Ceiling type air conditioner with closable air inlet port

Abstract

 The present invention relates to a ceiling type air conditioner. The ceiling type air conditioner according to the present invention opens and closes an air inlet port through which the air is introduced by moving a front panel and also controls the front panel using a controller. Accordingly, the present invention is advantageous in that it can prevent the unbalanced opening/closing phenomenon of the air inlet port and make beautiful the external appearance of a ceiling.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a ceiling type air conditioner, and more particularly, to a ceiling type air conditioner in which an air inlet port is opened and closed by rotating a front panel, which is disposed on the air inlet port side, using driving means.

[0002] In general, a ceiling type air conditioner generally includes an indoor unit installed in a ceiling and configured to perform a cooling function, an outdoor unit to perform dissipation and compression functions, and refrigerant pipelines to connect the indoor unit and the outdoor unit.

[0003] However, the conventional ceiling type air conditioner was problematic in that it degrades the sensitivity quality of a user and also spoils the external appearance of a ceiling because an air inlet port through which the air is introduced is always opened even when the air conditioner is not operated.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] Accordingly, the present invention is directed to provide a ceiling type air conditioner in which an air inlet port through which the air on the indoor side is introduced can be opened and closed.

[0005] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a ceiling type air conditioner, including a casing disposed in an internal space of a ceiling, a base panel including an air inlet port through which air is introduced to the casing and an air discharge port for discharging the air introduced to the casing, the base panel being disposed under the casing, and opening/closing driving means for opening and closing the air inlet port by rotatably moving at least part of the front panel with respect to the base panel.

[0006] The ceiling type air conditioner according to the present invention opens and closes the air inlet port through which the air is introduced by moving the front panel and also controls the front panel using the controller. Accordingly, the present invention is advantageous in that it can prevent the unbalanced opening/closing phenomenon of the air inlet port and make beautiful the external appearance of a ceiling.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] 

FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a ceiling type air conditioner according to the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating a state where a base panel is separated from a casing shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a dismantled perspective view illustrating a variety of constituent elements coupled to the base panel shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a sectional view, which is taken along line A-A of FIG. 1 and is a sectional view illustrating a state where an air inlet port is closed;

FIG. 5 a sectional view, which is taken along line A-A of FIG. 1 and is a sectional view illustrating a state where the air inlet port is opened;

FIGS. 6a and 6b are a front view and a lateral view illustrating a shape where a movable panel is coupled to a portion " P" of FIG. 3;

FIG. 7a is a dismantled perspective view illustrating a rack housing shown in FIG. 4;

FIG. 7b is a dismantled perspective view illustrating another embodiment of opening/closing driving means shown in FIG. 7a;

FIGS. 8a and 8b are lateral views illustrating opening/closing driving means implemented in accordance with still another embodiment;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view illustrating an installation bracket for intermediating the coupling of a second connection member with the opening/closing driving means, shown in FIGS. 8a and 8b, and a movable panel;

FIGS. 10a and 10b are lateral views illustrating still another embodiment of the opening/closing driving means that move the movable panel shown in FIG. 1; and

FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a control process of a controller in the ceiling type air conditioner equipped with the opening/closing sensing means in accordance with still another embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] Hereinafter, a ceiling type air conditioner according to the present invention will be described in detail in connection with embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0009] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a ceiling type air conditioner 1 according to the present invention. FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating a state where a base panel 300 is separated from a casing 200 shown in FIG. 1. Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the ceiling type air conditioner 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention is installed in an internal space of a ceiling 100. In general, the term " internal space" of the ceiling 100 refers to a space between the ceiling surface 100 corresponding to the top of the ceiling 100, and a ceiling finishing material 150 (refer to FIG. 4), which is spaced apart from the ceiling surface 100 at a specific interval, disposed in parallel to the ceiling surface 100, and forms an upper external appearance of an indoor 170.

[0010] More specifically, the ceiling type air conditioner 1 includes the casing 200 fixed to the internal space. The casing 200 functions to absorb the air of the indoor 170, thermally exchange the air, and discharge the thermally exchanged air to the indoor 170. The casing 200 has a bottom opened, and can have a rectangular parallelepiped shape whose length is longer than its width. The casing 200 can be fixed to the ceiling surface 100 using fastening members such as bolts (not shown).

[0011] Hereinafter, for convenience of description, a length direction (i.e., left and right directions in the drawings) of the casing 200 is defined to be reference numeral " X" , a width direction (i.e., front and rear directions in the drawings), which is horizontally orthogonal to the length direction of the casing 200, is defined to be reference numeral Y, and a direction (i.e., up and down directions in the drawings), which is vertically orthogonal to the length direction of the casing 200, is defined to be reference numeral Z, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.

[0012] A variety of heat exchange components 180 for absorbing the air on the part of the indoor 170, thermally exchanging the air, and discharging the thermally exchanged air to the indoor 170 are arranged within the casing 200.

[0013] The ceiling type air conditioner 1 further includes a base panel 300 coupled to the bottom of the casing 200 in such a way to cover the opened bottom surface of the casing 200.

[0014] FIG. 3 is a dismantled perspective view illustrating a variety of constituent elements coupled to the base panel 300 shown in FIG. 1. Referring to FIG. 3, the base panel 300 includes an air inlet port 305 for absorbing the air and an air discharge port 310 for thermally exchanging the air absorbed through the air inlet port 305 and discharging the thermally exchanged air. The air inlet port 305 and the air discharge port 310 are lengthily formed in a length direction (i.e., in the X direction) of the base panel 300 and are formed in parallel on the base panel 300 in a width direction (i.e., in the Y direction) of the base panel 300 at a portion where they are spaced apart from each other at a specific interval. Thus, the inside and outside of the casing 200 are communicated with each other through the air inlet port 305 and the air discharge port 310. An absorption portion of the air inlet port 305 and a discharge portion of the air discharge port 310 may be disposed substantially in parallel to the horizontal surface.

[0015] FIG. 4 is a sectional view, which is taken along line A-A of FIG. 1 and is a sectional view illustrating a state where the air inlet port 305 is closed. FIG. 5 a sectional view, which is taken along line A-A of FIG. 1 and is a sectional view illustrating a state where the air inlet port 305 is opened. Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, the ceiling type air conditioner 1 further includes a front panel 400 which is disposed under the base panel 300 and configured to open and close the air inlet port 305. The front panel 400 functions to open the air inlet port 305 when the air conditioner 1 is operated, but close the air inlet port 305 when the air conditioner 1 is not operated. Hence, the front panel 400 forms a part of the external appearance of the ceiling 100 together with the ceiling finishing material 150.

