Patent Application
20240384878
The present disclosure relates to an indoor unit of an air conditioner.
An air conditioner is a device that uses a refrigeration cycle to control temperature, humidity, and airflow suitable for human activity. The air conditioner may remove dust, etc. from the air.
The air conditioner may include an indoor unit, an outdoor unit, and a refrigerant pipe that connects the indoor unit and the outdoor unit and circulates a refrigerant.
The air conditioners may be classified into a separate type that includes an indoor unit placed indoors and an outdoor unit placed outdoors, and an integrated type in which both the indoor unit and the outdoor unit are placed in a single housing.
Provided is an indoor unit of an air conditioner which may have improved air conditioning performance.
Further, provided is an indoor unit of an air conditioner which may have improved usability.
Further, provided is an indoor unit of an air conditioner which may prevent air flowing toward an outlet from being re-inhaled into an inlet.
Additional aspects will be set forth in part in the description which follows and, in part, will be apparent from the description, or may be learned by practice of the presented embodiments.
According to an aspect of the disclosure, an indoor unit of an air conditioner, may include: a housing including an inlet, a first outlet, and a second outlet; a panel arranged inside the housing and having a guide hole configured to guide air, which is directed to the first outlet, to the second outlet; a blade configured to move between a first position in which the blade covers the first outlet and a second position in which the blade exposes the first outlet; and a door connected to the blade and configured to move between a third position in which the door exposes the guide hole of the panel and a fourth position which in which the door covers the guide hole of the panel.
The door may be further configured to: move to the third position, based on the blade being in the first position; and move to the fourth position, based on the blade being in the second position.
The door may include: a first guide rotatably coupled to the blade and configured to rotate about a first rotation axis; and a second guide configured to rotate about a second rotation axis that is spaced apart from the first rotation axis.
The indoor unit may further include a link including a first arm coupled to the second guide of the door, and a second arm provided to form the second rotation axis.
The second arm of the link may be fixed to the housing.
The first guide may be further configured to rotate in a first direction; and the second guide may be further configured to rotate in a second direction opposite to the first direction.
The first guide may be further configured to move upward as the first guide rotates in the first direction; and the second guide may be further configured to move downward as the second guide rotates in the second direction.
The second guide may be above the first guide, based on the blade being in the first position, and the second guide may be below the first guide, based on the blade being in the second position.
The indoor unit may further include a gear assembly configured to transmit power from the blade to the door, and the gear assembly may include: a first gear formed on the blade; and a second gear formed on the door and engaged with the first gear.
The first gear may be configured to rotate in a first direction; and the second gear may be configured to rotate in a second direction that is opposite to the first direction.
The indoor unit may further include a motor configured to supply a rotational force to the blade.
The blade may have a plurality of first discharge holes, the housing may have a plurality of second discharge holes, and, wherein, based on the blade being in the first position, air inside the housing is configured to flow through the plurality of first discharge holes and the plurality of second discharge holes.
Based on a cooling operation ending or a defrosting operation starting, the blade may be in the first position and air inside the housing is discharged through the second outlet.
The door may include: a door body configured to move between a position exposing the guide hole and a position covering the guide hole; and a plurality of bridges connecting the door body to the blade.
The housing may include: an intake panel provided to form the inlet; and a cover panel provided to form the first outlet and the second outlet.
According to an aspect of the disclosure, an indoor unit of an air conditioner, includes: a housing including an inlet, a first outlet, and a second outlet separate from the first outlet; a blade having a plurality of discharge holes and configured to move between a first position in which the blade covers the first outlet to guide air discharged through the first outlet, and a second position in which the blade exposes the first outlet; a panel having a guide hole configured to guide air, which is directed to the first outlet, to flow to the second outlet; and a door configured to move to a third position in which the door exposes the guide hole and a fourth position in which the door covers the guide hole, wherein, based on the blade being in the second position, the door is the fourth position covering the guide hole so that air, which is directed to the first outlet, is prevented from being discharged through the second outlet by passing through the guide hole, and wherein, based on the blade being in the first position, the door is in the third position exposing the guide hole so that air, which is directed to the first outlet, is discharged through the plurality of discharge holes of the blade and the second outlet.
According to an aspect of the disclosure, an indoor unit of an air conditioner, includes: a housing including an inlet, a first outlet, and a second outlet; a panel inside the housing and having a guide hole configured to allow the first outlet and the second outlet to communicate with each other; a blade configured to move to expose or cover the first outlet; and a door connected to the blade and configured to, based on the first outlet being covered by the blade, expose the guide hole so that air inside the housing passes through the guide hole and is discharged through the second outlet.
The above and other aspects, features, and advantages of certain embodiments of the present disclosure will be more apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:
Hereinafter, example embodiments of the disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The same reference numerals are used for the same components in the drawings, and redundant descriptions thereof will be omitted. The embodiments described herein are example embodiments, and thus, the disclosure is not limited thereto and may be realized in various other forms. It is to be understood that singular forms include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. The terms including technical or scientific terms used in the disclosure may have the same meanings as generally understood by those skilled in the art.
A singular expression may include a plural expression unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context.
The terms “A or B,” “at least one of A or B,” or “one or more of A or B,” “A, B or C,” “at least one of A, B or C,” or “one or more of A, B or C,” and the like used herein may include any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.
The term of “and/or” includes a plurality of combinations of relevant items or any one item among a plurality of relevant items.
The term “part”, “module”, or “component” may be implemented in hardware or software. In some embodiments, a plurality of “parts”, “modules”, and “components” may be implemented as a single component, or a single “part”, “module”, or “component” may include multiple components.
Herein, the expressions “a first”, “a second”, “the first”, “the second”, etc., may simply be used to distinguish an element from other elements, but is not limited to another aspect (e.g., importance or order) of elements.
When an element (e.g., a first element) is referred to as being “(functionally or communicatively) coupled,” or “connected” to another element (e.g., a second element), the first element may be connected to the second element, directly (e.g., wired), wirelessly, or through a third element.
In this disclosure, the terms “including”, “having”, and the like are used to specify features, numbers, steps, operations, elements, components, or combinations thereof, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more of the features, elements, steps, operations, elements, components, or combinations thereof.
When an element is said to be “connected”, “coupled”, “supported” or “contacted” with another element, this includes not only when elements are directly connected, coupled, supported or contacted, but also when elements are indirectly connected, coupled, supported or contacted through a third element.
Throughout the description, when an element is “on” another element, this includes not only when the element is in contact with the other element, but also when there is another element between the two elements.
An air conditioner according to one or more embodiments is a device that performs functions such as purification, ventilation, humidity control, cooling or heating in an air conditioning space (hereinafter referred to as “indoor space”), and particularly a device having at least one of these functions.
According to an embodiment, an 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 through a compressor, a first heat exchanger, and an expansion device and a second heat exchanger. All components of the heat pump device may be embedded in one housing forming an exterior of an air conditioner, which includes a window-type air conditioner or a portable air conditioner. On the other hand, some components of the heat pump device may be divided and embedded in a plurality of housings forming a single air conditioner, which includes a wall-mounted air conditioner, a stand-type air conditioner, and a system air conditioner.
The air conditioner including the plurality of housings may include at least one outdoor unit installed outdoors and at least one indoor unit installed indoors. For example, the air conditioner may be provided in such a way that a single outdoor unit and a single indoor unit are connected through a refrigerant pipe. Alternatively, the air conditioner may be provided in such a way that a single outdoor unit is connected to two or more indoor units through a refrigerant pipe. Alternatively, the air conditioner may be provided in such a way that two or more outdoor units and two or more indoor units are connected through a plurality of refrigerant pipes.
The outdoor unit may be electrically connected to the indoor unit. For example, information (or commands) for controlling the air conditioner may be received through an input interface provided in the outdoor unit or the indoor unit. The outdoor unit and the indoor unit may operate simultaneously or sequentially in response to a user input.
The air conditioner may include an outdoor heat exchanger provided in the outdoor unit, an indoor heat exchanger provided in the indoor unit, and a refrigerant pipe connecting the outdoor heat exchanger and the indoor heat exchanger.
The outdoor heat exchanger may be configured to exchange heat between a refrigerant and outdoor air through a phase change of the refrigerant (e.g., evaporation or condensation). For example, while the refrigerant is condensed in the outdoor heat exchanger, the refrigerant may radiate heat to the outdoor air. While the refrigerant flowing in the outdoor heat exchanger evaporates, the refrigerant may absorb heat from the outdoor air.
The indoor unit is installed indoors. For example, according to the arrangement method of the indoor unit, the air conditioner may be classified into a ceiling-type indoor unit, a stand-type indoor unit, a wall-mounted indoor unit, and the like. For example, the ceiling-type indoor unit may be classified into a 4-way type indoor unit, a 1-way type indoor unit, a duct type indoor unit and the like according to a method of discharging air.
As mentioned above, the indoor heat exchanger may be configured to exchange heat between a refrigerant and outdoor air through a phase change of the refrigerant (e.g., evaporation or condensation). For example, while the refrigerant evaporates in the indoor unit, the refrigerant may absorb heat from the indoor air. The indoor space may be cooled by blowing the indoor air cooled through the cooled indoor heat exchanger. While the refrigerant is condensed in the indoor heat exchanger, the refrigerant may radiate heat to the indoor air. The indoor space may be heated by blowing the indoor air heated through the high-temperature indoor heat exchanger.
In other words, the air conditioner may perform a cooling or heating function through a phase change process of a refrigerant circulating between the outdoor heat exchanger and the indoor heat exchanger. To circulate the refrigerant, the air conditioner may include a compressor for compressing the refrigerant. The compressor may intake refrigerant gas through an inlet and compress the refrigerant gas. The compressor may discharge high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant gas through an outlet. The compressor may be disposed inside the outdoor unit.
Through the refrigerant pipe, the refrigerant may be sequentially circulated through the compressor, the outdoor heat exchanger, the expansion device, and the indoor heat exchanger or sequentially circulated through the compressor, the indoor heat exchanger, the expansion device, and the outdoor heat exchanger.
For example, in the air conditioner, when a single outdoor unit and a single indoor unit are directly connected through a refrigerant pipe, the refrigerant may be circulated between the single outdoor unit and the single indoor unit through the refrigerant pipe.
For example, in the air conditioner, when a single outdoor unit is connected to two or more indoor units through a refrigerant pipe, the refrigerant may flow from the single outdoor unit to the plurality of indoor units through branched refrigerant pipes. Refrigerants discharged from the plurality of indoor units may be combined and circulated to the outdoor unit. For example, through a separate refrigerant pipe, each of the plurality of indoor units may be directly connected in parallel to the single outdoor unit.
Each of the plurality of indoor units may be operated independently according to an operation mode set by a user. In other words, some of the plurality of indoor units may be operated in a cooling mode while others of the plurality of indoor units is operated in a heating mode. At this time, the refrigerant may be selectively introduced into each indoor unit in a high-pressure state or a low-pressure state, discharged, and circulated to the outdoor unit along a circulation path that is designated through a flow path switching valve to be described later.
For example, in the air conditioner, when two or more outdoor units and two or more indoor units are connected through the plurality of refrigerant pipes, refrigerants discharged from the plurality of outdoor units may be combined and flow through one refrigerant pipe, and then diverged again at a certain point and introduced into the plurality of indoor units.
All of the plurality of outdoor units may be driven or at least some of the plurality of outdoor units may not be driven according to a driving load according to an operation amount of the plurality of indoor units. At this time, through a flow path switching valve, the refrigerant may be provided to be introduced into and circulated to an outdoor unit that is selectively driven. The air conditioner may include the expansion device to lower the pressure of the refrigerant flowing into the heat exchanger. For example, the expansion device may be disposed inside the indoor unit or inside the outdoor unit, or disposed inside the indoor unit and the outdoor unit.
