WO2024219659A2 - Climatiseur - Google Patents

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Publication number
WO2024219659A2
WO2024219659A2 PCT/KR2024/003092 KR2024003092W WO2024219659A2 WO 2024219659 A2 WO2024219659 A2 WO 2024219659A2 KR 2024003092 W KR2024003092 W KR 2024003092W WO 2024219659 A2 WO2024219659 A2 WO 2024219659A2
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
panel
air conditioner
housing
guide
discharge
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Ceased
Application number
PCT/KR2024/003092
Other languages
English (en)
Korean (ko)
Other versions
WO2024219659A3 (fr
Inventor
박형근
이경애
김도영
김병건
송우석
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Samsung Electronics Co Ltd
Original Assignee
Samsung Electronics Co Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from KR1020230086126A external-priority patent/KR20240155697A/ko
Application filed by Samsung Electronics Co Ltd filed Critical Samsung Electronics Co Ltd
Priority to EP24792846.8A priority Critical patent/EP4667837A4/fr
Publication of WO2024219659A2 publication Critical patent/WO2024219659A2/fr
Publication of WO2024219659A3 publication Critical patent/WO2024219659A3/fr
Priority to US19/332,858 priority patent/US20260071764A1/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Ceased legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
    • F24F1/00—Room units for air-conditioning, e.g. separate or self-contained units or units receiving primary air from a central station
    • F24F1/02—Self-contained room units for air-conditioning, i.e. with all apparatus for treatment installed in a common casing
    • F24F1/03—Self-contained room units for air-conditioning, i.e. with all apparatus for treatment installed in a common casing characterised by mounting arrangements
    • F24F1/031—Self-contained room units for air-conditioning, i.e. with all apparatus for treatment installed in a common casing characterised by mounting arrangements penetrating a wall or window
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
    • F24F1/00—Room units for air-conditioning, e.g. separate or self-contained units or units receiving primary air from a central station
    • F24F1/02—Self-contained room units for air-conditioning, i.e. with all apparatus for treatment installed in a common casing
    • F24F1/022—Self-contained room units for air-conditioning, i.e. with all apparatus for treatment installed in a common casing comprising a compressor cycle
    • F24F1/027—Self-contained room units for air-conditioning, i.e. with all apparatus for treatment installed in a common casing comprising a compressor cycle mounted in wall openings, e.g. in windows
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
    • F24F1/00—Room units for air-conditioning, e.g. separate or self-contained units or units receiving primary air from a central station
    • F24F1/0007—Indoor units, e.g. fan coil units
    • F24F1/0011—Indoor units, e.g. fan coil units characterised by air outlets
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
    • F24F1/00—Room units for air-conditioning, e.g. separate or self-contained units or units receiving primary air from a central station
    • F24F1/02—Self-contained room units for air-conditioning, i.e. with all apparatus for treatment installed in a common casing
    • F24F1/028—Self-contained room units for air-conditioning, i.e. with all apparatus for treatment installed in a common casing characterised by air supply means, e.g. fan casings, internal dampers or ducts
    • F24F1/0287—Self-contained room units for air-conditioning, i.e. with all apparatus for treatment installed in a common casing characterised by air supply means, e.g. fan casings, internal dampers or ducts with vertically arranged fan axis
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
    • F24F1/00—Room units for air-conditioning, e.g. separate or self-contained units or units receiving primary air from a central station
    • F24F1/02—Self-contained room units for air-conditioning, i.e. with all apparatus for treatment installed in a common casing
    • F24F1/029—Self-contained room units for air-conditioning, i.e. with all apparatus for treatment installed in a common casing characterised by the layout or mutual arrangement of components, e.g. of compressors or fans
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
    • F24F13/00—Details common to, or for air-conditioning, air-humidification, ventilation or use of air currents for screening
    • F24F13/02—Ducting arrangements
    • F24F13/06—Outlets for directing or distributing air into rooms or spaces, e.g. ceiling air diffuser
    • F24F13/068—Outlets for directing or distributing air into rooms or spaces, e.g. ceiling air diffuser formed as perforated walls, ceilings or floors
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
    • F24F13/00—Details common to, or for air-conditioning, air-humidification, ventilation or use of air currents for screening
    • F24F13/08—Air-flow control members, e.g. louvres, grilles, flaps or guide plates
    • F24F13/10—Air-flow control members, e.g. louvres, grilles, flaps or guide plates movable, e.g. dampers
    • F24F13/14—Air-flow control members, e.g. louvres, grilles, flaps or guide plates movable, e.g. dampers built up of tilting members, e.g. louvre
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
    • F24F13/00—Details common to, or for air-conditioning, air-humidification, ventilation or use of air currents for screening
    • F24F13/20—Casings or covers

