[Technical Field]
[0001] The present disclosure relates to a ceiling type indoor unit of an air conditioner,
and more particularly a ceiling type indoor unit installed at the ceiling of a room.
[Background Art]
[0002] In general, an air conditioner includes a compressor, a condenser, an evaporator,
and an expander, and supplies cool air or hot air to a building or a room using an
air conditioning cycle.
[0003] Based on the structure thereof, the air conditioner is classified as a separable
air conditioner configured such that a compressor is disposed outdoors or an integrated
air conditioner configured such that a compressor is integrally manufactured.
[0004] In the separable air conditioner, an indoor heat exchanger is installed in an indoor
unit, an outdoor heat exchanger and a compressor are installed in an outdoor unit,
and the two separated units are connected to each other via a refrigerant pipe.
[0005] In the integrated air conditioner, an indoor heat exchanger, an outdoor heat exchanger,
and a compressor are installed in a single case. Examples of the integrated air conditioner
include a window type air conditioner installed at a window and a duct type air conditioner
installed outside a room in the state in which a suction duct and a discharge duct
are connected to each other.
[0006] The separable air conditioner is generally classified depending on the form in which
the indoor unit is installed.
[0007] An air conditioner configured such that an indoor unit is vertically installed in
a room is called a stand type air conditioner, an air conditioner configured such
that an indoor unit is installed at the wall of a room is called a wall mounted air
conditioner, and an air conditioner configured such that an indoor unit is installed
at the ceiling of a room is called a ceiling type air conditioner.
[0008] In addition, there is a system air conditioner capable of providing air-conditioned
air to a plurality of spaces as a kind of separable air conditioner.
[0009] The system air conditioner is classified as a type of air conditioner including a
plurality of indoor units in order to air-condition rooms or a type of air conditioner
capable of supplying air-conditioned air to respective spaces through ducts.
[0010] The plurality of indoor units provided in the system air conditioner may be stand
type indoor units, wall mounted indoor units, or ceiling type indoor units.
[0011] A conventional ceiling type indoor unit includes a case installed at a ceiling so
as to be suspended therefrom and a front panel configured to cover the lower surface
of the case, the front panel being installed at the same surface as the ceiling.
[0012] A suction port is disposed at the center of the front panel, and a plurality of discharge
ports is disposed outside the suction port, and a discharge vane is installed at each
discharge port.
[0013] In the case in which the conventional discharge vane breaks down, however, the entirety
of the front panel must be separated from the case in order to repair the discharge
vane. That is, conventionally, even in the case in which one of the plurality of discharge
vanes breaks down, the entirety of the front panel must be separated from the case
in order to replace or repair the broken discharge vane.
[Prior Art Document]
[Patent Document]
[Disclosure]
[Technical Problem]
[0015] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a ceiling type indoor unit of
an air conditioner configured such that only a vane module can be separated or replaced
without separation of a front panel.
[0016] It is another object of the present disclosure to provide a ceiling type indoor unit
of an air conditioner configured such that only one of a plurality of vane modules
can be separated in the state in which a front panel is coupled to a case housing.
[0017] It is another object of the present disclosure to provide a ceiling type indoor unit
of an air conditioner configured such that all vane modules for controlling the discharge
direction of air can be mounted to a front body at once.
[0018] It is a further object of the present disclosure to provide a ceiling type indoor
unit of an air conditioner configured such that a discharge vane is modularized, whereby
replacement time and replacement effort can be minimized at the time of breakdown.
[0019] Objects of the present disclosure are not limited to the aforementioned objects,
and other unmentioned objects will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art
based on the following description.
[Technical Solution]
[0020] The present disclosure is capable of separating or replacing only a vane module without
separation of a front panel.
[0021] The present disclosure is capable of separating only one of a plurality of vane modules
in the state in which a front panel is coupled to a case housing.
[0022] The present disclosure is capable of mounting all parts constituting a vane module
to a front body at once.
[0023] The present disclosure is capable of modularizing a vane module, thereby minimizing
replacement time and replacement effort at the time of breakdown.
[0024] The present disclosure is capable of securing reliability in assembly since a vane
module is doubly coupled by a fastening member and a module hook.
[0025] A ceiling type indoor unit of an air conditioner according to the present disclosure
includes a case housing installed at the ceiling of a room so as to be suspended therefrom,
the case housing having an open lower surface, a front body configured to cover the
lower surface of the case housing, the front body having a suction port and a discharge
port formed so as to face downwards, a vane module separably coupled to the front
body, the vane module being disposed so as to cover the discharge port, and a suction
grill separably coupled to the front body, the suction grill being disposed so as
to cover the suction port, wherein the vane module includes a first module body disposed
at one side of the discharge port, the first module body being located at the lower
side of the front body, the first module body being assembled to the front body so
as to be separable downwards therefrom, a second module body disposed at the other
side of the discharge port, the second module body being located at the lower side
of the front body, the second module body being assembled to the front body so as
to be separable downwards therefrom, at least one vane having one side and the other
side coupled to the first module body and the second module body, respectively, the
vane being configured to be rotated relative to the first module body and the second
module body, a vane motor installed at at least one of the first module body or the
second module body, the vane motor being configured to provide driving force to the
vane, a first fastening hole disposed at the first module body, the first fastening
hole being disposed so as to face downwards, the first fastening hole being formed
through the first module body, a first fastening member fastened to the front body
through the first fastening hole, a second fastening hole disposed at the second module
body, the second fastening hole being disposed so as to face downwards, the second
fastening hole being formed through the second module body, and a second fastening
member fastened to the front body through the second fastening hole, and when the
first fastening member and the second fastening member are separated from the first
fastening hole and the second fastening hole, respectively, the vane module is separated
downwards from the front body.
[0026] The suction grill may be located at the lower side of the first module body and the
second module body.
[0027] The suction grill may be located at the lower side of the front body and may cover
the first module body and the second module body, whereby the first module body and
the second module body may be hidden by the suction grill when viewed from below.
[0028] The suction grill may include a grill body disposed at the lower side of the suction
port, the grill body communicating with the suction port through a plurality of grill
holes, the grill body being formed in a quadrangular shape, and a grill corner portion
formed at corners of the grill body so as to extend in the diagonal direction, and
the first module body and the second module body may be located at the upper side
of the grill corner portion.
[0029] The lower surface of the vane and the lower surface of the grill body may define
a continuous surface.
[0030] The suction grill may include a grill body disposed at the lower side of the suction
port, the grill body communicating with the suction port through a plurality of grill
holes, the grill body being formed in a quadrangular shape, and a first grill corner
portion, a second grill corner portion, a third grill corner portion, and a fourth
grill corner portion formed at corners of the grill body so as to extend in the diagonal
direction, the vane module may include a first vane module disposed outside an edge
of the suction grill, the first vane module being disposed between the first grill
corner portion and the second grill corner portion, a second vane module disposed
outside an edge of the suction grill, the second vane module being disposed between
the second grill corner portion and the third grill corner portion, a third vane module
disposed outside an edge of the suction grill, the third vane module being disposed
between the third grill corner portion and the fourth grill corner portion, and a
fourth vane module disposed outside an edge of the suction grill, the fourth vane
module being disposed between the fourth grill corner portion and the first grill
corner portion, the first module body and the second module body disposed between
the first vane module and the second vane module may be located at the upper side
of the first grill corner portion and may be hidden by the first grill corner portion,
the first module body and the second module body disposed between the second vane
module and the third vane module may be located at the upper side of the second grill
corner portion and may be hidden by the second grill corner portion, the first module
body and the second module body disposed between the third vane module and the fourth
vane module may be located at an upper side of the third grill corner portion and
may be hidden by the third grill corner portion, and the first module body and the
second module body disposed between the fourth vane module and the first vane module
may be located at an upper side of the fourth grill corner portion and may be hidden
by the fourth grill corner portion.
[0031] One of a permanent magnet and a magnetic force fixing portion may be disposed at
the front body while the other of the magnetic force fixing portion and the permanent
magnet may be disposed at the upper surface of each grill corner portion, and the
permanent magnet and the magnetic force fixing portion may be hidden by each grill
corner portion.
[0032] The vane module may further include a module hook disposed at the first module body
and the second module body, the module hook and the front body being caught by each
other.
[0033] The module hook may be disposed at the edge of the first module body and the second
module body.
[0034] The module hook of the first module body and the module hook of the second module
body may be disposed so as to face each other.