The expansion device may lower a temperature and pressure of the refrigerant by using a throttling effect. The expansion device may include an orifice configured to reduce a cross-sectional area of a flow path. A temperature and pressure of the refrigerant passing through the orifice may be lowered.
For example, the expansion device may be implemented as an electronic expansion valve configured to adjust an opening ratio (a ratio of a cross-sectional area of a flow path of a valve in a partially opened state to a cross-sectional area of the flow path of the valve in a fully open state). According to the opening ratio of the electronic expansion valve, the amount of refrigerant passing through the expansion device may be adjusted.
The air conditioner may further include a flow path switching valve disposed on the refrigerant circulation path. The flow path switching valve may include a 4-way valve. The flow path switching valve may determine a refrigerant circulation path depending on an operation mode of the indoor unit (e.g., cooling operation or heating operation). The flow path switching valve may be connected to the outlet of the compressor.
The air conditioner may include an accumulator. The accumulator may be connected to the inlet of the compressor. A low-temperature and low-pressure refrigerant, which is evaporated in the indoor heat exchanger or the outdoor heat exchanger, may flow into the accumulator.
When a refrigerant mixture of refrigerant liquid and refrigerant gas is introduced, the accumulator may separate the refrigerant liquid from the refrigerant gas, and supply the refrigerant gas, from which the refrigerant liquid is separated, to the compressor.
An outdoor fan may be provided 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 referred to as an outdoor unit sensor). For example, the sensor of the outdoor unit may be provided as an environment sensor. The outdoor unit sensor may be disposed at a certain position of the inside or the outside of the outdoor unit. For example, the outdoor unit sensor may include a temperature sensor configured to detect an air temperature around the outdoor unit, a humidity sensor configured to detect air humidity around the outdoor unit, or a refrigerant temperature sensor configured to detect a refrigerant temperature in a refrigerant pipe passing through the outdoor unit, or a refrigerant pressure sensor configured to detect a refrigerant pressure in a refrigerant pipe passing through the outdoor unit.
The outdoor unit of the air conditioner may include an outdoor unit communication circuitry. The outdoor unit communication circuitry may be configured to receive a control signal from an indoor unit controller of the air conditioner, which will be described later. Based on a control signal received through the outdoor unit communication circuitry, the outdoor unit may control the operation of the compressor, the outdoor heat exchanger, the expansion device, the flow path switching valve, the accumulator, or the outdoor fan. The outdoor unit may transmit a sensing value detected by the outdoor unit sensor to the indoor unit controller through the outdoor unit communication circuitry.
The outdoor unit communication circuitry may include at least one of a short-range communication module or a long-range communication module.
The indoor unit of the air conditioner may include a housing, a blower configured to circulate air inside or outside the housing, and the indoor heat exchanger configured to exchange heat with air introduced into the housing.
The housing may include an inlet. Indoor air may flow into the housing through the inlet.
The indoor unit of the air conditioner may include a filter provided to filter out foreign substance in air that is introduced into the inside of the housing through the inlet.
The housing may include an outlet. Air flowing inside the housing may be discharged to the outside of the housing through the outlet.
An airflow guide configured to guide a direction of air discharged through the outlet may be provided in the housing of the indoor unit. For example, the airflow guide may include a blade positioned in the outlet. For example, the airflow guide may include an auxiliary fan for regulating an exhaust airflow, but is not limited thereto. Alternatively, the airflow guide may be omitted.
The indoor heat exchanger and the blower arranged on a flow path connecting the inlet and the outlet may be disposed inside the housing of the indoor unit.
The blower may include an indoor fan and a fan motor. For example, the indoor fan may include an axial fan, a mixed flow fan, a crossflow fan and a centrifugal fan.
The indoor heat exchanger may be arranged between the blower and the outlet or between the inlet and the blower. The indoor heat exchanger may absorb heat from air introduced through the inlet or transfer heat to air introduced through the inlet. The indoor heat exchanger may include a heat exchange tube through which a refrigerant flows, and a heat exchanger fin in contact with the heat exchange tube to increase a heat transfer area.
The indoor unit of the air conditioner may include a drain tray disposed below the indoor heat exchanger to collect condensed water generated in the indoor heat exchanger. The condensed water contained 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.
The indoor unit of the air conditioner may include an input interface. The input interface may include any type of user input including a button, a switch, a touch screen and/or a touch pad. A user can directly input setting data (e.g., desired indoor temperature, cooling/heating/dehumidifying/air cleaning operation mode setting, outlet selection setting, and/or air volume setting) through the input interface.
The input interface may be connected to an external input device. For example, the input interface may be electrically connected to a wired remote controller. The wired remote controller may be installed at a specific location (e.g., a part of a wall) in an indoor space. A user can input setting data related to the operation of the air conditioner by manipulating the wired remote controller. An electrical signal corresponding to the setting data obtained through the wired remote controller may be transmitted to the input interface. Further, the input interface may include an infrared sensor. A user can remotely input the setting data for the operation of the air conditioner by using a wireless remote controller. The setting data received through the wireless remote controller may be transmitted to the input interface as an infrared signal.
Further, the input interface may include a microphone. A user's voice command may be obtained through the microphone. The microphone may convert a user's voice command into an electrical signal and transmit the electrical signal to the indoor unit controller. The indoor unit controller may control components of the air conditioner to execute a function corresponding to the user's voice command. The setting data obtained through the input interface (e.g., desired indoor temperature, cooling/heating/dehumidifying/air cleaning operation mode setting, outlet selection setting, and/or air volume setting) may be transmitted to the indoor unit controller to be described later. For example, the setting data obtained through the input interface may be transmitted to the outside, that is, to the outdoor unit or a server through an indoor unit communication circuitry to 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.
The indoor unit of the air conditioner may include an indoor unit sensor. The indoor unit sensor may be an environment sensor disposed inside or outside the housing. For example, 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. For example, the indoor unit sensor may include a refrigerant temperature sensor configured to detect a refrigerant temperature of a refrigerant pipe passing through the indoor unit. For example, the indoor unit sensor may include a refrigerant temperature sensor configured to detect a temperature of an entrance, a middle portion and/or an exit of the refrigerant pipe passing through the indoor heat exchanger.
For example, each environmental information detected by the indoor unit sensor may be transmitted to the indoor unit controller to be described later or transmitted to the outside through the indoor unit communication circuitry to be described later.
The indoor unit of the air conditioner may include the indoor unit communication circuitry. The indoor unit communication circuitry may include at least one of a short-range wireless communication module and a long-range wireless communication module. The indoor unit communication circuitry may include at least one antenna for wirelessly communicating with other devices. The outdoor unit may include the outdoor unit communication circuitry. The outdoor unit communication circuitry may also include at least one of a short-range wireless communication module or a long-range wireless communication module.
The short-range wireless communication module may include a Bluetooth communication module, a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) communication module, a near field communication module, a WLAN (Wi-Fi) communication module, and a Zigbee communication module, an infrared data association (IrDA) communication module, a Wi-Fi Direct (WFD) communication module, an ultrawideband (UWB) communication module, an Ant+ communication module, a microwave (μWave) communication module, etc., but is not limited thereto.
The long-range wireless communication module may include a communication module that performs various types of long-range wireless communication, and may include a mobile communication circuitry. The mobile communication circuitry transmits and receives radio signals with at least one of a base station, an external terminal, or a server on a mobile communication network.
The indoor unit communication circuitry may communicate with an external device such as a server, a mobile device and other home appliances through an access point (AP). The access point (AP) may connect a local area network (LAN), to which an air conditioner or a user device is connected, to a wide area network (WAN) to which a server is connected. The air conditioner or the user device may be connected to the server through the wide area network (WAN). The indoor unit of the air conditioner may include the indoor unit controller configured to control components of the indoor unit including the blower. The outdoor unit of the air conditioner may include an outdoor unit controller configured to control components of the outdoor unit including the compressor. The indoor unit controller may communicate with the outdoor unit controller through the indoor unit communication circuitry and the outdoor unit communication circuitry. The outdoor unit communication circuitry may transmit a control signal generated by the outdoor unit controller to the indoor unit communication circuitry, or transmit a control signal, which is transmitted from the indoor unit communication circuitry, to the outdoor unit controller. In other words, the outdoor unit and the indoor unit may perform bi-directional communication. The outdoor unit and the indoor unit may transmit and receive various signals generated during operation of the air conditioner.
The outdoor unit controller may be electrically connected to components of the outdoor unit and may control operations of each component. For example, the outdoor unit controller may adjust a frequency of the compressor and control the flow path switching valve to change a circulation direction of the refrigerant. The outdoor unit controller may adjust a rotational speed of the outdoor fan. Further, the outdoor unit controller may generate a control signal for adjusting the opening degree of the expansion valve. Under the control of the outdoor unit controller, the refrigerant may be circulated along the refrigerant circulation circuit including the compressor, the flow path 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 may transmit electrical signals corresponding to detected temperatures to the outdoor unit controller and/or the indoor unit controller. For example, the humidity sensors included in the outdoor unit and the indoor unit may respectively transmit electrical signals corresponding to the detected humidity to the outdoor unit controller and/or the indoor unit controller.
The indoor unit controller may obtain a user input from a user device including a mobile device through the indoor unit communication circuitry, or directly obtain a user input through the input interface or the remote controller. The indoor unit controller may control components of the indoor unit including the blower in response to the received user input. The indoor unit controller may transmit information to the received user input to the outdoor unit controller of the outdoor unit.
The outdoor unit controller may control components of the outdoor unit including the compressor based on the information to 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 a cooling operation, a heating operation, a fan operation, a defrosting operation, or a dehumidifying operation is received from the indoor unit, the outdoor unit controller may control components of the outdoor unit to perform an operation of the air conditioner corresponding to the selected operation mode.
The outdoor unit controller and indoor unit controller may include a processor and a memory. The indoor unit controller may include at least one first processor and at least one first memory, and the outdoor unit controller may include at least one second processor and at least one second memory.
The memory may memorize/store various types of information necessary for the operation of the air conditioner. The memory may store instructions, applications, data and/or programs necessary for the operation of the air conditioner. For example, the memory may store various programs for the cooling operation, the heating operation, the dehumidifying operation, and/or the defrosting operation of the air conditioner. The memory may include volatile memory such as a static random access memory (S-RAM) and a dynamic random access memory (D-RAM) for temporarily storing data. In addition, the memory may include a non-volatile memory such as a read only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read only memory (EPROM), and an electrically erasable programmable read only memory (EEPROM) for long-term storage of data.
The processor may generate a control signal for controlling an operation of the air conditioner based on instructions, applications, data, and/or programs stored in the memory. The processor may be hardware and may include a logic circuit and an arithmetic circuit. The processor may process data according to a program and/or instructions provided from the memory, and may generate a control signal according to a processing result. The memory and the processor may be implemented as one control circuit or as a plurality of circuits.
The indoor unit of the air conditioner may include an output interface. The output interface may be electrically connected to the indoor unit controller, and output information to the operation of the air conditioner under the control of the indoor unit controller. For example, the output interface may output information such as an operation mode selected by a user input, a wind direction, a wind volume, and a temperature. Further, the output interface may output sensing information obtained from the indoor unit sensor or the outdoor unit sensor, and output warning/error messages.
The output interfaces may include a display and a speaker. The speaker may be a sound device configured to output various sounds. The display may display information, which is input by a user or provided to a user, as various graphic elements. For example, operation information of the air conditioner may be displayed as at least one of an image or text. Further, the display may include an indicator providing information. The display may include a liquid crystal display (LCD) panel, a light emitting diode (LED) panel, an organic light emitting diode (OLED) panel, a micro-LED panel, and/or a plurality of LEDs.
On the other hand, the terms “front-to-back direction”, “left-to-right direction”, “top”, “bottom”, and the like used in the following description are defined with reference to the drawings, and the shape and position of each component are not limited by these terms.