Definitions

  • the present disclosure relates to an air conditioner.
  • An air conditioner is a device that performs functions such as air purification, ventilation, humidity control, cooling or heating in an air-conditioned space, and means a device equipped with at least one of these functions.
  • An air conditioner can cool or heat a space using a refrigeration cycle.
  • An air conditioner can include a compressor, a condenser, an expansion device, an evaporator, and piping.
  • a refrigerant can circulate through the compressor, condenser, expansion device, and evaporator along the piping.
  • Air conditioners can be divided into separate air conditioners and integrated air conditioners.
  • a separate air conditioner can include an indoor unit placed indoors and an outdoor unit placed outdoors.
  • An integrated air conditioner can have both an indoor unit and an outdoor unit placed in one housing.
  • One aspect of the present disclosure provides an air conditioner having an improved structure to form a path through which low-velocity airflow can flow efficiently.
  • One aspect of the present disclosure provides an air conditioner having an improved structure capable of changing the direction of airflow discharged from an exhaust outlet.
  • One aspect of the present disclosure provides an air conditioner having an improved structure so that airflow discharged from an exhaust port can be efficiently distributed.
  • One aspect of the present disclosure provides an air conditioner having an improved structure to prevent dew from forming around an exhaust panel, blade, or exhaust port.
  • An air conditioner may include a housing including a first portion in which an outlet is formed and a second portion arranged on one side of the first portion in a first direction, a heat exchanger arranged inside the housing and configured to exchange heat with indoor air, a fan arranged inside the housing and configured to cause air that has exchanged heat with the heat exchanger to flow to the outlet, a discharge panel covering the first portion and the second portion of the housing, wherein a plurality of discharge holes, each having a size smaller than the outlet and configured to discharge air flowing from the outlet, are formed in a first region corresponding to the first portion and a second region corresponding to the second portion, respectively, and a guide rib arranged between the first portion and the first region and configured to guide a portion of air discharged through the outlet to the second region.
  • An air conditioner may include a housing including a first portion in which an outlet is formed and a second portion located at one side of the first portion in a first direction, a heat exchanger disposed in the housing and configured to exchange heat with indoor air, a fan configured to cause air exchanged with the heat exchanger to flow to the outlet, a discharge panel covering the first portion and the second portion and fixed to the housing, the discharge panel having a panel opening and a plurality of discharge holes located in an outer direction of the circumference of the panel opening and having a smaller size than the panel opening, a blade provided to be rotatable with respect to the housing between a first position covering the panel opening and a second position opening the panel opening, and a guide rib located at one side of the outlet in a second direction different from the first direction, the second portion extending in a direction in which the second portion is located with respect to the first portion in the first direction as it becomes farther away from the outlet in the second direction.
  • An air conditioner may include a housing including an inlet and an outlet, a heat exchanger disposed in the housing and configured to exchange heat with indoor air, a fan disposed in the housing and configured to flow air that has exchanged heat with the heat exchanger to the outlet, a discharge panel disposed on one side of the outlet, the discharge panel having a plurality of discharge holes each having a size smaller than that of the outlet, the discharge panel including an exhaust port facing region disposed at a position corresponding to the exhaust port and an extension region disposed at a position further from the exhaust port than a distance from the exhaust port to the exhaust port facing region, and a guide rib disposed between the exhaust panel and the exhaust port and configured to guide a portion of air discharged through the exhaust port toward the extension region.
  • FIG. 1 is a drawing illustrating an air conditioning system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.
  • FIG. 2 is a drawing showing an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure from one direction.
  • FIG. 3 is a drawing showing an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure from another direction.
  • FIG. 4 is a rear view drawing of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.
  • FIG. 5 is an exploded view of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.
  • FIG. 6 is an exploded view of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.
  • FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.
  • FIG. 8 is a drawing illustrating a state in which an exhaust panel is separated from an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.
  • FIG. 9 is a drawing illustrating a part of a housing and other components of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.
  • FIG. 10 is a drawing illustrating a part of a configuration of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.
  • FIG. 11 is an enlarged drawing illustrating a part of the configuration of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.
  • FIG. 12 is a drawing illustrating a state in which cold air is discharged from an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.
  • FIG. 13 is an enlarged drawing of a part of a configuration of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, with the blade in the first position.
  • FIG. 14 is an enlarged drawing of a part of a configuration of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, with the blade in the second position.
  • FIG. 15 is an enlarged drawing showing some components, such as blades and guide panels, of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.
  • FIG. 16 is an enlarged drawing showing some components, such as blades and guide panels, of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.
  • FIG. 17 is an enlarged drawing of a part of a configuration of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, with the blade in the second position.
  • FIG. 18 is a drawing illustrating some components of a housing, insulating member, etc. of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.
  • FIG. 19 is a drawing illustrating a part of a configuration of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.
  • each of the phrases “A or B”, “at least one of A and B”, “at least one of A or B”, “A, B, or C”, “at least one of A, B, and C”, and “at least one of A, B, or C” can include any one of the items listed together in that phrase, or all possible combinations of them.
  • part can be implemented in hardware or software.
  • a plurality of “parts”, “modules”, and “members” can be implemented as a single component, or a single “part”, “module”, or “member” can include a plurality of components.
  • a component e.g., a first component
  • another component e.g., a second component
  • the component can be connected to the other component directly (e.g., wired), wirelessly, or through a third component.
  • An air conditioner is a device that performs functions such as air purification, ventilation, humidity control, cooling or heating in an air-conditioned space (hereinafter referred to as “indoor”), and means a device equipped with at least one of these functions.
  • the air conditioner may include a heat pump device to perform a cooling function or a heating function.
  • the heat pump device may include a refrigeration cycle in which a refrigerant is circulated along a compressor, a first heat exchanger, an expansion device, and a second heat exchanger. All components of the heat pump device may be built into a single housing forming the exterior of the air conditioner, and a window air conditioner or a portable air conditioner corresponds to such an air conditioner. On the other hand, some components of the heat pump device may be divided and built into a plurality of housings forming a single air conditioner, and this includes a wall-mounted air conditioner, a standing air conditioner, a system air conditioner, etc.
  • An air conditioner including a plurality of housings may include at least one outdoor unit installed outdoors and at least one indoor unit installed indoors.
  • the air conditioner may be provided such that one outdoor unit and one indoor unit are connected via a refrigerant pipe.
  • the air conditioner may be provided such that one outdoor unit is connected to two or more indoor units via refrigerant pipes.
  • the air conditioner may be provided such that two or more outdoor units and two or more indoor units are connected via a plurality of refrigerant pipes.
  • the outdoor unit can be electrically connected to the indoor unit.
  • information (or commands) for controlling the air conditioner can be input through an input interface provided on the outdoor unit or the indoor unit, and the outdoor unit and the indoor unit can operate simultaneously or sequentially in response to the user input.
  • the air conditioner may include an outdoor heat exchanger placed in an outdoor unit, an indoor heat exchanger provided in an indoor unit, and a refrigerant pipe directly or indirectly connecting the outdoor heat exchanger and the indoor heat exchanger.
  • the outdoor heat exchanger can perform heat exchange between the refrigerant and the outdoor air by utilizing the phase change of the refrigerant (e.g., evaporation or condensation). For example, while the refrigerant condenses in the outdoor heat exchanger, the refrigerant can release heat to the outdoor air, and while the refrigerant flowing in the outdoor heat exchanger evaporates, the refrigerant can absorb heat from the outdoor air.
  • the phase change of the refrigerant e.g., evaporation or condensation
  • Indoor units are installed indoors.
  • indoor units can be classified into ceiling-mounted indoor units, stand-alone indoor units, and wall-mounted indoor units depending on how they are placed.
  • ceiling-mounted indoor units can be classified into 4-way indoor units, 2-way indoor units, 1-way indoor units, and duct-type indoor units depending on how air is discharged.
  • the indoor heat exchanger can perform heat exchange between the refrigerant and indoor air by utilizing the phase change of the refrigerant (e.g., evaporation or condensation).
  • the refrigerant e.g., evaporation or condensation
  • the refrigerant can absorb heat from the indoor air, and the indoor unit can cool the indoor space by blowing the cooled indoor air through the indoor heat exchanger.
  • the refrigerant can release heat to the indoor air, and the indoor unit can heat the indoor space by blowing the heated indoor air through the indoor heat exchanger.
  • the air conditioner performs a cooling or heating function through a phase change process of the refrigerant circulating through the outdoor heat exchanger and the indoor heat exchanger.
  • the air conditioner may include a compressor that compresses the refrigerant.
  • the compressor can suck in a gaseous refrigerant (hereinafter referred to as “refrigerant gas”) through a suction portion and compress the refrigerant gas.
  • the compressor can discharge a high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant gas through a discharge portion.
  • the compressor may be placed inside the outdoor unit.
  • the refrigerant may be circulated through the refrigerant pipes in the order of the compressor, outdoor heat exchanger, expansion device, and indoor heat exchanger, or in the order of the compressor, indoor heat exchanger, expansion device, and outdoor heat exchanger.
  • the refrigerant circulation order may be changed depending on the operating mode of the air conditioner.
  • the refrigerant can be arranged to circulate between one outdoor unit and one indoor unit through the refrigerant pipe.
  • the refrigerant may flow to multiple indoor units through refrigerant pipes branching from the outdoor unit.
  • the refrigerants discharged from multiple indoor units may be combined and circulated to the outdoor unit.
  • multiple indoor units may be directly connected to one outdoor unit in parallel through separate refrigerant pipes.
  • the multiple indoor units can be operated independently according to the operation mode set by the user. That is, some of the multiple indoor units can be operated in cooling mode while others can be operated in heating mode at the same time. At this time, the refrigerant can be selectively introduced into each indoor unit in a high or low pressure state along a designated circulation path through a flow switching valve described later, and discharged to be circulated to the outdoor unit.
  • the refrigerants discharged from the multiple outdoor units may merge and flow through a single refrigerant pipe, then branch off at some point and flow into multiple indoor units.
  • the plurality of outdoor units may be driven or at least some of them may not be driven depending on the operating load according to the operating amount of the plurality of indoor units.
  • the refrigerant may be arranged to be introduced into the outdoor unit that is selectively driven through the plenum switching valve and circulated.
  • the air conditioner may include an expansion device to reduce the pressure of the refrigerant introduced into the indoor heat exchanger or the outdoor heat exchanger.
  • the expansion device may be placed inside the indoor unit or the outdoor unit, or may be placed in both.
  • the expansion device can lower the temperature and pressure of the refrigerant by, for example, using the throttling effect.
  • the expansion device can include an orifice that can reduce the cross-sectional area of the flow path as the refrigerant moves from upstream to downstream.
  • the refrigerant passing through the orifice can have its temperature and pressure lowered.
  • the expansion device can be implemented as, for example, an electronic expansion valve capable of controlling the opening ratio (the ratio of the cross-sectional area of the valve's flow path in a partially open state to the cross-sectional area of the valve's flow path in a fully open state).
  • the opening ratio the ratio of the cross-sectional area of the valve's flow path in a partially open state to the cross-sectional area of the valve's flow path in a fully open state.
  • the opening ratio of the electronic expansion valve the amount of refrigerant passing through the expansion device can be controlled.
  • the air conditioner may further include a refrigerant diverter valve disposed on the refrigerant circulation path.
  • the refrigerant diverter valve may include, for example, a 4-way valve.
  • the refrigerant diverter valve may determine the refrigerant circulation path depending on the operating mode of the indoor unit (for example, cooling operation or heating operation). For example, the refrigerant diverter valve may be connected to the discharge port of the compressor.
  • the air conditioner may include an accumulator.
  • the accumulator may be connected to the suction side of the compressor.
  • the accumulator may receive low temperature, low pressure refrigerant vaporized in an indoor heat exchanger or an outdoor heat exchanger.
  • refrigerant liquid When a mixture of liquid refrigerant (hereinafter referred to as “refrigerant liquid”) and refrigerant gas is introduced into the accumulator, the accumulator can separate the refrigerant liquid from the refrigerant gas and provide the refrigerant gas from which the refrigerant liquid has been separated to the compressor.
  • An outdoor fan may be placed near the outdoor heat exchanger.
  • the outdoor fan may blow outdoor air to the outdoor heat exchanger to promote heat exchange between the refrigerant and the outdoor air.
  • the outdoor unit of the air conditioner may include at least one sensor (hereinafter, “outdoor unit sensor”).
  • the outdoor unit sensor may be provided as an environment sensor.
  • the outdoor unit sensor may be placed at any location inside or outside the outdoor unit.
  • the outdoor unit sensor may include, for example, a temperature sensor for detecting air temperature around the outdoor unit, a humidity sensor for detecting air humidity around the outdoor unit, a refrigerant temperature sensor for detecting refrigerant temperature of a refrigerant pipe passing through the outdoor unit, or a refrigerant pressure sensor for detecting refrigerant pressure of a refrigerant pipe passing through the outdoor unit.
  • An outdoor unit of an air conditioner may include an outdoor unit communication unit.
  • the outdoor unit communication unit may be provided to receive a control signal generated from a control unit of an indoor unit of the air conditioner, which will be described later.
  • the outdoor unit may control the operation of a compressor, an outdoor heat exchanger, an expansion device, a plenum switching valve, an accumulator, or an outdoor fan based on the control signal received through the outdoor unit communication unit.
  • the outdoor unit may transmit a sensing value detected from an outdoor unit sensor to a control unit of the indoor unit through the outdoor unit communication unit.
  • the outdoor unit communication unit may include at least one of a short-range communication module or a long-range communication module.
  • An indoor unit of an air conditioner may include a housing, a blower for circulating air into or out of the housing, and an indoor heat exchanger for exchanging heat with air flowing into the interior of the housing.
  • the housing may include an intake port through which indoor air may be drawn into the interior of the housing.
  • the indoor unit of the air conditioner may include a filter provided to filter foreign substances in the air flowing into the housing through the intake port.
  • the housing may include an outlet. Air flowing within the housing may be discharged to the exterior of the housing through the outlet.
  • the indoor unit may include an airflow guide that guides the direction of air discharged through the outlet.
  • the airflow guide may include a blade positioned on the outlet.
  • the airflow guide may include an auxiliary fan for controlling the exhaust airflow. Without being limited thereto, the airflow guide may be omitted.
  • An indoor heat exchanger and a blower may be provided inside the housing of the indoor unit, which are arranged on a path connecting the intake and outlet.
  • the blower may include an indoor fan and a fan motor.
  • the indoor fan may include an axial fan, a diffusion fan, a crossflow fan, or a centrifugal fan.
  • the indoor heat exchanger may be placed between the blower and the outlet, or between the intake and the blower.
  • the indoor heat exchanger may absorb heat from air introduced through the intake, or may transfer heat to air introduced through the intake.
  • the indoor heat exchanger may include heat exchange tubes through which refrigerant flows, and heat exchange fins in contact with the heat exchange tubes to increase the heat transfer surface area.
  • the indoor unit of the air conditioner may include a drain tray arranged below the indoor heat exchanger to collect condensate generated in the indoor heat exchanger.
  • the condensate collected in the drain tray may be drained to the outside through a drain hose.
  • the drain tray may be provided to support the indoor heat exchanger.
  • An indoor unit of an air conditioner may include an input interface.
  • the input interface may include any type of user input means including buttons, switches, a touch screen, and/or a touch pad.
  • User input for setting data e.g., desired room temperature, operation mode setting for cooling/heating/dehumidification/air purification, outlet selection setting, and/or air volume setting
  • desired room temperature e.g., desired room temperature, operation mode setting for cooling/heating/dehumidification/air purification, outlet selection setting, and/or air volume setting
  • the input interface may be connected to an external input device.
  • the input interface may be electrically connected to a wired remote controller.
  • the wired remote controller may be installed at a specific location in an indoor space (e.g., a part of a wall).
  • the wired remote controller may receive setting data regarding the operation of the air conditioner as a user input.
  • An electrical signal corresponding to the setting data acquired through the wired remote controller may be transmitted to the input interface.
  • the input interface may include an infrared sensor.
  • the wireless remote controller may receive setting data regarding the operation of the air conditioner as a user input.
  • the setting data input through the wireless remote controller may be transmitted to the input interface as an infrared signal.
