third shaft 57 may be provided instead. If the third shaft 57 is actuated, then the first shaft 53 and the second shaft 56 move along the corresponding grooves, thereby smoothly displacing the baffle plate 41. Alternatively, an actuating mechanism for actuating the second shaft 56 may be provided. Furthermore, the baffle plate 41 may be operated directly by hand as in the first embodiment.
[0075] The fourth embodiment differs from the third embodiment in the points described below and is constituted in a manner similar to the third embodiment as for the other points; therefore, the same members are identified by the same reference characters and the description thereof will be omitted.
[0076] As shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, in addition to the respective members that have been described in the third embodiment, the actuating mechanism 70 includes: a worm wheel 81 that is provided rotatably together with the bolt 72 instead of the head 76 of the bolt 72; a worm gear 82 interlocked with this worm wheel 81; a power drive motor 83 for rotationally driving this worm gear 82; a bearing 84, which is attached to the supporting member 75, for rotatably supporting the joint 79 of the bolt 72; and a controller 85 for activating the motor 83 by remote control. On activation of the motor 83 via the controller 85 with the use of, for example, a remote control (not shown), the rotational movement of the motor 83 is transmitted to the bolt 72 through the worm gear 82 and the worm wheel 81. As a result, the baffle plate 41 is displaced in a manner similar to the third embodiment.
[0077] Thus, according to the foregoing embodiments of the present invention, since the air passage dimension adjustment mechanism 40 narrows the transverse air passage dimension W1 of the outlet 11 as shown in FIGS. 3(a) through 3(c) in restricting the quantity of air discharge, a longitudinal air passage dimension W2 of the outlet 11 does not have to be narrowed. Therefore, the air passage dimension W2 can be maintained in the same way as in the case where the quantity of air discharge is not restricted, and as a consequence the width of discharged air flow (i.e., the dimension in the longitudinal direction) can be widely maintained. To the contrary, in a conventional structure in which the longitudinal air passage dimension W2 is narrowed as shown in FIG. 3(d) in restricting the quantity of air discharge, the width of discharged air flow is narrowed so that the space to be air-conditioned is reduced. According to the present invention, since the width of discharged air flow is widely kept as described above to allow air conditioning of a wide space of a room, no stagnant air remains in a certain area of the room, thereby improving comfortableness.
[0078] Also, according to the present invention, since air discharge spreads all over the room, unnecessary cooling or heating operation does not have to be carried out, resulting in enhanced cooling or heating efficiency. This is because if air discharge did not spread all over the room, the entire room would be cooled or heated more than necessary, i.e., excessively, in order to attain the comfortableness in a certain area of the room so that the cooling or heating efficiency for the entire room might be reduced.
[0079] Also, since the baffle plate 41 is made rotatable, the air quantity can be adjusted in a simple structure without narrowing the width of discharged air flow. Further, the baffle plate 41, which is rotatable with respect to the longitudinally extending first shaft 53 and the axis C of the longitudinally extending second shaft 56, can adjust the air passage dimension as desired in a smaller space of the outlet 11 in which the baffle plate 41 is placed, compared to a slidingly displaceable baffle plate.
[0080] Furthermore, since the baffle plate 41 can be folded by relatively rotating the first plate 44 and the second plate 45 that are connected to each other, adjustment to a desired air passage dimension can be accomplished in a small space.
[0081] Moreover, according to the first embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 4 through 6, the displacement mechanism 42 is formed so that the fixed part provided for the first plate 44 and the second plate 45 is fixed while the movable part is actuated along the guide groove 60 extending in the transverse direction, thereby correspondingly moving the connection 52. Accordingly, by the simple operation of moving the movable part along the guide groove 60, both the plates 44 and 45 are moved conjointly, and the air passage dimension can be adjusted with the baffle plate 41. Also, since the direction to actuate the third shaft 57 as the movable part coincides with the direction to adjust the air passage dimension, the adjustment operation can be easily understood.