[0035] The front body may include a front frame coupled to the case housing, the suction
port and the discharge port being formed in the front frame, a first side cover assembled
to an edge of the front frame, the first side cover being located at the lower side
of the front frame, the first side cover being exposed outside, the first side cover
being disposed outside the first vane module, a second side cover assembled to an
edge of the front frame, the second side cover being located at the lower side of
the front frame, the second side cover being exposed outside, the second side cover
being disposed outside the first vane module, a third side cover assembled to an edge
of the front frame, the third side cover being located at the lower side of the front
frame, the third side cover being exposed outside, the third side cover being disposed
outside the first vane module , a fourth side cover assembled to an edge of the front
frame, the fourth side cover being located at the lower side of the front frame, the
fourth side cover being exposed outside, the fourth side cover being disposed outside
the first vane module, assembled to a corner of the front frame, located at the lower
side of the front frame, and exposed outside, a first corner cover assembled to a
corner of the front frame, the first corner cover being located at the lower side
of the front frame, the first corner cover being located between the first side cover
and the second side cover, the first corner cover being exposed outside, a second
corner cover assembled to a corner of the front frame, the second corner cover being
located at the lower side of the front frame, the second corner cover being located
between the second side cover and the third side cover, the second corner cover being
exposed outside, a third corner cover assembled to a corner of the front frame, the
third corner cover being located at the lower side of the front frame, the third corner
cover being located between the third side cover and the fourth side cover, the third
corner cover being exposed outside, and a fourth corner cover assembled to a corner
of the front frame, the fourth corner cover being located at the lower side of the
front frame, the fourth corner cover being located between the fourth side cover and
the first side cover, the fourth corner cover being exposed outside, and the suction
grill may define a continuous surface with the first side cover, the second side cover,
the third side cover, the fourth side cover, the first corner cover, the second corner
cover, the third corner cover, and the fourth corner cover.
[0036] The second module body of the first vane module and the first module body of the
second vane module may be disposed at the upper side of the first grill corner portion,
the second module body of the second vane module and the first module body of the
third vane module may be disposed at the upper side of the second grill corner portion,
the second module body of the third vane module and the first module body of the fourth
vane module may be disposed at the upper side of the third grill corner portion, and
the second module body of the fourth vane module and the first module body of the
first vane module may be disposed at the upper side of the fourth grill corner portion.
[0037] The first grill corner portion may be located at the lower side of the first fastening
hole and the second fastening hole formed in the first module body and the second
module body, and the first fastening hole and the second fastening hole may be hidden
by the first grill corner portion.
[Advantageous Effects]
[0038] The ceiling type indoor unit of the air conditioner according to the present disclosure
has one or more of the following effects.
[0039] First, it is possible to separate only one of the plurality of vane modules in the
state in which the front panel is coupled to the case housing.
[0040] Second, it is possible to mount all parts constituting the vane module to the front
body at once.
[0041] Third, it is possible to modularize the vane module, thereby minimizing replacement
time and replacement effort at the time of breakdown.
[0042] Fourth, the fastening hole necessary to mount the vane module is hidden by the suction
grill, whereby it is possible to prevent the fastening hole from being exposed outside.
[0043] Fifth, the vane module is fixed to the front body via the fastening member and the
module hook, whereby it is possible to secure reliability in assembly.
[0044] Sixth, the fastening member is installed after the vane module is fixed to the front
body via the module hook, whereby it is possible for a worker to easily install the
vane module.
[Description of Drawings]
[0045]
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an indoor unit of an air conditioner according
to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 2 is a sectional view of FIG. 1.
FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view showing a front panel of FIG. 1.
FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view showing the upper part of the front panel of
FIG. 1.
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a vane module shown in FIG. 3.
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of FIG. 5 when viewed in another direction.
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the vane module of FIG. 5 when viewed from above.
FIG. 8 is a front view of the vane module shown in FIG. 3.
FIG. 9 is a rear view of the vane module shown in FIG. 3.
FIG. 10 is a plan view of the vane module shown in FIG. 3.
FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing the operation structure of the vane module shown
in FIG. 5.
FIG. 12 is a front view of a driving link shown in FIG. 11.
FIG. 13 is a front view of a first vane link shown in FIG. 11.
FIG. 14 is a front view of a second vane link shown in FIG. 11.
FIG. 15 is a bottom view of the front panel in the state in which a suction grill
is separated in FIG. 1.
FIG. 16 is an enlarged view showing the vane module in FIG. 15.
FIG. 17 is a bottom view showing a front body in the state in which the vane module
is separated in FIG. 15.
[Best Mode]
[0046] Advantages and features of the present disclosure and a method of achieving the same
will be more clearly understood from embodiments described below with reference to
the accompanying drawings. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the following
embodiments and may be implemented in various different forms. The embodiments are
provided merely to complete the present disclosure and to fully provide a person having
ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure pertains with the category
of the present disclosure. The present disclosure is defined only by the category
of the claims. Wherever possible, the same reference numerals will be used throughout
the specification to refer to the same or like elements.
[0047] Hereinafter, the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to
the accompanying drawings.
[0048] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an indoor unit of an air conditioner according
to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a sectional view of FIG. 1.
FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view showing a front panel of FIG. 1. FIG. 4 is
an exploded perspective view showing the upper part of the front panel of FIG. 1.
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a vane module shown in FIG. 3. FIG. 6 is a perspective
view of FIG. 5 when viewed in another direction. FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the
vane module of FIG. 5 when viewed from above. FIG. 8 is a front view of the vane module
shown in FIG. 3. FIG. 9 is a rear view of the vane module shown in FIG. 3. FIG. 10
is a plan view of the vane module shown in FIG. 3. FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing
the operation structure of the vane module shown in FIG. 5. FIG. 12 is a front view
of a driving link shown in FIG. 11. FIG. 13 is a front view of a first vane link shown
in FIG. 11. FIG. 14 is a front view of a second vane link shown in FIG. 11. FIG. 15
is a bottom view of the front panel in the state in which a suction grill is separated
in FIG. 1. FIG. 16 is an enlarged view showing the vane module in FIG. 15. FIG. 17
is a bottom view showing a front body in the state in which the vane module is separated
in FIG. 15.
<Construction of indoor unit>
[0049] The indoor unit of the air conditioner according to this embodiment includes a case
100 having a suction port 101 and a discharge port 102, an indoor heat exchanger 130
disposed in the case 100, and an indoor blowing fan 140 disposed in the case 100 to
blow air to the suction port 101 and the discharge port 102.
<Construction of case>
[0050] In this embodiment, the case 100 includes a case housing 110 and a front panel 300.
The case housing 110 is installed at the ceiling of a room via a hanger (not shown)
so as to be suspended therefrom, and the lower side of the case housing is open. The
front panel 300 covers the open surface of the case housing 110, is disposed so as
to face the floor of the room, is exposed in the room, and has the suction port 101
and the discharge port 102.
[0051] The case 100 may be variously realized depending on the form of manufacture, and
construction of the case 100 does not limit the idea of the present disclosure.
[0052] The suction port 101 is disposed in the center of the front panel 300, and the discharge
port 102 is disposed outside the suction port 101. The number of suction ports 101
or the number of discharge ports 102 is irrelevant to idea of the present disclosure.
In this embodiment, a single suction port 101 is formed, and a plurality of discharge
ports 102 is disposed.
[0053] In this embodiment, the suction port 101 is formed so as to have a quadrangular shape
when viewed from below, and four discharge ports 102 are disposed so as to be spaced
apart from edges of the suction port 101 by a predetermined distance.
<Construction of indoor heat exchanger>
[0054] The indoor heat exchanger 130 is disposed between the suction port 101 and the discharge
port 102, and the indoor heat exchanger 130 partitions the interior of the case 100
into an inner interior and an outer interior. In this embodiment, the indoor heat
exchanger 130 is disposed vertically.
[0055] The indoor blowing fan 140 is located inside the indoor heat exchanger 130.
[0056] When viewed in a top view or a bottom view, the indoor heat exchanger has an overall
shape of "□", a portion of which may be separated.
[0057] The indoor heat exchanger 130 is disposed such that air discharged from the indoor
blowing fan 140 perpendicularly enters the indoor heat exchanger.
[0058] A drain pan 132 is installed in the case 100, and the indoor heat exchanger 130 is
held by the drain pan 132. Condensate water generated in the indoor heat exchanger
130 may flow to the drain pan 132 and then be stored. A drain pump (not shown) configured
to discharge collected condensate water to the outside is disposed in the drain pan
132.
[0059] The drain pan 132 may be provided with an inclined surface having directivity in
order to collect and store condensate water falling from the indoor heat exchanger
130 in one side.
<Construction of indoor blowing fan>
[0060] The indoor blowing fan 140 is located in the case 100, and is disposed at the upper
side of the suction port 101. A centrifugal blower configured to suction air to the
center thereof and discharging the air in the circumferential direction is used as
the indoor blowing fan 140.
[0061] The indoor blowing fan 140 includes a bell mouth 142, a fan 144, and a fan motor
146.
[0062] The bell mouth 142 is disposed at the upper side of a suction grill 320, and is located
at the lower side of the fan 144. The bell mouth 142 guides air that has passed through
the suction grill 320 to the fan 144.
[0063] The fan motor 146 rotates the fan 144. The fan motor 146 is fixed to the case housing
110. The fan motor 146 is disposed at the upper side of the fan 144. At least a portion
of the fan motor 146 is located higher than the fan 144.
[0064] A motor shaft of the fan motor 146 is disposed so as to face downwards, and the fan
144 is coupled to the motor shaft.
[0065] The indoor heat exchanger 130 is located outside the edge of the fan 144. The fan
144 and at least a portion of the indoor heat exchanger 130 are disposed on the same
horizontal line. At least a portion of the bell mouth 142 is inserted into the fan
144. In the upward-downward direction, at least a portion of the bell mouth 142 overlaps
the fan 144.
