Technical Field
[0001] The present invention relates to a ceiling-embedded-type air conditioning apparatus,
and, more specifically, relates to an apparatus structure for motor cooling ability
improvement and noise reduction.
Background Art
[0002] A known ceiling-embedded-type air conditioning apparatus includes a turbo fan having
a ceiling-embedded-type air conditioning apparatus body having a chassis top panel,
a motor disposed inside the ceiling-embedded-type air conditioning apparatus body
in a manner such that the rotary shaft is arranged at right angle to the chassis top
panel, a downward-protruding hub covering the motor and fixing the rotary shaft of
the motor, a main plate extending from the periphery of an upper opening surface of
the hub opposite to the top panel and having a plurality of blades attached to one
surface of the main plate opposite to the other surface opposing the top panel, and
a shroud opposing the main plate and forming a guiding channel for the blades, a motor-side
air passage defined by the hub, the main plate and the shroud and provided on the
motor side of the hub, a fan inner air passage provided opposite to the motor-side
air passage, and a turbo fan to blow out air taken in from the shroud side through
the fan inner air passage (Related Art 1). In this ceiling-embedded-type air conditioning
apparatus, part of the air blown out from the turbo fan is guided through a gap between
the chassis top panel and the main plate into the motor-side air passage on the inner
side of the hub to cool the motor. Then, the air used for cooling the motor is emitted
from openings provided in the hub in the vicinity of the motor-side surface into the
fan inner air passage at the outer side of the hub.
[0003] As another structure of a ceiling-embedded-type air conditioning apparatus, in addition
to the above-described structure, the openings in the hub are positioned at the lower
side of the hub (in the vicinity of fixed portion of the motor rotary shaft and the
hub) instead of positioning them in the vicinity of the motor-side surface and an
auxiliary fan having a plurality of blades is provided on the outer side of the hub
in a manner such that the lower-side openings are covered (Related Art 2) (refer to
Patent Document 1). According to this ceiling-embedded-type air conditioning apparatus,
by providing the auxiliary fan, the cooling rate of the motor is improved by increasing
the air volume flowing around the motor and operating noise of the motor leaking from
the lower-side openings is reduced by covering the lower-side openings with the auxiliary
fan.
[0004] As another structure of a ceiling-embedded-type air conditioning apparatus, in addition
to the above-described Related Art 2, the openings provided in the hub are side surface
openings provided in the vicinity of the side surface of the hub instead of the lower-side
openings, and an auxiliary hub protruding downward substantially in line with the
hub and being provided on the outer side of the hub so as to cover the side-surface
openings is provided instead of the auxiliary fan (Related Art 3) (refer to Patent
Document 2).
[Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent No. 3270567
[Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent No. 3275474
Disclosure of the Invention
Problems to be Solved by the Invention
[0005] According to the above-described Related Art 1, air used for cooling the motor flows
out from the side-surface openings of the hub into the fan inner air passage. At this
time, the air is emitted from the side-surface openings to the fan inner air passage
as a jet flow. Therefore, there is a problem in that the blades pass through the jet
flow turbulence and undergo pressure fluctuation, causing noise to worsen. The jet
flow emitted from the side-surface openings interfere with the intake flow of the
turbo fan. As a result, there are problems in that the actual flow rate of the blow-off
air from the turbo fan is reduced, worsening the air supply efficiency and the noise
value corresponding to the air volume. Since the openings are provided in the side
surface of the hub, air does not sufficiently flow to the lower edge surface of the
motor. Thus, there is a possibility that the motor is not sufficiently cooled and
damaged by the generated heat.
[0006] According to Related Art 2 and Related Art 3, the openings provided in the hub are
covered with the auxiliary fan or the auxiliary hub. However, the auxiliary fan or
the auxiliary hub do not cover the entire hub but only cover part of the hub. Therefore,
similar to the above-described Related Art 1, there is a possibility in that the flow
from the openings interferes with the intake flow of the turbo fan to worsen the noise.
[0007] Furthermore, there is a problem in that reliability may decrease since, when transporting
the air conditioning apparatus body by a truck or the like, vibration generated during
transportation causes the turbo fan to pivot so that the outer circumferential edge
of the turbo fan collides with the chassis top panel of the air conditioning apparatus
body by point contact and the turbo fan breaks, at worst, due to the impact of stress
concentration.
[0008] The present invention is accomplished to solve the above-identified problems. A first
object of the present invention is to provide a highly reliable, low-noise ceiling-embedded-type
air conditioning apparatus capable of preventing damaging of the motor by improving
the motor cooling efficiency.
[0009] A second object of the present invention is to provide a ceiling-embedded-type air
conditioning apparatus being capable of preventing the fan from being damaged during
transportation and having high product reliability.
Means for Solving the Problems
[0010] A ceiling-embedded-type air conditioning apparatus according to the present invention
includes: (a) a ceiling-embedded-type air conditioning apparatus body including a
chassis top panel; (b) a motor disposed in the ceiling-embedded-type air conditioning
apparatus body in a manner such that a rotary shaft of the motor is arranged at right
angles to the chassis top panel; (c) a turbo fan including a downward-protruding hub
covering the motor and fixing the rotary shaft of the motor in place, a main plate
extending from the periphery of an upper opening of the hub so as to oppose the top
panel and having a plurality of blades attached to one surface of the main plate opposite
to the other surface opposing the top panel, and a shroud opposing the main plate
and constituting a guiding channel for the blades, the turbo fan blowing out air taken
in from the shroud side through a fan inner air passage formed on the side opposite
to the motor side of the hub; and (d) an air guiding cover for guiding air flowing
from a gap formed between the chassis top panel and the main plate into a motor-side
air passage, the air guiding cover being provided on the motor side of the hub so
as to form the motor-side air passage between the motor and the air guiding cover,
wherein the air guiding cover includes a circumferential surface portion extending
downward from the main plate, the height position of the lower edge opening of the
circumferential surface portion is positioned lower than the lower edge surface of
the motor, and the hub includes a plurality of openings for letting air that flows
from the gap into the motor-side air passage and then from the lower edge opening
of the air guiding cover into a gap between the air guiding cover and the hub to flow
out into the fan inner air passage.
[0011] A ceiling-embedded-type air conditioning apparatus including: (a) a ceiling-embedded-type
air conditioning apparatus body including a chassis top panel; (b) a turbo fan for
supplying air, the turbo fan being provided inside the ceiling-embedded-type air conditioning
apparatus body; (c) a motor disposed in the ceiling-embedded-type air conditioning
apparatus body in a manner such that a rotary shaft is orthogonal to the chassis top
panel, the motor being configured to drive the turbo fan; (d) a heat-exchanger vertically
disposed to surround the turbo fan; (e) a plurality of reinforcement ribs formed in
an area on the chassis top panel corresponding to the inner side of the heat-exchanger,
the plurality of reinforcement ribs radiating from the outer periphery of an area
opposing the motor and protruding toward the inside of the body; and (f) a top-panel-side
heat-insulating material provided on the inner side of the chassis top panel, wherein
substantially the entire top-panel-side heat-insulating material is provided along
protruding surfaces of the reinforcement ribs and the top-panel-side heat-insulating
material is provided along a part of or the entire radially positioned areas, excluding
the reinforcement ribs of the chassis top panel, and radially positioned air guiding
passages for guiding part of a blown-off air flow from the turbo fan to the motor
using a section formed by providing the top-panel-side heat-insulating material along
the radially positioned areas are provided.
[0012] A ceiling-embedded-type air conditioning apparatus including: (a) a ceiling-embedded-type
air conditioning apparatus body including a chassis top panel; (b) a turbo fan for
supplying air, the turbo fan being provided inside the ceiling-embedded-type air conditioning
apparatus body; (c) a motor for driving the turbo fan; (d) a heat-exchanger vertically
disposed to surround the turbo fan; (e) a plurality of reinforcement ribs formed in
an area on the chassis top panel corresponding to the inner side of the heat-exchanger,
the plurality of reinforcement ribs radiating from the outer periphery of an area
opposing the motor and protruding toward the inside of the body; and (f) a top-panel-side
heat-insulating material provided on the inner side of the chassis top panel, wherein
the top-panel-side heat-insulating material is provided along substantially the entire
surface excluding the reinforcement ribs and is provided along a part of or the entire
reinforcement ribs on the chassis top panel, and radially positioned air guiding passages
for guiding part of a blown-off air flow from the turbo fan to the motor using a section
formed by providing the top-panel-side heat-insulating material along the reinforcement
ribs are provided.
Advantages
[0013] According to the present invention, since an air guiding cover is provided on the
inner side of a hub and this air guiding cover is formed so that the height position
of the lower edge openings of a circumferential surface portion is lower than the
lower edge surface of the motor, the air flown into the motor-side air passage can
reliably guide the air to the lower edge surface of the motor. As a result, the motor
cooling efficiency is improved and damaging of the motor due to generated heat can
be prevented, enabling a highly reliable ceiling-embedded-type air conditioning apparatus
to be obtained.
[0014] Furthermore, since openings for emitting air into the fan inner air passage are provided
in the circumferential surface portion of the hub in the vicinity of a main plate,
the air flowing out from the openings into the fan inner air passage can be prevented
from interfering with a fan intake air flow. Therefore, shear distortion of the fan
intake flow is suppressed, and noise caused by blades passing through turbulent air
can be reduced. Furthermore, an increase in noise accompanying deterioration in air
supply efficiency caused by interference with the air flowing out from the openings
and the fan intake flow can be prevented.
