Patent Application
20250172317
This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119 to Korean Application No. 10-2023-0170003, filed in Korea on Nov. 29, 2023, whose entire disclosure is hereby incorporated by reference.
An air conditioner is disclosed herein.
An air conditioner may supply heat-exchanged air to an indoor space so as to control a temperature of the indoor space. A wall-mounted air conditioner may have an outlet that is opened toward a front or bottom. As a structure in which only one outlet is provided may not cover a wide area, it is difficult to achieve user satisfaction in terms of comfort. That is, if the outlet is formed in the front, it is difficult to form a direct airflow that is discharged toward the bottom of the air conditioner. If the outlet is formed in the bottom, it is difficult to deliver air to a distant area in front.
Korean Patent Publication No. KR 2020-0095936, which is hereby incorporated by reference, discloses structure of an air conditioner in which two outlets are formed. However, in the structure of the above document, a separate structure is required to open and close each of the two outlets. In addition, a distance that air may flow forward may be structurally limited.
Embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the following drawings in which like reference numerals refer to like elements, and wherein:
Advantages of embodiments will be more clearly understood from the following description when taken conjointly with the accompanying drawings. The embodiments may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to only the embodiments set forth herein. These embodiments are provided solely to ensure that this disclosure is complete and will fully convey the scope to those skilled in the art. The embodiments are defined solely by the claims. The same or like reference numerals are used throughout the drawings to designate the same or similar components.
Hereinafter, air conditioners according to embodiments disclosed herein will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
Referring to
A display 170 may be disposed on a front surface of the casing 10.
A suction grill 20 may be disposed on an upper side of the casing 10. The suction grill 20 may be detachably disposed on the casing 10.
The suction grill 20 may be disposed on the upper side of the casing 10 where the inlet 12 is formed. The suction grill 20 may include a plurality of ribs 22 that extends in a leftward-rightward or sideways lateral direction or in a frontward-backward direction.
A mesh 24 may be disposed in the suction grill 20 to filter out foreign substances in the air introduced into the inlet 12. The mesh 24 may be disposed between the plurality of ribs 22.
A structure of the air conditioner will be described with reference to
The display 170 may be disposed on the front surface of the casing 10. The display 170 may display information, such as an operating state of the air conditioner or a temperature of the indoor space.
The suction grill 20 may have a shape that protrudes upward. Thus, when viewing the casing 10 from the front, it may have a structure in which a side of the suction grill 20 is exposed.
The first outlet 36 may be disposed on a lower portion of the front surface of the casing 10. The front vane 40 may be disposed in the first outlet 36. The front vane 40 may be fixedly disposed on a side of the casing 10. Therefore, the front vane 40 may guide air flowing to the first outlet 36 in one or a first direction.
The discharge cover 30 may be disposed in the casing 10 to form the first outlet 36. The discharge cover 30 may be disposed in the casing 10 forming the front surface. The discharge cover 30 may have a structure disposed inside of the casing 10. The discharge cover 30 may form the first outlet 36 that is formed in the leftward-rightward direction. The front vane 40 may be disposed on the discharge cover 30.
A lower configuration of the air conditioner will be described with reference to
The air conditioner may include a lower cover 46. The lower cover 46 may be disposed on an open lower side of the casing 10. A second outlet 48 may be formed between the lower cover 46 and the casing 10. A first vane 120 may be disposed between the lower cover 46 and the casing 10 to open or close the second outlet 48. The second outlet 48 may be formed in front of the lower cover 46. Depending on a position or arrangement of vane 120, 130, the second outlet 48 may be opened or closed.
An entire configuration of the air conditioner will be schematically described with reference to
The air conditioner may include the casing 10 that defines the external appearance thereof. The casing 10 may have a structure that covers the front surface and both sides thereof. The casing 10 may be open at the lower side thereof.
The casing 10 may have a structure that is open at the upper side thereof. The casing 10 may form the inlet 12 on the upper surface thereof. An upper rib 14 may be disposed on the upper surface of the casing 10. The upper rib 14 may maintain a position of the suction grill 20.
The casing 10 may include the first outlet 36 at the front. The discharge cover 30, in which the first outlet 36, is formed may be disposed on the front of the casing 10. The discharge cover 30 may also be formed integrally with the casing 10.
The casing 10 may have a shape that is open at a rear thereof. The casing 10 may define a space in which the fan 50 and the heat exchanger 70 are disposed.
The air conditioner may include the suction grill 20 that is disposed in the inlet 12 of the casing 10. The plurality of ribs 22 may be arranged in the suction grill 20 to extend in the leftward-rightward direction or the frontward-backward direction. The mesh 24 may be disposed between the plurality of ribs 22. The suction grill 20 may be disposed above the upper rib 14 that is formed in the casing 10.