<Construction of channel>
[0066] The indoor heat exchanger 130 is disposed in the case hosing 110, and partitions
the space in the case housing 110 into an inner space and an outer space.
[0067] The inner space surrounded by the indoor heat exchanger 130 is defined as a suction
channel 103, and the outer space outside the indoor heat exchanger 130 is defined
as a discharge channel 104.
[0068] The indoor blowing fan 140 is disposed in the suction channel 103. The discharge
channel 104 is located between the outside of the indoor heat exchanger 130 and the
sidewall of the case housing 110.
[0069] When viewed in a top view or a bottom view, the suction channel 103 is an inside
surrounded by "□" of the indoor heat exchanger, and the discharge channel 104 is an
outside of "□" of the indoor heat exchanger.
[0070] The suction channel 103 communicates with the suction port 101, and the discharge
channel 104 communicates with the discharge port 103 .
[0071] Air flows from the lower side to the upper side of the suction channel 103, and flows
from the upper side to the lower side of the discharge channel 104. The flow direction
of air is changed 180 degrees based on the indoor heat exchanger 130.
[0072] The suction port 101 and the discharge port 102 are formed in the same surface of
the front panel 300.
[0073] The suction port 101 and the discharge port 102 are disposed so as to face in the
same direction. In this embodiment, the suction port 101 and the discharge port 102
are disposed so as to face the floor of the room.
[0074] In the case in which the front panel 300 is bent, the discharge port 102 may be formed
so as to have a slight side inclination; however, the discharge port 102 connected
to the discharge channel 104 is formed so as to face downwards.
[0075] A vane module 200 is disposed to control the direction of air that is discharged
through the discharge port 102.
<Construction of front panel>
[0076] The front panel 300 includes a front body 310 coupled to the case housing 110, the
front body having the suction port 101 and the discharge port 102, a suction grill
320 having a plurality of grill holes 321, the suction grill being configured to cover
the suction port 101, a pre-filter 330 separably assembled to the suction grill 320,
and a vane module 200 installed at the front body 310, the vane module being configured
to control the air flow direction of the discharge port 102.
[0077] The suction grill 320 is installed so as to be separable from the front body 310.
The suction grill 320 may be elevated from the front body 310 in the upward-downward
direction. The suction grill 320 covers the entirety of the suction port 101.
[0078] In this embodiment, the suction grill 320 has a plurality of grill holes 321 formed
in the shape of a lattice. The grill holes 321 communicate with the suction port 101.
[0079] The pre-filter 330 is disposed at the upper side of the suction grill 320. The pre-filter
330 filters air suctioned into the case 100. The pre-filter 330 is located at the
upper side of grill holes 321, and filters air that has passed through the suction
grill 320.
[0080] The discharge port 102 is formed along the edge of the suction port 101 in the form
of a long slit. The vane module 200 is located on the discharge port 102, and is coupled
to the front body 310.
[0081] In this embodiment, the vane module 200 may be separated downwards from the front
body 310. That is, the vane module 200 may be disposed irrespective of the coupling
structure of the front body 310, and may be separated independently from the front
body 310. The structure thereof will be described in more detail.
<Construction of front body>
[0082] The front body 310 is coupled to the lower side of the case housing 110, and is disposed
so as to face the room. The front body 310 is installed at the ceiling of the room,
and is exposed in the room.
[0083] The front body 310 is coupled to the case housing 110, and the case housing 110 supports
load of the front body 310. The front body 310 supports load of the suction grill
320 and the pre-filter 330.
[0084] When viewed in a top view, the front body 310 is formed so as to have a quadrangular
shape. The shape of the front body 310 may be varied.
[0085] The upper surface of the front body 310 may be formed horizontally so as to be in
tight contact with the ceiling, and the edge of the lower surface of the front body
may be slightly curved.
[0086] A suction port 101 is disposed in the center of the front body 310, and a plurality
of discharge ports 102 is disposed outside the edge of the suction port 101.
[0087] When viewed in a top view, the suction port 101 may be formed in a square shape,
and each discharge port 102 may be formed in a rectangular shape. The discharge port
102 may be formed in a slit shape having a greater length than the width thereof.
[0088] The front body 310 includes a front frame 312, a side cover 314, and a corner cover
316.
[0089] The front frame 312 provides load and stiffness of the front panel 300, and is fixed
to the case housing 110 by fastening. The suction port 101 and the four discharge
ports 102 are formed in the front frame 312.
[0090] In this embodiment, the front frame 312 includes a side frame 311 and a corner frame
313.
[0091] The corner frame 313 is disposed at each corner of the front panel 300. The side
frame 311 is coupled to two corner frames 313. The side frame 311 includes an inner
side frame 311a and an outer side frame 311b.
[0092] The inner side frame 311a is disposed between the suction port 101 and the discharge
port 102, and couples two corner frames 313 to each other. The outer side frame 311b
is disposed outside the discharge port 102.
[0093] In this embodiment, four inner side frames 311a and four outer side frames 311b are
provided.
[0094] The suction port 101 is located inside the four inner side frames 311a. The discharge
port 102 is formed so as to be surrounded by two corner frames 313, the inner side
frame 311a, and the outer side frame 311b.
[0095] The side cover 314 and the corner cover 316 are coupled to the lower surface of the
front frame 312. The side cover 314 and the corner cover 316 are exposed to a user,
and the front frame 312 is not visible to the user.
[0096] The side cover 314 is disposed at the edge of the front frame 312, and the corner
cover 316 is disposed at the corner of the front frame 312.
[0097] The side cover 314 is made of a synthetic resin material, and is fixed to the front
frame 312 by fastening. Specifically, the side cover 314 is coupled to the side frame
311, and the corner cover 316 is coupled to the corner frame 313.
[0098] In this embodiment, four side covers 314 and four corner covers 316 are provided.
The side covers 314 and the corner covers 316 are coupled to the front frame 312 to
form a single structure. The four side covers 314 and the four corner covers 316 form
a single edge of the front panel 300.
[0099] The side cover 314 is disposed at the lower side of the side frame 311, and the corner
cover 316 is disposed at the lower side of the corner frame 313.
[0100] The four side covers 314 and the four corner covers 316 are assembled to form a quadrangular
frame. The four side covers 314 and the four corner covers 316 connected to each other
are defined as a front decoration 350.
[0101] The front decoration 350 has a decoration outer border 351 and a decoration inner
border 352.
[0102] When viewed in a top view or a bottom view, the decoration outer border 351 is formed
in a quadrangular shape, and the decoration inner border 352 is generally formed in
a quadrangular shape. However, the corner of the decoration inner border has predetermined
curvature.
[0103] The suction grill 320 and four vane modules 200 are disposed inside the decoration
inner border 352. The suction grill 320 and four vane modules 200 abut the decoration
inner border 352.
[0104] In this embodiment, four side cover 314 are disposed, and each side cover 314 is
coupled to the front frame 312. The outer edge of the side cover 314 defines a portion
of the decoration outer border 351, and the inner edge of the side cover 314 defines
a portion of the decoration inner border 352.
[0105] In particular, the inner edge of the side cover 314 defines the outer border of the
discharge port 102. The inner edge of the side cover 314 is defined as a side decoration
inner border 315.
[0106] In this embodiment, four corner covers 316 are disposed, and each corner cover 316
is coupled to the front frame 312. The outer edge of the corner cover 316 defines
a portion of the decoration outer border 351, and the inner edge of the corner cover
316 defines a portion of the decoration inner border 352.
[0107] The inner edge of the corner cover 316 is defined as a corner decoration inner border
317.
[0108] The corner decoration inner border 317 may be disposed so as to contact the suction
grill 320. In this embodiment, the inner edge of the corner cover 316 is disposed
so as to face the suction grill 320, and is spaced apart therefrom by a predetermined
distance to form a gap 317a.
[0109] The side decoration inner border 315 is also spaced apart from the vane module 200
to form a gap 315a, and is disposed so as to face the outer edge of the vane module
200.
[0110] Consequently, the decoration inner border 352 is spaced apart from the outer edges
of the four vane modules 200 and the suction grill 320 to form a continuous gap.
[0111] A continuous gap defined by four side decoration inner border gaps 315a and four
corner decoration inner border gaps 317a is defined as a front decoration gap 350a.
[0112] The front decoration gap 350a is formed at the inner edge of the front decoration
350. Specifically, the front decoration gap 350a is formed as the result of the outer
edges of the vane module 200 and the suction grill 320 and the inner edge of the front
decoration 350 being spaced apart from each other.
[0113] When the vane module 200 is not operated (when the indoor unit is stopped), the front
decoration gap 350a allows the suction grill 320 and the vane module 200 to be seen
as a single structure.
<Construction of suction grill>
[0114] The suction grill 320 is located at the lower side of the front body 310. The suction
grill 320 may be moved downwards in the state of being in tight contact with the lower
surface of the front body 310.
[0115] The suction grill 320 includes a grill body 322 and a plurality of grill holes 321
formed through the grill body 322 in the upward-downward direction.
[0116] The suction grill 320 includes a grill body 322 disposed at the lower side of the
suction port 101, the grill body communicating with the suction port 101 through a
plurality of grill holes 321, the grill body being formed in a quadrangular shape,
and a grill corner portion 327 formed at the corners of the grill body 322 so as to
extend in the diagonal direction.
