TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to an air conditioner indoor unit, and more specifically
an air conditioner indoor unit that uses the Coanda effect.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002] Recent years have seen efforts aimed at making living spaces more comfortable by
making conditioned air blown out from an air conditioner indoor unit close to a natural
airflow. For example in the air conditioner indoor unit disclosed in patent document
1 (Japanese Laid-open Patent Application No.
2001-41538), the wind direction of conditioned air is adjusted by three blades that swing up
and down, at which time an airflow close to natural wind is attained by varying the
phase of the three blades.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
<Technical Problem>
[0003] In the above configuration however, the airflow simply gradually approaches a person
then gradually recedes, without realizing varied wind.
[0004] A purpose of the present invention is to provide an air conditioner indoor unit that,
through varying the flow of wind, realizes conditioned air more closely resembling
natural wind.
<Solution to the Problem>
[0005] An air conditioner indoor unit according to a first aspect of the present invention
causes the wind direction of conditioned air blown out from an outlet port to change
upward and downward, generating fluctuating airflow, and is provided with a Coanda
blade and a control portion. Through the Coanda effect, the Coanda blade, provided
in the vicinity of the outlet port, forms the conditioned air into a Coanda airflow
caused to follow the lower face of the blade itself, guided in a predetermined direction.
The control portion controls the fluctuating airflow of conditioned air. Further,
the control portion, during fluctuating airflow control, controls the operation of
the Coanda blade, implementing a first mode that includes a Coanda generating condition
that generates Coanda airflow, and a Coanda airflow not generated condition that does
not generate Coanda airflow.
[0006] The Coanda blade, by the Coanda effect, changes the flow of conditioned air instantaneously
to a Coanda airflow toward a predetermined direction. That is, if the Coanda effect
is stopped, the Coanda airflow instantaneously switches to the original flow. In the
case such as that in which conditioned air is flowing to an occupant, simultaneous
with Coanda airflow occurring, the conditioned air ceases flowing to the occupant,
while simultaneous with Coanda airflow being stopped, the conditioned air flows to
the occupant. This air conditioner indoor unit, during fluctuating airflow control,
varies the flow of wind by instantaneously generating Coanda airflow, and is thus
capable of providing to the occupant conditioned air closer to natural wind.
[0007] An air conditioner indoor unit according to a second aspect of the present invention
causes the wind direction of conditioned air expelled from an outlet port to change
upward and downward, generating fluctuating airflow, and is provided with Coanda blade
and a control portion. Through the Coanda effect, the Coanda blade, provided in the
vicinity of an outlet port, forms the conditioned air into a Coanda airflow caused
to follow the lower face of the blade itself, guided in a predetermined direction.
The control portion controls the fluctuating airflow by changing the wind change patterns.
Further, the control portion is set in advance to be capable of implementing modes,
being at least a first mode and a second mode. The first mode is a mode that, during
fluctuating airflow control, controls the operation of the Coanda blade including
a Coanda airflow generating condition that generates Coanda airflow and a Coanda airflow
not generated condition that does not generate Coanda airflow. The second mode is
a mode that, during fluctuating airflow control, continually does not generate Coanda
airflow. Moreover, the control portion, during fluctuating airflow control, mixes
the time periods for implementing the first mode and the time periods for implementing
the second mode.
[0008] The Coanda blade, by the Coanda effect, changes the flow of conditioned air instantaneously
to Coanda airflow toward a predetermined direction. That is, if the Coanda effect
is stopped, the Coanda airflow instantaneously switches to the original flow. In the
case such as that in which conditioned air flows onto an occupant, simultaneous with
Coanda airflow occurring the conditioned air ceases flowing to the occupant, while
simultaneous with Coanda airflow being stopped, the conditioned air flows to the occupant.
This air conditioner indoor unit, during fluctuating airflow control, by mixing the
time periods for implementing the first mode and the time periods for implementing
the second mode, varies the flow of wind, and is thus capable of providing to the
occupant conditioned air closer to natural wind.
[0009] An air conditioner indoor unit according to a third aspect of the present invention
is the air conditioner indoor unit according to the first aspect or the second aspect,
further provided with a wind direction adjusting blade for changing the blowout angle
of conditioned air with respect to a horizontal plane. Further, the control portion,
using either or both of the wind direction adjusting blade and the Coanda blade, controls
the fluctuating airflow.
[0010] This air conditioning indoor unit is capable of realizing three kinds of fluctuating
airflow, including fluctuating airflow through the wind direction adjusting blade
only, fluctuating airflow through the Coanda blade only, and fluctuating airflow through
the wind direction adjusting blade and the Coanda blade, providing to the occupant
fluctuating airflow replete with variation.
[0011] An air conditioner indoor unit according to a fourth aspect of the present invention
is the air conditioner indoor unit according to the third aspect, in which the fluctuating
airflow control includes an A mode and a B mode. The A mode causes the wind direction
adjusting blade and the Coanda blade to swing, generating fluctuating airflow. The
B mode causes only the wind direction adjusting blade to swing, generating fluctuating
airflow.
[0012] With this air conditioner indoor unit, in the A mode, the fluctuating airflow gradually
flowing toward and gradually receding from the occupant, repeats between a condition
in which, due to the swing of the Coanda blade, the airflow instantaneously adheres
to the lower face of the Coanda blade becoming Coanda airflow, not directed toward
the occupant, and a condition in which the Coanda effect stops, the fluctuating airflow
being directed again toward the occupant. Further, in the B mode, the conditioned
air is swung up and down by the wind direction adjusting blade, creating fluctuating
airflow gradually flowing toward and gradually receding from the occupant. That is,
mixing the A mode and the B mode enables realization of fluctuating airflow with "unexpected
breeze" and fluctuating airflow without "unexpected breeze".
[0013] An air conditioner indoor unit according to a fifth aspect of the present invention
is the air conditioner indoor unit according to the fourth aspect, in which the fluctuating
airflow control further includes a C mode for causing only the Coanda blade to swing,
generating fluctuating airflow.
