AU2018330131B2

AU2018330131B2 - Ceiling-type indoor unit of air conditioner

Info

Publication number: AU2018330131B2
Application number: AU2018330131A
Authority: AU
Inventors: WooRam CHO; Hyeongnam Yun
Original assignee: LG Electronics Inc
Current assignee: LG Electronics Inc
Priority date: 2017-09-06
Filing date: 2018-09-06
Publication date: 2022-03-03
Anticipated expiration: 2038-09-06
Also published as: KR102078277B1; KR102080512B1; KR20190027345A; EP3680572A1; KR102201562B1; CN111295553A; KR20190027336A; CN114165912B; CN113739400B; AU2022202992B2; AU2018327937B2; KR102165468B1; CN111295554B; AU2022202993B2; EP3693676A4; AU2018327937A1; ES2974022T3; AU2018330129A1; CN111295553B; KR20190027335A

Abstract

The present invention comprises: a case housing which is installed to hang from an indoor ceiling, and which has an opening formed through the bottom surface thereof; a front panel which covers the bottom surface of the case housing, and which has an intake opening and a discharge opening formed downward; a lower discharge channel which communicates with the discharge opening, which is positioned above the discharge opening, which is formed in the front panel, and which is arranged in the upward/downward direction; a first vane which is arranged in the discharge opening, which is installed on the front panel, which is assembled such that the same can rotate relative to the front panel, and which is positioned forward in the direction of discharge of air discharged from the discharge opening; a second vane which is arranged in the discharge opening, which is arranged on the front panel, which is assembled such that the same can rotate relative to the front panel, and which is arranged between the intake opening and the first vane; and a discharge guide which is arranged between the intake opening and the discharge opening, which is arranged in the upward/downward direction, and which forms a part of the lower discharge channel. With regard to the horizontal direction, the distance between the rear end of the second vane and the discharge guide is formed to be larger than the distance between the lower end of the discharge guide and the bottom surface of the second vane.

Description

CEILING TYPE INDOOR UNIT OF AIR CONDITIONER

[Technical Field]

The present disclosure relates to a ceiling type

indoor unit of an air conditioner, and more particularly a

ceiling type indoor unit installed at the ceiling of a room.

[Background]

In general, an air conditioner includes a compressor,

a condenser, an evaporator, and an expander, and supplies

cool air or hot air to a building or a room using an air

conditioning cycle.

Based on the structure thereof, the air conditioner is

classified as a separable air conditioner configured such

that a compressor is disposed outdoors or an integrated air

conditioner configured such that a compressor is integrally

manufactured.

In the separable air conditioner, an indoor heat

exchanger is installed in an indoor unit, an outdoor heat

exchanger and a compressor are installed in an outdoor unit,

and the two separated units are connected to each other via

a refrigerant pipe.

In the integrated air conditioner, an indoor heat

exchanger, an outdoor heat exchanger, and a compressor are

installed in a single case. Examples of the integrated air

88262364.1 conditioner include a window type air conditioner installed at a window and a duct type air conditioner installed outside a room in the state in which a suction duct and a discharge duct are connected to each other.

The separable air conditioner is generally classified

depending on the form in which the indoor unit is installed.

An air conditioner configured such that an indoor unit

is vertically installed in a room is called a stand type air

conditioner, an air conditioner configured such that an

indoor unit is installed at the wall of a room is called a

wall mounted air conditioner, and an air conditioner

configured such that an indoor unit is installed at the

ceiling of a room is called a ceiling type air conditioner.

In addition, there is a system air conditioner capable

of providing air-conditioned air to a plurality of spaces as

a kind of separable air conditioner.

The system air conditioner is classified as a type of

air conditioner including a plurality of indoor units in

order to air-condition rooms or a type of air conditioner

capable of supplying air-conditioned air to respective

spaces through ducts.

The plurality of indoor units provided in the system

air conditioner may be stand type indoor units, wall mounted

indoor units, or ceiling type indoor units.

A conventional ceiling type indoor unit includes a

88262364.1 case installed at a ceiling so as to be suspended therefrom and a front panel configured to cover the lower surface of the case, the front panel being installed at the same surface as the ceiling.

A suction port is disposed at the center of the front

panel, and a plurality of discharge ports is disposed

outside the suction port, and a discharge vane is installed

at each discharge port.

Since the conventional ceiling type indoor unit has a

structure in which the discharge vane disposed at the

discharge port is rotated in place, however, it is not

possible to discharge air away in the horizontal direction.

It is desired to address or ameliorate one or more

disadvantages or limitations associated with the prior art,

provide an air conditioner, or to at least provide the

public with a useful alternative.

[Prior Art Document]

[Patent Document]

Korean Registered Patent No. 10-0679838 B1

[summary]

The present disclosure may provide a ceiling type

indoor unit of an air conditioner capable of providing

horizontal wind, inclined wind, and vertical wind through a

first vane and a second vane.

88262364.1

The present disclosure may also provide a ceiling

type indoor unit of an air conditioner capable of connecting

a first vane and a second vane to each other so as to be

operated like a single vane when providing horizontal wind.

The present disclosure may also provide a ceiling

type indoor unit of an air conditioner capable of minimizing

the amount of air that leaks between a second vane that is

rotated in place and a discharge guide when providing

horizontal wind using a first vane and the second vane.

The present disclosure may also provide a ceiling

type indoor unit of an air conditioner capable of minimizing

the amount of air that is suctioned again into a suction

port after being discharged from a discharge port, i.e.

return wind.

Objects of the present disclosure are not limited to

the aforementioned objects, and other unmentioned objects

will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art based

on the following description.

The present disclosure is capable of providing

horizontal wind, inclined wind, and vertical wind through a

first vane and a second vane.

The present disclosure is capable of connecting the

first vane and the second vane to each other so as to be

operated like a single vane when providing horizontal wind.

The present disclosure is capable of minimizing the

88262364.1 amount of air that leaks between the second vane that is rotated in place and a discharge guide when providing horizontal wind using the first vane and the second vane.

The present disclosure is capable of minimizing the

amount of air that is suctioned again into a suction port

after being discharged from a discharge port, i.e. return

wind.

According to a first aspect, the present disclosure

may broadly provide an air conditioner comprising: a front

panel having a suction port and a discharge port; a lower

discharge channel communicating with the discharge port, the

lower discharge channel being located at an upper side of

the discharge port, the lower discharge channel extending in

an upward-downward direction; a first vane disposed at the

discharge port, the first vane being assembled to the front

panel so as to be rotatable relative thereto; a second vane

disposed at the discharge port, the second vane disposed at

a rear side of the first vane, the second vane being

assembled to the front panel so as to be rotatable relative

thereto; and a discharge guide extending in the upward

downward direction at a rear side of the second vane,

wherein a distance between the second vane and the discharge

guide becomes narrower moving downwardly.

The sectional area between the rear end of the second

vane and the discharge guide may be greater than the

88262364.1 sectional area between the lower end of the discharge guide and the lower surface of the second vane in the horizontal direction.

The discharge guide may form the lower discharge

channel, may be located at the suction port side of the

lower discharge channel, and may be formed at the lower

discharge channel so as to be recessed concavely toward the

suction port, and the rear end of the second vane may be

located at the recessed portion in the upward-downward

direction.

The discharge guide may comprise a first guide surface

exposed to the lower discharge channel, the first guide

surface being located at an uppermost side, a second guide

surface exposed to the lower discharge channel, the second

guide surface forming a continuous surface with the first

guide surface, the second guide surface being located at a

lower side of the first guide surface, a third guide surface

exposed to the lower discharge channel, the third guide

surface forming a continuous surface with the second guide

surface, the third guide surface being located at the lower

side of the second guide surface, and a fourth guide surface

exposed to the lower discharge channel, the fourth guide

surface forming a continuous surface with the third guide

surface, the fourth guide surface being located at a lower

side of the third guide surface, the third guide surface may

88262364.1 be located closer to the suction port than the first guide surface, and the second guide surface and the third guide surface may form an enlargement depth T recessed concavely toward the suction port.

The rear end of the second vane may be located at a

height of the third guide surface in the upward-downward

direction.

A sectional area between the lower surface of the

second vane and the discharge guide may be gradually

narrowed from the third guide surface to the fourth guide

surface.

The first guide surface and the third guide surface

may be formed vertically.

The lower end of the fourth guide surface may

protrude toward the second vane, and the fourth guide

surface may be gently curved.

The air conditioner may further comprise a vane motor

assembled to the front panel, the vane motor being

configured to provide driving force, a driving link

assembled to the front panel so as to be rotatable relative

thereto, the driving link being coupled to the vane motor,

the driving link being configured to be rotated by the

driving force of the vane motor, the driving link comprising

a first driving link body and a second driving link body

having a predetermined angle therebetween, a first vane link

88262364.1 located further forwards than the driving link, the first vane link being assembled to each of a module body and the first vane so as to be rotatable relative thereto, and a second vane link assembled to each of the second driving link body and the second vane so as to be rotatable relative thereto.

The second vane may comprise a second vane body formed

so as to extend long in a longitudinal direction of the

discharge port, a second joint rib protruding upwards from

the second vane body, the second joint rib being assembled

to the second vane link so as to be rotatable relative

thereto, and a pair of second vane shafts formed at the

second vane body, the second vane shafts being rotatably

coupled to the front panel, and the second vane shafts may

be located at a lower side of the second guide surface.

When the first vane and the second vane provide

discharge step P1, which is one of a plurality of discharge

steps, the rear end of the second vane may be located higher

than the discharge port, a front end of the second vane may

be located lower than the discharge port, a rear end of the

first vane may be located lower than a front end of the

second vane, and a front end of the first vane may be

located lower than the rear end of the first vane.

The sectional area between the rear end of the second

vane and the third guide surface may be greater than a

88262364.1 sectional area between a lower end of the fourth guide surface and the lower surface of the second vane in the horizontal direction.

When the first vane and the second vane provide

discharge step P1, which is one of a plurality of discharge

steps, the rear end of the second vane may be located higher

than the discharge port, a front end of the second vane may

be located lower than the discharge port, a rear end of the

first vane may be located lower than the front end of the

second vane, and a front end of the first vane may be

located lower than the rear end of the first vane, and a

sectional area between the rear end of the second vane and

the third guide surface may be greater than a sectional area

between a lower end of the fourth guide surface and the

lower surface of the second vane.

A leakage space may be formed between the lower

surface of the second vane and the discharge guide in the

horizontal direction, and the planar sectional area of the

leakage space may gradually decrease from the upper side to

the lower side of the leakage space.

The ceiling type indoor unit may further comprise an

indoor heat exchanger configured to perform heat exchange

between air suctioned from the suction port and a

refrigerant, and a drain pan configured to support the

indoor heat exchanger, the drain pan being configured to

88262364.1 store condensate water generated in the indoor heat exchanger, wherein the discharge guide may be formed at the drain pan.

The ceiling type indoor unit of the air conditioner

according to the present disclosure may have one or more of

the following effects.

First, the sectional area of the leakage space formed

between the second vane and the discharge guide is formed so

as to be gradually narrowed downwards, whereby it is

possible to inhibit entry of discharged air into the leakage

space due to pressure difference.

Second, in discharge step P1, in which the distance

between the second vane and the discharge guide is the

largest, the sectional area of the leakage space is formed

so as to be gradually narrowed, whereby it is possible to

inhibit backward flow of discharged air to the suction port,

i.e. return wind.

Third, the discharged guide is recessed concavely

toward the suction port to form an enlargement depth T,

whereby it is possible to effectively realize pressure

difference of the leakage space.

The term "comprising" as used in the specification and

claims means " consisting at least in part of." When

interpreting each statement in this specification that

includes the term "comprising," features other than that or

88262364.1 those prefaced by the term may also be present. Related terms "comprise" and "comprises" are to be interpreted in the same manner.

The reference in this specification to any prior

publication (or information derived from it), or to any

matter which is known, is not, and should not be taken as,

an acknowledgement or admission or any form of suggestion

that that prior publication (or information derived from it)

or known matter forms part of the common general knowledge

in the field of endeavour to which this specification

relates.

[Brief Description of the Drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an indoor unit

of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the

present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a sectional view of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view showing a

front panel of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view showing the

upper part of the front panel of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a vane module shown

in FIG. 3.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of FIG. 5 when viewed in

another direction.

88262364.1

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the vane module of

FIG. 5 when viewed from above.

FIG. 8 is a front view of the vane module shown in

FIG. 3.

FIG. 9 is a rear view of the vane module shown in

FIG. 3.

FIG. 10 is a plan view of the vane module shown in

FIG. 3.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing the operation

structure of the vane module shown in FIG. 5.

FIG. 12 is a front view of a driving link shown in

FIG. 11.

FIG. 13 is a front view of a first vane link shown in

FIG. 11.

FIG. 14 is a front view of a second vane link shown

in FIG. 11.

FIG. 15 is a side sectional view of the vane module

shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 16 is an illustrative view of discharge step P1

according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 17 is an illustrative view of discharge step P2

according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 18 is an illustrative view of discharge step P3

according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 19 is an illustrative view of discharge step P4

88262364.1 according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 20 is an illustrative view of discharge step P5

according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 21 is an illustrative view of discharge step P6

according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 22 is an enlarged view of a second vane and a

discharge guide shown in FIG. 16.

FIG. 23 is a graph showing the flow of air in a

discharge port according to a first embodiment of the

present disclosure.

[Detailed Description]

Advantages and features of the present disclosure and

a method of achieving the same will be more clearly

understood from embodiments described below with reference

to the accompanying drawings. However, the present

disclosure is not limited to the following embodiments and

may be implemented in various different forms. The

embodiments are provided merely to complete the present

disclosure and to fully provide a person having ordinary

skill in the art to which the present disclosure pertains

with the category of the present disclosure. The present

disclosure is defined only by the category of the claims.

Wherever possible, the same reference numerals will be used

throughout the specification to refer to the same or like

88262364.1 elements.

Hereinafter, the present disclosure will be described

in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an indoor unit

of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the

present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a sectional view of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view showing a front

panel of FIG. 1. FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view

showing the upper part of the front panel of FIG. 1. FIG.

5 is a perspective view of a vane module shown in FIG. 3.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of FIG. 5 when viewed in

another direction. FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the

vane module of FIG. 5 when viewed from above. FIG. 8 is a

front view of the vane module shown in FIG. 3. FIG. 9 is a

rear view of the vane module shown in FIG. 3. FIG. 10 is a

plan view of the vane module shown in FIG. 3. FIG. 11 is a

perspective view showing the operation structure of the

vane module shown in FIG. 5. FIG. 12 is a front view of a

driving link shown in FIG. 11. FIG. 13 is a front view of

a first vane link shown in FIG. 11. FIG. 14 is a front

view of a second vane link shown in FIG. 11. FIG. 15 is a

side sectional view of the vane module shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 16 is an illustrative view of discharge step P1

according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 17 is an illustrative view of discharge step P2

88262364.1 according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 18 is an illustrative view of discharge step P3

according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 19 is an illustrative view of discharge step P4

according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 20 is an illustrative view of discharge step P5

according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 21 is an illustrative view of discharge step P6

according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 22 is an enlarged view of a second vane and a

discharge guide shown in FIG. 16. FIG. 23 is a graph

showing the flow of air in a discharge port according to a

first embodiment of the present disclosure.

The indoor unit of the air conditioner according to

this embodiment includes a case 100 having a suction port

101 and a discharge port 102, an indoor heat exchanger 130

disposed in the case 100, and an indoor blowing fan 140

disposed in the case 100 to blow air to the suction port

101 and the discharge port 102.

In this embodiment, the case 100 includes a case

housing 110 and a front panel 300. The case housing 110 is

installed at the ceiling of a room via a hanger (not shown)

so as to be suspended therefrom, and the lower side of the

88262364.1 case housing is open. The front panel 300 covers the open surface of the case housing 110, is disposed so as to face the floor of the room, is exposed in the room, and has the suction port 101 and the discharge port 102.

The case 100 may be variously realized depending on

the form of manufacture, and construction of the case 100

does not limit the idea of the present disclosure.

The suction port 101 is disposed in the center of the

front panel 300, and the discharge port 102 is disposed

outside the suction port 101. The number of suction ports

101 or the number of discharge ports 102 is irrelevant to

idea of the present disclosure. In this embodiment, a

single suction port 101 is formed, and a plurality of

discharge ports 102 is disposed.

In this embodiment, the suction port 101 is formed so

as to have a quadrangular shape when viewed from below, and

four discharge ports 102 are disposed so as to be spaced

apart from edges of the suction port 101 by a predetermined

distance.

The indoor heat exchanger 130 is disposed between the

suction port 101 and the discharge port 102, and the indoor

heat exchanger 130 partitions the interior of the case 100

into an inner interior and an outer interior. In this

embodiment, the indoor heat exchanger 130 is disposed

88262364.1 vertically.

The indoor blowing fan 140 is located inside the

indoor heat exchanger 130.

When viewed in a top view or a bottom view, the indoor

heat exchanger has an overall shape of "E", a portion of

which may be separated.

The indoor heat exchanger 130 is disposed such that

air discharged from the indoor blowing fan 140

perpendicularly enters the indoor heat exchanger.

