EP3045832A1

EP3045832A1 - Air conditioner

Info

Publication number: EP3045832A1
Application number: EP16151105.0A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Sunggyu Choi; Donghyun Park; Chaemin Lim
Original assignee: LG Electronics Inc
Current assignee: LG Electronics Inc
Priority date: 2015-01-13
Filing date: 2016-01-13
Publication date: 2016-07-20
Anticipated expiration: 2036-01-13
Also published as: EP3045832B1; CN105805830B; CN105805830A; KR101633782B1

Abstract

The present invention relates to an air conditioner having a door for closing a hole for discharging air. The air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention includes, a body rear panel (150) forming an upper rear external appearance and having an inlet (151a) for admitting air, a body front panel (190) coupled to the body rear panel (150), forming a front external appearance, and having an outlet (190a) for discharging air, a blowing module (140) for discharging air to the outlet (190a), a guide panel (170) disposed between the blowing module (140) and the body front panel (190) and having a guide hole (170a) for guiding air from the blowing module (140) to the outlet (190a), and a door unit (180) rotatably coupled to the guide panel (170) for closing the outlet (190a) and the guide hole (170a).

Description

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Disclosure

The present invention relates to an air conditioner, and more particularly, to an air conditioner having a door for closing a hole for discharging air.

2. Description of the Related Art

An air conditioner is an apparatus that makes an interior pleasant by admitting air through an air intake port, changes temperature, humidity, and cleanness of the air, and then discharge the air into the interior through an air discharge port.
In an air conditioner, an air discharge port may be formed at the front, and an air-conditioning unit such as a heat exchanger or a filter that can change temperature, humidity, cleanness of air and a blower for blowing air may be disposed therein.
Home air conditioner is generally a separate type air conditioner in which an indoor heat exchanger and an indoor blower are disposed in an indoor unit, an outdoor heat exchanger, an outdoor blower, and a compressor are disposed in an outdoor unit, and the indoor unit and the outdoor unit are connected by a refrigerant pipe, and this separation type is classified into a wall-mounting type and a stand type.
A simple structure and high efficiency are required for the indoor unit of the home air conditioner.

SUMMARY

An object of the present invention is to provide an air conditioner having a door for closing a hole for discharging air.
It should be noted that objects of the present invention are not limited to the above-mentioned object and other objects of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the following descriptions.
In order to achieve the objects, an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention includes, a body rear panel forming an upper rear external appearance and having an inlet for admitting air, a body front panel coupled to the body rear panel, forming a front external appearance, and having an outlet for discharging air, a blowing module for discharging air to the outlet, a guide panel disposed between the blowing module and the body front panel and having a guide hole for guiding air from the blowing module to the outlet, and a door unit rotatably coupled to the guide panel for closing the outlet and the guide hole.
The door unit may comprise a door panel configured to move between the guide panel and the body front panel to open or close the outlet and the guide hole.
A plurality of outlets may be disposed symmetrically at left and right sides with respect to a center line of the body front panel, a plurality of door units may be provided to correspond to the outlets, and the door panels come close to the center line of the body front panel when the outlets are opened.
The door unit may further comprise, a door rib protruding forward from the door panel, and a door rib guide formed in an arc shape may be formed on a rear side of the body front panel to contact with the door rib.
The door unit may comprise a door actuating arm projecting rearward like a cantilever and a door actuating unit for rotating the rear end of the door actuating arm, wherein the guide panel may have a door actuating arm support and the door actuating arm rotatably inserted into the door actuating arm support.
The door actuating arm support may have an arc shape.
The blowing module may comprise a plurality of blowing fans vertically arranged for blowing air, wherein the guide panel may further comprise a plurality of blowing fan covers corresponding to the plurality of blowing fans to cover the plurality of blowing fans, wherein the door actuating arm support may be disposed over and/or under the plurality of blowing fan covers.
A plurality of door actuating arms may be provided, wherein the door unit may further comprise a door rotating arm projecting rearward like a cantilever between the door actuating arms, and wherein the guide panel may comprise a door rotating arm support, the door rotating arm may be rotatably inserted into the door rotating arm support, and the rear end of the door rotating arm may be rotatably coupled to the door rotating arm support.
The blowing module may comprise a plurality of blowing fans vertically arranged for blowing air, wherein the guide panel may further comprise a plurality of blowing fan covers corresponding to the plurality of blowing fans to cover the blowing fans, and wherein the door rotating arm support may be disposed between the plurality of blowing fan covers.
A plurality of door actuating arm supports may be arranged at upper and lower portions to correspond to the door actuating arms, and the door actuating arm supports may be disposed over and under the blowing fan cover.
The door unit may comprise a door guide fin protruding downward, and the guide panel may comprise a door guide rail formed in an arc shape, wherein the door guide fin may be inserted into the door guide rail and slides along the door guide rail.
The blowing module may comprise a plurality of blowing fans vertically arranged for blowing air, wherein the guide panel may further comprise a plurality of blowing fan covers corresponding to the blowing fans to cover the plurality of blowing fans, and wherein the door guide rail may be disposed on the front side of at least one of the blowing fan covers.
Two guide holes may be symmetrically formed at left and right sides with respect to a vertical center line, and each of the two guide holes may be vertically elongated and the upper end and the lower end of each of the tow guide holes may be curved toward the center line.
The guide panel may comprise a guide grill formed at the guide hole, and a cross-section of the guide grill may be thick at the middle portion and becomes thinner toward the front and rear ends.
The guide grill may have concentric ellipses around a center of the blowing module.
The details of other exemplary embodiments are included in the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the air conditioner shown in FIG. 1.
FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a connector of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a base rear panel of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is an assembly view showing a shroud panel of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is an assembly view showing a body front panel of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 7 is an assembly view showing a base front panel of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing a door unit of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view showing some parts of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 10 is a front view showing a guide panel of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 11 is a front view showing a body front panel of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIGS. 12 and 13 are views showing opening/closing of a door unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view showing a door-actuating arm of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view showing a door rotating arm of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIGS. 16 and 17 are exploded perspective view showing a control module of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 18 is a view showing a control sheet of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENT

Advantages and features of the present invention and methods for achieving them will become apparent from the descriptions of exemplary embodiments herein below with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described hereafter and may be implemented in various ways, the exemplary embodiments are provided to complete the description of the present invention and let those skilled in the art completely know the scope of the present invention, and the present invention is defined by claims. Like reference numerals denote like elements throughout the descriptions.
Hereinafter, the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings illustrating air conditioners according to embodiments of the present invention.
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention and FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the air conditioner shown in FIG. 1.
An air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a base rear panel 110 forming a lower rear external appearance and having an internal space therein, , a body rear panel 150 coupled to the top of the base rear panel 110, forming an upper rear external appearance, and having an inlet 151a for admitting air, a connector 130 coupled to an inside of the base rear panel 110, a base front panel 120 coupled to the connector 130 and forming a lower front external appearance, and a body front panel 190 forming an upper front external appearance and having an outlet for discharging air, a lower end of the body front panel coupled to the base front panel 120, a lateral side of the body front panel coupled to the body rear panel 150.
The base rear panel 110 forms the lower rear external appearance of the air conditioner and supports the air conditioner by being supported on the floor. The base rear panel 110 has a polygonal shape with the front open to open the internal space. The rear side of the base rear panel 110 may be curved. The bottom of the base rear panel 110 is placed on the floor.
The connector 130 is connected to an inner lateral side of the base rear panel 110. An electronic box (not shown) keeping a circuit device for controlling the air conditioner and other electronic parts is disposed in the internal space of the base rear panel 110. The base front panel 120 is disposed ahead of the base rear panel 110. The body rear panel 150 is disposed over the base rear panel 110.
The connector 130 is connected to an inner lateral side of the base rear panel 110. The connector 130 is formed in a vertically long column shape. The connector 130 may include a left connector 130-1 coupled to the left inner lateral side of the base rear panel 110 and a right connector 130-2 coupled to the right inner lateral side of the base rear panel 110. The left connector 130-1 and the right connector 130-2 are symmetric to each other at the left and right lateral sides.
The connector 130 supports the shroud panel 160 equipped with a blowing module 140 and a guide panel 170 by increasing the strength of the base rear panel 110. The bottom and a lateral side of the connector 130 are coupled to the base rear panel 110. The shroud panel 160 is coupled to the upper portion of the connector 130. The base front panel 120 is coupled to the front of the connector 130.
The body rear panel 150 is coupled to the upper portion of the base rear panel 110 and forms the upper rear external appearance of the air conditioner. The body rear panel 150 has a polygonal shape with the front and bottom open to open to form a space therein.
The body rear panel 150 has the inlet 151a for admitting the air in an indoor where the air conditioner is installed. The inlet 151a is formed through the rear side of the body rear panel 150. When the blowing module 140 is operated to admit air, air is admitted into the inlet 151a and flows to the shroud panel 160 through an indoor heat exchanger 10 that will be described below.
The body rear panel 150 includes a body rear panel body 151 having the inlet 151a at the rear side and a rear panel filter unit 152 mounted on the rear side of the body rear panel body 151 and covering the inlet 151a. The rear panel filter unit 152 filters air admitted into the inlet 151a. The rear panel filter unit 152 may be disposed on the outer of the rear side of the body rear panel body 151.
The shroud panel 160 is coupled to the front of the body rear panel 150. The base rear panel 110 is coupled to the lower portion of the body rear panel 150.
The indoor heat exchanger 10 is disposed inside the body rear panel 150. The indoor heat exchanger 10 is disposed between the body rear panel 150 and the shroud panel 160 and allows a refrigerant to exchange heat with the air admitted into the inlet 151a of the body rear panel 150. The air that has been cooled or heated by exchanging heat with the refrigerant through the indoor heat exchanger 10 flows to the shroud panel 160. The indoor heat exchanger 10 includes tubes through which the refrigerant flows and fins for exchanging heat with air.
The blowing module 140 admits air into the inlet 151a of the body rear panel 150 and discharges air to the outlet 190a of the body front panel 190. When the blowing module 140 is operated, the air admitted into the inlet 151a passes through the indoor heat exchanger 10 and then flows through shroud holes 160a of the shroud panel 160. The air from the blowing module 140 is discharged to the outlet 190a of the body front panel 190 through guide holes 170a of the guide panel 170.
A plurality of blowing modules 140 may be provided and two blowing modules 140 are provided in this embodiment. Two blowing modules 140 are vertically arranged. Two blowing modules 140 are arranged to correspond to two shroud holes 160a of the shroud panel 160. Two blowing modules 140 are vertically coupled to the rear side of the guide panel 170.
The blowing modules 140 each include a blowing motor 142 generating torque, a blowing motor bracket 143 for coupling the blowing motor 142 to the rear side of the guide panel 170, and a blowing fan 141 rotated by the blowing motor 142 to blow air.
The blowing fan 141 may be a centrifugal fan that axially admits air and radially discharges air through the lateral side. The blowing fan 141 is arranged such that the air suction direction faces the shroud holds 160a of the shroud panel 160. The air discharged through the lateral side of the blowing fan 141 flows forward by the shroud panel 160 and then passes through the guide holes 170a of the guide panel 170. When a plurality of blowing modules 140 is provided, a plurality of blowing fans 141 is provided and arranged to correspond to a plurality of shroud holes 160a.
The shroud panel 160 guides the air that is admitted into the inlet 151a of the body rear panel 150 and flows to the blowing module 140. The shroud panel 160 has the shroud holes 160a through which the air, which is admitted into the inlet 151a and flows to the blowing module 140 in the indoor heat exchanger 10, passes. A plurality of shroud holes 160a may be provided to correspond to a plurality of blowing module 140, and in the embodiment, two shroud holes 160a are vertically formed to corresponding to two blowing module 140.
The portions around the shroud holes 160a of the shroud panel 160 are formed in the shape of a dome, the blowing modules 140 are disposed therein, and air from the blowing modules 140 is guided forward.
