CN111503726A - Indoor unit of air conditioner - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to an indoor unit of an air conditioner. The indoor unit of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention is provided with a front panel made of a metal material, so that vibration generated by a blower fan can be reduced even if the vibration is transmitted to the front panel. And, the front panel is formed of a relatively light aluminum material among metal materials, so that the entire weight of the indoor unit can be relatively reduced.

Description

Indoor unit of air conditioner

Technical Field

The present invention relates to an indoor unit of an air conditioner.

Background

The indoor unit of the air conditioner is classified into a vertical type, a wall-mounted type, or a ceiling type according to the installation position. Among these, a wall-mounted indoor unit is understood to be an air conditioner installed to be attached to a vertical wall surface.

The existing wall-mounted indoor unit needs to be made as light as possible to prevent the wall-mounted indoor unit from separating from the wall surface. For this reason, the casing, particularly the front panel, forming the external appearance of the indoor unit is generally made of a relatively light plastic resin.

According to such a prior art, there are the following problems: the vibration generated when the air supply fan is driven will shake on the relatively light front panel, thereby increasing the noise of the indoor unit.

Further, there is a problem that the outer surface of the front panel is easily soiled or discolored.

In order to prevent such a problem, a technique of constituting a front panel of the indoor unit from a relatively heavy metal material has been proposed. The following prior art documents disclose an indoor unit of an air conditioner having a front panel made of a metal material. The information of the prior art documents is as follows.

Authorization number (authorization date): japanese patent No. 5606339 (2006, 2, 21)

The invention name is as follows: indoor unit of air conditioner

In the above-described conventional document, a structure in which a resin panel is directly joined to the rear side of a metal panel is disclosed, and in this case, the following problems occur.

First, since the metal panel is relatively heavy as compared with the resin panel, even if the resin panel and the metal panel are coupled by forming a hook structure, there is a possibility that the metal panel is easily separated. In this process, the resin panel may be broken.

Second, since more gravity acts on the metal panel than the resin panel, the metal panel or the resin panel may be deformed. This may cause a problem that the joint between the metal panel and the resin panel is released.

Disclosure of Invention

An object of an embodiment of the present invention is to provide an indoor unit of an air conditioner, in which a front panel of the indoor unit is made of a metal material, and thus, vibration does not easily occur in the indoor unit.

Another object of an embodiment of the present invention is to provide an indoor unit of an air conditioner, in which a casing main body of components constituting a casing, excluding a front panel, is formed of a plastic injection-molded product, thereby not significantly increasing the overall weight of the indoor unit.

Another object of an embodiment of the present invention is to provide an indoor unit of an air conditioner, in which a front panel and a casing main body made of different materials are coupled to each other by a bracket, so that the front panel can be firmly supported by the casing main body.

It is another object of an embodiment of the present invention to provide an indoor unit of an air conditioner, in which a front panel is provided to be movable in a vertical direction to selectively open a front discharge portion of the indoor unit, thereby facilitating adjustment of a direction of a discharge airflow.

It is another object of an embodiment of the present invention to provide an indoor unit of an air conditioner in which a filter unit is disposed at an upper portion of the indoor unit, and the filter unit can be pulled out toward a front side of the indoor unit when the front panel is moved downward.

It is another object of an embodiment of the present invention to provide an indoor unit of an air conditioner, in which operation information of the indoor unit can be easily checked by providing a display unit on a front panel.

It is another object of an embodiment of the present invention to provide an indoor unit of an air conditioner, in which a link structure is provided behind a front panel, so that interference between a power line or cable connected to a display unit and a member inside the indoor unit is prevented when the front panel moves upward or downward.

Another object of an embodiment of the present invention is to provide an indoor unit of an air conditioner that can prevent condensed water from being generated on a front panel by improving the position of the front panel.

An indoor unit of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention provides a front panel made of a metal material, so that vibration generated by a blower fan can be reduced even if the vibration is transmitted to the front panel.

In addition, the front panel is made of a relatively light aluminum material among metal materials, thereby relatively reducing the overall weight of the indoor unit.

In addition, the support frame is coupled to the rear of the front panel, thereby firmly supporting the relatively heavy front panel.

In addition, since the front panel made of a metal material and the support frame made of a plastic resin are coupled to each other by the bracket, the front panel can be firmly coupled to each other, and the amount of stress generated by a weight difference transmitted to the front panel is reduced, thereby preventing the front panel from being deformed.

Further, the front panel has a unique gloss of a metal material and can be treated with a texture, so that a beautiful appearance can be realized, and the possibility of surface contamination is low, and cleaning is easy even if the front panel is contaminated.

Further, since the flow path of the discharge airflow can be avoided from the front panel, it is possible to prevent the discharge airflow from acting on the front panel and generating condensed water. In particular, the lower end portion of the front panel may be located higher than the front discharge portion in a state where the front panel is moved upward.

In addition, the display hole is formed in the front panel, the display opening is formed in the support frame, and the display opening is aligned in the front-rear direction, whereby the display module can be easily coupled to the rear of the support frame.

And a display part arranged on the display assembly is exposed out of the front of the indoor unit through the display hole, and the display part and the front surface of the front panel can form the same plane.

Further, since the front panel is provided so as to be movable upward or downward along rails (rails) on both sides, the discharge airflow can be easily controlled, and the filter unit disposed in the upper portion of the indoor unit can be easily attached and detached.

In particular, the rail is provided to a side surface portion of the housing main body, and includes: a fixed rail fixed to the side surface portion; and a moving rail sliding on the fixed rail. Further, the rail coupling portions provided on both sides of the front panel may be coupled to the moving rail and may move in the vertical direction, so that the rail operation and the front panel movement may be reliably realized.

In addition, since the panel driving units for moving the front panel are provided on both sides of the front panel, the front panel can be moved in the vertical direction while maintaining a balanced left-right direction.

In addition, a rail coupling portion protruding rearward and coupled to the rail is provided at the support frame, so that the front panel can be moved softly.

Further, a grill frame having a frame insertion portion is provided behind the support frame, and the rail coupling portion is inserted into the frame insertion portion and is movable in the vertical direction, so that the movement distance of the front panel can be set.

Further, a rack gear that is interlocked with the panel driving unit is provided on the rear surface portion of the support frame, and thus, the rack gear can be interlocked with the panel driving unit.

Further, since the retainer bracket is provided at a side of the rack, and the retainer can slide along the retainer bracket in a state of being coupled to the grid frame, the front panel can be moved in a stably supported state and can be prevented from being detached.

Further, since the display portion is provided on the front panel and the multi-link structure is provided on the rear portion of the front panel, it is possible to prevent the electric wire connected to the display portion from interfering with the front panel.

Further, since the lower end portion of the front panel is disposed at a position higher than the discharge airflow, it is possible to prevent the discharge airflow from contacting the front panel and generating condensed water.

An indoor unit of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a housing main body having a front opening; and a grill frame provided in front of the front opening.

The grill frame includes: a frame front part forming a front discharge part; a frame lower part extending rearward from a lower part of the frame front part and forming a lower discharge part; and a frame side surface portion extending rearward from both sides of the frame front portion and coupled to a side surface of the housing main body.

The indoor unit of the air conditioner further includes: a front panel made of a metal material, provided in front of the grill frame, and provided with a display unit; and a support frame disposed between the grill frame and the front panel, the support frame having a weight smaller than that of the front panel.

The front panel is made of a metal material and has a display hole, so that the arrangement of the display part becomes easy.

The support frame is disposed between the main body assembly and the front panel, and has a display opening corresponding to a rear side of the display hole.

The support frame is constructed of a plastic material.

The display device further comprises a display assembly, wherein the display assembly is arranged on the supporting frame and is provided with a display part inserted into the display hole.

Further comprising a panel bracket disposed between the front panel and the support frame and for combining the front panel and the support frame.

And a bracket slot formed at a rear surface of the front panel, the panel bracket including a bracket body interposed between the bracket slot and the front surface of the support frame.

The bracket main body includes: an inner insertion part inserted into the bracket slot; and a locking part which is separated from the inner insertion part and is supported on the back surface of the front panel.