[0014] With this air conditioner indoor unit, in the C mode, when the direction of conditioned
air is constant, the fluctuating airflow repeats between a condition in which, due
to the swing of the Coanda blade, the airflow instantaneously adheres to the lower
face of the Coanda blade becoming Coanda airflow, not directed toward the occupant,
and a condition in which the Coanda effect stops, the fluctuating airflow being directed
again toward the occupant. That is, "unexpected breeze" can be regularly generated.
[0015] An air conditioner indoor unit according to a sixth aspect of the present invention
is the air conditioner indoor unit according to either of the first aspect or the
second aspect, in which the control portion, during fluctuating airflow control, causes
change in the air quantity of the conditioned air.
[0016] In this air conditioner indoor unit, by changing the air quantity in addition to
wind direction, more comfortable air-conditioned space can be provided to the occupant
as the conditioned air becomes airflow still closer to natural wind.
[0017] An air conditioner indoor unit according to a seventh aspect of the present invention
is the air conditioner indoor unit according to the sixth aspect, in which the control
portion changes the air quantity of conditioned air in at least the time periods for
generating Coanda airflow, to the predetermined air quantity.
[0018] In this air conditioner indoor unit, if the "unexpected breeze" does not reach the
occupant there is no effect. That is, if the air quantity in the time periods for
generating Coanda airflow decreases, conditioned air of the moments Coanda effect
is stopped, due to the decrease in air quantity, does not reach the occupant and there
is no "unexpected breeze".
[0019] In this air conditioner indoor unit, in at least the time periods for generating
Coanda airflow, the air quantity of the conditioned air is changed to the predetermined
air quantity, while conditioned air of the moments Coanda effect is stopped is maintained
at the predetermined quantity, enabling "unexpected breeze" to be realized.
<Effects of the Invention>
[0020] With the air conditioner indoor unit according to the first aspect of the present
invention, during fluctuating airflow control, by instantaneously generating Coanda
airflow the flow of wind is varied, thus enabling conditioned air closer to natural
wind to be provided to the occupant.
[0021] With the air conditioner indoor unit according to the second aspect of the present
invention, during fluctuating airflow control, by mixing up the time periods for implementing
the first mode and the time periods for implementing the second mode, the flow of
wind is varied, thereby enabling conditioned air closer to natural wind to be provided
to the occupant.
[0022] With the air conditioner indoor unit according to the third aspect of the present
invention, three kinds of fluctuating airflow can be realized, including fluctuating
airflow from the wind direction adjusting blade only, fluctuating airflow from the
Coanda blade only, and fluctuating airflow from the wind direction adjusting blade
and the Coanda blade, thus enabling fluctuating airflow replete with variation to
be provided to the occupant.
[0023] With the air conditioner indoor unit according to the fourth aspect of the present
invention, mixing the A mode and the B mode enables airflow with "unexpected breeze"
and airflow without "unexpected breeze" to be provided.
[0024] With the air conditioner indoor unit according to the fifth aspect of the present
invention, in the C mode, when the direction of the conditioned air is constant, there
is repetition between a condition in which, due to the swing of the Coanda blade,
the airflow instantaneously adheres to the lower face of the Coanda blade becoming
Coanda airflow, not directed toward the occupant, and a condition in which the Coanda
effect stops, the fluctuating airflow being directed again toward the occupant. That
is, "unexpected breeze" can be regularly generated.
[0025] With the air conditioner indoor unit according to the sixth aspect of the present
invention, by changing the air quantity in addition to wind direction, the conditioned
air becomes airflow closer to natural wind, enabling more comfortable air-conditioned
space to be provided to the occupant.
[0026] With the air conditioner indoor unit according to the seventh aspect of the present
invention, in at least the time periods for generating Coanda airflow, the air quantity
of the conditioned air is changed to the predetermined air quantity, and conditioned
air of the moments Coanda effect is stopped is maintained at the predetermined air
quantity, enabling "unexpected breeze" to be realized.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0027]
FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of an air conditioner indoor unit during the operation
shutdown according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the air conditioner indoor unit during operation.
FIG. 3A is a side view of the wind direction adjusting blade and the Coanda blade
during normal forward blow of conditioned air.
FIG. 3B is a side view of the wind direction adjusting blade and the Coanda blade
during normal forward-downward blow of conditioned air.
FIG. 3C is a side view of the wind direction adjusting blade and the Coanda blade
during Coanda airflow forward blow.
FIG. 3D is a side view of the wind direction adjusting blade and the Coanda blade
during Coanda airflow ceiling directed blow.
Fig. 4A is a conceptual diagram showing the direction of conditioned air and the direction
of the Coanda airflow.
Fig. 4B is a conceptual diagram showing an example of the opening angles of the wind
direction adjusting blade and the Coanda blade.
FIG. 5A is a comparative view showing, during Coanda airflow forward blow, the interior
angle formed between the tangential line of scroll termination F and the Coanda blade,
and the interior angle formed between the tangential line of scroll termination F
and the wind direction adjusting blade.
FIG. 5B is a comparative view showing, during Coanda airflow ceiling blow, the interior
angle formed between the tangential line of scroll termination F and the Coanda blade,
and the interior angle formed between the tangential line of scroll termination F
and the wind direction adjusting blade.
FIG. 6A is a side view of an air conditioner indoor unit installation space indicating
the wind direction of conditioned air from the upward-downward swing of the wind direction
adjusting blade.
FIG. 6B is a side view of the air conditioner indoor unit installation space showing
the wind direction of conditioned air when the wind direction adjusting blade is downwardly
directed.
FIG. 6C is a side view of the air conditioner indoor unit installation space showing
the wind direction of the Coanda airflow when the posture of the Coanda blade is the
ceiling blow posture.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing, the operation of the wind direction adjusting blade
and the Coanda blade during fluctuating airflow A control.
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the operation of the wind direction adjusting blade
and the Coanda blade, and the fan rotation speed of the indoor fan, during fluctuating
airflow B control.
FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the operation of the wind direction adjusting blade
and the Coanda blade during fluctuating airflow control, for a first modification.
FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the operation of the wind direction adjusting blade
and the Coanda blade during fluctuating airflow control, for a second modification.
DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS
[0028] An embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings,
it being understood that the embodiment described following is a basic example that
is illustrative of the present invention and not intended to restrict the technical
scope of the present invention.
(1) Overall configuration of the air conditioner indoor unit 10
[0029] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of an air conditioner indoor unit 10 according to
the first embodiment of the present invention during operation shutdown. FIG. 2 is
a cross-sectional view of the air conditioner indoor unit 10 during operation. In
FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 the air conditioner indoor unit 10 is a wall-mounted type, provided
with a body casing 11, an indoor heat exchanger 13, an indoor fan 14, a bottom frame
16, and a control portion 40.
[0030] The body casing 11 has a top surface portion 11a, a front panel 11b, a back plate
11c and a lower horizontal plate 11d, while housed inside are the indoor heat exchanger
13, the indoor fan 14, the bottom frame 16 and the control portion 40.
[0031] The top surface portion 11a is located to the top of the body casing 11, a suction
inlet (not shown in the drawing) being provided in the front portion thereof.
[0032] The front panel 11b constitutes the front surface portion of the indoor unit, having
a flat form with no suction inlet. Further, the upper end of the front panel 11b is
rotatably supported to the top surface portion 11a, and the front panel 11b is able
to operate as a hinge.
[0033] The indoor heat exchanger 13 and the indoor fan 14 are attached to the bottom frame
16. The indoor heat exchanger 13 performs heat exchange by exchange with through-passing
air. Further, the indoor heat exchanger 13, in the side view, forms an inverted V-shape
with both ends bent downward, the indoor fan 14 being located below. The indoor fan
14 is a cross flow fan, applying air taken in from inside the room to the indoor heat
exchanger 13 and causing this to pass through the indoor heat exchanger 13 before
being blown out inside the room.
[0034] An outlet 15 is provided in the lower portion of the body casing 11. A wind direction
adjusting blade 31 that changes the direction of conditioned air blown out from the
outlet 15 is installed to the outlet 15 so as to be able to rotate freely. The wind
direction adjusting blade 31, driven by a motor (not shown in the drawing), changes
the direction of the conditioned air, and can open and close the outlet 15. The wind
direction adjusting blade 31 can take multiple postures of differing angles of inclination.
[0035] Further, a Coanda blade 32 is provided in the vicinity of the outlet 15. The Coanda
blade 32, driven by a motor (not shown in the drawing), is able to take postures inclined
along the forward-rearward direction, and during operation shutdown is housed in a
housing portion 130 provided to the front panel 11b. The Coanda blade 32 can take
multiple postures of differing angles of inclination.
[0036] The outlet 15 is linked to the inside of the body casing 11 by an outlet passage
18. The outlet passage 18 is formed following a scroll 17 of the bottom frame 16 from
the outlet 15.
[0037] Indoor air is sucked in by the operation of the indoor fan 14 into the indoor fan
14, passing via the suction inlet and the indoor heat exchanger 13, and is blown from
the indoor fan 14 out from the outlet 15, after passing via the outlet passage 18.
[0038] The control portion 40 is located to the right side of the indoor heat exchanger
13 and the indoor fan 14, viewing the body casing 11 from the front panel 11b, and
controls the rotation speed of the indoor fan 14 and the operations of the wind direction
adjusting blade 31 and the Coanda blade 32.
(2) Detailed configuration
(2-1) Front panel 11b
[0039] As shown in FIG. 1, the front panel 11b extends towards the front edge of the lower
horizontal plate 11d while drawing a gently arcing curved surface from the front at
the top of the body casing 11. A recessed region is toward the inner side of the body
casing 11, at the lower portion of the front panel 11b. The depth of the recession
is set so as to match the dimensions of the thickness of the Coanda blade 32, forming
the housing portion 130 accommodating the Coanda blade 32. The surface of the housing
portion 130 also is a gently arcing curved surface.
(2-2) Outlet 15
[0040] As shown in FIG. 1, the outlet 15 is formed in the lower portion of the body casing
11, and is a rectangular opening, the length to the lateral direction (the direction
orthogonal to the page of FIG. 1). The lower end of the outlet 15 is in contact with
the front edge of the lower horizontal plate 11d, a virtual surface connecting the
lower end and the upper end of the outlet 15 inclining forward and upward.
(2-3) Scroll 17
[0041] The scroll 17 is a partition wall curved so as to oppose the indoor fan 14, and is
a part of the bottom frame 16. The termination F of the scroll 17 reaches the vicinity
of the periphery of the outlet 15. Air passing through the outlet passage 18 advances
following the scroll 17, and is delivered in the tangential direction of the termination
F of the scroll 17. Accordingly, if the wind direction adjusting blade 31 is not over
the outlet 15, the wind direction of conditioned air blown out from the outlet 15
is substantially the direction along the tangential line L0 of the termination F of
the scroll 17.
(2-4) Perpendicular wind direction adjusting blade 20
[0042] The perpendicular wind direction adjusting blade 20, as shown in FIG. 1 and FIG.
2, has a plurality of blade pieces 201 and a connecting rod 203 connecting the plurality
of blade pieces 201. Further, the perpendicular wind direction adjusting blade 20
is arranged, in the outlet passage 18, closer to the indoor fan 14 than is the wind
direction adjusting blade 31.
[0043] The plurality of blade pieces 201, due to the horizontal reciprocal movement of the
connecting rod 203 following the longitudinal direction of the outlet 15, swing left-right
centered on a vertical condition in relation to that longitudinal direction. Note
that the connecting rod 203 is driven in the horizontal reciprocal movement by a motor
(not shown in the drawing).
(2-5) Wind direction adjusting blade 31
[0044] The wind direction adjusting blade 31 has an area of an extent that enables blocking
of the outlet 15. In the state in which the wind direction adjusting blade 31 has
closed the outlet 15, the outside surface 31a finishes as a convex, gently arcing
curved surface on the outside, as if extending along the curved surface of the front
panel 11b. Further the inner surface 31b of the wind direction adjusting blade 31
(refer FIG. 2) also forms an arcing curved surface substantially parallel to the outside.