[0117] The lower surface of the grill body 322 and the lower surface of a first vane 210
may define a continuous surface. In addition, the lower surface of the grill body
322 and the lower surface of the corner cover 316 may define a continuous surface.
[0118] A plurality of grills 323 is disposed inside the grill body 322 in the shape of a
lattice. The lattice-shaped grills 323 define quadrangular grill holes 321. The portion
at which the grills 323 and the grill holes 321 are formed is defined as a suction
portion.
[0119] The grill body 322 includes a suction portion configured to communicate with air
and a grill body portion 324 disposed so as to surround the suction portion. When
viewed in a top view or a bottom view, the suction portion is generally formed in
a quadrangular shape.
[0120] Each corner of the suction portion is disposed so as to face a corresponding corner
of the front panel 300, and more specifically is disposed so as to face the corner
cover 316.
[0121] When viewed in a bottom view, the grill body 322 is formed in a quadrangular shape.
[0122] The outer edge of the grill body portion 324 is disposed so as to face the discharge
port 102 or the front decoration 350.
[0123] The outer edge of the grill body portion 324 includes a grill corner border 326 disposed
so as to face the corner cover 316 and a grill side border 325 defining the discharge
port 102, the grill side border being disposed so as to face the side cover 314.
[0124] The grill corner border 326 may have curvature formed about the inside of the suction
grill 320, and the grill side border 325 may have curvature formed about the outside
of the suction grill 320,
[0125] The grill body portion 324 further includes a grill corner portion 327 surrounded
by the grill corner border 326 and two grill side borders 325. The grill corner portion
327 is formed at the grill body portion 324 so as to protrude toward the corner cover
316.
[0126] The grill corner portion 327 is disposed at each corner of the grill body 322. The
grill corner portion 327 extends toward each corner of the front panel 300.
[0127] In this embodiment, four grill corner portions 327 are disposed. For convenience
of description, the four grill corner portions 327 are defined as a first grill corner
portion 327-1, a second grill corner portion 327-2, a third grill corner portion 327-3,
and a fourth grill corner portion 327-4.
[0128] The grill side border 325 is formed so as to be concave from the outside to the inside.
[0129] The discharge port 102 is formed between the side cover 314 and the suction grill
320. More specifically, one discharge port 102 is formed between the side decoration
inner border 315 of the side cover 314 and the grill side border 325 of the grill
body 322. Discharge ports 102 are formed between side decoration inner borders 315
and grill side borders 325 disposed in four directions of the suction grill 320.
[0130] In this embodiment, the length of the grill corner border 326 is equal to the length
of the corner decoration inner border 317. That is, the width of the corner cover
316 is equal to the width of the grill corner portion 327.
[0131] In addition, the width of the inside of the side cover 314 is equal to the width
of the grill side border 325.
[0132] The grill side border 325 will be described in more detail.
[0133] The grill side border 325 defines the inner border of the discharge port 102. The
side decoration inner border 315 and the corner decoration inner border 317 define
the outer border of the discharge port 102.
[0134] The grill side border 325 includes a long straight section 325a extending long in
the longitudinal direction of the discharge port 102, the long straight section being
formed in a straight line, a first curved section 325b connected to one side of the
long straight section 325a, the first curved section having the center of curvature
outside the suction grill 320, a second curved section 325c connected to the other
side of the long straight section 325a, the first curved section having the center
of curvature outside the suction grill 320, a first short straight section 325d connected
to the first curved section, and a second short straight section 325e connected to
the second curved section 325c.
<Construction of vane module>
[0135] The vane module 200 is installed in the discharge channel 104, and controls the flow
direction of air that is discharged through the discharge port 102.
[0136] The vane module 200 includes a module body 400, a first vane 210, a second vane 220,
a vane motor 230, a driving link 240, a first vane link 250, and a second vane link
260. The first vane 210, the second vane 220, the vane motor 230, the driving link
240, the first vane link 250, and the second vane link 260 are all installed at the
module body 400. The module body 400 is installed integrally at the front panel 300.
That is, all of the components of the vane module 200 are modularized and are installed
at the front panel 300 at once.
[0137] Since the vane module 200 is modularized, it is possible to reduce assembly time
and to achieve easy replacement at the time of trouble.
[0138] In this embodiment, a stepper motor is used as the vane motor 230.
<Construction of module body>
[0139] The module body 400 may be constituted by a single body. In this embodiment, the
module body is manufactured using two separate parts in order to minimize installation
space and to minimize manufacturing cost.
[0140] In this embodiment, the module body 400 includes a first module body 410 and a second
module body 420.
[0141] The first module body 410 and the second module body 420 are formed in horizontal
symmetry. In this embodiment, the first module body 410 is described by way of example.
[0142] Each of the first module body 410 and the second module body 420 is fastened to the
front body 310. Specifically, each of the first module body 410 and the second module
body 420 is installed at the corner frame 313.
[0143] In the horizontal direction, the first module body 410 is installed at the corner
frame 313 disposed at one side of the discharge port 102, and the second module body
420 is installed at the corner frame 313 disposed at the other side of the discharge
port 102.
[0144] In the vertical direction, each of the first module body 410 and the second module
body 420 is in tight contact with the lower surface of the corner frame 313, and is
fastened thereto via a fastening member 401.
[0145] Consequently, the first module body 410 and the second module body 420 are disposed
at the lower side of the front body 310. In the state in which the indoor unit is
installed, the direction in which the first module body 410 and the corner frame 313
are fastened to each other is disposed so as to be directed from the lower side to
the upper side, and the direction in which the second module body 420 and the corner
frame 313 are fastened to each other is also disposed so as to be directed from the
lower side to the upper side.
[0146] In the above structure, the entirety of the vane module 200 may be easily separated
from the front body 310 during repair.
[0147] The vane module 200 includes a first module body 410 disposed at one side of the
discharge port 102, the first module body being located at the lower side of the front
body 310, the first module body being assembled to the front body 310 so as to be
separable downwards therefrom, a second module body 420 disposed at the other side
of the discharge port 102, the second module body being located at the lower side
of the front body 310, the second module body being assembled to the front body 310
so as to be separable downwards therefrom, at least one vane 210 and 220 having one
side and the other side coupled to the first module body 410 and the second module
body 420, respectively, the vane being configured to be rotated relative to the first
module body 410 and the second module body 420, a vane motor 230 installed at at least
one of the first module body 410 or the second module body 420, the vane motor being
configured to provide driving force to the vane, a first fastening hole 403-1 disposed
at the first module body 410, the first fastening hole being disposed so as to face
downwards, the first fastening hole being formed through the first module body 410,
a first fastening member 401-1 fastened to the front body 310 through the first fastening
hole 403-1, a second fastening hole 403-2 disposed at the second module body 420,
the second fastening hole being disposed so as to face downwards, the second fastening
hole being formed through the second module body 420, and a second fastening member
401-2 fastened to the front body through the second fastening hole 403-2.
[0148] In particular, since the first module body 410 and the second module body 420 are
located at the lower side of the front body 310, only the main module 200 may be separated
from the front body 310 in the state in which the front body 310 is installed at the
case housing 110. This is commonly applied to all of the four vane modules 200.
[0149] In the case in which the module body 400 is separated from the front body 310, the
entirety of the vane module 200 is separated downwards from the front body 310.
[0150] The first module body 410 includes a module body portion 402 coupled to the front
body 310 and a link installation portion 404 protruding upwards from the module body
portion 402.
[0151] The module body portion 402 is fastened to the front body 310 via a fastening member
401 (not shown). Unlike this embodiment, the module body portion 402 may be coupled
to the front body 310 by hook coupling or interference fitting.
[0152] In this embodiment, the module body portion 402 is securely fastened to the front
body 310 in order to minimize generation of vibration or noise due to the first vane
210, the second vane 220, the vane motor 230, the driving link 240, the first vane
link 250, and the second vane link 260.
[0153] The fastening member 401 provided to fix the module body portion 402 is in the state
of being fastened from the lower side to the upper side, and may be separated from
the upper side to the lower side.
[0154] A fastening hole 403, through which the fastening member 401 is inserted, is formed
in the module body portion 402.
[0155] In the case in which it is necessary to distinguish between the fastening hole formed
in the first module body 410 and the fastening hole formed in the second module body
420 for convenience of description, the fastening hole formed in the first module
body 410 is referred to as a first fastening hole 403-1, and the fastening hole formed
in the second module body 420 is referred to as a second fastening hole 403-1.
[0156] Also, in the case in which it is necessary to distinguish between the fastening members
401, the fastening member 401 installed in the first fastening hole 403-1 is defined
as a first fastening member 401-1, and the fastening member 401 installed in the second
fastening hole 403-1 is defined as a second fastening member 401-2.
[0157] The first fastening member 401-1 is fastened to the front body 310 through the first
fastening hole. The second fastening member 401-2 is fastened to the front body 310
through the second fastening hole.
[0158] Before fixing the module body 400 by fastening, a module hook 405 configured to temporarily
fix the position of the module body 400 is disposed.