  • the input interface may include a microphone.
  • a user's voice command may be acquired through the microphone.
  • the microphone may convert the user's voice command into an electrical signal and transmit the converted electrical signal to an indoor unit control unit.
  • the indoor unit control unit may control components of the air conditioner to execute a function corresponding to the user's voice command.
  • Setting data acquired through the input interface e.g., desired indoor temperature, operation mode setting of cooling/heating/dehumidification/air purification, outlet selection setting, and/or wind speed setting
  • the setting data acquired through the input interface may be transmitted to the outside, i.e., to an outdoor unit or a server, through an indoor unit communication unit, which will be described later.
  • the indoor unit of the air conditioner may include a power module.
  • the power module may be connected to an external power source to supply power to components of the indoor unit.
  • An indoor unit of an air conditioner may include an indoor unit sensor.
  • the indoor unit sensor may be an environmental sensor disposed in a space inside or outside the housing.
  • the indoor unit sensor may include one or more temperature sensors and/or humidity sensors disposed in a predetermined space inside or outside the housing of the indoor unit.
  • the indoor unit sensor may include a refrigerant temperature sensor for detecting a refrigerant temperature of a refrigerant pipe passing through the indoor unit.
  • the indoor unit sensor may include respective refrigerant temperature sensors for detecting an inlet, an intermediate, and/or an outlet temperature of a refrigerant pipe passing through the indoor heat exchanger.
  • each sensor information detected by an indoor unit sensor can be transmitted to the indoor unit control unit described later, or transmitted externally through the indoor unit communication unit described later.
  • the indoor unit of the air conditioner may include an indoor unit communication unit.
  • the indoor unit communication unit may include at least one of a short-range communication module and a long-range communication module.
  • the indoor unit communication unit may include at least one antenna for wirelessly communicating with another device.
  • the short-range wireless communication module may include, but is not limited to, a Bluetooth communication module, a BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) communication module, a Near Field Communication module, a WLAN (Wi-Fi) communication module, a Zigbee communication module, an infrared (IrDA, infrared Data Association) communication module, a WFD (Wi-Fi Direct) communication module, a UWB (ultrawideband) communication module, an Ant+ communication module, a microwave (uWave) communication module, etc.
  • a Bluetooth communication module a BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) communication module, a Near Field Communication module, a WLAN (Wi-Fi) communication module, a Zigbee communication module, an infrared (IrDA, infrared Data Association) communication module, a WFD (Wi-Fi Direct) communication module, a UWB (ultrawideband) communication module, an Ant+ communication module, a microwave (uWave) communication module, etc.
  • the long-distance communication module may include a communication module that performs various types of long-distance communication and may include a mobile communication unit.
  • the mobile communication unit transmits and receives a wireless signal with at least one of a base station, an external terminal, and a server on a mobile communication network.
  • the indoor unit communication unit can communicate with external devices such as a server, mobile devices, and other home appliances through a surrounding access point (AP).
  • the access point (AP) can connect a local area network (LAN) to which the air conditioner or user device is connected to a wide area network (WAN) to which the server is connected.
  • the air conditioner or user device can be connected to the server through the wide area network (WAN).
  • the indoor unit of the air conditioner can include an indoor unit control unit that controls components of the indoor unit including a blower, etc.
  • the outdoor unit of the air conditioner can include an outdoor unit control unit that controls components of the outdoor unit including a compressor, etc.
  • the indoor unit control unit can communicate with the outdoor unit control unit through the indoor unit communication unit and the outdoor unit communication unit.
  • the outdoor unit communication unit can transmit a control signal generated by the outdoor unit control unit to the indoor unit communication unit, or transmit a control signal transmitted from the indoor unit communication unit to the outdoor unit control unit.
  • the outdoor unit and the indoor unit can communicate in both directions.
  • the outdoor unit and the indoor unit can transmit and receive various signals generated during the operation of the air conditioner.
  • the outdoor unit control unit can be electrically connected to the components of the outdoor unit and can control the operation of each component. For example, the outdoor unit control unit can adjust the frequency of the compressor and control the flow switching valve to change the circulation direction of the refrigerant. The outdoor unit control unit can adjust the rotation speed of the outdoor fan. In addition, the outdoor unit control unit can generate a control signal for adjusting the opening degree of the expansion valve. Under the control of the outdoor unit control unit, the refrigerant can be circulated along the refrigerant circulation circuit including the compressor, the flow switching valve, the outdoor heat exchanger, the expansion valve, and the indoor heat exchanger.
  • Various temperature sensors included in the outdoor unit and the indoor unit can transmit electrical signals corresponding to the detected temperature to the outdoor unit control unit and/or the indoor unit control unit, respectively.
  • humidity sensors included in the outdoor unit and the indoor unit can transmit electrical signals corresponding to the detected humidity to the outdoor unit control unit and/or the indoor unit control unit, respectively.
  • the indoor unit control unit can obtain user input from a user device, including a mobile device, through the indoor unit communication unit, and can obtain user input directly or through a remote controller through an input interface.
  • the indoor unit control unit can control components of the indoor unit, including a blower, in response to the received user input.
  • the indoor unit control unit can transmit information about the received user input to the outdoor unit control unit of the outdoor unit.
  • the outdoor unit control unit can control the configurations of the outdoor unit, including the compressor, based on information about the user input received from the indoor unit. For example, when a control signal corresponding to a user input for selecting an operation mode, such as cooling operation, heating operation, ventilation operation, defrosting operation, or dehumidifying operation, is received from the indoor unit, the outdoor unit control unit can control the configurations of the outdoor unit so that the operation of the air conditioner corresponding to the selected operation mode is performed.
  • an operation mode such as cooling operation, heating operation, ventilation operation, defrosting operation, or dehumidifying operation
  • the outdoor unit control unit and the indoor unit control unit may each include a processor and a memory.
  • the indoor unit control unit may include at least one first processor and at least one first memory, and the outdoor unit control unit may include at least one second processor and at least one second memory.
  • the memory can store/remember various information necessary for the operation of the air conditioner.
  • the memory can store instructions, applications, data, and/or programs necessary for the operation of the air conditioner.
  • the memory can store various programs for cooling operation, heating operation, dehumidification operation, and/or defrosting operation of the air conditioner.
  • the memory can include volatile memory such as S-RAM (Static Random Access Memory, S-RAM) and D-RAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory) for temporarily storing data.
  • the memory can include nonvolatile memory such as ROM (Read Only Memory), EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory), and EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory) for long-term storage of data.
  • the processor can generate control signals for controlling the operation of the air conditioner based on instructions, applications, data and/or programs stored in the memory.
  • the processor as hardware, can include logic circuits and arithmetic circuits.
  • the processor can process data according to the program and/or instructions provided from the memory, and generate control signals according to the processing results.
  • the memory and the processor can be implemented as one control circuit or implemented as multiple circuits.
  • An indoor unit of an air conditioner may include an output interface.
  • the output interface is electrically connected to an indoor unit control unit and may output information related to the operation of the air conditioner under the control of the indoor unit control unit. For example, information such as an operation mode, wind direction, wind volume, and temperature selected by a user input may be output.
  • the output interface may output sensing information obtained from an indoor unit sensor or an outdoor unit sensor, and warning/error messages.
  • the output interface may include a display and a speaker.
  • the speaker may be an acoustic device that outputs various sounds.
  • the display may display information input by a user or information provided to a user as various graphic elements. For example, operation information of an air conditioner may be displayed as at least one of an image or text.
  • the display may include an indicator that provides specific information.
  • the display may include a liquid crystal display panel (LCD panel), a light emitting diode panel (LED panel), an organic light emitting diode panel (OLED panel), a micro LED panel, and/or a plurality of LEDs.
  • a window-type air conditioner installed on a window and/or window frame will be described as an example.
  • the contents of the present disclosure may also be applied to other types of air conditioners.
  • the contents of the present disclosure may also be applied to a portable air conditioner, a wall-mounted air conditioner, a ceiling-type air conditioner, and a floor-type air conditioner.
  • FIGS. 1 to 19 when an air conditioner (3, 3-1) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is mounted on a mounting assembly (2), a direction facing indoors may be defined as forward (+X direction), and a direction in which the air conditioner (3) faces outdoors may be defined as rear (-X direction).
  • a direction facing vertically upward when the air conditioner (3, 3-1) is mounted on a mounting assembly (2), a direction facing vertically upward may be defined as upward (+Z direction), and a direction in which the air conditioner (3) faces vertically downward may be defined as downward (-Z direction).
  • the direction parallel to the +Y direction and -Y direction based on the drawing can be defined as the horizontal direction.
  • FIG. 1 is a drawing illustrating an air conditioning system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.
  • an air conditioning system (1) may include a mounting assembly (2).
  • the mounting assembly (2) can be provided to mount an air conditioner (3) to be described later.
  • the mounting assembly (2) can allow the air conditioner (3) to be mounted on the structure (A).
  • the mounting assembly (2) may be provided so as to be installable on the structure (A).
  • the mounting assembly (2) may be provided so as to be mountable on the structure (A).
  • the mounting assembly (2) may be provided so as to be fixed to the structure (A).
  • the mounting assembly (2) may be provided to seal between the air conditioner (3) and the structure (A).
  • the mounting assembly (2) may be provided to seal between the indoor (I) and the outdoors (O).
  • the structure (A) may include a window and/or a window frame.
  • the present disclosure is not limited thereto.
  • the structure (A) may be provided in various ways depending on the type of the air conditioner (3).
  • the structure (A) may include at least one of a wall, a ceiling, or a floor.
  • An air conditioning system (1) may include an air conditioner (3).
  • the air conditioner (3) may be arranged to be mounted on the mounting assembly (2).
  • the air conditioner (3) may be arranged to be mounted on the structure (A) by being mounted on the mounting assembly (2).
  • the air conditioner (3) may be installed on the structure (A) via the mounting assembly (2).
  • the present disclosure is not limited thereto.
  • the air conditioner (3) may be mounted on the structure (A) without the mounting assembly (2).
  • the air conditioner (3) may be arranged to perform the air conditioning function without being mounted on the structure (A).
  • the air conditioner (3) may be provided to cool or heat the room (I).
  • the air conditioner (3) may be provided to exchange heat between indoor air and outdoor air, respectively.
  • the air conditioner (3) may perform a heat exchange operation using a refrigerant cycle, and may be provided to heat-exchange indoor air and a refrigerant, and may be provided to heat-exchange outdoor air and a refrigerant.
  • the air conditioner (3) may be provided to absorb heat from indoor air and transfer heat to outdoor air when cooling the room (I).
  • the air conditioner (3) may be provided to transfer heat to indoor air and absorb heat from outdoor air when heating the room (I).
  • One part of the air conditioner (3) may be arranged to face the interior (I). Another part of the air conditioner (3) may be arranged to face the exterior (O).
  • the air conditioning system (1) described above with reference to FIG. 1 is only an example of a system in which an air conditioner is installed and operates in an air conditioning system according to the concept of the present disclosure, and the concept of the present disclosure is not limited thereto.
  • FIG. 2 is a drawing of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure from one direction.
  • FIG. 3 is a drawing of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure from another direction.
  • FIG. 4 is a drawing of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure from the rear.
  • FIG. 5 is an exploded view of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
  • FIG. 6 is an exploded view of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
  • FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
  • an air conditioner (3) may include a housing (10).
  • the housing (10) may be provided to form the overall appearance of the air conditioner (3).
  • the housing (10) may form at least a portion of the outer surface of the air conditioner (3).
  • the housing (10) may be provided to accommodate various components of the air conditioner (3) therein.
  • the housing (10) may have an approximately box shape.
  • the housing (10) may include a front case (11).
  • the housing (10) may include a rear case (12).
  • the front case (11) may be provided to be detachably coupleable to the rear case (12).
  • the front case (11) may be arranged to face the interior (I, see Fig. 1).
  • the front case (11) may be arranged to form at least a part of the front portion of the exterior of the air conditioner (3).
  • the rear case (12) may be arranged to face the outside (O, see FIG. 1).
  • the rear case (12) may be arranged to form at least a portion of the rear exterior of the air conditioner (3).
  • the housing (10) may include a front panel (14).
  • the front panel (14) may form at least a portion of the front surface of the housing (10).
  • a second discharge port (11b), which will be described later, may be formed in the front panel (14).
  • the front panel (14) may be covered at least in part by the discharge panel (50) described below.
  • the front panel (14) may be substantially entirely covered by the discharge panel (50), so that the front panel (14) may not be exposed to the front exterior of the air conditioner (3).
  • the present invention is not limited thereto, and the front panel (14) may have a part thereof covered by the discharge panel (50), while another part thereof is not covered by the discharge panel (50) and is exposed to the outside to form a part of the front exterior of the air conditioner (3).
  • the housing (10) may include a top panel (15).
  • the top panel (15) may form the upper surface of the air conditioner (3).
  • the housing (10) may include a first side panel (16).
  • the first side panel (16) may form a right side among the two sides in the horizontal direction (Y direction) of the air conditioner (3).
  • the housing (10) may include a second side panel (17).
  • the second side panel (17) may form a left side among the two sides in the horizontal direction (Y direction) of the air conditioner (3).
  • the second side panel (17) may be provided on the opposite side of the first side panel (16).
  • the housing (10) may include a rear panel (18).
  • the rear panel (18) may form the rear of the air conditioner (3).
  • the housing (10) may include a base (13).
  • the base (13) may form a lower surface of the air conditioner (3).
  • the base (13) may be arranged to support at least a portion of a component arranged inside the air conditioner (3).
  • the housing (10) may include a top cover (19).
  • the top cover (19) may be provided to form a portion of the upper surface and/or a portion of the rear surface of the air conditioner (3).
  • the housing (10) may not include a separate top cover (19).
  • the top cover (19) may be provided as a component of the top panel (15) or as a component of the rear panel (18).
  • a portion of the top cover (19) may be provided as a component of the top panel (15), and another portion of the top cover (19) may be provided as a component of the rear panel (18).
  • the front case (11) is illustrated as including a front panel (14), a top panel (15), a first side panel (16), and a second side panel (17), but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.
  • the front case (11) may be formed to include only the front panel (14) and the top panel (15).
  • the front case (11) may further include other configurations in addition to the front panel (14), the top panel (15), the first side panel (16), and the second side panel (17).
  • the rear case (12) is illustrated as including a rear panel (18), a base (13), and a top cover (19), but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.
  • the rear case (12) may be formed to include only the rear panel (18).
  • the rear case (12) may further include other configurations in addition to the rear panel (18), the base (13), and the top cover (19).
  • the housing (10) of the air conditioner (3) described above is only an example of a housing provided in an air conditioner according to the concept of the present disclosure, and the concept of the present disclosure is not limited thereto.
  • An air conditioner according to the concept of the present disclosure may include a housing having various structures and shapes.
  • the housing (10) may include a first discharge port (12b) formed so that air that has exchanged heat with the first heat exchanger (40) is discharged to the outdoors (O).
  • the outdoor air that has entered the housing (10) through the first inlet port (12a) may be discharged to the outdoors (O) through the first discharge port (12b) after undergoing heat exchange with the first heat exchanger (40).
  • the first outlet (12b) can be distinguished from the first inlet (12a).
  • the first outlet (12b) can be formed spaced apart from the first inlet (12a).
  • the second inlet (11a) may be arranged to face the room (I, see FIG. 1).
  • the second inlet (11a) may be communicated with the room (I).
  • the second inlet (11a) may be formed in the front case (11) so that indoor air may be introduced.
  • the second inlet (11a) may be formed in the second side panel (17).
  • the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the second inlet (11a) may be formed in various parts of the housing (10) facing the room (I).
  • the housing (10) may include a second discharge port (11b) formed so that air that has exchanged heat with the second heat exchanger (60) is discharged to the outside of the housing (10).
  • Indoor air that has been introduced into the housing (10) through the second inlet port (11a) may be discharged to the outside of the housing (10) through the second discharge port (11b) after being subjected to heat exchange with the second heat exchanger (60).