For example, an X direction may be defined as the front-to-back direction. For example, a Y direction may be defined as a lateral direction. For example, a Z direction may be defined as an up and down direction. For example, the +X direction may be defined as forward, and the −X direction may be defined as backward. For example, the +Y direction may be defined as left, and the −Y direction may be defined as right. For example, the +Z direction may be defined as upward and the −Z direction may be defined as downward.
The disclosure will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings.
Hereinafter for convenience of description, an indoor unit of a ceiling-type air conditioner will be described as an example. However, a content of the present disclosure may be applied to an indoor unit of other types of air conditioners, such as stand-type air conditioners, wall-mounted air conditioners, and integrated air conditioners.
An example 1a of an indoor unit 1 of an air conditioner will be described with reference to
The indoor unit 1 of the air conditioner may include a housing 10.
The housing 10 may form at least part of an exterior of the indoor unit 1 of the air conditioner. The housing 10 may have a substantially box shape.
The housing 10 may be provided to accommodate components for driving the indoor unit 1 of the air conditioner. The housing 10 may accommodate a heat exchanger 20 to be described later. The housing 10 may accommodate a blower fan 30 to be described later. The housing 10 may accommodate a controller configured to control an operation of the indoor unit 1 of the air conditioner.
The housing 10 may be provided to allow components for driving the indoor unit 1 of the air conditioner to be mounted thereon. The components for driving the indoor unit 1 of the air conditioner may be removably installed in the housing 10.
The housing 10 may be configured to allow air to enter and exit. At least one inlet 13, which will be described later, and at least one outlet 14 and 15, which will be described later, may be formed in the housing 10. The housing 10 may include at least one inlet 13 and at least one outlet 14 and 15.
For example, the housing 10 may include a housing body 10a and an outer panel 10b configured to be coupled to the housing body 10a.
The housing body 10a may be provided to form an upper exterior of the indoor unit 1 of the air conditioner. The housing body 10a may be installed on a ceiling. The housing body 10a may be suspended from the ceiling or embedded in the ceiling. The housing body 10a may have a shape with an open bottom. For example, the housing body 10a may be covered by the outer panel 10b such as not to be exposed.
The outer panel 10b may cover the housing body 10a by being coupled to the housing body 10a. The outer panel 10b may be detachably coupled to a lower part of the housing body 10a. The outer panel 10b may be provided to form a lower exterior of the indoor unit 1 of the air conditioner. For example, the outer panel 10b may have a substantially plate shape. For example, the outer panel 10b may be arranged to be exposed from the ceiling.
The housing body 10a and the outer panel 10b may be separate structures, but embodiments are not limited thereto. The housing 10 may be provided as an integrated structure. For example, the housing body 10a and the outer panel 10b may be formed as one piece.
The outer panel 10b may include an intake panel 11. The intake panel 11 may form an inlet 13. The intake panel 11 may form a part of the exterior of the indoor unit 1 of the air conditioner. For example, the intake panel 11 may form at least a portion of the lower exterior of the indoor unit 1 of the air conditioner. For example, the intake panel 11 may have a grille shape to filter out foreign substances in the air. The intake panel 11 may be referred to as an intake grille 11.
The outer panel 10b may include a cover panel 12. The cover panel 12 may form a part of the exterior of the indoor unit 1 of the air conditioner. For example, the cover panel 12 may form at least a portion of the lower exterior of the indoor unit 1 of the air conditioner.
The cover panel 12 may be provided to define a first outlet 14. For example, the first outlet 14 may be a region defined by the shape of the cover panel 12.
The cover panel 12 may include a second outlet 15. For example, the second outlet 15 may be provided with a plurality of discharge holes 15a.
The housing 10 may include the inlet 13, the first outlet 14, and the second outlet 15. The outer panel 10b may include the inlet 13, the first outlet 14, and the second outlet 15. For example, the housing 10 may include the intake panel 11 forming the inlet 13, and the cover panel 12 forming the first outlet 14 and the second outlet 15.
The intake panel 11 and the cover panel 12 may be separate structures, but embodiments are not limited thereto. For example, the intake panel 11 and the cover panel 12 may be formed as one piece. For example, the inlet 13, the first outlet 14, and the second outlet 15 may be formed in a single panel.
Air outside the housing 10 may flow into the housing 10 through the inlet 13. Indoor air may flow into the housing 10 through the inlet 13.
Air inside the housing 10 may be discharged through the first outlet 14 and/or the second outlet 15. For example, air inside the housing 10 may be discharged only through the first outlet 14. For example, air inside the housing 10 may be discharged only through the second outlet 15. For example, air inside the housing 10 may be discharged through both the first outlet 14 and the second outlet 15. For example, according to an operation mode of the indoor unit 1 of the air conditioner, air inside the housing 10 may be discharged through only the first outlet 14 or only the second outlet 15, or both of the first outlet 14 and the second outlet 15. For example, when the air conditioner is in a wind-free operation mode, air inside the housing 10 may be discharged to the outside of the housing 10 through the first outlet 14 and the second outlet 15. For example, when the air conditioner is in a cooling or heating operation mode, air inside the housing 10 may be discharged to the outside of the housing 10 through the first outlet 14. For example, when the air conditioner is in a defrosting operation mode, air inside the housing 10 may be discharged to the outside of the housing 10 through the second outlet 15. For example, when drying the heat exchanger 20 after the cooling operation mode of the air conditioner is completed, the air inside the housing 10 may be discharged to the outside of the housing 10 through the second outlet 15. A detailed description of this will be provided later.
At least a portion of air, which flows to the first outlet 14 in the housing 10, may pass through a panel 40, which will be described later, and be discharged through the second outlet 15.
For example, a speed of air discharged through the first outlet 14 may be different from a speed of air discharged through the second outlet 15. However, in some cases, the speed of air discharged through the first outlet 14 may be the same as the speed of air discharged through the second outlet 15.
For example, an amount of air discharged through the first outlet 14 may be different from an amount of air discharged through the second outlet 15. However, in some cases, the amount of air discharged through the first outlet 14 may be the same as the amount of air discharged through the second outlet 15.
For example, a discharge direction of the air discharged through the first outlet 14 may be different from a discharge direction of the air discharged through the second outlet 15. However, in some cases, the discharge direction of the air discharged through the first outlet 14 may be the same as the discharge direction of the air discharged through the second outlet 15.
Air discharged through the first outlet 14 may be guided by a blade 100. The first outlet 14 may be covered or opened by the blade 100. For example, the first outlet 14 may be arranged to extend in one direction. For example, the first outlet 14 may have a shape extending in a substantially lateral direction Y. However, it is not limited thereto, and the shape of the first outlet 14 may vary according to the type of air conditioner, the configuration of the air conditioner, etc.
The first outlet 14 and the second outlet 15 may be formed separately. The first outlet 14 and the second outlet 15 may be spaced apart from each other.
The terms of “first” and “second” do not limit the configuration of the first outlet 14 and the second outlet 15. For example, the first outlet 14 may be referred to as the second outlet 14. For example, the second outlet 15 may be referred to as the first outlet 15.
Referring to
The heat exchanger 20 may be disposed on a flow path through which air flowing into the inside of the housing 10 from the inlet 13 is discharged to the outside of the housing 10 through the first outlet 14 or the second outlet 15.
The drain pan 21 may be disposed below the heat exchanger 20 to collect condensed water generated in the heat exchanger 20. The drain pan 21 may be provided to support the heat exchanger 20. The water collected in the drain pan 21 may be discharged to the outside of the indoor unit 1 of the air conditioner through a drainage device (e.g., pump, hose, etc.).
For example, the drain pan 21 may include an insulation member 21a to thermally insulate air that is heat-exchanged with the heat exchanger 20.
The indoor unit 1 of the air conditioner may include a sub-drain 22. The sub-drain 22 may be provided to collect condensed water falling from the heat exchanger 20 and guide the collected condensed water to the drain pan 21. The sub-drain 22 may be disposed between the heat exchanger 20 and the inlet 13.
The blower fan 30 may be disposed inside the housing 10.
The blower fan 30 may force air to flow. The blower fan 30 may rotate to intake and/or discharge air. The blower fan 30 may generate a blowing force to allow indoor air to be introduced into the housing 10 through the inlet 13. The blower fan 30 may generate a blowing force to allow air heat-exchanged with the heat exchanger 20 to be discharged to the indoor space through the first outlet 14 and/or the second outlet 15.
The blower fan 30 may be disposed downstream of the heat exchanger 20 with respect to a direction of air flow, but embodiments are not limited thereto. The blower fan 30 may be disposed upstream of the heat exchanger 20 with respect to the direction of air flow.
The housing 10 may include a blowing guide 18. The blowing guide 18 may be provided to guide the heat-exchanged air passing through the heat exchanger 20 to the outlets 14 and 15. The blowing guide 18 may be arranged to surround at least a portion of the blower fan 30. For example, the blowing guide 18 may have a curved shape. For example, the blowing guide 18 may be referred to as a cover portion 18, a fan housing portion 18, a scroll portion 18, etc.
A support portion 19 may be disposed in the housing 10. The support portion 19 may be provided as a component of the housing 10. The support portion 19 may be formed integrally with the housing 10, or may be disposed in such a way that a separate member is coupled to the housing 10. For example, a plurality of support portions 19 may be arranged at intervals in a width direction of the first outlet 14. Each of the plurality of support portions 19 has a similar shape, but the plurality of support portions 19 may have different shapes according to a size or shape of the blade 100, which will be described later. In addition, the plurality of support portions 19 may be composed of several pairs of support portions that are symmetrical to each other in shape.
Referring to
The indoor unit 1 of the air conditioner may include a panel 40 disposed inside the housing 10. The panel 40 may be provided to guide at least a portion of air, which is directed to the first outlet 14, to flow to the cover panel 12. The panel 40 may guide a blowing direction to allow at least a portion of air, which is directed to the first outlet 14, to flow toward the cover panel 12. According to an embodiment, as shown in
The panel 40 may include a guide plate 41 and a plurality of guide holes 42 formed in the guide plate 41.
The guide plate 41 may be formed in an elongated shape that is the same as or longer than a width of the first outlet 14 in the width direction. The guide plate 41 may extend along the edge of the cover panel 12 defining the rear end of the first outlet 14 and may be arranged to protrude toward the inside of the housing 10.
Referring to
The plurality of guide holes 42 penetrating the guide plate 41 may be formed in the panel 40 to guide air, which is directed to the first outlet 14 in the housing 10, to allow at least a portion of the air to flow to an upper side of the cover panel 12. Air flowing to the upper side of the cover panel 12 may be discharged to the outside of the housing 10 through the opening 15 formed in the cover panel 12. That is, the guide hole 42 may allow air, which is directed to the first outlet 14, to flow to the second outlet 15. The guide hole 42 may be provided to allow the first outlet 14 to communicate with the second outlet 15 inside the housing 10. For example, a plurality of guide holes 42 may be formed along the lateral direction (Y direction) of the guide plate 41 to facilitate the flow of air toward the upper side of the cover panel 12 through the guide hole 42. In an embodiment, as shown in
The indoor unit 1 of the air conditioner may include a motor 400, the blade 100, and a door 200.
The indoor unit 1 of the air conditioner may include the motor 400. The motor 400 may provide a rotational force as a driving force for the operation of the blade 100. For example, a virtual straight line along which a shaft of the motor 400 extends may be a first rotation axis O1.
To mount the motor 400, the housing 10 may be provided with a first mounting portion 17 (refer to
The first mounting portion 17 may be provided on the inner wall 10c on both sides of the housing 10, respectively to allow the motor 400 to be coupled to the both sides of the blade 100, but embodiments are not limited thereto. Alternatively, a single motor 400 may be coupled to one lateral side of the blade 100 or a single motor 400 may rotate the blade 100 through a power transmission member (e.g., a gear or belt) coupled to a middle portion of the blade 100.