A drain pan 132 is installed in the case 100, and the

indoor heat exchanger 130 is held by the drain pan 132.

Condensate water generated in the indoor heat exchanger 130

may flow to the drain pan 132 and then be stored. A drain

pump (not shown) configured to discharge collected

condensate water to the outside is disposed in the drain pan

132.

The drain pan 132 may be provided with an inclined

surface having directivity in order to collect and store

condensate water falling from the indoor heat exchanger 130

in one side.

The indoor blowing fan 140 is located in the case

100, and is disposed at the upper side of the suction port

101. A centrifugal blower configured to suction air to the

center thereof and discharging the air in the

88262364.1 circumferential direction is used as the indoor blowing fan 140.

The indoor blowing fan 140 includes a bell mouth 142,

a fan 144, and a fan motor 146.

The bell mouth 142 is disposed at the upper side of a

suction grill 320, and is located at the lower side of the

fan 144. The bell mouth 142 guides air that has passed

through the suction grill 320 to the fan 144.

The fan motor 146 rotates the fan 144. The fan motor

146 is fixed to the case housing 110. The fan motor 146 is

disposed at the upper side of the fan 144. At least a

portion of the fan motor 146 is located higher than the

fan 144.

A motor shaft of the fan motor 146 is disposed so as

to face downwards, and the fan 144 is coupled to the motor

shaft.

The indoor heat exchanger 130 is located outside the

edge of the fan 144. The fan 144 and at least a portion of

the indoor heat exchanger 130 are disposed on the same

horizontal line. At least a portion of the bell mouth 142

is inserted into the fan 144. In the upward-downward

direction, at least a portion of the bell mouth 142

overlaps the fan 144.

The indoor heat exchanger 130 is disposed in the case

88262364.1 hosing 110, and partitions the space in the case housing 110 into an inner space and an outer space.

The inner space surrounded by the indoor heat

exchanger 130 is defined as a suction channel 103, and the

outer space outside the indoor heat exchanger 130 is defined

as a discharge channel 104.

The indoor blowing fan 140 is disposed in the suction

channel 103. The discharge channel 104 is located between

the outside of the indoor heat exchanger 130 and the

sidewall of the case housing 110.

When viewed in a top view or a bottom view, the

suction channel 103 is an inside surrounded by "E" of the

indoor heat exchanger, and the discharge channel 104 is an

outside of "E" of the indoor heat exchanger.

The suction channel 103 communicates with the suction

port 101, and the discharge channel 104 communicates with

the discharge port 103 .

Air flows from the lower side to the upper side of the

suction channel 103, and flows from the upper side to the

lower side of the discharge channel 104. The flow direction

of air is changed 180 degrees based on the indoor heat

exchanger 130.

The suction port 101 and the discharge port 102 are

formed in the same surface of the front panel 300.

The suction port 101 and the discharge port 102 are

88262364.1 disposed so as to face in the same direction. In this embodiment, the suction port 101 and the discharge port 102 are disposed so as to face the floor of the room.

In the case in which the front panel 300 is bent, the

discharge port 102 may be formed so as to have a slight side

inclination; however, the discharge port 102 connected to

the discharge channel 104 is formed so as to face downwards.

A vane module 200 is disposed to control the direction

of air that is discharged through the discharge port 102.

The front panel 300 includes a front body 310 coupled

to the case housing 110, the front body having the suction

port 101 and the discharge port 102, a suction grill 320

having a plurality of grill holes 321, the suction grill

being configured to cover the suction port 101, a pre-filter

330 separably assembled to the suction grill 320, and a vane

module 200 installed at the front body 310, the vane module

being configured to control the air flow direction of the

discharge port 102.

The suction grill 320 is installed so as to be

separable from the front body 310. The suction grill 320

may be elevated from the front body 310 in the upward

downward direction. The suction grill 320 covers the

entirety of the suction port 101.

In this embodiment, the suction grill 320 has a

88262364.1 plurality of grill holes 321 formed in the shape of a lattice. The grill holes 321 communicate with the suction port 101.

The pre-filter 330 is disposed at the upper side of

the suction grill 320. The pre-filter 330 filters air

suctioned into the case 100. The pre-filter 330 is located

at the upper side of grill holes 321, and filters air that

has passed through the suction grill 320.

The discharge port 102 is formed along the edge of the

suction port 101 in the form of a long slit. The vane

module 200 is located on the discharge port 102, and is

coupled to the front body 310.

In this embodiment, the vane module 200 may be

separated downwards from the front body 310. That is, the

vane module 200 may be disposed irrespective of the coupling

structure of the front body 310, and may be separated

independently from the front body 310. The structure

thereof will be described in more detail.

The front body 310 is coupled to the lower side of the

case housing 110, and is disposed so as to face the room.

The front body 310 is installed at the ceiling of the room,

and is exposed in the room.

The front body 310 is coupled to the case housing 110,

and the case housing 110 supports load of the front body

88262364.1

310. The front body 310 supports load of the suction grill

320 and the pre-filter 330.

When viewed in a top view, the front body 310 is

formed so as to have a quadrangular shape. The shape of the

front body 310 may be varied.

The upper surface of the front body 310 may be formed

horizontally so as to be in tight contact with the ceiling,

and the edge of the lower surface of the front body may be

slightly curved.

A suction port 101 is disposed in the center of the

front body 310, and a plurality of discharge ports 102 is

disposed outside the edge of the suction port 101.

When viewed in a top view, the suction port 101 may be

formed in a square shape, and each discharge port 102 may be

formed in a rectangular shape. The discharge port 102 may

be formed in a slit shape having a greater length than the

width thereof.

The front body 310 includes a front frame 312, a side

cover 314, and a corner cover 316.

The front frame 312 provides load and stiffness of the

front panel 300, and is fixed to the case housing 110 by

fastening. The suction port 101 and the four discharge

ports 102 are formed in the front frame 312.

In this embodiment, the front frame 312 includes a

side frame 311 and a corner frame 313.

88262364.1

The corner frame 313 is disposed at each corner of the

front panel 300. The side frame 311 is coupled to two

corner frames 313. The side frame 311 includes an inner

side frame 311a and an outer side frame 311b.

The inner side frame 311a is disposed between the

suction port 101 and the discharge port 102, and couples two

corner frames 313 to each other. The outer side frame 311b

is disposed outside the discharge port 102.

In this embodiment, four inner side frames 311a and

four outer side frames 311b are provided.

The suction port 101 is located inside the four inner

side frames 311a. The discharge port 102 is formed so as to

be surrounded by two corner frames 313, the inner side frame

311a, and the outer side frame 311b.

The side cover 314 and the corner cover 316 are

coupled to the lower surface of the front frame 312. The

side cover 314 and the corner cover 316 are exposed to a

user, and the front frame 312 is not visible to the user.

The side cover 314 is disposed at the edge of the

front frame 312, and the corner cover 316 is disposed at the

corner of the front frame 312.

The side cover 314 is made of a synthetic resin

material, and is fixed to the front frame 312 by fastening.

Specifically, the side cover 314 is coupled to the side

frame 311, and the corner cover 316 is coupled to the corner

88262364.1 frame 313.

In this embodiment, four side covers 314 and four

corner covers 316 are provided. The side covers 314 and the

corner covers 316 are coupled to the front frame 312 to form

a single structure. The four side covers 314 and the four

corner covers 316 form a single edge of the front panel 300.

The side cover 314 is disposed at the lower side of

the side frame 311, and the corner cover 316 is disposed at

the lower side of the corner frame 313.

The four side covers 314 and the four corner covers

316 are assembled to form a quadrangular frame. The four

side covers 314 and the four corner covers 316 connected to

each other are defined as a front decoration 350.

The front decoration 350 has a decoration outer border

351 and a decoration inner border 352.

When viewed in a top view or a bottom view, the

decoration outer border 351 is formed in a quadrangular

shape, and the decoration inner border 352 is generally

formed in a quadrangular shape. However, the corner of the

decoration inner border has predetermined curvature.

The suction grill 320 and four vane modules 200 are

disposed inside the decoration inner border 352. The

suction grill 320 and four vane modules 200 abut the

decoration inner border 352.

In this embodiment, four side cover 314 are disposed,

88262364.1 and each side cover 314 is coupled to the front frame 312.

The outer edge of the side cover 314 defines a portion of

the decoration outer border 351, and the inner edge of the

side cover 314 defines a portion of the decoration inner

border 352.

In particular, the inner edge of the side cover 314

defines the outer border of the discharge port 102. The

inner edge of the side cover 314 is defined as a side

decoration inner border 315.

In this embodiment, four corner covers 316 are

disposed, and each corner cover 316 is coupled to the front

frame 312. The outer edge of the corner cover 316 defines a

portion of the decoration outer border 351, and the inner

edge of the corner cover 316 defines a portion of the

decoration inner border 352.

The inner edge of the corner cover 316 is defined as a

corner decoration inner border 317.

The corner decoration inner border 317 may be disposed

so as to contact the suction grill 320. In this embodiment,

the inner edge of the corner cover 316 is disposed so as to

face the suction grill 320, and is spaced apart therefrom by

a predetermined distance to form a gap 317a.

The side decoration inner border 315 is also spaced

apart from the vane module 200 to form a gap 315a, and is

disposed so as to face the outer edge of the vane module

88262364.1

200.

Consequently, the decoration inner border 352 is

spaced apart from the outer edges of the four vane modules

200 and the suction grill 320 to form a continuous gap.

A continuous gap defined by four side decoration inner

border gaps 315a and four corner decoration inner border

gaps 317a is defined as a front decoration gap 350a.

The front decoration gap 350a is formed at the inner

edge of the front decoration 350. Specifically, the front

decoration gap 350a is formed as the result of the outer

edges of the vane module 200 and the suction grill 320 and

the inner edge of the front decoration 350 being spaced

apart from each other.

When the vane module 200 is not operated (when the

indoor unit is stopped), the front decoration gap 350a

allows the suction grill 320 and the vane module 200 to be

seen as a single structure.

The suction grill 320 is located at the lower side of

the front body 310. The suction grill 320 may be moved

downwards in the state of being in tight contact with the

lower surface of the front body 310.

The suction grill 320 includes a grill body 322 and a

plurality of grill holes 321 formed through the grill body

322 in the upward-downward direction.

88262364.1

The suction grill 320 includes a grill body 322

disposed at the lower side of the suction port 101, the

grill body communicating with the suction port 101 through a

plurality of grill holes 321, the grill body being formed in

a quadrangular shape, and a grill corner portion 327 formed

at the corners of the grill body 322 so as to extend in the

diagonal direction.

The lower surface of the grill body 322 and the lower

surface of a first vane 210 may define a continuous surface.

In addition, the lower surface of the grill body 322 and the

lower surface of the corner cover 316 may define a

continuous surface.

A plurality of grills 323 is disposed inside the grill

body 322 in the shape of a lattice. The lattice-shaped

grills 323 define quadrangular grill holes 321. The portion

at which the grills 323 and the grill holes 321 are formed

is defined as a suction portion.

The grill body 322 includes a suction portion

configured to communicate with air and a grill body portion

324 disposed so as to surround the suction portion. When

viewed in a top view or a bottom view, the suction portion

is generally formed in a quadrangular shape.

Each corner of the suction portion is disposed so as

to face a corresponding corner of the front panel 300, and

more specifically is disposed so as to face the corner cover

88262364.1

316.

When viewed in a bottom view, the grill body 322 is

formed in a quadrangular shape.

The outer edge of the grill body portion 324 is

disposed so as to face the discharge port 102 or the front

decoration 350.

The outer edge of the grill body portion 324 includes

a grill corner border 326 disposed so as to face the corner

cover 316 and a grill side border 325 defining the discharge

port 102, the grill side border being disposed so as to face

the side cover 314.

The grill corner border 326 may have curvature formed

about the inside of the suction grill 320, and the grill

side border 325 may have curvature formed about the outside

of the suction grill 320,

The grill body portion 324 further includes a grill

corner portion 327 surrounded by the grill corner border 326

and two grill side borders 325. The grill corner portion

327 is formed at the grill body portion 324 so as to

protrude toward the corner cover 316.

The grill corner portion 327 is disposed at each

corner of the grill body 322. The grill corner portion 327

extends toward each corner of the front panel 300.

In this embodiment, four grill corner portions 327 are

disposed. For convenience of description, the four grill

88262364.1 corner portions 327 are defined as a first grill corner portion 327-1, a second grill corner portion 327-2, a third grill corner portion 327-3, and a fourth grill corner portion 327-4.

The grill side border 325 is formed so as to be

concave from the outside to the inside.

The discharge port 102 is formed between the side

cover 314 and the suction grill 320. More specifically, one

discharge port 102 is formed between the side decoration

inner border 315 of the side cover 314 and the grill side

border 325 of the grill body 322. Discharge ports 102 are

formed between side decoration inner borders 315 and grill

side borders 325 disposed in four directions of the suction

grill 320.

In this embodiment, the length of the grill corner

border 326 is equal to the length of the corner decoration

inner border 317. That is, the width of the corner cover

316 is equal to the width of the grill corner portion 327.

In addition, the width of the inside of the side cover

314 is equal to the width of the grill side border 325.

The grill side border 325 will be described in more

detail.

The grill side border 325 defines the inner border of

the discharge port 102. The side decoration inner border

315 and the corner decoration inner border 317 define the

88262364.1 outer border of the discharge port 102.

The grill side border 325 includes a long straight

section 325a extending long in the longitudinal direction of

the discharge port 102, the long straight section being

formed in a straight line, a first curved section 325b

connected to one side of the long straight section 325a, the

first curved section having the center of curvature outside

the suction grill 320, a second curved section 325c

connected to the other side of the long straight section

325a, the first curved section having the center of

curvature outside the suction grill 320, a first short

straight section 325d connected to the first curved section,

and a second short straight section 325e connected to the

second curved section 325c.

The vane module 200 is installed in the discharge

channel 104, and controls the flow direction of air that is

discharged through the discharge port 102.

The vane module 200 includes a module body 400, a

first vane 210, a second vane 220, a vane motor 230, a

driving link 240, a first vane link 250, and a second vane

link 260. The first vane 210, the second vane 220, the vane

motor 230, the driving link 240, the first vane link 250,

and the second vane link 260 are all installed at the module

body 400. The module body 400 is installed integrally at

88262364.1 the front panel 300. That is, all of the components of the vane module 200 are modularized and are installed at the front panel 300 at once.

Since the vane module 200 is modularized, it is

possible to reduce assembly time and to achieve easy

replacement at the time of trouble.

In this embodiment, a stepper motor is used as the

vane motor 230.

The module body 400 may be constituted by a single

body. In this embodiment, the module body is manufactured

using two separate parts in order to minimize installation

space and to minimize manufacturing cost.

In this embodiment, the module body 400 includes a

first module body 410 and a second module body 420.

The first module body 410 and the second module body

420 are formed in horizontal symmetry. In this embodiment,

the first module body 410 is described by way of example.

Each of the first module body 410 and the second

module body 420 is fastened to the front body 310.

Specifically, each of the first module body 410 and the

second module body 420 is installed at the corner frame 313.

In the horizontal direction, the first module body 410

is installed at the corner frame 313 disposed at one side of

the discharge port 102, and the second module body 420 is

88262364.1 installed at the corner frame 313 disposed at the other side of the discharge port 102.

In the vertical direction, each of the first module

body 410 and the second module body 420 is in tight contact

with the lower surface of the corner frame 313, and is

fastened thereto via a fastening member 401.

Consequently, the first module body 410 and the second

module body 420 are disposed at the lower side of the front

body 310. In the state in which the indoor unit is

installed, the direction in which the first module body 410

and the corner frame 313 are fastened to each other is

disposed so as to be directed from the lower side to the

upper side, and the direction in which the second module

body 420 and the corner frame 313 are fastened to each other

is also disposed so as to be directed from the lower side to

the upper side.

In the above structure, the entirety of the vane

module 200 may be easily separated from the front body 310

during repair.

The vane module 200 includes a first module body 410

disposed at one side of the discharge port 102, the first

module body being located at the lower side of the front

body 310, the first module body being assembled to the front

body 310 so as to be separable downwards therefrom, a second

module body 420 disposed at the other side of the discharge

88262364.1 port 102, the second module body being located at the lower side of the front body 310, the second module body being assembled to the front body 310 so as to be separable downwards therefrom, at least one vane 210 and 220 having one side and the other side coupled to the first module body

410 and the second module body 420, respectively, the vane

being configured to be rotated relative to the first module

body 410 and the second module body 420, a vane motor 230

installed at at least one of the first module body 410 or

the second module body 420, the vane motor being configured

to provide driving force to the vane, a first fastening hole

403-1 disposed at the first module body 410, the first

fastening hole being disposed so as to face downwards, the

first fastening hole being formed through the first module

body 410, a first fastening member 401-1 fastened to the

front body 310 through the first fastening hole 403-1, a

second fastening hole 403-2 disposed at the second module

body 420, the second fastening hole being disposed so as to

face downwards, the second fastening hole being formed

through the second module body 420, and a second fastening

member 401-2 fastened to the front body through the second

fastening hole 403-2.