[0016] The front panel 400 includes a movable panel 410 disposed on the part of the air inlet port 305, but movably with respect to the base panel 300 and a coupling panel 420 disposed on one side of the movable panel 410. The movable panel 410 functions to open and close the air inlet port 305. The coupling panel 420 is coupled to the bottom of the base panel 300, which corresponds to between-the air inlet port 305 and the air discharge port 310. The movable panel 410 may have a dual panel in which two sheet members are folded. In other words, the movable panel 410 may have a first panel member 410A movably disposed on the part of the air inlet port 305, and a second panel member 410B disposed to overlap with the first panel member 410A under the first panel member 410A and configured to form a lower external appearance of the movable panel 410. Here, the first panel member 410A and the second panel member 410B are disposed to overlap with each other, but are coupled together using adhesives such as a sealant or a double adhesive tape. As described above, the movable panel 410 has a dual panel and, therefore, functions to reinforce the strength in the length direction of the movable panel 410 in the ceiling type air conditioner 1 in which the air inlet port 305 is longer in the X direction than in the Y direction.

[0017] Meanwhile, one exemplary means for reinforcing the strength in the length direction of the movable panel 410 may include a reinforcement rib 450 coupled to the top surface of the movable panel 410 in the X direction. The reinforcement rib 450 may include a variety of materials such as iron.

[0018] The movable panel 410 and the coupling panel 420 are replaceable structures with respect to the base panel 300 and are detachably coupled to the base panel 300. Hence, the ceiling type air conditioner 1 can give a user with a new feeling by replacing only the movable panel 410 and the coupling panel 420 when the exteriors of the movable panel 410 and the coupling panel 420 are decolorized or stained.

[0019] Meanwhile, the ceiling type air conditioner 1 may include lighting means (not shown). The lighting means can be disposed between the movable panel 410, and the coupling panel 420 and the base panel 300 and can generate a specific color of light. The lighting means can meet the needs of a people who recently become more interested in the well-being life. In other words, the lighting means may function to induce a user' sound sleep by generating light of a wavelength, which helps the user' sound sleep at night or midnight when the air conditioner 1 is rarely used.

[0020] The movable panel 410 and the coupling panel 420 disposed under the lighting means may be formed from a transparent material through which light generated by the lighting means can pass. As light generated by the lighting means passes through the movable panel 410 and the coupling panel 420, an image that can be viewed externally may be displayed on the movable panel 410 and the coupling panel 420. The image may be a motion image which makes users feel more live. Further, there is an advantage in that the sensitivity of, in particular, children can become rich by reflecting fashionable characters on the image.

[0021] It is to be understood that the lighting means as in the above embodiment is not indispensable means for improving a user' sensitivity quality. For example, the movable panel 410 and the coupling panel 420 may have a painting member panel on which an image, which can be easily seen by a user, can be displayed on their bottom surface without the lighting means. As described above, the movable panel 410 and the coupling panel 420 are detachably mounted to the base panel 300. Hence, if a user feels bored at the image, the movable panel 410 and the coupling panel 420 can be replaced with new ones on which a different image is displayed in order to give the user with a live and fresh feeling.

[0022] The ceiling type air conditioner 1 further includes opening/closing driving means 500, 600, 700, and 800, which open and close the air inlet port 305 by moving the movable panel 410 of the front panel 400 with respect to the base panel 300. A method of opening and closing the air inlet port 305 using the opening/closing driving means 500, 600, 700, and 800 may include a rotatably moving opening/closing method of rotating the movable panel 410 around the base panel 300. However, in the embodiment of the ceiling type air conditioner 1, the method of opening and closing the air inlet port 305 is not limited to the rotatably moving opening/closing method. In other words, the method of opening and closing the air inlet port 305 can also be accomplished by a sliding-moving opening/closing method of slidably moving the movable panel 410 in the horizontal direction in addition to the method of rotating the movable panel 410 around the base panel 300.

[0023] An embodiment (hereinafter, referred to as a " first embodiment" as far as the description of the opening/closing driving means concerned) of the air conditioner that opens and closes the air inlet port 305 using the rotatably moving opening/closing method is described below in detail. The opening/closing driving means 500 of the air conditioner 1 in accordance with the first embodiment includes, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, a rack gear unit 510 disposed on an upper portion of the movable panel 410, a rack housing 520 formed in the base panel 300 in such a manner that the rack gear unit 510 is inserted therein when the movable panel 410 is rotated, a pinion gear unit 530 disposed within the rack housing 520 and engaged with the rack gear unit 510, and a driving motor 540 for rotating the pinion gear unit 530.

[0024] If a user applies power to the ceiling type air conditioner 1 or actuates the driving motor 540 using a remote controller key or the like, the driving motor 540 of the air conditioner 1 is rotated as in the state shown in FIG. 4 and the pinion gear unit 530 coupled to a rotating shaft 545 (refer to FIG. 7a) of the driving motor 540 is rotated in conjunction with the rotation of the driving motor 540. Here, the rack gear unit 510 engaged with the pinion gear unit 530 is moved. When the rack gear unit 510 is moved, the movable panel 410 is moved. The movable panel 410 is rotatably coupled to the base panel 300 as described above. When the rack gear unit 510 is moved, the movable panel 410 is rotated to thereby open and close the air inlet port 305, as shown in FIG. 5.

[0025] Here, the driving motor 540 and the pinion gear unit 530, which is coupled to the rotating shaft 545 of the driving motor 540 and rotated therewith, are rotated with them being fixed to the rack housing 520. The rack gear unit 510 is moved with it being engaged with the pinion gear unit 530 and thus rotates the movable panel 410 at a specific angle to the base panel 300. Accordingly, it is preferred that the rack gear unit 510 have a shape engaged with one side of the pinion gear unit 530 (that is, a curved shape having a specific radius of curvature with respect to the rotating center of the movable panel 410).

[0026] The rack housing 520 can be integrally formed with the base panel 300. However, the rack housing 520 may not be necessarily integrally formed with the base panel 300. For example, considering that it is the most preferred method to form the base panel 300 using an injection molding method (that is, considering the difficulties in shaping the base panel 300), the rack housing 520 can be separately fabricated and then installed in the base panel 300.

[0027] The coupling structure in which the movable panel 410 is rotatably disposed with respect to the base panel 300 is described below with reference to FIGS. 3 to 5. In other words, the movable panel 410 includes a plurality of hooks 411. The hooks 411 are spaced apart from one another and are arranged along one end of the air inlet port 305 adjacent to the coupling panel 420. The hook 411 has a hook shape which is projected to a specific length upwardly at one end of the movable panel 410, has its front end curved again and then extends downwardly. A latch stage 412, which projects to a specific length in the Y direction, is formed at the front end of each hook 411. In the base panel 300 are formed a plurality of latches 320. The latch 320 rotates the movable panel 410 around the base panel 300 in a state where the latch 320 is engaged with the latch stage 412 of the hook 411.