The lower end of the shroud panel 160 is coupled to the upper end of the connector 130. The body rear panel 150 is coupled to the rear portion of the shroud panel 160. The guide panel 170 is coupled to the front portion of the shroud panel 160.
The guide panel 170 guides the air from the blowing module 140 to the outlet 190a. The guide panel 170 has the guide holes 170a through which the air, which flows through the outlet 190a from the blowing module 140, passes. A plurality of guide holes 170a is provided and two guide holes 170a are vertically elongated and disposed at the left and right sides of a center line C. The guide holes 170a become narrower toward the upper ends and the lower ends. The upper ends and the lower ends of the guide holes 170a are curved toward the center line C.
The guide hole 170a is closed by the door unit 180, and when there is a plurality of guide holes 170a, a plurality of door units 180 is provided to close them, respectively.
The blowing module 140 is mounted on the rear side of the guide panel 170. In this embodiment, two blowing modules 140 are coupled and vertically arranged to the rear side of the guide panel 170. The door units 180 are disposed ahead of the guide panel 170. In this embodiment, two door units 180 are arranged to at the left and right sides of the front of the guide panel 170.
The guide panels 170 are at least partially curved such that the door units 180 can rotate and slide along the guide panel 170. In this embodiment, two door units 180 are disposed at the left and right sides and the guide panel 170 is curved at the left and right sides of the front with respect to a vertical center line. That is, the horizontal cross-section of the guide panel 170 may be formed partially in an arc shape protruding forward at the left and right sides with respect to the center line.
The guide panel 170 is coupled to the shroud panel 160 with the blowing module 140 therebetween, thereby forming one unit. In this embodiment, the guide panel 170, blowing module 140, and shroud panel 160 may be referred to as a blowing unit 90, in combination. That is, the blowing unit 90 includes a guide panel 170, a blowing module 140, and the shroud panel 160.
The door unit 180 closes the guide hole 170a and the outlet 190a. The door unit 180 is rotatably coupled to the blowing unit 90. The door unit 180 is rotatably coupled to the guide panel 170 or the shroud panel 160 of the blowing unit 90, and in this embodiment, the door unit 180 is rotatably coupled to the guide panel 170. A portion of the door unit 180 opens or closes the guide hole 170a by sliding on the front of the guide panel 170. Further, a portion of the door unit 180 opens or closes the outlet 190a by sliding on the rear of the body front panel 190. That is, a portion of the door unit 180 simultaneously opens or closes the guide hole 170a and the outlet 190a by sliding between the guide panel 170 and the body front panel 190.
The base front panel 120 forms the lower front external shape of the air conditioner. The base panel 120 is coupled to the connector 130 and covers the open front of the base rear panel 110. The base front panel 120 is a curved plate. The rear side of the base front panel 120 is coupled to the connector 130 and the upper end of the base front panel 120 is coupled to the body front panel 190.
The base front panel 190 forms the upper front external shape of the air conditioner. The outlet 190a for discharging the air passing through the guide hole 170a by the blowing module 140 is formed at the body front panel 190. The outlet 190a is formed to correspond to the guide hole 170a. In this embodiment, two outlets 190a are vertically elongated and formed to correspond to two guide holes 170a, at the left and right sides of the center line C. The outlets 190a are formed such that the upper ends and lower ends are curved toward a vertical center line. The outlets 190a are tapered toward the upper ends and lower ends. The outlets 190a are closed by the door units 180.
The body front panel 190 is a curved plate. The lower end of the body front panel 190 is coupled to the base front panel 120 and the lateral side is coupled to the body rear panel 150.
A control hole 190b that is open to expose a portion of a control module 200 is formed at the body front panel 190. The control hole 190b may be formed in a circle.
The control module 200 receives instructions from a user or shows the operational state of the air conditioner. The control module 200 is coupled to the rear side of the body front panel 190 with a portion exposed to the outside through the control hole 190b.
FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a connector of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention and FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a base rear panel of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention.
The connector 130 according to an embodiment of the present invention has a connector base 139 that is formed at the lower portion and coupled to the bottom of the base rear panel 110, locking plate receiving portions 131 that are formed by recessing inward portions of the side facing the inside of the base rear panel 110, locking plate coupling portions 132 that protrude rearward and are spaced from the locking plate receiving portions 131 at the front ends of the locking plate receiving portions 131, base front hook coupling portion 133 that are open to couple the base front panel 120, and connector bolt inserting portions 135 that are open to insert connector bolts 136 for jointing the connector 130 and the base rear panel 110.
The connector 130, as described above, includes two parts, that is, the left connector 130-1 and the right connector 130-2, and the connector base 139, locking plate receiving portions 131, locking plate coupling portions 132, base front hook coupling portions 133, and connector bolt inserting portions 135 are formed correspond to each other at the left and right connectors.
The base rear panel 110 according to an embodiment of the present invention has a connector receiving portion 112 formed by cutting a portion of the bottom to receive the lower portion of the connector 130, a connector locking plate 113 that is formed in the shape of a cantilever protruding forward from the inner side, a connecting inserting portion 114 that is formed on the inner side to insert a portion of the connector, a connector bolt coupling portion 115 in which the connector bolt 136 is inserted, and a drain portion 119 (see Fig. 4) that collects water condensed through the indoor heat exchanger 10.
The connector base 139 has a portion of which the cross-sectional area increases as it goes down. The bottom and a portion of the connector base 139 are inserted in the connector receiving portion 112.
The locking plate receiving portions 131 are vertically arranged on the side facing the inner side of the base rear panel 110 to receive the connector locking plates 113. The connector locking plates 113 are vertically arranged on both inner sides of the base rear panel 110 to correspond to the locking plate receiving portions 131. The front end of the connector locking plate 113 protrude forward from the inner side of the base rear panel 110 and the front end of the connector locking plate 113 is fitted in the locking plate coupling portion 132.