In particular, since the first module body 410 and the

second module body 420 are located at the lower side of the

front body 310, only the main module 200 may be separated

88262364.1 from the front body 310 in the state in which the front body

310 is installed at the case housing 110. This is commonly

applied to all of the four vane modules 200.

In the case in which the module body 400 is separated

from the front body 310, the entirety of the vane module 200

is separated downwards from the front body 310.

The first module body 410 includes a module body

portion 402 coupled to the front body 310 and a link

installation portion 404 protruding upwards from the module

body portion 402.

In this embodiment, the module body portion 402 is

securely fastened to the front body 310 in order to minimize

generation of vibration or noise due to the first vane 210,

the second vane 220, the vane motor 230, the driving link

240, the first vane link 250, and the second vane link 260.

The fastening member 401 provided to fix the module

body portion 402 is in the state of being fastened from the

lower side to the upper side, and may be separated from the

upper side to the lower side.

A fastening hole 403, through which the fastening

member 401 is inserted, is formed in the module body portion

402.

In the case in which it is necessary to distinguish

between the fastening hole formed in the first module body

410 and the fastening hole formed in the second module body

88262364.1

420 for convenience of description, the fastening hole

formed in the first module body 410 is referred to as a

first fastening hole 403-1, and the fastening hole formed in

the second module body 420 is referred to as a second

fastening hole 403-1

. Also, in the case in which it is necessary to

distinguish between the fastening members 401, the fastening

member 401 installed in the first fastening hole 403-1 is

defined as a first fastening member 401-1, and the fastening

member 401 installed in the second fastening hole 403-1 is

defined as a second fastening member 401-2.

The first fastening member 401-1 is fastened to the

front body 310 through the first fastening hole. The second

fastening member 401-2 is fastened to the front body 310

through the second fastening hole.

Before fixing the module body 400 by fastening, a

module hook 405 configured to temporarily fix the position

of the module body 400 is disposed.

The module hook 405 is coupled to the front panel 300,

specifically the front body 310. Specifically, the module

hook 405 and the front body 310 are caught by each other.

A plurality of module hooks 405 may be disposed at one

module body. In this embodiment, module hooks are disposed

at the outer edge and the front edge of the module body

portion 402. That is, module hooks 405 are disposed outside

88262364.1 the first module body 410 and the second module body 420, and the module hooks 405 are symmetrical with each other in the leftward-rightward direction.

The vane module 200 may be temporarily fixed to the

frame body 310 by the module hook 405 of the first module

body 410 and the module hook 405 of the second module body

420.

In the case of fixing using the module hooks 405, a

slight gap may be generated due to the coupling structure

thereof. The fastening member 401 securely fixes the

temporarily fixed module body 400 to the front body 310.

The fastening hole 403, in which the fastening member

401 is installed, may be located between the module hooks

405. The fastening hole 403 of the first module body 410

and the fastening hole 403 of the second module body 420 are

disposed between one module hook 405 and the other module

hook 405.

In this embodiment, the module hooks 405 and the

fastening holes 403 are disposed in a line.

Even when the fastening members 401 are removed, the

state in which the vane module 200 is coupled to the frame

body 310 may be maintained by the module hooks 405.

When it is necessary to separate the vane module at

the time of repair or trouble, the state in which the vane

module 200 is coupled to the frame panel 300 is maintained

88262364.1 even when the fastening member 401 is removed. As a result, a worker does not need to separately support the vane module

200 at the time of removing the fastening member 401.

Since the vane module 200 is primarily fixed by the

module hook 405 and is secondary fixed by the fastening

member 401, it is possible to greatly improve work

convenience at the time of repair.

The module body portion 402 is disposed horizontally,

and the link installation portion 404 is disposed

vertically. In particular, the link installation portion

404 protrudes upwards from the module body portion 402 in

the state of being installed.

The link installation portion 404 of the first module

body 410 and the link installation portion 404 of the second

module body 420 are disposed so as to face each other. The

first vane 210, the second vane 220, the driving link 240,

the first vane link 250, and the second vane link 260 are

installed between the link installation portion 404 of the

first module body 410 and the link installation portion 404

of the second module body 420. The vane motor 230 is

disposed outside the link installation portion 404 of the

first module body 410 or the link installation portion 404

of the second module body 420.

The vane motor 230 may be installed at only one of the

first module body 410 and the second module body 420. In

88262364.1 this embodiment, the vane motor 230 may be installed at each of the first module body 410 and the second module body 420.

The first vane 210, the second vane 220, the driving

link 240, the first vane link 250, and the second vane link

260 are coupled between the first module body 410 and the

second module body 420, whereby the vane module 200 is

integrated.

In order to install the vane motor 230, a vane motor

installation portion 406 protruding outside the link

installation portion 404 is disposed. The vane motor 230 is

fixed to the vane motor installation portion 406 by

fastening. The vane motor installation portion 406 is

formed in the shape of a boss, and the vane motor 230 is

fixed to the vane motor installation portion 406. By the

provision of the vane motor installation portion 406, the

link installation portion 404 and the vane motor 230 are

spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance.

A driving link coupling portion 407 to which the

driving link 240 is assembled and which provides the center

of rotation to the driving link 240, a first vane link

coupling portion 408 to which the first vane link 250 is

assembled and which provides the center of rotation to the

first vane link 250, and a second vane coupling portion 409

which is coupled with the second vane 220 and which provides

the center of rotation to the second vane 220 are disposed

88262364.1 at the link installation portion 404.

In this embodiment, each of the driving link coupling

portion 407, the first vane link coupling portion 408, and

the second vane coupling portion 409 is formed in the shape

of a hole. Unlike this embodiment, the same may be formed

in the shape of a boss, or may be realized as any of various

forms that provide a rotary shaft.

Meanwhile, a stopper 270 configured to limit the

rotational angle of the driving link 240 is disposed at the

link installation portion 404. The stopper 270 is disposed

so as to protrude toward the opposite link installation

portion 404.

In this embodiment, the stopper 270 interferes with

the driving link 240 at a specific position at the time of

rotation thereof, and limits rotation of the driving link

240. The stopper 270 is located within the radius of

rotation of the driving link 240.

In this embodiment, the stopper 270 is manufactured

integrally with the link installation portion 404. In this

embodiment, the stopper 270 defines the installation

position of the driving link 240, remains in contact with

the driving link 240 at the time of rotation thereof, and

inhibits vibration or free movement of the driving link 240.

In this embodiment, the stopper 270 is formed in the

shape of an arc.

88262364.1

The driving link 240 is directly connected to the vane

motor 230. A motor shaft (not shown) of the vane motor 230

is directly coupled to the driving link 240, and the

rotation amount of the driving link 240 is determined based

on the rotational angle of the rotary shaft of the vane

motor 230.

The driving link 240 is assembled to the vane motor

230 through the link installation portion 404. In this

embodiment, the driving link 240 extends through the driving

link coupling portion 407.

The driving link 240 includes a driving link body 245,

a first driving link shaft 241 disposed at the driving link

body 245, the first driving link shaft being rotatably

coupled to the first vane 210, a core link shaft 243

disposed at the driving link body 245, the core link shaft

being rotatably coupled to the link installation portion 404

(specifically, the driving link coupling portion 407), and a

second driving link shaft 242 disposed at the driving link

body 245, the second driving link shaft being rotatably

coupled to the second vane link 260.

The driving link body 245 includes a first driving

link body 246, a second driving link body 247, and a core

body 248.

The core link shaft 243 is disposed at the core body

88262364.1

248, the first driving link shaft 241 is disposed at the

first driving link body 246, and the core link shaft 243 is

disposed at the second driving link body 247.

The core body 248 connects the first driving link body

246 and the second driving link body 247 to each other. The

shape of each of the first driving link body 246 and the

second driving link body 247 is not particularly restricted.

In this embodiment, however, each of the first driving link

body 246 and the second driving link body 247 is generally

formed in the shape of a straight line.

The first driving link body 246 is longer than the

second driving link body 247.

The core link shaft 243 is rotatably assembled to the

link installation portion 404. The core link shaft 243 is

assembled to the driving link coupling portion 407 formed at

the link installation portion 404. The core link shaft 243

may be rotated relative to the driving link coupling portion

407 in the state of being coupled thereto.

The first driving link shaft 241 is rotatably

assembled to the first vane 210. The second driving link

shaft 242 is rotatably assembled to the second vane link

260.

The first driving link shaft 241 and the second

driving link shaft 242 protrude in the same direction. The

core link shaft 243 protrudes in the direction opposite the

88262364.1 first driving link shaft 241 and the second driving link shaft 242.

The first driving link body 246 and the second driving

link body 247 have a predetermined angle therebetween. An

imaginary straight line joining the first driving link shaft

241 and the core link shaft 243 to each other and an

imaginary straight line joining the core link shaft 243 and

the second driving link shaft 242 to each other have a

predetermined angle E therebetween. The angle E is greater

than 0 degrees and less than 180 degrees.

The first driving link shaft 241 has a structure in

which the driving link body 245 and the first vane 210 can

be rotated relative thereto. In this embodiment, the first

driving link shaft 241 is formed integrally with the driving

link body 245. Unlike this embodiment, the first driving

link shaft 241 may be manufactured integrally with the first

vane 210 or the joint rib 214.

The core link shaft 243 has a structure in which the

driving link body 245 and the module body (specifically, the

link installation portion 404) can be rotated relative

thereto. In this embodiment, the core link shaft 243 is

formed integrally with the driving link body 245.

The second driving link shaft 242 has a structure in

which the second vane link 260 and the driving link 240 can

be rotated relative thereto. In this embodiment, the second

88262364.1 driving link shaft 242 is formed integrally with the driving link body 245. Unlike this embodiment, the second driving link shaft 242 may be manufactured integrally with the second vane link 260.

In this embodiment, the second driving link shaft 242

is disposed at the second driving link body 247. The second

driving link shaft 242 is disposed opposite the first

driving link shaft 241 on the basis of the core link shaft

243.

An imaginary straight line joining the first driving

link shaft 241 and the core link shaft 243 to each other and

an imaginary straight line joining the core link shaft 243

and the second driving link shaft 242 to each other have a

predetermined angle E therebetween. The angle E is greater

than 0 degrees and less than 180 degrees.

In this embodiment, the first vane link 250 is made of

a strong material, and is formed in the shape of a straight

line. Unlike this embodiment, the first vane link 250 may

be curved.

The first vane link 250 includes a first vane link

body 255, a 1-1 vane link shaft 251 disposed at the first

vane link body 255, the 1-1 vane link shaft being assembled

to the first vane 210, the 1-1 vane link shaft being

configured to be rotated relative to the first vane 210, and

88262364.1 a 1-2 vane link shaft 252 disposed at the first vane link body 255, the 1-2 vane link shaft being assembled to the module body 400 (specifically, the link installation portion

404), the 1-2 vane link shaft being configured to be rotated

relative to the module body 400.

The 1-1 vane link shaft 251 protrudes toward the first

vane 210. The 1-1 vane link shaft 251 may be assembled to

the first vane 210, and may be rotated relative to the first

vane 210.

The 1-2 vane link shaft 252 is assembled to the link

installation portion 404 of the module body 400.

Specifically, the 1-2 vane link shaft 252 may be assembled

to the first vane link coupling portion 408, and may be

rotated relative to the first vane link coupling portion

408.

In this embodiment, the second vane link 260 is made

of a strong material, and is formed in the shape of a

straight line. Unlike this embodiment, the first vane link

250 may be curved.

The second vane link 260 includes a second vane link

body 265, a 2-1 vane link shaft 261 disposed at the second

vane link body 265, the 2-1 vane link shaft being assembled

to the second vane 220, the 2-1 vane link shaft being

configured to be rotated relative to the second vane 220,

88262364.1 and a 2-2 vane link journal 262 disposed at the second vane link body 265, the 2-2 vane link journal being assembled to the driving link 240 (specifically, the second driving link shaft 242), the 2-2 vane link journal being configured to be rotated relative to the driving link 240.

In this embodiment, the 2-2 vane link journal 262 is

formed in the shape of a hole formed through the second vane

link body 265. Since the 2-2 vane link journal 262 and the

second driving link shaft 242 have relative structures, one

is formed in the shape of a shaft and the other is formed in

the shape of a hole having the center of rotation. Unlike

this embodiment, therefore, the 2-2 vane link journal 262

may be formed in the shape of a shaft, and the second

driving link shaft may be formed in the shape of a hole.

In all constructions that can be coupled to the

driving link, the first vane link, and the second vane link

so as to be rotated relative thereto, substitution of the

above construction is possible, and therefore a description

of modifiable examples thereof will be omitted.

For description, the direction in which air is

discharged is defined as the front, and the direction

opposite thereto is defined as the rear. In addition, the

ceiling side is defined as the upper side, and the floor is

defined as the lower side.

88262364.1

In this embodiment, the first vane 210 and the second

vane 220 are disposed in order to control the flow direction

of air that is discharged from the discharge port 102. The

relative disposition and relative angle between the first

vane 210 and the second vane 220 are changed according to

steps of the vane motor 230. In this embodiment, the first

vane 210 and the second vane 220 provide six discharge steps

P1, P2, P3, P4, P5, and P6 in pairs according to steps of

the vane motor 230.

The discharge steps P1, P2, P3, P4, P5, and P6 are

defined as states in which the first vane 210 and the second

vane 220 are stationary, rather than moved. In this

embodiment, on the other hand, moving steps may be provided.

The moving steps result from a combination of the six

discharge steps P1, P2, P3, P4, P5, and P6, and are defined

as the current of air provided by the operation of the first

vane 210 and the second vane 220.

The first vane 210 is disposed between the link

installation portion 404 of the first module body 410 and

the link installation portion 404 of the second module body

420.

When the indoor unit is not operated, the first vane

210 covers most of the discharge port 210. Unlike this

embodiment, the first vane 210 may be manufactured so as to

88262364.1 cover the entirety of the discharge port 210.

The first vane 210 is coupled to the driving link 240

and the first vane link 250.

The driving link 240 and the first vane link 250 are

disposed at one side and the other side of the first vane

210, respectively.

The first vane 210 is rotated relative to the driving

link 240 and the first vane link 250.

When it is necessary to distinguish between the

positions of the driving link 240 and the first vane link

250, the driving link 240 coupled to the first module body

410 is defined as a first driving link, and the first vane

link 250 coupled to the first module body 410 is defined as

a 1-1 vane link. The driving link 240 coupled to the second

module body 420 is defined as a second driving link, and the

first vane link 250 coupled to the second module body 420 is

defined as a 1-2 vane link.

The first vane 210 includes a first vane body 212

formed so as to extend long in the longitudinal direction of

the discharge port 102 and a joint rib 214 protruding

upwards from the first vane body 212, the driving link 240

and the first vane link 250 being coupled to the joint rib.

The first vane body 212 may be formed so as to have a

gently curved surface.

The first vane body 212 controls the direction of air

88262364.1 that is discharged along the discharge channel 104. The discharged air collides with the upper surface or the lower surface of the first vane body 212, whereby the flow direction thereof may be guided.

The flow direction of the discharged air and the

longitudinal direction of the first vane body 212 are

perpendicular to each other or intersect each other.

The joint rib 214 is an installation structure for

coupling between the driving link 240 and the first vane

link 250. The joint rib 214 is disposed at each of one side

and the other side of the first vane 210.

The joint rib 214 is formed so as to protrude upwards

from the upper surface of the first vane body 212. The

joint rib 214 is formed in the flow direction of discharged

air, and minimizes resistance to the discharged air.

Consequently, the joint rib 214 is perpendicular to or

intersects the longitudinal direction of the first vane body

212.

The joint rib 214 is formed such that the air

discharge side (the front) of the joint rib is low and the

air entrance side (the rear) of the joint rib is high. In

this embodiment, the joint rib 214 is formed such that the

side of the joint rib to which the driving link 240 is

coupled is high and the side of the joint rib to which the

first vane link 250 is coupled is low.

88262364.1

The joint rib 214 has a second joint portion 217

rotatably coupled with the driving link 240 and a first

joint portion 216 rotatably coupled with the first vane link

250.

The joint rib 214 may be manufactured integrally with

the first vane body 212.

In this embodiment, each of the first joint portion

216 and the second joint portion 217 is formed in the shape

of a hole, and is formed through the joint rib 214.

Each of the first joint portion 216 and the second

joint portion 217 is a structure in which axial coupling or

hinge coupling is possible, and may be changed into any of

various forms.

When viewed from the front, the second joint portion

217 is located higher than the first joint portion 216.

The second joint portion 217 is located further

rearwards than the first joint portion 216. The first

driving link shaft 241 is assembled to the second joint

portion 217. The second joint portion 217 and the first

driving link shaft 241 are assembled so as to be rotatable

relative to each other. In this embodiment, the first

driving link shaft 241 is assembled through the second joint

portion 217.

The 1-1 vane link shaft 251 is assembled to the first

joint portion 216.

88262364.1

The first joint portion 216 and the 1-1 vane link

shaft 251 are assembled so as to be rotatable relative to

each other. In this embodiment, the 1-1 vane link shaft 251

is assembled through the first joint portion 216.