The bracket main body further includes: a back support portion extending and bent from a lower portion of the bracket main body and supported on a back of the panel main body; and a first fastening hole formed between the latch part and the rear support part, the panel fastening member being inserted into the first fastening hole.

The support frame includes a second fastening hole aligned with the first fastening hole in a front-rear direction, and the panel fastening member is inserted into the second fastening hole.

The front panel includes a support protrusion between the inner insertion portion and the engagement portion, a front surface of the support protrusion supporting the inner insertion portion, and a rear surface of the support protrusion supported by the engagement portion.

The panel bracket may be provided in plurality on the frame portion of the front panel.

The display module is coupled to a back surface of the support frame, and a front portion of the display module protrudes toward a front of the support frame through the display opening.

The display assembly includes: a display main body having a front surface, the display section being disposed on the front surface; a substrate support portion protruding toward a rear of the display main body; and a circuit board disposed inside the board support portion.

The main body assembly includes an avoidance groove recessed from a front surface of the main body assembly toward a rear, and the display unit is located in the avoidance groove.

The main body assembly includes: a grid frame having a frame opening; and a housing main body having a front surface portion corresponding to a rear side of the frame opening portion.

The avoidance groove is formed by the frame opening and the front surface portion of the housing main body.

The front panel further includes a rail provided to the main body assembly and guiding movement of the front panel in the up-down direction.

The support frame includes: a frame body having a front surface opposite to a rear surface of the panel body; and a rail coupling part extending rearward from both sides of the frame body and coupled to a side surface of the rail.

The main body assembly includes: a housing main body, the rail being provided on a side surface portion of the housing main body; and a grill frame coupled to a front of the housing body.

A frame insertion part through which the rail coupling part passes may be formed at the grill frame.

The track includes: a fixed rail fixed to the housing main body and having a sliding groove formed therein; and a moving rail coupled to the fixed rail so as to be movable in a sliding groove, wherein the rail coupling portion is fixed to the moving rail.

The front panel assembly is arranged on the main body assembly, the panel driving part is arranged on the main body assembly and provides driving force for enabling the front panel to move up and down, and the panel driving part comprises a gear motor and a gear assembly.

The rack is arranged on the back of the supporting frame and is linked with the gear assembly.

Further comprising: a holder (holder) provided to the main body assembly; and a holder bracket provided on a back surface of the support frame, the holder being movably inserted into the holder bracket.

The front panel is composed of an aluminum material.

According to the embodiment of the invention, the front panel of the indoor unit is made of the metal material, so that the front panel is not easy to shake due to vibration generated by the indoor unit.

In addition, the front panel made of a metal material has a lower possibility of being contaminated than a plastic resin, and is easy to clean even if contaminated.

In addition, since the front panel can be subjected to a surface treatment that can provide a predetermined texture, a beautiful appearance can be realized.

In addition, the casing main body except the front panel among the components forming the casing is formed by plastic injection molding, so that the whole weight of the indoor unit is not greatly increased. Also, the front panel may be constructed of a relatively light aluminum material.

In addition, the front panel and the case main body made of different materials are coupled to each other by the bracket, whereby the front panel can be firmly supported by the case main body.

Further, the front panel is provided so as to be movable in the vertical direction to selectively open the front discharge portion of the indoor unit, thereby making it possible to easily adjust the direction of the discharge airflow.

The filter unit is disposed at an upper portion of the indoor unit, and when the front panel moves downward, the filter unit can be pulled out toward the front of the indoor unit.

In addition, the display unit is provided on the front panel, so that the operation information of the indoor unit can be easily checked.

Further, since the link structure is provided behind the front panel, when the front panel is moved upward or downward, the power supply line or cable connected to the display unit and the components inside the indoor unit can be prevented from interfering with each other.

Further, by restricting the position of the front panel, the front panel made of a metal material is not affected by the discharge airflow, and thus, the generation of condensed water on the front panel can be prevented.

Drawings

Fig. 1 is a diagram showing a state in which an indoor unit of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention is installed on a wall.

Fig. 2 is a perspective view showing the structure of the indoor unit.

Fig. 3 is a front view showing the indoor unit in a state in which the front panel is moved upward according to the embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 4 is an exploded perspective view showing the structure of the indoor unit.

Fig. 5 is an exploded perspective view showing the structure of the housing of the embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 6 is a perspective view showing a state in which components of the indoor unit are disposed inside the casing.

Fig. 7 is a sectional view taken along line VII-VII' of fig. 2.

Fig. 8 is an exploded perspective view showing the structure of an assembly of a front panel and a support frame (hereinafter referred to as a panel assembly) according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 9 is an exploded perspective view of a display assembly and a panel assembly of an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 10 is an exploded perspective view showing a state where a panel assembly is assembled by using the panel bracket according to the embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 11 is a sectional view taken along line XI-XI' of fig. 4.

Fig. 12 is a perspective view showing the structure of an assembly of a housing main body and a grill frame (hereinafter, referred to as a main body assembly) according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 13 is a front view showing a front structure of an indoor unit with a panel assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention removed.

Fig. 14 is a perspective view showing a partial structure of a front surface portion of the main body assembly.

Fig. 15 is a sectional view taken along line 15-15' of fig. 2.

Fig. 16 is a sectional view taken along line 16-16' of fig. 3.

Fig. 17 is a plan view showing a front structure of an indoor unit with a panel assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention removed.

Fig. 18 is a perspective view showing the structure of the grid frame according to the embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 19 is a plan view showing the structure of the bottom surface of the indoor unit with the panel assembly according to the embodiment of the present invention removed.

Fig. 20 is an exploded plan view showing the structure of the panel assembly and the case main body according to the embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 21 is a view showing a state in which the panel assembly is coupled to a rail.

Fig. 22 is a sectional view taken along line 22-22' of fig. 2.

Fig. 23 is an exploded perspective view showing the panel assembly and the housing main body of the panel driving unit for moving the panel assembly according to the embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 24 is an exploded perspective view of the panel assembly and the housing main body showing the structure of the retainer and the retainer bracket according to the embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 25 is a diagram showing a panel driving unit and its peripheral structure according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 26 is an exploded perspective view showing the structure of the panel driving unit.

Fig. 27 is a sectional view showing the structure of the gear assembly according to the embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 28 is a sectional view taken along line 28-28' of fig. 25.

Fig. 29 is a sectional view showing a coupled state of the holder and the holder bracket.

Fig. 30 is a sectional view taken along line 30-30' of fig. 29.

Fig. 31A and 31B are views showing the structure and operation of the indoor unit when air is discharged downward from the indoor unit.

Fig. 32A and 32B are views showing the structure and operation of the indoor unit when air is discharged from the indoor unit toward the front.

Fig. 33A and 33B are views showing the structure and operation of the indoor unit when air is discharged from the indoor unit to the front and the bottom.

Fig. 34 is a view showing a state in which the filter assembly is pulled out toward the front when the front panel is moved downward.

Detailed Description

Hereinafter, specific embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. However, the inventive concept is not limited to the mentioned embodiments, and a person skilled in the art understanding the inventive concept can easily bring forth different embodiments within the scope of the same concept.

Fig. 1 is a diagram showing a state in which an indoor unit of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention is installed on a wall, fig. 2 is a perspective view showing a structure of the indoor unit, fig. 3 is a front view showing a state of the indoor unit in a state in which a front panel of the embodiment of the present invention is moved upward, and fig. 4 is an exploded perspective view showing a structure of the indoor unit.

Referring to fig. 1 to 4, an indoor unit 10 of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention may be installed on a wall W.

The indoor unit 10 includes: a setting plate 20 fixed to a wall W; a chassis (chassis)30 coupled to the front of the installation plate 20; and a case 100 coupled to the front of the chassis 30.

The installation plate 20 is a member for fixing the indoor unit 10 to a wall W, and the chassis 30 may be placed on the installation plate 20 after being coupled to the wall W. The setting plate 20 includes: a central portion having a thin plate shape coupled to a rear surface of the base plate 30; and both side portions extending downward from both sides of the central portion and supporting a lower portion of the chassis 30.

A plurality of components may be provided inside the chassis 30 and the case 100. The plurality of components may include a supply fan 40 and a heat exchanger 60.