The motor 400 may include a step motor. The motor 400 may include a variable reluctance type stepper motor with excellent rotation angle resolution. The motor 400 may freely implement a swing mode that requires continuous change in direction, as well as a stepwise change in direction. However, embodiments are not limited thereto, and various power devices capable of changing the direction of the blade 100 may be used.
The indoor unit 1 of the air conditioner may include the blade 100.
The blade 100 may be configured to move between a first position A in which the blade 100 covers the first outlet 14 and a second position B in which the blade 100 exposes or opens the first outlet 14. For example, the blade 100 may be configured to rotate to open or cover the first outlet 14. As the blade 100 rotates, a degree of opening of the first outlet 14 may be changed. According to a rotation angle of the blade 100, a direction of air discharged through the first outlet 14 may vary. That is, the blade 100 may be configured to guide the amount and direction of air discharged through the first outlet 14 according to the position of the blade 100. For example, a state in which the blade 100 covers the first outlet 14 may mean that the blade 100 blocks the first outlet 14 to completely block the air flow to the first outlet 14. Alternatively, a state in which the blade 100 covers the first outlet 14 may mean that the blade 100 partially blocks the air flow toward the first outlet 14 so as to reduce the amount of air.
The blade 100 may be moved to rotate in a first direction R1 or a second direction R2 about the first rotation axis O1 by the rotational force supplied from the motor 400. However, when the blade 100 rotates, it may not be interpreted as the blade 100 is capable of rotating 360 degrees and as the rotation axis of the blade 100 may need to be a fixed axis. Further, when the blade 100 rotates, an angle of the blade 100 about the first outlet 14 may be changed.
The blade 100 may include a blade panel 110.
The blade panel 110 may have a size and shape corresponding to the first outlet 14. However, in order for a surface of the cover panel 12 and a surface of the blade panel 110 to form a continuous surface without any steps at the position where the blade panel 110 covers the first outlet 14, the size of the blade panel 110 may be less than the size (surface area) of the first outlet 14. For example, the blade panel 110 may have a substantially plate shape that is short in the front and rear direction (X direction) and long in the lateral direction (Y direction).
An end portion of the blade panel 110 corresponding to an edge of the cover panel 12 defining the rear end of the first outlet 14 when the blade panel 110 is in a position covering the first outlet 14 may be referred to as a rear end 111. An end portion opposite to the rear end 111 may be referred to as a front end 112. Both end portions of the blade panel 110 respectively corresponding to the left edge and the right edge of the cover panel 12 respectively defining the left end portion and the right end portion of the first outlet 14 may be referred to as a left end 113 and a right end 114.
A plurality of discharge holes 120 penetrating the blade panel 110 may be formed in the blade 100. Accordingly, even when the blade 100 covers the first outlet 14, air, which is directed to the first outlet 14 in the housing 10, may be discharged through the plurality of discharge holes 120.
Air, which is discharged through the plurality of discharge holes 120 in a state in which the blade 100 covers the first outlet 14, may be slower than air, which is discharged through the plurality of discharge holes 120 in a state in which the first outlet 14 is exposed due to the rotation of the blade 100. That is, the amount of air discharged per unit time through the plurality of discharge holes 120 may be less than the amount of air discharged per unit time through the first outlet 14 that is open.
The blade 100 may include a rib 190, a first coupler 130, a second coupler 140, a third coupler 150, and a fourth coupler 160.
The first coupler 130 may be connected to the shaft of the motor 400. The second coupler 140 and the third coupler 150 may be connected to the door 200, which will be described later. The fourth coupler 160 may be connected to the support portion 19.
A plurality of ribs 190 may be formed on the blade panel 110. The rib 190 may be formed to protrude from the upper surface of the blade panel 110 into the inside of the housing 10 when the blade 100 is in a position covering the first outlet 14. The plurality of ribs 190 may not only to reinforce the strength of the blade panel 110, but also may provide couplers for coupling the blade 100 to the surrounding components. The plurality of ribs 190 may have similar shapes, but each of the plurality of rib 190 may not necessarily have to be the same or symmetrical. In addition, the plurality of ribs 190 may be formed integrally with the blade panel 110, and at least one of the plurality of ribs 190 may be formed as a separate component and fixed to the blade panel 110 by a fastening means.
According to an embodiment, six ribs 190 may be arranged at intervals from each other, and the interval between adjacent ribs 190 may not need to be the same. In the present disclosure, for convenience, the ribs 190 formed on the left end 113 and the right end 114 of the blade panel 110 are referred to as the first rib and the sixth rib, respectively, and ribs arranged between the first rib and the sixth rib are referred to as the second, third, fourth, and fifth ribs, respectively.
The first coupler 130 may be formed on the first rib and the sixth rib, respectively.
According to an embodiment, two first couplers 130 including one first coupler 130, provided to protrude laterally outwardly of the first rib, and the other first coupler 130, provided to protrude laterally outwardly of the sixth rib, may be provided to allow the shaft of the motor 400 corresponding to the first coupler 130 to be connected thereto. Alternatively, in a structure in which the first rib and the sixth rib are disposed at a position closer to the center than both side ends of the blade panel 110, each first coupler 130 may not protrude beyond the side ends of the blade panel 110, but each first coupler 130 may be provided to protrude laterally inwardly of the first rib and protrude laterally inwardly of the sixth rib. In a state in which each first coupler 130 is connected to the shaft of the corresponding motor 400, the blade 100 may rotate about the first rotation axis O1.
In addition, the first coupler 130 may not need to be provided on both sides of the blade panel 110, but the first coupler 130 may be provided on only one of the first rib or the sixth rib. Additionally, as long as the first coupler 130 is configured to receive a rotational force from the motor 400, the first coupler 130 may be provided on at least one rib among the second to fifth ribs.
The second coupler 140 may be formed on the first rib and the sixth rib.
The second coupler 140 may be coupled to the door 200, which will be described later. The second coupler 140 may be detachably coupled to the door 200. The second coupler 140 may be rotatably coupled to the door 200.
The second coupler 140 may be provided as two second couplers 140 including one second coupler 140 provided to protrude laterally inwardly of the first rib and the other second coupler 140 provided to protrude laterally inwardly of the sixth rib. Therefore, one first coupler 130 may protrude laterally outward and one second coupler 140 may protrude laterally inward with respect to the first rib, and the other first coupler 130 may protrude laterally outward and the other second coupler 140 may protrude laterally inward with respect to the sixth rib. However, when a thickness of the first rib and the sixth rib is sufficient, each second coupler 140 may be provided in the form of a groove that is recessed from the lateral inside to the outside of the first rib and the sixth rib.
The second coupler 140 may be provided to correspond to a coupler 240 of the door 200, which will be described later. The second coupler 140 may be rotatably coupled to the coupler 240 (hereinafter referred to as the ‘fifth coupler’) of the door 200.
The second coupler 140 may protrude at a position spaced apart from the first rotation axis O1 of the blade 100. The second coupler 140 may protrude in a direction parallel to the first rotation axis O1 of the blade 100. That is, a virtual straight line connecting the second couplers 140 and the first rotation axis O1 of the blade 100 may form parallel lines that are parallel to each other and do not coincide with each other.
When the blade 100 rotates by the rotational force of the motor 400, the second coupler 140 may also rotate about the first rotation axis O1, and thus the force may be transmitted to the door 200 connected to the second coupler 140. The movement of the door 200 will be described later.
The third coupler 150 may be formed on the second rib to the fifth rib, respectively.
The third coupler 150 may be coupled to the door 200. The third coupler 150 may be detachably coupled to the door 200. The third coupler 150 may be rotatably coupled to the door 200.
The third coupler 150 may be provided to correspond to a coupler 260 (hereinafter referred to as the ‘seventh coupler’) of the door 200, which will be described later. The third coupler 150 may be rotatably coupled to the coupler 260 of the door 200. The third coupler 150 may rotatably support the door 200.
If one component of the air conditioner has a shape that extends in one direction, a portion of the component of the air conditioner may be deformed, such as sagging or bending. Additionally, if one component of the air conditioner is deformed, the alignment of the rotation center (or rotation axis) may be misaligned.
To prevent this, the plurality of third couplers 150 may rotatably support the door 200 at a plurality of points. As a result, the deformation of the blade 100 and/or the door 200 may be prevented.
The fourth coupler 160 may be formed on the second rib to the fifth rib, respectively.
The blade 100 may be coupled to the housing 10 through the fourth coupler 160 and the support portion 19. As the fourth coupler 160 is rotatably coupled to the support portion 19, the blade 100 may rotate with respect to the housing 10. The blade 100 may be provided to suspend from the housing 10 through the fourth coupler 160.
For this, the second to fifth ribs may be located in a position corresponding to the blade fixer 192 of the support portion 19, respectively. The four fourth couplers 160 formed on the second to fifth ribs each correspond to one support portion 19 and may be rotatably coupled to the blade fixer 192 of each support portion 19. That is, the support portion 19 may rotatably support the blade 100.
The fourth coupler 160 may be a coupling hole, and the blade fixer 192 may be a coupling protrusion, but embodiments are not limited thereto. For example, the fourth coupler 160 may be provided as a coupling protrusion, and the blade fixer 192 may be provided as a coupling hole. A portion of the fourth coupler 160 may be provided as a coupling protrusion, and the remaining fourth coupler 160 may be provided as a coupling hole. A portion of the blade fixer 192 may be provided as a coupling hole, and the remaining blade fixer 192 may be provided as a coupling protrusion.
In addition, if the blade fixer 192 of the support portion 19 is provided in the form of a protrusion, the direction in which the blade fixer 192 protrudes from the support portion 19 may not need to be the same. For example, as shown in
If the blade 100 has a shape extending in a direction parallel to the axis of rotation, a portion of the blade 100 may be deformed, such as sagging or bending, while the blade 100 rotates. Additionally, if the blade is deformed, the alignment of the rotation center (or rotation axis) may be misaligned.
To prevent this, the blade 100 may be supported on the housing 10 through the plurality of fourth couplers 160. Therefore, when the fourth coupler 160 is provided as a coupling hole, the holes may be connected by a virtual straight line, and the fourth couplers 160 may be arranged to align with the first rotation axis O1 of the blade 100.
The indoor unit 1 of the air conditioner may include the door 200.
The door 200 may be referred to as a gate, a cover member, a cover plate, a cover board, etc.
The door 200 may be connected to the blade 100. The door 200 may be connected to the blade 100 such as to open or cover the guide hole 42 of the panel 40. That is, the door 200 may be configured to move between in a third position in which the door 200 exposes or opens the guide hole 42 of the panel 40 and a fourth position in which door 200 covers the guide hole 42 of the panel 40. For example, the door 200 may be configured to rotate between the third position and the fourth position to open or cover the guide hole 42 of the panel 40. The door 200 may be rotatable between the third position and the fourth position to respectively expose or cover the guide hole 42 of the panel 40.
For example, the door 200 may move in conjunction with the movement of the blade 100. That is, the movement of the door 200 may be influenced by the movement of the blade 100.
The door 200 may be configured to rotate in the second direction R2 when the blade 100 rotates in the first direction R1 (refer to
As described above, as the second coupler 140 disposed on the blade 100 rotates about the first rotation axis O1, a force may be transmitted to the door 200 connected to the second coupler 140, and the force may allow the door 200 to rotate about a second rotation axis O2.
The door 200 may include the door body 210.
The door body 210 may be formed in the shape of a plate elongated in the lateral direction (Y direction). According to the position of the door 200, the door body 210 may be in a position covering the guide hole 42 of the panel 40. That is, according to the movement of the door 200, the door body 210 may move between a position in which the door body 210 exposes the guide hole 42 of the panel 40 and a position in which the door body 210 covers the guide hole 42.
The door body 210 may include a rear surface that is curved to correspond to the curved front surface of the panel 40 in order that the door body 210 and the panel 40 come in close contact with each other with a predetermined gap when the door body 210 is in the position covering the guide hole 42.
