INDOOR UNIT OF AIR CONDITIONER

Abstract

 An indoor unit for air conditioner according to the present disclosure includes: a cabinet having a suction portion through which external air is sucked in and a discharge portion through which air is discharged; a heat exchanger accommodated inside the cabinet; a blower accommodated inside the cabinet; and a picture frame panel which is coupled to the cabinet, and accommodates a sheet, in which the picture frame panel includes: a front frame; a first side frame and a second side frame which are coupled to side ends of the front frame; a lower frame detachable from a lower end of the front frame; a first insertion portion into which one end of the sheet is inserted; and a second insertion portion into which the other end of the sheet is inserted.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to an indoor unit of an air conditioner, and more particularly, to an indoor unit of an air conditioner in which a sheet can be easily replaced on a picture frame panel. Further it relates to an air conditioner system comprising such an indoor unit.

Background

[0002] In general, in order to create a more comfortable indoor environment for a user, an air conditioner uses a refrigerant refrigeration cycle consisting of a compressor, a four-way valve, an outdoor heat exchanger (condenser or evaporator), an expansion mechanism, and an indoor heat exchanger (evaporator or condenser) to cool or heat a room, and is largely divided into separate and integrated types.

[0003] The above-described separate and integrated types are functionally the same. However, the separate type installs a cooling/ heat dissipation device, an indoor fan, and an indoor fan motor in an indoor unit, and installs a heat dissipation/cooling device, a compression device, an outdoor fan, and an outdoor fan motor in an outdoor unit. The integrated type is achieved by integrating the cooling and heat dissipation functions.

[0004] The separate type is usually installed by installing the indoor unit inside the room, hanging it on a wall, or embedding it in a ceiling, while the integrated type is installed by drilling a hole in the wall of a house, installed by hanging a device in a window, or disposed outdoors and connected to a room by a duct.

[0005] The indoor unit (Patent Document 1 - Korean Publication No. 20060011656) of an air conditioner according to the prior art discloses a structure in which a picture or photo desired by a user is inserted into a picture frame panel. If such a picture frame panel is provided, there is an excellent aesthetic advantage. However, in case of Patent Document 1, in order to replace a photo in the picture frame panel, the picture frame panel must be hinge-rotated on a frame base and the photo must be inserted, but there is a problem in that it is difficult to insert the photo, and the photo is crumpled when being inserted, and is not fixed in a correct position.

[0006] Patent Document 2 (Korean Publication No. 20160085355) discloses a general indoor unit, but does not disclose a panel into which photos can be inserted, so it has the disadvantage of not being able to satisfy user's intention to use the indoor unit as a decoration.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0007] It is an object of the disclosure to provide an indoor unit for an air conditioner that allows to easily replace photos or pictures within a picture frame panel of the indoor unit.

[0008] It is a further object to provide an indoor unit for an air conditioner in which when a user replaces a photo or picture, the photo or picture is not crumpled and is guided to a correct position.

[0009] It is a further object to provide an indoor unit for an air conditioner in which a photo or picture inserted into a picture frame panel can be fixed to a front panel without being lifting from the front panel.

[0010] a further object is to provide an indoor unit for an air conditioner in which when a picture or photo is inserted into a picture frame panel from the bottom toward the top, the picture or photo avoids snagging at a point that is not in a precise fixed position.

[0011] The object is solved by the features of the independent claims. Preferred embodiments are given in the dependent claims.

[0012] The indoor unit for an air conditioner of to the disclosure comprises a lower frame, which is removed from a picture frame panel, wherein a sheet is insertable into the picture frame panel.

[0013] In detail, the indoor unit for an air conditioner of to the disclosure includes: a cabinet having a suction portion through which external air is sucked in and a discharge portion through which air is discharged; a heat exchanger accommodated inside the cabinet; a blower accommodated inside the cabinet; and a picture frame panel which is coupled to the cabinet, and configured to accommodate a sheet.

[0014] The picture frame panel includes: a front frame; a first side frame and a second side frame which are coupled to side ends of the front frame; a lower frame detachable from a lower end of the front frame; a first insertion portion into which one end of the sheet is inserted; and a second insertion portion into which the other end of the sheet is inserted.

[0015] In a state in which the lower frame is removed, the sheet may be insertable and slidable into the first insertion portion and the second insertion portion, and may cover a front of the front frame.

[0016] A width of the first insertion portion may increase toward the second insertion portion, and a width of the second insertion portion may increase toward the first insertion portion.

[0017] The first insertion portion may be defined as a space between the first side frame and the front frame.

[0018] The second insertion portion may be defined as a space between the second side frame and the front frame.

[0019] The front frame may includes a lower support portion supporting a lower end of the sheet.

