WO 2006/126806 PCT/KR2006/001874 1 Description AIR CONDITIONER Technical Field [1] The present invention relates to an air conditioner, and more particularly, to an air conditioner in which a vent is selectively used as an air inlet for receiving indoor air or an air outlet for discharging the received air. Background Art [2] Generally, air conditioners are used to cool or heat a confined space such as a room, in order to provide a comfortable indoor environment for users. Such an air conditioner includes a refrigerant cycle including a compressor, a 4-way valve, an outdoor heat exchanger (a condenser or evaporator), an expansion device, and an indoor heat exchanger (an evaporator or condenser). Air conditioners, which have such a con figuration, are mainly classified into a separation type and an integrated type. [3] Both the separation type air conditioner and the integrated type air conditioner have the same function. In the separation type air conditioner, however, an indoor unit, in which a cooling/heat-radiating device, an indoor fan, and an indoor fan motor are installed, and an outdoor unit, in which a heat-radiating/cooling device, a compressor, an outdoor fan, and an outdoor fan motor are installed, are separated from each other, and are connected to each other via a refrigerant line. On the other hand, in the integrated type air conditioner, indoor and outdoor units thereof are integrated so that cooling and heat-radiating functions are integrated. Such an integrated type air conditioner is directly installed on an outer wall or window of a house. [4] An example of a conventional separation type air conditioner will be described with reference to FIGs. 1 and 2. [5] The conventional air conditioner includes a chassis 102, a front grill 110 coupled to a front wall of the chassis 102, an inlet grill 112 hingably connected to a front wall of the front grill 110, and a motor 114 mounted to the chassis 102. The conventional air conditioner also includes a blowing fan 116 connected to the motor 114, and a heat exchanger 118 which heat-exchanges air introduced into the air conditioner with a re frigerant passing through the heat exchanger 118. [6] The front grill 110 includes an air inlet 104 formed through the front wall of the front grill 110. An upper inlet grill 106 is provided at a top wall of the front grill 110 such that the upper inlet grill 106 is integral with the front grill 110. An air outlet 108 is formed through a lower portion of the front wall of the front grill 110 or through a bottom wall of the front grill 110. [7] A pre-filter 105 is arranged inside the front grill 110, to filter air introduced through WO 2006/126806 PCT/KR2006/001874 2 the air inlet 104, and thus, to remove foreign matter from the air. [8] The inlet grill 112 protects the air inlet 104 and pre-filter 105. The inlet grill 112 is hingably connected to the top wall of the front grill 110 at a top wall of the inlet grill 112. [9] A condensed water receiver 119 is arranged at a lower portion of the front grill 110 inside the front grill, to receive condensed water falling from the heat exchanger 118. A louver 120 and an outlet grill 124 are also arranged at a lower portion of the front grill 110 inside the front grill 110. The louver 120 changes the lateral flow direction of air discharged out of the air outlet 108. The outlet grill 124 includes a vane 122 which changes the vertical flow direction of the discharged air. [10] When the blowing fan 116 is rotated in accordance with driving of the motor 114 in the conventional air conditioner having the above-mentioned configuration, indoor air present in front of the inlet grill 112 is introduced into the air conditioner via the inlet grill 112 and air inlet 104. As the introduced air then passes through the filter 105, foreign matter is removed from the air by the filter 105. The filtered air is introduced into a space defined between the front grill 110 and the chassis 102. [11] At the same time, indoor air present at the top side of the front grill 110 is introduced into the space defined between the front grill 110 and the chassis 102 via the upper inlet grill 106. [12] The introduced indoor air is cooled or heated by a refrigerant, which passes through the indoor heat exchanger 118, while passing around the indoor heat exchanger 118. The cooled or heated air is discharged into a room, to be cooled or heated by the heat exchanger 118, in accordance with guidance of the louver 120 and vane 122 after passing through the blowing fan 116. [13] However, the conventional air conditioner has a problem in that, where the in stallation level of the air conditioner is low, the time taken to uniformly spread throughout the room is lengthened because indoor air is discharged into the room through the lower side of the air conditioner after being introduced into the front and top sides of the air conditioner. On the other hand, where the installation level of the air conditioner is high, there is a problem in that increased uncomfortableness occurs during a heating operation because hot air is discharged toward the face of the user. Disclosure of Invention Technical Problem [14] An object of the present invention devised to solve the above-mentioned problems lies in providing an air conditioner, which is capable of reversely changing the in troduction/discharge direction of air in accordance with a user's desire, thereby ef ficiently air-conditioning a room during a cooling/heating operation.
WO 2006/126806 PCT/KR2006/001874 3 [15] Another object of the present invention is to provide an air conditioner which is capable of controlling the discharge direction of hot/cold air, to cause the hot air to be discharged out of a lower portion of the air conditioner during a heating operation such that the hot air uniformly heats a room while rising, thereby preventing the user from being uncomfortable, and to cause the cold air to be discharged out of an upper portion of the air conditioner during a cooling operation such that the cold air reaches even a far region of the room while falling, thereby uniformly cooling the room. Technical Solution [16] The objects of the present invention can be achieved by providing an air conditioner comprising: a body which is provided with a first vent and a second vent, through which introduction or discharge of air is selectively carried out; a blowing unit which is arranged in the body, to selectively carry out a function for sucking air through the first vent, and discharging the sucked air through the second vent, or a function for sucking air through the second vent, and discharging the sucked air through the first vent; and a heat exchanger which is arranged in the body, to cool or heat the air blown by the blowing unit. [17] In accordance with another aspect, the present invention provides an air conditioner comprising: a body which is provided with a first vent and a second vent, through which introduction or discharge of air is selectively carried out; a first blowing unit which is arranged in the body, to suck air through the first vent, and to discharge the sucked air through the second vent; a second blowing unit which is arranged in the body, to suck air through the second vent, and to discharge the sucked air through the first vent; a heat