AIR CONDITIONER

Abstract

 The present invention relates to an air conditioner.
The air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a base panel having an inlet formed in one side thereof, and an outlet formed in another side thereof, a variable panel disposed under the base panel and changed in shape to open and close the inlet and the outlet; and a driving device disposed on the base panel and changing a shape of the variable panel, thereby allowing the variable panel to cover the entire lower surface of base panel. In addition, the variable panel may open and close the inlet and the outlet. The variable panel includes: a fixed part disposed between the inlet and the outlet, and fixed in position vertically relative to the base panel; a cover part spaced apart from the fixed part and disposed at a lower side of the inlet or the outlet; and a variable part disposed between the fixed part and the cover part, and changing an inclination angle of the cover part.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates to an air conditioner, and more particularly to an air conditioner mounted on the ceiling or on one side of the wall.

2. Description of the Related Art

[0002] An air conditioner is mounted on the ceiling or wall with its inlet and outlet being exposed to the outside. In addition, a grille is disposed at a portion where the inlet is formed, and a vane is disposed at a portion where the outlet is formed. These structures are exposed to the outside, spoiling the aesthetics of the indoor space.

[0003] Korean Patent No. KR 10-2401787 B1 discloses an air conditioner having an inlet and an outlet that are exposed to the outside. In the air conditioner, an inlet grille is disposed in a region where the inlet is formed, resulting in a complicated structure, and a vane is disposed in a region where the outlet is formed, such that the air conditioner has multiple structures that are partially exposed to the outside.

[0004] The inlet and the outlet are provided for generating an airflow, but unlike a wall surface or a ceiling surface that is formed flat, the inlet and the outlet are formed with multiple structures and shapes, and thus are inharmonious with the wall surface or the ceiling surface, spoiling the aesthetics in terms of unity. In addition, there is also a problem in that as the inlet or the outlet is exposed to the outside, foreign matter may be introduced into the air conditioner from the outside.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] It is an objective of the present invention to provide an air conditioner mounted on a ceiling surface or a wall surface, in which exposure of an inlet and an outlet of the air conditioner to the outside may be minimized.

[0006] It is another objective of the present invention to provide an air conditioner in which a single panel structure covers a portion that is exposed to the outside, thereby providing the aesthetics in unity with a wall surface or a ceiling surface.

[0007] It is yet another objective of the present invention to provide an air conditioner in which by opening an inlet and an outlet while the air conditioner is in operation, obstruction of an air flow may be minimized.

[0008] It is further another objective of the present invention to provide an air conditioner capable of opening an inlet and an outlet by providing a single panel that may or may not be changed in shape.

[0009] It is further another objective of the present invention to provide an air conditioner capable of providing structural stability of a panel that is changed in shape.

[0010] It is further another objective of the present invention to provide an air conditioner in which a coupling relationship between a panel, which is changed in shape, and another structure that is coupled thereto may be stably maintained.

[0011] The objectives of the present invention are not limited to the aforementioned objectives and other objectives not described herein will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description.

[0012] In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, the above and other objectives can be accomplished by providing an air conditioner including a base panel having an inlet formed in one side thereof, and an outlet formed in another side thereof. The air conditioner includes a variable panel disposed under the base panel and changed in shape to open and close the inlet and the outlet. The air conditioner includes a driving device disposed on the base panel and changing a shape of the variable panel. The variable panel may cover the entire lower surface of the base panel. In addition, the variable panel may open the inlet and the outlet. The variable panel includes: a fixed part disposed between the inlet and the outlet, and fixed in position vertically relative to the base panel; a cover part spaced apart from the fixed part and disposed at a lower side of the inlet or the outlet; and a variable part disposed between the fixed part and the cover part, and changing an inclination angle of the cover part, such that a shape of the variable panel may be changed to a single panel shape.

[0013] The variable part may be made of a deformable material, such that a region of the variable panel that is changed in shape may have a naturally bent shape.

[0014] The variable part and the cover part may be made of different materials, such that a shape of some region, in which the inlet and the outlet are opened, may be maintained.

[0015] The driving device may be coupled to the cover part or the variable part, so as to change a position of the cover part, thereby changing an overall shape of the variable panel.

[0016] The variable panel may include a plurality of bridges connecting the cover part and the fixed part, and spaced apart from each other in a left-right direction, such that a region of the variable part that is changed in shape may be stably connected to the fixed part.

[0017] A vertical height of the bridges may be less than a vertical height of the fixed part, thereby minimizing an effect on a change in shape of the variable part.

[0018] The variable part may be disposed on an upper side of the bridges, thereby minimizing a change in shape of the bridges.

[0019] A lower surface of the bridges may be formed as a flat surface to be connected to the fixed part and the cover part, and an upper surface of the bridges may be formed in a serration shape, such that the upper surface may be significantly changed.

[0020] The fixed part may include a fixed hook protruding upward from the fixed part, so as to fix the vertical height of the fixed part. The fixed hook may allow the moving panel to be secured to the base panel.

[0021] The fixed hook may be disposed at a point where the bridges intersect the fixed part, thereby stably securing the fixed part.

[0022] The air conditioner may further include a cover panel disposed under the variable panel to cover a lower surface of the variable panel, such that a lower surface of the variable panel may have a smooth shape.

[0023] The air conditioner may further include: a bracket movably mounted on the variable panel and coupled to the driving device; and a bracket guider disposed on the cover part and guiding movement of the bracket, such that even when the variable panel is changed in shape, the variable panel and the driving device may be stably coupled to each other.

[0024] The bracket guider may include a fastening part fastened to the variable panel, and a guide part disposed on one side of the fastening part and guiding movement of the bracket, wherein the guide part may be bent upward from both ends that are perpendicular to a moving direction of the bracket, so as to guide movement of the bracket, such that the bracket may move stably.

[0025] The bracket may include a moving plate that moves forward and backward along the guide part, and a coupling plate coupled to one side of the driving device, wherein the coupling plate may protrude upward from one side of the moving plate.

[0026] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, an air conditioner includes a base panel having an inlet formed in one side thereof, and an outlet formed in another side thereof. The air conditioner includes a variable panel disposed under the base panel and changed in shape to open and close the inlet and the outlet. The air conditioner includes a driving device disposed on the base panel and changing a shape of the variable panel. The variable panel includes: a rigid body made of a rigid material and having a bending hole formed in some region thereof; and a flexible body made of a deformable material and disposed in the bending hole, such that the variable panel may be changed in shape.

[0027] The flexible body may be injection-molded into the bending hole of the rigid body, such that the rigid body and the flexible body may be coupled to each other.