The chassis 30 includes: a plate coupling portion 31 coupled to the installation plate 20; and a rear guide 33 extending in a downward curved manner from the plate coupling portion 31 and surrounding a part of the outer peripheral surface of the air blowing fan 40.

The plate bonding portion 31 has a thin plate shape. The rear guide 33 functions as a flow guide for guiding the airflow discharged from the blower fan 40 to the discharge portions 126 and 129.

The blowing fan 40 includes a cross flow fan. The cross flow fan may suck air sucked from the upper portion of the indoor unit 10 in the circumferential direction and may discharge the air in the circumferential direction. The axial direction of the blower fan 40 may be the lateral direction of the indoor unit 10.

The blower fan 40 may be rotatably supported at both sides of the base chassis 30. In detail, the chassis 30 further includes two fan supporting portions 35, and the two fan supporting portions 35 protrude from both sides of the rear guide 33 toward the front and support both side ends of the blowing fan 40. A fan motor 45 for driving the blowing fan 40 may be provided at an outer side of any one of the two fan supporting parts 35. The shaft of the fan motor 45 may penetrate the fan support 35 and be coupled to the blowing fan 40.

A motor cover (cover)47 may be coupled to the fan motor 45. The fan motor 45 may be disposed in an inner space formed by the fan support 35 and the motor cover 47.

A control box 50 may be provided at a side portion of the chassis 30, and a control member for operating the indoor unit 10 may be provided at the control box 50. The control box 50 may be positioned at a side of the fan motor 45 and supported by a housing main body 110 to be described later.

In the inner space formed by the base plate 30 and the case 100, a heat exchanger 60 may be provided. The heat exchanger 60 is disposed on the suction side of the blower fan 40 with reference to the air flow, and is supported by the chassis 30.

The heat exchanger 60 may have a bent shape. In detail, the heat exchanger 60 includes: a first heat exchange unit 61 extending vertically in a direction corresponding to a front surface of the indoor unit 10; a second heat exchange portion 63 extending obliquely upward from the first heat exchange portion 61; and a third heat exchange portion 65 extending obliquely downward from the second heat exchange portion 63. The first heat exchange portion 61 to the third heat exchange portion 65 may be understood as: is disposed outside the air blowing fan 40 and is disposed in an intake area of air taken in from the air blowing fan 40.

A heat exchanger holder 67 is incorporated in the heat exchanger 60. The heat exchanger holder 67 may be coupled to a side of the heat exchanger 60 and supported by an inner surface of the casing 100.

A refrigerant pipe 70 is coupled to the heat exchanger 60. The refrigerant pipe 70 may flow the refrigerant into the heat exchanger 60, or may guide the flow of the refrigerant discharged from the heat exchanger 60. The refrigerant pipe 70 is coupled to a side of the heat exchanger 60, and a pipe cover 75 surrounds an outer side of the refrigerant pipe 70.

A lower plate 55 for forming a lower appearance of the indoor unit 10 is disposed below the chassis 30.

A housing 100 is provided in front of the chassis 30. It is understood that the assembly of the base plate 30 and the casing 100 constitutes "a main body of the indoor unit". The main body of the indoor unit may have a substantially hexahedral shape.

An air flow path is formed inside the case 100. Specifically, an air suction unit 115a is formed at an upper portion of the case 100, and a filter assembly 300 is provided at the air suction unit 115 a. The air intake portion 115a can be formed by opening the top surface portion 115 of the housing main body 110.

A discharge portion is formed at a lower portion of the housing 100. The discharge portion is formed with a lower discharge portion 126 and a front discharge portion 129. The lower discharge portion 126 is formed at an open lower end portion of the grill frame 120, and the front discharge portion 129 may be formed by opening at least a portion of the front surface of the grill frame 120.

The discharge portion may be provided with a drain pan (80), and the drain pan (80) is disposed at a lower portion of the heat exchanger (60). The drain pan 80 may include left and right vanes 83, and the left and right vanes 83 control the direction of the discharged air flow to the left and right. The left and right vanes 83 are rotatable in the left and right direction with respect to a vertical line, and thus the left and right direction of the discharge airflow can be controlled. The left and right blades 83 may be provided in plural and may be connected by one link rod, and the plural left and right blades 83 may be rotated together by the movement of the link rod.

The lower discharge portion 126 may be provided with upper and lower blades 160 for controlling the direction of the discharge airflow. The upper and lower blades 160 may be provided to be rotatable or slidable, thereby controlling the vertical direction of the discharge airflow.

The front part of the casing 100 includes a front panel 150 for forming the front appearance of the indoor unit 10. The front panel 150 may be provided with a display unit 156 that can check operation information of the indoor unit 10.

The front panel 150 may be disposed to be movable toward an upper or lower direction. For example, when the power of the indoor unit 10 is turned on, the front panel 150 may move upward as an initial operation.

When the front panel 150 moves upward, the human body sensor 165 for detecting a human body of an indoor person may be exposed to the right side of the lower portion of the indoor unit 10. As an example, the human detection sensor 165 may include a camera module having a lens 166. The lens 166 may be oriented forward to form a photographic angle of view. The human body detection sensor 165 may be supported on the top surface of the lower grill 125a of the grill main body 120 and may be positioned on the side of the lower discharge portion 126.

A voice recognition device 190 capable of recognizing the voice of the user is disposed on the side of the human body detection sensor 165. The voice recognition device 190 may be disposed on a side of the front discharge portion 129. That is, the voice recognition device 190 may be disposed between the front discharge unit 129 and the human body detection sensor 165.

The casing 100 includes a grill frame 120, and the grill frame 120 forms an appearance of a front frame portion of the indoor unit 10. The grill frame 120 may include a grill portion having a lower grill 125a and a side grill 125 b. A lower discharge portion 126 is formed at a substantially central portion of the lower grill 125 a.

The voice recognition device 190 includes a microphone hole 195 for collecting a user's voice. The microphone hole 195 may be formed at the grill frame 120. In detail, the microphone holes 195 may be formed to penetrate through an upper portion of the lower grill 125a, and may include a first microphone hole 195a and a second microphone hole 195b that are aligned in the left-right direction (see fig. 19).

A left-right vane motor 85 for driving the left-right vanes 83 is provided on a side of the front discharge portion 129.

The indoor unit 10 further includes a crossbar 128a, and the crossbar 128a extends in the lateral direction at a substantially central portion with respect to the vertical direction of the front discharge portion 129. The crossbar 128a may function as a safety device that prevents entry of a user's hand.

Next, the structure of the housing 100 will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings.

Fig. 5 is an exploded perspective view showing a configuration of a casing according to an embodiment of the present invention, fig. 6 is a perspective view showing a state in which components of an indoor unit are installed in the casing, and fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VII-VII' of fig. 2.

Referring to fig. 5 to 7, the case 100 of the embodiment of the present invention includes a front panel 150.

The front panel 150 includes: a panel main body 151 having a thin plate shape; and a display hole 152, wherein the display hole 152 is formed by opening the panel main body 151, and a display 156 is positioned in the display hole 152. For example, the panel body 151 may have a quadrangular plate shape.

The front panel 150 may be made of a metal material. Other structures of the case 100, other than the front panel 150, may be formed of plastic resin. When the blower fan 40 is driven, vibration is generated, which causes the indoor unit to shake, thereby generating noise.

In the present embodiment, the front panel 150 is formed of a relatively heavy metal material, thereby having an advantage that shaking of the metal material can be reduced even if vibration is generated. Also, the metal material is less likely to be contaminated than the plastic resin, and can be easily cleaned even if contamination occurs.

The front panel 150 may be surface-treated to provide a predetermined texture, thereby realizing a beautiful appearance.

The housing 100 further includes a support frame 140, and the support frame 140 is coupled to the rear of the front panel 150 and supports the front panel 150. The support frame 140 may be in surface-contact with the rear surface of the front panel 150. The assembly of the front panel 150 and the support frame 140 may be named as a "panel assembly".

In detail, the support frame 140 includes: a frame body 141 having a substantially quadrangular plate shape; and a display opening 143 formed by opening at least a part of the frame body 141. The display opening 143 may correspond to a rear of the display hole 152 of the front panel 150.

