EP3690327A1

EP3690327A1 - Indoor unit of air conditioner

Info

Publication number: EP3690327A1
Application number: EP20153611.7A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Hakjae KIM; Jinil KANG; Eunsun LEE; Hyeonguk YOON
Original assignee: LG Electronics Inc
Current assignee: LG Electronics Inc
Priority date: 2019-01-31
Filing date: 2020-01-24
Publication date: 2020-08-05
Anticipated expiration: 2040-01-24
Also published as: KR102219821B1; KR20200095198A; EP3690327B1; CN111503726B; CN111503726A

Abstract

Provided is an indoor unit of an air conditioner. In the indoor unit of the air conditioner, a front panel made of a metal material may be provided to reduce vibration even if vibration generated in a blower fan is transmitted to the front panel. Also, the front panel may be made of a relatively lightweight aluminum material of the metal materials to relatively reduce the total weight of the indoor unit.

Description

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates to an indoor unit for an air conditioner.
An indoor unit of an air conditioner may be classified into a stand type, a wall-mounted type, or a ceiling type according to its installation position. Among them, the wall-mounted type indoor unit is understood as an air conditioner that is attached to a vertical wall surface.
In order to prevent the wall-mounted type indoor unit from being detached from the wall surface, the wall-mounted type indoor unit according to the related art needs to be manufactured as lightly as possible. For this, a case defining an outer appearance of the indoor unit, i.e., a front panel may be made of a plastic resin that is relatively lightweight.
According to the related art, vibration occurs in the relatively lightweight front panel due to vibration generated when a blower fan is driven, and thus, the indoor unit may increase in noise.
Also, an outer surface of the front panel may be easily dirty or discolored.
To prevent this limitation, a technique is proposed in which the front panel of the indoor unit is made of a relatively heavy metal material. The following prior art document discloses an indoor unit of an air conditioner having a front panel made of a metal material. The information of the prior art document is as follows.
Registration Number (Registration Date): Japanese Patent Registration No. 5606339 (February 21, 2006 ).
The prior art document discloses an indoor unit for an air conditioner, in which a resin panel is directly coupled to a rear surface of the metal plate. In this case, following limitations may occur.
First, since the metal panel is relatively heavier than the resin panel, even if the resin panel and the metal panel are coupled to each other by forming a hook structure, the metal panel may be easily separated. In this process, the resin panel may be damaged.
Second, since more gravity acts on the metal panel than the resin panel, the metal panel or the resin panel may be deformed. Therefore, the coupling between the metal panel and the resin panel may be released.