The air conditioner may include the discharge cover 30 that forms the first outlet 36. The discharge cover 30 may be fixedly disposed on the front surface of the casing 10. The first outlet 36 may be formed in the discharge cover 30 to extend in the leftward-rightward direction.
A plurality of front ribs 38 is disposed in the discharge cover 30 to extend in a vertical direction and is spaced apart from each other in the leftward-rightward direction. The front ribs 38 may be connected to the front vane 40. The front ribs 38 may maintain a position of the front vane 40.
The air conditioner may include the front vane 40 that guides a direction of the air discharged through the first outlet 36. The front vane 40 may be fixedly disposed on the discharge cover 30. The front vane 40 may be fixedly disposed in the casing 10.
The front vane 40 may have a structure connected to each of the plurality of front ribs 38 of the discharge cover 30. The front vane 40 may direct the air flowing to the first outlet 36 in a direction horizontal to the ground or upward with respect the direction horizontal to the ground.
The air conditioner may include the lower cover 46 disposed on the lower surface of the casing 10. The lower cover 46 may be disposed to cover a portion of the open lower side of the casing 10. The second outlet 48 may be formed in the lower cover 46.
The lower cover 46 may be detachably disposed on the casing 10. The lower cover 46 may be fixedly disposed in the casing 10 or an inner body 80, which will be described hereinafter. The lower cover 46 may be in the shape of a “U”-shaped plate. The second outlet 48 may be formed between the casing 10 and the lower cover 46.
The air conditioner may include a stabilizer 100. The stabilizer 100 may guide the flow of air discharged by the fan 50. The stabilizer 100 may guide an upper side of the air flowing forward and downward with the fan 50. The stabilizer 100 may support a side of the heat exchanger 70.
Vanes 120 and 130 may be arranged in the stabilizer 100. The vanes 120 and 130 may be arranged so that a position thereof may be changed in the stabilizer 100. A vane motor 108 may be disposed on the stabilizer 100 to change the position of the vanes 120 and 130.
The air conditioner may include first vane 120 that opens or closes the second outlet 48. The vanes 120 and 130 may guide a direction of the air discharged from the second outlet 48. The vanes 120 and 130 may guide the air flowing through the fan 50 to the first outlet 36.
The air conditioner may include the inner body 80 that is disposed in the casing 10 and rotatably supports the fan 50. The fan 50 may be disposed in the inner body 80. A fan motor 52 may be disposed in the inner body 80 to rotate the fan 50.
The inner body 80 may be fixedly disposed in the casing 10. The inner body 80 may guide the air flowing rearward or downward by the fan 50. A louver 90 may be disposed in the inner body 80 to adjust the direction of the flowing air leftward or rightward. The louver 90 may guide the direction of the air flowing to the first outlet 36 or the second outlet 48 leftward or rightward.
The air conditioner may include the fan 50 that generates air flow from the inlet 12 to the first outlet 36 or the second outlet 48. The fan 50 may be rotatably disposed in the casing 10. The fan 50 may be, for example, a cross-flow fan that suctions in air on one or a first side in a radial direction relative to a rotational axis and discharges the air on the other or a second side in the radial direction.
The fan 50 may suctions air from the inlet 12 located at an upper side of the fan 50. Further, the fan 50 may discharge air to the first outlet 36 or the second outlet 48 located at a lower side of the fan 50.
The air conditioner may include the fan motor 52 that rotates the fan 50. The fan motor 52 may be disposed on one side of the inner body 80.
The air conditioner may include a motor cover 54 that covers one side of the fan motor 52. The motor cover 54 may be mounted on the inner body 80. The motor cover 54 may be mounted on one side of the inner body 80 or a control box 60, which will be described hereinafter.
The air conditioner may include the heat exchanger 70 that exchanges heat with air flowing through an interior of the casing 10. The heat exchanger 70 may exchange heat between a refrigerant and air. The heat exchanger 70 may exchange heat with air discharged to an indoor space. The heat exchanger 70 may exchange heat with air flowing through the first outlet 36 or the second outlet 48.
The heat exchanger 70 may have at least one bent shape. The heat exchanger 70 may be disposed above the fan 50. The heat exchanger 70 may perform heat exchange on the air flowing through the fan 50.
The air conditioner may include the control box 60 in which an electrical component for controlling an operation of the air conditioner is disposed. The control box 60 may be mounted on one side of the inner body 80. The control box 60 may be disposed on one side of the fan motor 52. The fan motor 52 may be disposed between the control box 60 and the fan 50.