[0045] The wind direction adjusting blade 31 has a rotating shaft 311 to the lower end portion
thereof. The rotating shaft 311 links to the rotating shaft of a stepping motor (not
shown in the drawing) secured to the body casing 11 in the vicinity of the lower end
of the outlet 15.
[0046] By turning of the rotating shaft 311 in the anti-clockwise direction in the front
view of FIG. 1, the upper end of the wind direction adjusting blade 31 recedes from
the upper end side of the outlet 15, opening the outlet 15, while by turning of the
rotating shaft 311 in the clockwise direction in the front view of FIG. 1, the upper
end of the wind direction adjusting blade 31 moves closer to the upper end side of
the outlet 15, closing the outlet 15.
[0047] In the condition in which the wind direction adjusting blade 31 has opened the outlet
15, conditioned air blown out from the outlet 15 flows substantially along the inner
surface 31b of the wind direction adjusting blade 31. That is, the wind direction
of the conditioned air blown out substantially following the tangential direction
of the termination F of the scroll 17, is changed to be somewhat upwardly directed
by the wind direction adjusting blade 31.
(2-6) Coanda blade
[0048] The Coanda blade 32 is housed in the housing portion 130 during air conditioning
operations shut down or during operation of normal blowout mode described subsequently.
The Coanda blade 32 moves away from the housing portion 130 by turning. A rotating
shaft 321 of the Coanda blade 32 is provided in the vicinity of the lower end of the
housing portion 130, positioned to the inner side of the body casing 11 (a position
above the upper wall of the outlet passage 18), the lower end portion of the Coanda
blade 32 and the rotating shaft 321 being connected maintaining a predetermined distance.
Thus to the extent that, as the rotating shaft 321 turns, the Coanda blade 32 moves
away from the housing portion 130 of the indoor unit front surface portion, the height
position of the lower end of the Coanda blade 32 turns so as to lower. Further, the
inclination when the Coanda blade 32 turns and opens is more gradual than the inclination
of the indoor unit front surface portion.
[0049] In this embodiment, the housing portion 130 is provided outside of the wind blast
passage, and when housed, the entirety of the Coanda blade 32 is accommodated to the
outside of the wind blast passage. Instead of this configuration, it is also suitable
for only part of the Coanda blade 32 to be housed outside the wind blast passage,
and for the remainder to be accommodated within the wind blast passage (for example
the upper wall portion of the wind blast route).
[0050] Further, as the rotating shaft 321 turns in the anti-clockwise direction in the front
view of FIG. 1, the upper end and the lower end of the Coanda blade 32 move away from
the housing portion 130, drawing an arc, at which time, the minimum distance between
the upper end and the housing portion 130 of the indoor unit front surface portion,
above the outlet 15 is greater than the minimum distance between the lower end and
the housing portion 130. That is, the Coanda blade 32 is controlled to a posture moving
away from the indoor unit front surface portion in accordance with forward movement.
As the rotating shaft 321 turns in the clockwise direction in the front view of FIG.
1, the Coanda blade 32 approaches the housing portion 130 and finally is accommodated
therein. The postures for the conditions of operation of the Coanda blade 32, are
the state of the Coanda blade 32 being accommodated in the housing portion 130, rotated,
inclining the posture forward and upward, further rotated, the posture becoming largely
horizontal, and further rotated, inclining the posture forward and downward.
[0051] In the state in which the Coanda blade 32 is accommodated in the housing portion
130, the outside surface 32a of the Coanda blade 32 finishes as a convex, gently arcing
curved surface on the outside, as if extending the gently arcing curved surface of
the front panel 11b. Further, the inner surface 32b of the Coanda blade 32 finishes
as an arc curved surface following the surface of the housing portion 130.
[0052] Further, the dimensions in the longitudinal direction of the Coanda blade 32 are
set so as to be greater than the dimensions in the longitudinal direction of the wind
direction adjusting blade 31. The reason is that all conditioned air having the wind
direction adjusted by the wind direction adjusting blade 31 is received at the Coanda
blade 32, the purpose being to prevent conditioned air short-circuiting from the side
direction of the Coanda blade 32.
(3) Directional control of conditioned air
[0053] The air conditioner indoor unit according to this embodiment has, as a means for
controlling the directionality of conditioned air, a normal blowout mode that causes
rotation of only the wind direction adjusting blade 31, adjusting the direction of
conditioned air, and Coanda airflow effect using mode, that causes rotation of the
wind direction adjusting blade 31 and the Coanda blade 32, with conditioned air, due
to the Coanda effect, becoming Coanda airflow following the outside surface 32a of
the Coanda blade 32.
[0054] The wind direction adjusting blade 31 and the Coanda blade 32 change posture for
each blowout direction of air in each of the above modes, and these postures will
be described with reference to the drawings. Note that selection of the blowout direction
is performed by a user via for example, a remote control. Further, it is possible
to control the mode change or blowout direction so as to change automatically.
(3-1) Normal blowout mode
[0055] The normal blowout mode is a mode that causes rotation of the wind direction adjusting
blade 31 only, for adjusting the direction of conditioned air, and includes "normal
forward blow" and "normal forward-downward blow".
(3-1-1) Normal forward blow
[0056] FIG. 3A is a side view of the wind direction adjusting blade 31 and the Coanda blade
32 during normal forward blow of conditioned air. In FIG. 3A, when the user selects
"normal forward blow", the control portion 40 causes rotation of the wind direction
adjusting blade 31 until the inner surface 31b of the wind direction adjusting blade
31 reaches a position roughly horizontal. Note that in the case as in this embodiment,
in which the inner surface 31b of the wind direction adjusting blade 31 forms an arcing
curve, the wind direction adjusting blade 31 is caused to rotate such that the tangential
line for the forward end E1 of the inner surface 31b becomes roughly horizontal. Resultantly,
the conditioned air is in the forward blow condition.
(3-1-2) Normal forward-downward blow
[0057] FIG. 3B is a side view of the wind direction adjusting blade 31 and the Coanda blade
32 during normal forward-downward blow of conditioned air. In FIG. 3B, when the user
wants the blowout direction facing further downward than "normal forward blow", the
user selects "normal forward-downward blow".