  • air that has been discharged to the outside of the housing (10) through the second discharge port (11b) may be discharged to the inside of the room (I, see FIG. 1) through a plurality of discharge holes (50h) or panel openings (55, see FIG. 8, etc.) formed in the discharge panel (50).
  • the second discharge port (11b) may be arranged to face the interior (I, see FIG. 1).
  • the second discharge port (11b) may be communicated with the interior (I).
  • the second discharge port (11b) may be formed in the front case (11).
  • the second discharge port (11b) may be formed in the front panel (14) and may be covered by the discharge panel (50).
  • the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the second discharge port (11b) may be formed in various parts of the housing (10) facing the interior (I).
  • the second outlet (11b) can be distinguished from the second inlet (11a).
  • the second outlet (11b) can be formed spaced apart from the second inlet (11a).
  • a second flow path (P2) may be formed inside the housing (10).
  • the second flow path (P2) may be formed so that air introduced from the room can flow.
  • the second flow path (P2) may be formed between the second inlet (11a) and the second outlet (11b).
  • the second heat exchanger (60) may be provided on the second flow path (P2).
  • the second fan assembly (200) may be provided on the second flow path (P2).
  • the first flow path (P1) and the second flow path (P2) may be arranged to be separated from each other.
  • the outdoor air flowing through the first flow path (P1) and the indoor air flowing through the second flow path (P2) may not be mixed inside the housing (10).
  • the air conditioner (3) may include a discharge panel (50).
  • the discharge panel (50) may cover at least a portion of the housing (10). Specifically, the discharge panel (50) may cover a portion of the housing (10) where a second discharge port (11b) is formed.
  • the discharge panel (50) may be arranged on one side of the second discharge port (11b).
  • the discharge panel (50) may be arranged spaced apart from the second discharge port (11b).
  • the discharge panel (50) may cover the front panel (14) in which the second discharge port (11b) is formed.
  • the discharge panel (50) may form at least a portion of the front exterior of the air conditioner (3).
  • the discharge panel (50) may be arranged to discharge at least a portion of the air discharged through the second discharge port (11b). That is, indoor air that is introduced into the housing (10) through the second inlet port (11a) from the indoor space (I, see FIG. 1) is heat-exchanged with the second heat exchanger (60), and then at least a portion of the heat-exchanged air may be discharged back into the indoor space (I) through the second discharge port (11b) and the discharge panel (50) sequentially.
  • the discharge panel (50) may include a plurality of discharge holes (50h) provided to discharge air flowing from the second discharge port (11b).
  • the plurality of discharge holes (50h) formed in the discharge panel (50) may be formed so that each discharge hole (50h) has a smaller size than the second discharge port (11b).
  • the exhaust panel (50) may include a panel opening (55, see FIG. 8, etc.) provided to exhaust air discharged through the second exhaust port (11b).
  • the panel opening (55) may be formed to have a size larger than each of the plurality of exhaust holes (50h) described above. As shown in FIG. 8, etc., the panel opening (55) may have a size larger than the second exhaust port (11b), but alternatively, it may have a size approximately corresponding to the second exhaust port (11b), or it may have a size larger than each of the plurality of exhaust holes (50h) but smaller than the second exhaust port (11b).
  • the discharge panel (50) can be coupled to the housing (10). Specifically, the discharge panel (50) can be coupled to the front case (11). The discharge panel (50) can maintain a fixed position with respect to the housing (10).
  • the discharge panel (50) may be formed in a substantially flat plate shape. However, this is not limited to the shape, and the discharge panel (50) may be formed in various shapes.
  • the air conditioner (3) may include a blade (20).
  • the blade (20) may be arranged to open or cover a panel opening (55, see FIG. 8).
  • the blade (20) may have a shape that roughly corresponds to the panel opening (55).
  • the blade (20) may be arranged to cover the panel opening (55) at a position spaced apart from the second discharge port (11b). When covering the panel opening (55), the blade (20) may be arranged to be approximately parallel to the discharge panel (50).
  • the blade (20) may be provided to be rotatable relative to the housing (10). Additionally, the blade (20) may be provided to be rotatable relative to the discharge panel (50). The blade (20) may be coupled to the housing (10).
  • the blade (20) may be provided to guide indoor air discharged through the panel opening (55).
  • the blade (20) may be provided to control the discharge direction of air discharged into the indoor space through the panel opening (55).
  • the blade (20) may be arranged to discharge a portion of the air discharged from the second discharge port (11b) while covering the second discharge port (11b) or the panel opening (55). That is, indoor air that is introduced into the housing (10) through the second inlet port (11a) from the indoor space (I, see FIG. 1) is heat-exchanged with the second heat exchanger (60), and then a portion of the heat-exchanged air may sequentially pass through the second discharge port (11b) and the blade (20) and be discharged back into the indoor space (I).
  • the blade (20) may include a plurality of exhaust holes (20h) provided to exhaust air flowing from the second exhaust port (11b).
  • the plurality of exhaust holes (20h) formed in the blade (20) may be formed so that each exhaust hole (20h) has a smaller size than the second exhaust port (11b).
  • a portion of the air exhausted from the second exhaust port (11b) may be exhausted through the plurality of exhaust holes (20h) of the blade (20).
  • the air conditioner (3) may include a first heat exchanger (40).
  • the first heat exchanger (40) may be arranged to exchange heat with outdoor air introduced through the first inlet (12a).
  • the first heat exchanger (40) may be arranged inside the housing (10).
  • the first heat exchanger (40) may be arranged on the first flow path (P1).
  • the first heat exchanger (40) may be arranged to face the first inlet (12a).
  • the first heat exchanger (40) may also be referred to as an 'outdoor heat exchanger' in that it exchanges heat with outdoor air.
  • the air conditioner (3) may include a second heat exchanger (60).
  • the second heat exchanger (60) may be arranged to exchange heat with indoor air introduced through the second inlet (11a).
  • the second heat exchanger (60) may be arranged inside the housing (10).
  • the second heat exchanger (60) may be arranged on the second flow path (P2). At least a portion of the second heat exchanger (60) may be arranged to face the second inlet (11a).
  • the second heat exchanger (60) may be arranged to surround at least a portion of the second fan assembly (200).
  • the second heat exchanger (60) may be arranged to cover at least a portion of the second fan assembly (200).
  • the second heat exchanger (60) may also be referred to as an 'indoor heat exchanger' in that it exchanges heat with indoor air.
  • the first heat exchanger (40) may be provided as a condenser, and the second heat exchanger (60) may be provided as an evaporator. At this time, the air conditioner (3) may be provided to cool the room.
  • the present disclosure is not limited thereto.
  • the first heat exchanger (40) may be provided as an evaporator, and the second heat exchanger (60) may be provided as a condenser. At this time, the air conditioner (3) may be provided to heat the room.
  • the air conditioner (3) may include a drain pan (80).
  • the drain pan (80) may be provided to collect condensate generated in the second heat exchanger (60).
  • the drain pan (80) may be provided to support the second heat exchanger (60).
  • the drain pan (80) may be provided to support the second fan assembly (200).
  • the drain pan (80) may include a mounting portion (81) on which the base (230) of the second fan assembly (200) is mounted.
  • the air conditioner (3) may include a compressor (70).
  • the compressor (70) may be configured to compress refrigerant to a high temperature and high pressure state.
  • the refrigerant compressed in the compressor (70) may be introduced into the first heat exchanger (40) or the second heat exchanger (60).
  • the compressor (70) may be positioned beneath the second fan assembly (200).
  • the compressor (70) may be positioned beneath the drain pan (80).
  • the air conditioner (3) may include a compressor cover (71).
  • the compressor cover (71) may be provided to cover the compressor (70).
  • the compressor cover (71) may prevent the compressor (70) from being exposed to the outside.
  • the compressor cover (71) may be provided to protect the compressor (70).
  • the air conditioner (3) may include an expansion device.
  • the expansion device may be provided to expand the refrigerant discharged from the first heat exchanger (40) or the refrigerant discharged from the second heat exchanger (60).
  • the air conditioner (3) may include a control box (90).
  • the control box (90) may accommodate a printed circuit board on which various electronic components are mounted.
  • the air conditioner (3) may include a control panel (30).
  • the control panel (30) may be provided to obtain user input.
  • the control panel (30) may be provided to display information about the operation, status, various settings, indoor temperature or humidity, etc. of the air conditioner (3).
  • the control panel (30) may be electrically connected to the control unit of the air conditioner (3).
  • the control panel (30) may be placed in front of the front case (11).
  • the air conditioner (3) may include a first fan assembly (100).
  • the first fan assembly (100) may be arranged to cause outdoor air to flow within the housing (10).
  • the first fan assembly (100) may be arranged to cause outdoor air to flow between the first inlet (12a) and the first outlet (12b).
  • the suction side (101) of the first fan assembly (100) may be arranged to face the first inlet (12a).
  • the discharge side (102) of the first fan assembly (100) may be arranged to face the first discharge port (12b).
  • the first fan assembly (100) may include a first fan (110).
  • the first fan (110) may be positioned to face at least a portion of the first heat exchanger (40).
  • the first fan assembly (100) may include a first fan motor (120) for driving the first fan (110).
  • the first fan assembly (100) may include a first frame (130) configured to guide outdoor air.
  • the first frame (130) may extend along an extension direction of the first fan (110).
  • the first frame (130) may have a shape extending approximately in a vertical direction (Z direction).
  • the air conditioner (3) may include a second fan assembly (200).
  • the second fan assembly (200) may be arranged to circulate indoor air within the housing (10).
  • the second fan assembly (200) may be arranged to circulate indoor air between the second inlet (11a) and the second outlet (11b).
  • the intake side (201) of the second fan assembly (200) may be arranged to face the second inlet (11a).
  • the discharge side (202) of the second fan assembly (200) may be arranged to face the second discharge port (11b).
  • the discharge side (202) of the second fan assembly (200) may be arranged to face the blade (20).
  • the second fan assembly (200) may include a second fan (210).
  • the second fan (210) may be positioned to face at least a portion of the second heat exchanger (60).
  • the second fan assembly (200) may include a second fan motor (220) for driving the second fan (210).
  • the second fan assembly (200) may include a second frame (240) configured to guide indoor air.
  • the second frame (240) may extend along an extension direction of the second fan (210).
  • the second frame (240) may have a shape extending approximately in a vertical direction (Z direction).
  • the first frame (130) and the second frame (240) may be arranged to be in contact.
  • the first frame (130) and the second frame (240) may be arranged to partition the first fan (110) and the second fan (210).
  • the partition part (132) of the first frame (130) and the second frame (240) may be arranged to partition the first fan (110) and the second fan (210) by being coupled to each other.
  • the first frame (130) and the second frame (240) may be arranged to partition the first flow path (P1) and the second flow path (P2). As a result, indoor air and outdoor air may not be mixed inside the housing (10).
  • the configurations of the air conditioner (3) described above with reference to FIGS. 2 to 7 are merely examples of the configurations provided in the air conditioner according to the concept of the present disclosure, and the air conditioner according to the concept of the present disclosure may include various configurations.
  • the second discharge port (11b) and the second inlet port (11a) may be referred to as an 'inlet port (11a)'.
  • the second discharge port (11b) may be referred to as an 'outlet port (11b)'.
  • the second heat exchanger (60) may be referred to as a 'heat exchanger (60)'.
  • the second fan assembly (200) to the second fan (210) may be referred to as a 'fan assembly (200)' and a 'fan (210)', respectively.
  • FIG. 8 is a drawing illustrating a state in which an exhaust panel is separated from an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.
  • the discharge panel (50) of the air conditioner (3) may cover a part of the housing (10).
  • the discharge panel (50) may cover a part of the housing (10) where the discharge port (11b) is formed on one side.
  • the discharge panel (50) can be coupled to the housing (10).
  • the discharge panel (50) can be coupled to the front side of the housing (10) in the X direction.
  • the discharge panel (50) can be coupled to the front case (11).
  • the discharge panel (50) can be coupled to the front panel (14) to cover the front side of the front panel (14).
  • the discharge panel (50) can maintain a fixed position with respect to the housing (10).
  • the housing (10) may include a panel mounting portion (11c) on which a discharge panel (50) is mounted, and the discharge panel (50) may include a coupling hook (56) provided to be coupled to the panel mounting portion (11c).
  • the panel mounting portion (11c) may be provided on the front side of the front panel (14), and the coupling hook (56) may be provided on the back side of the discharge panel (50) facing the front side of the front panel (14).
  • the coupling hook (56) is coupled to the panel mounting portion (11c)
  • the discharge panel (50) may be mounted to the housing (10).
  • the exhaust panel (50) can be detachably mounted to the front case (11).
  • discharge panel (50) may be coupled to the housing (10) by various structures.
  • the discharge panel (50) may be configured to be formed integrally with the housing (10).
  • the discharge panel (50) may include a plurality of discharge holes (50h) provided to discharge air flowing from the discharge port (11b).
  • the plurality of discharge holes (50h) may be formed so that each size is smaller than the size of the discharge port (11h).
  • the discharge panel (50) may include a panel opening (55) provided to discharge air flowing from the discharge port (11b).
  • the plurality of discharge holes (50h) of the discharge panel (50) may have a size smaller than the panel opening (55).
  • a plurality of discharge holes (50h) of the discharge panel (50) may be located in the outer direction of the periphery of the panel opening (55).
  • the panel opening (55) may be formed in an inner portion than the outer edge of the discharge panel (50).
  • the panel opening (55) may be formed approximately at the center of the discharge panel (50) in the horizontal direction (Y direction).
  • the present invention is not limited thereto, and the panel opening (55) may be formed at a position that is biased to one side in the horizontal direction (Y direction) of the discharge panel (50), or at a position that is biased to one side in the vertical direction (Z direction) of the discharge panel (50).
  • the panel opening (55) may have a shape that extends long in one direction (e.g., the Z direction as shown in the drawing), but is not limited thereto.
  • the blade (20) of the air conditioner (3) may be arranged to be movable between a first position (20A, see FIG. 13) covering the panel opening (55) and a second position (20B, see FIGS. 14 and 17) opening the panel opening (55).
  • the blade (20) may be arranged to be rotatable relative to the housing (10) between the first position (20A, see FIG. 13) and the second position (20B, see FIGS. 14 and 17).
  • the expression “the blade (20) covers the panel opening (55)” means that the blade (20) is arranged to almost completely cover the panel opening (55) in the width direction (approximately in the Y direction based on the drawing).
  • the blade (20) may be arranged so that its back surface faces inward from the panel opening (55).
  • the blade (20) may be arranged so that its back surface faces the discharge port (11b).
  • the expression "the blade (20) opens the panel opening (55)” here means a case where the blade (20) is positioned to open the panel opening (55) by a wider width than the first position (20A) where it covers the panel opening (55). That is, the air flow path of air discharged from the exhaust port (11b) through the panel opening (55) can be wider when the blade (20) opens the panel opening (55) than when the blade (20) covers the panel opening (55).
  • the blade (20) may be rotatably coupled to the housing (10).
  • the discharge panel (50) and the blade (20) may be separated from each other.
  • the present invention is not limited thereto, and in an air conditioner according to one embodiment, the blade may be rotatably coupled to the discharge panel.
  • An air conditioner (3) may operate in a windless operation mode to implement windless airflow.
  • the windless operation mode may mean a low-wind volume operation mode in which air is discharged at a certain speed or less while not directly blowing air to a user.
  • air that has exchanged heat with the heat exchanger (60) may be discharged through a plurality of discharge holes (50h) of the discharge panel (50) and/or a plurality of discharge holes (20h) of the blades (20).
  • the blades (20) may be arranged to cover the panel openings (55).
  • a portion of a discharge panel (50) in which a plurality of discharge holes (50h) are formed has a shape that surrounds the periphery of the panel opening (55), and correspondingly, the blade (20) is surrounded by the discharge panel (50) in an example described.
  • the blade may be provided on one side of the discharge panel, such as between the discharge panel and the housing.
  • the panel opening that the blade opens or covers may be defined as a space that is formed on one side of the discharge panel so as to be opened or covered by the blade.
  • the present disclosure will be described below on the premise that the panel opening (55) is surrounded by a portion of a discharge panel (50) in which a plurality of discharge holes (50h) are formed, as shown in FIG. 8, and correspondingly, the blade (20) is also arranged so that its periphery is surrounded by the discharge panel (50).
  • FIG. 9 is a drawing illustrating a part of a housing and other components of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.
  • FIG. 10 is a drawing illustrating a part of a component of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.
  • a housing (10) of an air conditioner (3) may include a first portion (10a) in which an exhaust port (11b) is formed and a second portion (10b) disposed on one side of the first portion (10a).
  • the first portion (10a) and the second portion (10b) of the housing (10) may be portions each defined on one side of a front panel (14) facing the exhaust panel (50).
  • the second part (10b) of the housing (10) can be positioned on one side of the first part (10a) in the first direction (Z). That is, the first part (10a) and the second part (10b) of the housing (10) can be positioned relative to each other in the first direction (Z).
  • the first part (10a) and the second part (10b) of the housing (10) can be provided so that their positions on the Z axis extending in the first direction (Z) are different from each other.
  • the first direction (Z) may be parallel to the vertical direction (up-down direction) of the air conditioner (3). More specifically, the first part (10a) of the housing (10) may be positioned higher than the second part (10b).
  • the compressor (70) may be placed at the bottom of the air conditioner (3).
  • the heat exchanger (60) may be located above the compressor (70).
  • the fan assembly (200) may be located above the compressor (70).
  • the second flow path (P2) extending from the inlet (11a) to the outlet (11b) may be located above the compressor (70).