When viewed in a top view, the driving link 250 and

the first vane link 250 are disposed between the joint rib

214 and the link installation portion 404.

In this embodiment, the distance between the first

joint portion 216 and the second joint portion 217 is less

than the distance between the core link shaft 243 and the 1

2 vane link shaft 252.

The second vane 220 includes a second vane body 222

formed so as to extend long in the longitudinal direction of

the discharge port 102, a joint rib 224 protruding upwards

from the second vane body 222, the joint rib 224 being

coupled to the second vane link 260 so as to be rotatable

relative thereto, and a second vane shaft 221 formed at the

second vane body 222, the second vane shaft being rotatably

coupled to the link installation portion 404.

The joint rib 224 is a structure in which axial

coupling or hinge coupling is possible, and may be changed

into any of various forms. A hole formed in the second

joint rib 224 and coupled to the second vane link 220 so as

to be rotatable relative thereto is defined as a third joint

88262364.1 portion 226.

In this embodiment, the third joint portion 226 is

formed in the shape of a hole, and is formed through the

joint rib 224. The third joint portion 226 is a structure

in which axial coupling or hinge coupling is possible, and

may be changed into any of various forms.

In the case in which it is necessary to distinguish

between the joint rib 214 of the first vane and the joint

rib 224 of the second vane, the joint rib of the first vane

is defined as a first joint rib 214, and the joint rib of

the second vane is defined as a second joint rib 224.

The second vane 220 may be rotated about the second

joint rib 224, and may also be rotated about the second vane

shaft 221. That is, the second vane 220 may be rotated

relative to each of the second joint rib 224 and the second

vane shaft 221.

When viewed in a top view, the second joint rib 224 is

located further forwards than the second vane shaft 221.

The second joint rib 224 is moved along a predetermined

orbit about the second vane shaft 221.

The second vane body 222 may be formed so as to be

gently curved.

The second vane body 222 controls the direction of air

that is discharged along the discharge channel 104. The

discharged air collides with the upper surface or the lower

88262364.1 surface of the second vane body 222, whereby the flow direction thereof is guided.

The flow direction of the discharged air and the

longitudinal direction of the second vane body 222 are

perpendicular to each other or intersect each other.

When viewed in a top view, at least a portion of the

second vane body 222 may be located between the first joint

portions 212 of the first vane 210.

This is necessary to prevent interference when the

second vane 220 is located at the upper side of the first

vane 210. The front end of the second vane body 222 is

located between the first joint portions 214. That is, the

front length of the second vane body 222 is less than the

length between the first joint portions 214.

The second joint rib 224 is an installation structure

for assembly with the second vane link 260. The second

joint rib 224 is disposed at each of one side and the other

side of the second vane body 222.

The second joint rib 224 is coupled to the second vane

link 260 so as to be rotatable relative thereto. In this

embodiment, the third joint point 226 and the second vane

link 260 are axially coupled to each other so as to be

rotatable relative to each other.

The second joint rib 224 is formed so as to protrude

upwards from the upper surface of the second vane body 222.

88262364.1

The second joint rib 224 is preferably formed in the flow

direction of discharged air. Consequently, the second joint

rib 224 is disposed so as to perpendicular to or intersect

the longitudinal direction of the second vane body 222.

The second vane 220 is rotated about the second vane

shaft 221. The second vane shaft 221 is formed at each of

one side and the other side of the second vane body 222.

One second vane shaft 221 protrudes toward the link

installation portion 404 disposed at one side, and the other

second vane shaft 221 protrudes toward the link installation

portion 404 disposed at the other side.

The second vane coupling portion 411 rotatably coupled

to the second vane shaft 221 is disposed at the module body

400. In this embodiment, the second vane coupling portion

411 is formed in the shape of a hole formed through the

module body 400.

The second vane shaft 221 is located further rearwards

than the second joint rib 224. The second vane link 260,

the driving link 240, and the first vane line 250 are

sequentially disposed in front of the second vane shaft 221.

In addition, the driving link coupling portion 407 and

the first vane link coupling portion 408 are sequentially

disposed in front of the second vane coupling portion 411

The coupling structure and the separation structure of

88262364.1 the vane module will be described in more detail with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4 and 15 to 17.

When the suction grill 320 is separated in the state

of FIG. 1, four vane modules 200 are exposed, as shown in

FIG. 15. The suction grill 320 is separably assembled to

the front body 310.

The suction grill 320 may be separated from the front

body 310 using various methods.

The suction grill 320 may be separated using a method

of separating and rotating one edge of the suction grill on

the basis of the other edge of the suction grill. In

another method, the suction grill 320 may be separated from

the front body 310 through release of catching in the state

of being caught by the front body. In a further method,

coupling between the suction grill 200 and the front body

310 may be maintained by magnetic force.

In this embodiment, the suction grill 320 may be moved

in the upward-downward direction by an elevator 500

installed at the front body 310. The elevator 500 is

connected to the suction grill 320 via a wire (not shown).

The wire may be wound or unwound by operation of the

elevator 500, whereby the suction grill 320 may be moved

downwards or upwards.

A plurality of elevators 500 is disposed, and the

elevators 500 simultaneously move opposite sides of the

88262364.1 suction grill 320.

When the suction grill 320 is moved downwards, the

first module body 410 and the second module body 420, hidden

by the suction grill 320, are exposed.

In the state in which the suction grill 320 is

assembled to the front body 310, at least one of the first

vane 210 or the second vane 220 of the vane module 200 may

be exposed.

When the indoor unit is not operated, only the first

vane 210 is exposed to the user. When the indoor unit is

operated and air is discharged, the second vane 220 may be

selectively exposed to the user.

In the state in which the suction grill 320 is

assembled to the front body 310, the first module body 410

and the second module body 420 of the vane module 200 are

hidden by the suction grill 320.

Since the fastening holes 403 are disposed at the

first module body 410 and the second module body 420, the

fastening holes 403 are hidden by the suction grill 320 so

as not to be visible to the user.

Since the first module body 410 and the second module

body 420 are located at the upper side of the grill corner

portion 327 constituting the suction grill 320, the grill

corner portion 327 prevents the first module body 410 and

the second module body 420 from being exposed outside.

88262364.1

The grill corner portion 327 also prevents the

fastening holes 403 formed in the first module body 410 and

the second module body 420 from being exposed outside.

Since the grill corner portion 327 is located at the lower

side of the fastening holes 403, the fastening holes 403 are

hidden by the grill corner portion 327.

More specifically, the suction grill 320 includes a

grill body 322 disposed at the lower side of the suction

port 101, the grill body communicating with the suction port

101 through a plurality of grill holes 321, the grill body

being formed in a quadrangular shape, and a first grill

corner portion 327-1, a second grill corner portion 327-2, a

third grill corner portion 327-3, and a fourth grill corner

portion 327-4 formed at the corners of the grill body 322 so

as to extend in the diagonal direction.

The vane module 200 includes a first vane module 201

disposed outside one edge of the suction grill 320, the

first vane module being disposed between the first grill

corner portion 327-1 and the second grill corner portion

327-2, a second vane module 202 disposed outside one edge of

the suction grill 320, the second vane module being disposed

between the second grill corner portion 327-2 and the third

grill corner portion 327-3, a third vane module 203 disposed

outside one edge of the suction grill 320, the third vane

module being disposed between the third grill corner portion

88262364.1

327-3 and the fourth grill corner portion 327-4, and a

fourth vane module 204 disposed outside one edge of the

suction grill 320, the fourth vane module being disposed

between the fourth grill corner portion 327-4 and the first

grill corner portion 327-1.

The first module body 410 and the second module body

420 disposed between the first vane module 201 and the

second vane module 202 are located at the upper side of the

first grill corner portion 327-1, and are hidden by the

first grill corner portion 327-1. Specifically, the second

module body of the first vane module and the first module

body of the second vane module are disposed at the upper

side of the first grill corner portion.

The first module body and the second module body

disposed between the second vane module 202 and the third

vane module 203 are located at the upper side of the second

grill corner portion 327-2, and are hidden by the second

grill corner portion 327-2. Specifically, the second module

body of the second vane module and the first module body of

the third vane module are disposed at the upper side of the

second grill corner portion.

The first module body and the second module body

disposed between the third vane module 203 and the fourth

vane module 204 are located at the upper side of the third

grill corner portion 327-3, and are hidden by the third

88262364.1 grill corner portion 327-3. Specifically, the second module body of the third vane module and the first module body of the fourth vane module are disposed at the upper side of the third grill corner portion.

The first module body and the second module body

disposed between the fourth vane module 204 and the first

vane module 201 are located at the upper side of the fourth

grill corner portion 327-4, and are hidden by the fourth

grill corner portion 327-4. Specifically, the second module

body of the fourth vane module and the first module body of

the first vane module are disposed at the upper side of the

fourth grill corner portion.

Referring to FIG. 15, the vane module 200 disposed in

the 12 o'clock direction is defined as a first vane module

201, the vane module 200 disposed in the 3 o'clock direction

is defined as a second vane module 202, the vane module 200

disposed in the 6 o'clock direction is defined as a third

vane module 203, and the vane module 200 disposed in the 9

o'clock direction is defined as a fourth vane module 204.

The first vane module 201, the second vane module 202,

the third vane module 203, and the fourth vane module 204

are disposed at intervals of 90 degrees about the center C

of the front panel 300.

The first vane module 201 and the third vane module

203 are disposed parallel to each other, and the second vane

88262364.1 module 202 and the fourth vane module 204 are disposed parallel to each other.

Four side covers 314 are disposed at the front body

310. For convenience of description, the side cover 314

disposed outside the first vane module 201 is defined as a

first side cover 314-1, the side cover 314 disposed outside

the second vane module 202 is defined as a second side cover

314-2, the side cover 314 disposed outside the third vane

module 203 is defined as a third side cover 314-3, and the

side cover 314 disposed outside the fourth vane module 204

is defined as a fourth side cover 314-4.

Each side cover 314 is assembled to one edge of the

front frame 312, is located at the lower side of the front

frame 312, is exposed outside, and is disposed outside a

corresponding vane module 202 .

The corner cover 316 disposed between the first vane

module 201 and second vane module 202 is defined as a first

corner cover 316-1. The corner cover 316 disposed between

the second vane module 202 and the third vane module 203 is

defined as a second corner cover 316-2. The corner cover

316 disposed between the third vane module 203 and the

fourth vane module 204 is defined as a third corner cover

316-3. The corner cover 316 disposed between the fourth

vane module 204 and the first vane module 201 is defined as

a fourth corner cover 316-4.

88262364.1

The first corner cover 316-1 is assembled to one

corner of the front frame 312, is located at the lower side

of the front frame 312, is located between the first side

cover 314-1 and the second side cover 314-2, and is exposed

outside.

The second corner cover 316-2 is assembled to one

corner of the front frame 312, is located at the lower side

of the front frame 312, is located between the second side

cover 314-2 and the third side cover 314-3, and is exposed

outside.

The third corner cover 316-3 is assembled to one

corner of the front frame 312, is located at the lower side

of the front frame 312, is located between the third side

cover 314-3 and the fourth side cover 314-4, and is exposed

outside.

The fourth corner cover 316-4 is assembled to one

corner of the front frame 312, is located at the lower side

of the front frame 312, is located between the fourth side

cover 314-4 and the first side cover 314-1, and is exposed

outside.

The first corner cover 316-1 and the third corner

cover 316-3 are disposed about the center C of the front

panel 300 in the diagonal direction, and are disposed so as

to face each other. The second corner cover 316-2 and the

fourth corner cover 316-4 are disposed about the center C of

88262364.1 the front panel 300 in the diagonal direction, and are disposed so as to face each other.

Imaginary diagonal lines passing through the center of

the front panel 300 are defined as P1 and P2. P1 is an

imaginary line joining the first corner cover 316-1 and the

third corner cover 316-3 to each other, and P2 is an

imaginary line joining the second corner cover 316-2 and the

fourth corner cover 316-4 to each other.

A first grill corner portion 327-1, a second grill

corner portion 327-2, a third grill corner portion 327-3,

and a fourth grill corner portion 327-4 formed so as to

extend towards corners are disposed at the suction panel

320.

On the basis of the grill corner portions, the first

vane module 201 is disposed outside one edge of the suction

grill 320, and is disposed between the first grill corner

portion 327-1 and the second grill corner portion 327-2.

The second vane module 202 is disposed outside one

edge of the suction grill, and is disposed between the

second grill corner portion 327-2 and the third grill corner

portion 327-3.

The third vane module 203 is disposed outside one edge

of the suction grill, and is disposed between the third

grill corner portion 327-3 and the fourth grill corner

portion 327-4.

88262364.1

The fourth vane module 204 is disposed outside one

edge of the suction grill, and is disposed between the

fourth grill corner portion 327-4 and the first grill corner

portion 327-1.

The first grill corner portion 327-1 is formed so as

to extend toward the first corner cover 316-1, and has a

surface continuously connected to the outer surface of the

first corner cover 316-1.

The grill corner border 326 of the first grill corner

portion 327-1 is opposite the corner decoration inner border

317 of the first corner cover 316-1, and defines a corner

decoration inner border gap 317a.

The grill corner borders 326 of the other grill corner

portions 327 are opposite the corner decoration inner

borders 317 of the other corner cover 316, and define corner

decoration inner border gaps 317a.

The first module body 410 and the second module body

420 are located inside the corner cover 316 (specifically,

at the center C side of the front panel). In particular,

the first module body 410 and the second module body 420 are

disposed so as to face each other on the basis of the

imaginary diagonal lines P1 and P2.

Specifically, the first module body 410 of the first

vane module 201 and the second module body 420 of the fourth

vane module 204 are disposed so as to face each other on the

88262364.1 basis of the imaginary diagonal line P2.

The first module body 410 of the second vane module

202 and the second module body 420 of the first vane module

201 are disposed so as to face each other on the basis of

the imaginary diagonal line Pl.

The first module body 410 of the third vane module 201

and the second module body 420 of the second vane module 202

are disposed so as to face each other on the basis of the

imaginary diagonal line P2.

The first module body 410 of the fourth vane module

204 and the second module body 420 of the third vane module

203 are disposed so as to face each other on the basis of

the imaginary diagonal line Pl.

Meanwhile, the suction grill 320 is located at the

lower side of the first module bodies 410 and the second

module bodies 420, and conceals the first module bodies 410

and the second module bodies 420 so as not to be exposed.

That is, in the case in which the suction grill 320 is in

tight contact with the front body 310, the first module

bodies 410 and the second module bodies 420 are hidden by

the suction grill 320 and thus are not exposed to the user.

Since the first module bodies 410 and the second

module bodies 420 are hidden, the fastening holes 403 formed

in the first module bodies 410 and the second module bodies

420 are hidden by the suction grill 320 and thus are not

88262364.1 exposed to the user.

The suction grill 320 has four grill corner portions

327 disposed so as to face the respective corner covers 316.

Each grill corner portion 327 is disposed so as to be

opposite a corresponding one of the corner covers 316.

The grill corner portion 327 disposed so as to be

opposite the first corner cover 316-1 is defined as a first

grill corner portion 327-1, the grill corner portion 327

disposed so as to be opposite the second corner cover 316-2

is defined as a first grill corner portion 327-2 ,the grill

corner portion 327 disposed so as to be opposite the third

corner cover 316-3 is defined as a third grill corner

portion 327-3, and the grill corner portion 327 disposed so

as to be opposite the fourth corner cover 316-4 is defined

as a fourth grill corner portion 327-4.

When viewed in a bottom view, the plurality of module

bodies 400 is located at the upper side of the grill corner

portion 327, and is hidden by the grill corner portion 327.

In particular, the grill side border 325 defining the

edge of the grill corner portion 327 is disposed so as to

face the corner decoration inner border 317 defining the

inner edge of the corner cover 316, and the curved shapes

thereof correspond to each other.

In the same manner, the grill corner border 326

defining the edge of the grill corner portion 327 is

88262364.1 disposed so as to face the inner edge of the first vane 210, and the curved shapes thereof correspond to each other.

Meanwhile, in this embodiment, a permanent magnet 318

and a magnetic force fixing portion 328 are disposed in

order to maintain the state in which the suction grill 320

is in tight contact with the front body 310.

One of the permanent magnet 318 and the magnetic force

fixing portion 328 may be disposed at the front body 310,

and the other of the magnetic force fixing portion 328 and

the permanent magnet 318 may be disposed at the upper

surface of each grill corner portion 327.

The permanent magnet 318 and the magnetic force fixing

portion 328 are located at the upper side of each grill

corner portion 327, and are hidden by each grill corner

portion 327. Since the permanent magnet 318 and the

magnetic force fixing portion 328 are located outside each

corner of the suction grill 320, the distance between the

suction grill 320 and the front body 310 may be minimized.

In the case in which the suction grill 320 and the

front body 310 are spaced apart from each other, pressure in

the suction channel 103 is reduced.

In this embodiment, the permanent magnet 318 is

disposed at the front body 310. Specifically, the permanent

magnet is disposed at the corner frame 313.