[0015] Furthermore, since the entire hub is substantially a double structure and the openings
are provided on the circumferential surface portion of the hub in the vicinity of
a main plate, as described above, the distance from the motor-side air passage of
the hub to the fan inner air passage is extended, and the noise is damped. As a result,
the leakage of motor operating noise, such as abnormal electromagnetic noise and bearing
rotating noise generated at the motor, to the outside can be prevented. Furthermore,
a low-noise ceiling-embedded-type air conditioning apparatus providing a comfortable
environment for residents can be obtained.
[0016] Furthermore, similar to the damping of the noise, since the flow speed of the air
flowing out from the openings into the fan inner air passage is also damped, a reduction
in the flow rate of the fan blow-off flow can be reliably prevented, and an increase
in noise accompanying the deterioration in air supply efficiency can be prevented.
Furthermore, because of the effect of preventing the reduction in the flow volume
of the fan blow-off air flow, a sufficient volume of air for cooling the motor can
be obtained, and the motor can be effectively cooled.
[0017] In the present invention, reinforcement ribs are provided on a chassis top panel
and radially disposed air guiding passages for guiding part of the blow-off air flow
from the turbo fan to the motor by a top-panel-side heat-insulating material and the
reinforcement ribs provided on the inner side of the chassis top panel are formed.
Then, first, the strength of the chassis top panel can be increased by the reinforcement
ribs so as to enable reduction in the thickness and the weight of the chassis top
panel 1 b and the flow of air from the radially disposed air guiding passages to the
motor can be increased so as to improve the cooling efficiency. As a result, damaging
of the motor can be prevented.
Brief Description of the Drawings
[0018]
[Fig. 1] Fig. 1 illustrates an external perspective view of the ceiling-embedded-type
air conditioning apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
[Fig. 2] Fig. 2 illustrates a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the inside of the
air conditioning apparatus shown in Fig. 1.
[Fig. 3] Fig. 3 illustrates a horizontal cross-sectional view taken along line X-X
in Fig. 2 viewed from the top panel side and illustrates the inside of an air conditioning
apparatus shown in Fig. 1.
[Fig. 4] Fig. 4 illustrates an enlarged cross-sectional view of a turbo fan 3 and
the vicinity shown in Fig. 2.
[Fig. 5] Fig. 5 illustrates a perspective view of the turbo fan 3 (part 1).
[Fig. 6] Fig. 6 illustrates a perspective view of the turbo fan 3 (part 2).
[Fig. 7] Fig. 7 illustrates a perspective view of an air guiding cover 18.
[Fig. 8] Fig. 8 illustrates the relationship between a minimum gap spacing k between
an air guiding cover 18 and a motor 4 and the motor cooling efficiency.
[Fig. 9] Fig. 9 illustrates the relationship between G4/G1 (proportion of the total
opening area G4 in the circular opening area G1) and the motor cooling efficiency.
[Fig. 10] Fig. 10 illustrates the relationship between G4/G5 (proportion of the total
opening area G4 in the turbo fan outlet area G5) and the noise value.
[Fig. 11] Fig. 11 illustrates the frequency characteristics of the air conditioning
apparatus according to the present invention in operation.
[Fig. 12] Fig. 12 illustrates the relationship between the air supply volume and noise
during operation of the air conditioning apparatus according to the present invention.
[Fig. 13] Fig. 13 illustrates a cross-sectional enlarged view of an air guiding cover
18 according to another example in the vicinity of the turbo fan 3.
[Fig. 14] Fig. 14 illustrates a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the inside of
the air conditioning apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
[Fig. 15] Fig. 15 illustrates a horizontal cross-sectional view of the inside of an
air conditioning apparatus body 1 shown in Fig. 14 viewed from the top panel.
[Fig. 16] Fig. 16 illustrates an enlarged view of a turbo fan 3 and its vicinity shown
in Fig. 14.
[Fig. 17] Fig. 17 illustrates a schematic view of a turbo fan 3 coming in contact
with a top-panel-side heat-insulating material 1e by pivoting on a supporting point
at the fixed portion 3h of the hub 3c and the rotary shaft 4a functioning as during
transportation.
[Fig. 18] Fig. 18 illustrates a perspective view from the portion corresponding to
the fan side of the heat-insulating material 1c.
[Fig. 19] Fig. 19 illustrates the change in the noise value corresponding to E1/D1
(proportion of the minimum gap E1 between the rectifying section 1g and the main plate
3b in the gap D1 between the top-panel-side heat-insulating material 1 e and the main
plate 3b in the height direction) under the condition that the air supply volumes
are the same.
[Fig. 20] Fig. 20 illustrates a perspective view of another example of the rectifying
section 1g having a different shape.
[Fig. 21] Fig. 21 illustrates a longitudinal cross-sectional view of another example
of the rectifying section 1g having a different shape.
[Fig. 22] Fig. 22 illustrates a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the inside of
the ceiling-embedded-type air conditioning apparatus according to the third embodiment
of the present invention.
[Fig. 23] Fig. 23 illustrates a perspective view of a rectifying plate 19 including
a side surface 1 h shaped as an inclined surface of a polygon.
[Fig. 24] Fig. 24 illustrates a perspective view of a rectifying plate 19 including
a side surface 1 h shaped as an inclined surface of a truncated cone.
[Fig. 25] Fig. 25 illustrates a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the inside of
the ceiling-embedded-type air conditioning apparatus according to the fourth embodiment
of the present invention.
[Fig. 26] Fig. 26 illustrates a horizontal cross-sectional view taken along line Z-Z
in Fig. 25.
[Fig. 27] Fig. 27 illustrates the exterior of a top panel viewed from an arrow S in
Fig. 25.
[Fig. 28] Fig. 28 illustrates a partially enlarged view of the turbo fan 3 and its
vicinity illustrated in Fig. 25.
[Fig. 29] Fig. 29 illustrates a cross-sectional perspective view taken along line
V-V in Fig. 26.
[Fig. 30] Fig. 30 illustrates a partial cross-sectional side view of a motor 4.
[Fig. 31] Fig. 31 illustrates a schematic view of a driving substrate built-in the
motor 4.
[Fig. 32] Fig. 32 illustrates the measurement experiment results of the motor surface
temperature and the noise value corresponding to the positional relationship between
radially positioned air guiding passages 1k and a turbo fan 3 shown in Fig. 25.
[Fig. 33] Fig. 33 illustrates the chassis top panel 1b of a ceiling-embedded-type
air conditioning apparatus according to a fifth embodiment viewed from the side of
a top-panel-side heat-insulating material 1eb.
[Fig. 34] Fig. 34 illustrates a plan view of the exterior of the chassis top panel
1 b of a ceiling-embedded-type air conditioning apparatus according to a fifth embodiment.
[Fig. 35] Fig. 35 illustrates a cross-sectional perspective view taken along line
V-V in Fig. 33.
Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention
First Embodiment
[0019] A ceiling-embedded-type air conditioning apparatus according to a first embodiment
of the present invention will be described below with reference to Figs. 1 to 7.
Fig. 1 illustrates an external perspective view of the air conditioning apparatus
according to the present invention. Fig. 2 illustrates a longitudinal cross-sectional
view of the inside of the air conditioning apparatus shown in Fig. 1. Fig. 3 illustrates
a horizontal cross-sectional view taken along line X-X in Fig. 2 viewed from the top
panel side and illustrates the inside of the air conditioning apparatus body 1 shown
in Fig. 1. Fig. 4 illustrates an enlarged cross-sectional view of a turbo fan 3 and
its vicinity shown in Fig. 2. Fig. 5 illustrates a perspective view of the turbo fan
3 mounted on the ceiling-embedded-type air conditioning apparatus body 1 according
the present invention. Fig. 6 illustrates a perspective view of the turbo fan 3 shown
in Fig. 5 shown upside-down. Fig. 7 illustrates a perspective view of an air guiding
cover 18 disposed on the turbo fan 3.
[0020] In Fig. 1, the air conditioning apparatus body 1 is embedded in the ceiling of a
room 15 in a manner such that a substantially square decorative panel 2 provided at
the lower portion of the air conditioning apparatus body 1 can be seen. The ceiling-embedded-type
air conditioning apparatus includes substantially square suction grills 2a communicating
with an air inlet 11a (refer to Fig. 2) for sucking air into the air conditioning
apparatus body 1, and panel outlets 2b communicating with a body outlet 16a (refer
to Fig. 2) aligned with the sides of the decorative panel 2, both provided in the
central area of the decorative panel 2, and further includes air flow direction vanes
2c provided in the panel outlets 2b.
[0021] As shown in Figs. 2 and 3, the chassis of the air conditioning apparatus body 1 is
constituted of chassis side panels 1 a and a chassis top panel 1b attached to the
area surrounded by the chassis side panels 1 a. The chassis side panels 1a and the
chassis top panel 1b are composed of sheet metal members. A heat-insulating material
1c is attached to at least part of the surfaces of the chassis side panels 1a and
the chassis top panel 1 b, on the inner side of the air conditioning apparatus body
1, so as to form the sidewalls of an air passage. Inside the air conditioning apparatus
body 1, a motor 4 disposed in a manner such that its rotary shaft 4a is arranged at
right angles to the chassis top panel 1b, a centrifugal air blower including the turbo
fan 3 rotationally driven by the motor 4, and a substantially C-shaped heat exchanger
6 disposed vertically so as to surround the turbo fan 3 are provided.