[0028] The rigid body may include a first plate disposed on one side of the flexible body, and a second plate disposed on another side of the flexible body. The rigid body may include a central rib disposed between the first plate and the second plate. The rigid body may include a bridge connecting the first plate and the second plate to the central rib. The central rib may be stably connected to the first plate and the second plate.

[0029] The bending hole may include a first bending hole formed in one of a front side and a rear side of the central rib, and a second bending hole formed in a remaining one of the front side and the rear side of the central rib. The flexible body may be disposed in each of the first bending hole and the second bending hole.

[0030] The rigid body may have a groove extending from the bending hole in a front-rear direction. The groove may be formed in each of a lower surface and an upper surface of the rigid body, such that the flexible body may be stably fixed to the rigid body.

[0031] An upper groove, which is connected to the bending hole and in which the flexible body is disposed, may be formed in the upper surface of the rigid body. A lower groove, which is connected to the bending hole and in which the flexible body is disposed, may be formed in the lower surface of the rigid body.

[0032] The upper groove and the lower groove may be formed at positions spaced apart from each other in a left-right direction, such that the flexible body may be stably fixed to the rigid body.

[0033] An area of the lower groove may be smaller than an area of the upper groove. In a larger area, the flexible body is coupled to the upper surface of the rigid body. The flexible body may be stably coupled to the rigid body.

[0034] In accordance with yet another aspect of the present invention, an air conditioner includes a base panel having an inlet formed in one side thereof, and an outlet formed in another side thereof. The air conditioner includes a variable panel disposed under the base panel and changed in shape to open and close the inlet and the outlet. The air conditioner includes a driving device disposed on the base panel and changing a shape of the variable panel. The variable panel includes a fixed plate which is fixed in position vertically relative to the base panel. The variable panel includes a variable plate disposed on one side of the fixed plate, an inclination angle between the variable plate and the fixed plate being changed so as to open and close the inlet or the outlet. The variable panel includes a hinge rotatably connecting the variable plate to the fixed plate. In this structure, a shape of the variable plate may be changed.

[0035] The air conditioner may further include a cover panel disposed under the variable panel to cover a lower surface of the variable panel, such that the lower surface of the variable panel, which has a smooth shape, may be exposed.

[0036] Other detailed matters of the exemplary embodiments are included in the detailed description and the drawings.

EFFECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0037] An air conditioner according to the present invention has one or more of the following effects.

[0038] First, a variable panel which is variable in shape in some region is provided, such that when the air conditioner is not in operation, the variable panel may cover both an inlet and an outlet. Accordingly, an inlet and an outlet are closed by the variable panel depending on a position of the variable panel, thereby minimizing the entry of foreign matter from the outside.

[0039] Second, a shape of a variable panel may be changed, such that when the air conditioner is not in operation, the variable panel covers both the inlet and the outlet, with only one panel being exposed to an occupant present in a room, thereby providing a sense of unity with a wall surface or a ceiling surface.

[0040] Third, the variable panel is changed in shape to open an inlet and an outlet, such that heat-exchanged air may be effectively supplied to an indoor space.

[0041] Fourth, a bridge, provided in a region in which the variable panel is changed in shape, may provide stability for the variable panel, thereby increasing reliability of the variable panel that is changed in shape.

[0042] Fifth, a bracket connecting the variable panel and the driving device is movably mounted on the variable panel, such that even when the variable panel is changed in shape, the variable panel and the driving device may be stably coupled to each other.

[0043] The effects of the present invention are not limited to the aforesaid, and other effects not described herein will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description of the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0044] 

FIG. 1 is a lower perspective view of a variable panel disposed in a first position, in an air conditioner according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a lower perspective view of a variable panel disposed in a second position, in the air conditioner according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of a base, a variable panel, and a driving device of the air conditioner according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of a variable panel, a cover panel, and a moving panel of the air conditioner according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a bottom view of the variable panel according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a plan view of the variable panel according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a diagram explaining a bridge according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8A is a cross-sectional view taken along line X-X' of FIG. 6.

FIG. 8B is a cross-sectional view taken along line Y-Y' of FIG. 6.

FIG. 9 is a plan view of a moving panel according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a diagram explaining one end of the moving panel and a motor disposed on top of the moving panel, according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a diagram explaining a coupling relationship between the moving panel and the variable panel according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a state in which a bracket and a bracket guider are coupled to each other, according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a state in which the bracket and the bracket guider are separated from each other, according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a side view of FIG. 12.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a state in which the variable panel, the cover panel, and the moving panel of the air conditioner are coupled to each other, according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a plan view of FIG. 15.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a base panel according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 18 is a plan view of FIG. 17.

FIG. 19 is a side view of FIG. 17.

FIG. 20 is a side view of the driving device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 21 is a plan view of FIG. 20.

FIG. 22 is a perspective view of a state in which the driving device, coupled to the variable panel, is disposed on a base panel, according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 23 is a diagram explaining arrangement of the driving device and the variable panel when the variable panel is in a first position P 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 24 is a diagram explaining a position of the bracket disposed on the variable panel when the variable panel is in the first position P 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 25 is a diagram explaining arrangement of the driving device and the variable panel when the variable panel is in a second position P2 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 26 is a diagram explaining a position of the bracket disposed on the variable panel when the variable panel is in the second position P2 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 27 is a diagram explaining arrangement of the driving device and the variable panel when the variable panel is in a third position P3 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 28 is a perspective view of a variable panel according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 29 is an exploded perspective view of the variable panel according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 30 is an exploded plan view of the variable panel according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 31 is a diagram explaining a first position of the variable panel according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 32 is a diagram explaining a second position of the variable panel according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0045] Advantages and features of the present invention and methods of accomplishing the same may be understood more readily by reference to the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments and the accompanying drawings. The present invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the exemplary embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these exemplary embodiments are provided so that this invention will be thorough and complete and will fully convey the concept of the invention to those skilled in the art, and the present invention will only be defined by the appended claims. Like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout the specification.

[0046] In the specification and the claims, terms such as "first," "second," "third," and the like, if any, will be used to distinguish a plurality of elements from each other, and the use of ordinal terms does not by itself connote any priority, precedence, or order of one element over another.

[0047] References to directions, such as up (D), down (D), left (L), right (R), front (F), and rear (R), shown in FIGS. 1 to 42 are merely for convenience of explanation, and not intended for limiting the scope of the present invention. Accordingly, the directions may vary depending on a reference direction.

[0048] Hereinafter, an air conditioner according to embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0049] The air conditioner of the present invention may be mounted inside the ceiling or wall. The air conditioner includes a main body (not shown) mounted inside the ceiling or wall and defining a space, a base panel 10 disposed on one side of the body and having an inlet 12 and an outlet 14, a variable panel 50 disposed on one side of the base panel 10 and changed in shape to cover or open the inlet 12 and the outlet 14, and a driving device 100 configured to change a shape or position of the variable panel 50 based on the base panel 10.

