EP4350226A1 - Air conditioner - Google Patents
Air conditioner Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP4350226A1 EP4350226A1 EP23201107.2A EP23201107A EP4350226A1 EP 4350226 A1 EP4350226 A1 EP 4350226A1 EP 23201107 A EP23201107 A EP 23201107A EP 4350226 A1 EP4350226 A1 EP 4350226A1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- panel
- variable
- disposed
- pair
- cover part
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Pending
Links
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Images
Classifications
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
- F24F1/00—Room units for air-conditioning, e.g. separate or self-contained units or units receiving primary air from a central station
- F24F1/0007—Indoor units, e.g. fan coil units
- F24F1/0043—Indoor units, e.g. fan coil units characterised by mounting arrangements
- F24F1/0057—Indoor units, e.g. fan coil units characterised by mounting arrangements mounted in or on a wall
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
- F24F1/00—Room units for air-conditioning, e.g. separate or self-contained units or units receiving primary air from a central station
- F24F1/0007—Indoor units, e.g. fan coil units
- F24F1/0011—Indoor units, e.g. fan coil units characterised by air outlets
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
- F24F13/00—Details common to, or for air-conditioning, air-humidification, ventilation or use of air currents for screening
- F24F13/08—Air-flow control members, e.g. louvres, grilles, flaps or guide plates
- F24F13/10—Air-flow control members, e.g. louvres, grilles, flaps or guide plates movable, e.g. dampers
- F24F13/14—Air-flow control members, e.g. louvres, grilles, flaps or guide plates movable, e.g. dampers built up of tilting members, e.g. louvre
- F24F13/1413—Air-flow control members, e.g. louvres, grilles, flaps or guide plates movable, e.g. dampers built up of tilting members, e.g. louvre using more than one tilting member, e.g. with several pivoting blades
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
- F24F13/00—Details common to, or for air-conditioning, air-humidification, ventilation or use of air currents for screening
- F24F13/20—Casings or covers
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
- F24F1/00—Room units for air-conditioning, e.g. separate or self-contained units or units receiving primary air from a central station
- F24F1/0007—Indoor units, e.g. fan coil units
- F24F1/0043—Indoor units, e.g. fan coil units characterised by mounting arrangements
- F24F1/0047—Indoor units, e.g. fan coil units characterised by mounting arrangements mounted in the ceiling or at the ceiling
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
- F24F13/00—Details common to, or for air-conditioning, air-humidification, ventilation or use of air currents for screening
- F24F13/02—Ducting arrangements
- F24F13/06—Outlets for directing or distributing air into rooms or spaces, e.g. ceiling air diffuser
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
- F24F13/00—Details common to, or for air-conditioning, air-humidification, ventilation or use of air currents for screening
- F24F13/08—Air-flow control members, e.g. louvres, grilles, flaps or guide plates
- F24F13/10—Air-flow control members, e.g. louvres, grilles, flaps or guide plates movable, e.g. dampers
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
- F24F13/00—Details common to, or for air-conditioning, air-humidification, ventilation or use of air currents for screening
- F24F13/08—Air-flow control members, e.g. louvres, grilles, flaps or guide plates
- F24F13/10—Air-flow control members, e.g. louvres, grilles, flaps or guide plates movable, e.g. dampers
- F24F13/12—Air-flow control members, e.g. louvres, grilles, flaps or guide plates movable, e.g. dampers built up of sliding members
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
- F24F13/00—Details common to, or for air-conditioning, air-humidification, ventilation or use of air currents for screening
- F24F13/08—Air-flow control members, e.g. louvres, grilles, flaps or guide plates
- F24F13/10—Air-flow control members, e.g. louvres, grilles, flaps or guide plates movable, e.g. dampers
- F24F13/14—Air-flow control members, e.g. louvres, grilles, flaps or guide plates movable, e.g. dampers built up of tilting members, e.g. louvre
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
- F24F13/00—Details common to, or for air-conditioning, air-humidification, ventilation or use of air currents for screening
- F24F13/08—Air-flow control members, e.g. louvres, grilles, flaps or guide plates