[0159] The module hook 405 is coupled to the front panel 300, specifically the front body
310. Specifically, the module hook 405 and the front body 310 are caught by each other.
[0160] A plurality of module hooks 405 may be disposed at one module body. In this embodiment,
module hooks are disposed at the outer edge and the front edge of the module body
portion 402. That is, module hooks 405 are disposed outside the first module body
410 and the second module body 420, and the module hooks 405 are symmetrical with
each other in the leftward-rightward direction.
[0161] The vane module 200 may be temporarily fixed to the frame body 310 by the module
hook 405 of the first module body 410 and the module hook 405 of the second module
body 420.
[0162] In the case of fixing using the module hooks 405, a slight gap may be generated due
to the coupling structure thereof. The fastening member 401 securely fixes the temporarily
fixed module body 400 to the front body 310.
[0163] The fastening hole 403, in which the fastening member 401 is installed, may be located
between the module hooks 405. The fastening hole 403 of the first module body 410
and the fastening hole 403 of the second module body 420 are disposed between one
module hook 405 and the other module hook 405.
[0164] In this embodiment, the module hooks 405 and the fastening holes 403 are disposed
in a line.
[0165] Even when the fastening members 401 are removed, the state in which the vane module
200 is coupled to the frame body 310 may be maintained by the module hooks 405.
[0166] When it is necessary to separate the vane module at the time of repair or trouble,
the state in which the vane module 200 is coupled to the frame panel 300 is maintained
even when the fastening member 401 is removed. As a result, a worker does not need
to separately support the vane module 200 at the time of removing the fastening member
401.
[0167] Since the vane module 200 is primarily fixed by the module hook 405 and is secondary
fixed by the fastening member 401, it is possible to greatly improve work convenience
at the time of repair.
[0168] The module body portion 402 is disposed horizontally, and the link installation portion
404 is disposed vertically. In particular, the link installation portion 404 protrudes
upwards from the module body portion 402 in the state of being installed.
[0169] The link installation portion 404 of the first module body 410 and the link installation
portion 404 of the second module body 420 are disposed so as to face each other. The
first vane 210, the second vane 220, the driving link 240, the first vane link 250,
and the second vane link 260 are installed between the link installation portion 404
of the first module body 410 and the link installation portion 404 of the second module
body 420. The vane motor 230 is disposed outside the link installation portion 404
of the first module body 410 or the link installation portion 404 of the second module
body 420.
[0170] The vane motor 230 may be installed at only one of the first module body 410 and
the second module body 420. In this embodiment, the vane motor 230 may be installed
at each of the first module body 410 and the second module body 420.
[0171] The first vane 210, the second vane 220, the driving link 240, the first vane link
250, and the second vane link 260 are coupled between the first module body 410 and
the second module body 420, whereby the vane module 200 is integrated.
[0172] In order to install the vane motor 230, a vane motor installation portion 406 protruding
outside the link installation portion 404 is disposed. The vane motor 230 is fixed
to the vane motor installation portion 406 by fastening. The vane motor installation
portion 406 is formed in the shape of a boss, and the vane motor 230 is fixed to the
vane motor installation portion 406. By the provision of the vane motor installation
portion 406, the link installation portion 404 and the vane motor 230 are spaced apart
from each other by a predetermined distance.
[0173] A driving link coupling portion 407 to which the driving link 240 is assembled and
which provides the center of rotation to the driving link 240, a first vane link coupling
portion 408 to which the first vane link 250 is assembled and which provides the center
of rotation to the first vane link 250, and a second vane coupling portion 409 which
is coupled with the second vane 220 and which provides the center of rotation to the
second vane 220 are disposed at the link installation portion 404.
[0174] In this embodiment, each of the driving link coupling portion 407, the first vane
link coupling portion 408, and the second vane coupling portion 409 is formed in the
shape of a hole. Unlike this embodiment, the same may be formed in the shape of a
boss, and may be realized as any of various forms that provide a rotary shaft.
[0175] Meanwhile, a stopper 270 configured to limit the rotational angle of the driving
link 240 is disposed at the link installation portion 404. The stopper 270 is disposed
so as to protrude toward the opposite link installation portion 404.
[0176] In this embodiment, the stopper 270 interferes with the driving link 240 at a specific
position at the time of rotation thereof, and limits rotation of the driving link
240. The stopper 270 is located within the radius of rotation of the driving link
240.
[0177] In this embodiment, the stopper 270 is manufactured integrally with the link installation
portion 404. In this embodiment, the stopper 270 defines the installation position
of the driving link 240, remains in contact with the driving link 240 at the time
of rotation thereof, and inhibits vibration or free movement of the driving link 240.
[0178] In this embodiment, the stopper 270 is formed in the shape of an arc.
<Construction of driving link>
[0179] The driving link 240 is directly connected to the vane motor 230. A motor shaft (not
shown) of the vane motor 230 is directly coupled to the driving link 240, and the
rotation amount of the driving link 240 is determined based on the rotational angle
of the rotary shaft of the vane motor 230.
[0180] The driving link 240 is assembled to the vane motor 230 through the link installation
portion 404. In this embodiment, the driving link 240 extends through the driving
link coupling portion 407.
[0181] The driving link 240 includes a driving link body 245, a first driving link shaft
241 disposed at the driving link body 245, the first driving link shaft being rotatably
coupled to the first vane 210, a core link shaft 243 disposed at the driving link
body 245, the core link shaft being rotatably coupled to the link installation portion
404 (specifically, the driving link coupling portion 407), and a second driving link
shaft 242 disposed at the driving link body 245, the second driving link shaft being
rotatably coupled to the second vane link 260.
[0182] The driving link body 245 includes a first driving link body 246, a second driving
link body 247, and a core body 248.
[0183] The core link shaft 243 is disposed at the core body 248, the first driving link
shaft 241 is disposed at the first driving link body 246, and the core link shaft
243 is disposed at the second driving link body 247.
[0184] The core body 248 connects the first driving link body 246 and the second driving
link body 247 to each other. The shape of each of the first driving link body 246
and the second driving link body 247 is not particularly restricted. In this embodiment,
however, each of the first driving link body 246 and the second driving link body
247 is generally formed in the shape of a straight line.
[0185] The first driving link body 246 is longer than the second driving link body 247.
[0186] The core link shaft 243 is rotatably assembled to the link installation portion 404.
The core link shaft 243 is assembled to the driving link coupling portion 407 formed
at the link installation portion 404. The core link shaft 243 may be rotated relative
to the driving link coupling portion 407 in the state of being coupled thereto.
[0187] The first driving link shaft 241 is rotatably assembled to the first vane 210. The
second driving link shaft 242 is rotatably assembled to the second vane link 260.
[0188] The first driving link shaft 241 and the second driving link shaft 242 protrude in
the same direction. The core link shaft 243 protrudes in the direction opposite the
first driving link shaft 241 and the second driving link shaft 242.
[0189] The first driving link body 246 and the second driving link body 247 have a predetermined
angle therebetween. An imaginary straight line joining the first driving link shaft
241 and the core link shaft 243 to each other and an imaginary straight line joining
the core link shaft 243 and the second driving link shaft 242 to each other have a
predetermined angle E therebetween. The angle E is greater than 0 degrees and less
than 180 degrees.
[0190] The first driving link shaft 241 has a structure in which the driving link body 245
and the first vane 210 can be rotated relative thereto. In this embodiment, the first
driving link shaft 241 is formed integrally with the driving link body 245. Unlike
this embodiment, the first driving link shaft 241 may be manufactured integrally with
the first vane 210 or a joint 214.
[0191] The core link shaft 243 has a structure in which the driving link body 245 and the
module body (specifically, the link installation portion 404) can be rotated relative
thereto. In this embodiment, the core link shaft 243 is formed integrally with the
driving link body 245.
[0192] The second driving link shaft 242 has a structure in which the second vane link 260
and the driving link 240 can be rotated relative thereto. In this embodiment, the
second driving link shaft 242 is formed integrally with the driving link body 245.
Unlike this embodiment, the second driving link shaft 242 may be manufactured integrally
with the second vane link 260.
[0193] In this embodiment, the second driving link shaft 242 is disposed at the second driving
link body 247. The second driving link shaft 242 is disposed opposite the first driving
link shaft 241 on the basis of the core link shaft 243.
[0194] An imaginary straight line joining the first driving link shaft 241 and the core
link shaft 243 to each other and an imaginary straight line joining the core link
shaft 243 and the second driving link shaft 242 to each other have a predetermined
angle E therebetween. The angle E is greater than 0 degrees and less than 180 degrees.
<Construction of first vane link>
[0195] In this embodiment, the first vane link 250 is made of a strong material, and is
formed in the shape of a straight line. Unlike this embodiment, the first vane link
250 may be curved.
[0196] The first vane link 250 includes a first vane link body 255, a 1-1 vane link shaft
251 disposed at the first vane link body 255, the 1-1 vane link shaft being assembled
to the first vane 210, the 1-1 vane link shaft being configured to be rotated relative
to the first vane 210, and a 1-2 vane link shaft 252 disposed at the first vane link
body 255, the 1-2 vane link shaft being assembled to the module body 400 (specifically,
the link installation portion 404), the 1-2 vane link shaft being configured to be
rotated relative to the module body 400.