The magnetic force fixing portion 328 is made of a

88262364.1 metal material capable of generating attractive force through interaction with the permanent magnet 318. The magnetic force fixing portion 328 is disposed at the upper surface of the suction grill 320. Specifically, the magnetic force fixing portion 328 is disposed at the upper surface of the grill corner portion 327.

When the suction grill 320 is moved upwards and

approaches the permanent magnet 318, the permanent magnet

318 attracts the magnetic force fixing portion 328 to fix

the suction grill 320. Magnetic force of the permanent

magnet 318 is less than weight of the suction grill 320.

When the suction grill 320 is not pulled by the elevator

500, therefore, coupling between the permanent magnet 318

and the magnetic force fixing portion 328 is released.

When viewed in a top view or a bottom view, the

permanent magnet 318 is disposed on the imaginary diagonal

lines P1 and P2. The permanent magnet 318 is located inside

the corner cover 316.

When viewed in a top view or a bottom view, one of

four permanent magnets 318 is disposed between the first

module body 410 of the first vane module 201 and the second

module body 420 of the fourth vane module 204. The other

three permanent magnets are also disposed between the first

module bodies 410 and the second module bodies 420 of the

respective vane modules.

88262364.1

The permanent magnet 318 and the magnetic force fixing

portion 328 are located at the upper side of each grill

corner portion 327, and are hidden by each grill corner

portion 327.

In this embodiment, when the indoor unit is not

operated (the indoor blowing fan is not operated), in each

vane module 200, as shown, the second vane 220 is located at

the upper side of the first vane 210, and the first vane 210

covers the discharge port 102. The lower surface of the

first vane 210 forms a continuous surface with the lower

surface of the suction grill 320 and the lower surface of

the side cover 314.

When the indoor unit is not operated, the second vane

220 is concealed when viewed from the outside, since the

second vane is located at the upper side of the first vane

210. Only when the indoor unit is operated, the second vane

220 is exposed to the user. When the indoor unit is not

operated, therefore, the second vane 220 is located in the

discharge channel 104, and the first vane 210 covers most of

the discharge port 102.

Although the first vane 210 covers most of the

discharge port 102 in this embodiment, the first vane 210

may be formed so as to cover the entirety of the discharge

port 102 depending on design.

88262364.1

When the indoor blowing fan is operated in the state

in which the second vane 220 is received, the vane motor 230

is operated, and the first vane 210 and the second vane 220

may provide one of the six discharge steps P1, P2, P3, P4,

P5, and P6.

The state in which the indoor unit is stopped and thus

the vane module 200 is not operated is defined as a stop

step PO.

In stop step PO, the vane module 200 is not operated.

When the indoor unit is not operated, the vane module 200 is

maintained in stop step PO.

In stop step PO, in the vane module 200, the vane

motor 230 maximally rotates the driving link 240 in a first

direction (in the clockwise direction in the figures of this

embodiment).

At this time, the second driving link body 247

constituting the driving link 240 is supported by one end

271 of the stopper 270, whereby further rotation of the

driving link in the first direction is limited.

In order to prevent excessive rotation of the driving

link 240, the second driving link body 247 and the other end

270b of the stopper 270 interfere with each other in stop

step PO. The second driving link body 247 is supported by

the stopper 270, whereby further rotation of the driving

88262364.1 link is limited.

The driving link 240 is rotated about the core link

shaft 243 in the first direction, and the first vane link

250 is rotated about the 1-2 vane link shaft 252 in the

first direction.

The first vane 210 is rotated while being restrained

by the driving link 240 and the first vane link 250, and is

located in the discharge port 102. The lower surface of the

first vane 210 forms a continuous surface with the suction

panel 320 and the side cover 314.

In stop step PO, the second vane 220 is located at the

upper side of the first vane 210. When viewed from above,

the second vane 220 is located between the first joints 214,

and is located at the upper side of the first vane body 212.

In stop step PO, the driving link 240, the first vane

link 250, and the second vane link 260 are located at the

upper side of the first vane 210. The driving link 240, the

first vane link 250, and the second vane link 260 are hidden

by the first vane 210 and thus are not visible from the

outside. That is, in stop step PO, the first vane 210

covers the discharge port 102, and prevents parts

constituting the vane module 200 from being exposed outside.

In stop step PO, the driving link 240 is maximally

rotated in the clockwise direction, and the second vane line

260 is maximally moved upwards.

88262364.1

When the indoor unit is not operated, the second vane

220 is concealed when viewed from the outside, since the

second vane is located at the upper side of the first vane

210. Only when the indoor unit is operated, the second vane

220 is exposed to the user.

The positional relationship between the shafts forming

the centers of rotation of the respective links in stop step

PO will be described.

First, the first joint portion 216 and the second

joint portion 217 of the first vane 210 are disposed

approximately horizontally. The second joint rib 224 of the

second vane 220 is located at the upper side of the first

joint rib 214.

When viewed from the side, the second joint rib 224 is

located at the upper side of the second joint portion 217

and the first joint portion 216, and is located between the

first joint portion 216 and the second joint portion 217.

Since the 2-1 vane link shaft 261 is coupled to the

second joint rib 224, the 2-1 vane link shaft 261 is also

located at the upper side of the second joint portion 217

and the first joint portion 216.

The first joint portion 216 and the second joint

portion 217 are located at the upper side of the first vane

body 212, and are located at the lower side of the second

vane body 222.

88262364.1

In the state in which the indoor unit is stopped, the

second vane 220 is located at the upper side of the first

vane 210, and the 2-1 vane link shaft 261 is located at the

upper side of the first driving link shaft 241 and the 1-1

vane link shaft 251.

In addition, the 2-1 vane link shaft 261 is located

higher than the second vane shaft 221, and the 2-2 vane link

journal 262 is located higher than the 2-1 vane link shaft

261.

The 2-2 vane link journal 262 is located at the upper

side of the 2-1 vane link shaft 261, and is located at the

upper side of the core link shaft 243.

Next, relative positions and directions of the

respective links in stop step PO will be described.

The first vane link 250 and the second vane link 260

are disposed in the same direction. The upper end of each

of the first vane link 250 and the second vane link 260 is

located at the front side in the discharge direction of air,

and the rear end thereof is located at the rear side in the

discharge direction of air.

Specifically, the 1-2 vane link shaft 252 of the first

vane link 250 is located at the front side, and the 1-1 vane

link shaft 251 of the first vane link 250 is located at the

rear side. The 1-2 vane link shaft 252 of the first vane

link 250 is located higher than the 1-1 vane link shaft 251.

88262364.1

The first vane link 250 is disposed so as to be inclined

rearwards and downwards from the 1-2 vane link shaft 252.

In the same manner, the 2-2 vane link journal 262 of

the second vane link 260 is located at the front side, and

the 2-1 vane link shaft 261 of the second vane link 260 is

located at the rear side. The 2-2 vane link journal 262 of

the second vane link 260 is located higher than the 2-1 vane

link shaft 261. The second vane link 260 is disposed so as

to be inclined rearwards and downwards from the 2-2 vane

link journal 262.

The first driving link body 246 of the driving link

240 is disposed in the same direction as the first vane link

250 and the second vane link 260, and the second driving

link body 247 intersects the disposition direction of the

first vane link 250 and the second vane link 260.

In stop step PO, the driving link 240 is rotated in a

second direction (in the counterclockwise direction in the

figures of this embodiment), which is opposite the first

direction, to provide discharge step Pl.

In discharge step P1, the vane module 200 may provide

horizontal wind.

In the state of the horizontal wind, air discharged

from the discharge port 102 may be guided by the first vane

210 and the second vane 220 and may flow in the direction

88262364.1 parallel with the ceiling or the floor.

In the case in which the discharged air flows as the

horizontal wind, it is possible to maximize the flow

distance of the air.

In discharge step P1, the upper surfaces of the first

vane 210 and the second vane 220 may form a continuous

surface. In discharge step P1, the first vane 210 and the

second vane 220 are connected to each other like a single

vane, and guide the discharged air.

When the vane module 200 provides discharge step P1,

which is one of the plurality of discharge steps, the first

vane 210 is located at the lower side of the discharge port

102, and the front end 222a of the second vane 220 is

located higher than the rear end 212a of the first vane 210.

The upper surface of the second vane 220 is located

higher than the upper surface of the first vane 210.

In this embodiment, the first vane 210 is located at

the front side in the flow direction of the discharged air,

and the second vane 220 is located at the rear side in the

flow direction of the discharged air. The front end 222a of

the second vane 220 may be adjacent to or may contact the

rear end 212b of the first vane 210. In discharge step P1,

the distance Si between the front end 222a of the second

vane 220 and the rear end 212b of the first vane 210 may be

minimized.

88262364.1

The rear end 222b of the second vane 220 is located

higher than the discharge port 102, the front end 222a of

the second vane is located lower than the discharge port

102, and the rear end 212b of the first vane is located

lower than the front end 222a of the second vane.

In discharge step P1, the front end 222a of the second

vane 220 is located higher than the rear end 212b of the

first vane 210.

In the case in which the front end 222a and the rear

end 212b are adjacent to or contact each other, leakage of

the discharged air between the first vane 210 and the second

vane 220 may be minimized.

In this embodiment, the front end 222a and the rear

end 212b are adjacent to each other, but do not contact each

other.

When the vane module 200 forms the horizontal wind in

discharge step P1, intensity of the horizontal wind may be

increased, since the first vane 210 and the second vane 220

are connected to each other and operated like a single vane.

That is, since the discharged air is guided along the upper

surface of the second vane 220 and the upper surface of the

first vane 210 in the horizontal direction, directivity of

the discharged air may be further improved than the case in

which the horizontal wind is formed using a single vane.

When forming the horizontal wind, the second vane 220

88262364.1 is disposed so as to be further inclined in the upward downward direction than the first vane 210.

In the state of the horizontal wind, it may be

advantageous that the first vane 210 be located lower than

the discharge port 102 and the second vane 220 be disposed

so as to overlap the discharge port 102, when viewed from

the side.

In discharge step P1, the second vane 220 is rotated

in place about the second vane shaft 221; however, the first

vane 210 is turned (swung) in the discharge direction of

air, since the first vane is assembled to the driving link

240 and the first vane link 250.

When PO is switched to P1, the second vane 220 is

rotated about the second vane shaft 221, the first vane 210

is moved downwards while advancing in the discharge

direction of air, and the front end 212a of the first vane

is turned in the first direction (the clockwise direction in

the figures).

Through rotation of the driving link 240 and the first

vane link 250, the first vane 210 may be moved to the lower

side of the discharge port 102, and the first vane 210 may

be disposed approximately horizontally. Since a vane of a

conventional indoor unit is rotated in place, it is not

possible to realize disposition of the first vane 210 in

this embodiment.

88262364.1

When the vane motor 230 rotates the driving link 240

in the second direction (the counterclockwise direction) in

stop step PO, the second vane link 260 coupled to the

driving link 240 is rotated in response to the driving link

240.

Specifically, when stop step PO is switched to

discharge step P1, the driving link 240 is rotated in the

counterclockwise direction, the first vane line 210 is

rotated in the counterclockwise direction in response to

rotation of the driving link 240, and the second vane link

220 is moved downwards while being rotated relative thereto.

Since the second vane 220 is assembled to the second

vane shaft 221 and the second vane link 260 so as to be

rotatable relative thereto, the second vane is rotated about

the second vane shaft 221 in the clockwise direction due to

downward movement of the second vane link 220.

When stop step PO is switched to discharge step P1 in

order to form the horizontal wind, the first vane 210 and

the second vane 220 are rotated in opposite directions.

In discharge step P1, the vane motor 230 is rotated 73

degrees (P1 rotational angle), and the first vane 210 has an

inclination of about 13 degrees (first vane P1 inclination)

and the second vane 220 has an inclination of about 52

degrees (second vane P1 inclination) by rotation of the vane

motor 230.

88262364.1

The positional relationship between the shafts forming

the centers of rotation of the respective links in discharge

step P1 will be described.

First, the second joint portion 217 and the first

joint portion 216 of the first vane 210 are disposed so as

to be inclined forwards in the discharge direction of air,

unlike PO. When viewed from the side, the third joint

portion 226 of the second vane 220 is disposed at the

rearmost side, the first joint portion 216 is disposed at

the frontmost side, and the second joint portion 217 is

disposed between the first joint portion 216 and the third

joint portion 226.

The 2-1 vane link shaft 261 is located lower than the

second vane shaft 221, the first driving link shaft 241 is

located lower than the 2-1 vane link shaft 261, and the 1-1

vane link shaft 251 is located lower than the first driving

link shaft 241.

In P1, the third joint portion 226, the second joint

portion 217, and the first joint portion 216 are disposed in

a line, and are disposed so as to face forwards and

downwards in the discharge direction of air. When providing

discharge step P1, the second vane shaft 221, the 2-1 vane

link shaft 261, the first driving link shaft 241, and the 1

1 vane link shaft 251 are disposed in a line.

In some embodiments, the third joint portion 226, the

88262364.1 second joint portion 217, and the first joint portion 216 may not be disposed in a line.

In addition, the second vane shaft 221 may also be

disposed in a line with the third joint portion 226, the

second joint portion 217, and the first joint portion 216.

In this case, the second vane shaft 221 is located at the

rear side of the third joint portion 226.

In P1, the first vane 210 and the second vane 220

provide horizontal wind. The horizontal wind does not mean

that the discharge direction of air is exactly horizontal.

The horizontal wind means an angle by which discharged air

can flow farthest in the horizontal direction through

connection between the first vane 210 and the second vane

220 in the state in which the first vane 210 and the second

vane 220 are connected to each other like a single vane.

In discharge step P1, the distance Si between the

front end 221 of the second vane 220 and the rear end 212b

of the first vane 210 may be minimized.

In the state of the horizontal wind, air guided by the

second vane 220 is guided to the first vane 210. In the

case in which the discharged air flows as the horizontal

wind in P1, it is possible to maximize the flow distance of

the air.

Since the discharge channel 104 is formed in the

upward-downward direction, the inclination of the second

88262364.1 vane 220 adjacent to the suction port 101 is steeper than the inclination of the first vane 210.

In discharge step P1, the 1-1 vane link shaft 251 of

the first vane link 250 is located at the lower side of the

1-2 vane link shaft 252.

In discharge step P1, the 2-1 vane link shaft 261 of

the second vane link 260 is located at the lower side of the

2-2 vane link journal 262.

In discharge step P1, the first driving link shaft 241

of the driving link 240 is located at the lower side of the

second driving link shaft 242 and the core link shaft 243.

In discharge step P1, in the upward-downward

direction, the third joint portion 226 is located at the

uppermost side, the first joint portion 216 is located at

the lowermost side, and the second joint portion 217 is

located therebetween.

In discharge step P1, the first joint portion 216 and

the second joint portion 217 are located between the core

link shaft 243 and the 1-2 vane link shaft 252. When

providing discharge step P1, the first driving link shaft

241 and the 1-1 vane link shaft 251 are located between the

core link shaft 243 and the 1-2 vane link shaft 252.

In discharge step P1, the first driving link shaft 241

and the 1-1 vane link shaft 251 are located at the lower

side of the suction panel 320. In discharge step P1, the

88262364.1 first driving link shaft 241 and the 1-1 vane link shaft 251 are located at the lower side of the discharge port 102.

The 2-1 vane link shaft 261 is located over the border of

the discharge port 102.

Due to the above disposition, the first vane 210 is

located at the lower side of the discharge port 102 in

discharge step Pl. In discharge step P1, the front end 222a

of the second vane 220 is located at the lower side of the

discharge port 102, and the rear end 222b thereof is located

at the upper side of the discharge port 102.

Next, relative positions and directions of the

respective links in discharge step P1 will be described.

The longitudinal direction of the first driving link

body 246 is defined as D-D'. The longitudinal direction of

the first vane link 250 is defined as Li-Li'. The

longitudinal direction of the second vane link 260 is

defined as L2-L2'.

In discharge step P1, the first vane link 250, the

second vane link 260, and the first driving link body 246

are disposed in the same direction. In this embodiment, the

first vane link 250, the second vane link 260, and the first

driving link body 246 are all disposed in the upward

downward direction in discharge step Pl.

Specifically, Li-Li' of the first vane link 250 is

disposed almost vertically, and L2-L2' of the second vane

88262364.1 link 260 is disposed almost vertically. D-D' of the first driving link body 246 is disposed so as to face downwards in the discharge direction of air.

In discharge step P1, the first vane 210 is located at

the lower side of the discharge port 102, and the front end

222a of the second vane 220 is located at the lower side of

the discharge port 102. That is, in the state of the

horizontal wind, only a portion of the second vane 220 is

located outside the discharge port 102, and the entirety of

the first vane 210 is located outside the discharge port

102.

In discharge step P1, the front end 212a of the first

vane 210 is located further forwards than the front edge

102a of the discharge port 102 on the basis of the discharge

port 102.

<Return wind prevention structure in discharge step

P1>

The discharge channel 104 includes an upper discharge

channel 104-1 disposed at the case housing 110 and a lower

discharge channel 104-2 disposed at the front panel 300, the

lower discharge channel communicating with the upper

discharge channel 104-1, the lower discharge channel being

located at the lower side of the upper discharge channel

104-1.