A display module 155 is provided in the display opening 143. The display assembly 155 includes a circuit substrate and a display portion 156. The display portion 156 constitutes a front portion of the display module 155 and may be exposed to the outside through the display hole 152 of the front panel 150.

In the support frame 140, rail coupling portions 145 are provided to protrude rearward from both sides of the frame body 141, and the support frame 140 may have an "" shape as a whole by the frame body 141 and the rail coupling portions 145 of both sides.

The housing 100 further includes a grill frame 120, and the grill frame 120 is disposed behind the support frame 140 and forms the discharge portions 126 and 129. The front surface of the grill frame 120 is opposite to the rear surface of the support frame 140. The grill frame 120 is made of a plastic material, and may be made of ABS resin (Acrylonitrile-Butadiene-styrene) having relatively high strength, as an example.

A grill 125 for forming the lower part and the side appearance of the indoor unit 10 is provided at the lower part and both side parts of the grill frame 120. The lower discharge portion 126 may be formed in a lower grill 125a of the grill portions 125.

Specifically, the lower grill 125a is configured to extend downward from the lower discharge portion 126, and the lower discharge portion 126 is not easily visible from the outside. Therefore, the beautiful appearance of the indoor unit can be realized. Further, the air discharged from the lower discharge portion 126 is guided by the lower grill 125a, so that the downward linearity of the air can be increased.

Frame insertion portions 127a and 127b for inserting the rail coupling portion 145 are formed at both sides of the grill frame 120. The rail coupling portion 145 may penetrate the frame insertion portions 127a and 127b, extend rearward, and be coupled to the rail 130. The rails 130 may be disposed on both sides of the indoor unit 10.

A housing body 110 is provided behind the grill frame 120. The case body 110 is formed in a rectangular parallelepiped shape as a whole, and may be configured to have an opening at a front portion, a lower portion, and an upper portion thereof. The grill frame 120 and the housing body 110 may be coupled to each other, and an assembly of the grill frame 120 and the housing body 110 may be named as a "body assembly".

Specifically, the housing body 110 includes a body front surface 111, a body side surface 112, a body rear surface 114, and a body top surface 115. The main body front part 111 has a front opening 111a, and at least a part of the front opening 111a is covered by the grill frame 120.

The lower portion of the front opening 111a may correspond to the front discharge portion 129 of the grill frame 120 in the front-rear direction. Therefore, the airflow of the indoor unit can be discharged to the outside through the lower portion of the front opening 111a and the front discharge portion 129. The panel assemblies 140 and 150 are movable in the vertical direction to selectively open and close the front discharge portion 129.

The control box 50 may be disposed inside the main body side portion 112. The outer surface of the main body side portion 112 includes a rail receiving portion 113, and the rail 30 is placed in the rail receiving portion 113. The grid portion 125 is disposed to cover the rail receiving portion 113, and a space portion for installing the rail 130 is formed between the grid portion 125 and the rail receiving portion 113.

The rail coupling portion 145 may be coupled to a side surface of the rail 130. The rail coupling portion 145 may move in the vertical direction along the rail 130 in the process of moving the panel assembly 140, 150 in the vertical direction.

A rear opening 114a is formed in the main body rear surface portion 114. The bottom chassis 30 may be coupled to the rear opening 114 a. That is, it can be understood that: the panel assemblies 140 and 150 constitute a front surface portion of the indoor unit 10 by combining the body assemblies 110 and 120 with the base plate 30 to form an overall appearance of the indoor unit 10.

A top opening 115a for installing the filter unit 300 is formed in the body top surface portion 115. The top opening 115a functions as an air intake unit. A filter support portion 115b is provided in the top opening portion 115a, and the filter support portion 115b extends in the front-rear direction and supports the filter assembly 300. The filter support portions 115b may be provided in plurality and arranged to be spaced apart from each other in the left-right direction.

An upper and lower blade 160 for controlling the vertical direction of the discharge airflow is provided at the lower portion of the casing 100. The upper and lower blades 160 are provided at their sides with: a vane motor 162 for driving the upper and lower vanes 160; and a vane motor cover 163 surrounding the vane motor 162.

The housing 100 further includes a panel driving part 170 providing a driving force, thereby moving the panel assembly 140, 150 up or down. The panel driving unit 170 is disposed on the rear surface of the grill frame 120, and a gear provided in the panel driving unit 170 penetrates the grill frame 120 and contacts the panel assembly 140, 150. The panel driving part 170 is provided at both sides of the case 100, and can provide a stable driving force to the panel assembly 170.

The casing 100 further includes a temperature and humidity sensor 194, and the temperature and humidity sensor 194 detects a temperature and a humidity of an indoor space in which the indoor unit 10 is installed. The temperature/humidity sensor 194 may include a temperature sensor and a humidity sensor, and is disposed on the main body side portion 112 of the housing main body 110.

Specifically, a sensor mounting portion 113a is provided at a lower portion of the main body side portion 112, and the temperature/humidity sensor 194 is provided at the sensor mounting portion 113 a. The sensor mounting portion 113a is formed at a lower side of the rail seating portion 113, and a division rib 113b may be protrusively formed between the sensor mounting portion 113a and the rail seating portion 113. The side surface grating 125b of the grating portion 125 may cover the side surfaces of the rail seating portion 113 and the sensor mounting portion 113 a. A sensor hole is formed in a portion of the side grill 125b corresponding to the position of the temperature/humidity sensor 192, thereby allowing communication with the outside of the indoor unit 10.

The casing 100 further includes a dust sensor 192, and the dust sensor 192 is used to detect air quality information around the indoor unit 10. The dust sensor 192 may be disposed at the main body side portion 112 of the housing main body 110. Specifically, a dust sensor opening 112a is formed in the housing main body 110, and a dust sensor cover 192a is detachably provided in the dust sensor opening 112a (see fig. 12).

The dust sensor cover 192a may be separated to enable cleaning of the dust sensor 192, and a user may clean the dust sensor 192 using a cleaning tool such as a cotton swab, for example.

At an upper portion of the housing 100, there may be provided: a filter cleaning device 400 for separating dust accumulated in the filter assembly 300; and a dust bucket 430 for storing the separated dust. The dust bucket 430 may be disposed at a side of the filter assembly 300.

Between the filter assembly 300 and the dust bucket 430, a brush 420 may be provided. The brush 420 may contact a prefilter (prefilter) provided to the filter assembly 300, thereby scooping up foreign substances accumulated in the prefilter.

The pre-filter can be rotated in a caterpillar form by a filter rotating motor 350, and foreign substances can be separated from the pre-filter by contact between the pre-filter and the brush 420 during the rotation of the pre-filter. The filter rotating motor 350 is surrounded by a motor cover 355, and may be supported inside the housing main body 110.

The brush 420 includes: a brush main body 421 having a cylindrical shape; and bristles 425 provided on the outer circumferential surface of the brush main body 421 and contacting the prefilter.

The filter cleaning apparatus 400 may be disposed at a lower side of the dust bucket 430 and may be located at an upper side of the control box 50. When the filter cleaning apparatus 400 is driven, the suction force of the filter cleaning apparatus 400 is applied to the filter assembly 300 through the dust bucket 430, so that the foreign substances separated from the filter assembly 300 can be stored in the dust bucket 430.

Fig. 8 is an exploded perspective view showing a structure of an assembly of a front panel and a support frame (hereinafter, referred to as a panel assembly) according to an embodiment of the present invention, fig. 9 is an exploded perspective view of a display assembly and a panel assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention, fig. 10 is an exploded perspective view showing a state where a panel assembly is assembled by using a panel bracket according to an embodiment of the present invention, and fig. 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XI-XI' of fig. 4.

Referring to fig. 8 to 11, a front panel 150 according to an embodiment of the present invention may be coupled to a front of the support frame 140. In other words, the support frame 140 may be combined with the rear surface of the front panel 150.

The front panel 150 and the support frame 140 may be made of different materials from each other. In detail, the front panel 150 may be formed of a metal material, and the support frame 140 may be formed of a plastic resin. For example, the front panel 150 may be made of an aluminum material.