SUMMARY

The invention is specified by the independent claim. Preferred embodiments are defined in the dependent claims.
Embodiments provide an indoor unit for an air conditioner in which a front panel of the indoor unit is made of a metal material so as to not easily vibrate even by vibrations generated in the indoor unit.
Embodiments also provide an indoor unit for an air conditioner in which a case body except for a front panel among components constituting a case is made of a plastic injection-molded material so as to not increase in total weight of the indoor unit.
Embodiments also provide an indoor unit for an air conditioner in which a front panel and a case body, which are made of different materials, are coupled to each other by using a bracket so as to be firmly supported on the case body.
Embodiments also provide an indoor unit for an air conditioner in which a front panel is movably provided in a vertical direction to selectively open a front discharge part of the indoor unit, thereby easily adjusting a direction of a discharge air flow.
Embodiments also provide an indoor unit for an air conditioner in which a filter assembly is disposed in an upper portion of the indoor unit, and when a front panel moves downward, the filter assembly is withdrawn forward from the indoor unit.
Embodiments also provide an indoor unit for an air conditioner in which a display part is disposed on a front panel to easily confirm operation information of the indoor unit.
Embodiments also provide an indoor unit for an air conditioner in which a link structure is adopted to a rear portion of the front panel to prevent a power line or cable connected to the display part from interfering with components within the indoor unit when the front panel moves upward or downward.
Embodiments also provide an indoor unit for an air conditioner in which a front panel is improved in position to prevent condensed water from being generated on the front panel.
In one embodiment, a front panel made of a metal material may be provided in an indoor unit of an air conditioner to reduce vibration even if vibration generated in a blower fan is transmitted to the front panel.
The front panel may be made of a relatively lightweight aluminum material of the metal material to relatively reduce the total weight of the indoor unit.
A support frame may be coupled to a rear side of the front panel to firmly support the relatively heavy front panel.
Since the front panel made of the metal material and the support frame made of the plastic resin are coupled to each other through a bracket, the front panel may be firmly coupled, and an amount of transmission of stress due to a difference in weight may be reduced to prevent the front panel from being deformed.
The front panel may have unique metallic luster and may be textured so that an elegant outer appearance is realized, and the surface may be unlikely to be contaminated and be easily cleaned even if contamination occurs.
Since it is avoided from a flow path of the discharge air flow and the front panel, the discharge air flow may act on the front panel and prevent condensed water from being generated. In a state in which the front panel moves upward, a lower end of the front panel may be disposed higher than the front discharge part.
Since a display hole is defined in the front panel, and a display opening is defined in the support frame, the display assembly may be easily aligned at the rear side of the support frame.
The display part provided in the display assembly may be exposed to the front side of the indoor unit through the display hole, and the display part may form the same plane as the front surface of the front panel.
Since the front panel is provided to be movable upwards or downwards along rails disposed on both sides, the discharge air flow may be easily controlled, and the filter assembly disposed in an upper portion of the indoor unit may be easily detached.
Each of the rails may be provided on a side surface of the case body and include a fixed rail fixed to the side surface and a movable rail slid on the fixed rail. Since the rail coupling parts provided on both sides of the front panel are coupled to the movable rail to move vertically, the operation of the rail and the movement of the front panel may be reliably implemented.
Since the panel driving part for the movement of the front panel is provided on each of both sides of the front panel, the front panel may move vertically in a horizontal balance state.
Since a rail coupling part that protrudes backward to be coupled to the rail is provided on the support frame, the front panel may smoothly move.
Since a grill frame having a frame insertion part is provided at a rear side of the support frame, and the rail coupling part is inserted into the frame insertion part to move vertically, a moving distance of the front panel may be set.
A rack interlocked with the panel driving part may be provided at the rear surface of the support frame so as to be interlocked with the panel driving part.
Since a holder bracket is provided on a side of the rack, and the holder is slid along the holder bracket while being coupled to the grill frame, the front panel may move in a state of being stably supported and be prevented from being separated.
A display part may be disposed on the front panel, and a multi-joint link stricture may be provided at the rear side of the front panel to an electrical line connected to the display part from interfering with the front panel.
Since a lower end of the front panel is disposed at a position higher than the discharge air flow, a generation of condensed water due to contact with the front panel may be prevented.
In another embodiment, an indoor unit of an air conditioner includes: a case body having a front opening; and a grill frame provided at the front of the front opening.
The grill frame includes a front part defining a front discharge part, a frame lower part extending backward from a lower portion of the frame front part to define a lower discharge part, and a frame side part extending backward from each of both sides of the frame front part and coupled to a side surface of the case body.
The indoor unit of the air conditioner may further include a front panel provided in the front of the grill frame, including a display part, and made of a metal material; and a support frame disposed between the grill frame and the front panel and having a weight less than that of the front panel.
The front panel may be made of a metal material and have a display hole so that the display part is easily disposed.
The support frame may be disposed between the body assembly and the front panel and have a display opening that is aligned at a rear side of the display hole.
The support frame may be made of a plastic material.
The indoor unit may further include a display assembly provided on the support frame and including a display part inserted into the display hole.
The indoor unit may further include a panel bracket disposed between the front panel and the support frame to couple the front panel to the support frame.
A bracket groove may be further provided in a rear surface of the front panel, and a bracket body fitted between the bracket groove and a front surface of the support frame may be provided in the panel bracket.
The bracket body may include: an inner insertion part inserted into the bracket groove; and a hook part extending to be bent from the inner insertion part and supported on the rear surface of the front panel.
The bracket body may further include: a rear support part spaced apart from the hook part and supported on the rear surface of the panel body; and a first coupling hole which is defined between the hook part and the rear support part and into which a panel coupling part is inserted.
The support frame may include a second coupling hole which is aligned with the first coupling hole in a front and rear direction and into which the panel coupling member is inserted.
The front panel may include a support protrusion disposed between the inner insertion part and the hook part, and the support protrusion may have a front surface supporting the inner insertion part and a rear surface supported by the hook part.
The panel bracket may be provided in plurality on an edge of the front panel.
The display assembly may be coupled to the rear surface of the support frame, and a front part of the display assembly may protrude forward from the support frame through the display opening.
The display assembly may include: a display body having a front surface on which the display part is disposed; a substrate support part protruding backward from the display body; and a circuit board disposed within the substrate support part.
The body assembly may include an avoidance groove which is recessed backward from the front surface of the body assembly and in which the display assembly is disposed.
The body assembly may include a grill frame configured to define a frame opening; and a case body having a front part aligned at a rear side of the frame opening.
The avoidance groove may be defined by the frame opening and the front part of the case body.
The indoor unit may further include a rail provided on the body assembly to guide vertical movement of the front panel.
The support frame may include a frame body having a front surface facing a rear surface of the panel body; and a rail coupling part extending backward from each of both sides of the frame body and coupled to a side surface of the rail.
The body assembly may include a case body having a side part on which the rail is installed; and a grill frame coupled to a front side of the case body.
A frame insertion part through which the rail coupling part passes may be provided in the grill frame.
The rail may include a fixed rail which is fixed to the case body and in which a sliding groove is defined; and a movable rail which is movably coupled to the sliding groove of the fixed rail and to which the rail coupling part is fixed.
The indoor unit may further include a panel driving part provided in the body assembly and configured to provide driving force for the vertical movement of the front panel, wherein the panel driving part may include a gear motor and a gear assembly.
The indoor unit may further include a rack disposed on the rear surface of the support frame and interlocked with the gear assembly.
The indoor unit may further include a holder provided in the body assembly; and a holder bracket which is provided on the rear surface of the support frame and into which the holder is movably inserted.
The front panel may be made of an aluminum material.
The details of one or more embodiments are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a view illustrating a state in which an indoor unit of an air conditioner is installed on a wall according to an embodiment.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating a configuration of the indoor unit.
FIG. 3 is a front view of the indoor unit that is in a state in which a front panel moves upward according to an embodiment.
FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a configuration of the indoor unit.
FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a configuration of a case according to an embodiment.
FIG. 6 is a perspective view illustrating a state in which a component of the indoor unit is installed in the case.
FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VII-VII' of FIG. 2.
FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a configuration of an assembly (hereinafter, referred to as a panel assembly) of a front panel and a support frame according to an embodiment.
FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of a display assembly and a panel assembly according to an embodiment.
FIG. 10 is a perspective view illustrating a state in which the panel assembly is assembled using a panel bracket according to an embodiment.
FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along lie XI-XI' of FIG. 4.
FIG. 12 is a perspective view illustrating a configuration of an assembly (hereinafter, referred to as a body assembly) of a case body and a grill frame according to an embodiment.