- F24F13/10—Air-flow control members, e.g. louvres, grilles, flaps or guide plates movable, e.g. dampers
- F24F13/14—Air-flow control members, e.g. louvres, grilles, flaps or guide plates movable, e.g. dampers built up of tilting members, e.g. louvre
- F24F13/1426—Air-flow control members, e.g. louvres, grilles, flaps or guide plates movable, e.g. dampers built up of tilting members, e.g. louvre characterised by actuating means
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
- F24F13/00—Details common to, or for air-conditioning, air-humidification, ventilation or use of air currents for screening
- F24F13/08—Air-flow control members, e.g. louvres, grilles, flaps or guide plates
- F24F13/10—Air-flow control members, e.g. louvres, grilles, flaps or guide plates movable, e.g. dampers
- F24F13/14—Air-flow control members, e.g. louvres, grilles, flaps or guide plates movable, e.g. dampers built up of tilting members, e.g. louvre
- F24F13/1426—Air-flow control members, e.g. louvres, grilles, flaps or guide plates movable, e.g. dampers built up of tilting members, e.g. louvre characterised by actuating means
- F24F2013/1433—Air-flow control members, e.g. louvres, grilles, flaps or guide plates movable, e.g. dampers built up of tilting members, e.g. louvre characterised by actuating means with electric motors
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
- F24F13/00—Details common to, or for air-conditioning, air-humidification, ventilation or use of air currents for screening
- F24F13/08—Air-flow control members, e.g. louvres, grilles, flaps or guide plates
- F24F13/10—Air-flow control members, e.g. louvres, grilles, flaps or guide plates movable, e.g. dampers
- F24F13/14—Air-flow control members, e.g. louvres, grilles, flaps or guide plates movable, e.g. dampers built up of tilting members, e.g. louvre
- F24F13/1426—Air-flow control members, e.g. louvres, grilles, flaps or guide plates movable, e.g. dampers built up of tilting members, e.g. louvre characterised by actuating means
- F24F2013/1446—Air-flow control members, e.g. louvres, grilles, flaps or guide plates movable, e.g. dampers built up of tilting members, e.g. louvre characterised by actuating means with gearings
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
- F24F2221/00—Details or features not otherwise provided for
- F24F2221/14—Details or features not otherwise provided for mounted on the ceiling
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
- F24F2221/00—Details or features not otherwise provided for
- F24F2221/17—Details or features not otherwise provided for mounted in a wall
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
- F24F2221/00—Details or features not otherwise provided for
- F24F2221/26—Details or features not otherwise provided for improving the aesthetic appearance
Definitions
- the present invention relates to an air conditioner, and more particularly to an air conditioner mounted on the ceiling or on one side of the wall.
- An air conditioner is mounted on the ceiling or wall with its inlet and outlet being exposed to the outside.
- a grille is disposed at a portion where the inlet is formed, and a vane is disposed at a portion where the outlet is formed.
- Korean Patent No. KR 10-2401787 B 1 discloses an air conditioner having an inlet and an outlet that are exposed to the outside.
- an inlet grille is disposed in a region where the inlet is formed, resulting in a complicated structure, and a vane is disposed in a region where the outlet is formed, such that the air conditioner has multiple structures that are partially exposed to the outside.
- the inlet and the outlet are provided for generating an airflow, but unlike a wall surface or a ceiling surface that is formed flat, the inlet and the outlet are formed with multiple structures and shapes, and thus are inharmonious with the wall surface or the ceiling surface, spoiling the aesthetics in terms of unity.
- the inlet or the outlet is exposed to the outside, foreign matter may be introduced into the air conditioner from the outside.
- a single panel structure covers a portion of the air conditioner that is exposed to the outside, thereby providing a sense of unity with the wall surface or the ceiling surface.
- an air conditioner including a base panel having a first communication hole formed in one side thereof, and a second communication hole formed in another side thereof.
- the air conditioner includes a variable panel disposed under the base panel and changed in shape to open and close the first communication hole and the second communication hole.