[0020] The lower support portion may protrude in a forward direction from the front frame.

[0021] The front frame may include: a first side support portion which supports the first side frame, and defines the first insertion portion between the front frame and the first side frame; and a second side support portion which supports the second side frame, and defines the second insertion portion between the front frame and the second side frame.

[0022] The picture frame panel may further include: an upper frame coupled to an upper end of the front frame; and a third insertion portion into which an upper end of the sheet is inserted.

[0023] A width of the third insertion portion may increase toward the lower frame.

[0024] The third insertion portion may be defined as a space between the upper frame and the front frame.

[0025] The front frame may further include an upper support portion which supports the upper frame, and may define the third insertion portion between the front frame and the upper frame.

[0026] The indoor unit for an air conditioner may further include a magnetic coupling portion which is disposed in the front frame and coupled to a magnet of the sheet.

[0027] The magnetic coupling portion may be located in a rear of the front frame.

[0028] The front frame may further include a coupling hole exposing at least a portion of the magnetic coupling portion.

[0029] The magnet of the sheet may be accommodated in the coupling hole, and may be in contact with the magnetic coupling portion.

[0030] The present disclosure further may include a bracket which protrudes in a rearward direction from the front frame and is coupled to the magnetic coupling portion.

[0031] The bracket may be located around the coupling hole.

[0032] The present disclosure includes: a cabinet having a suction portion through which external air is sucked in and a discharge portion through which air is discharged; a heat exchanger accommodated inside the cabinet; a blower accommodated inside the cabinet; and a picture frame panel which is coupled to the cabinet, and being configured to accommodate a sheet, the picture frame panel includes: a front frame; a first side frame and a second side frame which are coupled to side ends of the front frame; a lower frame detachable from a lower end of the front frame; and an upper frame coupled to an upper end of the front frame, in which a portion of the sheet is insertable into a space between the front frame and the first side frame, a space between the front frame and the second side frame, and a space between the front frame and the upper frame, and the sheet can cover the front of the front frame.

[0033] The sheet can slide and move in the space between the front frame and the first side frame and the space between the front frame and the second side frame, in a state in which the lower frame is removed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0034] The above and other objects, features and advantages of the present disclosure will be more apparent from the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an indoor unit of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating that a picture frame panel of the indoor unit shown in FIG. 1 is opened;

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the indoor unit shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 4-4' in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a state in which a lower frame is disassembled from the picture frame panel shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating that a sheet is inserted into a picture frame panel according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 7 a diagram illustrating that a sheet is fully inserted into a picture frame panel and a lower frame is coupled to the picture frame panel of an embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 8 diagram illustrating a rear surface of a sheet of an embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the picture frame panel shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the picture frame panel viewed from a different direction than FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the picture frame panel of FIG. 10 from which a rear frame is removed;

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 12-12' of FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 13-13' of FIG. 9, and is a diagram for explaining how a sheet is inserted into a picture frame panel;

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 14-14' of FIG. 9;

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 15-15' of FIG. 9;

FIG. 16 is an enlarged view of a magnetic coupling portion in FIG. 11;

FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 16; and

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the magnetic coupling portion of FIG. 16.

DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

[0035] Advantages and features of the present invention and methods for achieving those of the present invention will become apparent upon referring to embodiments described later in detail with reference to the attached drawings. However, embodiments are not limited to the embodiments disclosed hereinafter and may be embodied in different ways. The embodiments are provided for perfection of disclosure and for informing persons skilled in this field of art of the scope of the present invention. The same reference numerals may refer to the same elements throughout the specification.

[0036] Spatially-relative terms such as "below", "beneath", "lower", "above", or "upper" may be used herein to describe one element's relationship to another element as illustrated in the FIG.s. It will be understood that spatially-relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in addition to the orientation depicted in the FIG.s. For example, if the device in one of the FIG.s is turned over, elements described as "below" or "beneath" other elements would then be oriented "above" the other elements. The exemplary terms "below" or "beneath" can, therefore, encompass both an orientation of above and below. Since the device may be oriented in another direction, the spatially-relative terms may be interpreted in accordance with the orientation of the device.

[0037] The terminology used in the present disclosure is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the disclosure. As used in the disclosure and the appended claims, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms "comprises" and/or "comprising," when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

[0038] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. It will be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and the present disclosure, and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.

[0039] In the drawings, the thickness or size of each layer is exaggerated, omitted, or schematically illustrated for convenience of description and clarity. Also, the size or area of each constituent element does not entirely reflect the actual size thereof.

[0040] Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0041] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an indoor unit of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating that a picture frame panel 30 of the indoor unit shown in FIG. 1 is opened, FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the indoor unit shown in FIG. 1, and FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 4-4' in FIG. 1.