exchanger which is arranged in the body, to cool or heat the air blown by the first and second blowing units; a first inlet/outlet unit which is arranged at the first vent, to control opening and closing of the first vent and introduction and discharge directions of air through the first vent; and a second inlet/outlet unit which is arranged at the second vent, to control opening and closing of the second vent and in troduction and discharge directions of air through the second vent. [18] In accordance with another aspect, the present invention provides an air conditioner comprising: a main chassis; a front case which is coupled to a front side of the main c hassis; a first inlet/outlet unit which is arranged at one side of the main chassis, and is provided with a first vent, through which introduction or discharge of air is selectively carried out; a second inlet/outlet unit which is arranged at the other side of the main chassis, and is provided with a second vent, through which introduction or discharge of air is selectively carried out; a blowing unit which selectively carries out a function for sucking air through the first vent, and discharging the sucked air through the second vent, or a function for sucking air through the second vent, and discharging the sucked WO 2006/126806 PCT/KR2006/001874 4 air through the first vent; a heat exchanger which is arranged in a space defined by the main chassis and the front case, to cool or heat the air blown by the blowing unit; a first filter unit which is hingably mounted to the first inlet/outlet unit such that the first filter unit is selectively positioned to be coupled to the first vent, to remove foreign matter from the air passing through the first vent; and a second filter unit which is hingably mounted to the second inlet/outlet unit such that the second filter unit is se lectively positioned to be coupled to the second vent, to remove foreign matter from the air passing through the second vent. Advantageous Effects [19] In accordance with the present invention, there are advantages in that it is possible to more efficiently air-condition a room during a cooling or heating operation, and thus, to provide enhanced comfortableness for users because the first vent or second vent is selected to discharge air in accordance with the cooling or heating mode of the air conditioner. Brief Description of the Drawings [20] The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the invention, illustrate embodiments of the invention and together with the de scription serve to explain the principle of the invention. [21] In the drawings: [22] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view illustrating an example of a conventional air conditioner; [23] FIG. 2 is a schematic sectional view illustrating a part of the air conditioner shown in FIG. 1; [24] FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view of an air conditioner according to a first embodiment of the present invention, illustrating a cooling operation of the air conditioner; [25] FIG. 4 is a schematic perspective view of the air conditioner shown in FIG. 3, il lustrating a heating operation of the air conditioner; [26] FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view illustrating an inner configuration of the air conditioner shown in FIG. 3; [27] FIG. 6 is a schematic sectional view of a part of the air conditioner shown in FIG. 3, illustrating a cooling operation of the air conditioner; [28] FIG. 7 is a schematic sectional view of a part of the air conditioner shown in FIG. 3, illustrating a heating operation of the air conditioner; [29] FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a filter unit which is included in the air conditioner of FIG. 3, and has a structure according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; WO 2006/126806 PCT/KR2006/001874 5 [30] FIG. 9 is a sectional view illustrating the filter unit of FIG. 8; [31] FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration for controlling the air conditioner shown in FIG. 3; [32] FIG. 11 is a schematic sectional view of an air conditioner according to a second embodiment of the present invention, illustrating a cooling operation of the air conditioner; [33] FIG. 12 is a schematic sectional view of the air conditioner shown in FIG. 11, il lustrating a heating operation of the air conditioner; [34] FIG. 13 is a schematic sectional view of an air conditioner according to a third embodiment of the present invention, illustrating a cooling operation of the air conditioner; [35] FIG. 14 is a schematic sectional view of the air conditioner shown in FIG. 13, il lustrating a heating operation of the air conditioner; [36] FIG. 15 is a schematic sectional view of an air conditioner according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention, illustrating a cooling operation of the air conditioner; [37] FIG. 16 is a schematic sectional view of the air conditioner shown in FIG. 15, il lustrating a heating operation of the air conditioner; [38] FIG. 17 is a schematic perspective view of an air conditioner according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention, illustrating a cooling operation of the air conditioner; [39] FIG. 18 is a schematic perspective view of the air conditioner shown in FIG. 17, il lustrating a heating operation of the air conditioner; [40] FIG. 19 is an exploded perspective view illustrating an inner configuration of the air conditioner shown in FIG. 17; [41] FIG. 20 is a front sectional view illustrating an air conditioner according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention; [42] FIG. 21 is a front sectional view illustrating an air conditioner according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention; and [43] FIG. 22 is an exploded perspective view illustrating an inner configuration of an air conditioner according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention. Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention [44] Reference will now be made in detail to the preferred embodiments of the present invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. [45] Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts, and no repeated description will be given of the same or like parts.