FIG. 13 is a front view illustrating a configuration of a front surface of the indoor unit in a state in which the panel assembly is removed according to an embodiment.
FIG. 14 is a perspective view illustrating a portion of a configuration of a front surface of the body assembly.
FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 15-15' of FIG. 2.
FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 16-16' of FIG. 3.
FIG. 17 is a plan view illustrating a configuration of the front surface of the indoor unit in the state in which the panel assembly is removed according to an embodiment.
FIG. 18 is a perspective view illustrating a configuration of the grill frame according to an embodiment.
FIG. 19 is a plan view illustrating a configuration of a bottom surface of the indoor unit in the state in which the panel assembly is removed according to an embodiment.
FIG. 20 is an exploded plan view illustrating a configuration of the panel assembly and the case body according to an embodiment.
FIG. 21 is a view illustrating a state in which the panel assembly is coupled to a rail.
FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 22-22' of FIG. 2.
FIG. 23 is an exploded perspective view of the panel assembly and the case body, which shows a panel driving part for movement of the panel assembly according to an embodiment.
FIG. 24 is an exploded perspective view of the panel assembly and the case body, which shows a configuration of a holder and a holder bracket according to an embodiment.
FIG. 25 is a view illustrating a configuration of the panel driving part and peripheral components of the panel driving part according to an embodiment.
FIG. 26 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a configuration of the panel driving part.
FIG. 27 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of a gear assembly according to an embodiment.
FIG. 28 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 28-28' of FIG. 25.
FIG. 29 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a state in which the holder and the holder bracket are coupled to each other.
FIG. 30 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 30-30' of FIG. 29.
FIGS. 31A and 31B are views illustrating a configuration and operation of the indoor unit when air is discharged downward from the indoor unit.
FIGS. 32A and 32B are views illustrating a configuration and operation of the indoor unit when air is discharged forward from the indoor unit.
FIGS. 33A and 33B are views illustrating a configuration and operation of the indoor unit when air is discharged forward and downward from the indoor unit.
FIG. 34 is a view illustrating a state in which a filter assembly is withdrawn forward when the front panel moves downward.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, that alternate embodiments included in other retrogressive inventions or falling within the scope of the claims will fully convey the concept of the invention to those skilled in the art.
FIG. 1 is a view illustrating a state in which an indoor unit of an air conditioner is installed on a wall according to an embodiment, FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating a configuration of the indoor unit, FIG. 3 is a front view of the indoor unit that is in a state in which a front panel moves upward according to an embodiment, and FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a configuration of the indoor unit.
Referring to FIGS. 1 to 4, an indoor unit 10 of an air conditioner according to an embodiment may be installed on a wall W.
The indoor unit 10 includes an installation plate 20 fixed to the wall W, a chassis 30 coupled to a front portion of the installation plate 20, and a case 100 coupled to a front portion of the chassis 30.
The installation plate 20 may be a component for fixing the indoor unit 10 to the wall W and be coupled to the wall W so that the chassis 30 is mounted. The installation plate 20 has a thin plate shape and includes a central portion coupled to a rear surface of the chassis 30 and both side portions extending downward from both sides of the central portion to support a lower portion of the chassis 30.
A plurality of components may be installed in the chassis 30 and the case 100. The plurality of components may include a blower fan 40 and a heat exchanger 60.
The chassis 30 includes a plate coupling part 31 coupled to the installation plate 20 and a rear guide 33 extending downward to be rounded from the plate coupling part 31 so as to surround a portion of an outer circumferential surface of the blower fan 40.
The plate coupling part 31 has a thin plate shape. The rear guide 33 functions as a flow guide for guiding a flow of air discharged from the blower fan 40 toward discharge parts 126 and 129.
The blower fan 40 includes a cross flow fan. The cross-flow fan may suction air suctioned from an upper portion of the indoor unit 10 in a circumferential direction to discharge the air in the circumferential direction. An axial direction of the blower fan 40 may be a horizontal direction of the indoor unit 10.
The blower fan 40 may be rotatably supported at both sides of the chassis 30. In detail, the chassis 30 further includes two fan support parts 35 protruding forward from both sides of the rear guide 33 and supporting both ends of the blower fan 40. A fan motor 45 driving the blower fan 40 may be installed outside one of the two fan support parts 35. A shaft of the fan motor 45 may be coupled to the blower fan 40 by passing through the fan support parts 35.
A motor cover 47 may be coupled to the fan motor 45. The fan motor 45 may be disposed in an inner space defined by the fan support part 35 and the motor cover 47.
A control box 50 in which control components for operating the indoor unit 10 may be installed at a side of the chassis 30. The control box 50 is disposed at a side of the fan motor 45 and supported by a case body 100 that will be described later.
A heat exchanger 60 may be installed in an inner space defined by the chassis 30 and the case 100. The heat exchanger 60 may be disposed at a suction-side of the blower fan 40 to support the chassis 30 with respect to the air flow.
The heat exchanger 60 may have a bent shape. In detail, the heat exchanger 60 includes a first heat exchange part 61 extending vertically in a direction corresponding to the front surface of the indoor unit 10, a second heat exchange part 63 extending to be inclined upward from the first heat exchange part 61, and a third heat exchange part 65 extending to be inclined downward from the second heat exchange part 63. The first to third heat exchange parts 61, 63, and 65 may be disposed outside the blower fan 40 and be understood as being disposed at a suction region of air suctioned into the blower fan 40.
A heat exchanger holder 67 is coupled to the heat exchanger 60. The heat exchanger holder 67 may be coupled to a side of the heat exchanger 60 and may be supported on an inner surface of the case 100.
A refrigerant tube 70 is coupled to the heat exchanger 60. The refrigerant tube 70 may introduce a refrigerant into the heat exchanger 60 or guide a flow of the refrigerant discharged from the heat exchanger 60. The refrigerant tube 70 is coupled to the side of the heat exchanger 60 so that a tube cover 75 surrounds the outside of the refrigerant tube 70.
A lower plate 55 defining an outer appearance of a lower portion of the indoor unit 10 is disposed below the chassis 30.
A case 100 is provided at the front of the chassis 30. The assembly of the chassis 30 and the case 100 is understood to constitute the "body of the indoor unit". The body of the indoor unit may have a substantially hexahedral shape.
An air passage is provided in the case 100. In detail, an air suction part 115a is provided in an upper portion of the case 100, and a filter assembly 300 is installed on the air suction part 115a. The air suction part 115a may be opened to a top surface 115 of the case body 110.
A discharge part is provided in a lower portion of the case 100. The discharge part is provided with a lower discharge part 126 and a front discharge part 129. The lower discharge part 126 may be provided in an opened lower end of the grill frame 120, and the front discharge part 129 may be provided by opening at least a portion of a front surface of the grill frame 120.
A drain fan 80 disposed below the heat exchanger 60 may be provided in the discharge part. The drain pan 80 may include left and right vanes 83 for controlling an air discharge direction in a left and right direction. The horizontal vane 83 may rotate in the left and right direction based on a vertical line to control the discharge air flow in the left and right direction. The horizontal vane 83 may be provided in plurality and connected to one link bar. The plurality of horizontal vanes 83 may rotate together as the link bar moves.
A vertical vane 160 controlling an air discharge direction may be provided in the lower discharge part 126. The vertical vane 160 may be rotatably or slidably provided to control the discharge air flow in the vertical direction.
A front panel 150 defining an outer appearance of the front surface of the indoor unit 10 is disposed on a front portion of the case 100. A display part 156 for confirming operation information of the indoor unit 10 may be provided on the front panel 150.
The front panel 150 may be provided to be movable upward or downward. For example, when 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, a human body sensor 165 for sensing a human body of a user that is placed in an indoor space may be exposed to a right side of the lower portion of the indoor unit 10. For example, the human body sensor 165 may include a camera module provided with a lens 166. The lens 166 may form a viewing angle toward the front side. In addition, the human body sensor 165 may be supported on a top surface of a lower grill 125a of the grill body 120 and may be disposed at a side of the lower discharge part 126.
A voice recognition device 190 that is capable of recognizing user's voice may be disposed at a side of the human body sensor 165. The voice recognition device 190 may be disposed at a side of the front discharge part 129. That is, the voice recognition device 190 may be disposed between the front discharge part 129 and the human body sensor 165.
The case 100 includes a grill frame 120 defining an outer appearance of a front edge of the indoor unit 10. The grill frame 120 may include a grill part provided with a lower grill 125a and a side grill 125b. The lower discharge part 126 is provided at an approximately central portion of the lower grill 125a.
The voice recognition device 190 includes a microphone hole 195 for collecting the user's voice. The microphone hole 195 may be defined in the grill frame 120. In detail, the microphone hole 195 may be defined to pass through an upper portion of the lower grill 125a and include a first microphone hole 195a and a second microphone hole 195b, which are arranged in the left and right direction (FIG. 19).
A horizontal vane motor 85 for driving the horizontal vane 83 is provided at a side of the front discharge part 129.
The indoor unit 10 further includes a horizontal bar 128a extending in a horizontal direction at an approximately central portion of the front discharge part 129 with respect to the vertical direction. The horizontal bar 128a may function as a safety device to prevent a user's hand from being inputted.
Hereinafter, the configuration of the case 100 will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a configuration of the case according to an embodiment, FIG. 6 is a perspective view illustrating a state in which a component of the indoor unit is installed in the case, and FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VII-VII' of FIG. 2.
Referring to FIGS. 5 to 7, the case 100 according to an embodiment includes the front panel 150.
The front panel 150 includes a thin plate-shaped panel body 151 and a display hole 152 which is opened in the panel body 151 and in which a display 156 is disposed. The panel body 151 may have, for example, a quadrilateral plate shape.
The front panel 150 may be made of a metal material. In addition, other components of the case 100 except for the front panel 150 may be made of a plastic resin. When the blower fan 40 is driven, vibration occurs. As a result, the vibration may generate noise by inducing the vibration of the indoor unit.