[0042] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 4, the indoor unit of the air conditioner according to an embodiment of the disclosure includes a cabinet 10 and a picture frame panel 30 coupled to the front surface of the cabinet 10. The cabinet 10 includes a base 12 forming a space for accommodating a blower 14, an orifice 13, and a heat exchanger therein, and a front panel 20 covering the base 12.

[0043] The picture frame panel 30 is installed on the front panel 20 and is installed at a certain distance from the front panel 20.

[0044] A suction portion 15 is formed, preferably at the center of the front panel 20 and is fixed to the cabinet 10, and at least one discharge portion 16 is formed in the cabinet 10.

[0045] A discharge portion 16 may include at least one of a first discharge portion 16a, 16b and a second discharge portion 16c, and the first discharge portion 16a, 16b may include a left discharge portion 16a disposed on the left side of the cabinet 10 and/or a right discharge portion 16b disposed on the right side of the cabinet 10. The second discharge portion 16c may be disposed on the lower side of the cabinet 10. So, the at least one discharge portion is disposed at a side wall of the cabinet. Thus, the air enters the cabinet through the front side and is discharged via any one or more of the side walls of the cabinet.

[0046] Specifically, the first discharge portion 16a, 16b and the second discharge portion 16c may be formed on the base 12.

[0047] Here, the front-rear direction FR refers to a direction parallel to the rotation axis Ax of the blower 14, the direction of the picture frame panel 30 from the blower 14 is defined as a forward direction F, and the direction of the base 12 from the blower 14 is defined as a rearward direction R.

[0048] The up-down direction UD refers to a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis Ax of the blower 14, the direction of the second discharge portion 16 from the axis of rotation of the blower 14 is defined as a downward direction D, and the direction opposite to the downward direction is defined as an upward direction U.

[0049] The left-right direction LeRi is defined as a direction perpendicular to the up-down direction and the front-rear direction.

[0050] The picture frame panel 30 is installed in front of the front panel 20, and is spaced apart from the front panel 20 at a certain distance to form a gap. Thus, it is possible to allow air to be moved to the suction portion 15 through a gap 70 formed between the front panel 20 and the picture frame panel 30.

[0051] The base 12 may include a blower 14 that suctions/discharges indoor air, an orifice 13 that is located in front of the blower 14 and guides the air sucked in by the suction portion 15 to the blower 14, and a heat exchanger 50 installed in front of the orifice 13.

[0052] Here, the blower 14 is installed between the base 12 and the orifice 13 and guides all the air sucked in through the suction portion 15 to the discharge portion 16.

[0053] In particular, the blower 14 is a centrifugal fan that discharges air flowed in from the orifice 13 in the circumferential direction. A fan motor 14a that rotates the blower 14 is connected to the blower 14.

[0054] On both sides of the blower 14, i.e., on both sides of the base 12, a left discharge portion 16a and a right discharge portion 16b are formed to guide the air discharged from the blower 14 to the outside of the cabinet 10.

[0055] A second discharge portion 16c may be installed on the lower side of the base 12 to guide the air discharged from the blower 14 to the outside of the cabinet 10. A control vane 510a that opens and closes the second discharge portion 16c and a vane motor 520a that rotates the control vane 510a may be installed in the second discharge portion 16c.

[0056] A side cover 41, 42 and a lower cover 43 that cover at least discharge portion 16 may be coupled to both sides and bottom of the base 12. The side cover 41, 42 may have a discharge guide 412 formed to guide air discharged from the discharge portion 16. The side cover 41, 42 may include a left cover 41 and a right cover 42. The side cover 41, 42 and the lower cover 43 may be collectively referred to as a cover.

[0057] The base 12 is fixed to the indoor wall by a bracket 17 installed on a rear surface. Meanwhile, an electrical unit 2 constituting a controller of the air conditioner is installed on the upper portion of the orifice 13.

[0058] A heat exchanger 50 is installed in front of the orifice 13 to exchange heat with the indoor air and cool/heat the sucked indoor air, and a drain pan 100 is installed on the lower side of the heat exchanger 50 to store and discharge the condensate generated in the heat exchanger 50.

[0059] The heat exchanger 50 is fixed to the front panel 20 or the orifice 13, and a connection pipe 52 is installed on one side of the heat exchanger 50 to be connected to a refrigerant pipe (not shown) installed from the outside.

[0060] The front panel 20 is located in front of the heat exchanger 50 and is coupled to the base 12.

[0061] A piping cover 11 is installed at a corner of the cabinet 10, and the piping cover 11 is assembled to a corner of the base 12 to form a portion of the outer shape of the indoor unit.