The air conditioner may include the display 170 that displays the temperature or the operating state. The display 170 may be disposed on one side of the control box 60. The display 170 may be disposed on the inside of the casing 10. The display 170 may be disposed on a rear of a front wall of the casing 10. The display 170 may output a state to the front wall of the casing 10.
The air conditioner may include a rear cover 190 positioned at the rear of the casing 10. The rear cover 190 may mount the air conditioner on a wall. The rear cover 190 may be configured to be coupled to the casing 10 or the inner body 80.
The air conditioner may include a heat exchanger holder 180 that is disposed on one side of the inner body 80 and maintains a position of the heat exchanger 70. The heat exchanger holder 180 may be fixedly disposed in the inner body 80. In an area in which the heat exchanger holder 180 is coupled to the inner body 80, the fan 50 may be rotatably disposed. The heat exchanger holder 180 may be disposed to be coupled to the inner body 80 on an opposite side from which the fan motor 52 is disposed.
The air conditioner may include an upper cover 61 that covers an upper side of the control box 60 or the fan motor 52. The upper cover 61 may cover the upper side of the fan motor 52 in an area that is open to the upper side of the casing 10.
An arrangement of components in the air conditioner according to embodiments will be described with reference to
The inlet 12 may be formed in the upper side of the casing 10. The inlet 12 may be formed above the fan 50. The heat exchanger 70 may be disposed above the fan 50. The heat exchanger 70 may have a structure that is bent in at least one area. The heat exchanger 70 may include sections bent in two areas.
The heat exchanger 70 may include a first heat exchanger 70a disposed in front of the fan 50, second heat exchanger 70b bent from the first heat exchanger 70a and extending upward and rearward, and third heat exchanger 70c bent from the second heat exchanger 70b and extending downward and rearward. One or a first end of the heat exchanger 70 may be disposed on the upper side of the stabilizer 100. The other or a second end of the heat exchanger 70 may be disposed on an upper side of the inner body 80.
The fan 50 may be disposed between the inner body 80 and the stabilizer 100. The fan 50 may rotate to suction in air from a front and upper side thereof. The fan 50 may rotate to discharge air to a rear and lower side thereof.
The air moved by the fan 50 may blow into a discharge path 18 defined by the inner body 80 and the stabilizer 100. The inner body 80 may be positioned at the rear and lower side of the fan 50.
The inner body 80 may include a support body 82 that is positioned at a rear of the fan 50 and supports one side of the heat exchanger 70, and a guide body 84 that guides air moved by rotation of the fan 50 toward the front and lower side. The guide body 84 may include an inlet guide body 85 that protrudes upward from the fan 50 and guides air introduced into the fan 50. The guide body 84 may include a first guide 86 that guides air moved by the rotation of the fan 50 toward the front and lower side.
The first guide 86 may be disposed to extend farther from the fan 50 toward the lower side. The first guide 86 may include an upper guide 86a that is provided around the fan 50 and has a curved shape, and a lower guide 86b that extends forward and downward from a lower end of the upper guide 86a.
The louver 90 may be disposed on one side of the first guide 86 to control the direction of air, moved downward by the rotation of the fan 50, in the leftward-rightward direction. The louver 90 may have its position changed in the leftward-rightward direction through a separate louver motor (not shown).
A sterilization lamp 92 may be disposed on one side of the first guide 86 to emit ultraviolet light in a direction in which the fan 50 is positioned. The sterilization lamp 92 may be disposed on a side in which the louver 90 is disposed.
The stabilizer 100 may be positioned upwardly apart from the first guide 86 of the inner body 80. The stabilizer 100 may include a second guide 102 that is positioned upwardly apart from the first guide 86, an end guide 104 that is bent from an upper end of the second guide 102 and extends upward, and a plurality of upper protrusions 106 that is provided on an upper surface of the second guide 102, spaced apart from each other in the frontward-backward direction, and extend upward.
The second guide 102 may include at least two walls having different inclined surfaces. The discharge path 18 may be formed between the second guide 102 and the first guide 86.
The vanes 120 and 130 may be disposed on the stabilizer 100. Inside of the casing 10, the vanes 120 and 130 may be disposed to control the direction of air discharged through the second outlet 48. The vanes 120 and 130 may include the first vane 120 that opens or closes the second outlet 48, and the second vane 130 that is disposed on the discharge path 18.
The first vane 120 and the second vane 130 may be connected by a plurality of links. The air conditioner may include a drive link 140 connected to the vane motor 108, a first link 142 that connects the drive link 140 and the first vane 120, and a second link 144 that connects the drive link 140 and the second vane 130. The air conditioner may include an auxiliary link 146 that connects the stabilizer 100 and the first vane 120.