The connector inserting portion 114 is formed in a U-shape to cover a portion of the lateral sides and rear side of the connector 130. The connector inserting portions 114 may be formed on both inner sides of the base rear panel 110. A connector bolt coupling portion 115 is formed at least one of the connecting inserting portions 114 and the connector bolt 136 inserts in the connector bolt coupling portion 115.
The base front hook coupling portions 133 are arranged vertically on the front side of the connector 130.
FIG. 5 is an assembly view showing a shroud panel of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 6 is an assembly view showing a body front panel of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 7 is an assembly view showing a base front panel of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention.
The shroud panel 160 according to an embodiment of the present invention has shroud hooks 165 protruding downward at a lateral side and a shroud flange 166 protruding downward at the lower end. The shroud hooks 165 are arranged vertically at both lateral sides of the shroud panel 160. The shroud hooks 165 are locked to shroud hook coupling portions 155 that will be described below. Two shroud flanges 166 are formed at both lateral sides of the lower end of the shroud panel 160. The shroud flanges 166 overlap a portion of the upper front end of each of the left connector 130-1 and the right connector 130-2. The shroud flange 166 and the upper end of the connector 130 are coupled by a shroud bolt (not shown). A shroud bolt inserting portion 137 (see Fig. 2) is formed at the upper end of the connector 130 and the shroud bolt insert in the shroud bolt inserting portion 137.
In the front rear panel 150 according to an embodiment of the present invention, shroud hook coupling portions 155 are formed in the inner side to lock the shroud hooks 165 and body front hook coupling portions 157 are formed on the outer lateral side to lock the body front hooks 193 (see Fig. 9). The shroud hook coupling portions 155 may be formed in the shape of a hole or a hook. The body front hook coupling portions 157 may be formed in the shape of a hole or a hook.
The lower portion of the body rear panel 150 covers the drain portion 119, so the body rear panel 150 and the base rear panel 110 are coupled.
The shroud hook coupling portions 155 are vertically arranged on both inner sides of the body rear panel 150 to correspond to the shroud hooks 165. The body front hook coupling portions 157 are vertically arranged on both outer sides of the body rear panel 150.
In the base front panel 120 according to an embodiment of the present invention, base front hooks 123 that protrude rearward to be locked to the base front hook coupling portions 133 of the connector 130 are formed on the inner side and body front flange coupling portions 125 coupled to the body front flange 195 protrude rearward on the inner side of the upper end. The base front hooks 123 are vertically arranged to correspond to the base front hook coupling portions 133 at both inner sides of the base front panel 120. As in FIG. 7, the base front hooks 123 are locked to the base front hook coupling portions 133, so the base front panel 120 is coupled to the connector 130.
The body front panel 190 according to an embodiment of the present invention has the body front flange 195 protruding downward at the lower end. As in FIG. 6, the body front flange 195 is partially recessed rearward so that the body front flange coupling portion 125 is fitted therein.
FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing a door unit of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view showing some parts of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 10 is a front view showing a guide panel of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 11 is a front view showing a body front panel of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention.
The door unit 180 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a left door unit 180-1 and a right door unit 180-2. The left door unit 180-1 closes the left outlet 190a-1 and the left guide hole 170a-1 and the right door unit 180-2 closes the right outlet 190a-2 and the right guide hole 170a-2.
The door unit 180 according to an embodiment of the present invention include door panels 181 that open or close the outlet 190a and the guide hole 170a by moving between the guide panel 170 and the body front panel 190, door ribs 185 that protrude forward from the door panels 181, door actuating arms 182 projecting rearward from the door panels 181 like a cantilever, door rotating arms 183 projecting rearward from the door panels 181 like a cantilever, and door guide plates 184 that protrude downward from the door panels 181.
The door panels 181 are panels vertically elongated. The door panels 181 are formed to correspond to the guide holes 170a to completely cover the guide hole 170a. The door panels 181 become narrower toward the upper ends and the lower ends. The door panels 181 are curved toward a center line C of the guide panel 170 at the upper ends and the lower ends.
The door panel opens or closes the outlet 190a and the guide hole 170a by sliding between the guide panel 170 and the body front panel 190. The door panel 181 may be disposed between the guide panel 170 and the body front panel 190 without being in direct contact with the guide panel 170 and the body front panel 190. The door panel 181 may be formed in an arc shape at a portion of the horizontal cross-section. The door unit 180 rotates about the rear ends of the door actuating arms 182 and the door rotating arms 183, so the door panels 181 is rotated substantially in an arc shape when opening or closing the outlet 190a and the guide hole 170a.
The door ribs 185 protrude forward from the door panels 181 to prevent the door panels 181 from coming in direct contact with the body front panel 190. The door ribs 185 are vertically arranged on the front side of the door panels 181. The body front panel 190 has door rib guides 197 formed in an arc shape with the rear sides in contact with the door ribs 185. The door rib guides 197 may be vertically arranged to correspond to the door ribs 185. When the door unit 180 is rotated, the door ribs 185 contacts with the door rib guides 197.
The door actuating arm 182 protrudes rearward from the door panel 181 like a cantilever. The door actuating arm 182 is formed in an arc shape that becomes narrower toward the rear end. The rear end of the door actuating arm 182 is directly connected to a door actuating unit 189 (see Fig. 14) and rotated by the door actuating unit 189. The door actuating arm 182 is rotatably placed of coupled to a door actuating arm support 172 of the guide panel 170 that will be described below.
The door actuating arms 182 may be disposed at the upper end and the lower end of the door panel 181.
The door rotating arm 183 extends rearward from the door panel 181 like a cantilever. The rear end of the door rotating arm 183 is rotatably coupled to the door rotating arm support 173 of the guide panel 170 that will be described below. When a plurality of door actuating arms 182 is provided, a plurality of door rotating arms 183 is disposed between the door actuating arms 182.