The door body 210 may include a lower end 211 and an upper end 212 based on a position in which the door 200 covers the guide hole 42. In order for the door body 210 to not interfere with the surrounding components installed inside the housing 10, a length between the upper end 212 and the lower end 211 in a middle portion 212b may be less than a length between the upper end 212 and the lower end 211 in both side portions 212a. Both ends of the door panel 210 corresponding to the left and right edges of the cover panel 12, respectively, which define the left end and right end of the first outlet 14, may be referred to as a left end 213 and a right end 214.
For example, the door body 210 may be arranged to be spaced apart from the panel 40. For example, a gap may be formed between the door body 210 and the panel 40. For example, the door body 210 may include a door hole through which air passes. The door hole may be omitted. In one or more examples described above, air may flow between the door body 210 and the panel 40. As air flows between the door body 210 and the panel 40, it may prevent the formation of dew in the door body 210 and/or the panel 40. A small amount of air between the door body 210 and the panel 40 may flow toward the cover panel 12, and may prevent the formation of dew inside the cover panel 12.
The door 200 may include bridges 220 and 230, a fifth coupler 240, a sixth coupler 250, and a seventh coupler 260.
The fifth coupler 240 may be connected to the first coupler 130 of the blade 100. The sixth coupler 250 may be connected to a link 300, which will be described later. The seventh coupler 260 may be connected to the third coupler 150 of the blade 100.
The door 200 may include the plurality of bridges 220 and 230 for connecting the door body 210 to the blade 100. The plurality of bridges 220 and 230 may include a first bridge and a sixth bridge 220 disposed on both side ends of the door body 210, and a second bridge to a fifth bridge 230 disposed between the first bridge and the sixth bridge 220. The bridge may be provided in the form of a branch extending from the upper end 212 of the door body 210 toward the blade 100, and may be formed integrally with the door body 210. However, at least some of the bridges 220 and 230 may be provided as separate members and fixed to the door body 210 by a fastening means.
The fifth coupler 240 may be formed in the first bridge and the sixth bridge 220, respectively.
The fifth coupler 240 may be coupled to the corresponding second coupler 140 of the blade 100.
Each fifth coupler 240 may be provided as a coupling hole, and each second coupler 140 may be provided as a coupling protrusion, but embodiments are not limited thereto. For example, the fifth coupler 240 may be provided as a coupling protrusion, and the second coupler 140 may be provided as a coupling hole. A portion of the fifth coupler 240 may be provided as a coupling protrusion, and the remaining fifth coupler 240 may be provided as a coupling hole. A portion of the second coupler 140 may be provided as a coupling hole, and the remaining second coupler 140 may be provided as a coupling protrusion.
The fifth coupler 240 may be arranged to be spaced apart from the door body 210. For example, a predetermined space may be formed between the fifth coupler 240 and the door body 210. The fifth coupler 240 may be disposed adjacent to the left end 213 and/or the right end 214 of the door body 210.
As the blade 100 rotates, a force may be transmitted to the fifth coupler 240 connected to the second coupler 140 of the blade 100.
The sixth coupler 250 may be formed in the first bridge and the sixth bridge 220, respectively.
The sixth coupler 250 may be coupled to the corresponding first arm 310 of the link 300.
The sixth coupler 250 may be provided as a coupling hole, and the first arm 310 of each link 300 may be provided as a coupling protrusion, but embodiments are not limited thereto. For example, the sixth coupler 250 may be provided as a coupling protrusion, and the first arm 310 of each link 300 may be provided as a coupling hole. A portion of the sixth coupler 250 may be provided as a coupling protrusion, and the remaining sixth coupler 250 may be provided as a coupling hole. A portion of the first arm 310 may be provided as a coupling hole, and the remaining first arm 310 may be provided as a coupling protrusion.
The sixth coupler 250 may be arranged to be spaced apart from the door body 210. For example, a predetermined space may be formed between the sixth coupler 250 and the door body 210. The sixth coupler 250 may be disposed adjacent to the left end 213 and/or the right end 214.
The fifth coupler 240 and the sixth coupler 250 may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other. For example, a connection portion 245 (refer to
The door 200 may be configured to cover or open the guide hole 42 in response to the movement of the fifth coupler 240 and the sixth coupler 250.
The fifth coupler 240 may be referred to as a first guide 240, and the sixth coupler 250 may be referred to as a second guide 250. However, the ordinal number does not limit the configuration, and thus the fifth coupler 240 will be referred to as the second guide 240, and the sixth coupler 250 will be referred to as the first guide 250.
The seventh coupler 260 may be formed in the second to fifth bridges 230, respectively.
The seventh coupler 260 may be coupled to the blade 100. The seventh coupler 260 may be detachably coupled to the blade 100. The seventh coupler 260 may be rotatably coupled to the blade 100.
The seventh coupler 260 may be rotatably coupled to the corresponding third coupler 150 of the blade 100.
The seventh coupler 260 may be provided as a coupling hole, and the third coupler 150 may be provided as a coupling protrusion, but embodiments are not limited thereto. For example, the seventh coupler 260 may be provided as a coupling protrusion, and the third coupler 150 may be provided as a coupling hole. A portion of the seventh coupler 260 may be provided as a coupling protrusion, and the remaining seventh coupler 260 may be provided as a coupling hole. A portion of the third coupler 150 may be provided as a coupling hole, and the remaining third coupler 150 may be provided as a coupling protrusion.
The seventh coupler 260 may be rotatably supported by the blade 100.
The plurality of seventh couplers 260 may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other. For example, the plurality of seventh couplers 260 may be arranged along the extension direction of the door body 210. The plurality of seventh couplers 260 may be disposed between the left end 213 and the right end 214 of the door body 210.
The plurality of seventh couplers 260 may be rotatably supported by the blade 100 at a plurality of points. Accordingly, the door 200 may not be deformed. The door body 210 of the door 200 may not be bent. The rotation center (or rotation axis) of the door 200 may not be misaligned
As for the first coupler 130, the second coupler 140, the third coupler 150, the fourth coupler 160, the fifth coupler 240, the sixth coupler 250, the seventh coupler 260, the terms “first”, “second”, “third”, “fourth”, “fifth”, “sixth”, and “seventh” may not limit the component. These terms are only used to distinguish one component from another component. For example, the fifth coupler 240 may be referred to as the first coupler 240. For example, the sixth coupler 250 may be referred to as the second coupler 250.
The door 200 may include the plurality of bridges 220.
Each fifth coupler 240 and each sixth coupler 250 may be formed in each bridge 220. One fifth coupler and one sixth coupler 250 may be formed on the first bridge, and the other fifth coupler and the other sixth coupler 250 may be formed on the second bridge.
The bridge 220 may protrude from the upper end 212 of the door body 210. The bridge 220 may protrude from both side portions 212a of the door body 210.
The bridge 220 may be prevented from interfering with the blade 100. The bridge 220 may have a shape to avoid interference with the blade panel 110 caused by the rotation of the blade 100 and the door 200. For example, when the blade 100 and the door 200 rotate, the rear end 111 of the blade panel 110 may be moved into a predetermined space formed by the bridge 220.
The bridge 220 may include a first extension portion 221 extending from the door body 210. The bridge 220 may include a second extension portion 222 extending from the first extension portion 221. The bridge 220 may include a third extension portion 223 extending from the second extension portion 222. An extension direction of the first extension portion 221 may be different from an extension direction of the second extension portion 222. The extension direction of the second extension portion 222 may be different from an extension direction of the third extension portion 223. The extension direction of the second extension portion 222 may be provided to substantially intersect the extension direction of the first extension portion 221. The extension direction of the third extension portion 223 may be provided to substantially intersect the extension direction of the second extension portion 222. The extension direction of the first extension portion 221 may be provided to be substantially parallel to the extension direction of the third extension portion 223. The first extension portion 221, the second extension portion 222, and the third extension portion 223 may form approximately a ‘C’ shape. For example, each bridge 220 may have an approximately ‘C’ shape.
The door 200 may include the plurality of bridges 230.
The seventh coupler 260 may be formed at an end of the bridge 230.
The plurality of bridges 230 may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other. The plurality of bridges 230 may be arranged along the extension direction of the door body 210. For example, the plurality of bridges 230 may be disposed between the left end 213 and the right end 214 of the door body 210.
The bridge 230 may protrude from the upper end 212 of the door body 210. The bridge 230 may protrude from the middle portion 212b of the door body 210.
The bridge 230 may be prevented from interfering with the blade 100. For example, the bridge 230 may have a shape that is to avoid interference with the blade panel 110 caused by the rotation of the blade 100 and the door 200. For example, when the blade 100 and the door 200 rotate, the rear end 111 of the blade panel 110 may be moved into a predetermined space formed by each bridge 230.
The bridge 230 may be supported on the blade 100. For example, the bridge 230 may be supported on the blade 100 through the seventh coupler 260. For example, the bridge 230 may have an approximately ‘L’ shape similar to the bridge 220.
The door 200 may be arranged to be openable the guide hole 42 of the panel 40. The door 200 may be configured to be cover the guide hole 42. The door 200 may be configured to open or cover the guide hole 42. The door 200 may be configured to expose or cover the guide hole 42.
When the door 200 opens the guide hole 42, the first outlet 14 and the second outlet 15 may communicate with each other through the guide hole 42 inside the housing 10.
When the door 200 covers the guide hole 42, the first outlet 14 and the second outlet 15 may not communicate with each other by the door 200 or may only partially communicate with each other.
When the door 200 opens the guide hole 42, at least a portion of the air directed to the first outlet 14 may pass through the guide hole 42. As a result, the air passing through the guide hole 42 may be discharged to the outside of the housing 10 through the second outlet 15.
When the door 200 covers the guide hole 42, the air directed to the first outlet 14 may be blocked by the door 200 and may not pass through the guide hole 42. For example, when the door 200 covers the guide hole 42, the door 200 may prevent air, which is directed to the first outlet 14, from flowing into the second outlet 15. As a result, air that does not pass through the guide hole 42 may be discharged to the outside of the housing 10 through the first outlet 14. That is, the air inside the housing 10 may not be discharged through the second outlet 15 of the cover panel 12.
When the blade 100 is in the first position covering the first outlet 14, the door 200 may be in the third position and configured to open the guide hole 42. When the blade 100 is in the second position opening the first outlet 14, the door 200 may be in the fourth position and configured to cover the guide hole 42. When the blade 100 is positioned to open the first outlet 14 and guide the air that is discharged through the first outlet 14, the door 200 may be in the fourth position and configured to cover the guide hole 42.
The indoor unit 1 of the air conditioner may include a connecting member 60 provided to guide the rotation of the door 200. Hereinafter the link 300 will be described as an example of the connecting member 60.
The indoor unit 1 of the air conditioner may include the link 300 provided to connect the housing 10 and the door 200. The link 300 may be arranged to connect each of the inner walls 10c on both sides of the housing to each of the sixth couplers 250.
The link 300 may include a link body 330, a first arm 310, and a second arm 320.
The link 300 may include the first arm 310. The first arm 310 may be coupled to the door 200. The first arm 310 may be rotatably coupled to the door 200. The first arm 310 may be provided to correspond to the sixth coupler 250 of the door 200. The first arm 310 may be rotatably coupled to the sixth coupler 250 of the door 200.
The first arm 310 may be located in one end of the link body 330. The first arm 310 may have a shape that protrudes from the link body 330.
The link 300 may include the second arm 320. The second arm 320 may be fixed to the housing 10. The second arm 320 may be coupled to the housing 10. The second arm 320 may be rotatably fixed to the housing 10. To mount the connecting member 60, the housing 10 may be provided with a second mounting portion 16 (refer to
The second arm 320 may be located in the other end of the link body 330. The second arm 320 may have a shape that protrudes from the link body 330.
The first arm 310 and the second arm 320 may protrude from the link body 330 in different directions. For example, the first arm 310 and the second arm 320 may protrude from the link body 330 in opposite directions.