WO 2006/126806 PCT/KR2006/001874 6 [46] An air conditioner according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGs. 3 to 10. [47] The air conditioner according to the illustrated embodiment of the present invention has a configuration in which air A is introduced into a lower portion of the air conditioner during a cooling operation, and is then discharged out of an upper portion of the air conditioner after heat-exchanging with a refrigerant, as shown in FIG. 3, whereas air B is introduced into the upper portion of the air conditioner during a heating operation, and is then discharged out of the lower portion of the air conditioner after heat-exchanging with the refrigerant, as shown in FIG. 4. [48] That is, in the air conditioner 1, air is introduced into the air conditioner 1 through a lower vent 4 during a cooling operation, and is then discharged out of the air conditioner through an upper vent 2 after being cooled. On the other hand, air is introduced into the air conditioner through the upper vent 2 during a heating operation, and is then discharged out of the air conditioner through the lower vent 4 after being heated. [49] The configuration of the air conditioner will be described in more detail with reference to FIGs. 5 to 9. [50] As shown in FIGs. 5 and 6, the upper vent 2 and lower vent 4 are formed through top and bottom walls of a body 10 of the air conditioner, respectively, to receive or discharge air. A blowing unit 70 is arranged in the body 10. The blowing unit 70 sucks indoor air through one of the upper and lower vents 2 and 4, and discharges the sucked air through the other one of the upper and lower vents 2 and 4. [51] An air guide passage P is defined in the body 10 such that the air guide passage P extends vertically. [52] The body 10 includes a main chassis 12, and a front panel assembly 20 which covers the overall surface of the main chassis 12. The body 10 also includes an upper inlet/outlet unit 30 which is arranged at an upper portion of the main chassis 12, to control a flow of air flowing through the upper vent 2, and a lower inlet/outlet unit 40 which is arranged at a lower portion of the main chassis 12, to control a flow of air flowing through the lower vent 4. [53] The main chassis 12 is mounted to a wall of a room, to be air-conditioned by the air conditioner, by a supporter (not shown) fixed to the room wall. [54] An upper air guide 14 and a lower air guide 15 are formed at the main chassis 12, to define the air guide passage P which guides air passing between the main chassis 12 and the front panel assembly 20. [55] Preferably, the upper air guide 14 has a round surface so that it forms a scroll housing of an upper blowing fan 74 as will be described hereinafter. Similarly, the lower air guide 14 preferably has a round surface so that it forms a scroll housing of a WO 2006/126806 PCT/KR2006/001874 7 lower blowing fan 84 as will be described hereinafter. [56] A heat exchanger 18 is arranged between the main chassis 12 and the front panel assembly 20. [57] In the illustrated embodiment, the heat exchanger 18 is arranged between the front side of the upper blowing fan 74 and the upper side of the lower blowing fan 84. Also, the heat exchanger 18 is arranged such that the top of the heat exchanger 18 is adjacent to the front wall of the body 10, and the bottom of the heat exchanger 18 is adjacent to the bottom of the upper air guide 14. That is, the heat exchanger 18 is arranged across the air guide passage P. [58] A condensed water receiver 19 is formed at the main chassis 12 such that the condensed water receiver 19 is downwardly protruded from a lower end of the main chassis 12. The condensed water receiver 19 is arranged beneath a rear end of the heat exchanger 18, to receive condensed water falling from the heat exchanger 18. [59] Upper lateral barriers 14A and 14B are protruded from the upper portion of the main chassis 12 at opposite sides of the main chassis 12, respectively. The upper lateral barriers 14A and 14B function to support the upper blowing fan 74 received in the upper air guide 14 at opposite sides of the upper air guide 14, and to prevent air blown by the upper blowing fan 74 from being laterally leaked. [60] One of the upper lateral barriers 14A and 14B, namely, the upper lateral barrier 14A, has a bearing mount 14D to which an upper bearing 74c for rotatably supporting the upper blowing fan 74 is mounted. The other upper lateral barrier 14B has an axial through hole 14E through which a rotating shaft 76a of an upper fan motor 76 extends. [61] An upper supporter 14F is fastened to the upper lateral barrier 14A having the bearing mount 14D by means of screws. The upper supporter 14F functions to receive the upper bearing 74c, and thus, to rotatably support the upper blowing fan 74 together with the upper lateral barrier 14A. The upper supporter 14F also functions to prevent air blown by the upper blowing fan 74 from being laterally leaked. [62] Lower lateral barriers 15A and 15B are protruded from the lower portion of the main chassis 12 at opposite sides of the main chassis 12, respectively. The lower lateral barriers 15A and 15B function to support the lower blowing fan 84 received in the lower air guide 15 at opposite sides of the lower air guide 15, and to prevent air blown by the lower blowing fan 84 from being laterally leaked. [63] One of the lower lateral barriers 15A and 15B, namely, the lower lateral barrier 15A, has a bearing mount 15D to which a lower bearing 84c for rotatably supporting the lower blowing fan 84 is mounted. The other lower lateral barrier 15B has an axial through hole 15E through which a rotating shaft 86a of a lower fan motor 86 extends. [64] A lower supporter 15F is fastened to the lower lateral barrier 15A having the bearing mount 15D by means of screws. The lower supporter 15F functions to receive WO 2006/126806 PCT/KR2006/001874 8 the lower bearing 84c, and thus, to rotatably support the lower blowing fan 84 together with the lower lateral barrier 15A. The lower supporter 15F also functions to prevent air blown by the lower blowing fan 84 from being laterally leaked. [65] The upper supporter 14F and lower supporter 15F also function to firmly support the upper and lower portions of the heat exchanger 18 at one side of the heat exchanger 18, respectively. [66] The blowing unit 70 includes constituent elements respectively arranged at the upper and lower portion of the body 10 inside the body 10. [67] That is, the blowing unit 70 includes a cooling blower 72 arranged at the upper portion of the body 10 inside the body 10, and a heating blower 82 arranged at the lower portion of the body 10 inside the body 10. [68] During a cooling operation, the cooling blower 72 sucks indoor air A via the lower inlet/outlet unit 40, and discharges the indoor air A via the upper inlet/outlet unit 30 after causing the indoor air A to pass through the heat exchanger 18. On the other hand, during a heating operation, the heating blower 82 sucks indoor air B via the upper inlet/outlet unit 30, and discharges the indoor air B via the lower inlet/outlet unit 40 after causing the indoor air B to pass through the heat exchanger 18. [69] The cooling blower 72 includes the upper blowing fan 74 and upper fan motor 76. The upper blowing fan 74 is arranged at the upper portion of the body 10 inside the body 10 such that the upper blowing fan 74 extends laterally. The upper fan motor 76 is mounted to the main chassis 12 such that the upper fan motor 76 is arranged at one side of the upper blowing fan 74, to rotate the upper blowing fan 74. In particular, the upper fan motor 76 is mounted to an upper motor mount 12a formed at one side of the main chassis 12. [70] In the illustrated embodiment, the upper blowing fan 74 is a cross flow fan which has blades adapted to upwardly blow air. [71] The upper blowing fan 74 includes a left rotating shaft 74a which is protruded from a left end of the upper blowing fan 74, and is coupled to the upper bearing 74c such that the left rotating shaft 74a is rotatably supported by the upper bearing 74c. The upper blowing fan 74 also includes a right rotating shaft 74b which is protruded from a right end of the upper blowing fan 74, and is coupled to the rotating shaft 76a of the upper fan motor 76 through the axial through hole 14E, to