[0028] FIGS. 6a and 6b are a front view and a lateral view illustrating a shape where the movable panel 410 is coupled to a portion " P" of FIG. 3. Referring to FIGS. 6a and 6b, the latch 320 has a groove in which one end of the base panel 300, which corresponds to the air inlet port 305, is cut. The latch 320 includes a step portion 315, which projects from the left and right sides within the latch 320 to the central portion of the latch 320 so that the latch stage 412 is moved from an upper portion to a lower portion of the latch 320 and then engaged with the latch 320. The number of the latches 320 corresponds to the number of the hooks 411.

[0029] A process of installing the movable panel 410 in the base panel 300 is described below. A user first moves the movable panel 410 toward the base panel 300. At this time, the user can move the movable panel 410 toward the base panel 300 at a specific tilt angle such that the latch stages 412 of the hooks 411 formed in the movable panel 410 are easily engaged with the step portions 315 of the plurality of latches 320 formed in the base panel 300. The hooks 411 formed in the movable panel 410 are then inserted into the plurality of latches 320 formed in the base panel 300, respectively. If the user releases the movable panel 410, the latch stages 412 are seated in the step portions 315 by way of self-load of the movable panel 410. Here, the hooks 411 function as a rotation shaft when the movable panel 410 is rotated.

[0030] Meanwhile, when the movable panel 410 installed in the base panel 300 is detached from the base panel 300, if the movable panel 410 is rotated at a specific tilt angle and then pushed up in the tilt direction, the latch stages 412 formed in the hooks 411 are respectively spaced apart from the step portions 315 formed in the plurality of latches 320 and then moved upwardly. In this state, if the movable panel 410 is pulled forwardly, the movable panel 410 is detached from the base panel 300 naturally.

[0031] FIG. 7a is a dismantled perspective view illustrating an internal construction of the rack housing 520 and the rack gear unit 510 shown in FIGS. 4 and 5. Referring to FIG. 7a, the rack housing 520 has its bottom opened in order for the rack gear unit 510 to be moved up and inserted into the rack housing 520. The pinion gear unit 530 is disposed within the rack housing 520. The rack gear unit 510 is engaged with the pinion gear unit 530 and then moved therewith as the pinion gear unit 530 is rotated.

[0032] A pair of first stoppers 551 are formed on right and left inner wall surfaces of the rack housing 520. The stoppers 551 are latched to the rack gear unit 510 and limit the downward movement of the rack gear unit 510. The first stopper 551 has a stage shape, which is projected to a specific length from the right and left inner wall surfaces of the rack housing 520 to sides where the rack gear unit 510 at a central portion is disposed.

[0033] Second stoppers 552 are formed at an upper portion of the rack gear unit 510. The second stoppers 552 are projected to a specific length in the left and right directions and latched to the first stoppers 551, respectively, when the rack gear unit 510 is engaged with the pinion gear unit 530 and thus moved therewith downwardly.

[0034] As described above, the opening/closing driving means 500 in accordance with the first embodiment may further include a stopper unit 550 comprising the first stoppers 551 and the second stoppers 552. The stopper unit 550 limits the downward movement of the rack gear unit 510. Consequently, the stopper unit 550 functions to prevent the air inlet port 305 from being excessively opened due to an excessive opening of the movable panel 410 and also the movable panel 410 from being detached downwardly along with the hooks 411 formed in one portion of the movable panel 410.

[0035] An operational process of the opening/closing driving means 500 constructed above in accordance with the first embodiment is described below.

[0036] If a user first actuates the air conditioner 1 using a remote controller key or the like, the driving motor 540 is rotatably driven in one direction, and the pinion gear unit 530 coupled to the rotating shaft of the driving motor 540 is rotated in conjunction with the rotation of the driving motor 540, as described above with reference to FIG. 5. Here, the rack gear unit 510 rotates the movable panel 410 around the base panel 300 while falling at a specific rate according to a rotation amount and rotation speed of the pinion gear unit 530, thus opening the air inlet port 305.

[0037] If a user stops the operation of the air conditioner 1 using a remote controller key or the like, the driving motor 540 is rotatably driven in a direction opposite to that of the opening operation of the air inlet port 305 and rotates the movable panel 410 around the base panel 300, thus closing the air inlet port 305, as described above with reference to FIG. 4.

[0038] As the first embodiment of the opening/closing method of the air inlet port 305, the rotatably moving opening/closing method of opening and closing the air inlet port 305 by rotating the movable panel 410 around the base panel 300 at a specific angle has been described above in detail. It is, however, to be understood that the rotatably moving opening/closing method of rotating the movable panel 410 around the base panel 300 is not limited to the mechanical construction (or structure) of the opening/closing driving means 500 of opening and closing the air inlet port 305. For example, the first embodiment has been described that one opening/closing driving means 500 is included. However, a case where two opening/closing driving means 500 are included on both sides of the base panel 300 or the movable panel 410 with them being spaced apart from each other at a specific interval can be taken into consideration. In this case, the driving motor 540 that rotates a pair of the pinion gear units 530 may be one in number (refer to FIG. 7b) or two driving motors 540 may be connected to the pair of pinion gear units 530, respectively, so that they can rotate the pinion gear units 530, respectively. In the latter case, the functions or characteristics of the constituent elements are similar to that of the above description except that the opening/closing driving means 500 are spaced apart from each other another and detailed description thereof is omitted.

[0039] FIG. 7b is a dismantled perspective view illustrating an opening/closing driving means 600 implemented according to another embodiment (hereinafter, referred to as a " second embodiment" as far as the description of the opening/closing driving means concerned). The same reference numerals as that of FIG. 7a are used to identify the same constructions. Referring to FIG. 7b, the opening/closing driving means 600 in accordance with the second embodiment includes only one driving motor 640 unlike the opening/closing driving means 600 in accordance with the first embodiment as shown in FIG. 7a in which the two opening/closing driving means 600 are respectively disposed on the left and right sides of the base panel 300 or the movable panel 410 and the driving motor 540 is provided in pair. The driving motor 640 can be disposed at a central portion of the base panel 300. The opening/closing driving means 600 in accordance with the second embodiment further includes a pair of driving links 680. The driving link 680 have one ends coupled to a rotating shaft of the driving motor 640 and the other ends coupled to a pair of pinion gear units 630 and rotate the pair of pinion gear units 630 at the same time.