[0022] Below the heat exchanger 6, a drain pan 12 composed of foamed material and an electric
component box 13 accommodating electronic components, such as a control substrate,
are disposed. Two end portions 6a of the substantially C-shaped heat exchanger 6 are
connected with a heat exchanger connecting plate 7 in a manner such that the heat
exchanger 6 and the heat exchanger connecting plate 7, as a whole, form a substantially
square shape. On the outer side (chassis side panel 1 a side) of the heat exchanger
connecting plate 7, as shown in Fig. 3, a gap is provided between the heat exchanger
connecting plate 7 and a side panel-side heat-insulating material 1d. A piping accommodating
space 10 is formed by covering the upper end and the lower end of the gap with the
chassis top panel 1b and the drain pan 12, respectively. Inside the piping accommodating
space 10, a header 8 connected to a heat exchanger tube 6b extending from one of the
end portions 6a and a distributor 9 are disposed.
[0023] The centrifugal air blower includes the turbo fan 3 and a bellmouth 5 constituting
an intake air passage 23a to the turbo fan 3. The turbo fan 3 includes a downward-protruding
hub 3c covering the motor 4 and fixing the rotary shaft 4a of the motor 4 in place,
a substantially ring-shaped main plate 3b extending from the periphery of the upper
opening of the hub 3c so as to oppose the chassis top panel 1b and including a plurality
of blades 3a attached to the surface opposite to the surface opposing the chassis
top panel 1b, a shroud 3g opposing the main plate 3b and constituting a guiding channel
to the blades 3a. The upper edge of the hub 3c is formed as a single unit with the
main plate 3b, and the lower edge of the hub 3c is fixed to the rotary shaft 4a of
the motor 4. Here, the hub 3c is constituted as a single unit integrating a hollow
cone-shaped circumferential surface portion 3ca whose diameter decreases from the
inner circumferential surface portion of the main plate 3b to the lower portion of
the circumferential surface portion 3ca, a flat surface portion 3cb extending from
the lower edge opening of the circumferential surface portion 3ca to the rotary shaft
4a, and a cylindrical portion 3cc extending from the inner circumference of the flat
surface portion 3cb to the motor shaft 4a. In the circumferential surface portion
3ca, a plurality of openings 3d is formed along a concentric circle in the vicinity
of the main plate 3b. The hub 3c having the above-described structure is fixed to
the motor shaft 4a with the cylindrical portion 3cc. The dimensions of the hub 3c
are designed so that, in this fixed position, a gap E1 between the main plate 3b formed
as a single unit with the hub 3c and a top-panel-side heat-insulating material 1e
has a predetermined interval.
[0024] On the inner side (motor 4 side) of the hub 3c of the turbo fan 3, an air guiding
cover 18 is provided. A motor-side air passage 3f is formed between the air guiding
cover 18 and the motor 4. The air guiding cover 18 guides air, flowing from the gap
E1 formed between the chassis top panel 1b and the main plate 3b into the motor-side
air passage f, to the motor 4. As shown in Fig. 7, the air guiding cover 18 includes
a ring-shaped flange portion 18a and a hollow cone-shaped circumferential surface
portion 18c whose diameter decreases so that the cross-sectional area of the motor-side
air passage 3f decreases from the inner circumferential surface portion of the flange
portion 18a to the lower edge of an opening 18b. The circumferential surface portion
18c is provided at substantially the same angle as the circumferential surface portion
3ca of the hub 3c and in a manner such that a gap E2 between the circumferential surface
portion 18c and the circumferential surface portion 3ca has a predetermined interval.
The air guiding cover 18 is formed so that the height of the lower edge opening 18b
of the circumferential surface portion 18c is lower than a lower edge surface 4b of
the motor 4. The air guiding cover 18 guides air flowing into the motor-side air passage
3f to the entire motor 4. The air guiding cover 18 having the above-described structure
is composed of metal members, such as aluminum and plated steel plates, having high
heat conductivity. The air guiding cover 18 is fixed to the main plate 3b by the flange
portion 18a in a suspended position by melting and rotates together with the turbo
fan 3 by the rotation of the motor 4.
[0025] Next, operation of the ceiling-embedded-type air conditioning apparatus having the
above-described structure will be described below.
During operation of the air conditioning apparatus, the motor 4 is driven and the
turbo fan 3 rotates in the direction indicated by an arrow A (refer to Figs. 3, 5,
and 6). Then, air in the room 15 is taken in from the intake grills 2a as indicated
by an arrow B. After dust is removed at a filter 14, the air is taken into the turbo
fan 3 through the bellmouth 5. Subsequently, blow-off air C1 from an outlet 3i of
the turbo fan 3 is heated or cooled as it passes through the heat exchanger 6. Then,
air conditioning is carried out by blowing out the air C1 from the panel outlet 2b
into the room 15 while controlling the flow direction of the air with the air flow
direction vane 2c rotated by a vane motor, not shown in the drawings. In cooling operation,
condensed water generated by condensing air in the room 15 at the heat exchanger 6
is drained outside the air conditioning apparatus body 1 by a drain pump 17.
[0026] As shown in Fig. 4 illustrating the enlarged view of the turbo fan 3 and its vicinity,
the flow B taken into the turbo fan 3 splits into an air flow C1 flowing from the
turbo fan 3 to the heat exchanger 6 and a flow C2 flowing through the gap E1 between
the main plate 3b and the top-panel-side heat-insulating material 1e, flowing into
the motor-side air passage 3f around the motor 4, flowing through the lower edge opening
18b of the air guiding cover 18, flowing through the gap E2 between the hub 3c and
the air guiding cover 18, emitted from the openings 3d to the fan inner air passage
3e, and joining the fan intake air flow B.
[0027] In this flow C2, first, the air flowing into the motor-side air passage 3f (side
of the motor 4) of the inner side of the air guiding cover 18 through the gap E1 generates
an air flow directed to the lower edge opening 18b. Here, since the air guiding cover
18 is formed so that the height of the lower edge opening 18b of the circumferential
surface portion 18c is lower than the lower edge surface of the motor 4, the air flowing
into the motor-side air passage 3f can be reliably guided to the lower edge surface
4b of the motor 4. In this way, the entire surface of the motor 4 can be cooled, and
the heat of the coils and the elements inside the motor 4 can be radiated.
[0028] Then, the air used to cool the motor 4 surface flows out from the lower edge opening
18b of the air guiding cover 18 and comes in contact with the flat surface portion
3cb of the hub 3c. Subsequently, the air is guided upward through the gap E2 and is
emitted from the openings 3d to the fan inner air passage 3e. Here, since the openings
3d are formed in the circumferential surface portion 3ca of the hub 3c on the main
plate 3b side (in the vicinity of the main plate 3b), the air flowing out from the
openings 3d to the fan inner air passage 3e can be prevented from interfering with
the fan intake air flow B. Therefore, shearing distortion of the fan inlet flow B
can be suppressed, and noise caused by the blades 3a passing through turbulent air
can be reduced. Furthermore, increase in noise caused by deterioration of the air
supply efficiency caused by the air interfering with the air with the fan intake air
flow B can be prevented.
[0029] Since the entire hub 3c is substantially in a double structure and the openings 3d
are provided on the main plate 3b side of the circumferential surface portion 3ca
of the hub 3c, the length of the air passage from the motor-side air passage 3f of
the hub 3c to the fan inner air passage 3e is greater than that in the case where
the hub is in a single structure and the openings for emitting air from the inner
side of the hub to the outside is provided in the vicinity of the side surface of
the motor or where part of the hub is in a double structure and the position of the
openings are low. Therefore, noise is damped, and operational noise, such as abnormal
electromagnetic noise or bearing rotating noise generated at the motor 4, is reduced.
[0030] Similar to the damping of noise, the flow speed of the air flowing out from the openings
3d to the fan inner air passage 3e is also damped. Accordingly, reduction in the flow
rate of the fan blow-off air flow C1 caused by the air flowing out from the openings
3d into the fan inner air passage 3e and interfering with the fan intake air flow
B can be reliably prevented, and an increase in noise accompanying degradation of
air supply efficiency can be prevented. Furthermore, due to the effect of preventing
a reduction in the fan blow-off air flow C1, an air volume sufficient for cooling
the motor can be obtained and the motor 4 can be efficiently cooled.
[0031] Next, the dimensional design of each component of the turbo fan 3 for sufficiently
obtaining cooling effect of a motor 4 and a noise reduction effect will be described
with reference to Figs. 8 to 12. Relevant dimensions include the minimum gap spacing
k between the air guiding cover 18 and the motor 4 lower edge (the distance between
the lower edge of the motor 4 and the surface of the circumferential surface portion
18c along a perpendicular line extended from the lower edge of the motor 4 to the
surface of the circumferential surface portion 18c of the air guiding cover 18), an
area G5 of the outlet 3i of the turbo fan 3, a circular opening area G1 at the gap
E2 between the air guiding cover 18 and the hub 3c (i.e., the opening area obtained
by taking a circular cross-section of the air guiding cover 18 and the hub 3c along
a plane orthogonal to the circumferential surface portion 3ca), and an total opening
area G4 of the openings 3d (total area of all of the openings 3d).