[0062] The piping cover 11 is formed at a plurality points among four corners of the cabinet 10, and in the present embodiment, is installed at two lower corners, and the external refrigerant pipe passes through the piping cover 11 and is guided to the inside of the cabinet 10.

[0063] The front panel 20 has a suction portion 15 formed in the center, and has a front grill 21 that divides the suction portion 15 into a plurality of areas.

[0064] A filter 60 may be installed in the suction portion 15 to filter indoor air flowing into the orifice 13.

[0065] Meanwhile, the filter 60 according to the disclosure is installed in a structure that is detachable from the front panel 20, but, in this embodiment, is supported by the front grill 21 of the front panel 20.

[0066] The filter 60 and the front grill 21 supporting the filter 60 may be formed to gently protrude in a forward direction with a certain thickness with respect to the front panel 20. The filter 60, which is seated on and supported by the front grill 21, is prevented from being in contact with the heat exchanger 50.

[0067] Meanwhile, the picture frame panel 30 may be hinged to the front panel 20 by a link mechanism 3. The link mechanism 3 may include a link 3a and a link motor 3b. However, the movement can be also mechanically without a motor.

[0068] A display unit (not shown) that may display the operating state of the indoor unit or any other useful information etc. may be installed in the picture frame panel 30. The picture frame panel 30 may include a lower frame 36, a front frame 32, a first side frame 31, a second side frame 33, and an upper frame 35.

[0069] The front frame 32 may cover the front of the front panel 20. The front frame 32 can have a quadrangle plate shape. The first side frame 31 and the second side frame 33 may be coupled to the left and right sides of the front frame 32. The upper frame 35 may be coupled to the upper end of the front frame 32, and the lower frame 36 may be coupled to the lower end of the front frame 32.

[0070] A sheet 90 on which a picture, etc is printed may be inserted into the picture frame panel 30. This will be described later.

[0071] Hereinafter, a method of inserting the sheet 90 into the picture frame panel 30 will be described in detail.

[0072] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a state in which the lower frame 36 is disassembled from the picture frame panel 30 shown in FIG. 1, FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating that the sheet 90 is inserted into the picture frame panel 30 according to an embodiment of the disclosure, and FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating that the sheet 90 is fully inserted into the picture frame panel 30 and a lower frame 36 is coupled to the picture frame panel 30 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0073] Referring to FIG. 5, the lower frame 36 is separated from the front frame 32.

[0074] Referring to FIG. 6, in a state where the lower frame 36 is removed, both ends of the sheet 90 may be inserted into a space between the first side frame 31, the second side frame 33, and the front frame 32 from bottom to top. This space might be designated as first and second insertion pace 510, 520.

[0075] Referring to FIG. 7, when the sheet 90 is slid upward and the upper end of the sheet 90 is inserted into a space between the upper frame 35 and the front frame 32, the lower frame 36 may be coupled to the front frame 32.

[0076] The sheet 90 may be inserted and slid into a first insertion portion 510 and a second insertion portion 520 in a state where the lower frame 36 is removed, thereby completely covering the front of the front frame 32.

[0077] Obviously, in some embodiment, in a state where the lower frame 36is removed, both ends of the sheet 90 may be inserted into the space between the first side frame 31, the second side frame 33, and the front frame 32 from bottom to top.

[0078] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a rear surface of the sheet 90 according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0079] Referring to FIG. 8, the sheet 90 according to an embodiment of the disclosure is in the shape of a thin plate and has a photo or picture printed on it. A plurality of magnets 910 may be attached to the rear surface of the sheet 90,which may be attached to a magnetic coupling portion 80 of the front frame 32 which will be described later.

[0080] The plurality of magnets 910 are preferably disposed so as not to overlap with each other in the up-down directions. Thus, as the sheet 90 moves from the bottom to the top, it is prevented that the magnets 910 are coupled to other magnetic coupling portion 80 during movement to a fixed position. Thus, as reliable insertion procedure is guaranteed, whereas after having reached the final position the sheet might be fixed due to the magnets 900 attracted by the magnetic coupling portions 80.

[0081] Hereinafter, the structure of the picture frame panel 30 will be described in detail.

[0082] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the picture frame panel 30 shown in FIG. 1, FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the picture frame panel 30 viewed from a different direction than FIG. 9, FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the picture frame panel 30 of FIG. 10 from which a rear frame 34 is removed, and FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 12-12' of FIG. 11.

[0083] The picture frame panel 30 may include the front frame 32, the first side frame 31 and the second side frame 33 that are connected to the side ends of the front frame 32, the lower frame 36 that is detachable from the lower end of the front frame 32, the first insertion portion 510 into which one end of the sheet 90 is inserted, and the second insertion portion 520 into which the other end of the sheet 90 is inserted.