[0040] The opening/closing driving means 600 in accordance with the second embodiment is advantageous in that it can save the prime cost because the number of the driving motor 640 is relatively reduced when compared with the opening/closing driving means 500 in accordance with the first embodiment. However, the opening/closing driving means 600 must rotate the movable panel 410 using one driving motor 640 and, therefore, is relatively disadvantageous in that it must have a great output when compared with the opening/closing driving means 500 640 in accordance with the first embodiment having the pair of driving motors 640. However, it can be seen that the advantages of the opening/closing driving means 600 in accordance with the second embodiment are far superior to that of the opening/closing driving means 500 in accordance with the first embodiment in view of opening/closing control of the air inlet port 305 because it controls only one opening/closing driving means 600 (the opening/closing control of the air inlet port 305 of the opening/closing driving means 500 in accordance with the first embodiment is described later on).

[0041] Meanwhile, the opening/closing driving means 700 for opening and closing the air inlet port 305 by rotating the movable panel 410 can be implemented according to the following still another embodiment (hereafter, referred to as a " third embodiment" as far as the description of the opening/closing driving means concerned).

[0042] FIGS. 8a and 8b are lateral views illustrating the opening/closing driving means 700 implemented in accordance with still another embodiment. Referring to FIGS. 8a and 8b, the opening/closing driving means 700 includes a driving motor 740 supplying rotatory power, a first connection member 730 rotated by the driving motor 740, and a second connection member 710 having one portion relatively rotatably coupled to the first connection member 730 and the other portion coupled to the front panel 400. The second connection member 710 upwardly supports the front panel 400.

[0043] FIG. 9 is a perspective view illustrating an installation bracket 760 for intermediating the coupling of the second connection member 710 with the opening/closing driving means 700, which is implemented according to the third embodiment, and the movable panel 400. Referring to FIG. 9, the opening/closing driving means 700 further includes the installation bracket 760 for intermediating the coupling of the front panel 400 and the second connection member 710. The installation bracket 760 couples the other portion of the second connection member 710 to a hinge 761 of the front panel 400.

[0044] The first connection member 730 and the second connection member 710 are formed in a thin sheet form and are disposed to partially overlap. Accordingly, the first connection member 730 is rotated when the driving motor 740 is rotated and is therefore fully overlapped with one side of the second connection member 710.

[0045] The opening/closing driving means 700 may further include a stopper unit 750, including a projection stage 751 projected toward one side of the first connection member 730 and a latch groove 752 formed in the second connection member 710. When the second connection member 710 is rotated, the projection stage 750 of the first connection member 730 is inserted into and latched to the latch groove 752. The stopper unit 750 functions to limit the rotation of the first connection member 730, when closing the air inlet port 305, by rotating the movable panel 410.

[0046] An operational process of the opening/closing driving means 700 constructed above in accordance with the third embodiment is described below.

[0047] First, if a user operates the air conditioner 1 using a remote controller key or the like, the driving motor 740 is rotated in one direction and the first connection member 730 coupled to the rotating shaft of the driving motor 740 is rotated in conjunction with the rotation of the driving motor 740, as shown in FIG. 8b. Here, the second connection member 710 coupled to the first connection member 730 is moved to thereby rotate the movable panel 410 around the base panel 300 at a specific angle, so that the air inlet port 305 is opened.

[0048] If a user stops the operation of the air conditioner 1 using a remote controller key or the like, the driving motor 740 is rotatably driven in a direction opposite to that of the opening operation of the air inlet port 305 and rotates the movable panel 410 around the base panel 300, thereby closing the air inlet port 305, as described above with reference to FIG. 8a.

[0049] As a mechanical structure for opening and closing the air inlet port 305 as described above, the above-described rotatably moving opening/closing method can be used widely. In other words, the air inlet port 305 can be opened and closed by rotatably moving the movable panel 410 using the opening/closing driving means 500, 600 including the driving motor 540, 640, the pinion gear unit 530, 630 and the rack gear unit 510, 610 in accordance with the first and second embodiments, and the opening/closing driving means 700 including the driving motor 740, the first connection member 730, and the second connection member 710 in accordance with the third embodiment. However, it is to be understood that means for implementing the opening/closing driving means 500, 600, and 700 of the present invention is not limited to only the above rotatably moving opening/closing method in opening and closing the air inlet port 305.

[0050] FIGS. 10a and 10b are lateral views illustrating still another embodiment (hereinafter, referred to as a " fourth embodiment" as far as the description of the opening/closing driving means concerned) of opening/closing driving means 800 that move the movable panel 410 shown in FIG. 1. Referring to FIGS. 10a and 10b, the opening/closing driving means 800 includes a driving motor 840 providing rotatory power, a pinion gear unit 830 rotated by the driving motor 840, and a rack gear unit 810 disposed in the movable panel 410 so that the pinion gear unit 830 is geared with the rack gear unit 810. When the driving motor 840 is rotated, the pinion gear unit 830 is rotated to thereby move the rack gear unit 810 geared with the pinion gear unit 830. Here, as the rack gear unit 810 is moved, the movable panel 410 coupled to the rack gear unit 810 slidably moves in a horizontal direction, thereby opening and closing the air inlet port 305. In this case, a guide rail unit 860 for slidably guiding the movement of the movable panel 410 can be disposed in the base panel 300. As described above, the opening/closing driving means 800 can open and close the air inlet port 305 through a sliding-moving opening/closing method of slidably moving the movable panel 410 in a horizontal direction.

[0051] Only one opening/closing driving means 800 can be provided in the base panel 300 and the movable panel 410. In this case, it is preferred that the opening/closing driving means 800 is disposed at a central portion of the base panel 300 and the movable panel 410. However, it is to be understood that the number of the opening/closing driving means 800 is not necessarily one and a pair of the opening/closing driving means 800 may be disposed on both right and left sides of the base panel 300 and the movable panel 410 in a corresponding manner.

[0052] An operational process of the opening/closing driving means 800 constructed above in accordance with the fourth embodiment is described below.

[0053] First, if a user operates the air conditioner 1 using a remote controller key or the like, the driving motor 840 is rotatably driven in one direction and the pinion gear unit 830 coupled to a rotating shaft of the driving motor 840 is rotated in conjunction with the rotation of the driving motor 840, as shown in FIG. 10b. Here, the rack gear unit 810 disposed to gear with the pinion gear unit 830 is moved, so the air inlet port 305 is opened through an operation of slidably moving the movable panel 410 in a horizontal direction.