- the air conditioner includes a driving device disposed on an upper side of the base panel and changing a position of one side of the variable panel in an up-down direction, so that the variable panel is changed in shape.
- the variable panel includes a first cover part disposed under the base panel to open and close the first communication hole.
- the variable panel includes a second cover part disposed under the base panel to open and close the second communication hole.
- the variable panel includes a variable part disposed between the first cover part and the second cover part, and changing an inclination angle of the first cover part and the second cover part. Accordingly, the variable panel may cover or open the lower side of the base panel.
- the variable part may be made of a deformable material.
- a shape of the variable part may be changed. Accordingly, the shape of the variable panel may be smoothly changed or restored.
- variable part One side of the variable part may be movably coupled to the base panel. Accordingly, a shape of the variable panel may be changed.
- the driving device may be configured to change a shape of the variable panel or to move a position of the variable panel. Accordingly, the direction or volume of air may be adjusted while the variable panel covers or opens a lower side of the base panel.
- the driving device may include a first driving device configured to change a shape of the variable panel, and a second driving device configured to move a position of the variable panel.
- the first driving device and the second driving device may change the shape or move the position of the variable panel.
- the driving device may include a pair of first movers that move up and down so as to adjust the inclination angle of each of the first cover part and the second cover part.
- Each of the first cover part and the second cover part may include a connector having a connector hole connected to a lower end of each of the pair of first movers.
- a connecting protrusion connected to the connector of each of the first cover part and the second cover part, may be disposed at a lower end of each of the pair of first movers.
- a connecting hole may be formed in the connector of each of the first cover part and the second cover part, the connecting hole extending in a front-rear direction further than a diameter of the connecting protrusion.
- the driving device may include a pair of first movers configured to change a position of the variable panel.
- the driving device may include a pair of first motors configured to move each of the pair of first movers.
- the driving device may include a second mover configured to move a position of the variable panel.
- the driving device may include a second motor configured to move the second mover.
- Each of the pair of first motors may be fixedly disposed on the second mover, and the second motor may be fixedly disposed on the base panel. Accordingly, the shape of the variable panel may be changed, or the position thereof may be moved.
- Each of the pair of first movers may be disposed on the second mover to be movable up and down, and the second mover may be disposed on the base panel to be movable forward and backward.
- the second mover may include a moving panel to which each of the pair of first movers is mounted.
- a pair of first guide grooves may be formed in the moving panel, the pair of first guide grooves guiding up-and-down movement of each of the pair of first movers.
- a pair of first motor mounters may be mounted to the moving panel, the pair of first motor mounters fixing a position of each of the pair of first motors.
- a guide wall for guiding movement of the second mover may be disposed on the base panel.
- an air conditioner including: a base panel having a first communication hole formed in one side thereof, and a second communication hole formed in another side thereof; a variable panel disposed under the base panel and changed in shape to open and close the first communication hole and the second communication hole; and a driving device mounted on the base panel and changing a shape or position of the variable panel.
- the driving device includes a first driving device configured to change a shape of the variable panel.
- the driving device includes a second driving device configured to move a position of the variable panel.
- the first driving device may include a first mover disposed on the base panel to be movable up and down, and a first motor configured to move the first mover in an up-down direction.
- the variable panel may be changed in shape.
- the second driving device may include a second mover disposed on the base panel to be movable forward and backward, and a second motor configured to move the second mover in a front-rear direction.
- the first motor may be fixedly disposed on the second mover.
- the second motor may be fixedly disposed on the base panel. Accordingly, a position of the first mover may be charged independently of a position of the second mover.
- An air conditioner according to the present invention has one or more of the following effects.
- variable panel which is variable in shape in some region is provided, such that when the air conditioner is not in operation, the variable panel may cover both an inlet and an outlet. Accordingly, the inlet and the outlet are closed depending on a position of the variable panel, thereby minimizing the entry of foreign matter from the outside.
- a shape of the variable panel may be changed, such that when the air conditioner is not in operation, the variable panel covers both the inlet and the outlet, with only one panel being exposed to an occupant present in a room, thereby providing a sense of unity with the wall or ceiling.