[0032] Fig. 8 illustrates the relationship between the minimum gap spacing k between the
air guiding cover 18 and the motor 4 lower edge and the motor cooling efficiency.
The motor cooling efficiency is represented by the proportion of (h1-h2) in h1, where
h1 represents the motor temperature when the openings 3d are provided and h2 represents
the motor temperature when the openings 3d are not provided.
As shown in Fig. 8, it is preferable to set the minimum gap spacing k to 8 mm or more
so that the air guiding cover 18 does not collide with the motor 4 when horizontally
pivoted on a supporting point at the rotary shaft 4a during transportation, and 25
mm or less so that steep deterioration of the motor cooling efficiency does not occur.
By employing these dimensions, sufficient air flows on the motor surface so that stable
motor cooling efficiency can be achieved and damage caused by heat generated at the
motor can be prevented.
[0033] Fig. 9 illustrates the relationship between G4/G1 (the proportion of the total opening
area G4 in the circular opening area G1) and the motor cooling efficiency.
As shown in Fig. 9, if G4/G1 is 40% or more, the flow resistance at the passage from
the gap E2 between the air guiding cover 18 and the hub 3c to the openings 3d of the
hub 3c is not too great, and minimum air flows so that stable, high motor cooling
efficiency is achieved and damage caused by heat generated at the motor 4 can be prevented.
[0034] Fig. 10(a) illustrates the relationship between G4/G5 (the proportion of the total
opening area G4 in the turbo fan outlet area G5) and noise values. Fig. 10(b) illustrates
the relationship between G4/G5 (the proportion of the total opening area G4 in the
turbo fan outlet area G5) and the motor cooling efficiency.
As shown in Fig. 10(a), if G4/G5 is 10% or less, the air flow emitted from the openings
3d does not interfere with the fan intake air flow B and, thus, the noise value is
small. As shown in to Fig. 10(b), if G4/G5 is 0.5% or more, stable motor cooling efficiency
is obtained. In this way, by setting G4/G5 between 0.5% and 10%, stable motor cooling
efficiency can be achieved with low noise.
[0035] As described above, by setting the dimensions so that the relationships between each
of the components (air guiding cover 18 and motor 4, air guiding cover 18 and hub
3c, and openings 3d and outlet 3i) are maintained, damage caused by heat generated
at the motor 4 can be prevented with low noise and a quiet, high quality ceiling-embedded-type
air conditioning apparatus body can be obtained.
[0036] Fig. 11 illustrates the frequency characteristics of the air conditioning apparatus
according to the present invention in operation and illustrates the comparative results
to a known air conditioning apparatus. The horizontal axis represents frequency, and
the longitudinal axis represents the noise value SPL. The experimental result shows
a comparison of the structure according to the present invention and a known structure
(a single structure hub having openings formed in the vicinity of the motor side surface
of the hub, for emitting the air inside the hub to outside of the hub). As shown in
Fig. 11, it can be confirmed that abnormal electromagnetic noise or bearing rotating
noise generated at the motor 4 can be reduced.
[0037] Fig. 12 illustrates the relationship between the air supply volume and noise during
operation of the air conditioning apparatus according to the present invention and
illustrates the comparative result with that of a known air conditioning apparatus.
The horizontal axis represents the air supply volume, and the longitudinal axis represents
the noise value.
As shown in Fig. 12, it can be confirmed that, when the air supply volumes are the
same, noise is reduced more for the structure according to the present invention compared
with the known structure (a single structure hub having openings formed in the vicinity
of the motor side surface of the hub, for emitting the air inside the hub to outside
the hub).
[0038] In this way, according to the first embodiment of the present invention, since the
air guiding cover 18 is provided on the inner side (motor 4 side) of the hub 3c and
this air guiding cover 18 is formed so that the height of the lower edge opening 18b
of the circumferential surface portion 18c is lower than the lower edge surface 4b
of the motor 4, air flown into the motor-side air passage 3f can be reliably guided
to the lower edge surface 4b of the motor 4. In this way, the entire surface of the
motor 4 can be cooled, and the heat of the coils and the elements inside the motor
4 can be radiated. As a result, the motor cooling efficiency is improved and damage
of the motor caused by heat generation can be prevented, and a highly reliable ceiling-embedded-type
air conditioning apparatus can be obtained.
[0039] Since the openings 3d for emitting air to the fan inner air passage 3e are provided
on the main plate 3b side of the circumferential surface portion 3ca of the hub 3c,
the air emitted from the openings 3d to the fan inner air passage can be prevented
from interfering with the fan intake air flow B. Therefore, shearing distortion of
the fan intake air flow B can be suppressed, and noise caused by the blades 3a passing
through turbulent air can be reduced. Furthermore, an increase in noise accompanying
deterioration in air supply efficiency caused by interference of the emitted air with
the air flowing out from the openings and the fan intake air flow B can be prevented.
[0040] Since the hub 3c is substantially a double structure as a whole and the openings
3d are provided on the main plate 3b side of the circumferential surface portion 3ca
of the hub 3c, as described above, the distance from the motor-side air passage 3f
of the hub 3c to the fan inner air passage 3e is extended, and noise is damped. As
a result, compared with that of a hub having a single structure or a partially double
structure leakage of motor operating noise, such as abnormal electromagnetic noise
or bearing rotating noise generated the motor 4, to the outside can be reduced. As
a result, a low-noise ceiling-embedded-type air conditioning apparatus providing a
comfortable environment for residents can be provided.
[0041] Similar to the damping of noise, the flow speed of the air flowing out from the openings
3d into the fan inner air passage 3e is also damped. Consequently, a reduction in
the flow rate of the fan flow-off air flow C1, which is caused by interference between
the air flowing out from the openings 3d into the fan inner air passage 3e and the
fan intake air flow B can be reliably prevented, and an increase in noise accompanying
degradation in air supply efficiency can be prevented. Furthermore, because of the
effect of preventing the reduction in flow volume of the fan blow-off air flow C1,
a sufficient volume of air for cooling the motor can be ensured, and the motor 4 can
be cooled efficiently.
[0042] The circumferential surface portion 18c of the air guiding cover 18 is hollow cone-shaped
and its diameter decreases so that the cross-sectional area of the motor-side air
passage 3f gradually decreases toward the lower edge of an opening 18b, the air flow
inside the motor-side air passage 3f rises toward the lower edge opening 18b. As a
result, cooling can be efficiently carried out on the entire motor 4 from the upper
part of the motor 4 to the lower edge surface 4b of the motor 4, which is not sufficiently
cooled in a known apparatus.
[0043] By designing each of the components so that the minimum gap spacing k is between
8 mm or more and 25 mm or less, G4/G1 is 40% or more, and G4/G5 is between 0.5% or
more and 10% or less, damage caused by heat generated at the motor 4 can be prevented
at low noise and a quiet, high quality ceiling-embedded-type air conditioning apparatus
body can be obtained.
[0044] Since the air guiding cover 18 is composed of metal members, such as aluminum and
plated steel plates, having high heat conductivity, heat from the heated air around
the motor is transmitted to the air guiding cover 18. Also, since the air guiding
cover 18 rotates together with the turbo fan 3, the volume of air passing by in contact
with the surface of the air guiding cover 18 is increased compared with that in the
case where the air guiding cover 18 is so formed as to not rotate, and heat radiation
is promoted. In this way, a high motor cooling effect can be achieved. As a result,
damage due to heat generation of the motor 4 can be prevented at low noise and a highly
reliable ceiling-embedded-type air conditioning apparatus body can be obtained.
[0045] Since the openings formed in the fixing member of the motor 4, i.e., the openings
3d of the hub 3c, are provided at the bottom edge side (i.e., main plate 3b side)
instead of the tip side of the truncated cone, the area of the members (hub 3c) between
adjacent openings 3d is great compared with that in the case where the openings 3d
having the same opening area are provided at the lower side surface or in the vicinity
of the lower edge, as in a known hub. For this reason, great strength against torque
generated by the motor 4 is achieved.
[0046] According to the first embodiment of the present invention, the circumferential surface
portion 18c of the air guiding cover 18 and the circumferential surface portion 3ca
of the hub 3c are substantially parallel to each other. Instead, as shown in Fig.
13, a cylindrical portion 18d may be provided by bending the circumferential surface
portion 18c of the air guiding cover 18 along the outer peripheral surface on the
motor 4 side. When employing such a structure, since air flowing into the air guiding
cover 18 on the motor 4 side can be reliably disposed along the surface of the motor
4, the motor cooling efficiency can be improved even more. Similarly as described
above, a quiet, highly reliable ceiling-embedded-type air conditioning apparatus that
is capable of reducing abnormal electromagnetic noise and bearing rotating noise,
and capable of preventing damage of the motor 4 can be obtained.
Second Embodiment
[0047] A ceiling-embedded-type air conditioning apparatus according to a second embodiment
of the present invention will be described below with reference to Figs. 14 to 19.