[0050] Here, one of the inlet 12 and the second outlet 14 may be an inlet through which outside air is drawn into the air conditioner. The other one of the inlet 12 and the outlet 14 may be an outlet through which air in the air conditioner is discharged to the outside.

[0051] A fan (not shown) for generating an air flow, a motor (not shown) for rotating the fan, a heat exchanger (not shown) for heat exchanging air discharged through the outlet 14, a drain pan (not shown) for collecting and discharging condensate generated in the heat exchanger, and the like may be mounted in the main body.

[0052] Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 1 to 22, the base panel 10, the variable panel 50, and the driving device 100 will be described using an example of an air conditioner mounted on the ceiling. However, the structure of the base panel 10, the variable panel 50, and the driving device 100 which will be described below may also be applied to an air conditioner mounted on the wall, etc., in addition to the air conditioner mounted on the ceiling.

[0053] Referring to FIG. 1, the variable panel 50 is disposed under the base panel 10 to cover the main body (not shown) and a lower portion of the base panel 10. Here, the position to cover the lower portion may include a position at which the main body or the base panel 10 may be covered when viewed from below.

[0054] Referring to FIG. 2, the variable panel 50 may be changed in shape to open the inlet 12 and the outlet 14 which are formed in the base panel 10.

[0055] The variable panel 50 may allow the inlet 12 and the outlet 14 to open and close simultaneously or together. Here, the opening and closing simultaneously may refer to opening and closing together at the same time. Here, the opening and closing together may refer to opening and closing together through a single operation and does not mean opening and closing at the same time in a temporal sense.

[0056] The variable panel 50 may individually open and close the inlet 12 and the outlet 14. The variable panel 50 is made of heterogeneous materials, such that some region may be easily bent. The variable panel 50, including a silicone material and the like in some region thereof, may be changed in shape. Further, the variable panel 50 has a structure in which a plurality of panels are connected, and connecting portions of the plurality of panels are rotated.

[0057] The variable panel 50 may be mounted on the base panel 10 in a region between the inlet 12 and the outlet 14. The variable panel 50 may be mounted on the base panel 10 so as to be movable forward and backward. That is, the variable panel 50 may be mounted on the base panel 10 to be movable in a region between the inlet 12 and the outlet 14.

[0058] Referring to FIG. 3, the air conditioner includes the base panel 10 having the inlet 12 and the outlet 14, the variable panel 50 disposed on one side of the base panel 10 and changed in shape to be bent or flat in some region, and the driving device 100 mounted to the base panel 10 and changing a shape of the variable panel 50.

[0059] Referring to FIG. 4, the air conditioner includes a moving panel 80 disposed under the base panel 10 and coupled to the variable panel 50, a cover panel 86 disposed under the variable panel 50 to cover a lower surface of the variable panel 50, a bracket 90 movably mounted to the variable panel 50 and coupled to the driving device 100, and a bracket guider 95 mounted to the variable panel 50 and guiding movement of the bracket 90.

[0060] The variable panel 50 is disposed under the base panel 10. The variable panel 50 may be mounted to the base panel 10 from the bottom of the base panel 10. Here, a method of mounting the variable panel 50 to the base panel 10 may include direct connection of the variable panel 50 to the base panel 10. In addition, a method of mounting the variable panel 50 to the base panel 10 may include indirect connection of the variable panel 50 to the base panel 10 via the moving panel 80 or the driving device 100.

[0061] In this embodiment, the variable panel 50 may be indirectly mounted to the base panel 10 via the driving device 100.

[0062] The moving panel 80 may fix the position of a central portion of the variable panel 50. The variable panel 50 may have a bent portion which may partially sag due to gravity. The moving panel 80 may fix the position of the variable panel 50 in a region where the variable panel 50 is bent, thereby preventing the variable panel 50 from partially drooping or sagging.

[0063] Hereinafter, a configuration of the moving panel 80 and a coupling relationship between the moving panel 80 and the variable panel 50 will be described in detail.

[0064] The cover panel 86 is disposed under the variable panel 50. The cover panel 86 may be adhered to a lower surface of the variable panel 50. The cover panel 86 may also be connected to the variable panel 50 by a separate fastening member (not shown).

[0065] The cover panel 86 may be formed in a size enough to cover the lower surface of the variable panel 50. The cover panel 86 may be formed in a size enough to cover the lower surface and a peripheral surface of the variable panel 50.

Variable panel>

[0066] The variable panel 50 may include a fixed part which is disposed between the inlet 12 and the outlet 14, and which is fixed in position vertically relative to the base panel 10, a cover part spaced apart from the fixed part and disposed at a lower side of the inlet 12 or the outlet 14, and a variable part disposed between the fixed part and the cover part and changing an inclination angle of the cover part.

[0067] Here, the fixed part may be a central rib 62 which will be described below. The cover part may be a rigid body 52 which will be described later. The cover part may be a first plate 54a and a second plate 54b which will be described below. The variable part may be a flexible body 70 which will be described below. Accordingly, the variable part may be made of a deformable material. The variable part may be made of a different material from the cover part.

[0068] The variable panel 50 includes the rigid body 52 made of a rigid material and having a bending hole 68 formed in some region, and the flexible body 70 made of a flexible material and disposed in the bending hole 68 formed in the rigid body 52.

[0069] The rigid body 52 may be disposed in a front-rear direction with respect to the flexible body 70. The rigid body 52 includes the first plate 54a disposed on one side of the flexible body 70, the second plate 54b disposed on another side of the flexible body 70, a bridge 66 connecting the first plate 54a and the second plate 54b, and the central rib 62 disposed between the first plate 54a and the second plate 54b.

[0070] The rigid body 52 may further include a fixed hook 64 fixed to the base panel 10 or the moving panel 80 to prevent the central portion of the variable panel 50 from sagging.

[0071] The rigid body 52 has a first bending hole 68a formed in one of the front and rear sides of the central rib 62, and a second bending hole 68b formed in the other one of the front and rear sides of the central rib 62. The first bending hole 68a and the second bending hole 68b may be divided by the bridge 66 into a plurality of regions. Referring to FIG. 6, the first bending hole 68a may be formed in the rear side of the central rib 62, and the second bending hole 68b may be formed in the front side of the central rib 62.

[0072] The flexible body 70 may be disposed in each of the first bending hole 68a and the second bending hole 68b. The flexible body 70 may be made of a deformable material. The flexible body 70 may be made of a silicone or rubber material. The flexible body 70 may be molded into the bending hole 68 formed in the rigid body 52. The flexible body 70 may be injection molded into the bending hole 68 formed in the rigid body 52.