- a driving device changes a shape of the variable panel to open communication holes formed in a base panel, thereby allowing air to flow through the communication holes. Accordingly, the flow of air heat-exchanged or filtered through the communication holes may be secured.
- a position of the variable panel may be changed at a lower side of a communication hole through which air is discharged, such that a flow of the discharged air may be guided.
- the driving device moves a position of the variable panel, such that an air discharge area may increase in size or air flowing in the discharge area may be guided, thereby allowing air to be discharged to a remote location.
- a first driving device and a second driving device may operate independently of each other, such that a shape change or position movement of the variable panel may be performed simultaneously or separately, and the position thereof may be rapidly moved from a first position to a third positions.
- references to directions, such as up (U), down (D), left (L), right (R), front (F), and rear (R), shown in FIGS. 1 to 42 are merely for convenience of explanation, and not intended for limiting the scope of the present invention. Accordingly, the directions may vary depending on a reference direction.
- the air conditioner of the present invention may be mounted inside the ceiling or wall.
- the air conditioner includes a main body (not shown) mounted inside the ceiling or wall and defining a space, a base panel 10 disposed on one side of the body and having a first communication hole 12 and a second communication hole 14, a variable panel 50 disposed on one side of the base panel 10 and changed in shape to cover or open the first communication hole 12 and the second communication hole 14, and a driving device 100 configured to change a shape or position of the variable panel 50 based on the base panel 10.
- one of the first communication hole 12 and the second communication hole 14 may be an inlet through which outside air is drawn into the air conditioner.
- the other one of the first communication hole 12 and the second communication hole 14 may be an outlet through which air in the air conditioner is discharged to the outside.
- a fan for generating an air flow, a motor (not shown) for rotating the fan, a heat exchanger (not shown) for heat exchanging air discharged through the second communication hole 14, a drain pan (not shown) for collecting and discharging condensate generated in the heat exchanger, and the like may be mounted in the main body.
- the base panel 10, the variable panel 50, and the driving device 100 will be described using an example of an air conditioner mounted on the ceiling.
- the structure of the base panel 10, the variable panel 50, and the driving device 100 which will be described below may also be applied to an air conditioner mounted on the wall, etc., in addition to the air conditioner mounted on the ceiling.
- variable panel 50 is disposed under the base panel 10 to cover the main body (not shown) and a lower portion of the base panel 10.
- the position to cover the lower portion may include a position at which the main body or the base panel 10 may be covered when viewed from below.
- variable panel 50 may be changed in shape to open the first communication hole 12 and the second communication hole 14 which are formed in the base panel 10.
- the variable panel 50 may allow the first communication hole 12 and the second communication hole 14 to open and close simultaneously or together.
- the opening and closing simultaneously may refer to opening and closing together at the same time.
- the opening and closing together may refer to opening and closing together through a single operation and does not mean opening and closing at the same time in a temporal sense.
- the variable panel 50 may individually open and close the first communication hole 12 and the second communication hole 14.
- the variable panel 50 is made of heterogeneous materials, such that some region may be easily bent.
- the variable panel 50 including a silicone material and the like in some region thereof, may be changed in shape. Further, the variable panel 50 has a structure in which a plurality of panels are connected, and connecting portions of the plurality of panels are rotated.
- the variable panel 50 may be mounted on the base panel 10 in a region between the first communication hole 12 and the second communication hole 14.
- the variable panel 50 may be mounted on the base panel 10 so as to be movable forward and backward. That is, the variable panel 50 may be mounted on the base panel 10 to be movable in a region between the first communication hole 12 and the second communication hole 14.
- the air conditioner includes the base panel 10 having the first communication hole 12 and the second communication hole 14, the variable panel 50 disposed on one side of the base panel 10 and changed in shape to be bent or flat in some region, and the driving device 100 mounted to the base panel 10 and changing a shape of the variable panel 50.