[0054] If a user stops the operation of the air conditioner 1 using a remote controller key or the like, the driving motor 840 is rotatably driven in a direction opposite to that of the opening operation of the air inlet port 305 and slidably moves the movable panel 410 in a horizontal direction, thus closing the air inlet port 305, as described above with reference to FIG. 10a.

[0055] The construction of the opening/closing driving means 500, 600, 700, and 800 in accordance with the first to fourth embodiments and the operational process of opening and closing the air inlet port 305 using the same have been described above in detail. It has also been described that the number of each of the opening/closing driving means 500, 600, 700, and 800 in accordance with the first to fourth embodiments can be one. When the number of each of the opening/closing driving means 500, 600, 700, and 800 is one as described above, there is no significant difficulty in terms of operation control in opening and closing the air inlet port 305. However, when the number of each of the opening/closing driving means 500, 600, 700, and 800 is two or more, there is somewhat a complicated problem in terms of operation control in opening and closing the air inlet port 305.

[0056] More specifically, when the number of each of the opening/closing driving means 500, 600, 700, and 800 is two or more, the operating speed of each of the opening/closing driving means 500, 600, 700, and 800 must be identical. However, the operating speed of each of the opening/closing driving means 500, 600, 700, and 800 may be different because there is a difference in durability although they have the same specification and construction. If the operating speed of each of the opening/closing driving means 500, 600, 700, and 800 differs, the moving speed of the movable panel 410 differs. It causes the air inlet port 305 to open and close irregularly. In other words, if the moving speeds differ in one side and the other side of the movable panel 410 as the movable panel 410 is moved, only one of one side and the other side of the air inlet port 305 is fully closed, but the other of one side and the other side of the air inlet port 305 is not fully closed.

[0057] Further, in the case where the ceiling type air conditioner 1 is being powered, but is not powered on by a user, if the user forcibly moves the movable panel 410 in order to open the air inlet port 305, there may be a disadvantage in terms of the beauty of the external appearance since the air inlet port 305 keeps opened.

[0058] The ceiling type air conditioner 1 according to the present invention may further include a controller (not shown) for controlling the operation of the opening/closing driving means 500, 600, 700, and 800 in order to prevent the unbalanced opening/closing phenomenon of the air inlet port 305 and a reduction in the beauty of the external appearance due to the always opening state of the air inlet port 305.

[0059] Hereinafter, a control method through the controller when the number of the opening/closing driving means 500, 600, 700, and 800 is one (that is, a case corresponding to reference numeral 600) is relatively simple and description thereof is omitted. Hence, only a case where the number of each of the opening/closing driving means 500, 700, and 800 is two is described below. It is assumed that opening/closing driving means coupled to one side of the movable panel 410, of the two opening/closing driving means 500, 700, and 800, is " first driving means" and opening/closing driving means coupled to the other side of the movable panel 410, of the two opening/closing driving means 500, 700, and 800, is " second driving means" for convenience of description.

[0060] The controller controls the movable panel 410 to close the air inlet port 305 by driving the first driving means 500 and the second driving means 500 during a first set time and a second set time, respectively.

[0061] Here, assuming that a first derivation time is a time, which is taken for the first driving means 500 to fully close the air inlet port 305, corresponding to one side of the movable panel 410, from the open state by moving the movable panel 410, the first set time is a time in which a specific addition time is added to the first derivation time. In a similar way, assuming that a second derivation time is a time, which is taken for the second driving means 500 to fully close the air inlet port 305, corresponding to the other side of the movable panel 410, from the open state by moving the movable panel 410, the second set time is a time in which a specific addition time is added to the second derivation time.

[0062] Theoretically, assuming that the first driving means 500 and the second driving means 500 are fabricated to have the same specification and the same operating speed, the first derivation time and the second derivation time, which are taken for the air inlet port 305 to be fully closed from the open state by means of the first driving means 500 and the second driving means 500, have the same value. However, although the first driving means 500 and the second driving means 500 are fabricated to have the same specification and the same operating speed, the first derivation time and the second derivation time are not always identical. In other words, the first driving means 500 and the second driving means 500 may have different operating speeds for any reason (for example, a representative example is a difference in the operating speed depending on the durability of each driving means 500). In this case, the first derivation time may differ from the second derivation time. At this time, the unbalanced opening/closing phenomenon may be caused in the air inlet port 305.

[0063] In accordance with an embodiment of the ceiling type air conditioner 1, in order to prevent the unbalanced opening/closing phenomenon of the air inlet port 305, the controller controls the operation of the air inlet port 305 by driving the first driving means 500 and the second driving means 500 during the first set time and the second set time by adding a specific addition time to the first derivation time and the second derivation time even when the first derivation time is different from the second derivation time. Even though the first derivation time differs from the second derivation time, the first set time and the second set time can be set to have the same value.

[0064] As described above, the opening/closing driving means 500 can be configured according to various embodiments and can open and close the air inlet port 305 by moving the movable panel 410 in various ways. Hereinafter, all embodiments of the opening/closing driving means 500 that moves the movable panel 410 are described in detail in relation to a control aspect of the controller.

[0065] Referring first to FIGS. 4 and 5 and FIGS. 10a and 10b, the first driving means 500, 800 includes a first driving motor 540, 840 providing driving force, a first pinion gear unit 530, 830, which is coupled to the rotating shafts of the first driving motor 540, 840 and rotated therewith, and a first rack gear unit, which is disposed on one side of the movable panel 410 and geared with the first pinion gear unit and moves the movable panel 410. Further, the second driving means 500 includes a second driving motor providing driving force, a second pinion gear unit 530, 830, which is coupled to the rotating shaft of the second driving motor and rotated therewith, and the second rack gear unit, which is disposed on the other side of the movable panel 410 and geared with the second pinion gear unit 530, 830 and moves the movable panel 410.

[0066] Here, the first pinion gear unit 530 and the second pinion gear unit 530 are respectively coupled to the rotating shafts of the first driving motor 540 and the second driving motor 540 disposed on the base panel 300 and rotated therewith, as described above with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5. Further, the first rack gear unit 510 and the second rack gear unit 510 are connected to the top surface of the movable panel 410 and geared with the first pinion gear unit 530, 830 and the second pinion gear unit 530, 830. Here, the movable panel 410 is rotated around the base panel 300 at a specific angle and therefore opens and closes the air inlet port 305. This construction and mechanical operation are based on the assumption that the number of the opening/closing driving means 500 in accordance with the first embodiment is 2.