Accordingly, the front panel 150 may be formed to be heavier than the support frame 140. However, a recess 151c may be formed at the rear of the front panel 150 to relatively reduce the weight of the front panel 150. It can be understood that: the recess 151c is a product of a notching process performed to reduce the weight of the front panel 150 during the process of the front panel 150.

The recess 151c may be formed in an area of 80% or more of a rear surface area of the front panel 150, and may have a substantially quadrangular shape.

On the other hand, the front panel 150 requires a strong coupling structure to support a heavy component. In the present embodiment, in order to prevent deformation due to the weight of the front panel 150, the front panel 150 may be fastened to the support frame 140 using a panel bracket 153.

In detail, the panel bracket 153 may be coupled to a rear surface of the panel main body 151. The plurality of panel brackets 153 may be disposed at an edge portion of the panel main body 151 at intervals. For example, eight panel holders 153 may be provided.

Four panel brackets 153 may be arranged at a lateral spacing at an upper portion of the rear surface of the panel main body 151, and the remaining four panel brackets 153 may be arranged at a lateral spacing at a lower portion of the rear surface of the front panel 150.

A plurality of bracket slots 151a are formed in a rear surface of the panel body 151 in a recessed manner, and the panel bracket 153 is coupled to the bracket slots 151 a.

In detail, the panel bracket 153 includes a bracket main body 153a extending in the up-down direction. The front surface of the holder main body 153a may be inserted into the holder slot 151a, and the rear surface of the holder main body 153a may be supported by the frame main body 141.

The upper portion of the bracket main body 153a includes: an inner insertion portion 153b inserted into the bracket groove 151a and locked to the panel body 151; and a locking portion 153c bent and extended from the inner insertion portion 153b and supported on the back surface of the panel body 151.

The panel body 151 includes a support protrusion 151b, and the support protrusion 151b is to be located between the inner insertion portion 153a and the catching portion 153 b. The front surface of the supporting projection 151b supports the inner insertion portion 153a, and the rear surface of the supporting projection 151b may be supported by the locking portion 153.

A rear support portion 153e is provided at a lower portion of the bracket main body 153a, and the rear support portion 153e is supported by a rear surface of the panel main body 151. The locking portion 153c may be positioned at an upper side of the bracket slot 151a, and the rear surface supporting portion 153e may be positioned at a lower side of the bracket slot 151 a.

The frame body 141 of the support frame 140 may contact the rear surface of the panel bracket 153 and be fastened to the front panel 150 by a panel fastening member 154.

The frame body 141 has a frame fastening hole 141b formed therein for allowing the panel fastening member 154 to pass therethrough. The panel fastening member 154 is inserted into the frame fastening hole 141b and fastened to the fastening hole 153d of the panel bracket 153. The fastening hole 153d may be formed at a substantially central portion with respect to the vertical direction of the holder main body 153a, and may be positioned between the locking portion 153c and the rear support portion 153 e.

For convenience of description, the fastening hole 153d may be named as a "first fastening hole", and the frame fastening hole 141b may be named as a "second fastening hole".

As described above, the relatively heavy front panel 150 may be fastened to the support frame 140 by the panel bracket 153, and thus the front panel 150 may be prevented from being separated or deformed at the fastening portion.

A display assembly 155 may be disposed at the support frame 140. The display module 155 is coupled to the rear surface of the support frame 140, and a front portion of the display module 155 may protrude to the front of the support frame 140 through the display opening 143.

That is, the display module 155 may be coupled to the rear surface of the support frame 140 and extend forward through the display opening 143. The display portion 156 may be positioned in front of the display opening 143.

In detail, the display assembly 155 includes a display main body 155a, and the display main body 155a is fastened to the rear surface of the frame main body 141. The display main body 155a may have a substantially quadrangular plate shape, and the display portion 156 may be disposed at the front of the display main body 155 a.

A fastening hole 155f for allowing a display fastening member 155e to pass therethrough is formed in the display main body 155a, and the display fastening member 155e passes through the fastening hole 155f and can be fastened to a display fastening hole 141d of the frame main body 141. For example, four display fastening holes 141d may be formed on the corner side of the display opening 143.

The display main body 155a includes a substrate support portion 155b protruding rearward from a rear surface of the display main body 155 a. The substrate supporting part 155b may have a substantially quadrangular frame shape, and a circuit substrate 155c for disposing a plurality of electric elements may be disposed inside the substrate supporting part 155 b.

The display assembly 155 further includes a display cover 155d for covering the circuit substrate 155 c. The display cover 155d may be fastened to a corner side of the circuit substrate 155 c.

According to this structure, the display assembly 155 may protrude toward the rear of the support frame 140. The display unit 155 is inserted into a first opening 121f of the grill frame 120, which will be described later, so that the display unit 155 is prevented from interfering with the main body assemblies 110 and 120 when the panel assemblies 140 and 150 move in the vertical direction.

Fig. 12 is a perspective view showing a structure of an assembly of a casing main body and a grill frame (hereinafter, referred to as a main body assembly) according to an embodiment of the present invention, fig. 13 is a front view showing a structure of a front surface of an indoor unit in a state where a panel assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention is removed, fig. 14 is a perspective view showing a partial structure of the front surface of the main body assembly, fig. 15 is a sectional view taken along line 15-15 'of fig. 2, and fig. 16 is a sectional view taken along line 16-16' of fig. 3.

Referring to fig. 12 to 16, an indoor unit 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a grill frame 120 having a frame front portion 121. The frame front part 121 faces the back surface of the support frame 140, and a front discharge part 129 may be formed at a lower part thereof. The front discharge portion 129 can be formed by cutting the frame front portion 121 long in the lateral direction.

The frame front portion 121 includes frame openings 121f and 121g, and the frame openings 121f and 121g are formed on both sides of the frame front portion 121. The frame openings 121f and 121g are formed to penetrate through right and left sides of the frame front portion 121, respectively, when viewed from the front, and may be formed in a substantially rectangular shape.

In detail, the frame openings 121f and 121g include a first opening 121f and a second opening 121 g. The first opening portion 121f may be formed to be larger than the second opening portion 121 g. This is to enable the display unit 155 protruding toward the rear of the support frame 140 to be inserted into the first opening 121 f.

At least a part of the housing body 110 behind the grill frame 120 may be exposed through the first opening 121f and the second opening 121 g. Specifically, the main body front surface portion 111 and the first rail 130a on the side of the main body front surface portion 111 can be exposed through the first opening 121 f. The second rail 130b may be exposed to the front through the second opening 121 g.

Frame insertion portions 127a and 127b for inserting the rail coupling portion 145 of the support frame 140 are formed in the first opening 121f and the second opening 121g, respectively.

In detail, the frame insertion parts 127a and 127b include a first frame insertion part 127a, the first frame insertion part 127a forms at least a part of the first opening part 121f, and any one of the two rail coupling parts 145 is inserted into the first frame insertion part 127 a. Further, the frame insertion portions 127a, 127b include a second frame insertion portion 127b, the second frame insertion portion 127b forms at least a part of the second opening portion 121g, and the other of the two rail coupling portions 145 is inserted into the second frame insertion portion 127 b.

Otherwise, it can be understood that the first frame insertion portion 127a is a space between the first rail 130a provided to the case main body 110 and the end of the first opening portion 121 f. Also, it can be understood that the second frame insertion part 127b is a space between the second rail 130b provided to the case main body 110 and an end of the second opening part 121 g.

The two rail coupling portions 145 may penetrate the first and second frame insertion portions 127a and 127b, extend rearward, and be coupled to the first and second rails 130a and 130b, respectively.

The main body assemblies 110 and 120 are formed with display avoiding grooves 111e, the display avoiding grooves 111e are formed by being recessed rearward from the front surfaces of the main body assemblies 110 and 120, and the display unit 155 is positioned in the display avoiding grooves 111 e. The rear portion of the display unit 155 may be inserted into the display avoidance groove 111 e.