  • the discharge port (11b) can be formed at a position corresponding to the position where the second flow path (P2) is formed. That is, the discharge port (11b) can be formed in a range of positions (heights) corresponding to the second flow path (P2) in the first direction (Z).
  • the first part (10a) of the housing (10) can be positioned at a position corresponding to the heat exchanger (60), the fan assembly (200), and the second flow path (P2) in the first direction (Z). That is, the first part (10a) of the housing (10) can cover the heat exchanger (60), the fan assembly (200), and the second flow path (P2) from the front (+X direction).
  • the second part (10b) of the housing (10) can be positioned at a position corresponding to the compressor (70) and the compressor cover (71) in the first direction (Z). That is, the second part (10b) of the housing (10) can cover the compressor (70) and the compressor cover (71) from the front (+X direction).
  • the discharge port (11b) may be formed in the first portion (10a) of the housing (10) as shown in FIG. 9, and may not be formed to extend to the second portion (10b) due to structural constraints.
  • the first part (10a) of the housing (10) was previously defined as the part where the outlet (11b) is formed, this does not mean a part of the housing (10) that is exactly the same position as the outlet (11b).
  • the first part (10a) of the housing (10) may be defined as a part that includes even a part of the housing (10) that is different from the outlet (11b) in the second direction (Y), assuming that the position in the first direction (Z) corresponds to that of the outlet (11b).
  • the discharge port (11b) may extend in the first direction (Z). As illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 10, the discharge port (11b) may have a shape in which the length in the first direction (Z) is longer than the length in the second direction (Y) orthogonal to the first direction, but the ratio between the length of the discharge port (11b) in the first direction (Z) and the length in the second direction (Y) is not limited to that illustrated.
  • the discharge panel (50) can cover the first part (10a) and the second part (10b) of the housing (10).
  • a part of the first part (10a) of the housing (10) that corresponds to the panel opening (55) of the discharge panel (50) and a part of the second part (10b) of the housing (10) that corresponds to the panel opening (55) of the discharge panel (50) can be covered by the blade (20) at a position covering the panel opening (55).
  • the discharge panel (50) may include a plurality of regions divided as follows.
  • the discharge panel (50) may include a first region (51) corresponding to a first portion (10a) of the housing (10) and a second region (52) corresponding to a second portion (10b) of the housing (10).
  • the first area (51) of the discharge panel (50) can cover the first part (10a) of the housing (10).
  • the first area (51) of the discharge panel (50) can be positioned so that the position in the first direction (Z) (i.e., the position on the Z axis) substantially corresponds to the position of the first part (10a) of the housing (10).
  • the second area (52) of the discharge panel (50) can cover the second part (10b) of the housing (10).
  • the second area (52) of the discharge panel (50) can be positioned so that the position in the first direction (Z) (i.e., the position on the Z axis) substantially corresponds to the second part (10b) of the housing (10).
  • the second region (52) of the discharge panel (50) may be positioned on one side of the first region (51) in the first direction (Z). That is, the first region (51) and the second region (52) of the discharge panel (50) may be positioned relative to each other in the first direction (Z).
  • the first region (51) and the second region (52) of the discharge panel (50) may be provided so that their positions on the Z axis extending in the first direction (Z) are different from each other.
  • the first region (51) and the second region (52) of the discharge panel (50) may be positioned in the upper and lower direction of the air conditioner (3). More specifically, when the first part (10a) of the housing (10) is positioned higher than the second part (10b), the first region (51) of the discharge panel (50) may be positioned higher than the second region (52).
  • a plurality of exhaust holes (50h) may be formed in each of the first region (51) and the second region (52) of the exhaust panel (50). Accordingly, when the air conditioner (3) operates in a windless operation mode, air discharged from the exhaust port (11b) may be discharged through a plurality of exhaust holes (50h) formed in each of the first region (51) and the second region (52).
  • the exhaust port (11b) is formed in the first part (10a) of the housing (10), if there is no separate structure for guiding or controlling the airflow, the airflow discharged from the exhaust port (11b) may flow to the second area (52) of the exhaust panel (50) at a relatively lower rate than the rate at which the airflow flows to the first area (51). In this case, a problem may occur in which the flow rate of the airflow discharged from the exhaust panel (50) is not even throughout the entire area of the exhaust panel (50).
  • the air conditioner (3) when the air conditioner (3) performs a cooling operation, the cold air discharged from the exhaust port (11b) may flow intensively to the first area (51) of the exhaust panel (50), and thus, problems such as dew forming on the first area (51) of the exhaust panel (50) may occur.
  • the discharge panel (50) may include a plurality of areas divided by criteria other than those described above.
  • the discharge panel (50) may include a discharge facing region (53) and an extension region (54).
  • the discharge facing region (53) and the extension region (54) may be defined as being separate from each other.
  • the discharge port facing region (53) may be provided at a position corresponding to the discharge port (11b). Specifically, the discharge port facing region (53) may be provided at a position corresponding to the discharge port (11b) in the first direction (Z) (i.e., the position on the Z axis) and at a position corresponding to the discharge port (11b) in the second direction (Y) (i.e., the position on the Y axis).
  • the discharge port facing region (53) may be formed to be opposite to the discharge port (11b).
  • the discharge port facing region (53) may be located in front (in the +X direction) of the discharge port (11b).
  • the discharge port facing region (53) does not necessarily have to be located at exactly the same position in the first direction (Z) and the second direction (Y) as the discharge port (11b), and may be defined at a position approximately corresponding to the discharge port (11b).
  • the extension region (54) may be provided at a position whose distance from the discharge port (11b) is greater than the distance from the discharge port (11b) to the discharge port-facing region (53). Specifically, the extension region (54) may be provided in the outer direction of the edge of the discharge port-facing region (53). The extension region (54) may be defined as a region that extends outward from the discharge port-facing region (53).
  • the discharge port facing region (53) may be defined as being entirely a portion of the panel opening (55).
  • the discharge port facing region (53) may be defined as an area in which a plurality of discharge holes (50h) are formed in at least a portion thereof.
  • the blade (20) when the blade (20) is in a position covering the panel opening (55), the area facing the exhaust port (53) can be covered by the blade (20). Since a plurality of exhaust holes (20h) are formed in the blade (20), when the air conditioner (3) operates in a windless operation mode, some of the air discharged from the exhaust port (11b) can be guided to the area facing the exhaust port (53) and discharged through the plurality of exhaust holes (20h) formed in the blade (20).
  • a plurality of exhaust holes (50h) may be formed in at least a portion of the extended region (54). However, as illustrated in FIG. 10, a portion of the panel opening (55) may be provided in a portion of the extended region (54) (a portion of the second extended region (54b) described later), so that a plurality of exhaust holes (50h) may not be formed. Alternatively, in one embodiment, a plurality of exhaust holes (50h) may be formed almost over the entire extended region that is distinct from the region facing the exhaust port (53). Accordingly, when the air conditioner (3) operates in the wind-free operation mode, a portion of the air exhausted from the exhaust port (11b) may be exhausted through the plurality of exhaust holes (50h) formed in the extended region (54).
  • the extension region (54) may include a plurality of regions extending in different directions from the discharge port facing region (53).
  • the extension region (54) may include a first extension region (54a) extending in the second direction (Y) from the discharge port facing region (53).
  • the first extension region (54a) may be located at a different position (i.e., a position different in the Y-axis) from the discharge port facing region (53) in the second direction (Y) and a corresponding position (i.e., a position identical in the Z-axis) in the first direction (Z).
  • the first extension region (54a) may be defined as a region extending horizontally from the discharge facing region (53).
  • the first extension region (54a) may be positioned in the horizontal direction of the air conditioner (3) with respect to the discharge facing region (53), while being positioned at a height corresponding vertically to the discharge facing region (53).
  • the extension region (54) may include a second extension region (54b) extending in the first direction (Z) from the discharge-facing region (53) and the first extension region (54a).
  • the second extension region (54b) may be positioned at a different position (i.e., the same position on the Z axis) in the first direction (Z) with respect to each of the first extension region (54a) and the discharge-facing region (53).
  • the second extension region (54b) can be defined as a region extending vertically from the discharge port facing region (53) and the first extension region (54a). More specifically, the second extension region (54b) can extend downward from the discharge port facing region (53) and the first extension region (54a).
  • a plurality of discharge holes (50h) may be formed in each of the first extension region (54a) and the second extension region (54b) of the discharge panel (50). Accordingly, when the air conditioner (3) operates in the windless operation mode, air discharged from the discharge port (11b) may be discharged through a plurality of discharge holes (50h) formed in each of the first extension region (54a) and the second extension region (54b).
  • a part of the panel opening (55) may be formed as shown in Fig. 10.
  • air discharged from the discharge port (11b) may be discharged not only through the plurality of discharge holes (50h) formed in the second extension region (54b) flowing into the second extension region (54b), but also through the plurality of discharge holes (20h) formed in a part of the blade (20) covering a part of the second extension region (54b) corresponding to the panel opening (55).
  • the discharge port facing region (53) of the discharge panel (50) may correspond to a part of the first region (51) of the discharge panel (50) described above.
  • the first extended region (54a) of the extended region (54) of the discharge panel (50) may correspond to another part of the first region (51) of the discharge panel (50) described above.
  • the combined region of the discharge port facing region (53) of the discharge panel (50) and the first extended region (54a) may correspond to the first region (51).
  • the second extension region (54b) may correspond to the second region (52) of the discharge panel (50) described above.
  • the airflow discharged from the discharge port (11b) may flow to the extended area (54) at a rate relatively lower than the rate at which it flows to the area opposite the discharge port (53). Furthermore, the airflow discharged from the discharge port (11b) may flow to the second extended area (54b) at a rate lower than the rate at which it flows to the area opposite the discharge port (54a). In this case, a problem may occur in which the flow rate of the airflow discharged from the discharge panel (50) becomes uneven over the entire area of the discharge panel (50).
  • the cold air discharged from the discharge port (11b) may flow intensively to the area opposite the discharge port (53) of the discharge panel (50), and thus, problems such as dew forming in the area opposite the discharge port (53) of the discharge panel (50) and its surrounding areas may occur.
  • the exhaust port (11b) is provided at a biased position on one side of the housing (10), a problem may occur in which the airflow discharged from the exhaust port (11b) is not efficiently distributed over the entire area of the exhaust panel (50), and in particular, when the air conditioner (3) is in cooling operation, cold air may be concentrated in the first area (51) of the exhaust panel (50) (or the area opposite the exhaust port (53)), and a problem may occur in which dew forms on some areas of the exhaust panel (50) or the blades (20).
  • FIG. 11 is an enlarged view of a portion of a configuration of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.
  • FIG. 12 is a view illustrating a state in which cold air is discharged from an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.
  • an air conditioner (3) may include a guide rib (300).
  • the guide rib (300) may be provided to guide a portion of air discharged through the discharge port (11b) to a second region (52) of the discharge panel (50).
  • the guide rib (300) may be provided to guide a portion of air discharged through the discharge port (11b) toward an extension region (54).
  • the guide rib (300) may be provided to guide a portion of air discharged through the discharge port (11b) to a second portion (10b) of the housing (10).
  • the guide rib (300) can be arranged between the discharge port (11b) of the housing (10) and the discharge panel (50). Specifically, the guide rib (300) can be arranged between the first part (10a) of the housing (10) and the first area (51) of the discharge panel (50).
  • the guide rib (300) may be positioned forward (in the +X direction) of the discharge port (11b).
  • the guide rib (300) may be positioned rearward (in the -X direction) of the discharge panel (50).
  • the guide rib (300) may be arranged between the first part (10a) of the housing (10) and the first area (51) of the discharge panel (50), and may also be arranged between the second part (10b) and the second area (52).
  • the guide rib (300) may be arranged to guide a portion of the air discharged through the exhaust port (11b) to the second region (52) when the blade (20) is positioned at the first position (20A, see FIG. 13) covering the panel opening (55). Since most of the air discharged through the exhaust port (11b) can be discharged through the panel opening (55) when the blade (20) is positioned at the second position (20B, see FIG. 14) opening the panel opening (55) in the air conditioner (3), in this case, the flow rate ratio of the air guided to the second region (52) by the guide rib (300) may be relatively very small.
  • the air conditioner (3) may include a plurality of guide ribs (300).
  • the guide rib (300) may include a plurality of guide ribs (300).
  • Each of the plurality of guide ribs (300) may be arranged to guide a portion of the air discharged through the discharge port (11b) to the second region (52) of the discharge panel (50). Each of the plurality of guide ribs (300) may be arranged to guide a portion of the air discharged through the discharge port (11b) toward the extension region (54).
  • At least some of the plurality of guide ribs (300) may be arranged spaced apart from each other along the first direction (Z). As illustrated in FIGS. 11 and 12, at least some of the plurality of guide ribs (300) may be arranged spaced apart from each other along the vertical direction (up-down direction) of the housing (10).
  • the plurality of guide ribs (300) may include guide ribs (300a) of the first row and guide ribs (300b) of the second row.
  • the guide rib (300a) of the first row may be arranged to guide a portion of the air discharged through the discharge port (11b) to the second region (52) of the discharge panel (50).
  • the guide rib (300a) of the first row may be arranged to guide a portion of the air discharged through the discharge port (11b) toward a portion of the first extension region (54a) located on one side of the discharge port (11b) and the second extension region (54b).
  • the guide rib (300b) of the second row may be arranged to guide a portion of the air discharged through the discharge port (11b) to the second region (52) of the discharge panel (50).
  • the guide rib (300b) of the second row may be arranged to guide a portion of the air discharged through the discharge port (11b) toward a portion of the first extension region (54a) located on the other side of the discharge port (11b) and the second extension region (54b).
  • Each of the guide ribs (300a) included in the guide ribs (300a) of the first row can be arranged along the first direction (Z) with respect to each other.
  • each of the guide ribs (300a) included in the guide ribs (300a) of the first row can be arranged along the vertical direction of the housing (10).
  • Each of the guide ribs (300b) included in the guide ribs (300b) of the second row can be arranged along the first direction (Z) with respect to each other.
  • each of the guide ribs (300b) included in the guide ribs (300b) of the second row can be arranged along the vertical direction of the housing (10).
  • the guide ribs (300a) of the first row and the guide ribs (300b) of the second row may be arranged spaced apart from each other.
  • the guide ribs (300a) of the first row and the guide ribs (300b) of the second row may be arranged spaced apart from each other in the horizontal direction (Y) of the housing (10).
  • the guide rib (300a) of the first row can be arranged on one side of the two sides of the discharge port (11b) in the second direction (Y).
  • the guide rib (300b) of the second row can be arranged on the other side of the two sides of the discharge port (11b) in the second direction (Y).
  • the guide rib (300a) of the first row may be arranged on one side in the horizontal direction with respect to the discharge port (11b), and the guide rib (300b) of the second row may be arranged on the other side in the horizontal direction with respect to the discharge port (11b).
  • the exhaust port (11b) can be arranged between the guide rib (300a) of the first row and the guide rib (300b) of the second row.
  • the guide ribs (300a) of the first row may be arranged in the first part (10a) of the housing (10).
  • Each of the guide ribs (300a) included in the guide ribs (300a) of the first row may be arranged along the longitudinal direction of the discharge port (11b) in the first part (10a) of the housing (10).
  • this is not limited thereto, and some of the guide ribs (300a) of the first row may be arranged in the second part (10b) of the housing (10).
  • the guide ribs (300b) of the second row may be arranged in the first part (10a) of the housing (10).
  • Each of the guide ribs (300b) included in the guide ribs (300b) of the second row may be arranged along the longitudinal direction of the discharge port (11b) in the first part (10a) of the housing (10).
  • this is not limited thereto, and some of the guide ribs (300b) of the second row may be arranged in the second part (10b) of the housing (10).
  • the guide ribs (300a) of the first row and the guide ribs (300b) of the second row may be arranged symmetrically with respect to the discharge port (11b), but are not limited thereto.
  • FIGS. 11 and 12 only a plurality of guide ribs (300) arranged along two distinct rows are illustrated, but in an air conditioner according to one embodiment, a plurality of guide ribs may be arranged along three or more distinct rows, or may be arranged along only one row.
  • the guide rib (300) may be extended so that the distance from the first end (301) adjacent to the discharge port (11b) in the second direction (Y) becomes closer to the second portion (10b) of the housing (10) in the first direction (Z).
  • the guide rib (300) may be extended in a direction in which the second portion (10b) is positioned relative to the first portion (10a) in the first direction (Z) on the housing (10) as the distance from the discharge port (11b) in the second direction (Y). That is, the guide rib (300) may be arranged so that the distance from the second end (302) opposite to the first end (301) to the second portion (10b) of the housing (10) is closer than the distance from the first end (301) to the second portion (10b) of the housing (10).