As for the first arm 310 and the second arm 320, the terms “first”, and “second” may not limit the component. These terms are only used to distinguish one component from another component. For example, the first arm 310 may be referred to as the second arm 310. For example, the second arm 320 may be referred to as the first arm 320.
Hereinafter an example of an operation in which the blade 100 opens the first outlet 14 will be described with reference to
The motor 400 may form the first rotation axis O1. The shaft of the motor 400 may form the first rotation axis O1. The first coupler 130 may be connected to the shaft of the corresponding motor 400 to form the first rotation axis O1. A position of the first rotation axis O1 may be maintained in a fixed state.
The link 300 may form the second rotation axis O2. The second arm 320 of the link 300 may be coupled to the second mounting portion 16 of the housing 10 to form the second rotation axis O2. The second rotation axis O2 may be spaced apart from the first rotation axis O1. A position of the second rotation axis O2 may be maintained in a fixed state.
The blade may be moved by the motor 400. The blade 100 may be rotated by the motor 400. The blade 100 may rotate about the first rotation axis O1. The blade 100 may rotate in the first direction R1. The blade 100 may be configured to open the first outlet 14 while rotating in the first direction R1.
For example, as the blade 100 rotates in the first direction R1 with respect to the first rotation axis O1, the rear end 111 of the blade panel 110 may move upward. For example, as the blade 100 rotates in the first direction R1 with respect to the first rotation axis O1, the rear end 111 of the blade panel 110 may be moved into the housing 10.
For example, as the blade 100 rotates in the first direction R1 with respect to the first rotation axis O1, the front end 112 of the blade panel 110 may move downward. For example, as the blade 100 rotates in the first direction R1 with respect to the first rotation axis O1, the front end 112 of the blade panel 110 may protrude out of the housing 10.
The door 200 may include the fifth coupler 240 rotatably coupled to the blade 100 and rotatable about the first rotation axis O1, and the sixth coupler 250 rotatable about the second rotation axis O2 spaced apart from the first rotation axis O1.
The fifth coupler 240 of the door 200 may be coupled to the second coupler 140 of the blade 100. As the fifth coupler 240 and the second coupler 140 are coupled, a first joint P may be formed.
As the blade 100 moves, the fifth coupler 240 of the door 200 connected to the second coupler 140 of the blade 100 may also move.
The fifth coupler 240 may rotate about the first rotation axis O1. The fifth coupler 240 may be provided to rotate around the first rotation axis O1. The fifth coupler 240 may rotate in the first direction R1. The fifth coupler 240 may be provided to rotate along at least a portion of a first rotation trajectory T1. The fifth coupler 240 may be provided to rotate along an arc formed by the first rotation trajectory T1. For example, the first rotation trajectory T1 may draw an arc having a rotation radius from the first rotation axis O1 to the first joint P.
In a state in which the fifth coupler 240 is coupled to the second coupler 140, the fifth coupler 240 may be spaced apart from the first rotation axis O1, and arranged to rotate along the first direction R1 with respect to the first rotation axis O1. That is, the fifth coupler 240 may be arranged to orbit around the first rotation axis O1. The fifth coupler 240 may be provided to rotate around the first rotation axis O1.
The fifth coupler 240 may move upward while rotating in the first direction R1. For example, the fifth coupler 240 may move upward while rotating in the first direction R1 with respect to the first rotation axis O1.
The sixth coupler 250 of the door 200 may be coupled to the first arm 310 of the link 300. As the sixth coupler 250 and the first arm 310 of the link 300 are coupled, a second joint Q may be formed.
The fifth coupler 240 and the sixth coupler 250 may be connected by the connection portion 245 and provided to maintain a predetermined distance. As the fifth coupler 240 moves, the sixth coupler 260 may also move.
The sixth coupler 250 may rotate about the second rotation axis O2. The sixth coupler 250 may be provided to rotate around the second rotation axis O2. The sixth coupler 250 may rotate in the second direction R2. The sixth coupler 250 may be provided to rotate along at least a portion of a second rotation trajectory T2. The sixth coupler 250 may be provided to rotate along an arc formed by the second rotation trajectory T2. For example, the second rotation trajectory T2 may draw an arc having a rotation radius from the second rotation axis O2 to the second joint Q.
In a state in which the sixth coupler 250 is coupled to the link 300, the sixth coupler 250 may be spaced apart from the second rotation axis O2, and arranged to rotate in the second direction R2 with respect to the second rotation axis O2. That is, the sixth coupler 250 may be arranged to orbit around the second rotation axis O2. The sixth coupler 250 may be provided to rotate around the second rotation axis O2.
The sixth coupler 250 may move downward while rotating in the second direction R2. For example, the sixth coupler 250 may move downward while rotating in the second direction R2 with respect to the second rotation axis O2.
In response to the blade 100 rotating in the first direction R1, the first joint P may rotate in the first direction R1 with respect to the first rotation axis O1. The first joint P may rotate around the first rotation axis O1 in the first direction R1 in a state in which the first joint P is spaced apart from the first rotation axis O1 by a predetermined distance. The first joint P may be provided to orbit around the first rotation axis O1. In response to the first joint P rotating in the first direction R1 with respect to the first rotation axis O1, the second joint Q may rotate in the second direction R2 with respect to the second rotation axis O2. In a state in which the second joint Q is spaced apart from the second rotation axis O2 by a predetermined distance, the second joint Q may rotate in the second direction R2 around the second rotation axis O2. The second joint Q may be provided to orbit around the second rotation axis O2. As each of the first joint P and the second joint Q performs orbital movement, the door 200 may rotate. As each of the first joint P and the second joint Q rotates, the door body 210 may rotate in the second direction R2. As the first joint P rotates in the first direction R1 and the second joint Q rotates in the second direction R2, the door body 210 may rotate in the second direction R2. As the first joint P moves upward and the second joint Q moves downward, the door body 210 may rotate in the second direction R2. For example, the lower end 211 and the upper end 212 of the door body 210 may move downward.
As for an operation in which the blade 100 covers the first outlet 14, the blade 100, the door 200, and the link 300 may move in a direction opposite to the direction that is described above.
For example, the blade 100 may be configured to cover the first outlet 14 while rotating in the second direction R2. The fifth coupler 240 of the door 200 may rotate in the second direction R2 with respect to the first rotation axis O1. The first joint P may rotate around the first rotation axis O1 in the second direction R2 while being spaced apart from the first rotation axis O1 by a predetermined distance. The first joint P may be provided to orbit around the first rotation axis O1. The fifth coupler 240 of the door 200 may move downward as the fifth coupler 240 rotates in the second direction R2. The sixth coupler 250 of the door 200 may rotate in the first direction R1 with respect to the second rotation axis O2. The second joint Q may rotate around the second rotation axis O2 in the first direction R1 while being spaced apart from the second rotation axis O2 by a predetermined distance. The second joint Q may be provided to orbit around the second rotation axis O2. The sixth coupler 250 of the door 200 may move upward while rotating in the first direction R1. In summary, as each of the first joint P and the second joint Q performs the orbital movement, the door 200 may rotate. As each of the first joint P and the second joint Q rotates, the door body 210 may rotate in the first direction R1. As the first joint P rotates in the second direction R2 and the second joint Q rotates in the first direction R1, the door body 210 may rotate in the first direction R1. As the first joint P moves downward and the second joint Q moves upward, the door body 210 may rotate in the first direction R1. For example, the lower end 211 and the upper end 212 of the door body 210 may move upward.
Next, examples of operation modes of the indoor unit 1 of the air conditioner will be described with reference to
Referring to
As for the first position A and the second position B, the terms “first”, and “second” may not limit the component. For example, the first position A may be referred to as the second position A. For example, the second position B may be referred to as the first position B.
Referring to
When the blade 100 is located in the first position A, the sixth coupler 250 may be disposed above the fifth coupler 240. When the blade 100 is located in the first position A, the second joint Q may be disposed above the first joint P. That is, when the blade 100 is in a position covering the first outlet 14, the sixth coupler 250 may be disposed above the fifth coupler 240.
When the blade 100 is located in the first position A, the door 200 may be disposed to open the guide hole 42. When the blade 100 covers the first outlet 14, the door body 210 may be arranged not to cover the guide hole 42. Air directed to the first outlet 14 may flow to the second outlet 15 through the guide hole 42. The first outlet 14 and the second outlet 15 may communicate through the guide hole 42.
For example, the second outlet 15 may be provided with a plurality of discharge holes 15a. For convenience of description, the plurality of discharge holes 120 may be referred to as a plurality of first discharge holes 120, and the plurality of discharge holes 15a may be referred to as a plurality of second discharge holes 15a.
The indoor unit 1 of the air conditioner may implement windless airflow during the wind-free operation. The wind-free operation may mean a low-air volume operation in which air is discharged below a predetermined speed while preventing wind from blowing directly to a user. The indoor unit 1 of the air conditioner may gradually cool or heat the indoor space during the wind-free operation.
When the indoor unit 1 of the air conditioner performs the wind-free operation, the blade 100 may cover the first outlet 14. When the indoor unit 1 of the air conditioner performs the wind-free operation, air may be discharged through the plurality of first discharge holes 120 of the blade 100 and the plurality of second discharge holes 15a of the cover panel 12. A portion of the air directed to the first outlet 14 may be discharged through the plurality of first discharge holes 120. Another portion of the air directed to the first outlet 14 may be discharged through the plurality of second discharge holes 15a after passing through the guide hole 42. The windless airflow may be implemented not only through the blade 100 but also through the cover panel 12, and thus the wind-free operation performance of the indoor unit 1 of the air conditioner may be improved. In other words, an area where air is discharged at low speed and/or low wind volume may be increased.
When the blade 100 is in the first position covering the first outlet 14, the air inside the housing 10 may be discharged through the plurality of first discharge holes 120 and the plurality of second discharge holes 15a. When the blade 100 is in the first position A, the door 200 may be disposed in the third position that exposes the guide hole 42 to allow air, which is directed to the first outlet 14, to be discharged through the plurality of first discharge holes 120 and the plurality of second discharge holes 15a. When the blade 100 covers the first outlet 14, the door 200 may open the guide hole 42 to allow the air inside the housing 10 to pass through the guide hole 42 and to be discharged through the second outlet 15.
Referring to
Referring to
When the blade 100 is located in the second position B, the door 200 may be arranged to cover the guide hole 42. When the blade 100 is located in the second position B, the door body 210 may be arranged to cover the guide hole 42. Accordingly, when the blade 100 is located in the second position B, the door 200 may prevent the air, which is directed to the first outlet 14, from flowing to the second outlet 15 through the guide hole 42. The door body 210 may prevent air, which is directed to the first outlet 14, from flowing to the second outlet 15 through the guide hole 42. Air directed to the first outlet 14 may not pass through the guide hole 42. The first outlet 14 and the second outlet 15 of the cover panel 12 may not communicate with each other due to the door body 210.
For example, in related art, when an air conditioner is in a cooling operation mode or a heating operation mode, air may be guided by a blade and discharged through an outlet. At this time, at least a portion of the air directed to the outlet may flow toward a cover panel. Air flowing toward the cover panel may be leaked to the outside. Air leaking to the outside through the cover panel may be re-inhaled into a housing through an inlet. Accordingly, when the heat-exchanged air flows back into the inlet through the cover panel, the air conditioning performance of the air conditioner may deteriorate. A lot of time and/or energy may be required to cool or heat an indoor space.
However, according to one or more embodiments, when the blade 100 is located in the second position B, the door 200 may block the guide hole 42. Air directed to the first outlet 14 may be blocked by the door body 210 and may not flow to the second outlet 15 of the cover panel 12. That is, the air inside the housing 10 may be prevented from leaking to the outside through the cover panel 12. Accordingly, the heat-exchanged air may be discharged through the first outlet 14 to cool or heat the indoor space. That is, because it is possible to reduce or prevent the heat-exchanged air from being re-inhaled through the inlet 13, the air conditioning performance of the air conditioner may be improved. It is possible to save time and/or energy required to cool or heat the indoor space.