The first vane 120 may open or close the second outlet 48. The second vane 130 may be disposed above the first vane 120. A length of the first vane 120 formed in the frontward-backward direction may be longer than a length of the second vane 130 formed in the frontward-backward direction.
A net steel 160 may be disposed in the stabilizer 100. The net steel 160 may prevent a user, for example, from approaching the fan 50 through an inside of the discharge path 18.
The second outlet 48 may be positioned on the lower surface of the casing 10. The first outlet 36 may be positioned on the front surface of the casing 10. When the first vane is positioned to close the second outlet 48, the first vane 120 may guide air moved by the fan 50 to the first outlet 36.
The discharge cover 30 may be disposed on one side of the casing 10 that is open toward the front. The first outlet 36 may be formed in the discharge cover 30. The discharge cover 30 may include a discharge-cover lower part or portion 34 connected to the lower end of the casing 10, and a discharge-cover upper part or portion 32 positioned upwardly apart from the discharge-cover lower part 34.
The front vane 40 may be disposed on the discharge cover 30 to guide air discharged through the first outlet 36.
The casing 10 may include a border wall 16 connected to the discharge-cover lower part 34 at a lower end of the front surface.
Hereinafter, with reference to
The first guide 86 of the inner body 80 and the second guide 102 of the stabilizer 100 may define the discharge path 18. The first guide 86 of the inner body 80, the second guide 102 of the stabilizer 100, and the first vane 120 may define the discharge path 18.
The discharge path 18 may include a first discharge path 18a formed between the first guide 86 and the second guide 102, and a second discharge path 18b formed between the first inner vane 120 and the second guide 102. The second discharge path 18b may be formed in a state in which the first inner vane 120 closes the second outlet 48.
An inclination angle θ1 formed between the first guide 86 and an imaginary horizontal line HL that is parallel to the ground may be formed to be greater than an inclination angle θ2 formed between the second guide 102 and the imaginary horizontal line HL. That is, a width formed by a cross-section of the discharge path 18 formed between the first guide 86 of the inner body 80 and the second guide 102 of the stabilizer 100 may increase as it extends away from the fan 50.
The second guide 102 may include a rear second guide 102a, a middle second guide 102b that extends forward from the rear second guide 102a, and a front second guide 102c that extends forward from the middle second guide 102b. The rear second guide 102a may be arranged to extend forward and downward as it extends away from the fan 50. The rear second guide 102a may have a shape that is inclined forward and downward.
The rear second guide 102a may form the discharge path 18 with the lower guide 86b of the first guide 86. The inclination angle θ2 formed between the rear second guide 102a and the imaginary horizontal line HL may be formed smaller than the inclination angle θ1 formed between the first guide 86 and the imaginary horizontal line HL.
A (first) portion of the rear second guide 102a may be disposed above the first guide 86. Another (second) portion of the rear second guide 102a may be disposed above the second outlet 48. Another (third) portion of the rear second guide 102a may be disposed above the first vane 120.
A length 102aL by which the rear second guide 102a extends in the frontward-backward direction may be formed longer than a length 102bL by which the middle second guide 102b extends in the frontward-backward direction. The length 102aL of the rear second guide 102a extending in the frontward-backward direction may be formed shorter than a length 86bL of the lower guide 86b of the first guide 86 extending in the frontward-backward direction.
The middle second guide 102b may be disposed approximately parallel to the ground. The middle second guide 102b may be disposed above the second outlet 48. The middle second guide 102b may be disposed above the first vane 120. The middle second guide 102b may be disposed approximately parallel to the first vane 120 with the second outlet 48 closed.
The length 102bL of the middle second guide 102b extending in the frontward-backward direction may be formed shorter than a length 120L of the first vane 120 extending in the frontward-backward direction. The length 120aL of the rear second guide 102a extending in the frontward-backward direction may be formed to be 1.5 to 3 times the length 102bL of the middle second guide 102b extending in the frontward-backward direction.
An angle θ3 formed between the middle second guide 102b and the rear second guide 102a may be formed to be larger than an angle θ4 formed between the first guide 86 and the first vane 120 when the second outlet 48 is closed.
The length 102bL of the middle second guide 102b extending in the frontward-backward direction may be formed longer than a length 102cL of the front second guide 102c extending in the frontward-backward direction. The length 102bL of the middle second guide 102b extending in the frontward-backward direction may be formed to be 2 to 4 times the length 102cL of the front second guide 102c extending in the frontward-backward direction.
The front second guide 102c may extend forward and downward from the middle second guide 102b. The front second guide 102c may be connected to the discharge-cover upper part 32 of the discharge cover 30.
The front second guide 102c may be disposed above the second outlet 48. The front second guide 102c may be disposed above the first vane 120.