In this embodiment, the lower discharge channel 104-2

88262364.1 is located at the upper side of the discharge port 102 of the front panel 300. The lower discharge channel 104-2 may be formed by parts constituting the front panel 300.

In this embodiment, the lower discharge channel 104-2

is formed by the side cover 314 located at the front side in

the discharge direction of air, the drain pan 132 located at

the rear side in the discharge direction of air, and the

first module body 310 and the second module body 320 located

at opposite sides in the discharge direction of air.

Unlike this embodiment, a separate part configured to

be open at the upper and lower sides thereof and to be

closed at the front, rear, and opposite side surfaces

thereof may be installed in order to form the lower

discharge channel 104-2.

In this embodiment, the inner surface of the side

cover 314, the outer surface of the drain pan 132, the link

installation portion 404 of the first module body 410 and

the link installation portion 404 of the second module body

420 forming the lower discharge channel 104-2 are defined as

a discharge guide 360.

For convenience of description, the side cover 314

side is defined as the front, the drain pan 132 is defined

as the rear, the first module body 410 side is defined as

the left, and the second module body 420 side is defined as

the right.

88262364.1

Consequently, the inner surface of the side cover 314

is defined as a front discharge guide 361, the outer surface

of the drain pan 132 is defined as a rear discharge guide

370, and the inner surface of the link installation portion

404 is defined as a side discharge guide 362.

The upper surface and the lower surface of the

discharge guide 360 are open. The upper surface of the

discharge guide 360 communicates with the upper discharge

channel 104-1. The lower surface of the discharge guide 360

forms the discharge port 102.

In this embodiment, the discharge guide 360 may be

disposed at each discharge port 102.

Since discharge step P1 provides horizontal wind, air

may be discharged between the lower surface 222c of the

second vane 220 and the rear discharge guide 370.

The space between the lower surface 222c of the second

vane 220 and the rear discharge guide 370 is defined as a

leakage space LS. In the case in which the flow rate of air

discharged to the leakage space LS decreases, the flow rate

of air guided by the first vane 210 and the second vane 220

increases.

Some of the discharged air enters the leakage space LS

through the upper side of the leakage space LS, and exits

the leakage space LS through the lower side of the leakage

space LS.

88262364.1

In the case in which the amount of air introduced into

the leakage space LS increases, the amount of discharged air

that returns to the suction port 101 increases. A

phenomenon in which air discharged from the discharge port

102 is directly suctioned to the suction port 101 is defined

as return wind.

When return wind is generated, dew condensation is

generated at the edge of the suction panel 320 at which the

return wind is generated. Since the temperature of air

discharged from the discharge port 102 is lower than the

temperature of indoor air, the return wind may reduce the

temperature of the edge of the suction panel 320, whereby

dew condensation may be generated.

The discharged air flowing to the leakage space LS

causes various problems. Particularly, in the case in which

the distance W between the outer edge of the suction port

101 and the grill side border 325 is small, return wind may

be generated. In the case in which the distance W is

increased in order to prevent return wind, the area of the

suction port 101 decreases.

In this embodiment, the structure of the discharge

guide 360 is improved to minimize the return wind. It is

possible to minimize return wind by improving the structure

of the rear discharge guide 370 disposed at the suction port

101 side, which is a portion of the discharge guide 360.

88262364.1

The rear discharge guide 370 includes a vertical guide

body 372 disposed between the discharge port 102 and the

suction port 101, the vertical guide body being disposed

vertically in the upward-downward direction, and a lower

guide body 374 disposed at the lower side of the vertical

guide body 372, the lower guide body being formed so as to

protrude from the lower side of the a vertical guide body

372 toward the second vane 220, the lower guide body forming

the discharge port 102.

The surface of each of the vertical guide body 372 and

the lower guide body 374 exposed to the discharge channel

104 is defined as a guide surface 375. In this embodiment,

the guide surface 375 may be the discharge-channel-side

surface of the drain pan 132.

The guide surface 375 includes a first guide surface

375a, a second guide surface 375b, and a third guide surface

375c formed at the outer surface of the vertical guide body

372 and a fourth guide surface 375d formed at the outer

surface of the lower guide body 374.

The first guide surface 375a is located at the

uppermost side, the second guide surface 375b is located at

the lower side of the first guide surface 375a, the third

guide surface 375c is located at the lower side of the

second guide surface 375b, and the fourth guide surface 375d

is located at the lower side of the third guide surface

88262364.1

375c.

The first guide surface 375a is formed vertically, and

is located higher than the second vane 220. The first guide

surface 375a forms the lower discharge channel 104-2.

The third guide surface 375c is formed vertically in

the upward-downward direction. At least a portion of the

third guide surface 375c is located level with the second

vane 220. The leakage space LS is located between the third

guide surface 375c and the lower surface 222c of the second

vane 220.

The third guide surface 375c is located closer to the

suction port 101 than the first guide surface 375a. That

is, the first guide surface 375a and the third guide surface

375c form an enlargement depth T in the horizontal

direction, when viewed in a side sectional view.

The enlargement depth T extends the sectional area of

the leakage space LS.

In this embodiment, the upper end 376a of the third

guide surface 375c is located higher than the second vane

shaft 221 in the upward-downward direction.

The second guide surface 375b connects the lower end

of the first guide surface 375a and the upper end 376a of

the third guide surface 375c to each other. The second

guide surface 375b may be gently curved or inclined. The

upper end of the second guide surface 375b is disposed so as

88262364.1 to face the discharge channel 104, and the lower end thereof is disposed so as to face the suction port 101.

The fourth guide surface 375d is connected to the

lower end 376b of the third guide surface 375c. The fourth

guide surface 375d is rounded toward the discharge port 102

A step 376 is formed at the lower end 376c of the

fourth guide surface 375d. The step 376 is formed at the

lower end 376c of the fourth guide surface 375d so as to be

concave toward the discharge port 102.

The lower end 376c of the fourth guide surface 375d

protrudes closer to the second vane 220 than the first guide

surface 375a. A vertical extension line of the first guide

surface 375a intersects the fourth guide surface 375d.

The leakage space LS is enlarged by the second guide

surface 375b, the third guide surface 375c, and the fourth

guide surface 375d recessed toward the suction channel 103

by the enlargement depth T.

The rear end 222c of the second vane is located at the

height of the enlargement depth T that is recessed in the

upward-downward direction.

In the horizontal direction, the distance between the

rear end 222a of the second vane and the discharge guide 370

is greater than the distance between the lower end 376c of

the discharge guide and the lower surface 222c of the second

vane.

88262364.1

In this embodiment, the section of the leakage space

LS is gradually narrowed downwards. The area of the inlet

LS1 of the leakage space LS is the largest, and the area of

the outlet LS2 thereof is the smallest.

In the horizontal direction, the sectional area

between the rear end 222a of the second vane and the

discharge guide (specifically, the third discharge guide) is

greater than the sectional area between the lower end of the

discharge guide (specifically, the lower end of the fourth

discharge guide) and the lower surface 222c of the second

vane.

In the case in which the area of the leakage space LS

is formed so as to be gradually narrowed in the flow

direction of air, as described above, it is possible to

inhibit entry of discharged air into the leakage space LS.

Since the area thereof gradually decreases in the flow

direction of air, pressure increases.

It is possible to increase the pressure of the outlet

LS2 so as to be higher than the pressure of the inlet LS1 by

gradually reducing the sectional area of the leakage space

LS.

In discharge step P1, among discharge steps P1 to P6,

the leakage space LS is the largest, and the sectional area

of the leakage space outlet LS2 is the largest.

In discharge step P1, the vertical sectional area of

88262364.1 the leakage space LS may be gradually reduced in order to minimize return wind. In discharge steps P2 to P6, the amount of air that enters the leakage space LS is reduced, since the second vane 220 is closer to the rear discharge guide 370.

In the state of the horizontal wind of discharge step

P1, the driving link 240 may be rotated in the second

direction (in the counterclockwise direction in the figures

of this embodiment), which is opposite the first direction,

to provide discharge step P2.

When the vane module provides one of discharge steps

P2 to P5, the rear end 212b of the first vane is located

higher than the front end 222a of the second vane and is

located level with or lower than the 2-1 vane link shaft

261.

In addition, when the vane module provides one of

discharge steps P2 to P5, the angle formed by the core link

shaft 243, the first driving link shaft 241, and the 1-1

vane link shaft 251 in the clockwise direction with respect

to an imaginary straight line D-D' joining the core link

shaft 243 and the first driving link shaft 241 to each other

is an acute angle.

In discharge step P2, the vane module 200 may provide

inclined wind. The inclined wind is defined as a discharge

88262364.1 step between horizontal wind and vertical wind. In this embodiment, the inclined wind means discharge steps P2, P3,

P4, and P5.

In the state of the inclined wind, air is discharged

further downwards than in the state of the horizontal wind

of discharge step Pl. In discharge step P2, both the first

vane 210 and the second vane 220 are adjusted so as to face

further downwards than in discharge step Pl.

In discharge step P2, the distance S2 between the

front end 222a of the second vane 220 and the rear end 212b

of the first vane 210 is greater than the distance Si in

discharge step Pl.

That is, when discharge step P1 is switched to P2, the

distance between the front end 222a of the second vane 220

and the rear end 212b of the first vane 210 further

increases. In discharge step P2, the first vane 210 and the

second vane 220 are disposed further vertically than in Pl.

When discharge step P1 is switched to discharge step

P2, the front end 222a of the second vane 220 is moved

downwards, and the rear end 212b of the first vane 210 is

moved upwards.

In discharge step P2, the front end 222a of the second

vane 220 and the rear end 212b of the first vane 210 are

located at similar heights.

When discharge step P1 is switched to discharge step

88262364.1

P2, the second vane 220 is rotated in place about the second

vane shaft 221; however, the first vane 210 is turned

(swung), since the first vane is assembled to the driving

link 240 and the first vane link 250.

In particular, when P1 is switched to P2, the first

vane 210 further advances in the discharge direction of air,

and the front end 212a of the first vane is further turned

in the first direction (the clockwise direction in the

figures).

Since the second vane 220 is assembled to the second

vane shaft 221 and the second vane link 260 so as to be

rotatable relative thereto, the second vane is further

rotated about the second vane shaft 221 in the clockwise

direction due to rotation of the second vane link 220.

The front end 222a of the second vane 220 is further

rotated in the second direction (the clockwise direction in

the figures).

When discharge step P1 is switched to discharge step

P2, the first vane 210 and the second vane 220 are rotated

in opposite directions.

In discharge step P2, the vane motor 230 is rotated 78

degrees (P2 rotational angle), and the first vane 210 has an

inclination of about 16 degrees (first vane P2 inclination)

and the second vane 220 has an inclination of about 56

degrees (second vane P2 inclination) by rotation of the vane

88262364.1 motor 230.

The positional relationship between the shafts forming

the centers of rotation of the respective links in discharge

step P2 will be described.

In discharge step P2, the second joint portion 217 and

the first joint portion 216 of the first vane 210 are

disposed so as to be inclined forwards in the discharge

direction of air, similarly to Pl.

When viewed from the side, the third joint portion 226

of the second vane 220 is disposed at the rearmost side, the

first joint portion 216 is disposed at the frontmost side,

and the second joint portion 217 is disposed between the

first joint portion 216 and the third joint portion 226.

In P2, the third joint portion 226, the second joint

portion 217, and the first joint portion 216 are disposed so

as to face forwards and downwards in the discharge direction

of air, when viewed from the side of vane module 200.

In discharge step P2, the third joint portion 226 is

moved further downwards, and the first joint portion 216 and

the second joint portion 217 are moved further forwards.

That is, the distance between the second vane 220 and the

first vane 210 increases.

In discharge step P2, the disposition of the first

vane link 250, the second vane link 260, and the driving

link 240 is similar to that in discharge step Pl.

88262364.1

In discharge step P2, the 1-1 vane link shaft 251 of

the first vane link 250 is located at the lower side of the

1-2 vane link shaft 252. In discharge step P2, the 2-1 vane

link shaft 261 of the second vane link 260 is located at the

lower side of the 2-2 vane link journal 262. In discharge

step P2, the first driving link shaft 241 of the driving

link 240 is located at the lower side of the second driving

link shaft 242 and the core link shaft 243.

In discharge step P2, the second vane shaft 221 is

located at the uppermost side, the third joint portion 226

is located at the lower side of the second vane shaft 221,

the second joint portion 217 is located is located at the

lower side of the third joint portion 226, and the first

joint portion 216 is located at the lower side of the second

joint portion 217.

In discharge step P2, the second joint portion 217 is

further rotated about the core link shaft 243 toward the 1-2

vane link shaft 252.

In discharge step P2, the entirety of the first vane

210 is located at the lower side of the discharge port 102

on the basis of the suction panel 320 or the discharge panel

102. In discharge step P2, the front end 222a of the second

vane 220 is located at the lower side of the discharge port

102, and the rear end 222b thereof is located at the upper

side of the discharge port 102.

88262364.1

In discharge step P2, therefore, the first driving

link shaft 241 and the 1-1 vane link shaft 251 are located

at the lower side of the suction panel 320. In discharge

step P2, the first driving link shaft 241 and the 1-1 vane

link shaft 251 are located at the lower side of the

discharge port 102. The 2-1 vane link shaft 261 is located

over the border of the discharge port 102.

Next, relative positions and directions of the

respective links in discharge step P2 will be described.

In discharge step P2, the first vane link 250 and the

second vane link 260 are disposed in approximately the same

direction, and the first driving link body 246 is disposed

so as to be inclined forwards and downwards. Particularly,

in discharge step P2, the first vane link 250 and the second

vane link 260 are disposed approximately vertically.

Specifically, when discharge step P1 is switched to

discharge step P2, Li-Li' of the first vane link 250 is

further rotated in the discharge direction of air. When

discharge step P1 is switched to discharge step P2, L2-L2'

of the second vane link 260 is further rotated in the

direction opposite the discharge direction of air. When

discharge step P1 is switched to discharge step P2, D-D' of

the first driving link body 246 is further rotated in the

discharge direction of air.

In discharge step P2, the entirety of the first vane

88262364.1

210 is located at the lower side of the discharge port 102,

and only the front end 222a of the second vane 220 is

located at the lower side of the discharge port 102.

When discharge step P1 is switched to discharge step

P2, the front end 212a of the first vane 210 is moved

further forwards than the front edge 102a of the discharge

port 102 on the basis of the discharge port 102.

In discharge step P2, the driving link 240 may be

rotated in the second direction (in the counterclockwise

direction in the figures of this embodiment), which is

opposite the first direction, to provide discharge step P3.

In discharge step P3, the vane module 200 may provide

inclined wind that is discharged further downwards than in

discharge step P2.

In the state of the inclined wind of discharge step

P3, air is discharged further downwards than in the state of

the inclined wind of discharge step P2. In discharge step

P3, both the first vane 210 and the second vane 220 are

adjusted so as to face further downwards than in discharge

step P2.

In discharge step P3, the distance S3 between the

front end 222a of the second vane 220 and the rear end 212b

of the first vane 210 is greater than the distance S2 in

discharge step P2.

88262364.1

That is, when discharge step P2 is switched to P3, the

distance between the front end 222a of the second vane 220

and the rear end 212b of the first vane 210 further

increases. In discharge step P3, the first vane 210 and the

second vane 220 are disposed further vertically than in P2.

When discharge step P2 is switched to discharge step

P3, the front end 222a of the second vane 220 is moved

further downwards, and the rear end 212b of the first vane

210 is moved further upwards.

In discharge step P3, the front end 222a of the second

vane 220 is located lower than the rear end 212b of the

first vane 210.

When discharge step P2 is switched to discharge step

P3, the second vane 220 is rotated in place about the second

vane shaft 221; however, the first vane 210 is turned

(swung), since the first vane is assembled to the driving

link 240 and the first vane link 250.

When discharge step P2 is switched to discharge step

P3, the first vane 210 is located almost in place, and is

rotated in the first direction (the clockwise direction).

When discharge step P2 is switched to discharge step P3, the

second vane 220 is further rotated in the first direction

(the clockwise direction).

When discharge step P2 is switched to discharge step

P3, the first vane 210 is located in place in the first

88262364.1 direction (the clockwise direction), rather than advancing in the discharge direction.

When discharge step P2 is switched to discharge step

P3, the front end 222a of the second vane 220 is further

rotated in the first direction (the clockwise direction) due

to downward movement of the second vane link 220.

When discharge step P2 is switched to discharge step

P3, the first vane 210 and the second vane 220 are rotated

in opposite directions.

In discharge step P3, the vane motor 230 is rotated 95

degrees (P3 rotational angle), and the first vane 210 has an

inclination of about 29 degrees (first vane P3 inclination)

and the second vane 220 has an inclination of about 67

degrees (second vane P3 inclination) by rotation of the vane

motor 230.

The positional relationship between the shafts forming

the centers of rotation of the respective links in discharge

step P3 will be described.

In discharge step P3, the second joint portion 217 and

the first joint portion 216 of the first vane 210 are

disposed so as to be inclined forwards in the discharge

direction of air, similarly to P2.