When the blade 100 is in the second position opening the first outlet 14, the air inside the housing 10 may be discharged through the first outlet 14. When the blade 100 is in the second position B, the door 200 may be in the fourth position covering the guide hole 42 to prevent air directed to the first outlet 14 from passing through the guide hole 42 and being discharged through the second outlet 15. When the blade 100 opens the first outlet 14 and guides the air discharged through the first outlet 14, the door 200 may cover the guide hole 42 to allow the air inside the housing 10 to be discharged through the first outlet 14.
An example in which the blade 100 is located in the second position B1 will be described with reference to
Referring to
For example, when the blade 100 is located in the second position B1, the blade 100 may be disposed at an angle of approximately 30 degrees with respect to the horizontal plane. However, the inclination angle of the blade 100 is only an example, and the blade 100 may be arranged to be inclined at various angles based on user input.
An example in which the blade 100 is located in the second position B2 will be described with reference to
Referring to
For example, when the blade 100 is located in the second position B2, the blade 100 may be arranged to be inclined at approximately 45 degrees with respect to the horizontal plane. However, the inclination angle of the blade 100 is only an example, and the blade 100 may be arranged to be inclined at various angles based on user input.
An example in which the blade 100 is located in the second position B3 will be described with reference to
Referring to
For example, when the blade 100 is located in the second position B3, the blade 100 may be arranged to be inclined at approximately 60 degrees with respect to the horizontal plane. However, the inclination angle of the blade 100 is only an example, and the blade 100 may be arranged to be inclined at various angles based on user input.
An example 1b of an indoor unit 1 of an air conditioner will be described with reference to
Referring to
A housing 10 may include an inlet 13. The inlet 13 may be provided in the lower center of the housing 10. The inlet 13 may be formed in an intake panel 11.
The housing 10 may include a cover panel 12. The cover panel 12 may be arranged to surround the inlet 13. The cover panel 12 may be placed outside the intake panel 11.
The housing 10 may include a first outlet 14. The first outlet 14 may be provided in plurality. A blade 100, a door 200, a link 300, and a motor 400 may be provided in plurality to correspond to each first outlet 14.
The housing 10 may include a second outlet 15. The cover panel 12 may include the second outlet 15. The second outlet 15 may be disposed between the first outlet 14 and the inlet 13. The second outlet 15 may be provided with a plurality of discharge holes 15a.
When the air conditioner is in the wind-free operation, the heat-exchanged air may be discharged to the outside of the housing 10 through a plurality of first discharge holes 120 of the blade 100 and the plurality of second discharge holes 15a of the cover panel 12.
When the air conditioner is in the cooling operation mode or the heating operation mode, the heat-exchanged air may be discharged to the outside of the housing 10 through the plurality of first outlets 14. For example, the heat-exchanged air may be discharged forward, backward, and left and right.
An example 1c of the indoor unit 1 of the air conditioner will be described with reference to
Referring to
Referring to
The second outlet 15b may be smaller than the first outlet 14. A wind speed of the air discharged through the second outlet 15b may be less than a wind speed of the air discharged through the first outlet 14. A volume of air discharged through the second outlet 15b may be less than a volume of air discharged through the first outlet 14. However, embodiments are not limited thereto, and in some cases, the first outlet 14 may be smaller than the second outlet 15b.
The second outlet 15b may be disposed closer to the first outlet 14 than the inlet 13. However, embodiments are not limited thereto, and in some cases, the second outlet 15b may be disposed closer to the inlet 13 than the first outlet 14.
The second outlet 15b may be provided with at least one opening. According to an embodiment, three second outlets 15b may be provided, but embodiments are not limited thereto. Alternatively, the number of second outlets 15b may be two or less or four or more. There is no limitation in the number of second outlets 15b. Each of the second outlets 15b may extend along the lateral direction (Y direction), but embodiments are not limited thereto.
Referring to
The second outlet 15b may be larger than one of the plurality of discharge holes 120. A wind speed of the air discharged through the second outlet 15b may be greater than a wind speed of the air discharged through one of the plurality of discharge holes 120. A volume of air discharged through the second outlet 15b may be greater than a volume of air discharged through one of the plurality of discharge holes 120. However, embodiments are not limited thereto, and in some cases, a size of the second outlet 15b and a size of the plurality of discharge holes 120 may vary.
Referring to
The first outlet 14 may be larger than one of the plurality of discharge holes 15a. A wind speed of air discharged through the first outlet 14 may be greater than a wind speed of air discharged through one of the plurality of discharge holes 15a. A volume of air discharged through the first outlet 14 may be greater than a volume of air discharged through one of the plurality of discharge holes 15a. However, embodiments are not limited thereto, and in some cases, a size of the first outlet 14 and a size of the plurality of discharge holes 15a may vary.
Referring to
When the blade 100 is located in the first position A, the door 200 may be arranged to open the guide hole 42. When the blade 100 covers the first outlet 14, the door 200 may be arranged not to cover the guide hole 42. Air directed to the first outlet 14 may flow to the second outlet 15b through the guide hole 42. The first outlet 14 and the second outlet 15b may communicate with each other through the guide hole 42.
The indoor unit of the air conditioner may drive the blower fan 30 to dry the heat exchanger 20 for a predetermined period of time after the cooling operation mode is completed. During the cooling operation of the indoor unit of the air conditioner, condensed water may be generated in the heat exchanger 20. When moisture remains in the heat exchanger 20, mold may develop or odor particles may be adsorbed. In order to remove mold, odor, etc., it is required to dry the heat exchanger 20. At this time, when the first outlet 14 is open even though the cooling operation of the indoor unit of the air conditioner is completed, a user may feel confused about the operation of the indoor unit of the air conditioner.
According to one or more embodiments, in response to the end of the cooling operation of the indoor unit of the air conditioner, the blade 100 may be in a position covering the first outlet 14. According to one or more embodiments, in response to the end of the cooling operation of the indoor unit of the air conditioner, the air inside the housing 10 may be discharged through the second outlet 15b.
In summary, the indoor unit of the air conditioner may cover the first outlet 14 and simultaneously discharge air through the second outlet 15b. As described above, when the blade 100 is located in the first position A, the door 200 may be arranged in the third position to open the guide hole 42. Accordingly, air blown by the blower fan 30 may pass through the guide hole 42 and flow toward the cover panel 12. Air flowing toward the cover panel 12 may be discharged to the outside of the housing 10 through the second outlet 15b. The air that dried the heat exchanger 20 may be discharged through the second outlet 15b. A user can clearly recognize that the cooling operation is completed through the fact that the first outlet 14 is covered. A user cannot feel confused about the operation of the indoor unit of the air conditioner.
The indoor unit of the air conditioner may be switched to the defrosting operation based on satisfying a predetermined condition during the heating operation. For example, during the heating operation of the indoor unit of the air conditioner, frost may occur on the outdoor unit of the air conditioner. In this case, the air conditioner may not operate normally. Accordingly, to remove frost generated on the outdoor unit of the air conditioner, the indoor unit of the air conditioner may be configured to temporarily stop the heating operation and then perform the defrosting operation for a predetermined period of time. For example, when the indoor unit of the air conditioner switches from the heating operation to the defrosting operation, the flow of refrigerant may also be switched. Accordingly, the heat exchanger 20 may be configured to cool the air drawn in through the inlet 13. At this time, when the first outlet 14 is open during the defrosting operation of the indoor unit of the air conditioner, cold air may be discharged through the first outlet 14. An occupant can feel uncomfortable due to the cold air discharged through the first outlet 14 during the defrosting operation. Additionally, when the first outlet 14 is open even though the heating operation of the indoor unit of the air conditioner is stopped, a user can feel confused about the operation of the indoor unit of the air conditioner.
According to one or more embodiments, in response to the start of the defrosting operation of the indoor unit of the air conditioner, the blade 100 may be in a position covering the first outlet 14. According to one or more embodiments, in response to the start of the defrosting operation of the indoor unit of the air conditioner, the air inside the housing 10 may be discharged through the second outlet 15b.
In summary, the indoor unit of the air conditioner may cover the first outlet 14 and simultaneously discharge air through the second outlet 15b. As described above, when the blade 100 is located in the first position A, the door 200 may be arranged in the third position to open the guide hole 42. Accordingly, the air blown by the blower fan 30 may pass through the guide hole 42 and flow toward the cover panel 12. Air flowing toward the cover panel 12 may be discharged to the outside of the housing 10 through the second outlet 15b. During the defrosting operation of the indoor unit of the air conditioner, the indoor unit of the air conditioner may discharge fine air currents through the second outlet 15b. As a result, the air cooled by passing through the heat exchanger 20 may not be discharged through the first outlet 14, and thus an occupant cannot feel discomfort caused by the cold air flow. Additionally, a user can clearly recognize that the heating operation is stopped through the fact that the first outlet 14 is covered. A user can clearly recognize that the defrosting operation starts through the fact that the first outlet 14 is covered. A user cannot feel confused about the operation of the indoor unit of the air conditioner.
The air conditioner may be configured to perform the wind-free operation. The blade 100 may include the plurality of discharge holes 120 (refer to
Referring to
The second position B of the blade 100 may be set to various positions to allow the blade 100 to adjust the discharge direction of air according to the user's convenience (refer to
When the blade 100 is located in the second position B, the door 200 may be arranged in the fourth position to cover the guide hole 42. Accordingly, when the blade 100 is located in the second position B, the door 200 may prevent the air directed to the first outlet 14 from flowing to the second outlet 15b through the guide hole 42. When the blade 100 is located in the second position B, the door body 210 may prevent air directed to the first outlet 14 from flowing to the second outlet 15b through the guide hole 42. Air directed to the first outlet 14 may not pass through the guide hole 42. The first outlet 14 and the second outlet 15b may not communicate with each other through the door body 210.
In related art, when an air conditioner is in a cooling operation mode or a heating operation mode, air may be guided by a blade and discharged through an outlet. At this time, at least a portion of the air directed to the outlet may flow toward a cover panel. Air flowing toward the cover panel may be leaked to the outside. Air leaking to the outside through the cover panel may be re-inhaled into a housing through an inlet. Accordingly, when the heat-exchanged air flows back into the inlet through the cover panel, the air conditioning performance of the air conditioner may deteriorate. A lot of time and/or energy may be required to cool or heat an indoor space.
However, according to one or more embodiments, when the blade 100 is located in the second position B, the door 200 may block the guide hole 42. Air directed to the first outlet 14 may be blocked by the door body 210 and may not flow to the second outlet 15 of the cover panel 12. That is, the air inside the housing 10 may be prevented from leaking to the outside through the cover panel 12. Accordingly, the heat-exchanged air may be discharged through the first outlet 14 to cool or heat the indoor space. That is, because it is possible to reduce or prevent that the heat-exchanged air is re-inhaled through the inlet 13, the air conditioning performance of the air conditioner may be improved. It is possible to save time and/or energy required to cool or heat the indoor space.
An example 1d of the indoor unit 1 of the air conditioner will be described with reference to
Referring to
A housing 10 may include an inlet 13. The inlet 13 may be provided in the lower center of the housing 10. The inlet 13 may be formed in an intake panel 11.
The housing 10 may include a cover panel 12. The cover panel 12 may be arranged to surround the inlet 13. The cover panel 12 may be placed outside the intake panel 11.
The housing 10 may include a first outlet 14 and a second outlet 15. Referring to
When the cooling operation of the indoor unit of the air conditioner is completed, the blade 100 may be arranged to cover the first outlet 14, and air may be discharged through the second outlet 15. When the defrosting operation of the indoor unit of the air conditioner starts, the blade 100 may cover the first outlet 14, and air may be discharged through the second outlet 15.
When the indoor unit of the air conditioner is in the cooling operation mode or the heating operation mode, the blade 100 may be disposed to open the first outlet 14, and air may be discharged through the first outlet 14.