[0084] The first insertion portion 510 may be a space into which one side end of the sheet 90 is inserted, and the second insertion portion 520 may be a space into which the other side end of the sheet 90 is inserted.

[0085] The picture frame panel 30 may further include a third insertion portion 530 into which the upper end of the sheet 90 is inserted.

[0086] That is, when the sheet 90 covers the front of the front frame 32, at least the upper end and both ends of the sheet 90 may be inserted into the first insertion portion 510, the second insertion portion 520, and the third insertion portion 530. Obviously, in some embodiment, the lower end of the sheet 90 may also be inserted into another insertion portion.

[0087] The front frame 32 may include a first front member 321 defining a plane surface, and a second front member 322 extending rearward from the edge of the first front member 321.

[0088] The first front member 321 is plate-shaped and has a quadrangle/rectangular shape when viewed from the front. The second front member 322 has a smaller area than the first front member 321. The second front member 322 may further include a front coupling portion 329 to which the upper frame 35, the lower frame 36, the first side frame 31, and the second side frame 33 are coupled.

[0089] The front frame 32 may further include a front rib 323 that prevents distortion of the front frame 32 and improves rigidity. The front rib 323 may be formed in such a manner that a portion of the first front member 321 protrudes or is recessed. It might be formed integrally with the front frame 32 or the one or more front ribs 323 might be added on the surface of the front frame 32.

[0090] The rear frame 34 may be coupled to the rear of the front frame 32 to reinforce the rigidity of the front frame 32. The rear frame 34 may cover at least a portion of the first front member 321. The rear frame 34 may have various shapes to improve rigidity.

[0091] The picture frame panel 30 includes a hooking portion 38. The hooking portion 38 hooks the picture frame panel 30 to a coupling structure, e.g. hanger 210 of the cabinet 10.

[0092] For example, the hooking portion 38 may protrude in a rearward direction from the rear surface of the picture frame panel 30.

[0093] The hooking portion 38 may be located spaced apart from a connecting link 3a. The hooking portion 38 may be located lower than the connecting link 3a. The hooking portion 38 may be located lower than the suction portion 15.

[0094] The picture frame panel 30 may be rotated around the connecting link 3a located at the upper end of the cabinet 10, and the lower portion of the picture frame panel 30 may be hung on the cabinet 10 by the hooking portion.

[0095] FIG. 12 shows the coupling structure of the second side frame 33 and the front frame 32, but the coupling structure of the first side frame 31 and the front frame 32 and the coupling structure of the upper frame 35 and the front frame 32 are identical with the coupling structure of the second side frame 33 and the front frame 32. Obviously, in some embodiment, the coupling structure of the rear frame 34 and the front frame 32 is identical with the coupling structure of the second side frame 33 and the front frame 32.

[0096] In particular, referring to FIG. 12, the front coupling portion 329 may be a hole formed in the second front member 322.

[0097] The first side frame 31, the second side frame 33, the upper frame 35, and the lower frame 36 may include a long cover extending in one direction and a short cover extending in a direction intersecting with the long cover from the front end of the long cover, and a hooker which is connected to the long cover and fastened to the front coupling portion 329.

[0098] Specifically, the second side frame 33 may include a second long cover 332 extending in one direction, a second short cover 333 extending in a direction intersecting with the second long cover 332 from the front end of the second long cover 332, and a second hooker 331 which is connected to the second long cover 332 and fastened to the front coupling portion 329.

[0099] The second long cover 332 may have a larger area than the second short cover 333. The second long cover 332 is disposed to face the second front member 322 of the front frame 32. The second short cover 333 is spaced apart from a portion of the first front member 321 and is located to overlap with the edge of the first front member 321 in the front-rear direction.

[0100] Therefore, an insertion portion which is a space to which the edge of the sheet 90 is inserted is defined between the edges of the first side frame 31, the second side frame 33, the upper frame 35, and the lower frame 36, and the front frame 32.

[0101] The insertion portion may include a first insertion portion 510, a second insertion portion 520, and a third insertion portion 530. The second insertion portion 520 may be defined as a space between the second side frame 33 and the front frame 32.

[0102] Specifically, the second insertion portion 520 is a space between the edge of the first front member 321 and the second short cover 333. As will be described later, the first insertion portion 510 is a space between the edge of the first front member 321 and the first short cover 313, and the third insertion portion 530 is a space between the edge of the first front member 321 and the third short cover 353.

[0103] Hereinafter, the structure of each insertion portion will be described in detail.

[0104] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 13-13' of FIG. 9, and is a diagram for explaining how the sheet 90 is inserted into the picture frame panel.

[0105] Referring to FIG. 13, the first side frame 31 may include a first long cover 312 extending in one direction and a first short cover 313 extending in a direction intersecting with the first long cover 312 from the front end of the first long cover 312.