The first guide 86 may include the upper guide 86a that is arranged around the fan 50 and has a bent shape. The upper guide 86a may be formed so that a gap between the upper guide 86a and the fan 50 increases as it extends downward.
The upper guide 86a may be positioned above the second guide 102 in the vertical direction. The upper guide 86a may guide air, discharged to the rear by the rotation of the fan 50, downward.
The first guide 86 may include the lower guide 86b that guides air moved downward by the rotation of the fan 50 forward. The lower guide 86b may have a structure that extends forward and downward.
The first guide 86 may guide air moved by the rotation of the fan 50 to the second outlet 48. The lower guide 86b of the first guide 86 has a structure that extends toward the second outlet 48.
The first vane 120 may be disposed in a position that closes the second outlet 48. The first vane 120 may include a vane upper surface 121 that contacts air moved by the rotation of the fan 50. The first vane 120 may include a vane lower surface 122 that is positioned in an opposite direction to the vane upper surface 121.
Referring to the drawing, the vane upper surface 121 and the vane lower surface 122 may be formed on different planes. However, unlike the drawing, the vane upper surface 121 and the vane lower surface 122 may also be formed on a single plane.
The vane upper surface 121 may be disposed approximately parallel to the middle second guide 102b of the second guide 102. The vane upper surface 121 may contact air flowing along the discharge path 18. The vane upper surface 121 may guide air flowing along the discharge path 18.
As shown in
As shown in
A plurality of protrusions 121c that protrudes upward and spaced apart from each other in the frontward-backward direction may be formed on the vane upper surface 121 of the first vane 120. The plurality of protrusions 121c may prevent dew from forming on an upper side of the first vane 120.
A rear end 121b of the vane upper surface 121 may form an inclined surface that extends downward as it extends rearward. A front end 121a of the vane upper surface 121 may form an inclined surface that extends downward as it extends forward.
The rear end 121b may be formed to have the length 121bL that is 0.1 to 0.2 times the length 120L of the first vane 120. The length 121aL of the front end 121a may be formed to be 0.1 to 0.2 times the length 120L of the first vane 120.
An insulation material may be disposed inside of the first vane 120.
The second vane 130 may be disposed above the first vane 120. When the first vane 120 closes the second outlet 48, the second vane 130 may be disposed to guide air forward.
At the first position P1 of the vane 120, 130, the second vane 130 guides air flowing forward and downward through the discharge path 18 to the first outlet 36. At the first position P1 of the vane 120, 130, the second vane 130 may be disposed in a downwardly convex shape.
At the first position P1 of the vane 120, 130, the rear end 121b of the second vane 130 may be positioned to face rearward and upward. At the first position P1 of the vane 120, 130, the front end 121a of the second vane 130 may be positioned to face forward or face forward and upward.
A length 130L of the second vane 130 in the frontward-backward direction may be equal to or less than half the length 120L of the first vane 120 in the frontward-backward direction.
The discharge cover 30 may be disposed at the front of the casing 10. The discharge cover 30 may be disposed inside of the casing 10. Inside of the discharge cover 30, a first outlet path 30a (or ‘third discharge path’) may be formed to guide air flowing through the discharge path 18 to the first outlet 36.
The first outlet path 30a may guide air flowing through the second discharge path 18b forward and upward. The first outlet path 30a may have a shape inclined forward and upward.
The first outlet path 30a may be formed between the discharge-cover upper part 32 and the discharge-cover lower part 34. The first outlet 36 may be formed at a front end of the first outlet path 30a.
The discharge-cover lower part 34 may include an inclined guide wall 34a that forms a surface inclined forward and upward, and a vane-responding wall 34b disposed to face the first vane 120.
The inclined guide wall 34a guides air flowing along the vane upper surface 121 of the first vane 120 forward and upward. The inclined guide wall 34a may guide air flowing along the vane upper surface 121 of the first vane 120 to the first outlet 36.
The inclined guide wall 34a may be disposed under the first outlet 36. The inclined guide wall 34a may be disposed in front of the second outlet 48. The inclined guide wall 34a may have a structure that extends upward as it extends away from the second outlet 48.
The inclined guide wall 34a may be disposed to be inclined upward from a surface formed by the vane upper surface 121 of the first vane 120. That is, air flowing through the discharge path 18 and flowing along the upper surface of the first vane 120 may be directed upward. This may discharge air, which is discharged through the first outlet 36, in the forward horizontal direction or upward from the forward horizontal direction. This may send air discharged forward through the first outlet 36 to a long distance.
A front end of the inclined guide wall 34a may be connected to a border wall 16 of the casing 10. The front end of the inclined guide wall 34a connected to the border wall 16 of the casing 10 may be arranged approximately horizontally. The border wall 16 along with the inclined guide wall 34a may be referred to as a front guide.