In detail, the main body front surface portion 111 of the casing main body 110 includes: a first portion 111 b; and a second portion 111c disposed at a rear portion of the first portion 111 b. And, a body stage 111d is included, and the body stage 111a extends rearward from the first portion 111b and is connected to the second portion 111 c. The main body front part 111 may have a structure in which a step is formed in a front-rear direction by the first part 111b, the second part 111c, and the main body platform 111 d.

It is to be understood that the first portion 111b and the second portion 111c are exposed to the front through the first opening 121 f.

The space in front of the second portion 111c forms the display avoidance groove 111 e. That is, the display unit 155 may be disposed in the display avoidance groove 111e from the front of the second portion 111 c. Also, it can be understood that the first frame insertion part 127a is a space between the second portion 111c and the right side end of the first opening part 121 f.

The display unit 155 can move upward or downward in the display avoiding groove 111 e. That is, the vertical size of the display avoidance groove 111e may be formed to be larger than the vertical size of the projection 155b of the display module 155.

In detail, referring to fig. 15, in a state where the front panel 150 is moved to the lowermost position (see fig. 34), the protruding portion 155b and the circuit board 155c may be positioned at a lower portion side of the display avoiding groove 111 e.

Referring to fig. 16, in a state where the front panel 150 is moved to the top (see fig. 3), the protrusion 155b and the circuit board 155c may be positioned on the upper side of the display avoiding groove 111 e.

Therefore, the display assembly 155 does not interfere with the main body assembly 110, 120 during the movement of the front panel 150 in the up-down direction.

Fig. 17 is a plan view showing a front structure of an indoor unit with a panel assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention removed, fig. 18 is a perspective view showing a structure of a grill frame according to an embodiment of the present invention, and fig. 19 is a plan view showing a bottom structure of an indoor unit with a panel assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention removed.

Referring to fig. 17 to 19, a panel driving part 170 for providing a driving force to the front panel 150 is disposed at a rear side of the grill frame 120 according to the embodiment of the present invention. The panel driving part 170 is provided in plurality and includes a first panel driving part 170a and a second panel driving part 170 b.

The panel driving part 170 includes a fourth gear 173c, and the fourth gear 173c is rotated by a driving motor 171 and is interlocked with the rack 148 of the support frame 140. The fourth gear 173c may protrude toward the front of the grill frame 120 and may be interlocked with the rack 148.

Specifically, the frame front surface portion 121 is formed with a gear hole 122 that is open. The gear hole 122 may be formed at a position corresponding to that of the fourth gear 173 c. Since the fourth gears 173c are respectively provided to the first and second panel driving parts 170a and 170b, the gear holes 122 may be formed at both sides of the frame front part 121 corresponding thereto.

At least a portion of the fourth gear 173c may be located at a rear side of the frame front part 121, and another portion may protrude toward a front side of the frame front part 121 through the gear hole 122.

The grill frame 120 further includes: a frame lower part 121a extending rearward from a lower part of the frame front part 121; and frame side portions 121b extending rearward from both sides of the frame front portion 121.

The frame lower part 121a and the frame side part 121b are provided with a grill part 125, and the grill part 125 has a plurality of grills, which extend in parallel at intervals in the front and rear direction and are formed to be bendable to form the lower part and both side parts of the grill frame 120.

In detail, the grating part 125 includes a lower grating 125a constituting the frame lower part 121 a. At least a portion of the lower grill 125a is formed to penetrate therethrough, and the penetrated portion forms a lower discharge portion 126 for guiding the discharge of air.

The lower discharge portion 126 is formed at a substantially central portion of the lower grill 125a, and both side portions of the lower grill 125a are closed. Therefore, in the area of the lower grill 125a, air is not discharged except the area where the lower discharge portion 126 is formed.

The grill portion 125 further includes side grills 125b extending upward from both sides of the lower grill 125 a. Since the shape of the side grill 125b is the same as that of the lower grill 125a, the lower grill 125a and the side grill 125b can be integrally formed in terms of design.

Most of the side grill 125b is closed not to communicate with the outside, but a sensor hole may be formed at a portion for disposing the temperature/humidity sensor 194 to communicate with the outside.

Fig. 20 is an exploded plan view showing the structure of a panel assembly and a case body according to an embodiment of the present invention, fig. 21 is a view showing a state where the panel assembly is coupled to a rail, and fig. 22 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 22-22' of fig. 2.

Referring to fig. 20 to 22, the panel assemblies 140 and 150 according to the embodiment of the present invention may be provided to be movable in an up-down direction from the front of the grill frame 120.

Two rail coupling portions 145 are provided on both sides of the rear portion of the panel assembly 140, 150. The rail coupling portion 145 is inserted into the frame insertion portions 127a and 127b of the grill frame 120, and is coupled to the rail 130 provided in the housing body 110. In this case, the back surfaces of the panel assemblies 140 and 150 may be disposed to face and be adjacent to the frame front surface 121 of the grill frame 120.

In detail, the two rail coupling parts 145 may be coupled to the first rail 130a and the second rail 130b, respectively. The first rail coupling portion 145 provided at the right side of the panel assembly 140, 150 may be coupled to the first rail 130a, and the second rail coupling portion 145 provided at the left side of the panel assembly 140, 150 may be coupled to the second rail 130 b.

The rail 130 includes: a fixed rail 131 coupled to the main body side surface 112 of the housing main body 110; and a moving rail 132 that moves upward or downward along the fixed rail 131.

The main body side surface portion 112 is provided with: a rail mounting portion 113 having a mounting surface facing the side; and a rail receiving portion 117 protruding from an edge of the rail seating portion 113 toward a side. From another point of view, the rail receiving portion 117 may be recessed rearward from the front end of the main body side portion 112.

The front end of the main body side part 112 is coupled to the frame front part 121 of the grill frame 120, and the frame front part 121 faces the back of the panel assemblies 140 and 150.

The fixed rail 131 has a quadrangular plate shape, and sliding grooves 131a formed by recesses are formed at both sides of the fixed rail 131. The slide groove 131a may be formed long in the up-down direction.

Both side portions of the moving rail 132 are received in the sliding grooves 131a, and the moving rail 132 can move along the sliding grooves 131 a. This prevents the moving rail 132 from rocking in the front-rear direction.

The rail coupling portion 145 may be coupled to a side surface of the moving rail 132 and move upward or downward. In detail, the rail coupling portion 145 includes a first coupling portion 145a and a second coupling portion 145b arranged in the up-down direction. The second coupling portion 145b is positioned at an upper side of the first coupling portion 145 a. By coupling the two coupling portions 145a, 145b with the moving rail 132, the coupling force between the rail coupling portion 145 and the rail 130 may be increased.

A frame recess 145c is formed in a front portion of the rail coupling portion 145. The frame recess 145c is recessed toward the rear from the frame body 141, and the first and second coupling portions 145a and 145b extend from the rear side of the frame recess 145 c. By the structure of the frame recess 145, a stress dispersion effect due to fastening between the first and second coupling portions 145a and 145b and the rail 130 may be generated.

The rail coupling portion 145 is provided with: a fastening pin 147; and a pin coupling portion 146 for inserting the fastening pin 147. The pin coupling portion 146 extends from the frame recess 145c toward the rear, and the fastening pin 147 may be located at an end of the pin coupling portion 146. Since the pin coupling portion 146 extends rearward and long from the frame recessed portion 145c, a stress dispersion effect against the fastening pin 147 can be expected.

Fig. 23 is an exploded perspective view of a panel assembly and a housing main body showing a panel driving portion for moving the panel assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention, fig. 24 is an exploded perspective view of the panel assembly and the housing main body showing structures of a retainer and a retainer bracket according to an embodiment of the present invention, fig. 25 is a view showing the panel driving portion according to an embodiment of the present invention and a peripheral structure thereof, fig. 26 is an exploded perspective view showing a structure of the panel driving portion, fig. 27 is a sectional view showing a structure of a gear assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention, and fig. 28 is a sectional view showing structures of the panel driving portion and the front panel.

Referring to fig. 23 to 28, the panel assemblies 140 and 150 according to the embodiment of the present invention may be disposed to move in the vertical direction in front of the grill frame 120.

The panel assembly 140, 150 includes: a front panel 150; and a support frame 140 combined with a rear surface of the front panel 150. The indoor unit 10 further includes a driving mechanism for moving the front panel 150 up and down.