[0082] In particular, according to the second embodiment, since the small holes 65 can increase air streams along the air deflection plate 13 located downstream of the baffle plate 41 as shown in FIG. 9, the function of the air deflection plate 13 to adjust the direction of air can be surely obtained. Above all, it is preferable that the baffle plate 41 is provided immediately upstream of the air deflection plate 13.
[0083] Also, the baffle plate 41 having the small holes 65 can precisely restrict the quantity of air discharge when the air passage dimension is narrowed down to its maximum (i.e., the closed position). Specifically, the adjustment rate with respect to the quantity of air discharge in the case of narrowing the air passage dimension to its maximum is larger in comparison with the adjustment rate with respect to the quantity of air discharge in the case of expanding the air passage dimension, on condition that in each case the quantity of air discharge is changed while the amount of change in the air passage dimension is constant. This is because in the former case the difference between the adjustment rates can be reduced by the small holes 65.
[0084] Further, according to the third and fourth embodiments, the first through third shafts 53, 56, and 57 are guided along the corresponding grooves 66, 67, and 68, as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11; even on actuation of any one of these shafts, the other shafts can be operatively moved therewith to smoothly displace the baffle plate 41, thereby equally adjusting the air passage dimension. As described above, since it will be sufficient if an actuating mechanism is provided for actuating any one of the shafts along the groove that guides this shaft, this provides a high degree of freedom of the shaft to be actuated and a high layout flexibility of the actuating mechanism.
[0085] Further, since the screw-operated actuating mechanism 71 includes, particularly, the bolt 72 that can be rotationally moved with its axial. movement restricted, and the non-rotatable nut 73 that engages this bolt 72 and that is moved together with the actuated shaft, the actuating mechanism not only can have a simplified structure but also can be reduced in size.
[0086] Furthermore, since the screw-operated actuating mechanism 71 is unlikely to be displaced due to an input applied reversely from the followers to be actuated thereby, the baffle plate 41 is prevented from being displaced due to wind pressure, and as a consequence the screw-operated actuating mechanism 71 can also function as the above-described holding mechanism 43.
[0087] Moreover, according to the fourth embodiment, the actuating mechanism 70 is power-driven; therefore, the adjustment of the air passage dimension can be made easily by, for example, remote control.
[0088] In addition, as described in the foregoing embodiments, the air passage dimension adjustment mechanism 40 in the present invention is preferably applied to the air conditioning apparatus 1 of the type embedded within a ceiling, i.e., a so-called "cassette type" air conditioning apparatus, which includes: the decorative panel 4 that is provided with a plurality of outlets 11 and is located on the ceiling; and the apparatus main body 2, which is located above. this decorative panel 4, for discharging conditioned air out of the outlets 11. The reason is that the air conditioning apparatus 1 of this type normally discharges air from the plurality of outlets 11 with a single blower 22; therefore, in order to adjust the quantity of air discharge from each outlet 11 individually, the air passage dimension of each outlet 11 needs to be adjusted. According to the present invention, when the quantity of air from each outlet 11 is adjusted, the space to be air-conditioned corresponding to each outlet 11 will not be narrowed. As a result, air conditioning suitable for a room is easily realized by adjusting the ratio of quantities of air discharge from the outlets 11.
[0089] Also, in accordance with the third embodiment, the head 76 of the bolt 72 is made operable from beneath, thus improving the workability of adjusting the air passage dimension in the air conditioning apparatus 1 of the type installed on a ceiling (see FIG. 10).
[0090] Furthermore, in accordance with the fourth embodiment, since the remote control operation is allowed utilizing driving power, the air passage dimension of each outlet 11 at a height on almost the same level with the ceiling can be adjusted at a lower location, thereby remarkably improving. the workability.
[0092] In the fifth embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, an air passage dimension adjustment mechanism 40 is formed to include a baffle member 100 that is movable along a plane instead of forming the air passage dimension adjustment mechanism 40 according to the first through fourth embodiments which folds the baffle plate 41.