The air conditioner may include the inclined guide wall 34a that is disposed inside of the casing 10 and guides air flowing along the first vane 120 to the first outlet 36. The inclined guide wall 34a may be a separate component located inside of the casing 10. The inclined guide wall 34a may be formed integrally with the casing 10 and may be arranged in an internal space defined by the casing 10.
The inclined guide wall 34a may connect one side of the first inner vane 120 with the second outlet 48 and the lower end of the first outlet 36. The inclined guide wall 34a may be disposed in front of the second outlet 48 and under the first outlet 36. The inclined guide wall 34a may have a shape inclined toward the front and upward.
The vane-responding wall 34b may be disposed to face the front end 121a of the first vane 120 positioned at the first position P1. The vane-responding wall 34b has a structure that extends downward as it extends forward from the second outlet 48.
The discharge-cover upper part 32 may form a substantially horizontal surface. The discharge-cover upper part 32 may have a structure that extends from the second guide 102.
The front vane 40 may be disposed between the discharge-cover lower part 34 and the discharge-cover upper part 32. The front vane 40 may extend in the frontward-backward direction to guide the flow of air discharged through the first outlet 36. The front vane 40 may have a structure that extends upward as it extends forward.
An inclination angle θ5 formed between the front vane 40 and the imaginary horizontal line HL may be formed smaller than an inclination angle θ6 formed between the discharge-cover lower part 34 and the imaginary horizontal line HL. In other words, the discharge-cover lower part 34 may be arranged to be further inclined upward as it extends forward compared to the front vane 40. The inclination angle θ5 formed between the front vane 40 and the imaginary horizontal line HL may be formed smaller than the inclination angle θ6 formed between the inclined guide wall 34a of the discharge-cover lower part 34 and the imaginary horizontal line HL.
The inclination angle θ5 formed between the front vane 40 and the imaginary horizontal line HL may be formed larger than an inclination angle θ7 formed between the vane upper surface 121 of the first vane 120 and the imaginary horizontal line HL. The inclination angle θ5 formed between the front vane 40 and the imaginary horizontal line HL may be formed larger than an inclination angle θ8 formed between the discharge-cover upper part 32 and the imaginary horizontal line HL.
The first outlet path 30a may be formed so that a cross-sectional area of the path becomes smaller as it extends forward. The first outlet path 30a may be formed with a smaller vertical gap as it extends forward.
An area of the first outlet 36 may be formed smaller than an area of the second outlet 48. Referring to
Air moved by the rotation of the fan 50 flows forward and downward along the discharge path 18. Further, air flowing between the first vane 120 and the second guide 102 may be discharged through the first outlet path 30a to the first outlet 36. Air discharged through the first outlet path 30a to the first outlet 36 may flow forward and upward.
Therefore, when the vane 120, 130 is in the first position P1, air may be discharged through the first outlet 36. Referring to
Referring to
The second position P2 of the vane 120, 130 may be a state in which the second outlet 48 is open. Therefore, in the second position P2 of the vane 120, 130, the first vane 120 may be disposed under the second outlet 48. In the second position P2 of the vane 120, 130, the first vane 120 may be disposed under the second outlet 48 and spaced apart therefrom. In the second position P2 of the vane 120, 130, the first vane 120 may cause air flowing to the second outlet 48 to flow forward and downward or to flow downward. Unlike the drawing, in the second position P2 of the vane 120, 130, it is also possible for a portion of the first vane 120 to be positioned above the second outlet 48.
When moving from the first position P1 of the vane 120, 130 to the second position P2 of the vane 120, 130, the second vane 130 may move downward. When moving from the first position P1 of the vane 120, 130 to the second position P2 of the vane 120, 130, the second vane 130 may move obliquely downward.
In the second position P2 of the vane 120, 130, the first vane 120 may guide the direction of air flowing to the second outlet 48. In the second position P2 of the vane 120, 130, air discharged through the second outlet 48 may flow forward and downward along the first vane 120.
In the second position P2 of the vane 120, 130, both the first outlet 36 and the second outlet 48 are opened. Air flowing through the discharge path 18 may mainly flow forward and downward to the second outlet 48 which is open downward. Some air may be discharged to the first outlet 36. However, most of the air may be discharged through the second outlet 48 and may flow forward and downward or flow downward along the first vane 120 that is arranged to open the second outlet 48.