[0058] Here, the control portion 40 causes rotation of the wind direction adjusting blade
31 until the tangential line for the forward end E1 of the inner surface 31b of the
wind direction adjusting blade 31 becomes more forward falling than horizontal. Resultantly,
the conditioned air is in the forward-downward blow condition.
(3-1-3) Automatic wind direction
[0059] FIG. 6A is a side view of a space for installation of the air conditioner indoor
unit indicating the wind direction of conditioned air from the upward-downward swing
of the wind direction adjusting blade 31. Wind direction adjustment as shown in FIG.
6A, also found in existing products, is what is known as wind direction adjustment
through auto louver function, employing means for repeating an operation to apply
wind and an operation to not apply wind to a human 400.
(3-2) Coanda effect using mode
[0060] Coanda (effect) is a phenomena in which if there is a wall near a flow of gas or
liquid, even if the direction of the flow and the direction of the wall are different,
the flow direction comes to follow the wall surface ("Hosoku no Jiten (Legal Dictionary)",
Asakura Publishing Co., Ltd.). The Coanda effect using mode includes "Coanda airflow
forward blow" and "Coanda airflow ceiling blow", using the Coanda effect.
[0061] Further, in respect of the direction of the conditioned air and the direction of
Coanda airflow, the method of definition differs according to how the reference position
is taken, an example will now be provided. Fig. 4A is a conceptual diagram showing
the direction of conditioned air and the direction of the Coanda airflow. In FIG.
4A generating Coanda effect at the outside surface 32a side of the Coanda blade 32
requires that the inclination of the direction (D1) of conditioned air as changed
by the wind direction adjusting blade 31 becomes close to the posture (inclination)
of the Coanda blade 32, and if both those blades are too removed the Coanda effect
does not arise. Thus, in the Coanda effect using mode it is necessary that the Coanda
blade 32 and the wind direction adjusting blade 31 are at less than a predetermined
angle of opening, that both blades (31, 32) are made within that range, such that
the above described relationship is formed. Thus, as shown in FIG. 4A, after the wind
direction of the conditioned air is changed to D1 by the wind direction adjusting
blade 31, the wind direction is further changed by the Coanda effect to D2.
[0062] Further, with the Coanda effect using mode according to this embodiment, it is preferable
that the Coanda blade 32 be located forward of (downstream side of blowout) and above
the wind direction adjusting blade 31.
[0063] Again, in respect of the angle of opening of the wind direction adjusting blade 31
and the Coanda blade 32, the method of definition differs according to how the reference
position is taken, an example will be provided below. Fig. 4B is a conceptual diagram
showing an example of the opening angles of the wind direction adjusting blade 31
and the Coanda blade 32. In FIG. 4B, when the angle of the horizontal line and the
straight line joining the front and rear ends of the inner surface 31b of the wind
direction adjusting blade 31 is made the angle of inclination θ1 of the wind direction
adjusting blade 31, and the angle of the horizontal line and the straight line joining
the front and rear ends of the outside surface 32a of the Coanda blade 32 is made
the angle of inclination 82 of the Coanda blade 32, the opening angles of the wind
direction adjusting blade 31 and the Coanda blade 32 are θ = θ2 - θ1. Note that θ1
and θ2 are not absolute values, and in the case of being below the horizontal line
in the front view of FIG. 4B, are negative values.
[0064] With both "Coanda airflow forward blow" and "Coanda airflow ceiling blow", it is
preferable that the wind direction adjusting blade 31 and the Coanda blade 32 take
a posture that fulfills the condition in which the interior angle formed by the tangential
line of termination F of the scroll 17 and the Coanda blade 32, is greater than the
interior angle formed by the tangential line of termination F of the scroll 17 and
the wind direction adjusting blade 31.
[0065] Concerning these interior angles, referring to FIG. 5A and FIG. 5B, FIG. 5A comparing,
during Coanda airflow forward blow, the interior angle R2 formed by the tangential
line L0 of the termination F of the scroll 17 and the Coanda blade 32, and the interior
angle R1 formed by the tangential line L0 of the termination F of the scroll 17 and
the wind direction adjusting blade 31; and FIG. 5B comparing, during Coanda airflow
ceiling blow, the interior angle R2 formed by the tangential line L0 of the termination
F of the scroll 17 and the Coanda blade 32, and the interior angle R1 formed by the
tangential line L0 of the termination F of the scroll 17 and the wind direction adjusting
blade 31.
[0066] Further, as shown in FIG. 5A and FIG. 5B, with the Coanda blade 32 in the Coanda
effect usage mode, the tip end portion of the Coanda blade 32 being forward and above
horizontal, is positioned further outside and above the outlet 15. Resultantly, the
Coanda airflow reaches further, there is suppressed generation of strong airflow passing
to the upper side of the Coanda blade 32, and upward guidance of Coanda airflow is
less inhibited.
[0067] Again, as the height position of the rear end portion of the Coanda blade 32 becomes
lower than during operation shutdown, Coanda airflow from the Coanda effect at the
upstream side is generated easily.
(3-2-1) Coanda airflow forward blow
[0068] FIG. 3C is a side view of the wind direction adjusting blade 31 and the Coanda blade
32 during Coanda airflow forward blow. In FIG. 3C, when "Coanda airflow forward blow"
is selected, the control portion 40 rotates the wind direction adjusting blade 31
until the tangential line L1 for the forward end E1 of the inner surface 31b of the
wind direction adjusting blade 31 becomes more forward falling than horizontal.
[0069] Next, the control portion 40 rotates the Coanda blade 32 until the outside surface
32a of the Coanda blade 32 reaches a position roughly horizontal. Note that in the
case as in this embodiment, in which the outside surface 32a of the Coanda blade 32
forms an arced curve, the Coanda blade 32 is caused to rotate such that the tangential
line L2 for the forward end E2 of the outside surface 32a becomes roughly horizontal.