[0067] However, it has already been described that the method of moving the movable panel 410 using the pinion gear unit 530 and the rack gear unit 510 is not limited to the rotatably moving opening/closing method according to the first embodiment. That is, as described above with reference to FIGS. 10a and 10b, the first pinion gear unit 830 and the second pinion gear unit 830 are respectively coupled to the rotating shafts of the first driving motor 840 and the second driving motor 840 disposed on the base panel 300 and rotated therewith. Further, the first rack gear unit 810 and the second rack gear unit 810 can open and close the air inlet port 305 in such a manner that the first rack gear unit 810 and the second rack gear unit 810 are geared with the first pinion gear unit 830 and the second pinion gear unit 830, respectively, which are coupled to the top surface of the movable panel 410 and rotated, and slidably move the movable panel 410 in a horizontal direction on the base panel 300. This construction and mechanical operation are based on the assumption that the number of the opening/closing driving means 800 in accordance with the fourth embodiment is 2.

[0068] In the ceiling type air conditioner 1 according to the present invention including the opening/closing driving means 500, 800 in accordance with the first and fourth embodiments, the first set time can be set to a time in which a specific addition time is added to the first derivation time, which is taken for the first rack gear unit 510, 810 is moved from a position of the first rack gear unit 510, 810 where the first pinion gear unit 530, 830 is geared with the first rack gear unit 510, 810 when the air inlet port 305 is opened to a position of the first rack gear unit 510, 810 where the first pinion gear unit 530, 830 is geared with the first rack gear unit 510, 810 when the air inlet port 305 is closed. Further, the second set time can be set to a time in which a specific addition time is added to the second derivation time, which is taken for the second rack gear unit 510, 810 is moved from a position of the second rack gear unit 510, 810 where the second pinion gear unit 530, 830 is geared with the second rack gear unit 510, 810 when the air inlet port 305 is opened to a position of the second rack gear unit 510, 810 where the second pinion gear unit 530, 830 is geared with the second rack gear unit 510, 810 when the air inlet port 305 is closed.

[0069] Referring next to FIGS. 8a and 8b, the first driving means 700 includes a first driving motor 740 disposed on the base panel 300 and providing driving force, a one-side first connection member 730 coupled to the rotating shaft of the first driving motor 740 and rotated therewith, a one-side second connection member 710 having one portion relatively rotatably coupled to the one-side first connection member 730 and the other portion coupled to the movable panel 410 to thereby upwardly support the movable panel 410, and a first stopper unit 750 that limits the rotation angle of the one-side second connection member 710.

[0070] Further, the second driving means 700 includes a second driving motor 740 disposed on the base panel 300 and providing driving force, the other-side first connection member 730 coupled to the rotating shaft of the second driving motor 740 and rotated therewith, the other-side second connection member 710 having one portion relatively rotatably coupled to the other-side first connection member 730 and the other portion coupled to the movable panel 410 to thereby upwardly support the movable panel 410, and a second stopper unit 750 that limits the rotation angle of the other-side second connection member 710. This construction and mechanical operation are based on the assumption that the number of the opening/closing driving means 700 in accordance with the third embodiment is 2.

[0071] The ceiling type air conditioner 1, including the opening/closing driving means 700 according to the third embodiment, opens and closes the air inlet port 305 by rotatably moving one side and the other side of the movable panel 410 with respect to the base panel 300 in such a manner that the one-side second connection member 710 and the other-side second connection member 710 are moved when the one-side first connection member 730 and the other-side first connection member 730 respectively coupled to the rotating shafts of the first driving motor 740 and the second driving motor 740 are rotated.

[0072] Here, the first set time can be set to a time in which a specific addition time is added to the first derivation time, which is taken for the movable panel 410 to move from a position where the one-side first connection member 730 begins rotating when the air inlet port 305 is opened to a position where the rotation of the one-side first connection member 730 is stopped by the first stopper unit 750 when the air inlet port 305 is closed. The second set time can be set to a time in which a specific addition time is added to the second derivation time, which is taken for the movable panel 410 to move from a position where the other-side second connection member 730 begins rotating when the air inlet port 305 is opened to a position where the rotation of the other-side second connection member 730 is stopped by the second stopper unit 750 when the air inlet port 305 is closed.

[0073] However, it is to be understood that when the controller is controlled to drive the opening/closing driving means 500, 700, and 800 in accordance with the first to fourth embodiments (except for the second embodiment including one driving motor) during the set time, the addition time is not necessarily a pre-requisite. In other words, the unbalanced opening/closing phenomenon of the air inlet port 305 is a problem, which occurs when the derivation time of at least one of the first derivation time and the second derivation time is insufficient to close the air inlet port 305.

[0074] Hence, in another embodiment of the ceiling type air conditioner 1, if the driving of the first driving means 500 and the second driving means 500 is controlled by setting the set time to a time, which is more sufficient than the first derivation time or the second derivation time, even without the definition of an additional concept such as the addition time, the unbalanced opening/closing phenomenon of the air inlet port 305 can be solved. In other words, if the controller is controlled to drive the first driving means 500 and the second driving means 500 during a time, which is set to have a greater one of the first derivation time and the second derivation time, the above object can be accomplished.

[0075] Meanwhile, still another embodiment of the ceiling type air conditioner 1 according to the present invention further includes a galvanometer (not shown) for measuring the current of the first driving motor 540 and the second driving motor 540. The first driving motor 540 and the second driving motor 540 have a specific current value during a normal operation, but have an abnormal current value, which exceeds the specific current value, during an abnormal operation. For example, in the case where external force opposite to the rotation of the first driving motor 540 and the second driving motor 540 is applied to the rotating shaft 545 of the first driving motor 540 and the second driving motor 540 and hinders the rotation of the rotating shaft 545, over load is generated and therefore a current value sensed by the galvanometer is varied. In reality, if the first driving motor 540 and the second driving motor 540 are operated to move the movable panel 410 and, therefore, the movable panel 410 fully closes the air inlet port 305, the movable panel 410 is not moved and transfers external force opposite to the rotation of the first driving motor 540 and the second driving motor 540. Consequently, over load is generated in the first driving motor 540 and the second driving motor 540. For the purpose of employing this principle, the galvanometer functions to measure over-loaded operating currents of the first driving motor and the second driving motor, generates a specific electrical signal and outputs the generated signal to the controller.

[0076] The controller that has received a specific electrical signal from the galvanometer can determine that at least one of the first driving motor 540 and the second driving motor 540 has moved the movable panel 410 to thereby fully close the air inlet port 305 and drive the first driving means 500 and the second driving means 500 during a set time so that the air inlet port 305 is closed. At this time, the set time can be set to a time until an electrical signal that is generated later on is received by measuring a later over-loaded operating current (an abnormal current) during the first driving motor 540 or the second driving motor 540 using the galvanometer. It is, however, to be understood that the set time is not necessarily set by the above method, but may be set to a sufficient time to the extent that the movable panel 410 fully closes the air inlet port 305 through the driving of the first driving motor 540 and the second driving motor 540.