Fig. 14 illustrates a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the inside of the air conditioning
apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 15 illustrates
a horizontal cross-sectional view of the inside of the air conditioning apparatus
body 1 shown in Fig. 14 viewed from the top panel. Fig. 16 illustrates an enlarged
view of a turbo fan 3 and its vicinity shown in Fig. 14. Fig. 17 illustrates a schematic
view of a turbo fan 3 coming in contact with a top-panel-side heat-insulating material
1e by pivoting on a supporting point at a fixed point of the hub 3c and the rotary
shaft 4a during transportation. In these drawings, the same components as those according
to the first embodiment shown in Figs. 1 to 4 are represented by the same reference
numerals, and descriptions thereof are omitted.
[0048] The second embodiment is the same as the first embodiment shown in Fig. 2 except
that, on the top-panel-side heat-insulating material 1e, a rectifying section 1g for
limiting the flow volume flowing from the gap E1 to the motor 4 side is provided in
a ring-shaped fan main plate-corresponding area 1f opposing the main plate 3b. In
this way, the flow volume emitted from openings 3d to the fan inner air passage 3e
is reduced to lower noise. The rectifying section 1g is provided as a single unit
with the top-panel-side heat-insulating material 1e.
[0049] The shape of the rectifying section 1g is described in detail below with reference
to Figs. 16 to 18. Fig. 18 illustrates a perspective view from the portion corresponding
to the fan side of the heat-heat-insulating material 1c.
The rectifying section 1g is substantially a ring-shaped, and the distance from the
main plate 3b in the height direction is reduced from the outer circumferential portion
toward the inner circumferential portion. The minimum gap E1 between the rectifying
section 1g and the main plate 3b and a gap D1 between the main plate 3b and the top-panel-side
heat-insulating material 1e in the height direction are set to establish a predetermined
relationship. Furthermore, a side surface 1h of the rectifying section 1g, as shown
in Fig. 17, is formed at an angle so that, when the turbo fan 3 pivots on a supporting
point at a fixed portion 3h of the hub 3c and the rotary shaft 4a and comes in contact
with the rectifying section 1g during transportation, the outer circumferential edge
of the turbo fan 3 is not brought into point contact with the rectifying section 1g.
More specifically, the shape of the inclined side surface 1 h is a polygonal shape
so that the hub comes into line contact or surface contact with the outer circumferential
edge of the turbo fan 3, as shown in Fig. 18.
[0050] By providing the rectifying section 1g having the above-described structure, a flow
C2 blown out from an outlet 3i of the turbo fan 3 and reversed in a direction toward
the gap E1 between the main plate 3b and the top-panel-side heat-insulating material
1e is prevented from excessively flowing into a motor-side air passage 3f. Therefore,
the flow volume of air flowing out from the openings 3d to the fan inner air passage
3e can be reduced, the air is prevented from interfering with the fan intake air flow
B and the generation of shear distortion is suppressed. In this way, noise can be
reduced.
[0051] Next, the dimensional design of the rectifying section 1 g for sufficiently obtaining
a motor 4 cooling effect and a noise reduction effect will be described with reference
to the subsequent Fig. 19.
Fig. 19(a) illustrates the change in the noise value corresponding to E1/D1 (proportion
of the minimum gap E1 between the rectifying section 1g and the main plate 3b in the
gap D1 between the top-panel-side heat-insulating material 1e and the main plate 3b
in the height direction) uner the condition that the air supply volumes are the same.
Fig. 19(b) illustrates the motor cooling efficiency corresponding to E1/D1 when the
air supply volumes are the same.
[0052] If E1/D1 is too small, the flow resistance of the gap D1 is great, causing air to
not flow. As a result, noise is reduced, as shown in Fig. 19(a). At the same time,
the flow volume to the surface of the motor 4 is reduced, causing the motor 4 to not
be sufficiently cooled. As a result, the motor cooling efficiency deteriorates, as
shown in Fig. 19(b). On the other hand, if E1/D1 is too great, excessive air flows
to the gap D1, causing noise to be great, as shown in Fig. 19(a). At the same time,
sufficient air flows to the surface of the motor 4, increasing the motor 4 cooling
efficiency. Accordingly, in this embodiment, E1/D1 is set between 0.3 and 0.7 to balance
the motor 4 cooling effect and the noise reduction effect. In this way, the motor
cooling efficiency is increased, and, thus, damage due to heat generated at the motor
4 can be prevented and the noise values can be reduced.
[0053] In this way, according to the second embodiment, the same advantages as those according
to the first embodiment are achieved. Also, according to the second embodiment, since
the rectifying section 1g having the above-described shape is provided, the air flow
C2 blown out of the outlet 3i of the turbo fan 3 and reversed in a direction toward
the gap E1 between the main plate 3b and the top-panel-side heat-insulating material
1e is prevented from excessively flowing into a motor-side air passage 3f. Therefore,
the flow volume of air flowing out from the openings 3d to the fan inner air passage
3e can be reduced, the air is prevented from interfering with the fan intake air flow
B, and the generation of shear distortion is suppressed. In this way, noise can be
reduced.
[0054] Since, in case the main plate 3b of the turbo fan 3 comes in contact with the top-panel-side
heat-insulating material 1e during transportation, the manner of contact is not point
contact as in the case of a known apparatus but is line contact or surface contact,
as indicated by J in Fig. 17, stress concentration to the main plate 3b due to impact
can be avoided, and damaging of the turbo fan 3 can be prevented. Furthermore, there
is an advantage in that the rectifying section 1g can be formed as a single unit using
the heat-heat-insulating material 1, which constitutes the air passage, when molding
the heat-insulating material 1c. Thus, other components do not have to be composed
and the assembling process can be simplified. As a result, a highly reliable, low-noise
ceiling-embedded-type air conditioning apparatus capable of preventing motor damage
by improving the motor cooling efficiency and providing a comfortable environment
for a resident can be obtained.
[0055] Since E1/D1 is set between 0.3 and 0.7, a ceiling-embedded air conditioning apparatus
having both a motor 4 cooling effect and a noise reduction effect can be obtained.
[0056] The side surface of rectifying section 1g according to this embodiment is formed
in a polygonal shape. However, the shape is not limited so long as the side surface
of rectifying section 1g is shaped so that the outer circumferential edge of the turbo
fan 3 can be brought into line contact or surface contact. In other words, the shape
may be that illustrated in Fig. 20 as described below.
[0057] Fig. 20 illustrates a perspective view of another example of the rectifying section
1g g having different shape. In this example, the side surface 1h of the rectifying
section 1g is shaped as the inclined surface of a truncated cone. In this case, also,
since at least the main plate 3b and the side surface 1 h are brought into line contact,
stress concentration due to impact imposed on the main plate 3b can be avoided and
damaging of the turbo fan 3 can be prevented. When employing this shape, similar to
the above, if E1/D1 is 0.3 to 0.7, a ceiling-embedded air conditioning apparatus having
both a motor 4 cooling effect and a noise reduction effect can be obtained.
[0058] In this embodiment, the rectifying section 1g is formed of the top-panel-side heat-insulating
material 1e. However, for example, as shown in Fig. 21, the rectifying section 1g
may be formed by deforming a section of the fan main plate-corresponding area 1f of
the chassis top panel 1b. In such a case, even if the top-panel-side heat-insulating
material 1e is not provided inside the air passage of the top panel 1b, the rectifying
section 1g can be provided as a single unit with the chassis top panel 1b without
the top-panel-side heat-insulating material 1 e, so that cost can be reduced.
Third Embodiment
[0059] A ceiling-embedded-type air conditioning apparatus according to a third embodiment
of the present invention will be described below with reference to Figs. 22 and 23.
Fig. 22 illustrates a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the inside of the air conditioning
apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 23 illustrates
a perspective view of a rectifying plate 19 shown in Fig. 22. In these drawings, the
same components as those according to the first embodiment shown in Figs. 1 to 4 are
represented by the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof are omitted.
[0060] The third embodiment is the same as the second embodiment shown in Fig. 14, except
that, instead of forming the rectifying section 1g on the top-panel-side heat-insulating
material 1e, a rectifying plate 19 having a shape corresponding to the rectifying
section 1g and functioning in the same way as the rectifying section 1g is detachably
installed. The rectifying plate 19 is composed of a sheet metal member or a plastic
member and is fixed to the top-panel-side heat-insulating material 1e and the chassis
top panel 1b with screws.
[0061] By employing such a structure, the same advantages as those according to the first
and second embodiments are achieved and the rectifying plate 19 is made replaceable.
Therefore, the flow resistance changes because of partial change of the specifications
of the structural components, such as the heat exchanger 6 and the filter 14, the
flow volume of the gap E2 between the main plate 3b and the rectifying plate 19 can
be adjusted appropriately according to the model by simply changing the rectifying
plate 19.
[0062] The shape of the rectifying plate 19, similar to the above-described rectifying section
1g, is not limited to the shape illustrated in the drawings and the shape may be that
illustrated in following Fig. 24.
[0063] In this example, the side surface 1 h of the rectifying plate 19 is shaped as the
inclined surface of a truncated cone. In this case also, since at least the main plate
3b and the side surface 1h are brought into line contact, stress concentration due
to impact imposed on the main plate 3b can be avoided and damaging of the turbo fan
3 can be prevented. As described above, if E1/D1 =0.3 to 0.7, a ceiling-embedded air
conditioning apparatus having both a motor 4 cooling effect and a noise reduction
effect can be obtained.