[0106] The first long cover 312 may have a larger area than the first short cover 313. The first long cover 312 is disposed to face the second front member 322 of the front frame 32. The first short cover 313 is spaced apart from a portion of the first front member 321 and is located to overlap with the edge of the first front member 321 in the front-rear direction. The first insertion portion 510 is defined as a space between the edge of the first front member 321 and the first short cover 313.

[0107] The first insertion portion 510 and the second insertion portion 520 are disposed to face each other. The width W1 of the first insertion portion 510 may increase toward the second insertion portion 520, and the width W2 of the second insertion portion 520 may increase toward the first insertion portion 510.

[0108] The width of the first insertion portion 510 may increase toward the second side frame 33, and the width of the second insertion portion 520 may increase toward the first side frame 31.

[0109] The sheet 90 is made of a flexible material, and when inserting both ends of the sheet 90 into the first insertion portion 510 and the second insertion portion 520, it is convenient to insert it by bending the center.

[0110] The width of the first insertion portion 510 increases toward the second side frame 33, the width of the second insertion portion 520 increases toward the first side frame 31, both ends of the sheet 90 may be easily inserted into the insertion portion, and damage to the sheet 90 can be prevented when inserting the sheet 90 into the insertion portion.

[0111] Here, the width of the insertion portion means the width in the front-rear direction. The left-right length and up-down length of the insertion portion may be larger than the width of the insertion portion. Therefore, when the sheet 90 is inserted, it is bent to be easily inserted, so that the sheet 90 does not fall out easily when it is slid.

[0112] Specifically, the first short cover 313 may include a first inclined surface 313a, and the second short cover 333 may include a second inclined surface 333a.

[0113] The first inclined surface 313a may be inclined in a forward direction as the rear surface of the first short cover 313 moves toward the second side frame 33. The second inclined surface 333a may be inclined in a forward direction as the rear surface of the second short cover 333 moves toward the first side frame 31.

[0114] In order to define the first insertion portion 510 and the second insertion portion 520, a structure for maintaining a space between the front frame 32, the first side frame 31, and the second side frame 33 may be provided.

[0115] For example, the front frame 32 may include a first side support portion 323 that supports the first side frame 31 and defines the first insertion portion 510 at between the front frame 32 and the first side frame 31, and a second side support portion 324 that supports the second side frame 33 and defines the second insertion portion 520 at between the front frame 32 and the second side frame 33.

[0116] The first side support portion 323 supports the first short cover 313, and is located to overlap with the first short cover 313 and the second front member 322 in the front-rear direction. The first side support portion 323 is formed to protrude in a forward direction from the edge of the first front member 321.

[0117] The second side support portion 324 supports the second short cover 333 and is located to overlap with the second short cover 333 and the second front member 322 in the front-rear direction. The second side support portion 324 is formed to protrude in a forward direction from the edge of the first front member 321.

[0118] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 14-14' of FIG. 9.

[0119] Referring to FIG. 14, the upper frame 35 may include a third long cover 352 extending in one direction and a third long cover 352 extending from the front end of the third long cover 352 in a direction intersecting with the third long cover 352.

[0120] The third long cover 352 may have a larger area than the third short cover 353. The third long cover 352 is disposed to face the second front member 322 of the front frame 32. The third short cover 353 is spaced apart from a portion of the first front member 321 and is located to overlap with the edge of the first front member 321 in the front-rear direction. The third insertion portion 530 is defined as a space between the edge of the first front member 321 and the third short cover 353. The upper end of the sheet 90 is inserted into the third insertion portion 530.

[0121] The width W3 of the third insertion portion 530 may increase toward the lower frame 36 (lower portion).

[0122] Here, the width of the third insertion portion 530 refers to the width in the front-rear direction. The left-right length and up-down length of the third insertion portion 530 may be larger than the width of the third insertion portion 530. Therefore, when the sheet 90 is inserted, it is bent to be easily inserted so that the sheet 90 does not easily fall out when it is slid.

[0123] Specifically, the third short cover 353 may include a third inclined surface 353a. The third inclined surface 353a may be inclined forward as the rear surface of the third short cover 353 moves toward the lower frame 36.

[0124] In order to define the third insertion portion 530, it may have a structure to maintain a space between the front frame 32 and the upper frame 35.

[0125] For example, the front frame 32 may include an upper support portion 325 that supports the upper frame 35 and defines a third insertion portion 530 between the front frame 32 and the upper frame 35.

[0126] The upper support portion 325 supports the third short cover 353 and is located to overlap with the third short cover 353 and the second front member 322 in the front-rear direction. The upper support portion 325 is formed to protrude forward from the edge of the first front member 321.

[0127] FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 15-15' of FIG. 9.