[0197] The 1-1 vane link shaft 251 protrudes toward the first vane 210. The 1-1 vane link
shaft 251 may be assembled to the first vane 210, and may be rotated relative to the
first vane 210.
[0198] The 1-2 vane link shaft 252 is assembled to the link installation portion 404 of
the module body 400. Specifically, the 1-2 vane link shaft 252 may be assembled to
the first vane link coupling portion 408, and may be rotated relative to the first
vane link coupling portion 408.
<Construction of second vane link>
[0199] In this embodiment, the second vane link 260 is made of a strong material, and is
formed in the shape of a straight line. Unlike this embodiment, the first vane link
250 may be curved.
[0200] The second vane link 260 includes a second vane link body 265, a 2-1 vane link shaft
261 disposed at the second vane link body 265, the 2-1 vane link shaft being assembled
to the second vane 220, the 2-1 vane link shaft being configured to be rotated relative
to the second vane 220, and a 2-2 vane link journal 262 disposed at the second vane
link body 265, the 2-2 vane link journal being assembled to the driving link 240 (specifically,
the second driving link shaft 242), the 2-2 vane link journal being configured to
be rotated relative to the driving link 240.
[0201] In this embodiment, the 2-2 vane link journal 262 is formed in the shape of a hole
formed through the second vane link body 265. Since the 2-2 vane link journal 262
and the second driving link shaft 242 have relative structures, one is formed in the
shape of a shaft and the other is formed in the shape of a hole having the center
of rotation. Unlike this embodiment, therefore, the 2-2 vane link journal 262 may
be formed in the shape of a shaft, and the second driving link shaft may be formed
in the shape of a hole.
[0202] In all constructions that can be coupled to the driving link, the first vane link,
and the second vane link so as to be rotated relative thereto, substitution of the
above construction is possible, and therefore a description of modifiable examples
thereof will be omitted.
<Construction of vane>
[0203] For description, the direction in which air is discharged is defined as the front,
and the direction opposite thereto is defined as the rear. In addition, the ceiling
side is defined as the upper side, and the floor is defined as the lower side.
[0204] In this embodiment, the first vane 210 and the second vane 220 are disposed in order
to control the flow direction of air that is discharged from the discharge port 102.
The relative disposition and relative angle between the first vane 210 and the second
vane 220 are changed according to steps of the vane motor 230. In this embodiment,
the first vane 210 and the second vane 220 provide six discharge steps P1, P2, P3,
P4, P5, and P6 in pairs according to steps of the vane motor 230.
[0205] The discharge steps P1, P2, P3, P4, P5, and P6 are defined as states in which the
first vane 210 and the second vane 220 are stationary, rather than moved. In this
embodiment, on the other hand, moving steps may be provided. The moving steps result
from a combination of the six discharge steps P1, P2, P3, P4, P5, and P6, and are
defined as a current of air provided by the operation of the first vane 210 and the
second vane 220.
<Construction of first vane>
[0206] The first vane 210 is disposed between the link installation portion 404 of the first
module body 410 and the link installation portion 404 of the second module body 420.
[0207] When the indoor unit is not operated, the first vane 210 covers most of the discharge
port 210. Unlike this embodiment, the first vane 210 may be manufactured so as to
cover the entirety of the discharge port 210.
[0208] The first vane 210 is coupled to the driving link 240 and the first vane link 250.
[0209] The driving link 240 and the first vane link 250 are disposed at one side and the
other side of the first vane 210, respectively.
[0210] The first vane 210 is rotated relative to the driving link 240 and the first vane
link 250.
[0211] When it is necessary to distinguish between the positions of the driving link 240
and the first vane link 250, the driving link 240 coupled to the first module body
410 is defined as a first driving link, and the first vane link 250 coupled to the
first module body 410 is defined as a 1-1 vane link. The driving link 240 coupled
to the second module body 420 is defined as a second driving link, and the first vane
link 250 coupled to the second module body 420 is defined as a 1-2 vane link.
[0212] The first vane 210 includes a first vane body 212 formed so as to extend long in
the longitudinal direction of the discharge port 102 and a joint 214 protruding upwards
from the first vane body 212, the driving link 240 and the first vane link 250 being
coupled to the joint.
[0213] The first vane body 212 may be formed so as to have a gently curved surface.
[0214] The first vane body 212 controls the direction of air that is discharged along the
discharge channel 104. The discharged air collides with the upper surface or the lower
surface of the first vane body 212, whereby the flow direction thereof may be guided.
[0215] The flow direction of the discharged air and the longitudinal direction of the first
vane body 212 are perpendicular to each other or intersect each other.
[0216] The joint 214 is an installation structure for coupling between the driving link
240 and the first vane link 250. The joint 214 is disposed at each of one side and
the other side of the first vane 210.
[0217] The joint 214 is formed so as to protrude upwards from the upper surface of the first
vane body 212. The joint 214 is formed in the flow direction of discharged air, and
minimizes resistance to the discharged air. Consequently, the joint 214 is perpendicular
to or intersects the longitudinal direction of the first vane body 212.
[0218] The joint 214 is formed such that the air discharge side (the front) of the joint
is low and the air entrance side (the rear) of the joint is high. In this embodiment,
the joint 214 is formed such that the side of the joint to which the driving link
240 is coupled is high and the side of the joint to which the first vane link 250
is coupled is low.
[0219] The joint 214 has a first joint portion 216 rotatably coupled with the driving link
240 and a second joint portion 217 rotatably coupled with the first vane link 250.
[0220] In this embodiment, each of the first joint portion 216 and the second joint portion
217 is formed in the shape of a hole, and is formed through the joint 214.
[0221] Each of the first joint portion 216 and the second joint portion 217 is a structure
in which axial coupling or hinge coupling is possible, and may be changed into any
of various forms.
[0222] When viewed from the front, the first joint portion 216 is located higher than the
second joint portion 217.
[0223] The first joint portion 216 is located further rearwards than the second joint portion
217. The first driving link shaft 241 is assembled to the first joint portion 216.
The first joint portion 216 and the first driving link shaft 241 are assembled so
as to be rotatable relative to each other. In this embodiment, the first driving link
shaft 241 is assembled through the first joint portion 216.
[0224] The 1-1 vane link shaft 251 is assembled to the second joint portion 217.
[0225] The second joint portion 217 and the 1-1 vane link shaft 251 are assembled so as
to be rotatable relative to each other. In this embodiment, the 1-1 vane link shaft
251 is assembled through the second joint portion 217.
[0226] When viewed in a top view, the driving link 250 and the first vane link 250 are disposed
between the joint 214 and the link installation portion 404.
<Construction of second vane>
[0227] The second vane 220 includes a second vane body 222 formed so as to extend long in
the longitudinal direction of the discharge port 102, a joint 224 protruding upwards
from the second vane body 222, the joint 224 being coupled to the second vane link
260 so as to be rotatable relative thereto, and a second vane shaft 221 formed at
the second vane body 222, the second vane shaft being rotatably coupled to the link
installation portion 404.
[0228] The joint 224 is a structure in which axial coupling or hinge coupling is possible,
and may be changed into any of various forms.
[0229] In the case in which it is necessary to distinguish between the joint 214 of the
first vane and the joint 224 of the second vane, the joint of the first vane is defined
as a first joint 214, and the joint of the second vane is defined as a second joint
224.
[0230] The second vane 220 may be rotated about the second joint 224, and may also be rotated
about the second vane shaft 221. That is, the second vane 220 may be rotated relative
to each of the second joint 224 and the second vane shaft 221.
[0231] When viewed in a top view, the second joint 224 is located further forwards than
the second vane shaft 221. The second joint 224 is moved along a predetermined orbit
about the second vane shaft 221.
[0232] The second vane body 222 may be formed so as to have a gently curved surface.
[0233] The second vane body 222 controls the direction of air that is discharged along the
discharge channel 104. The discharged air collides with the upper surface or the lower
surface of the second vane body 222, whereby the flow direction thereof is guided.
[0234] The flow direction of the discharged air and the longitudinal direction of the second
vane body 222 are perpendicular to each other or intersect each other.
[0235] When viewed in a top view, at least a portion of the second vane body 222 may be
located between the first joint portions 212 of the first vane 210.
[0236] This is necessary to prevent interference when the second vane 220 is located at
the upper side of the first vane 210. The front end of the second vane body 222 is
located between the first joint portions 214 . That is, the front length of the second
vane body 222 is less than the length between the first joint portions 214.
[0237] The second joint 224 is an installation structure for assembly with the second vane
link 260. The second joint 224 is disposed at each of one side and the other side
of the second vane body 222.
[0238] The second joint 224 is coupled to the second vane link 260 so as to be rotatable
relative thereto.
[0239] The second joint 224 is formed so as to protrude upwards from the upper surface of
the second vane body 222. The second joint 224 is preferably formed in the flow direction
of discharged air. Consequently, the second joint 224 is disposed so as to perpendicular
to or intersect the longitudinal direction of the second vane body 222.
[0240] The second vane 220 is rotated about the second vane shaft 221. The second vane shaft
221 is formed at each of one side and the other side of the second vane body 222.
[0241] One second vane shaft 221 protrudes toward the link installation portion 404 disposed
at one side, and the other second vane shaft 221 protrudes toward the link installation
portion 404 disposed at the other side.