[0073] In order to prevent the flexible body 70, disposed in the first bending hole 68a and the second bending hole 68b, from being separated from the rigid body 52, grooves 56 and 58 extending from the bending hole 68 in the front-rear direction are formed in the rigid body 52.

[0074] The grooves 56 and 58, fixing the position of the flexible body 70 disposed in the bending hole 68, are formed in the rigid body 52. The grooves 56 and 58 are formed in a lower surface 52b and an upper surface 52a, respectively, of the rigid body 52. The grooves 56 and 58 includes an upper groove 56 formed in the upper surface 52a of the rigid body 52, and a lower groove 58 formed in the lower surface 52b of the rigid body 52. Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, an area of the lower groove 58 is smaller than an area of the upper groove 56.

[0075] The upper groove 56 and the lower groove 58 may be formed at positions spaced apart in a left-right direction.

[0076] A bracket hole 60, in which the bracket 90 or the bracket guider 95 is mounted, may be formed in the rigid body 52. The bracket hole 60 is formed in each of the first plate 54a and the second plate 54b. The bracket hole 60 includes a first bracket hole 60a, formed in the first plate 54a, and a second bracket hole 60b formed in the second plate 54b. Referring to FIG. 3, the first plate 54a is disposed at a lower side of the inlet 12 of the base panel 10, and the second plate 54b is disposed at a lower side of the outlet 14 of the base panel 10.

[0077] The first bracket hole 60a is formed in the first plate 54a at each of both ends thereof in a horizontal or left-right direction. The second bracket hole 60b is formed in the second plate 54b at each of both ends thereof in the horizontal direction. Each of the first bracket hole 60a and the second bracket hole 60b may be located further outward than the upper groove 56 or the lower groove 58. Here, the outward direction may be a direction close to the edge of the rigid body 52 in the horizontal direction.

[0078] The central rib 62 is disposed between the first plate 54a and the second plate 54b. The central rib 62 may be disposed on each of the first plate 54a and the second plate 54b at positions spaced apart from each other. The central rib 62 is disposed between the first bending hole 68a and the second bending hole 68b. The flexible body 70 includes a first flexible body 70a disposed in the first bending hole 68a, and a second flexible body 70b disposed in the second bending hole 68b.

[0079] The central rib 62 is disposed between the first flexible body 70a and the second flexible body 70b. The central rib 62 is fixed to the base panel 10 or the moving panel 80.

[0080] The variable panel 50 may be fixed to the moving panel 80. A position of the variation panel 50 may be changed according to a change in position of the moving panel 80. Accordingly, the arrangement of the first plate 54a and the second plate 52b may be changed, which are disposed at the front and rear side of the central rib 62 of the variable panel 50. The central rib 62 may be spaced an equal vertical distance from the base panel 10. In addition, if the central rib 62 is directly connected to the base panel 10, the central rib 62 is fixed to the base panel 10, and thus remains in position.

[0081] Accordingly, if the flexible body 70 disposed at the front and rear side of the central rib 62 is changed in shape, the arrangement of the first plate 54a and the second plate 54b may be changed. If the flexible body 70 disposed at the front and rear side of the central rib 62 is changed in shape, an inclination angle of the first plate 54a and the second plate 54b may be changed. Here, the inclination angle may refer to an angle formed between a plane parallel to the ground surface or a ceiling surface, and a surface formed by the first plate 54a or the second plate 54b.

[0082] The fixed hook 64 may be formed on the central rib 62. The fixed hook 64, protruding upward from the central rib 62, allows the variable panel 50 to be mounted to the moving panel 80 or the base panel 10. In this embodiment, the fixed hook 64 is inserted into a hook hole 82 formed in the moving panel 80. The fixed hook 64 may fix the variable panel 50 to the moving panel 80. Accordingly, as the fixed hook 64 is inserted into the hook hole 82 of the moving panel 80, the variable panel 50 may move along with the movement of the moving panel 80.

[0083] A plurality of fixed hooks 64, which are spaced apart from each other in the horizontal direction, may be disposed on the variable panel 50. Referring to FIG. 6, the fixed hooks 64 may be disposed in a region in which the bridge 66 and the central rib 62 intersect each other.

[0084] Referring to FIG. 7, the fixed hook 64 protrudes in a cylindrical shape upward from the central rib 62 and has an upper end protruding radially outwardly, to be mounted in the hook hole 82 of the moving panel 80.

[0085] Referring to FIG. 6, a plurality of bridges 66 are disposed on the variable panel 50. The respective bridges 66 are spaced apart from each other in the horizontal direction. The bridges 66 are disposed in a region in which the flexible body 70 is disposed. The bridges 66 connect each of the central rib 62, the first plate 54a, and the second plate 54b, thereby stably maintaining a bending range or shape of the flexible body 70.

[0086] The respective bridges 66 may connect the first plate 54a and the second plate 54b. The respective bridges 66 connect the first plate 54a and the central rib 62. The respective bridges 66 connect the second plate 54b and the central rib 62.

[0087] The bridges 66 may include a first bridge 66a connecting the first plate 54a and the central rib 62, and a second bridge 66b connecting the second plate 54b and the central rib 62.

[0088] A vertical height 66h of the bridge 66 is less than a vertical height 62h of the central rib 62. Accordingly, the flexible body 70 comes into contact with an upper surface of the bridge 66. A width 66w (from left to right) of the bridge 66 is greater than a width 62w (from front to rear) of the central rib 62.

[0089] A lower surface of the bridge 66 may be formed as a flat surface so as to be smoothly connected to the first plate 54a and the second plate 54b. An upper surface of the bridge 66 may have a serration shape.

[0090] The upper surface of the bridge 66, which has a serration shape, may alleviate a problem in that the bridge 66 is separated from the flexible body 70 at a contact portion with the flexible body 70. In addition, the upper surface of the bridge 66 has a serration shape, such that even when the variable panel 50 is changed in shape, the bridge 66 is prevented from being deformed by elongation or compression of the variable panel 50 or the cover panel 86.

Moving panel>

[0091] The moving panel 80 fixes the position of the central rib 62 of the variable panel 50. That is, the moving panel 80 may allow the central rib 62, disposed at the center of the variable panel 50, to remain fixed in position vertically relative to the base panel 10. Here, if the central rib 62 is vertically spaced apart from the base panel 10, positions of the central rib 62 and the base panel 10, which are vertically relative to each other, may refer to positions spaced apart from each other. Further, if the central rib 62 is disposed in contact with the base panel 10, positions of the central rib 62 and the base panel 10 may refer to positions at which the central rib 62 and the base panel 10 may remain in contact with each other.