In this embodiment, since the front panel 150 is made of a relatively heavy metal material, there is an advantage that the vibration of the metal material is reduced even if the vibration occurs. In addition, the metal material has a lower possibility of contamination than that of the plastic resin and may be easily cleaned even if the contamination occurs.
The front panel 150 may be surface-processed to feel a predetermined texture, thereby realizing an elegant outer appearance.
The case 100 further includes a support frame 140 coupled to a rear portion of the front panel 150 to support the front panel 150. The support frame 140 may be in surface contact with a rear surface of the front panel 150. An assembly of the front panel 150 and the support frame 140 may be referred to as a "panel assembly".
In detail, the support frame 140 is provided with a frame body 141 having a quadrilateral plate shape and a display opening 143 defined by opening at least a portion of the frame body 141. The display opening 143 may be aligned behind the display hole 152 of the front panel 150.
The display assembly 155 is installed in the display opening 143. The display assembly 155 includes a circuit board and a display part 156. The display part 156 defines a front portion of the display assembly 155 and is exposed to the outside through the display hole 152 of the front panel 150.
The support frame 140 is provided with rail coupling parts 145 protruding backward from both sides of the frame body 141. The support frame 140 may have a "
" shape as a whole by the frame body 141 and both the rail coupling parts 145.
The case 100 further includes a grill frame 120 provided behind the support frame 140 and providing the discharge parts 126 and 129. A front surface of the grill frame 120 is configured to face a rear surface of the support frame 140. The grill frame 120 is made of a plastic material, for example, may be made of acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene resin (ABS resin) having relatively high strength.
The grill part 125 defining an outer appearance of the lower portion and the side surface of the indoor unit 10 is disposed on a lower portion and both side portions of the grill frame 120. The lower discharge part 126 may be provided in the lower grill 125a of the grill part 125.
In detail, the lower grill 125a is configured to extend further downward from the lower discharge part 126, and the lower discharge part 126 is not well visible to the outside. Therefore, the elegant outer appearance of the indoor unit may be realized. In addition, air discharged from the lower discharge part 126 may be guided by the lower grill 125a to increase in straightness downward.
Frame insertion parts 127a and 127b into which the rail coupling parts 145 are inserted are provided in both sides of the grill frame 120. Each of the rail coupling parts 145 passes through each of the frame insertion parts 127a and 127b to extend backward and may be coupled to the rail 130. The rail 130 may be provided at each of both sides of the indoor unit 10.
The case body 110 is provided at the rear side of the grill frame 120. The case body 110 may have a rectangular parallelepiped shape as a whole and may be configured to open a front portion, a lower portion, and an upper portion. The grill frame 120 and the case body 110 may be coupled to each other, and an assembly of the grill frame 120 and the case body 110 may be referred to as a "body assembly".
In detail, the case body 110 includes a body front part 111, a body side part 112, a body rear part 114, and a body top part 115. A front opening 111a of which at least a portion is covered by the grill gram 120 is defined in the body front part 111.
A lower portion of the front opening 111a may be aligned with the front discharge part 129 of the grill frame 120 in the front and rear direction. Therefore, air within the indoor unit may be discharged to the outside via the lower portion of the front opening 111a and the front discharge part 129. The panel assemblies 140 and 150 may move in the vertical direction to selectively open and close the front discharge part 129.
A control box 50 may be disposed inside the body side part 112. In addition, an outer surface of the body side part 112 includes a rail seating part 113 on which the rail 30 is placed. The grill part 125 is disposed to cover the rail seating part 113, and a space part in which the rail 130 is installed is defined between the grill part 125 and the rail seating part 113.
The rail coupling part 145 may be coupled to a side surface of the rail 130. In the process of allow the panel assemblies 140 and 150 to move in the vertical direction, the rail coupling part 145 may move in the vertical direction along the rail 130.
A rear opening 114a is defined in the body rear part 114. The chassis 30 may be coupled to the rear opening 114a. That is, the body assemblies 110 and 120 and the chassis 30 may be coupled to each other to define an overall outer appearance of the indoor unit 10, and the panel assemblies 140 and 150 may constitute the front surface of the indoor unit 10.
A top opening 115a on which the filter assembly 300 is mounted is defined in the body top part 115. The top opening 115a may function as an air suction part. A filter support part 115b extending forward and backward to support the filter assembly 300 is provided in the top opening 115a. The filter support part 115b may be provided in plurality and may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other in the left and right direction.
The vertical vane 160 for controlling the discharge air flow in the vertical direction is provided in a lower portion of the case 100. A vane motor 62 for driving each of the vertical vane 160 and a vane motor cover 163 surrounding the vane motor 62 are disposed at a side of the vertical vane 160.
A panel driving part 170 providing driving force for upward and downward movement of the panel assemblies 140 and 150 is further provided in the case 100. The panel driving part 170 is disposed on the rear surface of the grill frame 120, and the gears provided in the panel driving part 170 contact the panel assemblies 140 and 150 through the grill frame 120. The panel driving part 170 may be provided at each of both sides of the case 100 to provide stable driving force to the panel assembly 170.
The case 100 further includes a temperature and humidity sensor 194 that senses a temperature and humidity of the indoor space in which the indoor unit 10 is installed. The temperature and humidity sensor 194 may include a temperature sensor and a humidity sensor and may be installed on the body side part 112 of the case body 110.
In detail, a sensor mounting part 113a on which the temperature and humidity sensor 192 is installed is provided on a lower portion of the body side part 112. The sensor mounting part 113a may be disposed below the rail seating part 113, and a partition rib 113b may protrude between the sensor mounting part 113a and the rail seating part 113. The side grill 125b of the grill part 125 may cover side surfaces of the rail seating part 113 and the sensor mounting part 113a. In the side grill 125b, a sensor hole may be defined in a point corresponding to the position of the temperature and humidity sensor 192 to communicate with the outside of the indoor unit 10.
The case 100 further includes a dust sensor 192 that senses air quality information around the indoor unit 10. The dust sensor 192 may be installed on the body side part 112 of the case body 110. In detail, a dust sensor opening 112a may be defined in the case body 110, and a dust sensor cover 192a (see FIG. 12) may be detachably provided on the dust sensor opening 112a.
The dust sensor cover 192a may be separated to clean the dust sensor 192, and the user may clean the dust sensor 192 by using a cleaning mechanism, for example, a cotton swab.
A filter cleaning device 400 for separating dust accumulated in the filter assembly 300 and a dust container 430 for storing the separated dust may be provided in the upper portion of the case 100. The dust container 430 may be disposed at a side of the filter assembly 300.
A brush 420 may be provided between the filter assembly 300 and the dust container 430. The brush 420 may be in contact with the prefilter provided in the filter assembly 300 to separate foreign matters accumulated in the prefilter.
The prefilter is rotatably provided by a filter rotation motor 350, and the foreign matters may be separated from a prefilter by the contact between the prefilter and the brush 420 during the rotation of the prefilter. The filter rotation motor 350 may be surrounded by a motor cover 355 and may be supported inside the case body 110.
The brush 420 may include a brush body 421 having a cylindrical shape and a brush bristle 425 provided on an outer circumferential surface of the brush body 421 to contact the prefilter.
The filter cleaning device 400 may be disposed below the dust container 430 and may be disposed above the control box 50. When the filter cleaning device 400 is driven, suction force of the filter cleaning device 400 may act on the filter assembly 300 via the dust container 430, and the foreign matters separated from the filter assembly 300 may be stored in the dust container 430.
FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a configuration of the assembly (hereinafter, referred to as a panel assembly) of the front panel and the support frame according to an embodiment, FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of the display assembly and the an panel assembly according to an embodiment, FIG. 10 is a perspective view illustrating a state in which the panel assembly is assembled using the panel bracket according to an embodiment, and FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along lie XI-XI' of FIG. 4.
Referring to FIGS. 8 to 11, the front panel 150 according to an embodiment may be coupled to a front side of the support frame 140. In other words, the support frame 140 may be coupled to a rear surface of the front panel 150.
The front panel 150 and the support frame 140 may be made of different materials. In detail, the front panel 150 may be made of a metal material, and the support frame 140 may be made of a plastic resin. For example, the front panel 150 may be made of aluminum.
Therefore, the front panel 150 may be configured to be heavier than the support frame 140. However, to relatively reduce a weight of the front panel 150, a recess part 151c may be defined in a rear side of the front panel 150. The recess part 151c may be understood as a result of performing a weight loss process so as to reduce the weight of the front panel 150 in a processing process of the front panel 150.
The recess part 151c may be defined in an area of 80% or more of the rear area of the front panel 150 and may have an approximately quadrilateral shape.
To support relatively heavy components, a firm coupling structure of the front panel 150 is required. In this embodiment, to prevent deformation due to the weight of the front panel 150, the front panel 150 may be coupled to the support frame 140 by using a panel bracket 153.
In detail, the panel bracket 153 is coupled to the rear surface of the panel body 151. The panel bracket 153 may be provided as plurality of panel brackets 153, which are spaced apart from an edge of the panel body 151. For example, eight panel brackets 153 may be provided.
Four panel brackets 153 are horizontally spaced apart from an upper portion of the rear surface of the panel body 151, and the remaining four panel brackets 153 are spaced apart from a rear portion of the front panel 150 in the horizontal direction.
A plurality of bracket grooves 151a are recessed in the rear surface of the panel body 151, and the panel brackets 153 are coupled to the bracket grooves 151a.
In detail, each of the panel brackets 153 includes a bracket body 153a extending in the vertical direction. A front surface of the bracket body 153a may be inserted into each of the bracket grooves 151a, and a rear surface of the bracket body 153a may be supported by the frame body 141.