receive a rotating force from the rotating shaft 76a. [72] The upper fan motor 76 rotates the upper blowing fan 74 during the cooling operation of the air conditioner, and stops the upper blowing fan 74 during the heating operation of the air conditioner. [73] The heating blower 82 includes the lower blowing fan 84 and lower fan motor 86. The lower blowing fan 84 is arranged at the lower portion of the body 10 inside the WO 2006/126806 PCT/KR2006/001874 9 body 10 such that the lower blowing fan 84 extends laterally while being parallel to the upper blowing fan 74. The lower fan motor 86 is mounted to the main chassis 12 such that the lower fan motor 86 is arranged at one side of the lower blowing fan 84, to rotate the lower blowing fan 84. In particular, the lower fan motor 86 is mounted to a lower motor mount 12b formed at one side of the main chassis 12. [74] In the illustrated embodiment, similarly to the upper blowing fan 74, the lower blowing fan 84 is a cross flow fan which has blades adapted to downwardly blow air. [75] The lower blowing fan 84 includes a left rotating shaft 84a which is protruded from a left end of the lower blowing fan 84, and is coupled to the lower bearing 84c such that the left rotating shaft 84a is rotatably supported by the lower bearing 84c. The lower blowing fan 84 also includes a right rotating shaft 84b which is protruded from a right end of the lower blowing fan 84, and is coupled to the rotating shaft 86a of the lower fan motor 86 through the axial through hole 15E, to receive a rotating force from the rotating shaft 86a. [76] The lower fan motor 86 stops the lower blowing fan 84 during the cooling operation of the air conditioner, and rotates the lower blowing fan 84 during the heating operation of the air conditioner. [77] In the illustrated embodiment, the upper fan motor 76 and lower fan motor 86 are vertically arranged at the left or right side of the body 10 inside the body 10, taking connection of electric wires into consideration. Alternatively, the fan motors 76 and 86 may be diagonally arranged, taking into consideration generation of heat from the fan motors 76 and 86. [78] Where the upper fan motor 76 and lower fan motor 86 are vertically arranged at the right side of the body 10 inside the body 10, the upper fan motor 76 and lower fan motor 86 rotate the upper blowing fan 74 and lower blowing fan 84 in opposite directions, respectively, such that, when the upper blowing fan 74 is rotated in a clockwise direction, the lower blowing fan 74 is rotated in a counterclockwise direction. [79] Meanwhile, a control box 99 is arranged at one side of the body 10 (the right side in the illustrated embodiment). The control box 99 contains electric elements for controlling operations of the upper fan motor 76 and lower fan motor 86 in accordance with a cooling/heating mode of the air conditioner. [80] The control box 99 is connected to the upper fan motor 76 and lower fan motor 86 via electric wires 99a and 99b. The control box 99 is fixed to one of the main chassis 12 and front panel assembly 20 such that the control box 99 is arranged between the main chassis 12 and the front panel assembly 20. [81] The control box 99 may be arranged such that it covers the front sides of the upper fan motor 76 and lower fan motor 86. Alternatively, the control box 99 may be WO 2006/126806 PCT/KR2006/001874 10 arranged such that it is interposed between the upper motor mount 12a and the lower motor mount 12b. [82] Meanwhile, the front panel assembly 20 defines the air guide passage P, together with the main chassis 12. The front panel assembly 20 includes a front case 22 which is open at the front side thereof, and a front panel 24 which is coupled to the front side of the front case 22, to close the front side of the front case 22. [83] The front panel 24 may be separably coupled to the front side of the front case 22. Alternatively, the front panel 24 may be integrated with the front side of the front case 22. [84] A particular picture, photograph, design, or color may be printed on the front panel 24. The front panel 24 is provided, at a particular portion thereof, with a transparent window 24a. A display device 24b may be mounted to the front panel 24 at the rear of the transparent window 24a, to display various information of the air conditioner. The display device 24b may be a light emitting diode (LED), a liquid crystal display (LCD), an organic electroluminescent (EL) display, or the like. [85] Although the front panel 24 is configured to have the display device 24b at a lower portion of the front panel 24 in the illustrated embodiment, the entire portion of the front panel 24 may be constituted by a display device. [86] Alternatively, the front panel 24 may be configured in the form of a picture frame such that a photograph is put in the front panel 24. [87] The upper inlet/outlet unit 30 includes an upper stabilizer 32, at which the upper vent 2 is formed, an upper vane 36 which controls the flow direction of air passing through the upper vent 2, and an upper vane motor 38 which hingably rotates the upper vane 36 by a desired angle. [88] As shown in FIG. 6, the upper vane motor 38 hingably rotates the upper vane 36 between a maximum open position C and a minimum open position D during the cooling operation, to control the flow direction and range of air A discharged through the upper vent 2. [89] During the cooling operation, the upper vane motor 38 fixes the upper vane 37 at the maximum open position C, as shown in FIG. 7, in order to enable a maximum amount of indoor air B to be introduced into the air conditioner through the upper vent 2. [90] When the air conditioner does not operate, the upper vane motor 38 hingably rotates the upper vane 36 to a closed position E, in order to close the upper vent 2. [91] The lower inlet/outlet unit 40 includes a lower stabilizer 42, at which the condensed water receiver 41 for receiving condensed water falling from the heat exchanger 18 is formed, together with the lower vent 4. The lower inlet/outlet unit 40 also includes a lower vane 46 which controls the flow direction of air passing through the lower vent WO 2006/126806 PCT/KR2006/001874 11 4, and a lower vane motor 48 which hingably rotates the lower vane 46 by a desired angle. [92] The lower vane motor 48 fixes the lower vane 46 at the maximum open position C during the cooling operation, as shown in FIG. 6, to allow the lower vane 46 to guide indoor air A such that a maximum amount of indoor air A is sucked into the air conditioner through the lower vent 4. [93] As shown in FIG. 7, the lower vane motor 48 hingably rotates the lower vane 46 between the maximum open position C and a minimum open position D during the heating operation, to control the flow direction and range of air B discharged through the lower vent 4. [94] When the air conditioner does not operate, the lower vane motor 48 hingably rotates the lower vane 46 to a closed position E, in order to close the lower vent 4. [95] In accordance with the illustrated embodiment of the present invention, the air conditioner further includes an upper filter unit 50 which filters air passing through the upper vent 2, and a lower filter unit 60 which filters air passing through the lower vent 4. [96] The upper filter unit 50 