[0092] The moving panel 80 may fix the position of the central rib 62, thereby preventing the central rib 62 from relatively sagging in the variable panel 50. The central rib 62, disposed between the first flexible body 70a and the second flexible body 70b, moves relative thereto, such that sagging may occur. As the moving panel 80 fixes the position of the central rib 62, the first flexible body 70a and the second flexible body 70b, which are disposed on both sides of the centra rib 62, may be bent downward.

[0093] The moving panel 80 may be made of a material having rigidity, thereby preventing the central rib 62 form sagging downward in the variable panel 50.

[0094] Referring to FIG. 9, the moving panel 80 has the hook hole 82 into which the fixed hook 64 of the variable panel 80 is inserted and mounted. The hook hole 82 includes an insertion hole 82a, into which the fixed hook 64 is inserted, and a fixing hole 82b in which the fixed hook 64 is mounted. The insertion hole 82a is formed to be greater than a diameter of an upper end of the fixed hook 64, and the fixing hole 82b is formed to be smaller than the diameter of the upper end of the fixed hook 64. Referring to FIG. 11, while being inserted into the fixing hole 82b of the hook hole 82, the fixed hook 64 may be fixed to the moving panel 80.

[0095] The central rib 62 is fixed to the moving panel 80, such that if the moving panel 80 moves forward and backward, the variable panel 50 as a whole may also move forward and backward.

[0096] The moving panel 80 is elongated in a forward direction in which the outlet 14 is formed, rather than in a rearward direction in which the inlet 12 is formed, with respect to the hook hole 82.

[0097] A second motor mounter 84, on which a second motor 122 of the driving device 100 to be described later is mounted, is disposed at both ends in the left-right direction of the moving panel 80. Accordingly, the second motor mounter 84 and the second motor 122 may move forward and backward together with the moving panel 80.

Bracket and bracket guider>

[0098] A plurality of brackets 90 and a plurality of bracket guiders 95 are disposed on the variable panel 50. Each of the plurality of brackets 90 may be disposed in each of the plurality of bracket guiders 95.

[0099] Referring to FIG. 4, each of the plurality of brackets 90 and each of the plurality of bracket guider 95 may be disposed in two first bracket holes 60a, formed in the first plate 54a, and two second bracket holes 60b formed in the second plate 54b.

[0100] The bracket 90 includes a first bracket 90a disposed in the first bracket hole 60a, and a second bracket 90b disposed in the second bracket hole 60b. The bracket guider 95 includes a first bracket guider 95a in which the first bracket 90a is disposed, and a second bracket guider 95b in which the second bracket 90b is disposed.

[0101] The bracket guider 95 is fixed to the variable panel 50. The bracket guider 95 is disposed in the bracket hole 60 of the variable panel 50. The bracket 90 is disposed in the bracket guider 95 to be movable forward and backward.

[0102] Referring to FIG. 13, the bracket guider 95 includes a pair of fastening parts 96 fastened to the variable panel 50, and a guide part 98 disposed between the pair of fastening parts 96 and guiding movement of the bracket 90. The guide part 98, which is bent upward from both ends in the left-right direction, may prevent separation of the bracket 90 and may guide forward and backward movement of the bracket 90.

[0103] The bracket 90 includes a moving plate 92 moving forward and backward along the guide part 98, and a coupling plate 94 coupled to one side of the driving device 100. The moving plate 92 and the coupling plate 94 may be disposed perpendicular to each other.

[0104] By the operation of the driving device 100, the bracket 90 moves upward and downward, and by moving upward and downward, the bracket 90 may move forward and backward within the bracket guider 95. Referring to FIG. 14, both ends in the left-right direction of the moving plate 92 may be disposed in a bending structure formed at both ends in the left-right direction of the guide part 98 of the bracket guider 95.

Base panel>

[0105] The base panel 10 has the inlet 12 through which air is introduced, and the outlet 14 through which air flowing through the main body is discharged. The inlet 12 and the outlet 14 are spaced apart from each other in the front-rear direction. Referring to FIG. 18, the outlet 14 is spaced forward from the inlet 12. Referring to FIG. 18, an area of the outlet 14 may be smaller than an area of the inlet 12.

[0106] The base panel 10 has a motor hole 16 formed in a region in which the second motor 122 of the driving device 100 to be described below is disposed. The motor hole 16 is formed as an opening in the front-rear direction, the opening corresponding to a distance the second motor 122 and the second motor mounter 84 moves in the front-rear direction.

[0107] A hook groove 18, which is recessed upward and in which the fixed hook 64 is disposed, is formed in a lower surface of the base panel 10. The hook groove 18 may be formed at an upper side where the fixed hook 64 is disposed. The hook groove 18 may guide forward and backward movement of the fixed hook 64 that moves together with the moving panel 80.

[0108] The base panel 10 includes a panel guider 20 in which the driving device 100 is disposed. Gear holes 34a and 34b, through which panel moving plates 102 and 116 of the driving device 100 that will be described below may pass, are formed in the base panel 10.

[0109] The panel guider 20 includes a first panel guider 20a disposed at a left end of the base panel 10, and a second panel guider 20b disposed at a right end of the base panel 10.

[0110] The first panel guider 20a is disposed on the left side of the inlet 12 and the outlet 14 which are formed in the base panel 10. The second panel guider 20b is disposed on the right side of the inlet 12 and the outlet 14 which are formed in the base panel 10.

[0111] Each of the first panel guider 20a and the second panel guider 20b includes a pair of guide walls 22 and 24 which are horizontally spaced apart from each other.

[0112] Each of the first panel guider 20a and the second panel guider 20b includes a first guide wall 22, and a second guide wall 24 which is horizontally spaced apart from the first guide wall 22. Each of the first panel guider 20a and the second panel guider 20b may include an upper wall 26 connecting upper ends of the first guide wall 22 and the second guide wall 24.

[0113] The first guide wall 22 and the second guide wall 24 may have corresponding shapes. The first guide wall 22 may be disposed closer to the inlet 12 or the outlet 14 than the second guide wall 24. The first guide wall 22 and the second guide wall 24 may protrude upward from the base panel 10.

[0114] Referring to FIG. 19, each of the first guide wall 22 and the second guide wall 24 includes a first guide hole 28 guiding movement of a first rotating shaft 102a of a first panel moving plate 102 which will be described below, a second guide hole 30 guiding movement of a second rotating shaft 116a of a second panel moving plate 116 which will be described below, and a third guide hole 32 guiding movement of the first panel moving plate 102.

[0115] The first guide hole 28 and the second guide hole 30 may have a shape of a straight hole extending in the front-rear direction. The length of the first guide hole 28, extending in the front-rear direction, may be equal to a length of the second guide hole 30 extending in the front-rear direction.