[0128] Referring to FIG. 15, in order to define the third insertion portion 530, it may have a structure to maintain a space between the front frame 32 and the upper frame 35.

[0129] For example, the front frame 32 may include a lower support portion 326 that supports the lower end of the sheet 90. The lower support portion 326 may protrude forward from the first front member 321 of the front frame 32.

[0130] The lower support portion 326 may be located adjacent to the lower end of the first front member 321. The lower support portion 326 supports the lower end of the sheet 90 to prevent the sheet 90 from falling downward, even when the lower frame 36 is disconnected from the front frame 32.

[0131] FIG. 15 shows that the lower frame 36 is removed. The lower frame 36 may be detachably coupled to the front frame 32. The structure of the lower frame 36 may be formed symmetrically to the structure of the upper frame 35 of FIG. 13.

[0132] Hereinafter, the magnetic coupling portion 80 to which the magnet 910 of the sheet 90 is attached will be described in detail.

[0133] FIG. 16 is an enlarged view of a magnetic coupling portion 80 in FIG. 11, FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 16, and FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the magnetic coupling portion 80 of FIG. 16.

[0134] The magnetic coupling portion 80 is disposed in the front frame 32 and is coupled to the magnet 910 of the sheet 90 by magnetic force.

[0135] The magnetic coupling portion 80 is disposed at the rear of the front frame 32. Even if the front frame 32 is located between the magnetic coupling portion 80 and the magnet 910 of the sheet 90, the sheet 90 may be fixed by magnetic force.

[0136] However, when the front frame 32 is located between the magnetic coupling portion 80 and the magnet 910 of the sheet 90, the sheet 90 is lifted from the front frame 32 by the magnet 910 of the sheet 90. In order to solve this problem, the front frame 32 may further include a coupling hole 328 that exposes at least a portion of the magnetic coupling portion 80.

[0137] The magnet 910 of the sheet 90 is accommodated in the coupling hole 328, and may be in contact with the magnetic coupling portion 80. As the magnet 910 of the sheet 90 is accommodated in the coupling hole 328, the rear surface of the sheet 90 is in close contact with the front frame 32.

[0138] A plurality of coupling holes 328 may be disposed, and the magnetic coupling portion 80 may be disposed to correspond to the number of coupling holes 328.

[0139] The plurality of coupling holes 328 may be disposed not to overlap with each other in the up-down direction, and the plurality of magnetic coupling portions 80 may be disposed not to overlap with each other in the up-down direction. Thus, if the sheet 90 is inserted into the picture frame panel 30, the magnet 910 and the magnetic coupling 80 are prevented from attaching in an improper location when the sheet 90 is moved from bottom to top.

[0140] The bracket fastens the front frame 32 and the magnetic coupling portion 80. The bracket may protrude in a rearward direction from the front frame 32. The bracket may be located around the coupling hole 328.

[0141] Specifically, the bracket includes a first bracket 328 and a second bracket 329 that face each other, and the coupling hole 328 may be located between the first bracket 328 and the second bracket 329.

[0142] The first bracket 328 has a ring shape and hooks one end of the magnetic coupling portion 80, and the second bracket 329 has a ring shape and hooks the other end of the magnetic coupling portion 80.

[0143] The first bracket 328 may further include a ring portion 328a that hooks one end of the magnetic coupling portion 80 and a handle 328b extending from the ring portion 328a.

[0144] The magnetic coupling portion 80 may be made of a different material from the front frame 32. The magnetic coupling portion 80 may include a magnetic material that interacts with the magnet 910 through magnetic force. For example, the magnetic coupling portion 80 may be metal.

[0145] The magnetic coupling portion 80 may include a mid portion 81, a first flange 82 that is connected to one end of the mid portion 81 and has a step from the mid portion 81, and a second flange 83 that is connected to the other end of the mid portion 81 and has a step from the mid portion 81.

[0146] The indoor unit of the present disclosure has one or more of the following effects.

[0147] First, the present disclosure has the advantage that a photo sheet can be easily replaced by inserting the photo sheet into the insertion portion of the picture frame panel, without completely separating the picture frame panel and only removing the lower frame coupled to the lower portion of the picture frame panel.

[0148] Second, in the present disclosure, the picture frame panel includes a front frame, a side frame, an upper frame, and a lower frame, and when the lower frame is removed, an insertion space into which both ends of the photo sheet are inserted is formed between the side frame and the front frame, a space into which the upper end of the photo sheet is inserted is formed between the upper frame and the front frame, and the width of a space into which the photo sheet is inserted increases toward the center of the front frame, so that the photo sheet can be easily inserted into the insertion space of the photo sheet while it is bent and slid from the bottom to the top.