  • the guide rib (300) may extend in a direction that becomes closer to the second region (52) of the discharge panel (50) in the first direction (Z) as the distance in the second direction (Y) from the first end (301) adjacent to the discharge port (11b) increases. That is, the guide rib (300) may be arranged such that the distance from the second end (302) opposite to the first end (301) to the second region (52) of the discharge panel (50) is shorter than the distance from the first end (301) to the second region (52) of the discharge panel (50).
  • the guide rib (300) may be extended so that the distance from the first end (301) adjacent to the discharge port (11b) in the second direction (Y) becomes longer, the closer the distance from the second extension region (54b) to the first direction (Z). That is, the guide rib (300) may be arranged so that the distance from the second end (302) opposite to the first end (301) to the second extension region (54b) is shorter than the distance from the first end (301) to the second extension region (54b).
  • the guide rib (300) may be positioned on one side of the discharge port (11b) in the second direction (Y).
  • the guide rib (300) may be arranged to guide a portion of the air discharged from the discharge port (11b) and flowing in the second direction (Y) in a direction inclined in the first direction (Z) with respect to the second direction (Y).
  • the guide rib (300) may be extended so that the distance from the first end (301) adjacent to the discharge port (11b) in the horizontal direction perpendicular to the vertical direction of the housing (10) increases, and the distance from the second portion (10b) of the housing (10) in the vertical direction decreases. More specifically, when the first portion (10a) of the housing (10) is positioned higher than the second portion (10b), the guide rib (300) may be formed to be inclined so as to face downward of the housing (10) as the distance from the discharge port (11b) in the horizontal direction of the housing (10) increases.
  • each guide rib (300a) included in the guide rib (300a) of the first row may extend in the -Z direction as it gets further away from the discharge port (11b) in the -Y direction.
  • each guide rib (300b) included in the guide rib (300b) of the second row may extend in the -Z direction as it gets further away from the discharge port (11b) in the +Y direction.
  • the guide rib (300) may be formed to protrude from the first portion (10a) of the housing (10) toward the discharge panel (50).
  • the guide rib (300) may be formed to protrude forward (in the +X direction) from the first portion (10a) of the housing (10).
  • An inclined surface (11s) may be provided on one side of the housing (10) facing the discharge panel (50). That is, an inclined surface (11s) facing the discharge panel (50) may be provided on the front panel (14).
  • the inclined surface (11s) may be provided on at least the first part (10a) of the housing (10), and may also be provided on the second part (10b) of the housing (10).
  • the inclined surface (11s) may be extended in a direction that gets closer to the discharge panel (50) as it gets farther away from the discharge port (11b) (see FIG. 13).
  • the inclined surface (11s) may be extended so that it gets closer to the discharge panel (50) in the third direction (X) as it gets farther away from the discharge port (11b) in the second direction (Y).
  • the inclined surface (11s) may be formed so as to extend forward as it gets farther away from the discharge port (11b) in the horizontal direction.
  • a portion of the air discharged from the discharge port (11b) can flow in the second direction (Y) along the inclined surface (11s) and be guided toward the first extension area (54a) of the discharge panel (50).
  • the guide rib (300) may be arranged on the inclined surface (11s).
  • the guide rib (300) may protrude from the inclined surface (11s) toward the discharge panel (50).
  • the guide rib (300) may provide an effect of guiding air flowing along the inclined surface (11s) more efficiently in the second direction (Y), and may also provide an effect of guiding air flowing along the inclined surface (11s) in the first direction (Z). That is, the guide rib (300) may be arranged to efficiently guide air flowing along the inclined surface (11s) to the first extension region (54a), and also guide a portion of the air to the second extension region (54b) (or the second region (52)).
  • the guide rib (300) may be formed integrally with the housing (10). Specifically, the guide rib (300) may be formed integrally with the front panel (14). However, this is not limited, and the guide rib (300) may be provided as a separate configuration distinct from the housing (10).
  • the guide rib (300) may be spaced apart from the back surface of the discharge panel (50). In this case, it is possible to prevent dew from forming as the guide rib (300) and the discharge panel (50) come into contact without blocking the air flow between the guide rib (300) and the discharge panel (50). However, this is not limited thereto, and the guide rib (300) and the discharge panel (50) may come into contact with each other.
  • the guide rib (300) can be arranged to change the direction of the airflow discharged from the discharge port (11b), and the airflow discharged from the discharge port (11b) can be efficiently distributed over the entire area of the discharge panel (50).
  • the guide rib (300) can prevent cold air from being concentrated and flowing in a specific area of the discharge panel (50) and the blade (20), and can prevent dew from forming.
  • the air conditioner (3) can form a path through which low-velocity airflow can efficiently flow by appropriately changing the direction of the airflow using the guide rib (300).
  • the description of the structure of the guide rib (300) described above with reference to FIGS. 11 and 12 is only an example of a guide rib that guides the airflow from the exhaust port in the air conditioner according to the concept of the present disclosure so that the airflow can be distributed to the entire area of the exhaust panel, and the concept of the present disclosure is not limited thereto.
  • the air conditioner according to the concept of the present disclosure may include guide ribs of various structures that can provide the above-described effect.
  • the number of guide ribs included in an air conditioner according to the invention is not limited to that shown in FIGS. 11 and 12.
  • the guide ribs included in the air conditioner according to the idea of the present disclosure may be arranged at various positions depending on the position where the discharge port is formed.
  • the air conditioner (3) may include only a single row of guide ribs (300) arranged on the other side among the two sides of the discharge port (11b) in the second direction (Y).
  • the air conditioner (3) may include a plurality of rows of guide ribs (300) arranged on all of the other sides among the two sides of the discharge port (11b) in the second direction (Y).
  • a panel opening may not be formed in the discharge panel.
  • a portion of the panel opening may not be formed in the discharge port-facing region of the discharge panel corresponding to the discharge port, and a plurality of discharge holes may be formed.
  • the air conditioner may include a guide rib provided to guide a portion of the air discharged from the discharge port.
  • a guide rib may be provided on a rear surface of the discharge panel.
  • the guide rib may be formed to protrude from the rear surface of the discharge panel toward the first portion of the housing.
  • the guide rib may be provided to be rotatable by the housing by receiving power from a driving source.
  • the control unit of the air conditioner can more efficiently control the direction of the air flow discharged from the exhaust port by rotating the guide rib based on preset conditions.
  • FIG. 13 is an enlarged view of a portion of a configuration in an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, with the blade in the first position.
  • FIG. 14 is an enlarged view of a portion of a configuration in an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, with the blade in the second position.
  • a blade (20) of an air conditioner (3) may be provided to be movable between a first position (20A) covering a panel opening (55) and a second position (20B) opening the panel opening (55).
  • the blade (20) may be provided to be able to move relative to the housing (10). Additionally, the blade (20) may be provided to be able to move relative to the discharge panel (50).
  • the blade (20) may be provided to be rotatably connected to the housing (10) between a first position (20A) and a second position (20B).
  • the blade (20) may be rotatably connected to the housing (10).
  • the panel opening (55) is covered by the blade (20), and the airflow from the discharge port (11b) can be discharged through the entire area of the discharge panel (50) and the blade (20).
  • the air flowing by the fan (210) may have a tendency to flow so as to be discharged forward (in the +X direction) through the exhaust port (11b).
  • the air discharged through the exhaust port (11b) may have a tendency to flow toward the blade (20).
  • the air discharged through the exhaust port (11b) may be dispersed by using a structure such as a guide rib (300) or an inclined surface (11s).
  • the air conditioner (3) may further include a guide panel (400).
  • the guide panel (400) may be provided to guide a portion of the airflow discharged through the discharge port (11b) to the discharge panel (50) when the blade (20) is positioned at the first position (20A).
  • the guide panel (400) may be provided to guide a portion of the airflow discharged through the discharge port (11b) to a plurality of discharge holes (50h) formed in the discharge panel (50) when the blade (20) is positioned at the first position (20A).
  • the guide panel (400) may be placed between the exhaust port (11b) and the blade (20) when the blade (20) is positioned at the first position (20A). When the blade (20) is positioned at the first position (20A), a portion of the air discharged from the exhaust port (11b) may first reach the guide panel (400) before reaching the blade (20).
  • the guide panel (400) can be arranged parallel to the blade (20) when the blade (20) is positioned at the first position (20A).
  • the guide panel (400) can block a portion of the airflow flowing from the exhaust port (11b) toward the blade (20) when the blade (20) is positioned at the first position (20A).
  • the guide panel (400) may be arranged to block and disperse a portion of the airflow flowing from the discharge port (11b) toward the blade (20).
  • the guide panel (400) may guide a portion of the airflow in the second direction (Y) and cause it to flow into a plurality of discharge holes (50h) formed in the discharge panel (50).
  • the guide panel (400) may guide a portion of the airflow to flow in the horizontal direction of the housing (10).
  • the guide panel (400) can guide the airflow discharged from the discharge port (11b) and efficiently distribute it over the entire area of the discharge panel (50) and the blade (20).
  • the guide panel (400) may be provided to be rotatable with respect to the housing (10).
  • the guide panel (400) may be arranged to cover the discharge port (11b) to the maximum width when the blade (20) is positioned at the first position (20A) and to block the airflow from the discharge port (11b) to the blade (20) to the maximum width (see FIG. 13).
  • the guide panel (400) may cover the discharge port (11b) to a narrower width than the above case when the blade (20) is positioned at the second position (20B) (FIG. 14).
  • the guide panel (400) may be provided to be rotatable with respect to the housing (10) as the blade (20) rotates between the first position (20A) and the second position (20B).
  • the guide panel (400) is arranged parallel to the blade (20) at the second position (20B), so that the direction of the airflow from the exhaust port (11b) can be guided parallel to the blade (20).
  • the guide panel (400) is rotatable in conjunction with the blade (20) in this way, when the blade (20) opens the panel opening (55), the airflow can be efficiently discharged through the panel opening (55). In addition, the direction of the airflow discharged through the panel opening (55) can be guided by the guide panel (400) as well as the blade (20).
  • a portion of the guide panel (400) may be positioned between the first portion (10a) of the housing (10) and the first area (51) of the discharge panel (50). Another portion of the guide panel (400) may be positioned between the second portion (10b) of the housing (10) and the second area (52) of the discharge panel (50).
  • the guide panel (400) may be formed to have a substantially flat plate shape.
  • the guide panel (400) may extend in a direction parallel to the direction in which the blade (20) and the panel opening (55) extend (for example, in the first direction (Z)).
  • the guide panel (400) can be provided so that the direction of the airflow discharged from the discharge port (11b) can be changed, and the airflow discharged from the discharge port (11b) can be efficiently distributed over the entire area of the discharge panel (50) and the blade (20).
  • the guide panel (400) can prevent cold air from being concentrated and flowing in a specific area of the discharge panel (50) and the blade (20), and can prevent dew from forming.
  • the air conditioner (3) can form a path through which low-velocity airflow can efficiently flow by appropriately changing the direction of the airflow using the guide panel (400).
  • FIG. 15 is an enlarged view of some components, such as blades and guide panels, of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.
  • FIG. 16 is an enlarged view of some components, such as blades and guide panels, of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.
  • an air conditioner (3) may include a rotation link (610) connecting a blade (20) and a guide panel (400).
  • the rotation link (610) may be provided so that the blade (20) and the guide panel (400) rotate in conjunction with each other.
  • the blade (20) may be provided to receive rotational power from a blade motor (M) provided in the housing (10).
  • the blade (20) may include a first housing coupling portion (21) that is rotatably coupled with respect to the housing (10).
  • the first housing coupling portion (21) may be connected to the blade motor (M).
  • the blade (20) may receive power from the blade motor (M) through the first housing coupling portion (21).
  • the blade (20) may be provided to be rotatable about a first rotational axis (R1) with respect to the housing (10).
  • the first rotational axis (R1) may be parallel to the first direction (Z).
  • the blade (20) may include a first rotation link coupling portion (23) rotatably coupled to a rotation link (610).
  • the rotation link (610) may be rotatably coupled to the blade (20) by the first rotation link coupling portion (23).
  • the rotation link (610) may rotate together with the rotation of the blade (20).
  • the rotation link (610) may rotate about a rotation axis parallel to a first rotation axis (R1) relative to the blade (20), which may be a rotation axis parallel to the first direction (Z).
  • the guide panel (400) may include a second housing coupling portion (410) that is rotatably coupled to the housing (10).
  • the guide panel (400) may be provided to be rotatably coupled to the housing (10) about a second rotation axis (R2).
  • the second rotation axis (R2) may be parallel to the first rotation axis (R1).
  • the second rotation axis (R2) may be parallel to the first direction (Z).
  • the guide panel (400) may include a second rotation link coupling portion (420) rotatably coupled to the rotation link (610).
  • the rotation link (620) may be rotatably coupled to the guide panel (400) by the second rotation link coupling portion (420).
  • the rotation link (610) may rotate about a rotation axis parallel to the second rotation axis (R2) with respect to the guide panel (400), which may be a rotation axis parallel to the first direction (Z).
  • Fig. 15 an embodiment is illustrated in which the blade motor (M) is placed at the bottom of the housing (10), but this is not limited thereto, and the blade motor (M) may be placed at various locations, such as the upper portion of the housing (10).
  • the blade (20) may be rotatably coupled to the upper and lower parts of the housing (10), respectively.
  • the guide panel (400) may be rotatably coupled to the upper and lower parts of the housing (10), respectively.
  • the rotation link (610) may be positioned at the upper and lower parts of the housing (10), respectively.
  • the present invention is not limited thereto, and the rotation link (610) may be positioned only at the lower part of the housing (10), only at the upper part of the housing (10), or at any other location, and may provide the effect of linking the rotation of the blade (20) and the guide panel (400).
  • the structure of the rotary link (610) described above is only an example of a structure in which the blade and the guide panel are provided to be rotatable in conjunction with each other in an air conditioner according to the concept of the present disclosure, and the concept of the present disclosure is not limited thereto.
  • the air conditioner (3) may include a fixed link (620) connecting the blade (20) and the guide panel (400).
  • the fixed link (620) may rotatably support the blade (20) and the guide panel (400) relative to the housing (10).
  • the fixed link (620) can maintain a fixed position with respect to the housing (10).
  • the fixed link (620) can be fixed to the front panel (14) of the housing (10).
  • the fixed link (620) can be formed integrally with the front panel (14).
  • the fixed link (620) can be connected to the front panel (14) at the edge portion of the discharge port (11b).
  • the blade (20) may be provided to be rotatable relative to the fixed link (620).
  • the blade (20) may include a first fixed link coupling portion (24) that is rotatably coupled to the fixed link (620).
  • the blade (20) may be rotatable relative to the fixed link (620) about a rotation axis parallel to the first rotation axis (R1) described above, which may be a rotation axis parallel to the first direction (Z).
  • the guide panel (400) may be provided to be rotatable relative to the fixed link (620).
  • the guide panel (400) may include a second fixed link coupling portion (430) that is rotatably coupled to the fixed link (620).
  • the guide panel (400) may be rotatable relative to the fixed link (620) about a rotation axis parallel to the second rotation axis (R2) described above, which may be a rotation axis parallel to the first direction (Z).
  • the blade (20) and the guide panel (400) can be stably supported with respect to the housing (10).
  • a plurality of fixed links (620) may be provided.
  • Each of the plurality of fixed links (620) may be provided in the first part (10a) and the second part (10b) of the housing (10).
  • the number and arrangement of the fixed links (620) are not limited thereto.
  • the structure of the fixed link (620) described above is only an example of a structure in which the blades and the guide panel are respectively rotatably supported with respect to the housing in an air conditioner according to the concept of the present disclosure, and the concept of the present disclosure is not limited thereto.
  • the guide panel may be configured to be rotatable by directly receiving driving force from the motor, and the blade may be configured to receive driving force through a rotation link connecting the guide panel and the blade and rotate in conjunction with the rotation of the guide panel.
  • the blade and the guide panel may be independently transmitted driving force to rotate. In this case, the same effect as the blade and the guide panel rotating in conjunction with each other can be provided by appropriately controlling the respective driving sources of the blade and the guide panel.
  • FIG. 17 is an enlarged view of a portion of a configuration of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, with the blade in the second position.
  • FIG. 18 is a view illustrating a portion of a housing, an insulating member, etc. of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.
  • an air conditioner (3) may include an insulating member (500).
  • the edge of the discharge port (11b) of the housing (10) may be continuously exposed to cold air. In this case, problems such as dew forming on the edge of the discharge port (11b) may occur.
  • an insulating member (500) may be attached to the housing (10) along the edge of the discharge port (11b).
  • the insulating member (500) may be configured to include a material having lower thermal conductivity than the material constituting the housing (10).
  • the material constituting the insulating member (500) may have lower thermal conductivity than at least the material constituting the edge portion of the discharge port (11b) among the housing (10).