[0093] In other words, the air passage dimension adjustment mechanism 40 includes the baffle member 100 and a housing mechanism 110 for the baffle member 100. On the other hand, the baffle member 100 is equivalent to the baffle plate 41 in the first through fourth embodiments and is formed in the shape of a sheet.
[0094] The housing mechanism 110 is attached on a lateral side of the decorative panel 4 and includes a case 111. The case. 111 is formed to have a length substantially equal to or slightly larger than that of the longitudinal direction of the outlet 11 and is attached to the decorative panel 4 along the longitudinal direction of the outlet 11.
[0095] The baffle member 100 is formed into an elongated rectangle to correspond to the outlet 11. The dimension in the longitudinal direction of the baffle member 100, which is also the lengthwise direction thereof, substantially coincides with that in the longitudinal direction of the outlet 11. The dimension of the baffle member 100 in the transverse direction, which is the widthwise direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the baffle member 100, is slightly longer than the dimension of the outlet 11 in the transverse direction, which is the widthwise direction of the outlet 11 perpendicular to the longitudinal direction thereof.
[0096] Provided at each end of the baffle member 100 in the transverse direction are a stick-like base-point core 101 and a stick-like end-point core 102. The base-point core 101 is contained in the case 111 and rotatably supported to the case 111. Also, the baffle member 100 is formed so that it can be contained in a rolled-up state in the case 111. Furthermore, the baffle member 100 is formed so that it can be arbitrarily rolled up into the case 111 or rolled out of the case 111.
[0097] On the other hand, formed in a lateral portion of the decorative panel 4 is a through hole 120 for the baffle member 100. The through hole 120 is formed to extend from the outer face of the decorative panel 4 to the inner face of the outlet 11. Further, the through hole 120 is formed slightly longer than the dimension in the longitudinal direction of the baffle member 100 so that the baffle member 100 can pass therethrough. Furthermore, the through hole 120 communicates the outlet 11 with the interior of the case 111.
[0098] Also, provided on both sides in the longitudinal direction of the outlet 11 in the decorative panel 4 are guide members 121. The guide members 121 are arranged to allow the insertion of the ends of the end-point core 102 of the baffle member 100 and guide the movement of the baffle member 100 along a plane.
[0099] It should be noted that both sides of the base-point core 101 of the baffle member 100 are, although not shown, protruded from the case 111, for example. On rotation of the base-point core 101 with the protruded part thereof pinched, the baffle member 100 is rolled up into the case 111. On the other hand, if the baffle member 100 in the contained state is moved toward the inside of the outlet 11 with the end-point core 102 pinched, the baffle member 100 is rolled out of the case 111 to reduce the air passage dimension of the outlet 11.
[0100] Accordingly, in this embodiment, the state in which the baffle member 100 is rolled up into the case 111 corresponds to the state in which the outlet 11 is fully open. In this state, the end-point core 102 is positioned in contact with the lateral face of the outlet 11.
[0101] If the baffle member 100 in the contained state is moved with the end-point core 102 pinched, the baffle member 100 is rolled out of the case 111 and is moved in parallel with a plane of the opening of the outlet 11, thereby changing the air passage dimension in the transverse direction of the outlet 11.
[0103] It should be noted that the baffle member 100 in this embodiment is not limited to the sheet-like shape that can be rolled up. In other words, the baffle member 100 may be of plate-like shape in the case where a gap exists laterally of the decorative panel 4. In that case, the baffle member 100 reciprocates in a plane between the outside and inside of the decorative panel 4.
[0105] According to the sixth embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 18 and 19, an air passage dimension adjustment mechanism 40 is formed to include detachable baffle members 130 instead of forming the air passage dimension adjustment mechanism 40 according to the first through fourth embodiments which folds the baffle plate 41.