[0116] The third guide hole 32 includes a curved guide hole 32a extending circumferentially from a position spaced apart from the first rotating shaft 102a by a predetermined distance, and a linear guide hole 32b extending rearward from a lower end of the curved guide hole 32a. The third guide hole 32 is disposed above the first guide hole 28 or the second guide hole 30.

[0117] A length of each of the first guide hole 28 and the second guide hole 30 extending in the front-rear direction may be equal to a length of the linear guide hole 32b extending in the front-rear direction.

[0118] The first guide hole 28, the second guide hole 30, and the third guide hole 32 may serve to suspend the variable panel 50 from the base panel 10 by the panel moving plates 102 and 116.

[0119] The gear holes 34a and 34b, through which the panel moving plates 102 and 116 pass, are formed in the base panel 10 between the first guide wall 22 and the second guide wall 24. A first hole 34a, through which the first panel moving pate 102 passes, and a second hole 34b, through which the second panel moving plate 116 passes, are formed between the first guide wall 22 and the second guide wall 24 in the base panel 10.

[0120] A first motor mounter 36, on which the first motor 120 of the driving device 100 which will be described below is mounted, is disposed on one side of the first guide wall 22. The first motor mounter 36 is fixed to an upper surface of the base panel 10. Accordingly, the first motor 120 mounted on the first motor mounter 36 is fixed onto the top of the base panel 10. A motor shaft hole 22a, through which a rotating shaft of the first motor 120 passes, is formed in the first guide wall 22.

Driving device>

[0121] The driving device 100 includes the first panel moving plate 102 for changing a position of the first plate 54a of the variable panel 50, the second panel moving plate 116 for changing a position of the second plate 54b of the variable panel 50, the first motor 120 coupled to the first panel moving plate 102 to change the position of the first panel moving plate 102, and the second motor 122 coupled to the second panel moving plate 116 to change the position of the second panel moving plate 116.

[0122] The driving device 100 may further include a spacer 124 for maintaining a distance between the first rotating shaft 102a of the first panel moving plate 102 and the second rotating shaft 116a of the second panel moving plate 116. The driving device 100 may include a motor gear 126 rotating in connection with the motor rotating shaft 120a of the first motor 120, and engaged with a gear surface of the first panel moving plate 102.

[0123] The driving device 100 may include a first guide pin 130 extending in the left-right direction along the first rotating shaft 102a of the first panel moving plate 102, a second guide pin 132 extending in the left-right direction along the second rotating shaft 116a of the second panel moving plate 116, and a third guide pin 134 radially spaced apart from the first rotating shaft 102a of the first panel moving plate 102 and extending in the left-right direction from one side of the first panel moving plate 102.

[0124] The first guide pin 130 may move along the first guide hole 28 formed in each of the first guide wall 22 and the second guide wall 24. The second guide pin 132 may move along the second guide hole 30 formed in each of the first guide wall 22 and the second guide wall 24. The third guide pin 134 may move along the third guide hole 32 formed in each of the first guide wall 22 and the second guide wall 24.

[0125] The second guide pin 132 may connect the second motor 122 and the second panel moving plate 116. Accordingly, when the second motor 122 is activated, the second guide pin 132 may change a position of the second panel moving plate 116.

[0126] Each of the first panel moving plate 102 and the second panel moving plate 116 may be formed as a fan-shaped plate. The first panel moving plate 102 may be connected on one side to the bracket 90. The bracket 90 is disposed to be coupled to a lower portion of each of the first panel moving plate 102 and the second panel moving plate 116.

[0127] The first panel moving plate 102 rotates about the first rotating shaft 102a. The first panel moving plate 102 includes a lower surface 104 facing the variable panel 50, an upper surface 106 disposed opposite the lower surface 104 and inclined with respect to the lower surface 104, and an outer peripheral surface 1008 connecting end portions of the lower surface 104 and the upper surface 106 and forming a curved surface. The first panel moving plate 102 includes an inner surface 110 facing the first motor 120, and an outer surface 114 facing a direction opposite the inner surface 110. A gear surface 112, engaged with the motor rotating shaft 120a coupled to the first motor 120, is formed on the inner surface 110 of the first panel moving plate 102. The gear surface 112 is spaced apart from the outer peripheral surface 108 and the upper surface 106 by a predetermined distance, and is formed to face the first rotating shaft 102a.

[0128] The gear surface 112 includes a first gear surface 112a spaced apart from the outer peripheral surface 108, and a second gear surface 112b spaced apart from the upper surface 106. The outer peripheral surface 108 and the first gear surface 112a may have an arc shape. The outer peripheral surface 108 and the first gear surface 112a may have the same center of the arc. The first gear surface 112a and the second gear surface 112b may have a structure in which the motor gear 126 may be continuously engaged therewith.

[0129] The second gear surface 112b may be formed approximately parallel to the upper surface 106.

[0130] The first guide pin 130 is disposed on the first rotating shaft 102a of the first panel moving plate 102. The first guide pin 130 may extend around the first rotating shaft 102a and may be formed by passing through the first panel moving plate 102.

[0131] The third guide pin 134 may be disposed on the upper surface 106. The third guide pin 134 may protrude upward above a straight surface formed by the upper surface 106.

[0132] The second panel moving plate 116 is directly coupled to the second motor 122 at the second rotating shaft 116a. A stopper 118 for limiting downward movement of the second panel moving plate 116 may be disposed on an upper surface of the second panel moving plate 116.

[0133] The stopper 118 protrudes horizontally from the upper surface of the second panel moving plate 116. When the second panel moving plate 116 rotates downward, the stopper 118 comes into contact with upper ends of the pair of guide walls 22 and 24, to stop the rotation of the second panel moving plate 116.

[0134] The spacer 124 maintains a distance between the first rotating shaft 102 of the first panel moving plate 102 and the second rotating shaft 116a of the second panel moving plate 116. The spacer 124 is connected on one side to the first guide pin 130 disposed on the first panel moving plate 102, and is connected on another side to the second guide pin 132 disposed on the second panel moving plate 116.

[0135] The first motor 120 is disposed on the first motor mounter 36 disposed on the base panel 10. Accordingly, even when the first panel moving plate 102 or the second panel moving plate 116 moves forward and backward from the base panel 10, the first motor 120 may be fixed in position.

[0136] The second motor 122 is disposed on the second motor mounter 84 disposed on an upper side of the moving panel 80. Accordingly, when the first panel moving plate 102 or the second panel moving plate 116 moves forward and backward from the base panel 10, the second motor 122 may move together.

[0137] The first panel moving plate 102 may change the position of the first plate 54a. Accordingly, when the first motor 120 is activated, the outer peripheral surface of the first panel moving plate 102 may move downward, such that the first plate 54a may be inclined downward from the base panel 10. In this case, the inlet 12 of the base panel 10 may be opened.