In describing a blade 100a, a door 200a, a connecting member 60, and a motor 400a shown in
Referring to
In comparison with the blade 100, the blade 100a may not include the first coupler 130, the second coupler 140, and the third coupler 150. Instead, a first gear 510, which will be described later, may be formed on at least one of both sides of the blade 100a.
In comparison with the door 200, the door 200a may not include the fifth coupler 240, the sixth coupler 250, and the bridge 230. Instead, a second gear 520, which will be described later, may be formed on at least one of both sides of the door 200a.
The motor 400a may provide a rotational force as a driving force for the operation of the blade 100a.
The motor 400a may include a shaft 410 connectable to the blade 100a. An imaginary straight line along which the shaft 410 of the motor 400a extends may be a third rotation axis O3. The shaft 410 may be connected to a first gear 510, which will be described later, by passing through a first mounting portion 17 formed on inner walls 10c on both sides of the housing 10.
The motor 400a may include a housing coupler 420 coupled to the housing 10. For example, the housing coupler 420 may be fixed to a motor coupler 10d by a fastening means.
The shape of the motor 400a may be different from that of the motor 400, but the motor 400a and the motor 400 may have substantially the same configuration. That is, the motor 400 may also include the shaft 410 and the housing coupler 420.
The indoor unit of the air conditioner may include a connecting member 60 provided to guide the rotation of the door 200a. Hereinafter a gear device 500 will be described as an example of the connecting member 60. The gear device 500 may be referred to as a gear assembly 500.
The indoor unit of the air conditioner may include the gear device 500 configured to transmit power from the blade 100a to the door 200a. The gear device 500 may be arranged on the left side of the blade 100a and the door 200a and the right side of the blade 100a and the door 200a, respectively, but embodiments are not limited thereto. For example, the gear device 500 may be arranged on at least one of the left side of the blade 100a and the door 200a or the right side of the blade 100a and the door 200a.
The gear device 500 may include a first gear 510 provided on the blade 100a and a second gear 520 provided on the door 200a. The first gear 510 and the second gear 520 may be arranged to mesh with each other. The motor 400a may provide a driving force to the first gear 510, and the first gear 510 may transmit the driving force to the second gear 520. The first gear 510 and the second gear 520 may rotate in opposite directions.
The first gear 510 may be formed integrally with the blade 100a, or may be formed as a separate component and fixed to the blade 100a by a fastening means. The first gear 510 may be arranged on a rib 190 formed on a left end 113 of the blade panel 110 and/or a rib 190 formed on a right end 114 of the blade panel 110.
The first gear 510 may include an eighth coupler 511 connected to the shaft 410 of the motor 400a. For example, the eighth coupler 511 may be formed in a central portion of the first gear 510.
The second gear 520 may be formed integrally with the door 200a, or may be formed as a separate component and fixed to the door 200a by a fastening means. The second gear 520 may be arranged on a bridge 220 adjacent to a left end 213 of the door body 210 and/or a bridge 220 adjacent to a right end 214 of the door body 210.
The second gear 520 may include a ninth coupler 521 connected to a second mounting portion 16 of the housing 10. For example, the ninth coupler 521 may be formed in the central portion of the second gear 520.
The eighth coupler 511 of the first gear 510 may be connected to the shaft 410 of the motor 400a, thereby forming the third rotation axis O3. A position of the third rotation axis O3 may be maintained in a fixed state.
The ninth coupler 521 of the second gear 520 may be connected to the second mounting portion 16 of the housing 10, thereby forming a fourth rotation axis O4. A position of the fourth rotation axis O4 may be maintained in a fixed state.
The third rotation axis O3 and the fourth rotation axis O4 may be spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance.
The blade 100a may rotate about the third rotation axis O3. The blade 100a may be configured to open the first outlet 14 while rotating in the first direction R1. Conversely, the blade 100a may be configured to cover the first outlet 14 while rotating in the second direction R2. The blade 100a may receive a rotational force from the motor 400a.
As the blade 100a rotates, the door 200a may rotate. As the first gear 510 provided on the blade 100a rotates, the second gear 520 engaged with the first gear 510 may rotate, and the door 200a on which the second gear 520 is arranged may rotate.
The door 200a may rotate about the fourth rotation axis O4. As the blade 100a rotates in the first direction R1, the door 200a may rotate in the second direction R2. Conversely, as the blade 100a rotates in the second direction R2, the door 200a may rotate in the first direction R1.
Based on a gear ratio of the first gear 510 and the second gear 520, a rotation speed of the door 200a may vary. When a diameter Ds of the second gear 520 is less than a diameter Dm of the first gear 510, the rotation speed of the door 200a may increase. That is, the second gear 520 may function as an acceleration gear. When the diameter Ds of the second gear 520 is greater than the diameter Dm of the first gear 510, the rotation speed of the door 200a may decrease. That is, the second gear 520 may function as a reduction gear. The diameter Dm of the first gear 510 and the diameter Ds of the second gear 520 may be tip circle diameters, but are not limited thereto. The diameter of the first gear 510 and the diameter of the second gear 520 may be pitch circle diameters or root circle diameters.
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According to one or more embodiments, the indoor unit 1 of the air conditioner may include the housing 10 including the inlet 13, the first outlet 14, and the second outlet 15, the panel 40 arranged inside the housing and including the guide hole 42 configured to allow air, which is directed the first outlet 14, to flow to the second outlet 15, the blade 100 rotatable to open or cover the first outlet 14, and the door 200 connected to the blade 100. The door 200 may be rotatable to open or cover the guide hole 42 of the panel 40.
The door 200 may be configured to open the guide hole 42 in response to the blade 100 being in a position covering the first outlet 14. The door 200 may be configured to cover the guide hole 42 in response to the blade 100 being in a position opening the first outlet 14.
The door 200 may include the first guide 240 rotatably coupled to the blade 100 and rotatable about the first rotation axis O1. The door 200 may include the second guide 250 rotatable about the second rotation axis O2 spaced apart from the first rotation axis O1.
The indoor unit 1 of the air conditioner may further include the link 300. The link 300 may include the first arm 310 coupled to the second guide 250 of the door 200. The link 300 may include the second arm 320 provided to form the second rotation axis O2.
The second arm 320 of the link 300 may be fixed to the housing 10. The first guide 240 may be configured to rotate around the first rotation axis O1. The second guide 250 may be configured to rotate around the second rotation axis O2.
The first guide 240 may be configured to rotate in the first direction R1. The second guide 250 may be configured to rotate in the second direction R2 opposite to the first direction R1.
The first guide 240 may move upward as the first guide 240 rotates in the first direction R1. The second guide 250 may move downward as the second guide 250 rotates in the second direction R2.
The second guide 250 may be disposed above the first guide 240 in response to the blade 100 being in the position covering the first outlet 14. The second guide 250 may be disposed below the first guide 240 in response to the blade 100 being in the position opening the first outlet 14.
The indoor unit 1 of the air conditioner may further include the gear device 500 configured to transmit power from the blade 100 to the door 200. The gear device 500 may include the first gear 510 arranged in the blade 100. The gear device 500 may include the second gear 520 arranged in the door 200 and engaged with the first gear 510.
The first gear 510 may be configured to rotate in the first direction R1. The second gear 520 may be configured to rotate in the second direction R2 opposite to the first direction R1.
The indoor unit 1 of the air conditioner may further include the motor 400 configured to supply a rotational force to the blade 100.
The blade 100 may include the plurality of first discharge holes 120. The second outlet 15 may be provided with the plurality of second discharge holes 15a. In response to the blade 100 being in the position covering the first outlet 14, air inside the housing may be discharged through the plurality of first discharge holes 120 and the plurality of second discharge holes 15a.
In response to the end of the cooling operation or in response to the start of the defrosting operation, the blade 100 may be disposed in the position covering the first outlet 14 and air inside the housing may be discharged through the second outlet 15.
The door 200 may include the door body 210 configured to move between a position exposing the guide hole 42 and a position covering the guide hole 42. The door 200 may include the plurality of bridges 220 and 230 provided to connect the door body 210 to the blade 100.
The housing may include the intake panel 11 provided to form the inlet 13. The housing may include the cover panel 12 provided to form the first outlet 14 and the second outlet 15.
According to one or more embodiments, the indoor unit 1 of the air conditioner may include the inlet 13, the first outlet 14, the second outlet 15 formed separately from the first outlet 14, the blade 100 including the plurality of discharge holes 120 and rotatable between the second position B in which the blade 100 opens the first outlet 14 to guide air discharged through the first outlet 14, and the first position A in which the blade clovers the first outlet 14, the panel 40 provided with the guide hole 42 configured to allow air, which is directed to the first outlet 14, to flow to the second outlet 15, and the door 200 rotatable to cover or expose the guide hole 42 of the panel 40. In response to the blade 100 being in the second position B, the door 200 may be disposed in the fourth position covering the guide hole 42 such as to prevent allow air, which is directed to the first outlet 14, from being discharged through the second outlet 15 by passing through the guide hole 42. In response to the blade 100 being in the first position A, the door 200 may be disposed in the third position opening or exposing the guide hole 42 such as to allow air, which is directed to the first outlet 14, to be discharged through the plurality of first discharge holes 120 of the blade 100 and the second outlet 15.
The indoor unit 1 of the air conditioner may further include the link 300 in which one end thereof is fixed to the housing. The door 200 may include the first coupler 240 coupled to the blade 100 and rotatable in the first direction R1. The door 200 may include the second coupler 250 spaced apart from the first coupler 240 and rotatable in the second direction R2 opposite to the first direction R1 by being coupled to the other end of the link 300.
The indoor unit 1 of the air conditioner may further include the gear device 500 configured to transmit power from the blade 100 to the door 200. The gear device 500 may include the first gear 510 arranged in the blade 100 and rotatable in the first direction R1. The gear device 500 may include the second gear 520 arranged in the door 200 and engaged with the first gear 510 and rotatable in the second direction R2 opposite to the first direction R1.
According to one or more embodiments, the indoor unit 1 of the air conditioner may include the housing 10 including the inlet 13, the first outlet 14, and the second outlet 15, the panel 40 arranged inside the housing and including the guide hole 42 provided to allow the first outlet 14 and the second outlet 15 to communicate with each other, the blade 100 rotatable to open or cover the first outlet 14, and the door 200 connected to the blade 100. In response to the first outlet 14 being covered by the blade 100, the door 200 may open the guide hole 42 to allow air inside the housing to pass through the guide hole 42 and to be discharged through the second outlet 15.
When the blade 100 guides air, which is discharged through the first outlet 14, by opening the first outlet 14, the door 200 may cover the guide hole 42 to allow air inside the housing to be discharged through the first outlet 14.
The performance of the air conditioner may be improved.
The usability of the air conditioner may be improved.
In a cooling operation mode or a heating operation mode, air leaking through a cover panel may be prevented from being re-inhaled into an inlet.
The above-described embodiments are merely examples to describe technical content according to the embodiments of the disclosure and help the understanding of the embodiments of the disclosure, not intended to limit the scope of the embodiments of the disclosure. Accordingly, the scope of various embodiments of the disclosure should be interpreted as encompassing all modifications or variations derived based on the technical spirit of various embodiments of the disclosure in addition to the embodiments disclosed herein.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10-2023-0063764 | May 2023 | KR | national |
| 10-2023-0095093 | Jul 2023 | KR | national |
This application is a continuation of International Application No. PCT/KR2024/004462, filed on Apr. 5, 2024, in the Korean Intellectual Property Receiving Office, which is based on and claims priority to Korean Patent Applications No. 10-2023-0063764, filed on May 17, 2023, and No. 10-2023-0095093, filed on Jul. 21, 2023, in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the disclosures of which are incorporated by reference herein in their entireties.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | PCT/KR24/04462 | Apr 2024 | WO |
| Child | 18633101 | US |