[0077] In one and another embodiments of the ceiling type air conditioner 1 according to the present invention, the controller controls the driving of the first driving means 500 and the second driving means 500 during a set time that is first set by a user. However, to further drive the first driving means 500, 700, and 800 and the second driving means 500,700, and 800 during the set time, having a greater one of the first derivation time and the second derivation time during the addition time, after fully opening and closing the air inlet port 305 by moving the movable panel 410 within the first derivation time or the second derivation time, has a possibility that it may consume unnecessary power or generate over load. Accordingly, this method is not appropriate in terms of stability.

[0078] Based on the recognition of this problem, still another embodiment of the ceiling type air conditioner 1 according to the present invention further opening/closing sensing means (not shown) for sensing the close state of the air inlet port 305 corresponding to one side or the other side of the movable panel 410 when the movable panel 410 is moved.

[0079] In other words, the ceiling type air conditioner 1 in accordance with still another embodiment includes the movable panel 410, which is movably disposed in the base panel 300 in which the air inlet port 305 into which the air is introduced from downward to upward, and opens and closes the air inlet port 305, the first driving means 500, 700, and 800 and the second driving means 500, 700, and 800, which are coupled to one side and the other side of the movable panel 410 and move the movable panel 410, first opening/closing sensing means, which is disposed on one side of at least one of the movable panel 410 and the base panel 300 and outputs an electrical signal according to the opening/closing state of the air inlet port 305, second opening/closing sensing means, which is disposed on the other side of at least one of the movable panel 410 and the base panel 300 and outputs an electrical signal according to the opening/closing state of the air inlet port 305, and a controller for controlling the operation of the first driving means 500, 700, and 800 and the second driving means 500, 700, and 800.

[0080] FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating the control process of the controller in the ceiling type air conditioner 1 equipped with the opening/closing sensing means in accordance with still another embodiment. Referring to FIG. 11, the controller controls the movable panel 410 to close the air inlet port 305 by operating the first driving means 500 and the second driving means 500 until the signal is output from the first opening/closing sensing means or the second opening/closing sensing means. As described above, in the ceiling type air conditioner 1 according to still another embodiment including the controller that controls the movable panel 410, the set time need not to be additionally set by a user unlike the above one embodiment and another embodiment. Accordingly, there is an advantage that a control logic circuit can be simplified.

[0081] Meanwhile, if a user turns on the ceiling type air conditioner 1 using a remote controller key or the like with power being supplied thereto, the ceiling type air conditioner 1 moves the front panel 400 and opens the air inlet port 305 for the purpose of air conditioning of the indoor 170. After the indoor 170 is air-conditioned to a desired temperature, if a user turns off the ceiling type air conditioner 1 using a remote controller key or the like, the ceiling type air conditioner 1 moves the movable panel 410 and closes the air inlet port 305 in balance so that the unbalanced opening/closing phenomenon of the air inlet port 305 is not generated. However, there is a case where the ceiling type air conditioner 1 moves the movable panel 410 forcedly and opens the air inlet port 305 in a state where a user has not operated the ceiling type air conditioner 1. In this case, the front panel 400 has opened the air inlet port 305 since the ceiling type air conditioner 1 has not operated. Accordingly, the external appearance of the ceiling type air conditioner 1 can be spoiled.

[0082] According to the present invention, in order to solve the external appearance problem of the ceiling type air conditioner 1, if power is supplied to the ceiling type air conditioner 1, the controller is adapted to repeatedly control the first driving motors 540,740, and 840 and the second driving motors 540, 740, and 840 for a specific time period so that the movable panel 410 closes the air inlet port 305 although the ceiling type air conditioner 1 is not turned on.

[0083] The ceiling type air conditioner 1 according to the present invention opens the air inlet port 305 when the air conditioner 1 is operated, but closes the air inlet port 305 when the air conditioner 1 is not operated. The ceiling type air conditioner 1 forms a part of a bottom external appearance of the ceiling 100 together with the ceiling finishing material 150. Accordingly, there is an advantage that a beautiful external appearance of the ceiling 100 can be provided.

[0084] While a variety of embodiments of the ceiling type air conditioner according to the invention have been described, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments, but, on the contrary, is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within scope of the appended claims.

[0085] The ceiling type air conditioner according to the present invention opens and closes the air inlet port through which the air is introduced by moving the front panel and also controls the front panel using the controller. Accordingly, the present invention is advantageous in that it can prevent the unbalanced opening/closing phenomenon of the air inlet port and make beautiful the external appearance of a ceiling.

Claims

1. A ceiling type air conditioner, comprising:

a casing disposed in an internal space of a ceiling;

a base panel including an air inlet port through which air is introduced to the casing and an air discharge port for discharging the air introduced to the casing, the base panel being disposed under the casing; and

opening/closing driving means for opening and closing the air inlet port by rotatably moving at least part of the front panel with respect to the base panel.

2. The ceiling type air conditioner of claim 1, wherein the front panel comprises:

a movable panel which is coupled to the opening/closing driving means and is rotatably moved by the opening/closing driving means, thus opening and closing the air inlet port; and

a coupling panel coupled to one side of the movable panel and coupled to the base panel.

3. The ceiling type air conditioner of claim 2, wherein:

the movable panel comprises a first panel member coupled to the base panel, and a second panel member disposed to overlap with the first panel member, and

the first panel member and the second panel member are adhered together so that the first panel member and the second panel member are overlapped with each other.

4. The ceiling type air conditioner of claim 2 or 3, wherein the movable panel and the coupling panel are detachably coupled to the base panel.

5. The ceiling type air conditioner of claim 4, further comprising lighting means coupled to a top surface of the movable panel and the coupling panel,
wherein the movable panel and the coupling panel are formed from a transparent material that allows light, generated by the lighting means, to pass therethrough.

6. The ceiling type air conditioner of claim 5, wherein the movable panel and the coupling panel are configured to display an image, which is seen from the outside as the light generated by the lighting means transmits the movable panel and the coupling panel.

7. The ceiling type air conditioner of claim 4, wherein:

the movable panel comprises a plurality of hooks, which are disposed at one end adjacent to the coupling panel and spaced apart from one another, and

the base panel comprises a plurality of latches that rotate the movable panel around the base panel in a state where the plurality of hooks are latched to the latches.

8. The ceiling type air conditioner of claim 7, wherein the movable panel is detached from the coupling panel when a user releases coupling between the hooks and the latches by pushing the coupling panel in a direction facing the coupling panel.