[0138] The second panel moving plate 116 may change the position of the second plate 54b. Accordingly, when the second motor 122 is activated, the outer peripheral surface of the second panel moving plate 116 may move downward, such that the second plate 54b may be inclined downward from the base panel 10. In this case, the outlet 14 of the base panel 10 may be opened.

Operation>

[0139] Hereinafter, the position of the variable panel 50 during the operation of the first motor 120 or the second motor 122 will be described with reference to FIGS. 23 to 27.

[0140] The variable panel 50 may be disposed in a first position P1 in which the inlet 12 and the outlet 14, which are formed in the base panel 10, are closed; a second position P2 in which a portion of the variable panel 50 is bent so as to open the inlet 12 and the outlet 14; and a third position P3 in which the variable panel 50 moves in a direction in which the outlet 14 is formed.

[0141] In the first position P1, the variable panel 50 is disposed to cover the bottom of the base panel 10. The variable panel 50 may have a greater area than the base panel 10. Referring to FIG. 23, when in the first position P1, the variable panel 50 may cover the entire base panel 10 in the front-rear direction. Accordingly, when the variable panel 50 is disposed in the first position P1, the base panel 10 may not be seen from an occupant present in a lower part of an indoor space.

[0142] When the variable panel 50 is disposed in the first position P1, the first motor 120 may be disposed at a lower end of the first gear surface 112a of the first panel moving plate 102. Referring to FIG. 24, when the variable panel 50 is disposed in the first position P1, one end of the bracket 90 may remain spaced apart a first distance 11 from one end of the bracket hole 60.

[0143] By the operation of the first motor 120 and the second motor 122, the variable panel 50 may be changed in shape from the first position P1 to the second position P2. By the operation of the first motor 120, the motor gear 126 may move along the first gear surface 112a of the first panel moving plate 102. In this case, the first flexible body 70a is bent, and the first plate 54a moves downward. When the variable panel 50 is in the second position P2, the outlet 14 may be opened.

[0144] When the variable panel 50 is changed in shape from the first position P1 to the second position P2, the motor gear 126 moves along the first gear surface 112a. When the variable panel 50 is changed in shape from the first position P1 to the second position P2, the third guide pin 134 moves along the curved guide hole 32a of the third guide hole 32. Accordingly, the outer peripheral surface of the first panel moving plate 102 may also move downward. The first panel moving plate 102 rotates downward about the first rotating shaft 102a. Referring to FIG. 26, when the variable panel 50 is in the second position P2, the motor gear 126 may be disposed at a portion where the first gear surface 112a and the second gear surface 112b meet.

[0145] By the operation of the second motor 122, the second panel moving plate 116 rotate about the second rotating shaft 116a. In this case, the second flexible body 70b is bent, and the second plate 54b moves downward. When the variable panel 50 is in the second position P2, the inlet 12 may be opened. When the variable panel 50 is in the second position P2, the stopper 118 of the second panel moving plate 116 may come into contact with the upper ends of the guide walls 22 and 24.

[0146] Referring to FIG. 26, when the variable panel 50 is in the second position P2, one end of the bracket 90 may remain spaced apart a second distance 12 from one end of the bracket hole 60. The second distance 12 may be different from the first distance 11. Referring to FIGS. 24 and 26, the second distance 12 may be smaller than the first distance 11.

[0147] In addition, when the first motor 120 is activated, the variable panel 50 may move from the second position P2 to the third position P3.

[0148] When the variable panel 50 moves from the second position P2 to the third position P3, the motor gear 126 may move along the second gear surface 112b. When the variable panel 50 moves from the second position P2 to the third position P3, the third guide pin 134 may move along the linear guide hole 32b of the third guide hole 32. When the variable panel 50 moves from the second position P2 to the third position P3, the first guide pin 130 and the second guide pin 132 may move along the first guide hole 28 and the second guide hole 30, respectively.

[0149] When the variable panel 50 moves from the second position P2 to the third position P3, the central rib 62 of the variable panel 50 may move in a direction in which the outlet 14 is formed. Accordingly, when the variable panel 50 is in the third position P3, a contact area between the air, discharged through the outlet 14, and the variable panel 50 may increase, leading to an increase in a guided area of the air guided by the variable panel 50 when the air is discharged through the outlet 14.

<Second embodiment>

[0150] Hereinafter, a structure in which a variable panel according to the second embodiment of the present invention is changed in configuration and shape will be described with reference to FIGS. 28 to 32.

[0151] The variable panel 150 according to the second embodiment may be mounted on the base panel 10 (see FIG. 3) according to the first embodiment, and may be changed in shape by the driving device 100 (see FIG. 21) according to the first embodiment. In addition, the variable panel 150 according to the second embodiment may move to the moving panel 80 according to the first embodiment. Further, the cover panel 86 (see FIG. 3) according to the first embodiment may be disposed under the variable panel 150 according to the second embodiment.

[0152] A fixed plate 152 may be disposed between the first variable plate 156a and the second variable plate 156b. The fixed plate 152 may be spaced apart from each of the first variable plate 156a and the second variable plate 156b. The fixed plate 152may be connected to the first variable plate 156a by a first hinge 160. The fixed plate 152may be connected to the second variable plate 156b by a second hinge 162.

[0153] The fixed plate 152may be fixed to the base panel 10 or the moving panel 80. The fixed plate 152may be positioned at an equal vertical distance relative to the base panel 10. That is, a contact position of the fixed plate 152with the base panel 10 may be maintained, and if the first variable plate 156a is spaced apart from the base panel 10, a spaced-apart distance therebetween may be maintained.

[0154] A fixed hook 153 may be disposed on the fixed plate 152. The fixed hook 153 protrudes upward from the fixed plate 152, and may allow the variable panel 150 to be secured to the moving panel 80 (see FIG. 3) or the base panel 10. In one embodiment, the fixed hook 153 may be inserted into a hook hole formed in the moving panel 80. The fixed hook 153 may allow the variable panel 150 to be secured to the moving panel 80. Accordingly, as the fixed hook 153 is inserted into the hook hole of the moving panel 80, the variable panel 150 may move along with the movement of the moving panel 80. A plurality of fixed hooks 153, which are spaced apart from each other in the left-right direction, may be disposed on the fixed plate 152.

[0155] The fixed plate 152has first protrusions 154 in which hinges 160 and 162 are disposed, and which are formed at both ends of the first variable plate 156a to which the variable plates 156a and 156b are connected. A plurality of first protrusions 154, which are spaced apart from each other in the left-right direction, may be disposed at both ends of the fixed plate 152. The hinges 160 and 162 may be disposed in the plurality of first protrusions 154.