includes an upper filter 52 which filters air B introduced into the upper vent 2, to remove foreign matter from the introduced air B, an upper filter holder 54 which separably holds the upper filter 52, and is hingably mounted to the upper vent 2, and an upper filter motor 56 which hingably rotates the upper filter holder 54 by a desired angle. The upper filter motor 56 is mounted to the upper inlet/ outlet unit 30. [97] During the cooling operation of the air conditioner, the upper filter motor 56 hingably rotates the upper filter holder 54 such that the upper filter 52 approximately comes into contact with the upper stabilizer 32, thereby causing the upper vent 2 to be completely opened, as shown in FIG. 6. On the other hand, during the heating operation of the air conditioner, the upper filter motor 56 hingably rotates the upper filter holder 54 such that the upper filter 52 is coupled to the upper vent 2, as shown in FIG. 7. [98] The lower filter unit 60 includes a lower filter 62 which filters air A introduced into the lower vent 4, to remove foreign matter from the introduced air A, a lower filter holder 64 which separably holds the lower filter 62, and is hingably mounted to the lower vent 4, and a lower filter motor 66 which hingably rotates the lower filter holder 64 by a desired angle. The lower filter motor 66 is mounted to the lower inlet/outlet unit 40. [99] During the cooling operation of the air conditioner, the lower filter motor 66 hingably rotates the lower filter holder 64 such that the lower filter 62 is coupled to the lower vent 4, as shown in FIG. 6. On the other hand, during the heating operation of WO 2006/126806 PCT/KR2006/001874 12 the air conditioner, the lower filter motor 66 hingably rotates the lower filter holder 64 such that the lower filter 62 approximately comes into contact with the lower stabilizer 42, thereby causing the lower vent 4 to be completely opened, as shown in FIG. 7. [100] The upper filter unit 50 and lower filter unit 60 will be described in more detail with reference to FIGs. 8 and 9. It is preferred that the upper and lower filter units 50 and 60 have the same structure, in order to enhance the compatibility thereof. [101] The upper filter 52 includes respective support members 52a and 62a, and respective meshes 52b and 62b. Each of the upper and lower filters 52 and 62 may be constituted by a pre-filter which filters air to remove foreign matter from the air, or a deodorizing filter which filters air to remove odorous particles from the air. Each of the upper and lower filters 52 and 62 may also be constituted by a silver nano filter or a copper nano filter. It is also possible to constitute each of the upper and lower filters 52 and 62 by a combination of filters having various functions and structures. [102] It is preferred that each of the upper and lower filter holders 54 and 64 have a structure enabling the associated filter holder to be easily separable for easy cleaning and replacement thereof. [103] To this end, the upper and lower filter holders 54 and 64 include respective U shaped holder bodies 54a and 64a which have respective guide grooves 54b and 64b. The upper and lower filters 52 and 62 are slidably fittable in the guide grooves 54b and 64b, respectively. [104] Pins 54c are attached to opposite longitudinal ends of the holder body 54a. The pin 54c attached to one longitudinal end of the holder body 54a functions as a drive shaft to which the rotating shaft 56a of the upper filter motor 56 is connected. The pin 54c attached to the other longitudinal end of the holder body 54a functions as a support shaft which is rotatably connected to the upper inlet/outlet unit 30. Similarly, pins 64c are attached to opposite longitudinal ends of the holder body 64a. The pin 64c attached to one longitudinal end of the holder body 64a functions as a drive shaft to which the rotating shaft 66a of the lower filter motor 66 is connected. The pin 64c attached to the other longitudinal end of the holder body 64a functions as a support shaft which is rotatably connected to the lower inlet/outlet unit 40. [105] Hooks 54e and 64e are formed at respective central portions of the holder bodies 54a and 64a. The support members 52a and 62a of the upper and lower filters 52 and 62 are engagable with the hooks 54e and 64e, in order to prevent the upper and lower filters 52 and 62 from being separated from the guide grooves 54b and 64b after being fitted in the guide grooves 54b and 64b, respectively. [106] Preferably, slits 54f are formed in the holder body 54a at opposite sides of the hook 54e, respectively, in order to enable the hook 54e to be elastically bent by an external force applied thereto when the upper filter 52 is fitted in or separated from the upper WO 2006/126806 PCT/KR2006/001874 13 filter holder 54. Preferably, slits 64f are formed in the holder body 64a at opposite sides of the hook 64e, respectively, in order to enable the hook 64e to be elastically bent by an external force applied thereto when the lower filter 62 is fitted in or separated from the lower filter holder 64. [107] In the illustrated embodiment, the upper and lower filters 52 and 62 are separably fitted in the upper and lower filter holders 54 and 64 as the upper and lower filters 52 and 62 slide along the upper and lower filter holders 54 and 64, respectively. However, the upper and lower filters 52 and 62 may be separably coupled to the upper and lower filter holders 54 and 64 as the upper and lower filters 52 and 62 may be detachably attached to upper or lower surfaces of the upper and lower filter holders 54 and 64, re spectively. [108] FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration for controlling the air conditioner having the above-described configuration. In accordance with the il lustrated embodiment, the air conditioner includes an input part 94 which inputs a signal for selection of the cooling or heating operation of the heat exchanger. The input part 94 is connected to a controller 97 which not only controls the upper vane motor 38, lower vane motor 48, upper filter motor 56, lower filter motor 66, upper fan motor 76, and lower fan motor 86, but also controls a compressor 95 and an outdoor fan motor 96. The compressor 95 and outdoor fan motor 96 constitute an outdoor unit. Ac cordingly, when a cooling or heating mode is selected through the input part 94, the controller 97 not only controls operations of the upper vane motor 38, lower vane motor 48, upper filter motor 56, lower filter motor 66, upper fan motor 76, and lower fan motor 86, but also controls operations of the compressor 95 and outdoor fan motor 96, to cause the selected operation mode to be executed. [109] The input part 94 may be built in one side of the air conditioner. Alternatively, the i nput part 94 may be configured in the form of a remote controller. [110] Hereinafter, operation of the air conditioner having the above-described con figuration will be described in detail. [111] First, the cooling mode of the air conditioner will be described with reference to FIG. 6. [112] When the cooling mode is initiated, the upper and lower vane motors 38 and 48 run to hingably rotate the upper and lower vanes 36 and 46, thereby opening the upper and lower vents 2 and 4. At this time, the lower vane motor 48 hingably rotates the lower vane 46 to the maximum open position C. [113] Meanwhile, the lower filter motor 66 hingably rotates the lower filter holder 64 such that the lower filter 62 is coupled to the lower vent 4. At this time, the upper filter 52 is maintained in a state of being in contact with the upper stabilizer 32. [114] Subsequently, the upper fan motor 76 runs to rotate the upper blowing fan 74.