[0149] Third, the present disclosure has a structure in which a coupling hole is formed in the front frame, and a magnetic coupling portion made of metal is coupled to the rear surface of the front frame, and is exposed to the front of the front frame through the coupling hole. Thus, the magnet coupled to the rear surface of the photo sheet is attached to the magnetic coupling portion while being inserted into the coupling hole, so that the photo sheet is not lifted off from the front frame, is fixed in a correct location, and the front frame can be made of resin material.

[0150] Fourth, in the present disclosure, a plurality of coupling holes are formed in the front frame, a magnetic coupling portion is coupled to the rear surface of the front frame to correspond to the plurality of coupling holes, and the plurality of coupling holes are located so as not to overlap in the up-down direction, so that the magnet of the photo sheet moving from the bottom to the top after removing the lower frame is prevented from being coupled in an incorrect position.

[0151] Fifth, the present disclosure includes a rear support portion protruding forward at the lower end of the front frame, and the rear support portion supports the lower surface of the photo sheet, so that the photo sheet does not fall off even when the lower frame is removed.

[0152] The above described features, configurations, effects, and the like are included in at least one of the embodiments of the present invention, and should not be limited to only one embodiment. In addition, the features, configurations, effects, and the like as illustrated in each embodiment may be implemented with regard to other embodiments as they are combined with one another or modified by those skilled in the art. Thus, content related to these combinations and modifications should be construed as including in the scope of the invention as disclosed in the accompanying claims.

Claims

1. An indoor unit of an air conditioner, the indoor unit comprising:

a cabinet (10) having a suction portion (15) for sucking in external air and a discharge portion (16a) for discharging air;

a heat exchanger (50) and a blower (40) inside the cabinet (10);

a picture frame panel (30) coupled to the cabinet (10), and configured to accommodate a sheet (90), wherein the picture frame panel (30) comprises:

a front frame (32);

a first side frame (31) and a second side frame (33) which are coupled to side ends of the front frame (32);

a lower frame (36) detachable from a lower end of the front frame (32);

a first insertion portion (510) into which one end of the sheet (90) is insertable; and

a second insertion portion (520) into which the other end of the sheet (90) is insertable.

2. The indoor unit of claim 1, wherein in a state in which the lower frame (36) is removed, the sheet (90) is insertable and slidable into the first insertion portion (510) and the second insertion portion (520), wherein the sheet covers a front of the front frame (32).

3. The indoor unit of claim 1 or 2, wherein a width of the first insertion portion (510) increases toward the second insertion portion (520), and/or a width of the second insertion portion (520) increases toward the first insertion portion (510).

4. The indoor unit of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first insertion portion (510) is defined as a space between the first side frame (31) and the front frame (32), and
the second insertion portion (520) is defined as a space between the second side frame (33) and the front frame (32).

5. The indoor unit of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the front frame (32) further comprises a lower support portion (326) supporting a lower end of the sheet (90),
wherein the lower support portion (326) protrudes in a forward direction from the front frame (32).

6. The indoor unit of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the front frame (32) comprises:

a first side support portion (323) which supports the first side frame (31), and defines the first insertion portion (510) between the front frame (32) and the first side frame (31); and

a second side support portion (324) which supports the second side frame (33), and defines the second insertion portion (520) between the front frame (32) and the second side frame (33).

7. The indoor unit of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the picture frame panel (30) further comprises:

an upper frame (35) coupled to an upper end of the front frame (32); and

a third insertion portion (530) into which an upper end of the sheet (90) is insertable,

wherein a width of the third insertion portion (530) increases toward the lower frame (36).

8. The indoor unit of claim 7, wherein the third insertion portion (530) is defined as a space between the upper frame (35) and the front frame (32).

9. The indoor unit of claim 7 or 8, wherein the front frame (32) further comprises an upper support portion (325) which supports the upper frame (35), and defines the third insertion portion (530) between the front frame (32) and the upper frame (35).

10. The indoor unit of any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a magnetic coupling portion (80) which is disposed in the front frame (32) and couplable to a magnet of the sheet (90).

11. The indoor unit of claim 10, wherein the magnetic coupling portion (80) is located in a rear of the front frame (32).

12. The indoor unit of claim 10 or 11, wherein the front frame (32) further comprises a coupling hole (328) exposing at least a portion of the magnetic coupling portion (80).

13. The indoor unit of claim 12, wherein the magnet of the sheet (90) is accommodated in the coupling hole (328), and is in contact with the magnetic coupling portion (80).

14. The indoor unit of claim 12 or 13, further comprising a bracket (328, 329) which protrudes in a rearward direction from the front frame (32) and is coupled to the magnetic coupling portion (80).

15. The indoor unit of claim 14, wherein the bracket (328, 329) is located around the coupling hole (328).

Drawing