An inner insertion part 153b inserted into the bracket groove 151a and hooked with the panel body 151 and a hook part 153c bent from the inner insertion part 153b to extend and supported on the rear surface of the panel body 151 are disposed on an upper portion of the bracket body 153a.
The panel body 151 includes a support protrusion 151b disposed between the inner insertion part 153a and the hook part 153b. A front surface of the support protrusion 151b supports the inner insertion part 153a, and a rear surface of the support protrusion 151b may be supported by the hook part 153.
A rear support part 153e supporting the rear surface of the panel body 151 is disposed on a lower portion of the bracket body 153a. The hook part 153c may be disposed above the bracket groove 151a, and the rear support part 153e may be disposed below the bracket groove 151a.
The frame body 141 of the support frame 140 may be in contact with the rear surface of the panel bracket 153 and may be coupled to the front panel 150 through a panel coupling member 154.
A frame coupling hole 141b through which the panel coupling member 154 passes is defined in the frame body 141. The panel coupling member 154 may be inserted into the frame coupling hole 141b and coupled to the coupling hole 153d of the panel bracket 153. The coupling hole 153d may be defined in an approximately central portion of the bracket body 153a with respect to the vertical direction and may be defined between the hook part 153c and the rear support part 153e.
For convenience of description, the coupling hole 153d may be referred to as a "first coupling hole" and the frame coupling hole 141b may be referred to as a "second coupling hole".
As described above, since the relatively heavy front panel 150 may be coupled to the support frame 140 through the panel bracket 153, the front panel may be prevented from being separated or from being deformed at the coupled portion.
A display assembly 155 may be provided on the support frame 140. The display assembly 155 may be coupled to the rear surface of the support frame 140, and a front portion of the display assembly 155 may protrude forward from the support frame 140 through the display opening 143.
That is, the display assembly 155 may be coupled to the rear surface of the support frame 140 to extend forward through the display opening 143. The display part 156 may be disposed in front of the display opening 143.
In detail, the display assembly 155 includes a display body 155a coupled to the rear surface of the frame body 141. The display body 155a may have a quadrilateral plate shape, and the display part 156 may be disposed in front of the display body 155a.
A coupling hole 155f through which the display coupling member 155e passes may be defined in the display body 155a, and the display coupling member 155e may pass through the coupling hole 155f so as to be coupled to the display coupling hole 141d of the frame body 141. For example, four display coupling holes 141d may be defined in edges of the display opening 143.
The display body 155a includes a substrate support part 155b protruding backward from a rear surface of the display body 155a. The substrate support part 155b may have an approximately quadrangular frame shape, and a circuit board 155c on which a plurality of electrical elements are installed may be disposed on the substrate support part 155b.
The display assembly 155 further includes a display cover 155d covering the circuit board 155c. The display cover 155d may be coupled to an edge of the circuit board 155c.
In this configuration, the display assembly 155 may protrude backward from the support frame 140. The display assembly 155 may be inserted into a first opening 121f of the grill frame 120, which will be described later, to prevent the display assembly 155 from interfering with the body assemblies 110 and 120 when the panel assemblies 140 and 150 move vertically.
FIG. 12 is a perspective view illustrating a configuration of the assembly (hereinafter, referred to as a body assembly) of the case body and the grill frame according to an embodiment, FIG. 13 is a front view illustrating a configuration of the front surface of the indoor unit in a state in which the panel assembly is removed according to an embodiment, FIG. 14 is a perspective view illustrating a portion of a configuration of the front surface of the body assembly, FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 15-15' of FIG. 2, and FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 16-16' of FIG. 3.
Referring to FIGS. 12 to 16, the indoor unit 10 according to an embodiment includes the grill frame 120 including a frame front part 121. The frame front part 121 may face the rear surface of the support frame 140, and a front discharge part 129 may be disposed below the frame front part 121. The front discharge part 129 may be provided by being cut in the horizontal direction.
The frame front part 121 includes frame openings 121f and 121g defined in both sides of the frame front part 121. When viewed from the front side, the frame openings 121f and 121g may be defined to pass through right and left portions of the frame front part 121, respectively. Each of the frame openings 121f and 121g may have a substantially rectangular shape.
In detail, the frame openings 121f and 121g include a first opening 121f and a second opening 121g. The first opening 121f may be larger than the second opening 121g. This is done for allowing the display assembly 155 protruding backward from the support frame 140 to be inserted into the first opening 121f.
At least a portion of the case body 110 behind the grill frame 120 may be exposed through the first and second openings 121f and 121g. In detail, the body front part 111 and the first rail 130a, which is disposed at a side of the body front part 111, may be exposed to the front side through the first opening 121f. In addition, the second rail 130b may be exposed to the front side through the second opening 121g.
The frame insertion parts 127a and 127b into which the rail coupling parts 145 of the support frame 140 are inserted are provided in the first and second openings 121f and 121g, respectively.
In detail, the frame insertion parts 127a and 127b include a first frame insertion part 127a which defines at least a portion of the first opening 121f and into which one of the two rail coupling parts 145 is inserted. In addition, the frame insertion parts 127a and 127b include a second frame insertion part 127b which defines at least a portion of the second opening 121g and into which the other one of the two rail coupling parts 145 is inserted.
In another aspect, the first frame insertion part 127a may be understood as a space between the first rail 130a provided on the case body 110 and an end of the first opening 121f. In addition, the second frame insertion part 127b may be understood as a space between the second rail 130b provided on the case body 110 and an end of the second opening 121g.
The two rail coupling parts 145 extend backward through the first and second frame insertion parts 127a and 127b and may be coupled to the first and second rails 130a and 130b, respectively.
A display avoidance groove 111e which recessed backward from the front surface of each of the body assemblies 110 and 120 and in which the display assembly 155 is disposed is defined in each of the body assemblies 110 and 120. A rear portion of the display assembly 155 may be inserted into the display avoidance groove 111e.
In detail, the body front part 111 of the case body 110 includes a first part 111b and a second part 111c disposed behind the first part 111b. A body protrusion 111d extending backward from the first part 111b and connected to the second part 111c is provided on the body front part 111. The body front part 111 may be stepped forward and backward by the first and second parts 11b and 111c and the body protrusion 111d.
Also, the first and second parts 111b and 111c may be understood to be exposed to the front side through the first opening 121f.
A front space of the second part 111c defines the display avoidance groove 111e. That is, the display assembly 155 may be disposed in the display avoidance groove 111e in front of the second part 111c. Also, the first frame insertion part 127a is understood as a space between the second part 111c and a right end of the first opening 121f.
The display assembly 155 may move upward or downward within the display avoidance groove 111e. That is, a vertical size of the display avoidance groove 111e may be larger than a vertical size of a protrusion 155b of the display assembly 155.
In detail, referring to FIG. 15, in a state in which the front panel 150 moves downward (see FIG. 34), the protrusion 155b and the circuit board 155c may be disposed below the display avoidance groove 111e.
Also, referring to FIG. 16, the protrusion 155b and the circuit board 155c are disposed above the display avoidance groove 111e in a state in which the front panel 150 moves upward (see FIG. 3).
Therefore, while the front panel 150 moves vertically, the display assembly 155 may not interfere with the body assemblies 110 and 120.
FIG. 17 is a plan view illustrating a configuration of the front surface of the indoor unit in the state in which the panel assembly is removed according to an embodiment, FIG. 18 is a perspective view illustrating a configuration of the grill frame according to an embodiment, and FIG. 19 is a plan view illustrating a configuration of a bottom surface of the indoor unit in the state in which the panel assembly is removed according to an embodiment.
Referring to FIGS. 17 to 19, a panel driving part 170 providing driving force to the front panel 150 is disposed at a rear side of the grill frame 120 according to an embodiment. The panel driving part 170 is provided in plurality and includes a first panel driving part 170a and a second panel driving part 170b.
The panel driving part 170 includes a fourth gear 173c rotating by the driving motor 171 and interlocked with a rack 148 of the support frame 140. The fourth gear 173c may protrude forward from the grill frame 120 so as to be interlocked with the rack 148.
In detail, an opened gear hole 122 is defined in the frame front part 121. The gear hole 122 may be defined in a position corresponding to the position of the fourth gear 173c. Since the fourth gear 173c is provided in each of the first and second panel driving parts 170a and 170b, the gear hole 122 corresponding to the fourth gear 173c may be defined in each of both sides of the frame front part 121.
At least a portion of the fourth gear 173c may be disposed at the rear side of the frame front part 121, and the other part may protrude forward from the frame front part 121 through the gear hole 122.
The grill frame 120 further includes a frame lower part 121a extending backward from a lower portion of the frame front part 121 and a frame side part 121b extending backward from each of both sides of the frame front part 121.
The grill part 125 having a plurality of grills is provided on each of the frame lower part 121a and the frame side part 121b. The plurality of grills may be spaced forward and backward from each other to extend in parallel to each other and may be provided to be bent so as to define a lower portion and both side portions of the grill frame 120. For example, the grill part 125 may have a "U" shape.
In detail, the grill part 125 includes a lower grill 125a constituting the lower frame 121a. At least a portion of the lower grill 125a may be provided to be penetrated, and the penetrated portion of the lower grill 125a may define the lower discharge part 126 to guide the discharge of air.
The lower discharge part 126 may be provided at an approximately central portion of the lower grill 125a, and both sides of the lower grill 125a may be blocked. Therefore, the air may not be discharged in an area of the lower grill 125a other than an area on which the lower discharge part 126 is disposed.
The grill part 125 further includes side grills 125b extending upward from each of both sides of the lower grill 125a. 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 may have a sense of unity in terms of design.