[0242] The second vane coupling portion 411 rotatably coupled to the second vane shaft 221
is disposed at the module body 400. In this embodiment, the second vane coupling portion
411 is formed in the shape of a hole formed through the module body 400.
[0243] The second vane shaft 221 is located further rearwards than the second joint 224.
The second vane link 260, the driving link 240, and the first vane line 250 are sequentially
disposed in front of the second vane shaft 221.
[0244] In addition, the driving link coupling portion 407 and the first vane link coupling
portion 408 are sequentially disposed in front of the second vane coupling portion
411 .
<Disposition of vane module and suction grill>
[0245] The coupling structure and the separation structure of the vane module will be described
in more detail with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4 and 15 to 17.
[0246] When the suction grill 320 is separated in the state of FIG. 1, four vane modules
200 are exposed, as shown in FIG. 15. The suction grill 320 is separably assembled
to the front body 310.
[0247] The suction grill 320 may be separated from the front body 310 using various methods.
[0248] The suction grill 320 may be separated using a method of separating and rotating
one edge of the suction grill on the basis of the other edge of the suction grill.
In another method, the suction grill 320 may be separated from the front body 310
through release of catching in the state of being caught by the front body. In a further
method, coupling between the suction grill 200 and the front body 310 may be maintained
by magnetic force.
[0249] In this embodiment, the suction grill 320 may be moved in the upward-downward direction
by an elevator 500 installed at the front body 310. The elevator 500 is connected
to the suction grill 320 via a wire (not shown). The wire may be wound or unwound
by operation of the elevator 500, whereby the suction grill 320 may be moved downwards
or upwards.
[0250] A plurality of elevators 500 is disposed, and the elevators 500 simultaneously move
opposite sides of the suction grill 320.
[0251] When the suction grill 320 is moved downwards, the first module body 410 and the
second module body 420, hidden by the suction grill 320, are exposed.
[0252] In the state in which the suction grill 320 is assembled to the front body 310, at
least one of the first vane 210 or the second vane 220 of the vane module 200 may
be exposed.
[0253] When the indoor unit is not operated, only the first vane 210 is exposed to the user.
When the indoor unit is operated and air is discharged, the second vane 220 may be
selectively exposed to the user.
[0254] In the state in which the suction grill 320 is assembled to the front body 310, the
first module body 410 and the second module body 420 of the vane module 200 are hidden
by the suction grill 320.
[0255] Since the fastening holes 403 are disposed at the first module body 410 and the second
module body 420, the fastening holes 403 are hidden by the suction grill 320 so as
not to be visible to the user.
[0256] Since the first module body 410 and the second module body 420 are located at the
upper side of the grill corner portion 327 constituting the suction grill 320, the
grill corner portion 327 prevents the first module body 410 and the second module
body 420 from being exposed outside.
[0257] The grill corner portion 327 also prevents the fastening holes 403 formed in the
first module body 410 and the second module body 420 from being exposed outside. Since
the grill corner portion 327 is located at the lower side of the fastening holes 403,
the fastening holes 403 are hidden by the grill corner portion 327.
[0258] More specifically, the suction grill 320 includes a grill body 322 disposed at the
lower side of the suction port 101, the grill body communicating with the suction
port 101 through a plurality of grill holes 321, the grill body being formed in a
quadrangular shape, and a first grill corner portion 327-1, a second grill corner
portion 327-2, a third grill corner portion 327-3, and a fourth grill corner portion
327-4 formed at the corners of the grill body 322 so as to extend in the diagonal
direction.
[0259] The vane module 200 includes a first vane module 201 disposed outside one edge of
the suction grill 320, the first vane module being disposed between the first grill
corner portion 327-1 and the second grill corner portion 327-2, a second vane module
202 disposed outside one edge of the suction grill 320, the second vane module being
disposed between the second grill corner portion 327-2 and the third grill corner
portion 327-3, a third vane module 203 disposed outside one edge of the suction grill
320, the third vane module being disposed between the third grill corner portion 327-3
and the fourth grill corner portion 327-4, and a fourth vane module 204 disposed outside
one edge of the suction grill 320, the fourth vane module being disposed between the
fourth grill corner portion 327-4 and the first grill corner portion 327-1.
[0260] The first module body 410 and the second module body 420 disposed between the first
vane module 201 and the second vane module 202 are located at the upper side of the
first grill corner portion 327-1, and are hidden by the first grill corner portion
327-1. Specifically, the second module body of the first vane module and the first
module body of the second vane module are disposed at the upper side of the first
grill corner portion.
[0261] The first module body and the second module body disposed between the second vane
module 202 and the third vane module 203 are located at the upper side of the second
grill corner portion 327-2, and are hidden by the second grill corner portion 327-2.
Specifically, the second module body of the second vane module and the first module
body of the third vane module are disposed at the upper side of the second grill corner
portion.
[0262] The first module body and the second module body disposed between the third vane
module 203 and the fourth vane module 204 are located at the upper side of the third
grill corner portion 327-3, and are hidden by the third grill corner portion 327-3.
Specifically, the second module body of the third vane module and the first module
body of the fourth vane module are disposed at the upper side of the third grill corner
portion.
[0263] The first module body and the second module body disposed between the fourth vane
module 204 and the first vane module 201 are located at the upper side of the fourth
grill corner portion 327-4, and are hidden by the fourth grill corner portion 327-4.
Specifically, the second module body of the fourth vane module and the first module
body of the first vane module are disposed at the upper side of the fourth grill corner
portion.
[0264] Referring to FIG. 15, the vane module 200 disposed in the 12 o'clock direction is
defined as a first vane module 201, the vane module 200 disposed in the 3 o'clock
direction is defined as a second vane module 202, the vane module 200 disposed in
the 6 o'clock direction is defined as a third vane module 203, and the vane module
200 disposed in the 9 o'clock direction is defined as a fourth vane module 204.
[0265] The first vane module 201, the second vane module 202, the third vane module 203,
and the fourth vane module 204 are disposed at intervals of 90 degrees about the center
C of the front panel 300.
[0266] The first vane module 201 and the third vane module 203 are disposed parallel to
each other, and the second vane module 202 and the fourth vane module 204 are disposed
parallel to each other.
[0267] Four side covers 314 are disposed at the front body 310. For convenience of description,
the side cover 314 disposed outside the first vane module 201 is defined as a first
side cover 314-1, the side cover 314 disposed outside the second vane module 202 is
defined as a second side cover 314-2, the side cover 314 disposed outside the third
vane module 203 is defined as a third side cover 314-3, and the side cover 314 disposed
outside the fourth vane module 204 is defined as a fourth side cover 314-4.
[0268] Each side cover 314 is assembled to one edge of the front frame 312, is located at
the lower side of the front frame 312, is exposed outside, and is disposed outside
a corresponding vane module 202.
[0269] The corner cover 316 disposed between the first vane module 201 and second vane module
202 is defined as a first corner cover 316-1. The corner cover 316 disposed between
the second vane module 202 and the third vane module 203 is defined as a second corner
cover 316-2. The corner cover 316 disposed between the third vane module 203 and the
fourth vane module 204 is defined as a third corner cover 316-3. The corner cover
316 disposed between the fourth vane module 204 and the first vane module 201 is defined
as a fourth corner cover 316-4.
[0270] The first corner cover 316-1 is assembled to one corner of the front frame 312, is
located at the lower side of the front frame 312, is located between the first side
cover 314-1 and the second side cover 314-2, and is exposed outside.
[0271] The second corner cover 316-2 is assembled to one corner of the front frame 312,
is located at the lower side of the front frame 312, is located between the second
side cover 314-2 and the third side cover 314-3, and is exposed outside.
[0272] The third corner cover 316-3 is assembled to one corner of the front frame 312, is
located at the lower side of the front frame 312, is located between the third side
cover 314-3 and the fourth side cover 314-4, and is exposed outside.
[0273] The fourth corner cover 316-4 is assembled to one corner of the front frame 312,
is located at the lower side of the front frame 312, is located between the fourth
side cover 314-4 and the first side cover 314-1, and is exposed outside.
[0274] The first corner cover 316-1 and the third corner cover 316-3 are disposed about
the center C of the front panel 300 in the diagonal direction, and are disposed so
as to face each other. The second corner cover 316-2 and the fourth corner cover 316-4
are disposed about the center C of the front panel 300 in the diagonal direction,
and are disposed so as to face each other.
[0275] Imaginary diagonal lines passing through the center of the front panel 300 are defined
as P1 and P2. P1 is an imaginary line joining the first corner cover 316-1 and the
third corner cover 316-3 to each other, and P2 is an imaginary line joining the second
corner cover 316-2 and the fourth corner cover 316-4 to each other.
[0276] A first grill corner portion 327-1, a second grill corner portion 327-2, a third
grill corner portion 327-3, and a fourth grill corner portion 327-4 formed so as to
extend towards corners are disposed at the suction panel 320.
[0277] On the basis of the grill corner portions, the first vane module 201 is disposed
outside one edge of the suction grill 320, and is disposed between the first grill
corner portion 327-1 and the second grill corner portion 327-2.