Referring to
Referring to
The third position P3 of the vane 120, 130 is a state in which the second outlet 48 is open. Therefore, in the third position P3 of the vane 120, 130, the first vane 120 may be disposed under the second outlet 48. In the third position P3 of the vane 120, 130, the lower end of the first vane 120 is disposed under the second outlet 48. Further, in the third position P3 of the vane 120, 130, the upper end of the first vane 120 is disposed above the second outlet 48. In the third position P3 of the vane, the first vane 120 may cause air flowing to the second outlet 48 to flow under the second outlet 48.
When moving from the second position P2 of the vane 120, 130 to the third position P3 of the vane 120, 130, the rear end of the first vane 120 may move upward. When moving from the second position P2 of the vane 120, 130 to the third position P3 of the vane 120, 130, the front end of the first vane 120 may move downward.
When moving from the second position P2 of the vane 120, 130 to the third position P3 of the vane 120, 130, the first vane 120 may move while rotating counterclockwise.
In the third position P3 of the vane 120, 130, the lower end of the second vane 130 is disposed under the second outlet 48. In the third position P3 of the vane 120, 130, the upper end of the second vane 130 is disposed above the second outlet 48.
When moving from the second position P2 of the vane 120, 130 to the third position P3 of the vane 120, 130, the second vane 130 may move downward to some extent. When moving from the second position P2 of the vane 120, 130 to the third position P3 of the vane 120, 130, the second vane 130 may move downward while rotating counterclockwise.
In the third position P3 of the vane 120, 130, the first vane 120 may guide the direction of air flowing to the second outlet 48. In the third position P3 of the vane 120, 130, air discharged through the second outlet 48 may flow under the second outlet 48 along the first vane 120.
In the third position P3 of the vane 120, 130, both the first vane 120 and the second vane 130 are arranged to be inclined downward.
In the third position P3 of the vane 120, 130, both the first outlet 36 and the second outlet 48 are opened. Air flowing through the discharge path 18 may mainly flow under the second outlet 48.
Some air may be discharged to the first outlet 36. However, most of the air is discharged through the second outlet 48. Further, air may flow under the second outlet 48 by the first vane 120 and the second vane 130.
Embodiments disclosed herein provide an air conditioner that sends air to a long distance.
Embodiments disclosed herein also provide an air conditioner that regulates the flow of air discharged through two outlets with one vane.
Embodiments disclosed herein further provide an air conditioner that forms a discharge path through which air flows to a first outlet according to a position of a moving vane.
Embodiments disclosed herein furthermore provide an air conditioner that is configured to form an ascending path between a first outlet and a second outlet, thereby allowing air to move upward when the air flows to the first outlet.
Advantages are not limited to those described above, and other advantages that are not mentioned above may also be clearly understood from the descriptions given by those skilled in the art.
Embodiments disclosed herein provide air conditioner that may include a casing in which an inlet, a first outlet positioned at a front thereof, and a second outlet positioned at a lower surface thereof are formed, a fan that causes air to flow from the inlet to the first outlet or the second outlet, and a first vane that opens or closes the second outlet. The first vane may close the second outlet to discharge air through the first outlet, or open the second outlet to discharge air under the first outlet. The first vane, when placed in the second outlet, may guide air moved by the fan to the first outlet.
The first outlet may be positioned in front of a rotational center of the fan. The second outlet may be positioned between the first outlet and the rotational center of the fan in a frontward-backward direction.
The air conditioner may further include a front guide that partitions the first outlet and the second outlet. An upper surface of the front guide may extend in forward and upward directions where the first outlet is positioned. The front guide may include an upper guide that forms a surface inclined forward and upward, and a lower guide that forms a surface inclined forward and downward.
A front end of the first vane may form an inclined surface that extends downward as it goes forward. The front end of the first vane may be positioned under the lower guide, when the first vane closes the second outlet.
A front vane may be disposed in the first outlet. The front vane may be disposed to be inclined forward and upward. The air conditioner may further include a second vane that guides a flow generated by the fan. When the first vane is disposed in the second outlet, the second vane may be positioned so that a front end of the second moving vane faces a front to guide air to the first outlet.
Embodiments disclosed herein provide an air conditioner that may include a casing in which an inlet, a first outlet positioned at a front thereof, and a second outlet positioned at a lower surface thereof are formed, a fan that discharges air from the inlet to the first outlet or the second outlet, and a vane that guides air discharged from the fan. The vane may include a first vane and a second vane.
The first vane may be disposed in a position for closing the second outlet so that air is discharged through the first outlet. When the first vane is in the position for closing the second outlet, the second vane may be disposed to guide air to the first outlet. The air conditioner may include a front guide that partitions the second outlet and the first outlet.
An area of the first outlet may be formed to be smaller than that of the second outlet. The front guide may include an upper guide that forms a surface inclined forward and upward. When the first vane closes the second outlet, an upper surface of the first vane may be disposed to be connected to the upper guide.