That is, as shown in FIG. 5A, the interior angle R2 formed by the tangential line
L0 and the tangential line L2 is greater than the interior angle R1 formed between
the tangential line L0 and the tangential line L1.
[0070] The conditioned air adjusted to forward-downward blow at the wind direction adjusting
blade 31, becomes, due to the Coanda effect, flow adhering to the outside surface
32a of the Coanda blade 32, changing to a Coanda airflow following the outside surface
32a.
[0071] Thus, though the direction of the tangential line L1 for the forward end E1 of the
wind direction adjusting blade 31 is forward-downward blow, as the direction of the
tangential line L2 for the forward end E2 of the Coanda blade 32 is horizontal, due
to the Coanda effect, the conditioned air is blown out in the direction L2 for the
forward end E2 of the outside surface 32a of the Coanda blade 32, that is to say the
horizontal direction.
[0072] The Coanda blade 32 separates from the indoor unit front surface portion, the inclination
becoming gradual, and the conditioned air becomes susceptible to Coanda effect further
forward of the front panel 11b. Resultantly, though the conditioned air with wind
direction adjusted at the wind direction adjusting blade 31 is forward-downward blow,
this becomes, due to the Coanda effect, horizontally blown air. Here, in comparison
to the method in which air, immediately after passing through the outlet, approaches
the front panel, and is upwardly directed by the Coanda effect of the front panel,
pressure loss through ventilation resistance of the wind direction adjusting blade
31 is controlled while changing the wind direction.
(3-2-2) Coanda airflow ceiling blow
[0073] FIG. 3D is a side view of the wind direction adjusting blade 31 and the Coanda blade
32 during Coanda airflow ceiling blow. In FIG. 3D, when "Coanda airflow ceiling blow"
is selected, the control portion 40 rotates the wind direction adjusting blade 31
until the tangential line L1 for the forward end E1 of the inner surface 31b of the
wind direction adjusting blade 31 is horizontal.
[0074] Next, the control portion 40 rotates the Coanda blade 32 until the tangential line
L2 for the forward end E2 of the outside surface 32a is directed forward and upward.
That is, as shown in FIG. 5B, the interior angle R2 formed by the tangential line
L0 and the tangential line L2 becomes greater than the interior angle R1 formed by
the tangential line L0 and the tangential line L1. The conditioned air adjusted to
horizontal blow at the wind direction adjusting blade 31, due to the Coanda effect,
flows adhering to the outside surface 32a of the Coanda blade 32, changing to this
Coanda airflow following the outside surface 32a.
[0075] Accordingly, though the direction of the tangential line L1 for the forward end E1
of the wind direction adjusting blade 31 is forward blow, as the direction of the
tangential line L2 for the forward end E2 of the Coanda blade 32 is forward-upward
blow, due to the Coanda effect, the conditioned air is blown out in the direction
L2 for the forward end E2 of the outside surface 32a of the Coanda blade 32, that
is to say the direction toward the ceiling. As the tip end portion of the Coanda blade
32 projects to the outside of the outlet 15, the Coanda airflow reaches further. Moreover,
as the tip end portion of the Coanda blade 32 is positioned above the outlet 15, there
is suppressed generation of strong airflow passing to the upper side of the Coanda
blade 32, and upward guidance of Coanda airflow is less inhibited.
[0076] In this way, the Coanda blade 32 separates from the indoor unit front surface portion,
the inclination becoming gradual, and the conditioned air becomes susceptible to Coanda
effect further forward of the front panel 11b. Resultantly, though the conditioned
air with wind direction adjusted at the wind direction adjusting blade 31 is forward
blow, this becomes, due to the Coanda effect, upwardly directed air.
[0077] Note that the dimensions in the longitudinal direction of the Coanda blade 32 are
greater than the dimensions in the longitudinal direction of the wind direction adjusting
blade 31. Thus all conditioned air having the wind direction adjusted by the wind
direction adjusting blade 31 can be received at the Coanda blade 32, furnishing the
effect of preventing conditioned air short-circuiting from the side direction of the
Coanda blade 32.
(3-2-3) Unexpected breeze
[0078] FIG. 6B is a side view of the air conditioner indoor unit installation space showing
the wind direction of conditioned air when the wind direction adjusting blade 31 is
downwardly directed. Further, FIG. 6C is a side view of the air conditioner indoor
unit installation space showing the wind direction of the Coanda airflow when the
posture of the Coanda blade 32 is the ceiling blow posture.
[0079] In FIG. 6B and FIG. 6C, wind directed to the human 400 as in FIG. 6B, changes to
an upwardly directed Coanda airflow as in FIG. 6C, through usage of the Coanda effect,
thereafter, by performing the contrary operation, an unexpected breeze can be created
and expelled, as if applied suddenly to the human 400.
[0080] For example, when the wind direction adjusting blade 31 directs conditioned air in
the direction in which an occupant is, in the case of having the Coanda blade 32 in
an irregular cycle, move so as to span the boundary area between the region in which
Coanda effect is generated and the region in which Coanda effect is not generated,
Coanda airflow is repeatedly generated and stopped, producing wind that is applied
suddenly to the occupant.
(3-2-4) Fluctuating airflow A
[0081] Fluctuating airflow is airflow generated by irregularly fluctuating the wind direction
of conditioned air, and differs to automatic wind direction as described in (3-1-3)
on the point that wind direction is irregularly fluctuated.
[0082] FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing operations of the wind direction adjusting blade 31
and the Coanda blade 32 during fluctuating airflow A control. In FIG. 7, the wind
direction adjusting blade 31 swings between an upper limit position and a lower limit
position, interspersed by an operation of waiting in an intermediate position. The
control portion 40 irregularly changes the times in which the wind direction adjusting
blade 31 waits in the intermediate position (the intermediate position waiting time),
so that by irregularly interchanging the combination of wind approaching the occupant
and wind receding from the occupant, the occupant is provided with a variety of winds.
[0083] Moreover, the Coanda blade 32 swings between an upper limit position and a lower
limit position. As shown in FIG. 7, fluctuating airflow control includes a first pattern
in which, while the Coanda blade 32 swings between the upper limit position and the
lower limit position, the wind direction adjusting blade 31 swings between the upper
limit position and the intermediate position, and a second pattern in which, while
the Coanda blade 32 waits in the upper limit position, the wind direction adjusting
blade 31 swings between the intermediate position and the lower limit position.