[0278] The second vane module 202 is disposed outside one edge of the suction grill, and
is disposed between the second grill corner portion 327-2 and the third grill corner
portion 327-3.
[0279] The third vane module 203 is disposed outside one edge of the suction grill, and
is disposed between the third grill corner portion 327-3 and the fourth grill corner
portion 327-4.
[0280] The fourth vane module 204 is disposed outside one edge of the suction grill, and
is disposed between the fourth grill corner portion 327-4 and the first grill corner
portion 327-1.
[0281] The first grill corner portion 327-1 is formed so as to extend toward the first corner
cover 316-1, and has a surface continuously connected to the outer surface of the
first corner cover 316-1.
[0282] The grill corner border 326 of the first grill corner portion 327-1 is opposite the
corner decoration inner border 317 of the first corner cover 316-1, and defines a
corner decoration inner border gap 317a.
[0283] The grill corner borders 326 of the other grill corner portions 327 are opposite
the corner decoration inner borders 317 of the other corner cover 316, and define
corner decoration inner border gaps 317a.
[0284] The first module body 410 and the second module body 420 are located inside the corner
cover 316 (specifically, at the center C side of the front panel). In particular,
the first module body 410 and the second module body 420 are disposed so as to face
each other on the basis of the imaginary diagonal lines P1 and P2.
[0285] Specifically, the first module body 410 of the first vane module 201 and the second
module body 420 of the fourth vane module 204 are disposed so as to face each other
on the basis of the imaginary diagonal line P2.
[0286] The first module body 410 of the second vane module 202 and the second module body
420 of the first vane module 201 are disposed so as to face each other on the basis
of the imaginary diagonal line P1.
[0287] The first module body 410 of the third vane module 201 and the second module body
420 of the second vane module 202 are disposed so as to face each other on the basis
of the imaginary diagonal line P2.
[0288] The first module body 410 of the fourth vane module 204 and the second module body
420 of the third vane module 203 are disposed so as to face each other on the basis
of the imaginary diagonal line P1.
[0289] Meanwhile, the suction grill 320 is located at the lower side of the first module
bodies 410 and the second module bodies 420, and conceals the first module bodies
410 and the second module bodies 420 so as not to be exposed. That is, in the case
in which the suction grill 320 is in tight contact with the front body 310, the first
module bodies 410 and the second module bodies 420 are hidden by the suction grill
320 and thus are not exposed to the user.
[0290] Since the first module bodies 410 and the second module bodies 420 are hidden, the
fastening holes 403 formed in the first module bodies 410 and the second module bodies
420 are hidden by the suction grill 320 and thus are not exposed to the user.
[0291] The suction grill 320 has four grill corner portions 327 disposed so as to face the
respective corner covers 316. Each grill corner portion 327 is disposed so as to be
opposite a corresponding one of the corner covers 316.
[0292] The grill corner portion 327 disposed so as to be opposite the first corner cover
316-1 is defined as a first grill corner portion 327-1, the grill corner portion 327
disposed so as to be opposite the second corner cover 316-2 is defined as a first
grill corner portion 327-2, the grill corner portion 327 disposed so as to be opposite
the third corner cover 316-3 is defined as a third grill corner portion 327-3, and
the grill corner portion 327 disposed so as to be opposite the fourth corner cover
316-4 is defined as a fourth grill corner portion 327-4.
[0293] When viewed in a bottom view, the plurality of module bodies 400 is located at the
upper side of the grill corner portion 327, and is hidden by the grill corner portion
327.
[0294] In particular, the grill side border 325 defining the edge of the grill corner portion
327 is disposed so as to face the corner decoration inner border 317 defining the
inner edge of the corner cover 316, and the curved shapes thereof correspond to each
other.
[0295] In the same manner, the grill corner border 326 defining the edge of the grill corner
portion 327 is disposed so as to face the inner edge of the first vane 210, and the
curved shapes thereof correspond to each other.
[0296] Meanwhile, in this embodiment, a permanent magnet 318 and a magnetic force fixing
portion 328 are disposed in order to maintain the state in which the suction grill
320 is in tight contact with the front body 310.
[0297] One of the permanent magnet 318 and the magnetic force fixing portion 328 may be
disposed at the front body 310, and the other of the magnetic force fixing portion
328 and the permanent magnet 318 may be disposed at the upper surface of each grill
corner portion 327.
[0298] The permanent magnet 318 and the magnetic force fixing portion 328 are located at
the upper side of each grill corner portion 327, and are hidden by each grill corner
portion 327. Since the permanent magnet 318 and the magnetic force fixing portion
328 are located outside each corner of the suction grill 320, the distance between
the suction grill 320 and the front body 310 may be minimized.
[0299] In the case in which the suction grill 320 and the front body 310 are spaced apart
from each other, pressure in the suction channel 103 is reduced.
[0300] In this embodiment, the permanent magnet 318 is disposed at the front body 310. Specifically,
the permanent magnet is disposed at the corner frame 313.
[0301] The magnetic force fixing portion 328 is made of a metal material capable of generating
attractive force through interaction with the permanent magnet 318. The magnetic force
fixing portion 328 is disposed at the upper surface of the suction grill 320. Specifically,
the magnetic force fixing portion 328 is disposed at the upper surface of the grill
corner portion 327.
[0302] When the suction grill 320 is moved upwards and approaches the permanent magnet 318,
the permanent magnet 318 attracts the magnetic force fixing portion 328 to fix the
suction grill 320. Magnetic force of the permanent magnet 318 is less than weight
of the suction grill 320. When the suction grill 320 is not pulled by the elevator
500, therefore, coupling between the permanent magnet 318 and the magnetic force fixing
portion 328 is released.
[0303] When viewed in a top view or a bottom view, the permanent magnet 318 is disposed
on the imaginary diagonal lines P1 and P2. The permanent magnet 318 is located inside
the corner cover 316.
[0304] When viewed in a top view or a bottom view, one of four permanent magnets 318 is
disposed between the first module body 410 of the first vane module 201 and the second
module body 420 of the fourth vane module 204. The other three permanent magnets are
also disposed between the first module bodies 410 and the second module bodies 420
of the respective vane modules.
[0305] The permanent magnet 318 and the magnetic force fixing portion 328 are located at
the upper side of each grill corner portion 327, and are hidden by each grill corner
portion 327.
<Separation process and assembly process of vane module>
[0306] In the case in which repair is needed for at least one vane module 200, among the
four vane modules, the worker must move the suction grill 320 downwards first.
[0307] When the suction grill 320 is moved downwards, all of the module bodies 400, hidden
by the suction grill 320, are exposed.
[0308] Subsequently, the worker separates the fastening member 401 from the fastening hole
403 of the vane module 200 to be repaired. Since the module body 400 is coupled to
the front body 410 via the module hook 405, the vane module 200 does not drop even
when the fastening member 401 is separated from the fastening hole 403. Since the
coupling of the vane module 200 does not fully depend on the fastening member 401,
there is no danger of a safety-related accident due to drop of the vane module 200
even when the fastening member 401 is separated.
[0309] After the fastening member 401 is separated, the worker may release the state of
mutual catching between the module hook 405 and the module body 400 to be separated,
whereby the entirety of the vane module 200 may be separated from the front body 310.
Subsequently, the worker may separate a cable (not shown) connected to the vane motor
230 from the separated vane module 200, whereby the entirety of the vane module 200
may be separated from the front body 310.
[0310] Since the vane module 200 is separated downwards from the front body 310, it is possible
to separate only the vane module 200 to be repaired without separating the front body
310.
[0311] In addition, since the cable is coupled to the vane module 200 in addition to the
fastening member 401 and the module hook 405, the vane module does not directly drop
to the floor even when the fastening member 401 and the module hook 405 are separated
from the vane module. That is, even when the worker drops the vane module 200 by mistake
after separation of the fastening member 401 and the module hook 405, the vane module
200 remains suspended from the cable.
[0312] After separation of the vane module 200, the mounting process is performed in reverse
order.
[0313] The cable and the vane motor 230 are connected to each other, the vane motor is assembled
to the front body 310 through the module hook 405, and the first module body 410 and
the second module body 420 are assembled to the front body 310 through the fastening
member 401. Subsequently, the suction grill 320 is moved upwards to the original position
thereof, whereby repair is completed.
[0314] While the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described with reference
to the accompanying drawings, the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments
and may be embodied in various different forms, and those skilled in the art will
appreciate that the present disclosure may be embodied in specific forms other than
those set forth herein without departing from the technical idea and essential characteristics
of the present disclosure. The disclosed embodiments are therefore to be construed
in all aspects as illustrative and not restrictive.
[Description of Reference Numerals]
100: |
Case |
101: |
Suction port |
102 : |
Discharge port |
103: |
Suction channel |
104: |
Discharge channel |
110: |
Case housing |
120: |
Front panel |
130: |
Indoor heat exchanger |
140: |
Indoor blowing fan |
200: |
Vane module |
210: |
First vane |
220: |
Second vane |
230: |
Vane motor |
240: |
Driving link |
250: |
First vane link |
260: |
Second vane link |
300: |
Front panel |
310: |
Front body |
320: |
Suction grill |
330: |
Pre-filter |
400: |
Module body |
410: |
First module body |
420: |
Second module body |
500: |
Elevator |