Door guide fins 184 protrude downward from the door panel 181 and spaced rearward from the door panel 181. The door guide fins 184 are inserted in door guide rails 174 of the guide panel 170 that will be described below and slide in an arc shape along the door guide rails 174.
The door guide fins 184 may be arranged vertically on the door panel 181. The door guide fins 184 may be disposed between the door actuating arm 182 and the door rotating arm 183.
The body front panel 190 according to an embodiment of the present invention has body front hooks 193 protruding downward on the inner lateral side and the door rib guides 197 on the rear side.
The body front hooks 193 are inserted in the body front hook coupling portions 157 from above, so the body front panel 190 and the body rear panel 150 are coupled. The body front hooks 193 are vertically arranged at both lateral sides of the rear side of the body front panel 190 to correspond to the body front hook coupling portions 157.
The guide panel 170 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes door actuating arm supports 172 protruding rearward and rotatably receiving the door actuating arms 182, door rotating arm supports 173 rotatably receiving the door rotating arms 183 and rotatably coupled to the rear ends of the door rotating arms 183, blowing fan covers 179 arranged to correspond to the blowing fans 141 and covering the blowing fans 141, and arc-shaped door guide rails 174 in which the door guide fins 184 are inserted and slide.
The door actuating arm supports 172 extend rearward from the guide panel 170, thereby forming spaces in which the door actuating arms 182 can be inserted. The door actuating arms 182 are rotatably inserted in the door actuating arm supports 172. The door actuating arm supports 172 are formed in an arc shape such that the door actuating arms 182 are rotated therein. The door actuating arms 182 can be seated on the door actuating arm supports 172. The door actuating unit 189 (see Fig. 14) that will be described below is mounted on the door actuating arm supports 172. The door actuating arm supports 172 can be rotatably coupled to the rear ends of the door actuating arms 182.
The door actuating arm supports 172 are disposed over and under the blowing fan covers 179, avoiding the blowing fan covers 179. When a plurality of door actuating arms 182 is provided, a plurality of door actuating arm supports 172 is provided to correspond to the door actuating arms 182. The door actuating arm supports 172 are disposed at the upper end and the lower end of the guide panel 170. When a plurality of blowing fan covers 179 is provided, the door actuating arm supports 172 are disposed over and under the blowing fan covers 179.
The door rotating arm supports 173 extend rearward from the guide panel 170, thereby forming spaces in which the door rotating arms 183 can be inserted. The door rotating arms 183 are rotatably inserted in the door rotating arm supports 173. The door rotating arm supports 173 are formed in an arc shape such that the door rotating arms 183 are rotated therein. The door rotating arms 183 can be seated on the door rotating arm supports 173. The door rotating arm supports 173 are rotatably coupled to the rear ends of the door rotating arms 183.
The door rotating arm supports 173 are disposed at the middle portion of the guide panel 170. When a plurality of door actuating arm supports 172 is provided, the door rotating arm supports 173 are disposed between the door actuating arm supports 172. When a plurality of blowing fan cover 179 is provided, the door rotating arm supports 173 are disposed between the blowing fan covers 179.
The blowing fan covers 179 cover the blowing fan 141 such that air can be discharged to the guide holes 170a from the blowing fans 141. The blowing fan covers 179 are disposed between the left guide hole 170a-1 and the right guide hole 170a-2. That is, the guide holes 170a are formed at the left and right sides of the blowing fan covers 179 not to overlap the blowing fans 141 of the blowing module 140.
When a plurality of blowing fans 141 is vertically arranged, a plurality of blowing fan covers 179 is vertically arranged to correspond to the blowing fans 141.
The door guide rails 174 are formed in an arc shape protruding forward such that the door guide fins 184 are inserted into the door guide rails 174 and slide along the door guide rails 174. The door guide rails 174 prevent the door panel 181 from being in direct contact with the guide panel 170 and allow the door panel 181 to stably rotate. The door guide rails 174 are disposed on the front side of the blowing fan covers 179. When a plurality of door guide fins 184 is provided, a plurality of door guide rails 174 is provided. When a plurality of blowing fan covers 179 is provided, the door guide rails 174 may be provided on the front side of at least one of the blowing fan covers 179.
Referring to FIG. 10, two guide holes 170a are symmetrically formed at the left and right sides from the vertical center line C of the guide panel 170. Each of the guide holes 170a is vertically elongated with the upper and lower end curved toward the center line C. Each of the guide holes 170a becomse narrower toward the upper end and the lower end. The guide holes 170a include the left guide hole 170a-1 and the right guide hole 170a-2. The left guide hole 1701-a and the right guide hole 170a-2 are symmetrically formed with respect to the center line C.
The guide panel 170 includes guide grills 171 formed at the guide holes 170a. Each of the guide grills 171 has a cross-section that is thick at the middle portion and becomes thinner toward the front and rear, and guide the air passing through the guide grills 171.
The guide grills 171 have concentric ellipses around the center of the blowing module 140. When two blowing modules 140 are vertically arranged with respect to the center line C, the guide grills 171 are formed in elliptical shapes such that the upper portions are concentrically arranged around the upper blowing module 140 and the lower portions are concentrically arranged around the lower blowing module 140.
The guide grills 171 are formed in a radial shape from a specific point on the center line C. When two blowing modules 140 are vertically arranged with respect to the center line C, each of the guide grills is formed in a radial shape with respect to a first point f1 at the upper portion of the upper blowing module, a second point f2 at the middle portions of the upper blowing module 140 and the lower blowing module 140, and a third point f3 at the lower portion of the lower blowing module 140.
The guide grills 171 are concentrically formed in an elliptical shape or radial shape such that the air discharged from the blowing fan 141 can smoothly pass through the guide holes 170a.
Referring to FIG. 11, two outlets 190a are symmetrically formed with respect to the center line C, corresponding to the two guide holes 170a. The outlets 190a are vertically arranged with the upper and lower ends curved toward the center line C. The outlets 190a become narrower toward the upper ends and the lower ends. The outlets 190a include a left outlet 190a-1 and a right outlet 190a-2. The left outlet 190a-1 and the right outlet 190a-2 are symmetrically formed with respect to the center line C.
FIGS. 12 and 13 are views showing opening/closing of a door unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.