[0106] In other words, the air passage dimension adjustment mechanism 40 includes the baffle members 130 and a supporting frame 140 for the baffle members 130. On the other hand, the baffle members 130 are equivalent to the baffle plate 41 in the first through fourth embodiments and are each formed into a plate-like shape.
[0107] The supporting frame 140 is attached. in the upper portion of the outlet 11 of the decorative panel 4 and is formed into a rectangle like the outlet 11. Further, the supporting frame 140 is formed with three openings 141. Each of the openings 141 is formed into an elongated rectangle extending along the longitudinal direction of the outlet 11. Each of the openings 141 is formed so that its dimension in the longitudinal direction substantially coincides with that in the longitudinal direction of the outlet 11.
[0108] The widthwise dimension of each of the openings 141, i.e., its shorter-side dimension, is smaller than the widthwise dimension of the outlet 11, i.e., its transverse dimension. Also, the three openings 141 are formed in parallel to align in the widthwise direction of the outlet 11.
[0109] The baffle member 130 is formed into an elongated plate-like shape corresponding to each opening 141 of the supporting frame 140. The baffle member 130 is formed to have the longitudinal dimension that substantially coincides with the dimension in the longitudinal direction of the outlet 11. Further, the baffle member 130 is formed to have the widthwise. dimension, i.e., its shorter-side dimension, that is smaller than the widthwise dimension of the outlet 11, i.e., its transverse dimension. Furthermore, the baffle member 130 is arranged so that it is attached to the decorative panel 4 in a manner to be fitted into the corresponding opening 141 of the supporting frame 140 while it is detachable from the opening 141 of the supporting frame 140.
[0110] Therefore, in this embodiment, the case where no baffle member 130 is attached to any of the openings 141 of the supporting frame 140 corresponds to the state in which the outlet 11 is fully open.
[0111] If one or two of the baffle members 130 are attached to corresponding number of openings 141 of the supporting frame 140, the air passage dimension in the transverse direction of the outlet 11 is changed accordingly. Alternatively, if all the baffle members 130 are attached to all of the openings 141 of the supporting frame 140, then the outlet 11 is closed.
[0113] It should be noted that the baffle member 130 is attached to or detached from the supporting frame 140 with the decorative panel 4 removed from the apparatus main body.
[0114] Further, the baffle member 130 in this. embodiment is not limited to the type attached to the supporting frame 140. In other words, the baffle member 130 may be of the type attached directly to the decorative panel 4 or the apparatus main body by screw clamping, for example.
[0115] Moreover, the number of the baffle members 130 is not limited to three but may be one, two, four, or more than four.
[0116] It should be noted that, although the connection 52 of the baffle plate 41 includes the rotatable first shaft 53 that connects the pair of plates 44 and 45 in the foregoing first through fourth embodiments, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, as shown in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 8, the connection 52 for the pair of plates may be formed of an elastic material exhibiting flexibility. In the baffle plate 41 shown in FIG. 8, the first plate 44, the second plate 45, and the connection 52 for connecting these plates are integrally formed of a rubber plate as the elastic material. The connection 52 is formed to have a thickness smaller than that of portions corresponding to the plates 44 and 45, thereby increasing flexibility. Also, a plurality of the above first plates 44 and a plurality of the above second plates 45 may be provided so that they are connected alternately to form a bellows-like baffle plate 41.
[0117] Furthermore, the baffle plate 41 in the third and fourth. embodiments may be formed to allow ventilation in the closed position as described in the first and second embodiments.
[0118] Moreover, the present invention is not limited to the adjustment of the quantity of air discharge from the outlets 11. For example, the velocity of discharged air flow may be adjusted.
[0119] As for other points, various design changes can be made to the foregoing embodiments within the range that they will not change the essence of the present invention. In conclusion, it will suffice for the present invention to modify the transverse air passage dimension of the outlet 11 using a plate, a sheet or the like.
INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY
[0120] As described above, the air conditioning apparatus according to the present invention can be used advantageously as an air conditioning apparatus that changes the air passage dimension in the transverse direction of an outlet and is particularly suitable as an air conditioning apparatus of the type embedded within a ceiling.
1. An air conditioning apparatus comprising an elongated outlet (11), further comprising air passage dimension adjustment means (40) for adjusting an air passage dimension (W1) of the outlet (11) in a transverse direction (X) thereof.
2. The air conditioning apparatus of Claim 1, wherein the air passage dimension adjustment
means (40) includes a baffle plate (41) that extends in a longitudinal direction (Y) of the outlet (11) and that is rotated with respect to an axis (C) extending in a longitudinal direction (Y).
3. The air conditioning apparatus of Claim 2, wherein the baffle plate (41) is formed with a number of small holes (65) for ventilation.
4. The air conditioning apparatus of Claim 2 or 3, wherein the baffle plate (41) includes first and second plates (44, 45) that are relatively rotatably connected at adjacent edges (46, 49) thereof.
5. The air conditioning apparatus of Claim 4, wherein the air passage dimension adjustment
means (40) comprises: a connection (52) for rotatably connecting the adjacent edges (46, 49) of the first and second plates (44, 45); a fixed part (56); and a movable part (57), the fixed and movable parts being provided to extend along the other edges (47, 50) of the plates (44, 50), respectively, wherein the movable part (57) is actuated along a guide groove (60) extending along the transverse direction (X) of the outlet (11) with the fixed part (56) fixed, thereby allowing the connection (52) to move correspondingly.
6. The air conditioning apparatus of Claim 4, wherein the air passage dimension adjustment
means (40) comprises: a first shaft (53) for rotatably connecting the adjacent edges (46, 49) of the first and second plates (44, 45); and second and third shafts (56, 57) provided to extend along the other edges (47, 50) of the plates (44, 45), respectively, wherein either one (56) of the second and third shafts (56, 57) is fixed, and the other (57) is actuated along the transverse direction (X) of the outlet (11).
7. The air conditioning apparatus of Claim 4, wherein the air passage dimension adjustment
means (40) comprises: a first shaft (53) for rotatably connecting the adjacent edges (46, 49) of the first and second plates (44, 45); second and third shafts (56, 57) provided to extend along the other edges (47, 50) of the plates (44, 45), respectively; a vertical groove (66) for guiding vertical motions of the first shaft (53); horizontal grooves (67, 68) for guiding motions of the second and third shafts (56, 57) in the transverse direction (X) of the outlet (11), respectively; and an actuating mechanism (70) for actuating either one (53) of the shafts along the groove (66) that guides this shaft (53).
8. The air conditioning apparatus of Claim 7, wherein the actuating mechanism (70) includes a screw-operated actuating mechanism (71).
9. The air conditioning apparatus of Claim 8, wherein the screw-operated actuating mechanism
(71) includes: a bolt (72) that is rotationally actuated with movement thereof in an axial direction (Z) restricted; and a non-rotatable nut (73) that engages the bolt (72) and moves together with the actuated shaft (53).
10. The air conditioning apparatus of Claim 1, wherein the air passage dimension adjustment
means (40) includes a baffle member (100) that extends in the longitudinal direction (Y) of the outlet (11) and that moves in parallel with a plane of an opening of the outlet (11) and in the transverse direction (X) of the outlet (11).
11. The air conditioning apparatus of Claim 1, wherein the air passage dimension adjustment
means (40) includes one or more plate-like baffle members (130) that are detachably attached to the outlet (11) and that are formed to extend in the longitudinal direction (Y) of the outlet (11) and to have a width smaller than the dimension in the transverse direction (X) of the outlet (11).
12. The air conditioning apparatus of Claim 1, comprising:
a decorative panel (4) that is provided with a plurality of.the outlets (11) and is located on a ceiling (5); and
an apparatus main body (2) which is located above the decorative panel (4) to discharge conditioned air out of the outlets (11).