WO 2006/126806 PCT/KR2006/001874 14 [115] In accordance with the rotation of the upper fan motor 76, indoor air A is sucked into the air conditioner through the lower vent 4, to flow upwardly in the air conditioner. The air sucked through the lower vent 4 is filtered by the lower filter 62, to remove foreign matter such as dust from the sucked air. The filtered air then flows along the air guide passage P defined between the main chassis 12 and the front panel assembly 20. [116] The air flowing through the air guide passage P heat-exchanges with the refrigerant passing through the heat exchanger 18, while passing around the heat exchanger 18. Thereafter, the air is upwardly blown after passing through the upper blowing fan 74. [117] The air, which emerges from the upper blowing fan 74 after being cooled by the heat exchanger 18, namely, cold air A' is discharged to an upper portion of the room via the upper vent 2. At this time, the upper vane motor 38 controls the discharge direction of the cold air A while continuously hingably rotating the upper vane 36 between the maximum open position C and the minimum open position D. [118] The cold air A' which is discharged out of the front upper portion of the air conditioner in the above-described manner, falls just like shower while being widely spread over the upper portion of the room. Thus, the cold air A reaches even a far region of the room, thereby uniformly cooling the entire portion of the room. [119] Next, the heating mode of the air conditioner will be described with reference to FIG. 7. [120] The heating operation of the air conditioner is carried out in a reverse manner to the above-described cooling operation. [121] That is, in the heating mode, the upper vane motor 38 is stopped after hingably rotating the upper vane 36 to the maximum open position C. On the other hand, the lower vane motor 48 hingably rotates the lower vane 46 between the maximum open position C and the minimum open position D while driving in normal and reverse directions. [122] Also, the upper filter motor 56 hingably rotates the upper filter holder 54 such that the upper filter 52 is coupled to the upper vent 2. At the same time, the lower filter motor 66 hingably rotates the lower filter 62 such that the lower filter 62 comes into contact with the lower stabilizer 42. [123] Subsequently, the lower fan motor 86 runs to rotate the lower blowing fan 84 in a state in which the upper blowing fan 74 is stopped. [124] In accordance with the rotation of the lower fan motor 86, indoor air B is sucked into the air conditioner through the upper vent 2, to flow downwardly in the air conditioner. The air sucked through the upper vent 2 is filtered by the upper filter 62, to remove foreign matter such as dust from the sucked air. The filtered air then flows along the air guide passage P defined between the main chassis 12 and the front panel WO 2006/126806 PCT/KR2006/001874 15 assembly 20. [125] The air flowing through the air guide passage P heat-exchanges with the refrigerant passing through the heat exchanger 18, while passing around the heat exchanger 18. As a result, the air is heated. Thereafter, the heated air is downwardly blown after passing through the lower blowing fan 84. [126] The air, which emerges from the lower blowing fan 84, namely, hot air B' is discharged to a lower portion of the room via the lower vent 4. In this case, as described above, the lower vane motor 48 controls the discharge direction of the hot air B by continuously hingably rotating the lower vane 46 between the maximum open position C and the minimum open position D. [127] The hot air B' which is discharged out of the front lower portion of the air conditioner, rises upwardly after being widely spread over the lower portion of the room. Thus, the hot air B reaches even a far region of the room, thereby uniformly heating the entire portion of the room. [128] Thus, the air conditioner of the preset invention is characterized in that each of the upper vent 2 and lower vent 4 selectively functions as an inlet or outlet in accordance with the operation mode, to discharge cold air or hot air in a direction desired by the user. [129] Hereinafter, an air conditioner according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGs. 11 and 12. [130] The basic configuration of the air conditioner according to the second embodiment is identical to that of the first embodiment. However, the air conditioner of the second embodiment is different from that of the first embodiment in that the air conditioner additionally includes auxiliary inlet units 17 and 18 respectively arranged at the upper and lower portions of the main chassis 12, as shown in FIGs. 11 and 12. [131] The upper auxiliary inlet unit 17 includes a first upper air hole 17a formed through the top wall of the main chassis 12, a second upper air hole 17b formed through an upper portion of the upper air guide 14, an upper shutter 17c mounted to the upper portion of the upper air guide 14, and adapted to selectively open or close the second upper air hole 17b, and an upper shutter motor 17d for hingably rotating the upper shutter 17c. [132] Similarly, the lower auxiliary inlet unit 18 includes a first lower air hole 18a formed through the bottom wall of the main chassis 12, a second lower air hole 18b formed through a lower portion of the lower air guide 15, a lower shutter 18c mounted to the lower portion of the lower air guide 15, and adapted to selectively open or close the second lower air hole 18b, and a lower shutter motor 18d for hingably rotating the lower shutter 18c. [133] In the cooling operation, the upper shutter motor 17d runs to cause the upper shutter WO 2006/126806 PCT/KR2006/001874 16 17c to close the second upper air hole 17b, as shown in FIG. 11. Accordingly, cold air A is blown toward the upper vent 2 without being leaked through the second upper air hole 17b. On the other hand, in the heating operation, the upper shutter motor 17d hingably rotates the upper shutter 17c such that the second upper air hole 17b is opened, thereby enabling indoor air B to be introduced into the air conditioner through the second upper air hole 17b, as shown in FIG. 12. [134] On the contrary, the lower shutter motor 18d hingably rotates the lower shutter 18c in the cooling operation such that the second lower air hole 18b is opened, as shown in FIG. 11. Accordingly, indoor air A can be introduced into the air conditioner through the second lower air hole 18b. On the other hand, in the heating operation, the lower shutter motor 18d runs to cause the lower shutter 18c to close the second lower air hole 18b, as shown in FIG. 12. Accordingly, hot air B is blown toward the lower vent 2 without being leaked through the second lower air hole 18b. [135] When the auxiliary inlet units 17 and 18 are additionally provided, it is possible to achieve an enhancement