When viewed from the side, the third joint portion 226

of the second vane 220 is disposed at the rearmost side, the

first joint portion 216 is disposed at the frontmost side,

88262364.1 and the second joint portion 217 is disposed between the first joint portion 216 and the third joint portion 226.

In discharge step P3, the third joint portion 226 is

moved further downwards. In discharge step P3, the first

joint portion 216 and the second joint portion 217 are moved

upwards due to rotation of the first vane link 250 and the

first driving link body 246 in the second direction.

Since the length of the first driving link body 246 is

less than the length of the first vane link 250, the upper

side of the second joint portion 217 is higher.

In discharge step P3, the disposition of the shafts at

the driving link 240, the first vane link 250, and the

second vane link 260 is similar to that in discharge step

P2.

However, relative heights of the first driving link

shaft 241, the 1-1 vane link shaft 251, and the 2-1 vane

link shaft 261 rotated by operation of the driving link 240,

the first vane link 250, and the second vane link 260 are

varied.

In discharge step P3, the first driving link shaft 241

is moved upwards, and the 2-1 vane link shaft 261 is moved

downwards, whereby these shafts are located at similar

heights in the upward-downward direction.

When discharge step P2 is switched to discharge step

P3, the second joint portion 217 is further rotated about

88262364.1 the core link shaft 243 toward the 1-2 vane link shaft 252, and the second joint portion 217 is spaced further apart from the 2-1 vane link shaft 261.

In discharge step P3, the 2-2 vane link journal 262 is

located lower than the core link shaft 243.

When discharge step P2 is switched to discharge step

P3, the 2-1 vane link shaft 261 is moved further rearwards

than the 2-2 vane link journal 262.

On the basis of the suction panel 320 or the discharge

port 102, the position of the first vane 210 and the second

vane 220 in discharge step P3 is similar to that in

discharge step P2.

In discharge step P3, therefore, the first driving

link shaft 241 and the 1-1 vane link shaft 251 are located

at the lower side of the suction panel 320 and the discharge

port 102. The 2-1 vane link shaft 261 is located over the

border of the discharge port 102.

Next, relative positions and directions of the

respective links in discharge step P3 will be described.

In discharge step P3, the first vane link 250 and the

second vane link 260 are disposed in opposite directions.

In discharge step P3, the first driving link body 246

and the first vane link 250 are disposed so as to be

inclined forwards and downwards. In discharge step P3, the

second driving link body 247 is disposed so as to face

88262364.1 rearwards, and the second vane link 260 is disposed so as to face rearwards and downwards.

Specifically, when discharge step P2 is switched to

discharge step P3, Li-Li' of the first vane link 250 is

further rotated in the discharge direction of air. When

discharge step P2 is switched to discharge step P3, L2-L2'

of the second vane link 260 is further rotated in the

direction opposite the discharge direction of air. When

discharge step P2 is switched to discharge step P3, D-D' of

the first driving link body 246 is further rotated in the

discharge direction of air.

When discharge step P2 is switched to discharge step

P3, both the first vane 210 and the second vane 220 are

turned or rotated further vertically downwards on the basis

of the discharge port 102.

In discharge step P3, the driving link 240 may be

rotated in the second direction (in the counterclockwise

direction in the figures of this embodiment), which is

opposite the first direction, to provide discharge step P4.

In discharge step P4, the vane module 200 may provide

inclined wind that is discharged further downwards than in

discharge step P3. In the state of the inclined wind of

discharge step P4, air is discharged further downwards than

in the state of the inclined wind of discharge step P3.

88262364.1

In discharge step P4, both the first vane 210 and the

second vane 220 are adjusted so as to face further downwards

than in discharge step P3.

In discharge step P4, the distance S4 between the

front end 222a of the second vane 220 and the rear end 212b

of the first vane 210 is greater than the distance S3 in

discharge step P3.

When discharge step P3 is switched to P4, the distance

between the front end 222a of the second vane 220 and the

rear end 212b of the first vane 210 further increases. In

discharge step P4, the first vane 210 and the second vane

220 are disposed further vertically than in P3.

When discharge step P3 is switched to discharge step

P4, the front end 222a of the second vane 220 is moved

further downwards, and the rear end 212b of the first vane

210 is moved further upwards.

In discharge step P4, the front end 222a of the second

vane 220 is located lower than in discharge step P3, and the

rear end 212b of the first vane 210 is located higher than

in discharge step P3.

When discharge step P3 is switched to discharge step

P4, the second vane 220 is rotated in place about the second

vane shaft 221. When discharge step P3 is switched to

discharge step P4, the first joint portion 216 of the first

vane 210 stays almost in place, and the second joint portion

88262364.1

217 is rotated about the first joint portion 216 in the

first direction (the clockwise direction).

That is, when discharge step P3 is switched to

discharge step P4, the first vane 210 is hardly moved, and

is rotated in place. When discharge step P3 is switched to

discharge step P4, the first vane 210 is rotated about the

first joint portion 216 in the first direction (the

clockwise direction).

When discharge step P3 is switched to discharge step

P4, the second vane 220 is further rotated in the first

direction (the clockwise direction).

When discharge step P3 is switched to discharge step

P4, the front end 222a of the second vane 220 is further

rotated in the first direction (the clockwise direction) due

to downward movement of the second vane link 220.

When discharge step P3 is switched to discharge step

P4, the first vane 210 and the second vane 220 are rotated

in the same direction.

When discharge step P3 is switched to discharge step

P4, the 1-1 vane link shaft 251 may be located further

forwards than the 1-2 vane link shaft 252.

In discharge step P4, the vane motor 230 is rotated

100 degrees (P4 rotational angle), and the first vane 210

has an inclination of about 35 degrees (first vane P4

inclination) and the second vane 220 has an inclination of

88262364.1 about 70 degrees (second vane P4 inclination) by rotation of the vane motor 230.

The positional relationship between the shafts forming

the centers of rotation of the respective links in discharge

step P4 will be described.

In discharge step P4, the second joint portion 217 and

the first joint portion 216 of the first vane 210 are

disposed so as to be inclined forwards in the discharge

direction of air, similarly to P3.

When viewed from the side, the third joint portion 226

of the second vane 220 is disposed at the rearmost side, the

first joint portion 216 is disposed at the frontmost side,

and the second joint portion 217 is disposed between the

first joint portion 216 and the third joint portion 226.

In discharge step P4, the third joint portion 226 is

moved further downwards. In discharge step P4, the first

joint portion 216 of the first vane link 250 is slightly

moved upwards in the second direction (the counterclockwise

direction) or is located almost in place, and the second

joint portion 217 is rotated about the first joint portion

216 in the first direction (the clockwise direction).

When the first vane 210 is further rotated than in

discharge step P4, the first vane 210 is moved in the

direction opposite the advancing direction up to now. In

discharge step P1 to discharge step P4, the first vane 210

88262364.1 is moved in the discharge direction of air, and is rotated about the second joint portion 217 in the first direction

(the clockwise direction).

In discharge step P4, the disposition of the shafts at

the driving link 240, the first vane link 250, and the

second vane link 260 is similar to that in discharge step

P3. In discharge step P4, however, the second joint portion

217 and the first joint portion 216 are disposed in a line

in the longitudinal direction of the first driving link body

246.

Relative heights of the first driving link shaft 241,

the 1-1 vane link shaft 251, and the 2-1 vane link shaft 261

rotated by operation of the driving link 240, the first vane

link 250, and the second vane link 260 are varied.

In discharge step P4, the first driving link shaft 241

is moved upwards, and the 2-1 vane link shaft 261 is moved

downwards, whereby the first driving link shaft 241 is

located slightly higher than the 2-1 vane link shaft 261.

When discharge step P3 is switched to discharge step

P4, the second joint portion 217 is further rotated about

the core link shaft 243 toward the 1-2 vane link shaft 252,

and the core link shaft 243, the first driving link shaft

241, and the 1-1 vane link shaft 251, each of which is

formed in the shape of a straight line, may be disposed in a

line.

88262364.1

In discharge step P4, the 2-2 vane link journal 262 is

located lower than the core link shaft 243.

When discharge step P3 is switched to discharge step

P4, the 2-1 vane link shaft 261 is moved further rearwards

than the 2-2 vane link journal 262.

On the basis of the suction panel 320 or the discharge

port 102, the position of the first vane 210 and the second

vane 220 in discharge step P4 is similar to that in

discharge step P3.

Next, relative positions and directions of the

respective links in discharge step P4 will be described.

When discharge step P3 is switched to discharge step

P4, the first vane link 250 and the second vane link 260 are

disposed so as to face in opposite directions. When

discharge step P3 is switched to discharge step P4, the

first vane link 250 is hardly rotated, and only the second

vane link 260 may be rotated rearwards.

In this embodiment, there is no separate construction

capable of limiting motion of the first vane link 250. In

this embodiment, motion of the first vane link 250 may be

limited through the coupling relationship between the first

vane link 250, the first vane 210, and the first driving

link body 246.

In discharge step P4, the first driving link body 246

and the first vane link 250 are disposed so as to be

88262364.1 inclined forwards and downwards. In discharge step P4, the second driving link body 247 is disposed so as to face rearwards, and the second vane link 260 is disposed so as to face rearwards and downwards.

In this embodiment, when discharge step P3 is switched

to discharge step P4, Li-Li' of the first vane link 250 may

be further rotated in the discharge direction of air. When

discharge step P3 is switched to discharge step P4, L2-L2'

of the second vane link 260 is further rotated in the

direction opposite the discharge direction of air. When

discharge step P3 is switched to discharge step P4, D-D' of

the first driving link body 246 is further rotated in the

discharge direction of air. An imaginary straight line

joining the first joint portion 216 and the second joint

portion 217 to each other is defined as B-B'.

In discharge step P4, D-D' and B-B' are connected to

each other as a straight line, and have an angle of 180

degrees therebetween.

D-D' and B-B' have an angle of less than 180 degrees

therebetween in discharge step P1 to discharge step P3, an

angle of less than 180 degrees therebetween in discharge

step P4, and an angle of greater than 180 degrees

therebetween in discharge step P5 and discharge step P5.

In discharge step P4, the driving link 240 may be

88262364.1 rotated in the second direction (in the counterclockwise direction in the figures of this embodiment), which is opposite the first direction, to provide discharge step P5.

In discharge step P5, the vane module 200 may provide

inclined wind that is discharged further downwards than in

discharge step P4. In the state of the inclined wind of

discharge step P5, air is discharged further downwards than

in the state of the inclined wind of discharge step P4.

In discharge step P5, both the first vane 210 and the

second vane 220 are adjusted so as to face further downwards

than in discharge step P4.

In discharge step P5, the distance S5 between the

front end 222a of the second vane 220 and the rear end 212b

of the first vane 210 is greater than the distance S4 in

discharge step P4.

When discharge step P4 is switched to P5, the distance

between the front end 222a of the second vane 220 and the

rear end 212b of the first vane 210 further increases. In

discharge step P5, the first vane 210 and the second vane

220 are disposed further vertically than in P4.

When discharge step P4 is switched to discharge step

P5, the front end 222a of the second vane 220 is moved

further downwards, and the rear end 212b of the first vane

210 is moved further upwards.

In discharge step P5, the front end 222a of the second

88262364.1 vane 220 is located lower than in discharge step P4, and the rear end 212b of the first vane 210 is located higher than in discharge step P4.

When discharge step P4 is switched to discharge step

P5, the second vane 220 is rotated in place about the second

vane shaft 221. When discharge step P4 is switched to

discharge step P5, the first joint portion 216 of the first

vane 210 stays almost in place, and the second joint portion

217 is further rotated about the first joint portion 216 in

the first direction (the clockwise direction).

That is, when discharge step P4 is switched to

discharge step P5, the first vane 210 is hardly moved, and

is rotated in place about the first joint 216.

When discharge step P4 is switched to discharge step

P5, the first vane 210 is further rotated about the first

joint portion 216 in the first direction (the clockwise

direction). When discharge step P4 is switched to discharge

step P5, the second vane 220 is further rotated in the first

direction (the clockwise direction).

When discharge step P4 is switched to discharge step

P5, the front end 222a of the second vane 220 is further

rotated in the first direction (the clockwise direction) due

to downward movement of the second vane link 220.

When discharge step P4 is switched to discharge step

P5, the first vane 210 and the second vane 220 are rotated

88262364.1 in the same direction.

When discharge step P4 is switched to discharge step

P5, the 1-1 vane link shaft 251 may be located further

forwards than the 1-2 vane link shaft 252.

In discharge step P5, the vane motor 230 is rotated

105 degrees (P5 rotational angle), and the first vane 210

has an inclination of about 44 degrees (first vane P5

inclination) and the second vane 220 has an inclination of

about 72 degrees (second vane P5 inclination) by rotation of

the vane motor 230.

The positional relationship between the shafts forming

the centers of rotation of the respective links in discharge

step P5 will be described.

In discharge step P5, the second joint portion 217 and

the first joint portion 216 of the first vane 210 are

disposed so as to be inclined forwards in the discharge

direction of air, similarly to discharge step P4.

When viewed from the side, the third joint portion 226

of the second vane 220 is disposed at the rearmost side, the

first joint portion 216 is disposed at the frontmost side,

and the second joint portion 217 is disposed between the

first joint portion 216 and the third joint portion 226.

In discharge step P5, the third joint portion 226 is

moved further downwards, and the second joint portion 217 of

the first vane link 250 is rotated about the first joint

88262364.1 portion 216 in the first direction (the clockwise direction).

In discharge step P5, the second joint portion 217 is

located so as to protrude toward the 1-2 vane link shaft 252

on the basis of an imaginary straight line joining the core

link shaft 243 and the first joint portion 216 to each

other.

In discharge step P5, the disposition of the shafts at

the driving link 240, the first vane link 250, and the

second vane link 260 is similar to that in discharge step

P4.

Relative heights of the first driving link shaft 241,

the 1-1 vane link shaft 251, and the 2-1 vane link shaft 261

rotated by operation of the driving link 240, the first vane

link 250, and the second vane link 260 are varied.

When discharge step P4 is switched to discharge step

P5, the first driving link shaft 241 is moved upwards, and

the 2-1 vane link shaft 261 is moved downwards. In

discharge step P5, therefore, the first driving link shaft

241 is located slightly higher than the 2-1 vane link shaft

261.

When discharge step P4 is switched to discharge step

P5, the second joint portion 217 is rotated about the core

link shaft 243, and the second joint portion 217 is further

rotated toward the 1-2 vane link shaft 252.

88262364.1

In discharge step P5, the core link shaft 243, the

first driving link shaft 241, and the 1-1 vane link shaft

251 are disposed in a line. In discharge step P5, the core

link shaft 243, the first driving link shaft 241, and the 1

1 vane link shaft 251 form an obtuse angle of 180 degrees or

more (on the basis of D-D').

In discharge step P5, the 2-2 vane link journal 262 is

located lower than the core link shaft 243. When discharge

step P1 is switched to discharge step P6, the angle formed

by the core link shaft 243, the 2-2 vane link journal 262,

and the third joint portion 226 gradually increases.

When discharge step P1 is switched to discharge step

P6, however, the angle formed by the core link shaft 243,

the 2-2 vane link journal 262, and the third joint portion

226 is less than 180 degrees.

When discharge step P4 is switched to discharge step

P5, the 2-1 vane link shaft 261 is moved further rearwards

than the 2-2 vane link journal 262, and is located between

the third joint portion 226 and the core link shaft 243.

On the basis of the suction panel 320 or the discharge

port 102, the position of the first vane 210 and the second

vane 220 in discharge step P5 is similar to that in

discharge step P4.

Next, relative positions and directions of the

respective links in discharge step P5 will be described.

88262364.1

When discharge step P4 is switched to discharge step

P5, the first vane link 250 and the second vane link 260 are

disposed so as to face in opposite directions. When

discharge step P4 is switched to discharge step P5, the

first vane link 250 is hardly rotated, and only the second

vane link 260 may be further rotated rearwards.

In discharge step P5, the disposition of the first

driving link body 246, the first vane link 250, the second

vane link 260 is similar to that in discharge step P4.

In this embodiment, when discharge step P4 is switched

to discharge step P5, L1-L1' of the first vane link 250 may

be rotated in the direction opposite the discharge direction

of air. When discharge step P4 is switched to discharge

step P5, L2-L2' of the second vane link 260 is further

rotated in the direction opposite the discharge direction of

air. When discharge step P4 is switched to discharge step

P5, D-D' of the first driving link body 246 is rotated in

the discharge direction of air.

In discharge step P5, D-D' and B-B' have an obtuse

angle therebetween.

When discharge step P1 is switched to discharge step

P4, the front end 212a of the first vane is moved in the

discharge direction of air (forwards). When discharge step

P4 is switched to discharge step P6, however, the front end

212a of the first vane is moved in the direction opposite

88262364.1 the discharge direction of air (rearwards).

When discharge step P4 is switched to discharge step

P6, therefore, the first vane 210 may be disposed further

vertically.

In this embodiment, the state of the module vane 200

in discharge step P6 is defined as vertical wind.

The vertical wind does not mean that the first vane

210 and the second vane 220 constituting the module vane 200

are disposed vertically. This means that air discharged

from the discharge port 102 is discharged downwards from the

discharge port 102.