[0156] Each of the first variable plate 156a and the second variable plate 156b is rotatably mounted to the first variable plate 156a. Accordingly, an inclination angle between the first variable plate 156a and each of the first variable plate 156a and the second variable plate 156b may be changed.

[0157] The first variable plate 156a may be disposed at a lower side of the inlet 12 (see FIG. 3) of the base panel 10, and the second variable plate 156b may be disposed at a lower side of the outlet 14 (see FIG. 3) of the base panel 10.

[0158] Each of the first variable plate 156a and the second variable plate 156b may be coupled to the driving device 100, to be changed in arrangement. Each of the first variable plate 156a and the second variable plate 156b may be coupled to the driving device 100 via the bracket 90 (see FIG. 3) and the bracket guider 95 (see FIG. 3).

[0159] Here, the inclination angle may refer to an angle between a surface formed by the first variable plate 156a and a surface formed by the first variable plate 156a or the second variable plate 156b.

[0160] The bracket 90 and the bracket guider 95 are disposed on each of the first variable plate 156a and the second variable plate 156b.

[0161] Bracket holes 157a and 157b, in which the bracket 90 or the bracket guider 95 is disposed, may be formed in each of the first variable plate 156a and the second variable plate 156b. The bracket holes 157a and 157b may include a first bracket hole 157a, formed in the first variable plate 156a, and a second bracket hole 157b formed in the second variable plate 156b.

[0162] The first bracket hole 157a is formed at both ends of the first variable plate 156a in the left-right direction. The second bracket hole 157b is formed at both ends of the second variable plate 156b in the left-right direction.

[0163] Each of the first variable plate 156a and the second variable plate 156b may have second protrusions 158 in which the hinges 160 and 162 are disposed, and which are formed at one end of each of the first variable plate 156a and the second variable plate 156b to which the variable plate 156a is connected. A plurality of second protrusions 158, which are spaced apart from each other in the left-right direction, may be disposed at one end of each of the first variable plate 156a and the second variable plate 156b. The hinges 160 and 162 may be disposed in the plurality of second protrusions 158.

[0164] The first protrusions 154 and the second protrusions 158 may be alternately arranged. The hinges 160 and 162 may be disposed by passing through the respective first and second hinges 160 and 162 that are alternately arranged.

[0165] Hereinafter, a position of the variable panel 150 will be described with reference to FIGS. 31 and 32. A position of the variable panel 150 may be changed by the driving device 100 according to the first embodiment.

[0166] The variable panel 150 may be disposed in a first position P1, in which the variable panel 150 closes the inlet 12 and the outlet 14, and in a second position P2 in which some region of the variable panel 150 is bent to open the inlet 12 and the outlet 14. In addition, although not illustrated herein, the variable panel 150 may be disposed in a third position in which the variable panel 150 moves in a direction in which the outlet 14 is formed.

[0167] Referring to FIG. 31, when disposed in the first position P1, the variable panel 150 may cover the entire base panel 10 in the front-rear direction. In the first position P1, the first variable plate 156a may be disposed to close the inlet 12. In the first position P1, the second variable plate 156b may be disposed to close the outlet 14. In the first position P 1, the first variable plate 156a, the second variable plate 156b, and the first variable plate 156a may be disposed parallel to each other.

[0168] Referring to FIG. 32, in the second position P2, the variable panel 150 may open the inlet 12 and the outlet 14. The arrangement of the first variable plate 156a and the second variable plate 156b may be changed by the driving device 100.

[0169] In the second position P2, each of the first variable plate 156a and the second variable plate 156b may be inclined with respect to the first variable plate 156a. The first variable plate 156a may rotate about the hinges 160 and 162, to be inclined with respect to the first variable plate 156a. The second variable plate 156b may rotate about the hinges 160 and 162, to be inclined with respect to the first variable plate 156.

[0170] While the preferred embodiments have been particularly shown and described, the present specification shall not be limited to the particular embodiments described above, and it will be understood by an ordinary skilled person in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the following claims, and the alternative embodiments should not be individually understood from the inventive concept and prospect of the present invention.

Claims

1. An air conditioner comprising:

a base panel having an inlet formed in one side thereof, and an outlet formed in another side thereof;

a variable panel disposed under the base panel and changed in shape to open and close the inlet and the outlet; and

a driving device disposed on the base panel and changing a shape of the variable panel,

wherein the variable panel comprises:

a fixed part disposed between the inlet and the outlet, and fixed in position vertically relative to the base panel;

a cover part spaced apart from the fixed part and disposed at a lower side of the inlet or the outlet; and

a variable part disposed between the fixed part and the cover part, and changing an inclination angle of the cover part.

2. The air conditioner of claim 1, wherein the variable part is made of a deformable material.

3. The air conditioner of claim 1, wherein the variable part and the cover part are made of different materials.

4. The air conditioner of claim 1, wherein the driving device is coupled to the cover part or the variable part, so as to change a position of the cover part.

5. The air conditioner of claim 1, wherein the variable panel comprises a plurality of bridges connecting the cover part and the fixed part, and spaced apart from each other in a left-right direction.

6. The air conditioner of claim 5, wherein a vertical height of the bridges is less than a vertical height of the fixed part.

7. The air conditioner of claim 6, wherein the variable part is disposed on an upper side of the bridges.

8. The air conditioner of claim 5, wherein a lower surface of the bridges is formed as a flat surface to be connected to the fixed part and the cover part, and an upper surface of the bridges is formed in a serration shape.

9. The air conditioner of claim 5, wherein the fixed part comprises a fixed hook protruding upward from the fixed part, so as to fix the vertical height of the fixed part.

10. The air conditioner of claim 9, wherein the fixed hook is disposed at a point where the bridges intersect the fixed part.

11. The air conditioner of claim 1, further comprising a cover panel disposed under the variable panel to cover a lower surface of the variable panel.

12. The air conditioner of claim 1, further comprising:

a bracket movably mounted on the variable panel and coupled to the driving device; and

a bracket guider disposed on the cover part and guiding movement of the bracket.

13. The air conditioner of claim 12, wherein the bracket guider comprises a fastening part fastened to the variable panel, and a guide part disposed on one side of the fastening part and guiding movement of the bracket,
wherein the guide part is bent upward from both ends that are perpendicular to a moving direction of the bracket, so as to guide movement of the bracket.

14. The air conditioner of claim 13, wherein the bracket comprises a moving plate that moves forward and backward along the guide part, and a coupling plate coupled to one side of the driving device,
wherein the coupling plate protrudes upward from one side of the moving plate.

15. The air conditioner of claim 1, wherein the inlet and the outlet are opened and closed simultaneously or together by the variable panel.

Drawing