in air-conditioning efficiency because the amount of air introduced into the air conditioner increases. [136] On the other hand, when the upper and lower shutters 17c and 18c are dispensed with, and the second upper and lower air holes 17b and 18b are maintained in an opened state, the second upper and lower air holes 17b and 18b may function as auxiliary outlets because the cold air A or hot air B can be discharged through the second upper and lower air holes 17b and 18b. [137] Although the upper and lower shutters 17c and 18c hinge to open or close the second upper and lower air holes 17b and 18b in the illustrated embodiment, they may be configured to open or close the second upper and lower air holes 17b and 18b through a sliding movement. [138] The auxiliary inlet units may be arranged at the front side of the air conditioner body without being arranged at the upper and lower portions of the air conditioner body, differently from the second embodiment. [139] That is, an auxiliary inlet unit 26 may be arranged at the front panel assembly 20 in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention illustrated in FIGs. 13 and 14. [140] The auxiliary inlet unit 26 includes an auxiliary air hole 26a formed through a central portion of the front panel assembly 20, and a front shutter 26b arranged at the rear side of the front panel assembly 20 such that the front shutter 26b is slidable along the rear side of the front panel assembly 20, to open or close the auxiliary air hole 26a. [141] A rack gear 26c is formed at the front shutter 26b. A pinion gear 26d, which meshes with the rack gear 26c, is arranged at the front panel assembly 20. A motor 26e is also mounted to the front panel assembly 20, to rotate the pinion gear 26d.
WO 2006/126806 PCT/KR2006/001874 17 [142] Accordingly, when the pinion gear 26d is rotated by the motor 26e, the rack gear 26c and the front shutter 26b coupled to the rack gear 26c are slidably moved, thereby opening or closing the auxiliary air hole 26a. [143] In the cooling operation, as shown in FIG. 13, the motor 26e runs to cause the front shutter 26b to open the auxiliary air hole 26a. Accordingly, indoor air A can be ad ditionally introduced into the air conditioner through the auxiliary air hole 26a. [144] On the other hand, in the heating operation, as shown in FIG. 14, the motor 26e runs to cause the front shutter 26b to close the auxiliary air hole 26a. Accordingly, indoor air B cannot be introduced into or discharged out of the air conditioner through the auxiliary air hole 26a. [145] FIGs. 15 and 16 illustrate an air conditioner according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention which is a modified version of the third embodiment. The air conditioner according to this embodiment includes auxiliary inlet units 27 and 28 re spectively arranged at the upper and lower portions of the air conditioner at the front side of the air conditioner. [146] That is, in the air conditioner according to the fourth embodiment, an upper auxiliary air hole 27a is formed through an upper portion of the front panel assembly 20. An upper shutter 27b is arranged at the rear side of the front panel assembly 20 such that the upper shutter 27b is slidable along the rear side of the front panel assembly 20, to open or close the upper auxiliary air hole 27a. [147] A rack gear 27c is formed at the upper shutter 27b. A pinion gear 27d, which meshes with the rack gear 27c, is arranged at the rear side of the front panel assembly 20. An upper motor 27e is also mounted to the rear side of the front panel assembly 20, to rotate the pinion gear 27d. [148] Accordingly, when the pinion gear 27d is rotated in accordance with operation of the upper motor 27e, the rack gear 27c, which meshes with the pinion gear 27d, is linearly moved. Accordingly, the upper shutter 27b is slidably moved to open or close the upper auxiliary air hole 27a. [149] Also, a lower auxiliary air hole 28a is formed through a lower portion of the front panel assembly 20. A lower shutter 28b is arranged at the rear side of the front panel assembly 20 such that the lower shutter 28b is slidable along the rear side of the front panel assembly 20, to open or close the lower auxiliary air hole 28a. [150] A rack gear 28c is formed at the lower shutter 28b. A pinion gear 28d, which meshes with the rack gear 28c, is arranged at the rear side of the front panel assembly 20. A lower motor 28e is also mounted to the rear side of the front panel assembly 20, to rotate the pinion gear 28d. [151] Accordingly, when the pinion gear 28d is rotated in accordance with operation of the lower motor 28e, the rack gear 28c, which meshes with the pinion gear 28d, is WO 2006/126806 PCT/KR2006/001874 18 linearly moved. Accordingly, the lower shutter 28b is slidably moved to open or close the lower auxiliary air hole 28a. [152] Meanwhile, it is preferred that the heat exchanger 18 of the air conditioner be hor izontally arranged between the upper blowing fan 74 and the lower blowing fan 84, or be arranged between the upper blowing fan 74 and the lower blowing fan 84 in the form of a < or > -shaped structure. [153] In the cooling operation, as shown in FIG. 15, the upper motor 27e runs to cause the upper shutter 27b to close the upper auxiliary air hole 27a. Accordingly, indoor air cannot be introduced into or discharged out of the air conditioner through the upper auxiliary air hole 27a. On the other hand, the lower motor 28e runs to cause the lower shutter 28b to open the lower auxiliary air hole 28a. Accordingly, indoor air can be ad ditionally introduced into the air conditioner through the lower auxiliary air hole 28a. [154] On the contrary, in the heating operation, as shown in HFIG. 16, the upper motor 27e runs to cause the upper shutter 27b to open the upper auxiliary air hole 27a. Ac cordingly, indoor air can be additionally introduced into the air conditioner through the upper auxiliary air hole 27a. On the other hand, the lower motor 28e runs to cause the lower shutter 28b to close the lower auxiliary air hole 28a. Accordingly, indoor air cannot be introduced into or discharged out of the air conditioner through the lower auxiliary air hole 28a. [155] Alternatively, it may be possible to always enable introduction and discharge of air through the upper and lower auxiliary air holes 27a and 28a in both the cooling and heating operations by maintaining the upper and lower auxiliary air holes 27a and 28a in an opened state in both the cooling and heating operations. [156] Also, although the upper and lower shutters 27b and 28b are configured to move slidably, they may be configured to open or close the upper and lower auxiliary air holes 27a and 28a through a hinging operation. [157] In the air conditioner according to each of the above-described embodiments, the vents 2 and 4 are formed at the top and bottom sides of the air conditioner body, re spectively, such that air is introduced into the air conditioner at the bottom side of the air conditioner body, and is discharged out of the air conditioner at the top side of the air conditioner body, or is introduced into the air conditioner at the top side of the air conditioner body, and is discharged out of the air conditioner at the bottom side of the air conditioner body, depending on