(a) of FIG. 12 and (a) of FIG. 13 show that the door unit 180 opens the guide holes 170a and the outlets 190a, and (b) of FIG.1 2 and (b) of FIG. 13 show that the door unit 180 closes the guide holes 170a and the outlets 190a.

The outlets 190a are disposed at the left and right sides symmetrically with respect to the center line C of the body front panel 190. In this embodiment, two outlets 190a are provided, that is, the left outlet 190a-1 and the right outlet 190a-2 are provided. The guide holes 170a are disposed at the left and right sides symmetrically with respect to the center line C of the guide panel 170. In this embodiment, two guide holes 170a are provided, that is, the left guide hole 170a-1 and the right guide hole 170a-2 are provided. The center line C of the body front panel 190 and the center line C of the guide panel 170 are aligned.
Two door units 180 are provided to correspond to the two outlets 190a and the two guide holes 170a. Two door units 180 include a left door unit 180-1 and a right door unit 180-2.
The two door units 180 are arranged to come close to the center line C of the body front panel 190 when the outlets 190a and the guide holes 170a are opened.
That is, as in (a) of FIG. 12 and (a) of FIG. 13, when the outlets 190a and the guide holes 170a are opened, the left door unit 180-1 and the right door unit 180-2 come close to the center line C.
As in (b) of FIG. 12 and (b) of FIG. 13, when the outlets 190a and the guide holes 170a are closed, the left door unit 180-1 and the right door unit 180-2 move away from each other, thereby closing the outlets 190a and the guide holes 170a.
Referring to FIG. 13, a horizontal cross-section of the guide panel 170 is formed in an arc shape at the left and right sides from the center line C and a horizontal cross-section of the body front panel 190 are entirely formed in an arc shape. The door panel 181 of the door unit 180 moves by rotating between the guide panel 170 and the body front panel 190.
FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view showing a door actuating arm of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention.