[0084] In the first pattern, the operation of the Coanda blade 32 swinging from the upper
limit position toward the lower limit position synchronizes with the timing of the
wind direction adjusting blade 31 swinging from the intermediate position toward the
upper limit position. Further, the operation of the Coanda blade 32 swinging from
the lower limit position toward the upper limit position synchronizes with the timing
of the wind direction adjusting blade 31 swinging from the upper limit position toward
the intermediate position.
[0085] When the wind direction adjusting blade 31 is in the intermediate position, the Coanda
blade 32 is controlled so as to be in the upper limit position so Coanda airflow is
not generated. Accordingly, by changing the intermediate position waiting time of
the wind direction adjusting blade 31 irregularly, the times during which Coanda airflow
is not generated change irregularly, interspersed irregularly with intervals of wind
unexpectedly blowing, enabling the occupant to be provided with a variety of winds.
[0086] Note that in the intermediate position waiting time of the wind direction adjusting
blade 31, as conditioned air is caused to flow stably, in one direction, in this embodiment,
the time of the wind direction adjusting blade 31 being in the intermediate position,
and the time of the Coanda blade 32 being in the upper limit position are counted
as waiting time.
[0087] Further, the control portion 40 can cause the respective times for the wind direction
adjusting blade 31 waiting in the upper limit position and waiting in the lower limit
position to change irregularly, and cause the times at which the Coanda blade 32 waits
in the lower limit position to change irregularly.
[0088] In this way, as the wind direction adjusting blade 31 and the Coanda blade 32 swing
irregularly, the occupant is able to be provided with conditioned air closer to natural
wind.
(3-2-5) Fluctuating airflow B
[0089] FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the operation of the wind direction adjusting blade
31 and the Coanda blade 32, and the fan rotation speed of the indoor fan 14, during
fluctuating airflow B control. In FIG. 8 the operations of the wind direction adjusting
blade 31 and the Coanda blade 32 are the same as during fluctuating airflow A control,
however the difference in relation to fluctuating airflow A control lies in the point
that the rotation speed of the indoor fan 14 is caused to change in conformance with
the operations of the wind direction adjusting blade 31 and the Coanda blade 32.
[0090] Particularly, with fluctuating airflow B control, at the point in time at which the
Coanda blade 32 commences the transition from the upper limit position to the lower
limit position the fan rotation speed of the indoor fan 14 rises to a predetermined
value. Predetermined value here is the fan rotation speed for maintaining minimum
air quantity by which wind peeling off from the Coanda blade 32 can reach the occupant.
[0091] Accordingly, at the point in time at which the Coanda blade 32 commences transition
from the upper limit position to the lower limit position, if the fan rotation speed
of the indoor fan 14 rises to the predetermined value, when the airflow peels off
from the Coanda blade 32 and is directed toward the occupant, the airflow definitively
reaches the occupant, producing an unexpected breeze.
(4) Operation
[0092] The operations of the wind direction adjusting blade 31 and the Coanda blade 32 during
fluctuating airflow B control, will be described with reference to FIG. 8. In FIG.
8, when the wind direction mode switches from fixed wind direction control to fluctuating
airflow B control, once, the wind direction adjusting blade 31 moves to the intermediate
position and waits. Simultaneously, the Coanda blade 32 moves to the upper limit position
and waits. The control portion 40, calculates the waiting time from the starting point
of, the time when the wind direction adjusting blade 31 reaches the intermediate position
and the time when the Coanda blade 32 reaches the upper limit position.
[0093] The wind direction adjusting blade 31, after a first waiting time tf1 has elapsed,
commences the transition to the lower limit position, then after reaching the lower
limit position, remains still in the lower limit position for a predetermined time
only, then commences transition to the intermediate position again. The wind direction
adjusting blade 31 that has transitioned to the intermediate position, after waiting
there for a second waiting time tf2 only, commences the transition to the upper limit
position. At this time, the Coanda blade 32, in synchronicity, commences transition
to the lower limit position. The Coanda blade 32 having reached the lower limit position,
after waiting there for a certain time only, commences rising toward the upper limit
position.
[0094] Further, the wind direction adjusting blade 31 having reached the upper limit position,
also waits there only a certain time, and in synchronicity with the Coanda blade 32
starting the transition to the upper limit position, commences transition toward the
intermediate position. The wind direction adjusting blade 31 having reached the intermediate
position, waits there, and during this time, the Coanda blade 32 reaches the upper
limit position. The control portion 40 calculates the waiting time from the starting
point of, the time when the wind direction adjusting blade 31 reaches the intermediate
position and the time when the Coanda blade 32 reaches the upper limit position.
[0095] The wind direction adjusting blade 31, after waiting a second waiting time tf3 only,
commences the transition to the upper limit position. At this time the Coanda blade
32, in synchronicity, commences transition to the lower limit position. The Coanda
blade 32 having reached the lower limit position, waits a certain time only, then
commences rising toward the upper limit position.
[0096] Again, the wind direction adjusting blade 31 having already reached the upper limit
position, waits there a certain time only, and in synchronicity with the Coanda blade
32 commencing transition to the upper limit position, commences transition toward
the intermediate position. Thereafter operations conform with the wind direction patterns
having differing waiting times as set in advance.
[0097] Further, the control portion 40 can cause the respective times for the wind direction
adjusting blade 31 waiting in the upper limit position and waiting in the lower limit
position to change irregularly, and cause the times at which the Coanda blade 32 waits
in the lower limit position to change irregularly.
[0098] The fan rotation speed of the indoor fan 14 repeats irregularly rising or lowering,
according to a pattern of varied fluctuations set in advance. When the Coanda blade
32 is in the lower limit position, a restriction is implemented causing the fan rotation
speed to fluctuate irregularly in a range greater than a predetermined value. Then,
the Coanda blade 32 commences transition from the lower limit position to the upper
limit position, and at the point in time when the Coanda blade 32 reaches the upper
limit position, the restriction is stopped and the fan rotation speed is caused to
fluctuate irregularly.