  • the housing (10) may be configured to include various plastic materials having a predetermined rigidity.
  • the insulating member (500) may be configured to include expanded polypropylene (EPP, Expanded Polypropylene) material.
  • EPP expanded polypropylene
  • the present invention is not limited thereto, and the housing (10) and the insulating member (500) may be configured to include various materials under the premise that the insulating member (500) has lower thermal conductivity than the housing (10).
  • the insulating member (500) may include an opening (510) provided corresponding to the exhaust port (11b).
  • the insulating member (500) may be formed in the shape of a closed loop having approximately the opening (510).
  • the insulation member (500) is attached to the edge of the discharge port (11b) in this way, the area between the edge of the discharge port (11b) and the cold air can be insulated, and dew can be prevented from forming around the discharge port (11b).
  • air flowing from the inlet (11a) to the outlet (11b) may be biased toward one side (the +Y direction based on the drawing) due to centrifugal force. If the cold air flows while being biased toward one side, the degree of interference with the panel opening edge portion (50e) may increase further, which is problematic.
  • the air conditioner (3) may include an exhaust guide (520) provided to guide airflow discharged through the exhaust port (11b).
  • the exhaust guide (520) may prevent airflow flowing from the exhaust port (11b) toward the panel opening (55) when the blade (20) is positioned at the second position (20B) from interfering with the panel opening edge portion (50e) of the exhaust panel (50).
  • the exhaust guide (520) may be provided at the edge of the exhaust port (11b).
  • the exhaust guide (520) may extend toward the central axis of the panel opening (55) as it gets closer to the exhaust panel (50). As illustrated in FIG. 17, the exhaust guide (520) may extend in a direction inclined at a predetermined angle (a1) with respect to the front-rear direction (X) of the housing (10).
  • the exhaust guide (520) may be provided on one side of the edge of the opening (510) of the insulating member (500). That is, the exhaust guide (520) may be a configuration included in the insulating member (500). In this case, the exhaust guide (520) may extend in a direction that gets closer to the center of the opening (510) of the insulating member (500) as it gets closer to the discharge panel (50).
  • the exhaust guide (520) can guide the airflow flowing toward the panel opening (55) in a direction away from the panel opening (55). Accordingly, it is possible to prevent dew from forming on the panel opening edge portion (50e) of the exhaust panel (50) due to interference of cold air.
  • exhaust guide (520) may be configured separately from the insulating member (500).
  • FIG. 19 is a drawing illustrating a part of a configuration of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.
  • an air conditioner (3-1) may include a housing (10-1). Although not shown in FIG. 19, the air conditioner (3-1) may include a discharge panel covering one side of the housing (10-1), and the structure or characteristics of the discharge panel of the air conditioner (3-1) correspond to the discharge panel (50) described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 18, and therefore, a detailed description thereof will be omitted.
  • the housing (10-1) may include an exhaust port (11b) formed so that air that is introduced from indoors and exchanged with the heat exchanger is discharged from the housing (10-1).
  • the housing (10-1) may include a first portion (10a-1) in which a discharge port (11b) is formed and a second portion (10b-1) disposed on one side of the first portion (10a-1).
  • the first portion (10a-1) and the second portion (10b-1) of the housing (10) may be portions each defined on one side of the housing (10-1) facing the discharge panel.
  • the second part (10b-1) of the housing (10-1) can be positioned on one side in the first direction (Z) with respect to the first part (10a-1). That is, the first part (10a-1) and the second part (10b-1) of the housing (10-1) can be positioned relative to each other in the first direction (Z).
  • the first part (10a-1) and the second part (10b-1) of the housing (10-1) can be provided so that their positions on the Z-axis extending in the first direction (Z) are different from each other.
  • the second portion (10b-1) of the housing (10-1) may be positioned higher than the first portion (10a-1).
  • the compressor may be placed at the upper portion of the air conditioner (3-1), and the heat exchanger may be located below the compressor.
  • the fan assembly may be located below the compressor.
  • the flow path extending from the inlet to the outlet (11b-1) may be located above the compressor.
  • the outlet (11b-1) may be positioned closer to the lower portion than the upper portion of the air conditioner (3-1), and correspondingly, the second portion (10b-1) of the housing (10-1) may be positioned higher than the first portion (10a-1).
  • the air conditioner (3-1) may include a guide rib (300-1) provided to guide a portion of the airflow discharged through the discharge port (11b-1).
  • the guide rib (300-1) may be provided to guide a portion of the air discharged through the discharge port (11b-1) to the second portion (10b) of the housing (10).
  • the guide rib (300-1) can guide a portion of the air discharged through the discharge port (11b-1) to flow upward (in the +Z direction).
  • the guide rib (300-1) can guide a portion of the air discharged through the discharge port (11b-1) to flow in the horizontal direction (in the +Y direction, -Y direction).
  • the guide rib (300-1) may be extended so that the distance from the first end (301-1) adjacent to the discharge port (11b-1) in the second direction (Y) becomes closer to the second portion (10b-1) of the housing (10-1) in the first direction (Z).
  • the guide rib (300-1) may be extended so that the distance from the discharge port (11b-1) in the second direction (Y) becomes closer to the second portion (10b-1) of the housing (10-1) in the first direction (Z).
  • the guide rib (300-1) may be arranged so that the distance from the second end (302-1) opposite the first end (301-1) to the second part (10b-1) of the housing (10-1) is shorter than the distance from the first end (301-1) to the second part (10b-1) of the housing (10-1).
  • the guide rib (300-1) may be provided to guide a portion of the air discharged from the discharge port (11b-1) and flowing in the second direction (Y) in a direction inclined upward (+Z direction) in the first direction with respect to the second direction (Y).
  • the guide rib (300-1) may be formed to be inclined so as to face upward (+Z direction) of the housing (10-1) as it moves away from the discharge port (11b-1) in the horizontal direction of the housing (10-1).
  • An inclined surface (11s-1) may be provided on one side of the housing (10-1) facing the discharge panel.
  • the inclined surface (11s-1) may be provided on at least a first portion (10a-1) of the housing (10-1) and may also be provided on a second portion (10b-1) of the housing (10-1).
  • the inclined surface (11s-1) may extend in a direction closer to the discharge panel as it gets farther away from the discharge port (11b-1).
  • the inclined surface (11s-1) may be formed to extend forward as it gets farther away from the discharge port (11b-1) in the horizontal direction.
  • the guide rib (300-1) may be arranged on the inclined surface (11s-1).
  • the guide rib (300-1) may protrude from the inclined surface (11s-1) toward the discharge panel (50-1).
  • the guide rib (300-1) may provide an effect of guiding air flowing along the inclined surface (11s-1) more efficiently in the second direction (Y), and may also provide an effect of guiding air flowing along the inclined surface (11s-1) upward in the first direction (Z).
  • the description of the structure of the guide rib (300-1) and the effect provided thereby corresponds to the description of the structure and effect of the guide rib (300) described in FIGS. 1 to 18, so a detailed description is omitted.
  • FIGS. 9 to 19 an embodiment is described in which the second part (10b, 10b-1) of the housing (10, 10-1) is positioned on one side in the Z direction (vertical direction of the air conditioner (3, 3-1)) with respect to the first part (10a, 10a-1), but the concept of the present disclosure is not limited thereto.
  • the second part of the housing can be positioned on one side in various directions, such as on one side in the Y direction (horizontal direction of the air conditioner) with respect to the first part, and the position or shape of the guide rib can be changed accordingly.
  • an integrated type air conditioner (3, 3-1) in which components for exchanging heat with indoor air and components for exchanging heat with outdoor air are accommodated in one housing (10, 10-1) has been described as an example with reference to FIGS. 1 to 19, but the idea of the present disclosure can also be applied to an indoor unit of a split-type air conditioner in which the indoor unit and the outdoor unit are configured separately.
  • An air conditioner comprises a housing (10) including a first portion (10a) in which an outlet (11b) is formed and a second portion (10b) arranged on one side of the first portion in a first direction (Z), a heat exchanger (60) arranged inside the housing and configured to exchange heat with indoor air, a fan (210) arranged inside the housing and configured to flow air that has exchanged heat with the heat exchanger to the outlet, a discharge panel (50) covering the first portion (10a) and the second portion (10b) of the housing, each having a smaller size than the outlet and configured to discharge air flowing from the outlet, in a first region (51) corresponding to the first portion and a second region (52) corresponding to the second portion, respectively, of which a plurality of discharge holes (50h) are formed, and a guide arranged between the first portion and the first region and configured to guide a portion of air discharged through the outlet to the second region.
  • the air conditioner may be arranged to change the direction of the airflow discharged from the discharge port (11b) by including the guide rib (300).
  • the airflow discharged from the discharge port (11b) by the guide rib (300) can be efficiently distributed over the entire area of the discharge panel (50).
  • the guide rib (300) can prevent cold air from being concentrated and flowing in a specific area of the discharge panel (50) and the blade (20), and can prevent dew from forming.
  • the air conditioner (3) can form a path through which the airflow with a low wind speed can efficiently flow by appropriately changing the direction of the airflow by using the guide rib (300).
  • the above guide rib (300) can be extended so that the distance from the end (301) adjacent to the discharge port (11b) in the second direction (Y) orthogonal to the first direction becomes longer, and the distance from the second portion (10b) in the first direction (Z) becomes shorter.
  • the first part (10a) may be positioned higher than the second part (10b).
  • the guide rib (300) may be formed to be inclined downward as it moves away from the discharge port in the horizontal direction of the housing.
  • the above guide rib may include a plurality of guide ribs. At least some of the plurality of guide ribs may be arranged spaced apart from each other along the first direction (Z).
  • the plurality of guide ribs may include a first row of guide ribs (300a) arranged along the first direction, and a second row of guide ribs (300b) arranged spaced apart from the first row of guide ribs and arranged along the first direction.
  • the discharge port (11b) may be arranged between the first row of guide ribs (300a) and the second row of guide ribs (300b).
  • the guide rib (300a) of the first row may be arranged on one side of the discharge port (11b) in the second direction (Y) orthogonal to the first direction.
  • the guide rib (300b) of the second row may be arranged on the other side of the discharge port (11b) in the second direction (Y).
  • the above guide rib (300) can protrude from the first part (10a) of the housing toward the discharge panel (50).
  • the first part (10a) of the housing may be provided with an inclined surface (11s) that faces the discharge panel and extends in a direction that gets closer to the discharge panel as it gets farther away from the discharge port.
  • the guide rib may be arranged on the inclined surface.
  • the above discharge panel may further include a panel opening (55) having a size larger than each of the plurality of discharge holes (50h).
  • the air conditioner may further include a blade (20) that is provided to be rotatable relative to the housing between a first position (20A) that covers the panel opening and a second position (20B) that opens the panel opening.
  • the guide rib (300) may guide a portion of air discharged through the discharge port to the second region (52) when the blade is positioned at the first position (20A).
  • the air conditioner may further include a guide panel (400) that is provided to be rotatable with respect to the housing (10).
  • the guide panel (400) may be provided to be arranged parallel to the blade (20) between the discharge port (11b) and the blade (20) when the blade is positioned at the first position (20A), and to guide a portion of the airflow discharged through the discharge port to the discharge panel (50).
  • the air conditioner may be provided to change the direction of the airflow discharged from the discharge port (11b) by including the guide panel (400).
  • the guide panel (400) the airflow discharged from the discharge port (11b) can be efficiently distributed over the entire area of the discharge panel (50) and the blade (20).
  • the guide panel (400) can prevent cold air from being concentrated and flowing in a specific area of the exhaust panel (50) and blade (20), and can prevent dew from forming.
  • the air conditioner (3) can form a path through which low-velocity air can flow efficiently by appropriately changing the direction of the airflow using the guide panel (400).
  • a part of the guide panel (400) may be positioned between the first part (10a) of the housing and the first area (51) of the discharge panel. Another part of the guide panel (400) may be positioned between the second part (10b) of the housing and the second area (52) of the discharge panel.
  • the blade (20) may be provided to be rotatable about a first rotation axis (R1) with respect to the housing.
  • the guide panel (400) may be provided to be rotatable about a second rotation axis (R2) parallel to the first rotation axis with respect to the housing in conjunction with the rotation of the blade.
  • the air conditioner may further include links (610, 620) that connect the blade (20) and the guide panel (400) and are rotatably coupled to the blade and the guide panel, respectively.
  • the air conditioner may further include an exhaust guide (520) provided at a perimeter portion of the exhaust port (11b) and configured to guide airflow discharged through the exhaust port.
  • the exhaust guide (520) may extend toward the central axis of the panel opening (55) as it gets closer to the exhaust panel (50) so as to prevent airflow flowing from the exhaust port (11b) toward the panel opening (55) from interfering with the perimeter portion (50e) of the panel opening (55) of the exhaust panel (50) when the blade is positioned at the second position (20B).
  • the air conditioner may include the exhaust guide (520) to prevent dew from forming on the exhaust panel (50) as cold air flowing toward the panel opening (55) interferes with the perimeter portion (50e) of the panel opening (55) of the exhaust panel (50).
  • the above insulating member (500) may include an opening (510) provided to correspond to the discharge port, and an exhaust port guide (520) provided on one side of the edge of the opening and extending in a direction closer to the center of the opening as it approaches the discharge panel and provided to guide airflow discharged through the discharge port.
  • An air conditioner comprises a housing (10) including a first portion (10a) in which an outlet (11b) is formed and a second portion (10b) positioned on one side of the first portion in a first direction (Z), a heat exchanger (60) disposed in the housing and arranged to exchange heat with indoor air, a fan (210) arranged to cause air exchanged with the heat exchanger to flow to the outlet, a discharge panel (50) covering the first portion and the second portion and fixed to the housing, and having a panel opening (55) and a plurality of discharge holes (50h) positioned in an outer peripheral direction of the panel opening and having a smaller size than the panel opening, a blade (20) positioned rotatably with respect to the housing between a first position (20A) covering the panel opening and a second position (20B) opening the panel opening, and a second portion (10b) positioned on one side of the outlet (11b) in a second direction (Y) different from the first direction,
  • the second portion (10b) may include a guide
  • the above guide rib may include a plurality of guide ribs (300) arranged along the first direction (Z) in the first portion (10a).
  • the air conditioner may further include a guide panel (400) that is provided to be rotatable relative to the housing as the blade rotates between the first position and the second position.
  • the guide panel may be provided to be arranged parallel to the blade between the discharge port and the blade when the blade is positioned at the first position (20A), and to guide a portion of the airflow discharged through the discharge port to the plurality of discharge holes (50h).
  • An air conditioner may include a housing (10) including an inlet (11a) and an outlet (11b), a heat exchanger (60) disposed in the housing and configured to exchange heat with indoor air, a fan (210) disposed in the housing and configured to cause air that has exchanged heat with the heat exchanger to flow to the outlet, a discharge panel (50) having a plurality of discharge holes (50h) each having a smaller size than the outlet and disposed on one side of the outlet, the discharge panel including an outlet-facing region (53) disposed at a position corresponding to the outlet and an extension region (54) disposed at a position further from the outlet than a distance from the outlet to the outlet-facing region, and a guide rib (300) disposed between the discharge panel (50) and the outlet (11b) and configured to guide a portion of air discharged through the outlet (11b) toward the extension region (54).
  • a housing 10) including an inlet (11a) and an outlet (11b), a heat exchanger (60) disposed in the housing and configured
  • the above extension region (54) may include a first extension region (54a) extending in a first direction (Y) from the discharge port-facing region (53), and a second extension region (54b) extending in a second direction (Z) orthogonal to the first direction from the discharge port-facing region (53) and the first extension region (54a).
  • the guide rib (300) may be extended such that as the distance from one end (301) adjacent to the discharge port in the first direction (Y) increases, the distance between the second extension region (54b) and the second direction (Z) decreases.
  • the air conditioner can form a path through which low-velocity airflow can flow efficiently by appropriately changing the direction of the airflow including a guide rib.
  • the air conditioner can form a path through which low-velocity airflow can flow efficiently by appropriately changing the direction of the airflow by including a guide panel.
  • an air conditioner may be provided with a guide rib to efficiently change the direction of airflow discharged from an outlet.
  • an air conditioner can be provided such that the direction of airflow discharged from an outlet is efficiently changed by including a guide panel.
  • an air conditioner may be provided with a guide rib to efficiently distribute airflow discharged from an outlet.
  • an air conditioner may be provided with a guide panel to efficiently distribute airflow discharged from an outlet.
  • the guide ribs when the air conditioner is in cooling operation, can prevent cold air from flowing and concentrating in a specific area of the discharge panel and blades, and can prevent dew from forming.
  • the guide panel when the air conditioner is in cooling operation, can prevent cold air from flowing and concentrating in a specific area of the exhaust panel and blades, and can prevent dew from forming.
  • the air conditioner can prevent condensation on the exhaust panel by cold air flowing toward the panel opening, including an exhaust guide.
  • the air conditioner can prevent dew from forming around an outlet by including an insulating member.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Air Filters, Heat-Exchange Apparatuses, And Housings Of Air-Conditioning Units (AREA)
  • Air Conditioning Control Device (AREA)