9. The ceiling type air conditioner of claim 1, wherein the opening/closing driving means comprises:

a rack gear unit fixed to one side of the movable panel;

a rack housing formed in the base panel so that the rack gear unit is inserted into the rack housing when the movable panel is rotatably moved;

a pinion gear unit disposed within the rack housing and engaged with the rack gear unit; and

a driving motor for rotating the pinion gear unit.

10. The ceiling type air conditioner of claim 1, wherein:

the opening/closing driving means is disposed in pair, and

the pair of opening/closing driving means is disposed on left and right sides and spaced apart from each other at a specific interval.

11. The ceiling type air conditioner of claim 1, wherein the opening/closing driving means comprises:

a rack gear unit fixed to one side of the movable panel;

a rack housing formed in the base panel so that the rack gear unit is inserted into the rack housing when the movable panel is rotatably moved;

a pinion gear unit disposed within the rack housing and engaged with the rack gear unit; and

a driving motor for rotating the pinion gear unit,

wherein the rack gear unit, the rack housing, and the pinion gear unit are provided in pair, wherein the number of the driving motor is 1, and
the opening/closing driving means further comprises a pair of driving links, each of which has one end coupled to a rotating shaft of the driving motor and the other end coupled to the pair of pinion gear units, and rotates one of the pinion gear units.

12. The ceiling type air conditioner of any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein the opening/closing driving means further comprises a stopper unit, which is disposed within the rack housing and configured to limit the rotating moving of the movable panel through interference with the rack gear unit.

13. The ceiling type air conditioner of claim 1, wherein:

the opening/closing driving means is provided in plural numbers,

the ceiling type air conditioner further comprises a controller for controlling an operation of the plurality of opening/closing driving means, and

wherein the controller controls the plurality of opening/closing driving means, respectively, to operate during a set time so that the front panel closes the air inlet port.

14. The ceiling type air conditioner of claim 13, wherein:

the opening/closing driving means comprise first driving means and second driving means coupled to one side and the other side of the front panel, respectively, and configured to move the front panel, and

the controller controls the first driving means and the second driving means, respectively, to operate during a first set time and a second set time, respectively, so that the front panel closes the air inlet port.

15. The ceiling type air conditioner of claim 14, wherein:

the first driving means comprises:

a first driving motor providing driving force,

a first pinion gear unit coupled to a rotating shaft of the first driving motor and rotated together with the rotating shaft, and

a first rack gear unit disposed on one side of the front panel, engaged with the first pinion gear unit and configured to move the front panel;

the second driving means comprises:

a second driving motor providing driving force,

a second pinion gear unit coupled to a rotating shaft of the second driving motor and rotated together with the rotating shaft, and

a second rack gear unit disposed on the other side of the front panel, engaged with the second pinion gear unit and configured to move the front panel;

the first set time includes a time in which a specific addition time is added to a first derivation time, which is taken for the first rack gear unit is moved from a position of the first rack gear unit where the first pinion gear unit is geared with the first rack gear unit when the air inlet port is opened to a position of the first rack gear unit where the first pinion gear unit is geared with the first rack gear unit when the air inlet port is closed; and

the second set time includes a time in which a specific addition time is added to a second derivation time, which is taken for the second rack gear unit is moved from a position of the second rack gear unit where the second pinion gear unit is geared with the second rack gear unit when the air inlet port is opened to a position of the second rack gear unit where the second pinion gear unit is geared with the second rack gear unit when the air inlet port is closed

16. The ceiling type air conditioner of claim 15, wherein:

the first pinion gear unit and the second pinion gear unit are coupled to the rotating shafts of the first driving motor and the second driving motor, respectively, which are disposed on the base panel, and rotated therewith, and

the first rack gear unit and the second rack gear unit are geared with the first pinion gear unit and the second pinion gear unit, respectively, which are coupled to a top surface of the front panel, and rotated therewith, wherein the first rack gear unit and the second rack gear unit rotatably move the front panel on the base panel.

17. The ceiling type air conditioner of claim 14, wherein:

the first driving means comprises:

a first driving motor disposed on the base panel and providing driving force,

a one-side first connection member coupled to a rotating shaft of the first driving motor and rotated together with rotating shaft,

a one-side second connection member, which has one portion relatively rotatably coupled to the one-side first connection member and the other portion coupled to the front panel and is configured to upwardly support the front panel, and

a first stopper unit that limits a rotation angle of the one-side first connection member;

the second driving means comprises:

a second driving motor disposed on the base panel and providing driving force,

the other-side first connection member coupled to a rotating shaft of the second driving motor and rotated together with rotating shaft of the second driving motor,

the other-side second connection member, which has one portion relatively rotatably coupled to the other-side first connection member and the other portion coupled to the front panel and is configured to upwardly support the front panel, and

a second stopper unit that limits a rotation angle of the other-side first connection member;

the first set time includes a time in which a specific addition time is added to a first derivation time, which is taken for the front panel to move from a position where the one-side first connection member begins rotating when the air inlet port is opened to a position where the rotation of the one-side first connection member is stopped by the first stopper unit when the air inlet port is closed; and

the second set time includes a time in which a specific addition time is added to a second derivation time, which is taken for the front panel to move from a position where the other-side first connection member begins rotating when the air inlet port is opened to a position where the rotation of the other-side first connection member is stopped by the second stopper unit when the air inlet port is closed.

18. The ceiling type air conditioner of any one of claims 15 to 17, further comprising a galvanometer for measuring an over-load operating current of the first driving motor and the second driving motor, generating an electrical signal, and outputting the generated electrical signal to the controller,
wherein when the electrical signal is received, the controller controls the first driving means and the second driving means to operate during a first set time and a second set time, respectively, so that the front panel closes the air inlet port.

19. The ceiling type air conditioner of any one of claims 15 to 17, wherein the set time has a greater value of the first derivation time and the second derivation time.

20. The ceiling type air conditioner of claim 1, further comprising:

first opening/closing sensing means disposed on one side of at least one of the front panel and the base panel and configured to output a specific electrical signal according to an opening/closing state of the air inlet port;

second opening/closing sensing means disposed on the other side of at least one of the front panel and the base panel and configured to output a specific electrical signal according to an opening/closing state of the air inlet port; and

a controller for controlling an operation of the plurality of opening/closing driving means,

wherein the controller controls the first driving means and the second driving means to operate until the signal is output from a later one of the first opening/closing sensing means and the second opening/closing sensing means so that the front panel closes the air inlet port.

21. The ceiling type air conditioner of claim 13, wherein if power is supplied to the air conditioner, the controller repeatedly controls an operation of the driving means for a specific time period so that the air inlet port is closed.

Drawing