[0099] Thus by causing the fan rotation speed of the indoor fan 14 to fluctuate in conformance
with the operations of the wind direction adjusting blade 31 and the Coanda blade
32, low frequency fluctuations and undulations are produced, enabling conditioned
air closer to natural wind to be provided to the occupant. Moreover during the periods
in which the Coanda blade 32 transitions from the upper limit position to the lower
limit position, waits, and then transitions again to the upper limit position, as
the minimum air quantity is ensured that enables wind peeling off from the Coanda
blade 32 to reach the occupant, the control implemented is such that the fan rotation
speed is greater than the predetermined value.
(5) Characteristics
(5-1)
[0100] In the air conditioner indoor unit 10, during fluctuating airflow control, the control
portion 40 controls the operation of the Coanda blade, implementing modes including
a Coanda generating condition that generates Coanda airflow and a Coanda airflow not
generated condition that does not generate Coanda airflow, thus during fluctuating
airflow control, the flow of wind is varied as Coanda airflow is generated suddenly,
enabling conditioned air closer to natural wind to be provided to the occupant.
(5-2)
[0101] Further, as the control portion 40 causes the air quantity of conditioned air to
change during fluctuating airflow control, the change in air quantity in addition
to wind direction produces conditioned air still closer to natural wind, enabling
a more comfortable air-conditioned space to be provided to the occupant.
(5-3)
[0102] Moreover, in the time periods for generation of Coanda airflow, that is, during the
time when the Coanda blade 32 moves from the upper limit position to the lower limit
position, waits and then moves again to the upper limit position, the control portion
40 changes the air quantity of conditioned air to a predetermined value. Thus, conditioned
air during the moment of the Coanda effect being stopped definitively reaches the
occupant, providing an "unexpected breeze".
(6) Modifications
[0103] With the above described embodiment, in both fluctuating airflow A control and fluctuating
airflow B control, causing the wind direction adjusting blade 31 and the Coanda blade
32 to swing irregularly realizes modes including a Coanda airflow generation condition
in which Coanda airflow is generated and a Coanda airflow not generated condition
in which Coanda airflow is not generated, however this is illustrative and not restrictive.
Modifications of fluctuating airflow control will be described.
(6-1) First modification
[0104] FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the operations of the wind direction adjusting blade
31 and the Coanda blade 32 during fluctuating airflow control for a first modification.
In FIG. 9 the fluctuating airflow control in the first modification is characterized
by mixing up time periods implementing A mode, in which the wind direction adjusting
blade 31 and the Coanda blade 32 are caused to swing generating fluctuating airflow,
with time periods implementing B mode in which only the wind direction adjusting blade
31 is caused to swing, generating fluctuating airflow.
[0105] A mode is the same as fluctuating airflow A control for the above described embodiment,
in which the wind direction adjusting blade 31 swings between an upper limit position
and a lower limit position, interspersed by an operation for waiting in an intermediate
position. The control portion 40 irregularly changes the times in which the wind direction
adjusting blade 31 waits in the intermediate position, so that by irregularly interchanging
the combination of wind approaching the occupant and wind receding from the occupant,
the occupant is provided with a variety of winds.
[0106] Moreover, the Coanda blade 32 swings between an upper limit position and a lower
limit position. The control portion 40 irregularly changes the times in which the
Coanda blade 32 waits in the upper limit position, such that the times of not generating
Coanda airflow change irregularly, interchanged irregularly with intervals of wind
unexpectedly blowing to the occupant, thus enabling the occupant to be provided with
a variety of winds.
[0107] In B mode the Coanda blade 32 transitions to a fully closed position, such that,
regardless of the wind direction adjusting blade 31 being in the upper or lower limit
position, Coanda airflow is continually not generated. Nevertheless, the wind direction
adjusting blade 31 swings between the upper limit position and the lower limit position
interspersed with the operation for waiting in the intermediate position. During this
time, the control portion 40 irregularly changes the periods during which the wind
direction adjusting blade 31 waits in the intermediate position, so that by irregularly
interchanging the combination of wind approaching the occupant and wind receding from
the occupant, the occupant is provided with a variety of winds.
[0108] That is, mixing A mode and B mode creates mutual repetition between the fluctuating
airflow with "unexpected breeze" and fluctuating airflow without "unexpected breeze",
realizing a variety of winds.
(6-2) Second modification
[0109] FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the operations of the wind direction adjusting blade
31 and the Coanda blade 32 during fluctuating airflow control for a second modification.
In FIG. 10 fluctuating airflow control for the second modification is characterized
by mixing in, in addition to the A mode and the B mode of fluctuating airflow control
according to the first modification, a C mode that causes swing of the Coanda blade
32 only, generating fluctuating airflow.
[0110] In C mode for example, when there is constant direction of conditioned air as the
wind direction adjusting blade 31 remains still in the intermediate position, there
is repetition between the condition in which, due to the swing of the Coanda blade
32, airflow adheres momentarily to the lower face of the Coanda blade 32 becoming
Coanda airflow, not being directed to the occupant, and the condition in which the
Coanda effect is stopped, airflow again being directed to the occupant. That is, a
constant "unexpected breeze" can be generated.
[0111] That is, by mixing up A mode, B mode and C mode, there is repetition between fluctuating
airflow with "unexpected breeze", fluctuating airflow without "unexpected breeze",
and fluctuating airflow with one directional "unexpected breeze", realizing a variety
of winds.
INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY
[0112] The present invention is capable of providing conditioned air closer to natural wind
to an occupant as described above, and can not be applied only to a wall-mounted type
air conditioner indoor unit, but also an air purifier.
REFERENCE SIGNS LIST
[0113]
- 10
- Air conditioner indoor unit
- 15
- Outlet
- 31
- Wind direction adjusting blade
- 32
- Coanda blade
- 40
- Control portion
PATENT LITERATURE
Patent document 1
[0114] Japanese Laid-open Patent Application No.
2001-41538