Fourth Embodiment
[0064] A ceiling-embedded-type air conditioning apparatus according to a third embodiment
of the present invention will be described below with reference to Figs. 25 and 32.
Fig. 25 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the inside of an air conditioning
apparatus according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 26 illustrates
a z-z cross-sectional view. Fig. 27 illustrates the exterior of a top panel viewed
from an arrow S in Fig. 25. Fig. 28 illustrates a partially enlarged view of the turbo
fan 3 and its vicinity illustrated in Fig. 25. Fig. 29 illustrates a cross-sectional
perspective view taken along line V-V in Fig. 26. Fig. 30 illustrates a partial cross-sectional
side view of a motor 4. Fig. 31 illustrates a schematic view of a driving substrate
built-in the motor 4. Fig. 32 illustrates the measurement experiment results of the
motor surface temperature and the noise value corresponding to the positional relationship
between the radially positioned air guiding passage 1k and the turbo fan 3 shown in
Fig. 25. In these drawings, the same components as those according to the first embodiment
shown in Figs. 1 to 4 are represented by the same reference numerals, and descriptions
thereof are omitted.
[0065] The fourth embodiment is the same as the first embodiment shown in Fig. 1 except
that, a plurality of reinforcement ribs 1i is provided on the chassis top panel 1b
so as to improve the strength of the chassis top panel 1b and a top-panel-side heat-insulating
material 1 ea is provided on the reinforcement ribs 1i and the chassis top panel 1b
so as to form radially positioned air guiding passage 1k for guiding a flow C2 to
the motor 4 in order to improve the motor 4 cooling efficiency.
[0066] A plurality of the reinforcement ribs 1i is provided on the chassis top panel 1b
in an area corresponding to the inner side of the heat exchanger 6 in a manner such
that the reinforcement ribs 1 i extend from the outer peripheral portion of an area
opposing the motor 4 toward the chassis side panels 1a and protrude toward the inner
side of the body. On the inner side of the chassis top panel 1b and the chassis side
panels 1a having such reinforcement ribs 1i, a heat-insulating material 1 ca having
a substantially overall box shape is disposed constituting an air passage wall surface.
The heat-insulating material 1ca includes the top-panel-side heat-insulating material
1ea disposed flush with part of or the entire inner surface of the chassis top panel
1b and a side panel-side heat-insulating material 1d that is the same as the above-described
one. Since the fourth embodiment is characterized by the top-panel-side heat-insulating
material 1ea, the shape of the top-panel-side heat-insulating material 1ea will be
described in detail below.
[0067] As described above, the top-panel-side heat-insulating material 1ea is disposed flush
with part of or the entire inner surface of the chassis top panel 1b, but, according
to this embodiment, the top-panel-side heat-insulating material 1 ea is disposed flush
with part of the inner surface of the chassis top panel 1 b. In other words, the reinforcement
ribs 1i are provided on the chassis top panel 1b in a manner such that the reinforcement
ribs 1i protrude toward the inner side of the body, and the top-panel-side heat-insulating
material 1ea is formed so that it is disposed flush with the entire protruding surface
1ia on the basis of the protruding surface 1ia (refer to Fig. 29). The top-panel-side
heat-insulating material 1ea is formed flush with part (several) of radially positioned
areas 1ib among a plurality of radially positioned areas (i.e., the triangular area
(one of which is a longitudinal area) 1ib positioned outside from the protruding surface
1 ia and located between adjacent reinforcement ribs 1i on the chassis top panel 1
b) in a protruding manner. According to this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 26, the
top-panel-side heat-insulating material 1 ea is disposed flush with four of the radially
positioned areas 1ib, and, for the other areas, the top-panel-side heat-insulating
material 1ea is provided flat without being disposed flush with the radially positioned
areas 1ib. Therefore, as shown in Figs. 26 and 29, the other radially positioned areas
1ib than the four radially positioned areas 1ib are hidden by being covered with the
flat portion of the top-panel-side heat-insulating material 1 ea.
[0068] The top-panel-side heat-insulating material 1ea having such a structure forms an
area corresponding to the radially positioned areas 1ib (refer to Fig. 29) so that
the radially positioned air guiding passage 1 k having a gap distance to the main
plate 3b that is greater than the gap distance between the reinforcement ribs 1i and
the main plate 3b.
[0069] Next, the structure of the motor 4 to be cooled and the installation of the motor
4 are described with reference to Figs. 30 and 31.
The motor 4 is so constituted as to have an in-motor substrate 4h having a driver
circuit 4d and a control circuit 4e mounted inside of the motor on the chassis top
panel side (opposite side to the turbo fan) or, more specifically, is constituted
of a DC motor. The in-motor substrate 4h is fixed to the inside of the motor 4. The
rotor 4g is fixed to the rotary shaft 4a. A stator 4f including a coil and a core
is disposed around the rotor 4g. The stator 4f is molded and formed as a single unit
with a molding material 4k. The DC motor is formed by disposing the rotor 4g in a
hollow portion formed in the stator 4f and holding the rotor 4g in a freely rotatable
manner by the edge of the hollow portion and a bearing 4i press fit into a bracket
4L. Furthermore, the rotor 4g is formed by molding a plastic magnetic material into
a cylindrical shape and has magnetic fields having N and S poles at the outer periphery.
[0070] On the in-motor substrate 4h, a hole element 4j for detecting the magnetic field
of the rotor 4g and generating a revolution signal, the control circuit 4e for receiving
the revolution signal and transmitting a revolution instructing signal voltage, and
the driver circuit 4d for controlling the electrical power applied to the magnetic
field of the stator 4f on the basis of the revolution instructing signal are mounted.
On the driver circuit 4d of the in-motor substrate 4h, a power element 4M is mounted
and is in contact with the bracket 4L with intervention of an insulating plate and
a heat radiating silicone.
[0071] The in-motor substrate 4h is connected to an electronic substrate 25 inside an electric
component box 24, as illustrated in Fig. 25, via wiring. As shown in Fig. 31, on the
electronic substrate 25, an AC/DC converter 25a for converting a voltage (e.g., 200
V) of an AC power supply 26 into a DC voltage and boosting it to supply this DC voltage
to the driver circuit 4d and a control circuit power supply 25b for supplying power
to the control circuit 4e are mounted.
[0072] In the motor 4 having such a structure, the temperature of the heat generated at
the power element 4M becomes higher than other components, such as the coil of the
stator 4f, and, thus, heat is transmitted via the heatradiating silicone so as to
increase the temperature of the bracket 4L and a side surface 4c on the chassis top
panel side of the motor 4. Therefore, if the bracket 4L and the side surface 4c on
the chassis top panel side of the motor 4 does not radiate heat, the power element
4M will be damaged by the generated heat, and the motor 4 will fail. In other words,
to prevent the damaging of the motor 4, it is necessary to mainly cool the bracket
4L and the side surface 4c on the chassis top panel side of the motor 4.
[0073] As another example of the motor 4, if the motor 4 is a DC motor indicating the driver
circuit 4d and the control circuit 4e mounted on the electronic substrate 25 accomodated
in the electric component box 24 outside the motor, the rotary shaft 4a is heated
by heat transmitted from the stator 4f having the highest temperature in the motor
4, lubricant oil of the bearing 4i is degraded by the high temperature, and the bearing
4i seizes, causing the motor 4 to be damaged. In other words, for this case also,
to prevent damaging of the motor 4, it is necessary to mainly cool a bearing-corresponding
portion 4P (refer to Fig. 28) on the surface of the motor and the bracket 4L in contact
with the bearing 4i. The bearing-corresponding portion 4P is a portion of the outer
surface of the bearing 4i of the motor 4.
[0074] Next, the cooling effect on the motor 4 by proving the radially positioned air guiding
passages 1k will be described.
In the top-panel-side heat-insulating material 1ea, the portion being disposed flush
with the radially positioned areas 1ib and constituting the radially positioned air
guiding passages 1k has a greater gap distance E1 compared with other portions (i.e.,
the flat portion formed in accordance with the protruding surface 1ia of the reinforcement
ribs 1 i). Therefore, the flow volume and speed of part of the blow-off air flow C2
from the turbo fan 3 can be increased when the air is drawn to the motor 4. Consequently,
the cooling effect on the motor 4 is increased.
[0075] The direction of the flow C2 which rotates between the main plate 3b and the top-panel-side
heat-insulating material 1 ea and is drawn toward the motor 4 is changed by coming
into contact with a side surface 1 ka of the radially positioned air guiding passage
1k, as shown in Fig. 29. Thus, the side surface 4c of the motor 4 on the chassis top
panel side and the bracket 4L on the top surface of the motor 4 on the chassis top
panel side are cooled.
[0076] According to this example, the top-panel-side heat-insulating material 1ea is disposed
flush only with part of the radially positioned areas 1ib among all of the radially
positioned areas 1ib. The top-panel-side heat-insulating material 1ea is not disposed
flush with all of the radially positioned areas 1ib because, if the top-panel-side
heat-insulating material 1ea is disposed flush with all of the radially positioned
areas 1ib, noise may increase.