Abstract

La présente invention propose un climatiseur. Le climatiseur comprend : un logement comprenant une première partie dans laquelle un orifice d'évacuation est formé, et une seconde partie disposée sur un côté de la première partie dans une première direction ; un échangeur de chaleur qui est disposé dans le logement et qui échange de la chaleur avec de l'air intérieur ; un ventilateur qui est disposé dans le logement, et qui amène l'air ayant subi un échange de chaleur avec l'échangeur de chaleur à circuler vers l'orifice d'évacuation ; un panneau d'évacuation qui recouvre la première partie et la seconde partie du logement et dans lequel une pluralité de trous d'évacuation, chacun présentant une taille inférieure à celle de l'orifice d'évacuation et permettant à l'air circulant depuis l'orifice d'évacuation d'être évacué, sont formés dans chacune d'une première région correspondant à la première partie et d'une seconde région correspondant à la seconde partie ; et des nervures de guidage qui sont agencées entre la première partie et la première région, et qui guident, vers la seconde région, une partie de l'air évacué à travers l'orifice d'évacuation.
PCT/KR2024/003092 2023-04-20 2024-03-11 Climatiseur Ceased WO2024219659A2 (fr)

Priority Applications (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP24792846.8A EP4667837A4 (fr) 2023-04-20 2024-03-11 Climatiseur
US19/332,858 US20260071764A1 (en) 2023-04-20 2025-09-18 Air conditioner

Applications Claiming Priority (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
KR10-2023-0052257 2023-04-20
KR20230052257 2023-04-20
KR1020230086126A KR20240155697A (ko) 2023-04-20 2023-07-03 공기조화기
KR10-2023-0086126 2023-07-03

Related Child Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US19/332,858 Continuation US20260071764A1 (en) 2023-04-20 2025-09-18 Air conditioner

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2024219659A2 true WO2024219659A2 (fr) 2024-10-24
WO2024219659A3 WO2024219659A3 (fr) 2025-06-26

Family

ID=93152984

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/KR2024/003092 Ceased WO2024219659A2 (fr) 2023-04-20 2024-03-11 Climatiseur

Country Status (3)

Country Link
US (1) US20260071764A1 (fr)
EP (1) EP4667837A4 (fr)
WO (1) WO2024219659A2 (fr)

Family Cites Families (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
KR100584296B1 (ko) * 2003-10-09 2006-05-26 엘지전자 주식회사 공기 조화기 실내기의 오리피스 장착구조
KR100888875B1 (ko) * 2007-12-12 2009-03-17 위니아만도 주식회사 공기조화기의 실내기
KR102645875B1 (ko) * 2016-10-21 2024-03-11 삼성전자주식회사 공기조화기
CN115046304B (zh) * 2017-01-04 2023-11-28 美的集团股份有限公司 齿条和空调柜机
KR102531649B1 (ko) * 2018-01-17 2023-05-11 삼성전자주식회사 공기조화기
KR102732456B1 (ko) * 2019-04-10 2024-11-21 삼성전자주식회사 공기조화기
KR20220167149A (ko) * 2021-06-11 2022-12-20 삼성전자주식회사 공기조화기

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP4667837A2 (fr) 2025-12-24
EP4667837A4 (fr) 2026-04-29
WO2024219659A3 (fr) 2025-06-26
US20260071764A1 (en) 2026-03-12

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