(a) and (b) of FIG. 14 show cross-sections of the portion around the door actuating arm 182 when the door unit 180 is open.

The door actuating arm 182 is inserted and rotated in the door actuating arm support 172. The door actuating unit 189 is disposed at the rear end of the door actuating arm support 172. The door actuating unit 189 is a motor.
A door actuating hole 182a is formed at the rear end of the door actuating arm 182 and a motor shaft of the door actuating unit 189 is directly coupled to the door actuating hole 182a. The rear end of the door actuating arm 182 may be rotatably connected to the door actuating arm support 172.
FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view showing a door rotating arm of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention.

(a) and (b) of FIG. 15 show cross-sections of the portion around the door rotating arm 183 when the door unit 180 is open.

The door rotating arm 183 is inserted and rotated in the door rotating arm support 173. A door rotating fin 183a rotatably coupled to the rear end of the door rotating arm support 173 is formed at the rear end of the door rotating arm 183.
FIGS. 16 and 17 are exploded perspective view showing a control module of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention.
The control module 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a control body 220 that has a remote control reception hole 221 through which a remote control signal from a remote controller passes, an output hole 222 through which output light showing an operation state passes, and an input hole 223 to which an input terminal directly receiving input from a user is connected; a control sheet 210 that is attached to the front sides of the control body 220 and is partially made of metal to prevent the remove control reception hole 221, output hole 222, and input hole 223 from being exposed to the outside; a control cover 230 that covers the rear side of the control body 220; and a control substrate 240 that is disposed inside the control body 220, receives a remote control signal passing through the remote control reception hole 221, outputs light passing through the output hole 222, and has an input terminal directly receiving input from a user.
The control substrate 240 receives a remote control signal passing through the control sheet 210 and the remove control reception hole 221. The control substrate 240 emits light in seven segments implemented by an FND (Flexible Numeric Display). The light emitted in seven segments from the control substrate 240 passes through the output hole 222 and reaches the control sheet 210. The control substrate 240 shows the setting temperature of the air conditioner or the temperature of the indoor, where the air conditioner is installed, by emitting light. The control substrate 240 has the input terminal that receives input from a user in an electrostatic type or a pressure-sensing type. The input terminal may be fitted in the input hole 223 in contact with the control sheet 210.
The control body 220 has the remote control reception hole 221, the output hole 222, and the input hole 223. A plurality of output holes 222 and input holes 223 may be formed. The output hole 222 is formed in seven segments corresponding to the light emitted in seven segments. The input terminal is inserted in the input hole 223.
The control cover 230 protects the control substrate 240 by covering the rear side of the control body 220. That is, the control substrate 240 is disposed between the control body 220 and the control cover 230.
The control sheet 210 prevents the remote control reception hole 221, the output hole 222, and the input hole 223 from being exposed to the outside. The control sheet 210 transmits a remote control signal and light.
An input button 210c is printed at a position corresponding to the input hole 223 of the control body 220, on the front side of the control sheet 210. A plurality of input buttons 210c may be formed, depending on the types of buttons. The input button 210c may include an power button for turning on/off the air conditioner, a temperature button for controlling temperature, and a wind button for controlling the amount of air.
A remote control reception portion 210a and an output portion 210b are printed at positions corresponding to the remote control reception hole 221 and the output hole 222 of the control body 220, on the rear side of the control sheet 210. The rear side of the control sheet 210 are printed with black, except for the remote control reception portion 210a and the output portion 210b, and the control reception portion 210a and the output portion 210b are printed with white.
FIG. 18 is a view showing a control sheet of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention.
The control sheet 210 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a transparent film layer 212 that is made of transparent synthetic resin; an input button printed layer 211 that is formed ahead of the transparent film layer 212, wherein the input button 210c is printed at a position of the input button printed layer 211 corresponding to the inlet hole 223 of the control body 220; a metal molding layer 213 that is disposed behind the transparent film layer 212, transmits a remote control signal and light, and is made of an opaque material; a display printed layer that is disposed behind the metal molding layer 213, wherein the output portion 210b corresponding to the output hole 222 is printed with white, and a portion except for the output portion 210b and the remote control reception portion 210a corresponding to the output hole 222 and the remote control reception hole 221 is printed with black; and a double-sided tape layer 217 that is disposed behind the display printed layer 215 and having an adhesive material to be bonded to the control body 220.
As described above, the control sheet 210 is formed by sequentially stacking the input button printed layer 211, the transparent film layer, the metal molding layer, the display printed layer 215, and the double-sided tape layer 217 from the front.
The process of manufacturing the control sheet 210 is described hereafter.
The transparent film layer 212 made of transparent synthetic resin is prepared. The transparent film layer 212 may be made of PET (Polyethylene phthalate).
UV molding is applied to the rear side of the transparent film layer 212. The UV molding means a process of a semi-cured/molded pattern with UV by depositing a thin coating material. After a pattern is laminated on the transparent film layer 212, the metal molding layer 213 is formed by depositing metal. The deposited metal may be indium.
The output portion 210b and the remote control reception portion 210a are printed with white on the rear side of the metal molding layer 213 and the portion except for the output portion 210b and the remote control reception portion 210a is printed with black, thereby forming the display printed layer 215. The rear side of the display printed layer 215 may be laminated.
Thereafter, the input button layer 211 is formed by printing the input button 210c on the front side of the transparent film layer 212. Finally, the double-sided tape layer 217 is bonded to the rear side of the display printed layer 215.
Although exemplary embodiments of the present invention were illustrated and described above, the present invention is not limited to the specific exemplary embodiments and may be modified in various ways by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present invention described in claims, and the modified examples should not be construed independently from the spirit or the scope of the present invention.
According to an air conditioner according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, one or more effects can be achieved as follows.
First, the door unit rotates to simultaneously open of close the outlet and the guide hole, so the structure is simple.
Second, the door unit smoothly rotates.
Third, the door unit is rotated with interference with the front and rear panels.
Fourth, since two guide holes are formed symmetrically at the left and right sides from the vertical center line, air is smoothly discharged from the blowing fan.
Fifth, since the upper end and lower end of the guide hole are curved toward the center line, a loss of air discharged by the blowing fan is minimized.
Sixth, since the guide grills of the guide holes are formed in a elliptical shape or radial shape, the air discharged from the side of the blowing fan can smoothly pass the guide holes.
The effects of the present invention are not limited to those described above and other effects not stated herein may be made apparent to those skilled in the art from claims.