[0077] As shown in Fig. 28, the air C2 passing through the gap E1 between the main plate
3b and the top-panel-side heat-insulating material 1eb and flowing into the motor-side
air passage 3f flows around the motor 4 and, then, is emitted from the openings 3d
toward the fan inner air passage 3e. At this time, since the flow of air passes through
the bearing-corresponding portion 4P on the motor surface, the bearing- corresponding
portion 4P can be cooled. Thus, the bearing- corresponding portion 4P can be sufficiently
cooled. Since the motor 4 can be sufficiently cooled in this way, the turbo fan 3
can be rotated until the limit temperature of the power element 4M is reached. In
this way, the air supply volume can be increased, and the heat-exchange ability of
the heat exchanger 6 can be improved. Moreover, since inner circuit loss of the power
element 4M can be reduced, motor efficiency is improved and energy can be conserved.
[0078] Next, the positional relationship between a radially positioned air guiding passage
1 k and the turbo fan 3 for obtaining a high motor 4 cooling effect and a high noise
reduction effect is described.
If an inner circumferential edge 1 kb of the radially disposed air guiding passage
1k is disposed away from the motor 4, it becomes difficult to draw a flow toward the
chassis top panel-side side surface 4c of the motor 4 and the bracket 4L, causing
insufficient cooling. If an outer circumferential edge 1 kc of the radially positioned
air guide passage 1 k is disposed further outward than the outer circumference of
the turbo fan 3, the blow-off flow C1, instead of the flow C2 passing through the
gap E1 and being directed toward the motor-side air passage 3f, directly collides
with the side surface 1 ka of the radially positioned air guiding passage 1k, causing
an increase in noise. When the blow-off flow C1 directly collides with the side surface
1 ka of the radially positioned air guiding passage 1 k and its direction is changed
toward the motor 4, the flow volume toward the motor 4 side increases, whereas the
flow volume toward the heat exchanger 6 decreases. Therefore, the air flow must be
increased to increase the heat exchanging ability, and, as a result, noise worsens.
[0079] By considering the above, the optimal positioning of the inner circumferential edge
1 kb and the outer circumferential edge 1 kc of the radially positioned air guiding
passage 1 k for improving both the cooling effect and the noise reduction effect will
be described.
[0080] Fig. 32(a) illustrates the relationship between the position of the inner circumferential
edge 1 kb of the radially positioned air guiding passage 1 k and the surface temperature
T1 of the bracket 4L disposed on the chassis top panel side of the motor 4 after being
operated for the same amount of time. Fig. 32(b) illustrates the relationship between
the position of the outer circumferential edge 1 kc of the radially positioned air
guiding passage 1k and the noise value SP at the same flow volumes. Fig. 32(c) illustrates
the relationship between the position of the outer circumferential edge 1 kc of the
radially positioned air guiding passage 1k and the surface temperature T1 of the bracket
4L disposed on the chassis top panel side of the motor 4 after being operated for
the same amount of time.
[0081] If 0≤L2≤.3×L1, as shown in Fig. 32(a), where L1 represents the outer diameter of
the turbo fan 3, L0 represents the distance between the rotary shaft center 4ac of
the motor 4 and the outer circumferential edge 1 kc of the radially positioned air
guiding passage 1k, and L2 represents the distance between the rotary shaft center
4ac of the motor 4 and the inner circumferential edge 1 kb of the radially positioned
air guiding passages 1 k, the motor 4 is sufficiently cooled compared with the case
where the radially positioned air guiding passages 1k are not provided (i.e., when
L2=0.5×L1). This is presumed to be true because a large area for the side surface
1 ka of the radially positioned air guiding passages 1k can be obtained and the air
flow toward the motor 4 can be increased.
[0082] As shown in Fig. 32(b), if L0≤0.6×L1, the noise value almost does not worsen. As
shown in Fig. 32(c), if 0.5×L1≤L0, i.e., if the outer circumferential edge 1kc of
the radially positioned air guiding passage 1 k is further outward than the main plate
3b, the motor 4 will be sufficiently cooled.
[0083] Consequently, by setting the dimensions within the ranges of 0.5xL1≤L0≤0.6×L1 and
0≤L2≤0.3×L1, the motor 4 will be sufficiently cooled and the noise value does not
worsen, enabling a high quality ceiling-embedded air conditioning apparatus to be
obtained.
[0084] As described above, according to the fourth embodiment, since the reinforcement ribs
1i are formed on the chassis top panel 1b in a manner such that they protrude toward
the inside of the body, strength can be increased without increasing the height of
the body. In this way, the thickness and the weight of the chassis top panel 1 b can
be reduced. Moreover, since the radially positioned air guiding passage 1k having
the ability to change the direction of the flow C2 toward the motor 4 is formed with
the top-panel-side heat-insulating material 1ea provided on the inner side of the
chassis top panel 1 b, the motor 4 can be effectively cooled and damaging of the motor
can be prevented.
[0085] Since a heat-insulating material (top-panel-side heat-insulating material 1ea) is
provided on the inner surface of chassis top panel 1b, even when the heat exchanger
6 is cooled during cooling operation, the atmosphere inside the body is also cooled,
and the humidity of the area under roof where the air conditioning apparatus body
1 is installed is high, dew condensation on the surface of the chassis top panel 1
b can be prevented. In this way, drew does not drop on the floor of the room to cause
the floor to get dirty, and the cleanliness of the floor can be maintained.
[0086] By setting the dimensions within the ranges of 0.5≤L1≤L0≤0.6×L1 and 0≤L2≤0.3×L1,
a low-noise, high quality ceiling-embedded air conditioning apparatus capable of both
improving the motor 4 cooling efficiency and suppressing the worsening of the noise
value and capable of preventing damaging by heat generated at the motor 4.
[0087] Since the in-motor substrate 4h including the driver circuit 4d and the control circuit
4e is stored inside the motor 4, the size of the electric component box 24 can be
reduced compared with the size of an electric component box 24 including the driver
circuit 4d and the control circuit 4e. In this way, the bellmouth 5 and the body intake
air passage 11 are not partially blocked. Therefore, reduction of flow resistance
and prevention of an intake drift are possible, and noise reduction is possible.
[0088] If the height of the top surface (surface of the bracket 4L of the motor 4) of the
motor 4on the chassis top panel 1b side of the motor 4 is lower (closer to the turbo
fan 3) than the height of the surface of the top-panel-side heat-insulating material
1ea, shown in a dotted line in Fig. 28, a space is formed in the vicinity of the bracket
4L, allowing the flow C2 to easily flow into the bracket 4L. Therefore, the cooling
effect can be improved, and, as a result, the motor efficiency is improved, enabling
a high quality ceiling-embedded air conditioning apparatus capable of excellent energy
saving to be obtained.
Fifth Embodiment
[0089] A ceiling-embedded-type air conditioning apparatus according to a fifth embodiment
of the present invention will be described below with reference to Figs. 33 to 35.
[0090] Figs. 33 and 34 illustrate the same body according to the fourth embodiment, except
that the radially disposed reinforcement ribs 1i protrude toward the outside of the
body. Fig. 33 illustrates the chassis top panel 1 b viewed from the side of a top-panel-side
heat-insulating material 1 eb. A Y-Y cross-sectional view of Fig. 33 is substantially
the same as Fig. 28. Fig. 34 illustrates a plan view of the exterior of the chassis
top panel 1 b. Fig. 35 illustrates a cross-sectional perspective view taken along
line V-V in Fig. 33. In these drawings, the same components as those according to
the first embodiment shown in Figs. 1 to 4 and those according to the fourth embodiment
shown in Figs. 25 to 32 are represented by the same reference numerals, and descriptions
thereof are omitted.
[0091] The fifth embodiment is the same as the fourth embodiment, except that the radially
disposed reinforcement ribs 1 i protrude toward the outside of the body instead of
the inside of the body. On the inner surface side of the chassis top panel 1b and
the chassis side panels 1 a having such reinforcement ribs 1i protruding toward the
outside, a substantially box-shaped heat-insulating material 1eb is disposed to form
an air passage side surface. The heat-insulating material 1cb includes a top-panel-side
heat-insulating material 1ea disposed flush with part of or the entire inner surface
of the chassis top panel 1b and a side panel-side heat-insulating material 1d, which
is the same as the above-described one. Since the fifth embodiment is characterized
by the top-panel-side heat-insulating material 1eb, the shape of the top-panel-side
heat-insulating material 1eb will be described in detail below.
[0092] The top-panel-side heat-insulating material 1 eb, similar to the fourth embodiment,
is disposed flush with part of the chassis top panel 1 b instead of flush with the
entire chassis top panel 1 b. More specifically, on the chassis top panel 1b, the
reinforcement ribs 1i protruding toward the outside of the body are formed, as shown
in Fig. 34, and the top-panel-side heat-insulating material 1 eb are formed so that
they are disposed flush with the entire surface 1ic based on the protruding surface
1ic (refer to Fig. 35). The top-panel-side heat-insulating material 1 eb is formed
flush with part (several) of the reinforcement ribs 1i among all the reinforcement
ribs 1 i protruding further outward than the surface 1ic, in a protruding manner.
According to this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 33, the top-panel-side heat-insulating
material 1 eb is disposed flush with four of the reinforcement ribs 1 i, and, for
the other areas, the top-panel-side heat-insulating material 1eb is provided flat
without being disposed flush with the reinforcement ribs 1i. Therefore, as shown in
Fig. 33, the reinforcement ribs 1i, except for the four reinforcement ribs 1 i, are
hidden by being covered with the flat portion of the top-panel-side heat-insulating
material 1eb.