In discharge step P5, the driving link 240 may be

rotated in the second direction (in the counterclockwise

direction in the figures of this embodiment), which is

opposite the first direction, to provide discharge step P6.

In discharge step P6, the flow of the discharged air in the

horizontal direction is minimized, and the flow of the

discharged air in the vertical direction is maximized. In

the state of the vertical wind of discharge step P6 air is

discharged further downwards than in the state of the

inclined wind of discharge step P5.

In discharge step P6, both the first vane 210 and the

second vane 220 are adjusted so as to face further downwards

than in discharge step P5.

88262364.1

When providing discharge step P6, the rear end 222b of

the second vane is located higher than the discharge port,

the front end 222a of the second vane is located lower than

the discharge port, and the rear end 212b of the first vane

is located higher than the front end 222a of the second vane

and is located higher than the discharge port. In addition,

the front end 212a of the first vane is located lower than

the front end 222a of the second vane.

When providing discharge step P6, the rear end 212b of

the first vane is disposed so as to face the discharge port

102.

In discharge step P6, the distance S6 between the

front end 222a of the second vane 220 and the rear end 212b

of the first vane 210 is greater than the distance S5 in

discharge step P5.

When discharge step P5 is switched to P6, the distance

between the front end 222a of the second vane 220 and the

rear end 212b of the first vane 210 further increases. In

discharge step P6, the first vane 210 and the second vane

220 are disposed further vertically than in P5.

When discharge step P5 is switched to discharge step

P6, the front end 222a of the second vane 220 is moved

further downwards, and the rear end 212b of the first vane

210 is moved further upwards.

In discharge step P6, the front end 222a of the second

88262364.1 vane 220 is located lower than in discharge step P5, and the rear end 212b of the first vane 210 is located higher than in discharge step P5.

When discharge step P5 is switched to discharge step

P6, the second vane 220 is rotated in place about the second

vane shaft 221. When discharge step P5 is switched to

discharge step P6, the first joint portion 216 of the first

vane 210 stays almost in place, and the second joint portion

217 is further rotated about the first joint portion 216 in

the first direction (the clockwise direction).

That is, when discharge step P5 is switched to

discharge step P6, the first vane 210 may be moved

rearwards. When discharge step P5 is switched to discharge

step P6, the front end 212a of the first vane 210 is moved

rearwards, since the first vane 210 is further rotated about

the first joint portion 216 in the first direction (the

clockwise direction).

When discharge step P5 is switched to discharge step

P6, the second vane 220 is further rotated in the first

direction (the clockwise direction). When discharge step P5

is switched to discharge step P6, the front end 222a of the

second vane 220 is further rotated in the first direction

(the clockwise direction) due to downward movement of the

second vane link 220.

When discharge step P5 is switched to discharge step

88262364.1

P6, the first vane 210 and the second vane 220 are rotated

in the same direction.

In discharge step P6, the vane motor 230 is rotated

110 degrees (P5 rotational angle) , and the first vane 210

has an inclination of about 56 degrees (first vane P6

inclination) and the second vane 220 has an inclination of

about 74 degrees (second vane P6 inclination) by rotation of

the vane motor 230.

The positional relationship between the shafts forming

the centers of rotation of the respective links in discharge

step P6 will be described.

In discharge step P6, the second joint portion 217 and

the first joint portion 216 of the first vane 210 are

disposed so as to be inclined forwards in the discharge

direction of air, similarly to discharge step P5.

When viewed from the side, the third joint portion 226

of the second vane 220 is disposed at the rearmost side, the

first joint portion 216 is disposed at the frontmost side,

and the second joint portion 217 is disposed between the

first joint portion 216 and the third joint portion 226.

In discharge step P6, the third joint portion 226 is

moved further downwards, and the second joint portion 217 of

the first vane link 250 is rotated about the first joint

portion 216 in the first direction (the clockwise

direction).

88262364.1

In discharge step P6, the second joint portion 217 is

located so as to further protrude toward the 1-2 vane link

shaft 252 on the basis of an imaginary straight line joining

the core link shaft 243 and the first joint portion 216 to

each other.

In discharge step P6, the disposition of the shafts at

the driving link 240, the first vane link 250, and the

second vane link 260 is similar to that in discharge step

P5.

Relative heights of the first driving link shaft 241,

the 1-1 vane link shaft 251, and the 2-1 vane link shaft 261

rotated by operation of the driving link 240, the first vane

link 250, and the second vane link 260 are varied.

When providing discharge step P6, the rear end 212b of

the first vane is located at the lower side of the core link

shaft 243, and is located further forwards than the core

link shaft 243. When providing discharge step P6, the front

end 212a of the first vane is located further rearwards than

the front edge 102a of the discharge port.

When discharge step P5 is switched to discharge step

P6, the first driving link shaft 241 is moved upwards, and

the 2-1 vane link shaft 261 is moved downwards. In

discharge step P6, therefore, the first driving link shaft

241 is located higher than the 2-1 vane link shaft 261.

When providing discharge step P6, the 2-2 vane link

88262364.1 journal 262 is located lower than the core link shaft 243, the first driving link shaft 241 is located lower than the

2-2 vane link journal 262, the 2-1 vane link shaft 261 is

located lower than the first driving link shaft 241, and the

1-1 vane link shaft 251 is located lower than the 2-1 vane

link shaft 261.

When discharge step P5 is switched to discharge step

P6, the second joint portion 217 is rotated about the core

link shaft 243, and the second joint portion 217 is further

rotated toward the 1-2 vane link shaft 252.

When viewed from the side, in discharge step P6, at

least a portion of the second joint portion 217 may overlap

the first vane link body 255. Since the second joint

portion 217 is moved to the position at which the second

joint portion overlaps the first vane link body 255, it is

possible to further vertically dispose the first vane 210.

In discharge step P6, however, the second joint

portion 217 is not moved forwards over Li-Li'. The second

joint portion 217 is not moved further forwards than the

first vane link body 255. In the case in which the second

joint portion 217 is excessively moved forwards, the second

joint portion may not return to the original position

thereof even when the vane motor is rotated in the first

direction (the clockwise direction).

In order to prevent excessive rotation of the driving

88262364.1 link 240, the first driving link body 246 and one end 270a of the stopper 270 interfere with each other in discharge step P6. The first driving link body 246 is supported by the stopper 270, whereby further rotation of the driving link is limited.

In discharge step P6, the core link shaft 243, the

first driving link shaft 241, and the 1-1 vane link shaft

251 form an obtuse angle of 180 degrees or more (the

clockwise direction on the basis of D-D').

When discharge step P5 is switched to discharge step

P6, the 1-1 vane link shaft 251 may be located further

forwards than the 1-2 vane link shaft 252.

In discharge step P6, the 2-2 vane link journal 262 is

located at the lower side of the core link shaft 243, the

second joint portion 217 is located at the lower side of the

2-2 vane link journal 262, the third joint portion 226 is

located at the lower side of the second joint portion 217,

and the first joint portion 216 is located at the lower side

of the third joint portion 226.

When discharge step P5 is switched to discharge step

P6, the 2-1 vane link shaft 261 is moved further rearwards

than the 2-2 vane link journal 262, and is located between

the third joint portion 226 and the core link shaft 243.

Next, relative positions and directions of the

respective links in discharge step P6 will be described.

88262364.1

When discharge step P5 is switched to discharge step

P6, the first vane link 250 and the second vane link 260 are

disposed so as to face in opposite directions. When

discharge step P5 is switched to discharge step P6, the

first vane link 250 is hardly rotated, and only the second

vane link 260 may be further rotated rearwards.

In discharge step P6, the disposition of the first

driving link body 246, the first vane link 250, the second

vane link 260 is similar to that in discharge step P5.

When providing discharge step P6, the 2-1 vane link

shaft 261 is located further forwards than the second vane

shaft 221, the 2-2 vane link journal 262 is located further

forwards than the 2-1 vane link shaft 261, the core link

shaft 243 is located further forwards than the 2-2 vane link

journal 262, the first driving link shaft 241 is located

further forwards than the core link shaft 243, and the 1-1

vane link shaft 251 is located further forwards than the

first driving link shaft 241.

In this embodiment, when discharge step P5 is switched

to discharge step P6, Li-Li' of the first vane link 250 may

be further rotated in the direction opposite the discharge

direction of air. When discharge step P5 is switched to

discharge step P6, L2-L2' of the second vane link 260 is

further rotated in the direction opposite the discharge

direction of air. When discharge step P5 is switched to

88262364.1 discharge step P6, D-D' of the first driving link body 246 is further rotated in the direction opposite the discharge direction of air.

In discharge step P6, the angle between D-D' and B-B',

which is an obtuse angle, is greater than the angle between

D-D' and B-B', which is an obtuse angle, in discharge step

P5.

When discharge step P1 is switched to discharge step

P4, the front end 212a of the first vane is moved in the

discharge direction of air (forwards).

When discharge step P1 is switched to discharge step

P4, the first vane link 250 is rotated in the second

direction (the counterclockwise direction). When discharge

step P4 is switched to discharge step P6, however, the first

vane link 250 is rotated in the first direction (the

clockwise direction).

When discharge step P1 is switched to discharge step

P4, therefore, the front end 212s of the first vane is

rotated in the second direction and is moved upwards. When

discharge step P4 is switched to discharge step P6, however,

the front end 212s of the first vane is rotated in the first

direction and is moved downwards. That is, motion of the

first vane 210 is changed on the basis of discharge step P4.

When discharge step P4 is switched to discharge step

P6, the first vane 210 may be disposed further vertically.

88262364.1

In discharge step P6, the rear end 212b of the first vane

210 is located further forwards than the core link shaft

243.

When the vane module 200 forms the vertical wind in

the discharge step P6, the first vane 210 and the second

vane 220 are maximally spaced apart from each other.

In discharge step P6, at least one of the second joint

portion 217 or the first drive link shaft 241 overlaps the

first vane link 250, when viewed from the side of the vane

module 200.

In discharge step P6, at least one of the second joint

portion 217 or the first drive link shaft 241 is located on

or behind Li-Li of the first vane link 250, when viewed from

the side of the vane module 200.

In discharge step P6, the rear end 212b of the first

vane 210 is located inside the discharge port 102 and is

located higher than the outer surface of the side cover 314,

when viewed from the side of the vane module 200. Since the

rear end 212b of the first vane 210 is located inside the

discharge port 102, it is possible to guide air discharged

from the discharge port 102 in the vertical direction.

While the embodiments of the present disclosure have

been described with reference to the accompanying drawings,

the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments and

may be embodied in various different forms, and those

88262364.1 skilled in the art will appreciate that the present disclosure may be embodied in specific forms other than those set forth herein without departing from the technical idea and essential characteristics of the present disclosure. The disclosed embodiments are therefore to be construed in all aspects as illustrative and not restrictive.

[Description of Reference Numerals]

100: Case 101: Suction port

102: Discharge port 103: Suction channel

104: Discharge channel 110: Case housing

120: Front panel 130: Indoor heat exchanger

140: Indoor blowing fan 200: Vane module

210: First vane 212a: Front end of first vane

212b: Rear end of first vane

216: First joint portion 217: Second joint portion

220: Second vane 222a: Front end of second vane

222b: Rear end of second vane

226: Third joint portion 230: Vane motor

240: Driving link 241: First driving link shaft

242: Second driving link shaft 243: Core link shaft

245: Driving link body 246: First driving link body

247: Second driving link body 248: Core body

250: First vane link 260: Second vane link

251: 1-1 vane link shaft 252: 1-2 vane link shaft

88262364.1

261: 2-1 vane link shaft 262: 2-2 vane link

shaft300: Front panel 310: Front body

320: Suction grill 330: Pre-filter

400: Module body 410: First module body

420: Second module body 500: Elevator

88262364.1

Claims

[CLAIMS]

1. An air conditioner comprising:

a front panel having a suction port and a discharge

port;

a lower discharge channel communicating with the

discharge port, the lower discharge channel being located at

an upper side of the discharge port, the lower discharge

channel extending in an upward-downward direction;

a first vane disposed at the discharge port, the first

vane being assembled to the front panel so as to be

rotatable relative thereto;

a second vane disposed at the discharge port, the

second vane disposed at a rear side of the first vane, the

second vane being assembled to the front panel so as to be

rotatable relative thereto; and

a discharge guide extending in the upward-downward

direction at a rear side of the second vane, wherein

a distance between the second vane and the discharge

guide becomes narrower moving downwardly.

2. The air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein a

sectional area between the rear end of the second vane and

the discharge guide is greater than a sectional area between

the lower end of the discharge guide and the lower surface

88262364.1 of the second vane in the horizontal direction.

3. The air conditioner according to claim 1 or claim 2,

wherein

the discharge guide forms the lower discharge channel,

is located at the suction port side of the lower discharge

channel, and is formed at the lower discharge channel so as

to be recessed concavely toward the suction port, and

the rear end of the second vane is located at the

recessed portion in the upward-downward direction.

4. The air conditioner according to any one of claims 1

to 3, wherein

the discharge guide comprises:

a first guide surface exposed to the lower discharge

channel, the first guide surface being located at an

uppermost side;

a second guide surface exposed to the lower discharge

channel, the second guide surface forming a continuous

surface with the first guide surface, the second guide

surface being located at a lower side of the first guide

surface;

a third guide surface exposed to the lower discharge

channel, the third guide surface forming a continuous

surface with the second guide surface, the third guide

88262364.1 surface being located at a lower side of the second guide surface; and a fourth guide surface exposed to the lower discharge channel, the fourth guide surface forming a continuous surface with the third guide surface, the fourth guide surface being located at a lower side of the third guide surface, the third guide surface is located closer to the suction port than the first guide surface, and the second guide surface and the third guide surface form an enlargement depth T recessed concavely toward the suction port.

5. The air conditioner according to claim 4, wherein the

rear end of the second vane is located at a height of the

third guide surface in the upward-downward direction.

6. The air conditioner according to claim 4 or claim 5,

wherein a sectional area between the lower surface of the

second vane and the discharge guide is gradually narrowed

from the third guide surface to the fourth guide surface.

7. The air conditioner according to any one of claims 4

to 6, wherein the first guide surface and the third guide

surface are formed vertically.

88262364.1

8. The air conditioner according to any one of claims 4

to 7, wherein a lower end of the fourth guide surface

protrudes toward the second vane, and the fourth guide

surface is gently curved.

9. The air conditioner according to any one of claims 1

to 8, further comprising:

a vane motor assembled to the front panel, the vane

motor being configured to provide driving force;

a driving link assembled to the front panel so as to

be rotatable relative thereto, the driving link being

coupled to the vane motor, the driving link being configured

to be rotated by the driving force of the vane motor, the

driving link comprising a first driving link body and a

second driving link body having a predetermined angle

therebetween;

a first vane link located further forwards than the

driving link, the first vane link being assembled to each of

a module body and the first vane so as to be rotatable

relative thereto; and

a second vane link assembled to each of the second

driving link body and the second vane so as to be rotatable

relative thereto.

88262364.1

10. The air conditioner according to claim 9, wherein

the second vane comprises: a second vane body formed

so as to extend long in a longitudinal direction of the

discharge port; a second joint rib protruding upwards from

the second vane body, the second joint rib being assembled

to the second vane link so as to be rotatable relative

thereto; and a pair of second vane shafts formed at the

second vane body, the second vane shafts being rotatably

coupled to the front panel, and

the second vane shafts are located at a lower side of

the second guide surface.

11. The air conditioner according to any one of claims 1

to 10, wherein

when the first vane and the second vane provide

discharge step P1, which is one of a plurality of discharge

steps,

the rear end of the second vane is located higher than

the discharge port, a front end of the second vane is

located lower than the discharge port, a rear end of the

first vane is located lower than the front end of the second

vane, and a front end of the first vane is located lower

than the rear end of the first vane.

12. The air conditioner according to claim 9, wherein a

88262364.1 sectional area between the rear end of the second vane and the third guide surface is greater than a sectional area between a lower end of the fourth guide surface and the lower surface of the second vane in the horizontal direction.

13. The air conditioner according to claim 9, wherein

when the first vane and the second vane provide

discharge step P1, which is one of a plurality of discharge

steps,

the rear end of the second vane is located higher than

the discharge port, a front end of the second vane is

located lower than the discharge port, a rear end of the

first vane is located lower than the front end of the second

vane, and a front end of the first vane is located lower

than the rear end of the first vane, and

a sectional area between the rear end of the second

vane and the third guide surface is greater than a sectional

area between a lower end of the fourth guide surface and the

lower surface of the second vane.

14. The air conditioner according to claim 9, wherein a

leakage space is formed between the lower surface of the

second vane and the discharge guide in a horizontal

direction, and a planar sectional area of the leakage space

88262364.1 gradually decreases from an upper side to a lower side of the leakage space.

15. The air conditioner according to any one of claims 1

to 14, further comprising:

an indoor heat exchanger configured to perform heat

exchange between air suctioned from the suction port and a

refrigerant; and

a drain pan configured to support the indoor heat

exchanger, the drain pan being configured to store

condensate water generated in the indoor heat exchanger, and

the discharge guide is formed at the drain pan.

88262364.1