the cooling or heating mode. [158] However, as in an air conditioner according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention, which is illustrated in FIGs. 17 to 19, vents 2a and 4a may be formed at the left and right sides of the air conditioner body, respectively, such that air is introduced into the air conditioner at the right side of the air conditioner body, and is discharged out of the air conditioner at the left side of the air conditioner body, or such that air is WO 2006/126806 PCT/KR2006/001874 19 introduced into the air conditioner at the left side of the air conditioner body, and is discharged out of the air conditioner at the right side of the air conditioner body, depending on the cooling or heating mode. [159] In this case, the configuration of the air conditioner is identical to a 90 -rotated con figuration of the air conditioner according to each of the above-described em bodiments. Accordingly, no detailed description will be given of the constituent elements of this configuration. [160] Meanwhile, in the air conditioners according to the above-described embodiments, the upper and lower fan motors 76 and 86, which are adapted to rotate the upper and lower blowing fans 74 and 84, respectively, are mounted to one side of the air conditioner body, for example, at the right or left side of the main chassis 12, such that the upper and lower fan motors 76 and 86 are parallel to each other, or the left and right motors 76 and 86, which are adapted to rotate the left and right blowing fans 74 and 84, are mounted to the upper and lower sides of the main chassis 12, respectively, such that the left and right motors 76 and 86 are parallel to each other. [161] Alternatively, the motors, which are adapted to drive respective blowing fans, may be arranged such that they cross each other. [162] That is, as in an air conditioner according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention, which is illustrated in FIG. 20, the upper motor mount 12a may be formed at the left side of a left upper barrier 14A, and the lower motor mount 12b may be formed at the right side of a right upper barrier 14B, in order to mount the upper and lower fan motors 76 and 86 to the left upper and right lower portions of the main chassis 12, re spectively, while crossing each other diagonally. [163] Of course, an arrangement reverse to the above-described arrangement may be possible. [164] Also, where vents are formed at the left and right sides of the air conditioner, as shown in FIG. 21, the left motor mount 12a is formed at a lower portion of a left lower barrier 14A, and the right motor mount 12b is formed at an upper portion of the right upper barrier 15B, respectively, to mount the upper and lower fan motors 76 and 86 to the left lower and right upper portions of the main chassis 12, respectively, while crossing each other diagonally. [165] Meanwhile, the air conditioner according to each of the above-described em bodiments performs room air conditioning by blowing air in opposite lateral directions or opposite vertical directions using two blowing fans. [166] However, it may be possible to perform room air conditioning by blowing air in opposite lateral directions or opposite vertical directions using a single blowing fan. [167] FIG. 22 illustrates an air conditioner according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention. The air conditioner according to this embodiment is configured to WO 2006/126806 PCT/KR2006/001874 20 blow air in opposite vertical directions using a single blowing fan. [168] In the air conditioner according to this embodiment, upper and lower inlet/outlet units 30 and 40, which are provided with upper and lower vents 2 and 4, are mounted to upper and lower portions of a main chassis 12, respectively, as in the air con ditioners of the above-described embodiments. [169] The configurations of the upper and lower inlet/outlet units 30 and 40 are identical to those of the above-described embodiments. [170] An air guide 15 is mounted to the lower portion of the main chassis 12. A heat exchanger 18 is mounted to the air guide 15. [171] A motor mount 12b is formed at one side of the air guide 15. A lower motor 176 is mounted to the motor mount 12b, to rotate a lower blowing fan 174 in a normal or reverse direction. [172] The lower blowing fan 174 is configured to generate wind in substantially-equal amounts when the lower blowing fan 174 rotates in normal and reverse directions, re spectively. For example, the lower blowing fan 174 includes blades which extend straight in a radial direction without being bent toward one side from the radial direction. In this case, the lower blowing fan 174 blows equal amounts of air in upward and downward directions in accordance with the opposite rotation directions thereof, respectively. Of course, where the blowing fan includes lower blades for downwardly blowing air, and upper blades for upwardly blowing air, it may be possible to simul taneously blow air in upward and downward directions by rotating the upper and lower blades in normal and reverse directions, respectively. [173] As described above, the lower blowing fan 174 upwardly blows air from the lower side thereof when it rotates in the normal direction (for example, a clockwise direction, and downwardly blows air from the upper side thereof when it rotates in the reverse direction (for example, a counterclockwise direction). [174] Accordingly, in the air conditioner of this embodiment, when the lower motor 176 rotates the lower blowing fan 174 in the normal direction during a cooling operation, air flows upwardly, thereby cooling the room. On the other hand, when the lower motor 176 rotates the lower blowing fan 174 in the reverse direction during a heating operation, air flows downwardly, thereby heating the room. [175] When air is blown in opposite vertical directions or in opposite lateral directions using a single blowing fan, it is possible to obtain the advantages of the above described air conditioners, using a reduced number of elements. It is also possible to implement a compact air conditioner. [176] As apparent from the above description, the air conditioner of the present invention has an advantage in that it is possible to more efficiently air-condition a room during cooling and heating operations because the discharge direction of air can be varied WO 2006/126806 PCT/KR2006/001874 21 depending on the cooling and heating modes. [177] In particular, in the air conditioner of the present invention, the discharge direction of hot/cold air is controlled to cause the hot air to be discharged out of a lower portion of the air conditioner during the heating operation such that the hot air uniformly heats a room while rising, thereby preventing the user from being uncomfortable, and to cause cold air to be discharged out of an upper portion of the air conditioner during the cooling operation such that the cold air reaches even a far region of the room while falling, thereby uniformly cooling the room. Industrial Applicability [178] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Thus, it is intended that the present invention cover the modi fications and variations of this invention provided they come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents. [179]