The driving mechanism includes a panel driving part 170 providing a driving force for moving the panel assemblies 140 and 150. The panel driving part 170 may be located at the rear of the grill frame 120. In detail, the motor bracket 124 is coupled to a rear surface of the grill frame 120, and the panel driving part 170 may be supported at a rear side of the motor bracket 124. The motor bracket 124 includes a bracket fastening portion 124a fastened to the grill frame 120.

The plurality of panel driving parts 170a and 170b are provided, and the plurality of panel driving parts 170a and 170b include a first panel driving part 170a and a second panel driving part 170b spaced apart in the left-right direction.

In detail, the panel driving parts 170a and 170b include: a drive motor 171 generating a driving force and having a motor shaft 171 a; and a gear assembly for transmitting power generated by the driving motor 171.

The gear assembly includes: a first gear 171b coupled to the motor shaft 171 a; a second gear 173a interlocked with the first gear 171 b; the third gear 173 b; and a fourth gear 173c interlocked with the third gear 173 b.

The first gear shaft 174a is coupled to the centers of the second gear 173a and the third gear 173 b. The first gear shaft 174a is rotatably supported by the gear housings 172a and 172b, and the second gear 173a, the third gear 173b, and the first gear shaft 174a are rotatable together. For example, the third gear 173b may be configured to: the third gear 173b has an outer diameter greater than that of the second gear 173a in combination with the side of the second gear 173a, and has more gear teeth.

The second gear 173a is positioned at an upper side of the first gear 171b and is gear-coupled thereto, and the second gear 173a and the third gear 173b are concentrically arranged.

The gear assembly further includes a fourth gear 173c interlocked with the third gear 173 b. The fourth gear 173c may be positioned at a lower side of the third gear 173b, and a second gear shaft 174b is coupled to a center of the fourth gear 173 c. The second gear shaft 174b may be rotatably supported by the gear housings 172a, 172 b.

The gear housings 172a, 172b include: a housing main body 172 a; and a housing cover 172b combined with the housing main body 172 a. The case body 172a and the case cover 172b are coupled to each other in the left-right direction, and may be fastened by a case fastening member 172d, for example. Fastening holes 172c for inserting the case fastening members 172d may be formed in the case main body 172a and the case cover 172b, respectively.

When the driving motor 171 is driven, the fourth gear 173c is finally rotated by the linkage of the first to fourth gears. The fourth gear 173c may be gear-coupled to the rack 148 of the support frame 140 and be interlocked therewith.

The gear housings 172a and 172b include a housing opening portion 172e that forms an opening such that the fourth gear 173c is exposed to the outside of the gear housings 172a and 172 b. The case opening part 172e may be formed at a front part of the gear case 172a, 172b and face a rear surface of the support frame 140.

A rack 148 interlocked with the panel driving part 170 is provided on the rear surface of the support frame 140. The rack gear 148 extends in an up-down direction and includes a plurality of gear teeth.

A plurality of the racks 148 are provided, and the plurality of racks 148 may be arranged at intervals in the left-right direction. In detail, the rack 148 includes a first rack 148a and a second rack 148 b. The first rack 148a and the second rack 148b may be disposed on both sides of the rear surface of the panel assembly 140, 150.

The rack 148 may be gear-coupled to and interlocked with the fourth gear 173c of the panel driving part 170. In detail, the first rack 148a and the second rack 148c may be interlocked with fourth gears 173c provided to the first panel driving part 170a and the second panel driving part 170b, respectively.

A holder bracket 185 is provided on the rear surface of the support frame 140, and the holder 178 coupled to the grill frame 120 is inserted into the holder bracket 185. The holder bracket 185 may be disposed at a side of the first rack 148a and the second rack 148b and may extend long in the vertical direction.

Specifically, a plurality of holder brackets 185 may be arranged, and a plurality of holder brackets 185 may be arranged at intervals in the left-right direction. In detail, the holder bracket 185 includes: a first holder bracket 185a located on a lateral side of the first rack 148 a; and a second holder bracket 185b located at a side of the second rack 148 b.

A bracket hole 185d is formed in the holder bracket 185, a part of the holder 178 is inserted into the bracket hole 185d (see fig. 30), and the holder 178 is movable in the vertical direction along with the holder bracket 185 when the panel assembly 140 or 150 is moved in the vertical direction.

A link 180 is mounted on a rear surface of the support frame 140. The connection link 180 may have a shape of being bent a plurality of times, and one side end of the connection link 180 may be coupled with the rear surface of the support frame 140 and the other side end may be coupled with the case body 110.

The connection link 180 is configured to protect an electric wire for connecting the display unit 155 and the control box 50, and for example, to protect a power line. In detail, an accommodating space for the electric wire is formed inside the connection link 180, and the outside of the electric wire is surrounded by the connection link 180.

When the panel assemblies 140 and 150 move in the vertical direction, the distance between the housing body 110 for installing the console box 50 and the display module 155 installed in the panel assemblies 140 and 150 is changed. At this time, since the electric wire is moved, the electric wire may often interfere with peripheral components without the protection of the connection link 180.

Therefore, in the present embodiment, the connection link 180 surrounding the electric wires is configured to connect the panel assemblies 140 and 150 and the case body 110, thereby preventing the electric wires and the surrounding components from interfering with each other.

A gear hole 122 is formed in the grill frame 120, and the fourth gear 173c of the panel driving part 170 penetrates the gear hole 122. The gear holes 122 may be formed in plural on both sides of the grill frame 120 corresponding to the positions of the first and second panel driving parts 170a and 170 b.

In addition, a holder through hole 122a for allowing the holder 178 to pass therethrough is formed in the grill frame 120. The holder through hole 122a may be disposed adjacent to a side of the gear hole 122. The holder through-hole 122a may be provided in plural numbers corresponding to the number of the holders 178 and the number of the holder brackets 185.

The holder 178 is coupled to the rear surface of the grill frame 120, and passes through the holder through hole 122a and extends forward. The holder 178 may be movably coupled to the holder bracket 185.

Fig. 29 is a sectional view showing a coupled state of the holder and the holder tray, and fig. 30 is a sectional view taken along line 30-30' of fig. 29.

Referring to fig. 27, 29, and 30, the indoor unit 10 according to the embodiment of the present invention includes a holder 178 attached to the grill frame 120 so that the panel assemblies 140 and 150 move up and down stably.

The holder 178 is provided at the rear surface of the grill frame 120. On the back surface of the grill frame 120, a seating rib 122c for seating the holder 178 is provided. The seating rib 122c may protrude toward the rear from the rear surface of the frame body 121, and has a quadrangular shape with a hollow inside.

Inside the seating rib 122c, a holder fastening boss (boss)122b fastened to the holder 178 is provided. The holder fastening boss 122b may be configured to protrude from the rear surface of the frame body 121 toward the rear, and a screw S is fastened to the holder fastening boss 122 b. The holder fastening boss 122b may be provided in plurality on both sides of the inside of the seating rib 122 c.

The holder 178 includes a grill support portion 179a disposed at the seating rib 122c and an insertion portion 179b extending from the grill support portion 179a toward the front and inserted into the holder bracket 185 via the holder through hole 122a and the bracket hole 185 d.

The grill support portion 179a has a substantially quadrangular plate shape, and holder fastening holes 179c for fastening the screws S may be formed at both sides of the grill support portion 179 a.

The holder 178 further includes a slider (slider)179d extending in the left-right direction from an end of the insertion portion 179b and moving in the up-down direction inside the holder bracket 185. Since the length of the slider 179d in the left-right direction is formed to be larger than the diameter of the bracket hole 185d in the left-right direction, the slider 179d can be prevented from coming off the holder bracket 185.

When the panel assemblies 140 and 150 move in the up-and-down direction, the holder bracket 185 moves in the up-and-down direction, and the protruding rib 186c provided at the rear surface of the holder bracket 185 may be provided to be in contact with the front surface of the grill frame 120.

The slider 179d performs relative movement inside the holder bracket 185. A projection 179e capable of contacting with an inner surface of the holder bracket 185 is formed to project from a rear surface of the slider 179 d.