Claims

An air conditioner comprising:
a body rear panel (150) forming an upper rear external appearance and having an inlet (151a) for admitting air;

a body front panel (190) coupled to the body rear panel (150), forming a front external appearance, and having an outlet (190a) for discharging air;

a blowing module (140) for discharging air to the outlet (190a);

a guide panel (170) disposed between the blowing module (140) and the body front panel (190) and having a guide hole (170a) for guiding air from the blowing module (140) to the outlet (190a); and

a door unit (180) rotatably coupled to the guide panel (170) for closing the outlet (190a) and the guide hole (170a).
The air conditioner of claim 1, wherein the door unit (180) comprises a door panel (181) configured to move between the guide panel (170) and the body front panel (190) to open or close the outlet (190a) and the guide hole (170a).
The air conditioner of claim 2, wherein a plurality of outlets (190a-1, 190a-2) is disposed symmetrically at left and right sides with respect to a center line (C) of the body front panel (190), a plurality of door units (180-1, 180-2) is provided to correspond to the outlets (190a-1, 190a-2), and the door panels (181) come close to the center line (C) of the body front panel (190) when the outlets (190a-1, 190a-2) are opened.
The air conditioner of claim 2 or 3, wherein the door unit (180) further comprises, a door rib (185) protruding forward from the door panel (181), and
a door rib guide (197) formed in an arc shape is formed on a rear side of the body front panel (190) to contact with the door rib (185).
The air conditioner of any one of the claims 1 to 4, wherein the door unit (180) comprises; a door actuating arm (182) projecting rearward like a cantilever; and a door actuating unit (189) for rotating the rear end of the door actuating arm (182),
wherein the guide panel (170) has a door actuating arm support (172) and the door actuating arm (182) rotatably inserted into the door actuating arm support (172).
The air conditioner of claim 5, wherein the door actuating arm support (172) has an arc shape.
The air conditioner of claim 5 or 6, wherein the blowing module (140) comprises a plurality of blowing fans (141) vertically arranged for blowing air,
wherein the guide panel (170) further comprises a plurality of blowing fan covers (179) corresponding to the plurality of blowing fans (141) to cover the plurality of blowing fans (141),
wherein the door actuating arm support (172) is disposed over and/or under the plurality of blowing fan covers (179).
The air conditioner of claim 5, 6 or 7, wherein a plurality of door actuating arms (182) is provided,
wherein the door unit (180) further comprises a door rotating arm (183) projecting rearward like a cantilever between the door actuating arms (182),
wherein the guide panel (170) comprises a door rotating arm support (173), the door rotating arm (183) is rotatably inserted into the door rotating arm support (173), and the rear end of the door rotating arm (183) is rotatably coupled to the door rotating arm support (173).
The air conditioner of claim 8, wherein the blowing module (140) comprises a plurality of blowing fans (141) vertically arranged for blowing air,
wherein the guide panel (170) further comprises a plurality of blowing fan covers (179) corresponding to the plurality of blowing fans (141) to cover the blowing fans (140),
wherein the door rotating arm support (173) is disposed between the plurality of blowing fan covers (179).
The air conditioner of claim 9, wherein a plurality of door actuating arm supports (173) is arranged at upper and lower portions to correspond to the door actuating arms (183), and
the door actuating arm supports (173) are disposed over and under the blowing fan cover (179).
The air conditioner of any one of the claims 1 to 10, wherein the door unit (180) comprises a door guide fin (184) protruding downward, and
the guide panel (170) comprises a door guide rail (174) formed in an arc shape, wherein the door guide fin (184) is inserted into the door guide rail (174) and slides along the door guide rail (174).
The air conditioner of claim 11, wherein the blowing module (140) comprises a plurality of blowing fans (141) vertically arranged for blowing air,
wherein the guide panel (170) further comprises a plurality of blowing fan covers (179) corresponding to the blowing fans (141) to cover the plurality of blowing fans (141),
wherein the door guide rail (174) is disposed on the front side of at least one of the blowing fan covers (179).
The air conditioner of any one of the claims 1 to 12, wherein two guide holes (170a-1, 170a-2) are symmetrically formed at left and right sides with respect to a vertical center line (C), and
each of the two guide holes (170a-1, 170a-2) is vertically elongated and the upper end and the lower end of each of the tow guide holes (170a-1, 170a-2) curved toward the center line (C).
The air conditioner of claim 13, wherein the guide panel (170) comprises a guide grill (171) formed at the guide hole (170a), and a cross-section of the guide grill (171) is thick at the middle portion and becomes thinner toward the front and rear ends.
The air conditioner of claim 14, wherein the guide grill (171) has concentric ellipses around a center of the blowing module (140).