Most of the side grills 125b may be blocked so as not to communicate with the outside. However, the sensor hole may be defined in a portion at which the temperature and humidity sensor 194 is disposed to communicate with the outside.
FIG. 20 is an exploded plan view illustrating a configuration of the panel assembly and the case body according to an embodiment, FIG. 21 is a view illustrating a state in which the panel assembly is coupled to the rail, and FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 22-22' of FIG. 2.
Referring to FIGS. 20 to 22, the panel assemblies 140 and 150 according to an embodiment may be provided to be movable in the vertical direction in the front of the grill frame 120.
Two rail coupling parts 145 are provided at both rear sides of the panel assemblies 140 and 150, respectively. The rail coupling part 145 may be inserted into each of the frame insertion parts 127a and 127b of the grill frame 120 so as to be coupled to the rail 130 provided in the case body 110. In this case, each of the panel assemblies 140 and 150 may have a rear surface that is disposed opposite and adjacent to the frame front portion 121 of the grill frame 120.
In detail, the two rail coupling parts 145 may be coupled to the first and second rails 130a and 130b, respectively. The first rail coupling part 145 provided at the right side of each of the panel assembly 140 and 150 may be coupled to the first rail 130a, and the second rail coupling part 145 provided at the left side of each of the panel assembly 140 and 150 may be coupled to the second rail 130b.
The rail 130 includes a fixed rail 131 coupled to the body side part 112 of the case body 110 and a movable rail 132 moving upward or downward along the fixed rail 131.
A rail seating part 113 having a seating surface facing a side and a rail accommodation part 117 protruding laterally from an edge of the rail seating part 113 are disposed on the body side part 112. In another aspect, the rail accommodation part 117 may be recessed backward from a front end of the body side part 112.
The front end of the 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 rear surfaces of the panel assemblies 140 and 150.
The fixed rail 131 has a quadrangular plate shape, and a recessed sliding groove 131a is defined in each of both sides of the fixed rail 131. The sliding groove 131a may be lengthily defined in the vertical direction.
Each of both sides of the movable rail 132 may be accommodated in the sliding groove 131a, and the movable rail 132 may move along the sliding groove 131a. Therefore, the movable rail 132 may be prevented from shaking in the front and rear direction.
The rail coupling part 145 may be coupled to a side surface of the movable rail 132 to move upward or downward. In detail, the rail coupling part 145 includes first and second coupling parts 145a and 145b arranged in the vertical direction. The second coupling part 145b is disposed above the first coupling part 145a. As the two coupling parts 145a and 145b are coupled to the movable rail 132, coupling force between the rail coupling part 145 and the rail 130 may increase.
A frame recess part 145c is defined in the front of the rail coupling part 145. The frame recess part 145c is recessed backward from the frame body 141, and the first and second coupling parts 145a and 145b extend from a rear side of the frame recess part 145c. A stress dispersion effect caused by the coupling between the first and second coupling parts 145a and 145b and the rail 130 may occur due to the configuration of the frame recess 145.
The rail coupling part 145 is provided with a coupling pin 147 and a pin coupling part 146 into which the coupling pin 147 is inserted. The pin coupling part 146 extends backward from the frame recess part 145c, and the coupling pin 147 may be disposed at an end of the pin coupling part 146. Since the pin coupling part 146 extends backward from the frame recess part 145c, the stress dispersion effect transmitted from the coupling pin 147 may be expected.
FIG. 23 is an exploded perspective view of the panel assembly and the case body, which shows the panel driving part for movement of the panel assembly according to an embodiment, FIG. 24 is an exploded perspective view of the panel assembly and the case body, which shows a configuration of a holder and a holder bracket according to an embodiment, FIG. 25 is a view illustrating a configuration of the panel driving part and peripheral components of the panel driving part according to an embodiment, FIG. 26 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a configuration of the panel driving part, FIG. 27 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of a gear assembly according to an embodiment, and FIG. 28 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 28-28' of FIG. 25.
Referring to FIGS. 23 to 28, the panel assembly 140 or 150 according to an embodiment may be provided to move in the vertical direction in the front of the grill frame 120.
The panel assemblies 140 and 150 include a front panel 150 and a support frame 140, which are coupled to the rear surface of the front panel 150. The indoor unit 10 further includes a driving mechanism for vertical movement of the front panel 150.
The drive mechanism includes a panel driving part 170 that provides driving force for the movement of the panel assemblies 140 and 150. The panel driving part 170 may be disposed on a rear surface of the grill frame 120. In detail, a motor bracket 124 is coupled to the rear surface of the grill frame 120, and the panel driving part 170 may be supported on a rear side of the motor bracket 124. The motor bracket 124 includes a bracket coupling part 124a coupled to the grill frame 120.
The panel driving parts 170a and 170b are provided in plurality, and the panel driving parts 170a and 170b include a first panel driving part 170a and a second panel driving part 170b, which are spaced apart from each other in the left and right direction.
In detail, the panel driving parts 170a and 170b include a driving motor 171 which generates driving force and has a motor shaft 171a and a gear assembly which transmits the power generated by the driving motor 171.
The gear assembly includes a first gear 171b coupled to the motor shaft 171a, a second gear 173a and a third gear 173b, which are interlocked with the first gear 171b, and a fourth gear 173c interlocked with the third gear 173b.
A first gear shaft 174a is centrally coupled to the second gear 173a and the third gear 173b. The first gear shaft 174a is rotatably supported by gear cases 172a and 172b, and the second and third gears 173a and 173b and the first gear shaft 174a may rotate together. For example, the third gear 173b is coupled to a side of the second gear 173a, and an outer diameter of the third gear 173b is larger than that of the second gear 173a and has more gear teeth.
The second gear 173a is disposed at an upper side of the first gear 171b and gear-coupled, and the second and third gears 173a and 173b are concentrically arranged.
The gear assembly further includes a fourth gear 173c that cooperates with the third gear 173b. The fourth gear 173c may be disposed below the third gear 173b and may be centrally coupled to the second gear shaft 174b. The second gear shaft 174b may be rotatably supported by the gear cases 172a and 172b.
The gear cases 172a and 172b include a case body 172a and a case cover 172b coupled to the case body 172a. The case body 172a and the case cover 172b may be coupled to each other in the left and right direction and may be coupled to each other by, for example, the case coupling member 172d. A coupling hole 172c into which the case coupling member 172d is inserted may be defined in each of the case body 172a and the case cover 172b.
When the driving motor 171 is driven, the fourth gear 173c finally rotates by the interlocking of the first to fourth gears. The fourth gear 173c may be gear-coupled to a rack 148 of the support frame 140 so as to be interlocked with each other.
The gear cases 172a and 172b include a case opening 172e that is opened so that the fourth gear 173c is exposed to the outside of the gear cases 172a and 172b. The case opening 172e may be defined in the front of the gear cases 172a and 172b and may face a rear surface of the support frame 140.
A rack 148 interlocked with the panel driving part 170 is disposed on the rear surface of the support frame 140. The rack 148 extends in the vertical direction and includes a plurality of gear teeth.
The rack 148 is provided with a plurality, the plurality of racks 148 may be spaced apart from each other in the left and right direction. In detail, the rack 148 includes a first rack 148a and a second rack 148b. The first and second racks 148b may be disposed at both rear sides of each of the panel assemblies 140 and 150, respectively.
The rack 148 may be gear-coupled with the fourth gear 173c of the panel driving part 170 so as to be interlocked with each other. In detail, the first and second racks 148a and 148c may be interlocked with the fourth gear 173c provided in the first and second panel driving parts 170a and 170b, respectively.
A holder bracket 185 into which a holder 178 coupled to the grill frame 120 is inserted is provided on the rear surface of the support frame 140. The holder bracket 185 may be disposed at each of sides of the first and second racks 148a and 148b to extend in the vertical direction.
In detail, the plurality of holder brackets 185 may be provided, and the plurality of holder brackets 185 may be spaced apart from each other in the left and right direction. In detail, the holder bracket 185 includes a first holder bracket 185a disposed at a side of the first rack 148a and a second holder bracket 185b disposed at a side of the second rack 148b.
A bracket hole 185d (see FIG. 30) into which a portion of the holder 178 is inserted may be defined in the holder bracket 185. When the panel assemblies 140 and 150 move in the vertical direction, the holder 178 may move in the vertical direction along the holder bracket 185.
A connection link 180 is mounted on the rear surface of the support frame 140. The connection link 180 may have a shape that is bent several times. The connection link 180 may have one end coupled to the rear surface of the support frame 140 and the other end coupled to the case body 110.
The connection link 180 is configured to protect a wire, for example, a power line connecting the display assembly 155 to the control box 50. In detail, an accommodation space of the wire is defined in the connection link 180, and an outer side of the wire is surrounded by the connection link 180.
When the panel assemblies 140 and 150 move in the vertical direction, a distance between the case body 110, in which the control box 50 is installed, and the display assembly 155, installed in each of the panel assemblies 140 and 150, is changed. Here, since the wire moves, there is possibility that the wire interferes with the peripheral components if the wire is not protected by the connection link 180.
Therefore, in this embodiment, the connection link 180 surrounding the wire is configured to connect the panel assemblies 140 and 150 to the case body 110, thereby preventing the interference between the wire and the peripheral components.
A gear hole 122 through which the fourth gear 173c of the panel driving part 170 passes is defined in the grill frame 120. The gear hole 122 may be defined in plurality in both sides of the grill frame 120 to correspond to the positions of the first and second panel driving parts 170a and 170b.
In addition, a holder through-hole 122a, through which the holder 178 passes, is defined in the grill frame 120. The holder through-hole 122a may be disposed adjacent to the side of the gear hole 122. The holder through-hole 122a may be provided in plurality corresponding to the number of holders 178 and the number of holder brackets 185.
The holder 178 is coupled to the rear surface of the grill frame 120 to extend forward through the holder through-hole 122a. In addition, the holder 178 may be movably coupled to the holder bracket 185.
FIG. 29 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a state in which the holder and the holder bracket are coupled to each other, and FIG. 30 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 30-30' of FIG. 29.