In detail, the holder bracket 185 includes: a first portion 186b combined with a rear surface of the frame body 141; and a second portion 186b bent and extended rearward from the first portion 186 b. The first protruding rib 186c may protrude toward the rear from the rear surface of the second portion 186 b.

The first portion 186a and the second portion 186b are disposed at both side portions of the holder bracket 185, and a bracket hole 185d is formed between the first portion 186a and the second portion 186 b. According to this structure, the holder 178 can be stably supported at the holder bracket 185.

Fig. 31A and 31B are views showing the structure and operation of the indoor unit when air is discharged downward from the indoor unit.

Referring to fig. 31A and 31B, in the indoor unit 10 according to the embodiment of the present invention, air can be discharged only through the lower discharge portion 126. For example, when the air conditioner performs a heating operation, an indirect air mode for performing downward discharge may be operated to prevent hot air from directly blowing to a user.

Specifically, when the blower fan 40 is driven, air sucked from the upper portion of the indoor unit 10 is purified while passing through the filter unit 300, and flows to the lower portion of the indoor unit 10 through the blower fan 40.

At this time, the front panel 150 is located at the center position without moving upward or moving downward. Here, the "center position" is understood to mean that the front panel 150 covers the front discharge portion 129 of the grill frame 120 and does not descend below the lower end of the grill frame 120.

Also, the upper and lower blades 160 will be at: and is arranged to be inclined upward at a predetermined angle with respect to the top surface of the lower grill 125a of the grill frame 120. Specifically, the rear end portions of the upper and lower blades 160 are located at a higher position than the front end portions, and thus the rear end portions of the upper and lower blades 160 are raised upward.

The upper and lower blades 160 are connected to the link 167, and the upper and lower blades 160 may rotate in the front-rear direction or slide in the front-rear direction with reference to the lateral central axis as the movement of the link 167.

The air passing through the blower fan 40 is guided by the upper and lower blades 160 and discharged downward through the opened lower discharge portion 126. At this time, the front discharge portion 129 is shielded by the panel assemblies 140 and 150, and thus the discharge of the air flow toward the front is restricted.

Fig. 32A and 32B are views showing the structure and operation of the indoor unit when air is discharged from the indoor unit toward the front.

Referring to fig. 32A to 32B, in the indoor unit 10 according to the embodiment of the present invention, air can be discharged only by the front discharge portion 129. For example, when the air conditioner performs a cooling operation, an indirect air mode for performing a forward discharge may be operated to prevent cool air from directly blowing to a user.

Specifically, when the blower fan 40 is driven, air sucked from the upper portion of the indoor unit 10 is purified while passing through the filter unit 300, and flows to the lower portion of the indoor unit 10 through the blower fan 40.

At this time, the front panel 150 is moved upward and located at the upper position. Here, the "upper position" is a position where the front panel 150 moves upward and the front discharge portion 129 of the grill frame 120 is opened.

The upper and lower blades 160 are parallel to the top surface of the lower grill 125a of the grill frame 120. That is, the upper and lower blades 160 are placed flat so that the front end and the rear end have the same height, and the lower discharge portion 126 is closed.

The air passing through the blower fan 40 is guided by the upper and lower blades 160 and discharged to the front through the opened front discharge portion 129. At this time, the lower discharge portion 129 is shielded by the upper and lower blades 160, and thus the downward air flow discharge is restricted.

On the other hand, the front panel 150 may be located at a position higher than the front discharge portion 129 at the upper position, that is, the lower end portion of the front panel 150 may be located at a position higher than the upper end portion of the front discharge portion 129 by a predetermined height (△ h).

Fig. 33A and 33B are views showing the structure and operation of the indoor unit when air is discharged from the indoor unit to the front and the bottom.

Referring to fig. 33A and 33B, in the indoor unit 10 according to the embodiment of the present invention, a "simultaneous mode" in which air is discharged through the lower discharge portion 126 and the front discharge portion 129 may be operated. As an example, the simultaneous mode may be operated when the air conditioner performs the cooling operation and the heating operation.

Specifically, when the blower fan 40 is driven, air sucked from the upper portion of the indoor unit 10 is purified while passing through the filter unit 300, and flows to the lower portion of the indoor unit 10 through the blower fan 40. At this time, the front panel 150 is moved upward and located at an upper position.

The upper and lower blades 160 are: and a state of being arranged to be inclined upward at a predetermined angle with respect to the top surface of the lower grill 125a of the grill frame 120. In detail, the rear end portions of the upper and lower blades 160 are located at a higher position than the front end portions, and thus the rear end portions of the upper and lower blades 160 are raised upward.

The air passing through the blower fan 40 is guided by the upper and lower blades 160 and discharged downward and forward through the opened lower discharge portion 126 and the opened forward discharge portion 129.

As described above, when the indoor unit 10 is driven, the front panel 150 may be located at the "first position (center position)" or the "second position (upper position)", and the indirect wind mode operation or the simultaneous mode operation may be performed according to the positions of the upper and lower blades 160.

Fig. 34 is a view showing a state in which the filter assembly is pulled out toward the front when the front panel is moved downward.

Referring to fig. 34, the filter assembly 300 according to the embodiment of the present invention may be detachably installed in the indoor unit 10. The front panel 150 may be moved downward to separate the filter assembly 300.

When the front panel 150 is located at the "center position", the front portion of the filter assembly 300 is interfered by the panel assemblies 140 and 150, and thus, the forward movement of the filter assembly 300 is restricted. That is, the front surface of the filter assembly 300 is opposite to the rear surface of the panel assembly 140, 150, and may be shielded by the rear surface of the panel assembly 140, 150.

However, when the front panel 150 is located at the third position (lower position), the front of the filter assembly 300 may be opened. Therefore, the filter assembly 300 can be moved toward the front and can be in a state of being detachably mounted to the indoor unit 10.

A filter driving part (a motor and a gear) may be provided at a rear side of the filter assembly 300 in order to move the filter assembly 300 toward the front. As the front panel 150 moves downward, the filter assembly 300 can be easily separated from the front.

Claims (10)

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

a main body assembly provided with an air supply fan;

a front panel disposed in front of the main body assembly and made of a metal material;

a support frame disposed between the main body assembly and the front panel; and

a plurality of panel brackets disposed between the front panel and the support frame and fastening the front panel and the support frame.

2. The indoor unit of an air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein,

further comprises a display hole formed in the front panel, a display portion disposed in the display hole,

the support frame is formed with a display opening portion corresponding to a rear side of the display hole.

3. The indoor unit of an air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein,

further comprising a bracket slot formed at a rear surface of the front panel,

the panel bracket includes a bracket body interposed between the bracket slot and the front face of the support frame.

4. The indoor unit of an air conditioner according to claim 3, wherein,

the bracket main body includes:

an inner insertion part inserted into the bracket slot; and

and a locking part separated from the inner insertion part and supported on the back surface of the front panel.

5. The indoor unit of an air conditioner according to claim 4, wherein,

the bracket main body further includes:

a back support part extending and bending from the lower part of the bracket main body and supporting the back of the panel main body; and

and a first fastening hole formed between the latch part and the rear support part, and a panel fastening member inserted into the first fastening hole.

6. The indoor unit of an air conditioner according to claim 5, wherein,

the support frame includes a second fastening hole aligned with the first fastening hole in a front-rear direction, and the panel fastening member is inserted into the second fastening hole.

7. The indoor unit of an air conditioner according to claim 4, wherein,

the front panel includes a support protrusion between the inner insertion portion and the retaining portion,

the front surface of the support protrusion supports the inner insertion portion, and the locking portion supports the rear surface of the support protrusion.

8. The indoor unit of an air conditioner according to claim 2, wherein,

also comprises a display component, the display component is provided with a front surface for arranging the display part,

the display assembly is coupled to the rear surface of the support frame,

the front portion of the display unit projects toward the front of the support frame through the display opening.

9. The indoor unit of an air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein,

a front discharge portion is formed in the main body assembly, and air passing through the blower fan is discharged from the front discharge portion,

the front discharge portion can be opened by moving the front panel.

10. The indoor unit of an air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein,

the front panel is composed of an aluminum material.

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