The air conditioner may include a front vane that is disposed in the first outlet and is inclined forward and upward. An upper surface of the front guide is disposed to be inclined above the front vane.
A vertical gap between the front vane and the upper surface of the front guide may decrease as it goes forward. The front guide may include a lower guide having a surface that is inclined forward and downward.
A front end of the first vane may form an inclined surface that extends downward as it goes forward. When the first vane closes the second outlet, the front end of the vane may be placed under the lower guide.
A length of the first vane may be formed to be longer than that of the second vane. The second vane may be formed in a downwardly convex shape.
Embodiments disclosed herein provide an air conditioner that may include a casing in which an inlet, a first outlet positioned at a front thereof, and a second outlet positioned at a lower surface thereof are formed, a fan that discharges air from the inlet to the first outlet or the second outlet, and a vane that guides air discharged from the fan. The vane may include a first vane and a second vane. The first vane may be positioned under the second outlet so that air is discharged through the first outlet and air is discharged to the front lower side of the second outlet.
The air conditioner may further include a front guide that partitions the first outlet and the second outlet. The front guide may include a lower guide that forms a surface that is inclined forward and downward.
An area of the first outlet may be formed to be smaller than that of the second outlet. The first vane may include a front end that forms an inclined surface. When the first vane is disposed under the second outlet, the front end may be disposed under the lower guide.
The air conditioner may include a first guide that is disposed in the casing and extends to the second outlet under the fan. When the vane opens the closed second outlet, the first vane and the second vane may guide air, discharged to the second outlet along the first guide, downward from the first outlet.
An air conditioner according to embodiments disclose herein has at least the following advantages.
First, air flowing to a first outlet formed in a front may be discharged forward and upward by an internal component or a front vane. Embodiments disclosed herein are advantageous in that air flowing to the first outlet is discharged forward and upward, thereby allowing air to be sent to a long distance in front.
Second, embodiments disclosed herein are advantageous in that an arrangement or position of one vane is adjusted by a shape of an internal discharge path and an arrangement or position of first and second outlets, thereby allowing air to be sent to the first outlet or the second outlet.
Third, embodiments disclosed herein are advantageous in that a discharge path along which air flows to a first outlet is formed depending on an arrangement or position of a vane, thereby allowing air to stably flow to the first outlet.
Fourth, embodiments disclosed herein are advantageous in that air flowing to a first outlet moves upward by an upwardly inclined internal structure (inclined guide wall or discharge cover), thereby allowing air to be sent to a long distance in front.
Advantages of embodiments are not limited to the above-mentioned advantages, and other advantages that are not mentioned above will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following claims.
Although embodiments are provided in relation to specific embodiments shown in the drawings, it is apparent to those skilled in the art that the embodiments may be changed and modified in various ways without departing from the scope, which is described in the following claims.
It will be understood that when an element or layer is referred to as being “on” another element or layer, the element or layer can be directly on another element or layer or intervening elements or layers. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly on” another element or layer, there are no intervening elements or layers present. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.
It will be understood that, although the terms first, second, third, etc., may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another region, layer or section. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer or section could be termed a second element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachings of the present invention.
Spatially relative terms, such as “lower”, “upper” and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe the relationship of one element or feature to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. It will be understood that the spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation, in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, elements described as “lower” relative to other elements or features would then be oriented “upper” relative to the other elements or features. Thus, the exemplary term “lower” can encompass both an orientation of above and below. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly.
The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.
Embodiments are described herein with reference to cross-section illustrations that are schematic illustrations of idealized embodiments (and intermediate structures). As such, variations from the shapes of the illustrations as a result, for example, of manufacturing techniques and/or tolerances, are to be expected. Thus, embodiments should not be construed as limited to the particular shapes of regions illustrated herein but are to include deviations in shapes that result, for example, from manufacturing.
Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. It will be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.
Any reference in this specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “example embodiment,” etc., means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the invention. The appearances of such phrases in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Further, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with any embodiment, it is submitted that it is within the purview of one skilled in the art to effect such feature, structure, or characteristic in connection with other ones of the embodiments.
Although embodiments have been described with reference to a number of illustrative embodiments thereof, it should be understood that numerous other modifications and embodiments can be devised by those skilled in the art that will fall within the spirit and scope of the principles of this disclosure. More particularly, various variations and modifications are possible in the component parts and/or arrangements of the subject combination arrangement within the scope of the disclosure, the drawings and the appended claims. In addition to variations and modifications in the component parts and/or arrangements, alternative uses will also be apparent to those skilled in the art.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10-2023-0170003 | Nov 2023 | KR | national |