Referring to FIGS. 27, 29, and 30, the indoor unit 10 according to an embodiment includes a holder 178 mounted on the grill frame 120 to allow the panel assemblies 140 and 150 to stably move in the vertical direction.
The holder 178 is installed on the rear surface of the grill frame 120. A seating rib 122c (FIG. 27) on which the holder 178 is seated is provided on the rear surface of the grill frame 120. The seating rib 122c may have a rectangular shape which protrudes backward from the rear surface of the frame body 141 and has an empty inside.
A holder coupling boss 122b coupled to the holder 178 is provided inside the seating rib 122c. The holder coupling boss 122b may protrude backward from the rear surface of the frame body 141, and a screw S may be coupled to the holder coupling boss 122b. The holder coupling boss 122b may be provided in plurality on both sides of the seating rib 122c.
The holder 178 includes a grill support part 179a disposed on the seating rib 122c and an insertion part 179b extending forward from the grill support part 179d and inserted into the holder bracket 185 via the holder through-hole 122a and the bracket hole 185d.
The grill support part 179a has a substantially quadrangular plate shape, and a holder coupling hole 179c may be defined in each of both sides of the grill support part 179a to which the screw S is coupled.
The holder 178 further includes a slider 179d extending from an end of the insertion part 179b in a horizontal direction to move vertically within the holder bracket 185. Since a horizontal length of the slider 179d is greater than a horizontal diameter of the bracket hole 185d, the slider 179d may be prevented from being separated from the holder bracket 185.
When the panel assemblies 140 and 150 move in the vertical direction, the holder bracket 185 may move in the vertical direction, and a protrusion rib 186c provided on the rear surface of the holder bracket 185 may be provided to contact the grill frame 120.
The slider 179d moves relatively inside the holder bracket 185. The rear surface of the slider 179d protrudes a protrusion 179e that contacts the inner surface of the holder bracket 185.
In detail, the holder bracket 185 includes a first part 186b coupled to the rear surface of the frame body 141 and a second part 186b bent backward from the first part 186b to extend. The first protrusion rib 186c may protrude backward from a rear surface of the second part 186b.
The first and second parts 186a and 186b are respectively provided at both sides of the holder bracket 185, and a bracket hole 185d is defined between the two first and second parts 186a and 186b. The holder 178 may be stably supported by the holder bracket 185 due to the above-described configuration.
FIGS. 31A to 31B are views illustrating a configuration and operation of the indoor unit when air is discharged downward from the indoor unit.
Referring to FIGS. 31A and 31B, in the indoor unit 10 according to an embodiment, air may be discharged through only the lower discharge part 126. For example, an indirect wind mode may operate to perform downward discharge so that the hot air is not directly supplied to the user during the heating operation of the air conditioner.
In detail, when the blower fan 40 is driven, the air suctioned from the upper portion of the indoor unit 10 is purified while passing through the filter assembly 300 and then flows to the lower portion of the indoor unit 10 while passing through the blower fan 40.
Here, the front panel 150 does not move upward or downward, but is disposed at a central position. Here, the "central position" is understood as a position at which the front panel 150 covers the front discharge part 129 of the grill frame 120 and does not further descend than the lower end of the grill frame 120.
The vertical vane 160 is disposed 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, a rear end of the vertical vane 160 is disposed at a position higher than a front end of the vertical vane 160, and thus, the rear end of the vertical vane 160 is lifted upward.
The vertical vane 160 is connected to the link 167, and the vertical vane 160 may rotate in the front and rear direction or be slid in the front and rear direction based on a horizontal central axis according to the movement of the link 167.
Air passing through the blower fan 40 may be guided by the vertical vane 160 and discharged downward through the opened lower discharge part 126. Here, since the front discharge part 129 is covered by the panel assemblies 140 and 150, the discharge air flow forward is limited.
FIGS. 32A and 32B are views illustrating a configuration and operation of the indoor unit when air is discharged forward from the indoor unit.
Referring to FIGS. 32A to 32B, in the indoor unit 10 according to an embodiment, air may be discharged through only the front discharge part 129. For example, an indirect wind mode may operate to perform downward discharge so that the cold air is not directly supplied to the user during the cooling operation of the air conditioner.
In detail, when the blower fan 40 is driven, the air suctioned from the upper portion of the indoor unit 10 is purified while passing through the filter assembly 300 and then flows to the lower portion of the indoor unit 10 while passing through the blower fan 40.
Here, the front panel 150 moves upward to be disposed at an upper position. Here, the "upper position" is understood to be a position at which the front panel 150 moves upward to open the front discharge part 129 of the grill frame 120.
Also, the vertical vane 160 is in parallel with the top surface of the lower grill 125a of the grill frame 120. That is, the vertical vane 160 has a state of laying so that a front end and a rear end thereof have the same height, and the vertical vane 160 closes the lower discharge part 126.
Air passing through the blower fan 40 may be guided by the vertical vane 160 and discharged forward through the opened front discharge part 129. Here, since the lower discharge part 129 is covered by the vertical vane 160, the discharge air flow downward is limited.
At the upper position, the front panel 150 may be disposed at a position higher than the front discharge part 129. That is, a lower end of the front panel 150 may be disposed at a position higher by a predetermined height Δh than an upper end of the front discharge part 129. In this case, the flow of air discharged from the front discharge part 129 may be prevented from contacting the front panel 150 of the metal material. Thus, the air may be prevented from being condensed on the front panel 150 to generate condensed water.
FIGS. 33A and 33B are views illustrating a configuration and operation of the indoor unit when air is discharged forward and downward from the indoor unit.
Referring to FIGS. 33A and 33B, in the indoor unit 10 according to an embodiment, a "simultaneous mode" for discharging air through the lower discharge part 126 and the front discharge part 129 may operate. For example, in the cooling operation and the heating operation of the air conditioner, the operation in the simultaneous mode is possible.
In detail, when the blower fan 40 is driven, the air suctioned from the upper portion of the indoor unit 10 is purified while passing through the filter assembly 300 and then flows to the lower portion of the indoor unit 10 while passing through the blower fan 40. Here, the front panel 150 moves upward to be disposed at an upper position.
The vertical vane 160 is disposed 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, a rear end of the vertical vane 160 is disposed at a position higher than a front end of the vertical vane 160, and thus, the rear end of the vertical vane 160 is lifted upward.
Air passing through the blower fan 40 may be guided by the vertical vane 160 and discharged forward through the opened lower and front discharge parts 126 and 129.
As described above, when the indoor unit 10 is driven, the front panel 150 may be disposed at a "first position (central position)" or "second position (upper position)" and may perform the indirect wind mode or simultaneous mode according to the position of the vertical vane 160.
FIG. 34 is a view illustrating a state in which the filter assembly is withdrawn forward when the front panel moves downward.
Referring to FIG. 34, the filter assembly 300 according to an exemplary embodiment may be detachably provided to the indoor unit 10. The front panel 150 may move downward to separate the filter assembly 300.
When the front panel 150 is disposed at the "central position", since the front part of the filter assembly 300 interferes with the panel assemblies 140 and 150, the filter assembly 300 is limited to the forward separation. That is, the front surface of the filter assembly 300 may face the rear surfaces of the panel assemblies 140 and 150 and may be covered by the rear surfaces of the panel assemblies 140 and 150.
However, when the front panel 150 is disposed at the third position (lower position), the front of the filter assembly 300 may be opened. Therefore, the filter assembly 300 may move forward and be in a state that is detachable from the indoor unit 10.
To allow the filter assembly 300 to move forward, the filter driving part (motor and gear) may be provided at the rear side of the filter assembly 300. As described above, the front panel 150 may move downward so that the filter assembly 300 is easily separated forward.
According to the embodiments, the front panel of the indoor unit may be made of the metal material, and thus the vibration may not easily occur due to the vibration generated in the indoor unit.
In addition, the front panel made of the metal material may have the advantage of lowering the possibility of the contamination and be easily cleaned even when the contamination occurs in comparison to the plastic resin.
In addition, the front panel may be surface-processed to feel the predetermined texture, thereby implementing the elegant outer appearance.
In addition, the case body except for the front panel among the components constituting the case may be made of the plastic injection-molded material so as not to increase in total weight of the indoor unit. Also, the front panel may be made of the relatively lightweight aluminum material.
In addition, the front panel and the case body, which are made of different materials, may be coupled to each other by using the bracket so as to be firmly supported on the case body.
In addition, the front panel may be movably provided in the vertical direction to selectively open the front discharge part of the indoor unit, thereby easily adjusting the direction of the discharge air flow.
In addition, the filter assembly may be disposed in the upper portion of the indoor unit, and when the front panel moves downward, the filter assembly may be withdrawn forward from the indoor unit.
In addition, the display part may be provided on the front panel to easily confirm the operation information of the indoor unit.
In addition, the link structure may be adapted to the rear portion of the front panel to prevent the power line or cable connected to the display part from interfering with components within the indoor unit when the front panel moves upward or downward.
In addition, the front panel may be limited in position so that the front panel made of the metal material is not affected by the discharge air flow and to prevent the condensed water from being generated on the front panel.
Although embodiments have been described with reference to a number of illustrative embodiments thereof, it should be understood that numerous other modifications and embodiments can be devised by those skilled in the art that will fall within the scope of the principles of this disclosure. More particularly, various variations and modifications are possible in the component parts and/or arrangements of the subject combination arrangement within the scope of the disclosure, the drawings and the appended claims. In addition to variations and modifications in the component parts and/or arrangements, alternative uses will also be apparent to those skilled in the art.