[0093] In the heat-insulating material 1eb having such a structure, the area formed flush
with the reinforcement ribs 1i constitutes a radially positioned air guiding passages
1 k' having a gap distance to the main plate 3b that is greater than the gap distance
between the area formed flat and not flush with the reinforcement ribs 1i and the
main plate 3b.
[0094] By employing such a structure, similar to the fourth embodiment where the radially
positioned air guiding passages 1k are provided, reduction of weight by increasing
the strength and guiding part of the blow-off flow C2 of the turbo fan 3 by the radially
positioned air guiding passage 1k' are possible. In this way, it is possible to effectively
cool the side surface 4c of the motor 4 on the chassis top panel side and the bracket
4L.
[0095] The air passing through the gap E1 between the main plate 3b and the top-panel-side
heat-insulating material 1eb and flowing into the motor-side air passage 3f flows
around the motor 4 and, then, is emitted from the openings 3d toward the fan inner
air passage 3e. At this time, since the flow of air passes through the bearing-corresponding
portion 4P on the motor surface, the bearing-corresponding portion 4P can be sufficiently
cooled and prevented from being damage. Since the motor 4 is sufficiently cooled in
this way, the turbo fan 3 can be rotated until the limit temperature of the power
element 4M is reached. In this way, the air supply volume can be increased, and the
heat-exchange ability of the heat exchanger 6 can be improved. Moreover, since inner
circuit loss of the power element 4M can be reduced, motor efficiency is improved,
and energy can be saved.
[0096] Since the inner side of the chassis top panel 1b is covered with the top-panel-side
heat-insulating material 1 eb, even if part of the air cooled at the heat exchanger
6 flows into the motor 4, condensation can be prevented, enabling a high quality ceiling-embedded
air conditioning apparatus to be obtained.
[0097] According to the above-described above in the fourth embodiment, as shown in Fig.
32, a dimensions satisfying 0.5×L1≤L0≤0.6×L1 and 0≤L2≤0.3×L1 is effective for cooling
the motor 4 and reducing noise. The same advantages are also achieved in the fifth
embodiment.
Reference Numerals
[0098]
1: ceiling-embedded-type air conditioning apparatus body
1 a: chassis side panels
1 b: chassis top panel
1c, 1ca, and 1cb: heat-insulating material
1e, 1ea, and 1eb: top-panel-side heat-insulating material
1f: fan main plate-corresponding area
1g: rectifying section
1 h: side surface
1i: reinforcement ribs
1ia: protruding surface
1ib: radially positioned areas
1 k: radially positioned air guiding passage
1 kb: inner circumferential edge
1 kc: outer circumferential edge
3: turbo fan
3a: blades
3b: main plate
3c: hub
3ca: circumferential surface portion
3cb: flat portion
3cc: cylindrical portion
3d: openings
3e: fan inner air passage
3f: motor-side air passage
3g: shroud
3h: fixed portion
3i: outlet
4: motor
4a: rotary shaft
4ac: rotary shaft center
4b: lower edge surface of motor
4d: driver circuit
4e: control circuit
4h: in-motor substrate
5: bellmouth
6: heat exchanger
18: air guiding cover
18a: flange portion
18b: lower edge opening
18c: circumferential surface portion
19: rectifying plate
23a: intake air passage
23b: fan outlet air passage
The parent application claimed the following subject-matter which is included here
as part of the disclosure, but not claimed.
A ceiling-embedded-type air conditioning apparatus comprising: (a) a ceiling-embedded-type
air conditioning apparatus body (1) including a chassis top panel (1 b); (b) a motor
(4) disposed in the ceiling-embedded-type air conditioning apparatus body (1) in a
manner such that a rotary shaft (4a) of the motor is arranged at right angles to the
chassis top panel (1 b); (c) a turbo fan (3) including a downward-protruding hub (3c)
covering the motor (4) and fixing the rotary shaft (4a) of the motor in place, a main
plate (3b) extending from the periphery of an upper opening of the hub (3c) so as
to oppose the top panel (1b) and having a plurality of blades (3a) attached to one
surface of the main plate (3b) opposite to the other surface opposing the top panel
(1 b), and a shroud (3g) opposing the main plate (3b) and constituting a guiding channel
for the blades (3a), the turbo fan (3) blowing out air taken in from the shroud side
through a fan inner air passage (3e) formed on the side opposite to the motor side
of the hub (3c); and (d) an air guiding cover (18) for guiding air flowing from a
gap formed between the chassis top panel (1 b) and the main plate (3b) into a motor-side
air passage (3f), the air guiding cover (18) being provided on the motor side of the
hub (3c) so as to form the motor-side air passage (3f) between the motor (4) and the
air guiding cover (18), wherein the air guiding cover (18) includes a circumferential
surface portion (18c) extending downward from the side of the main plate (3b), the
height position of the lower edge opening (18b) of the circumferential surface portion
(18c) is positioned lower than the lower edge surface of the motor (4), and the hub
(3c) includes a plurality of openings (3d) for letting air that flows from the gap
into the motor-side air passage (3f) and then from the lower edge opening of the air
guiding cover (18) into a gap between the air guiding cover (18) and the hub (3c)
to flow out into the fan inner air passage (3e). Such a ceiling-embedded-type air
conditioning apparatus wherein a plurality of the openings (3d) are formed on the
hub (3c) in the vicinity of the main plate (3b). Such a ceiling-embedded-type air
conditioning apparatus wherein the circumferential surface portion (18c) of the air
guiding cover (18) is formed so that the cross-sectional area of the motor-side air
passage (3f) decreases toward the lower edge opening (18b). Such a ceiling-embedded-type
air conditioning wherein the hub (3c) and the circumferential surface portion (18c)
of the air guiding cover (18) are both formed as truncated cones with substantially
the same inclination. Such a ceiling-embedded-type air conditioning apparatus wherein
the circumferential surface portion (18c) of the air guiding cover (18) includes a
cylindrical portion in line with the outer peripheral surface of the motor (4). Such
a ceiling-embedded-type air conditioning apparatus wherein, where k represents the
minimum gap spacing between the air guiding cover (18) and the lower edge of the motor
(4), G5 represents the area of an air outlet of the turbo fan (3), G1 represents a
circular opening area G1 at a minimum gap spacing E2 between the air guiding cover
(18) and the hub (3c), and G4 represents the total opening area of the openings (3d),
each of the relevant components maintain relationships so that the minimum gap spacing
k is between 8 mm and 25 mm, G4/G1 is 40% or more, and G4/G5 is between 0.5% and 10%.
Such a ceiling-embedded-type air conditioning apparatus wherein the air guiding cover
(18) is formed of a metal member with high heat-conductivity and is fixed to the turbo
fan (3) so as to rotate together with the turbo fan. Such a ceiling-embedded-type
air conditioning apparatus wherein a rectifying section (1g) is provided in a gap
between a fan main plate-corresponding area (1f) on the chassis top panel (1b) opposing
the main plate (3b) and the main plate (3b) in a manner such that the gap becomes
thinner towards the center of the main plate (3b). Such a ceiling-embedded-type air
conditioning apparatus wherein a side surface of the rectifying section (1 g) is formed
at an angle so that, when the turbo fan (3) comes in contact with the rectifying section
(1g) by pivoting on a support point at a fixed portion (3h) of the hub (3c) and the
motor rotary shaft (4a) during transportation, the outer circumferential edge of the
turbo fan (3) is not brought into point contact with the side surface of the rectifying
section (1g). Such a ceiling-embedded-type air conditioning apparatus wherein the
rectifying section (1g) is formed in a polygonal shape so that, when the turbo fan
(3) comes in contact with the rectifying section (1g) by pivoting on a support point
at a fixed portion (3h) of the hub (3c) and the motor rotary shaft (4a) during transportation,
the turbo fan (3) is brought into line contact or surface contact with the rectifying
section (1g). Such a ceiling-embedded-type air conditioning apparatus wherein the
rectifying section (1g) is formed as a truncated cone so that, when the turbo fan
(3) comes in contact with the rectifying section (1 g) by pivoting on a support point
at a fixed portion (3h) of the hub (3c) and the motor rotary shaft (4a) during transportation,
the turbo fan (3) is brought into line contact with the rectifying section. Such a
ceiling-embedded-type air conditioning apparatus wherein, on the main plate side of
the chassis top panel (1 b), a top-panel-side heat-insulating material (1e, 1ea, 1eb)
defining an air passage on the inner side of the chassis top panel (1 b) is provided,
and the rectifying section (1g) is formed as a single unit with the top-panel-side
heat-insulating material (1eb). Such a ceiling-embedded-type air conditioning apparatus
wherein, the rectifying section (1g) is formed by deforming the fan main plate-corresponding
area (1f) of the chassis top panel (1b). Such a ceiling-embedded-type air conditioning
apparatus wherein the rectifying section (1g) is a rectifying plate (19) detachably
fixed directly or indirectly on the chassis top panel (1 b). Such a ceiling-embedded-type
air conditioning apparatus wherein a proportion E1/D1 of a minimum gap E1 between
the rectifying section (1g) and the main plate (3b) in a gap D1 between the top-panel-side
heat-insulating material and the main plate (3b) in the height direction is 0.3 to
0.7.