Claims

An indoor unit (10) for an air conditioner, comprising:
a body assembly (110, 120) provided with a blower fan (40);

a front panel (150) disposed in front of the body assembly (110, 120), the front panel (150) being made of a metal material;

a support frame (140) disposed between the body assembly (110, 120) and the front panel (150); and

a plurality of panel brackets (153) disposed between the front panel (150) and the support frame (140), the plurality of panel brackets (153) being configured to couple the front panel (150) to the support frame (140).
The indoor unit (10) according to claim 1, further comprising a display hole (152) which is defined in the front panel (150) and in which a display part (156) is disposed,
wherein a display opening (143) aligned in rear of the display hole (152) is defined in the support frame (140).
The indoor unit (10) according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a bracket groove (151a) defined in a rear surface of the front panel (150),
wherein each panel bracket (153) is provided with a bracket body (153a) that is fitted between the bracket groove (151a) and a front surface of the support frame (140).
The indoor unit (10) according to claim 3, wherein the bracket body (153a) comprises:
an inner insertion part (153b) inserted into the bracket groove (151a); and

a hook part (153c) extending to be bent from the inner insertion part (153b), the hook part (153c) being supported on a rear surface of the front panel (150).
The indoor unit (10) according to claim 4, wherein the bracket body (153a) further comprises:
a rear support part (153e) spaced apart from the hook part (153c), the rear support part (153e) being supported on a rear surface of a panel body (151) of the front panel (150); and

a first coupling hole (153d) which is defined between the hook part (153c) and the rear support part and into which a panel coupling part is inserted.
The indoor unit (10) according to claim 5, wherein the support frame (140) is provided with a second coupling hole (141b) which is aligned with the first coupling hole (153d) in a front and rear direction and into which a panel coupling member (154) is inserted.
The indoor unit (10) according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the front panel (150) is provided with a support protrusion (151b) disposed between the inner insertion part and the hook part (153c), and
the support protrusion has a front surface configured to support the inner insertion part and a rear surface supported by the hook part (153c).
The indoor unit (10) according to claim 1 or 7, wherein the plurality of panel brackets (153) are disposed on an edge of the front panel (150).
The indoor unit (10) according to any one of claims 2 to 8, further comprising a display assembly (155) having a front surface on which the display part (156) is disposed,
wherein the display assembly (155) is coupled to a rear surface of the support frame (140), and
a front portion of the display assembly (155) protrudes forward from the support frame (140) through the display opening (143).
The indoor unit (10) according to claim 9, wherein the display assembly (155) comprises:
a display body (155a) having a front surface on which the display part (156) is disposed;

a substrate support part (155b) protruding backward from the display body (155a); and

a circuit board (155c) disposed within the substrate support part (155b).
The indoor unit (10) according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the body assembly (110, 120) is provided with an avoidance groove (111e) which is recessed backward from the front surface of the body assembly (110, 120) and in which the display assembly (155) is disposed.
The indoor unit (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the body assembly (110, 120) comprises:
a grill frame (120) configured to define a frame opening (121f, 121g); and

a case body (110) having a front part (111) aligned at a rear side of the frame opening (121f, 121g).
The indoor unit (10) according to claim 12, wherein the avoidance groove (111e) is defined by the frame opening (121f, 121g) and the front part (111) of the case body (110).
The indoor unit (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the body assembly (110, 120) is provided with a front discharge part (129) through which air passing through the blower fan (40) is discharged, and
the front panel (150) is configured to move to open the front discharge part (129).
The indoor unit (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the front panel (150) is made of an aluminum material.