- the air conditioner includes a moving panel 80 disposed under the base panel 10 and coupled to the variable panel 50, a cover panel 86 disposed under the variable panel 50 to cover a lower surface of the variable panel 50, a bracket 90 movably mounted to the variable panel 50 and coupled to the driving device 100, and a bracket guider 95 mounted to the variable panel 50 and guiding movement of the bracket 90.
- the variable panel 50 is disposed under the base panel 10.
- the variable panel 50 may be mounted to the base panel 10 from the bottom of the base panel 10.
- a method of mounting the variable panel 50 to the base panel 10 may include direct connection of the variable panel 50 to the base panel 10.
- a method of mounting the variable panel 50 to the base panel 10 may include indirect connection of the variable panel 50 to the base panel 10 via the moving panel 80 or the driving device 100.
- variable panel 50 may be indirectly mounted to the base panel 10 via the driving device 100.
- the moving panel 80 may fix the position of a central portion of the variable panel 50.
- the variable panel 50 may have a bent portion which may partially sag due to gravity.
- the moving panel 80 may fix the position of the variable panel 50 in a region where the variable panel 50 is bent, thereby preventing the variable panel 50 from partially drooping or sagging.
- the cover panel 86 is disposed under the variable panel 50.
- the cover panel 86 may be adhered to a lower surface of the variable panel 50.
- the cover panel 86 may also be connected to the variable panel 50 by a separate fastening member (not shown).
- the cover panel 86 may be formed in a size enough to cover the lower surface of the variable panel 50.
- the cover panel 86 may be formed in a size enough to cover the lower surface and a peripheral surface of the variable panel 50.
- the variable panel 50 may include a fixed part which is disposed between the first communication hole 12 and the second communication hole 14, and which is fixed in position vertically relative to the base panel 10, a cover part spaced apart from the fixed part and disposed at a lower side of the first communication hole 12 or the second communication hole 14, and a variable part disposed between the fixed part and the cover part and changing an inclination angle of the cover part.
- the fixed part may be a central rib 62 which will be described below.
- the cover part may be a rigid body 52 which will be described later.
- the cover part may be a first plate 54a and a second plate 54b which will be described below.
- the variable part may be a flexible body 70 which will be described below. Accordingly, the variable part may be made of a deformable material.
- the variable part may be made of a different material from the cover part.
- the variable panel 50 includes the rigid body 52 made of a rigid material and having a bending hole 68 formed in some region, and the flexible body 70 made of a flexible material and disposed in the bending hole 68 formed in the rigid body 52.
- the rigid body 52 may be disposed in a front-rear direction with respect to the flexible body 70.
- the rigid body 52 includes the first plate 54a disposed on one side of the flexible body 70, the second plate 54b disposed on another side of the flexible body 70, a bridge 66 connecting the first plate 54a and the second plate 54b, and the central rib 62 disposed between the first plate 54a and the second plate 54b.
- the rigid body 52 may further include a fixed hook 64 fixed to the base panel 10 or the moving panel 80 to prevent the central portion of the variable panel 50 from sagging.
- the rigid body 52 has a first bending hole 68a formed in one of the front and rear sides of the central rib 62, and a second bending hole 68b formed in the other one of the front and rear sides of the central rib 62.
- the first bending hole 68a and the second bending hole 68b may be divided by the bridge 66 into a plurality of regions. Referring to FIG. 6 , the first bending hole 68a may be formed in the rear side of the central rib 62, and the second bending hole 68b may be formed in the front side of the central rib 62.
- the flexible body 70 may be disposed in each of the first bending hole 68a and the second bending hole 68b.
- the flexible body 70 may be made of a deformable material.
- the flexible body 70 may be made of a silicone or rubber material.
- the flexible body 70 may be molded into the bending hole 68 formed in the rigid body 52.
- the flexible body 70 may be injection molded into the bending hole 68 formed in the rigid body 52.
- grooves 56 and 58 extending from the bending hole 68 in the front-rear direction are formed in the rigid body 52.
- the grooves 56 and 58 fixing the position of the flexible body 70 disposed in the bending hole 68, are formed in the rigid body 52.
- the grooves 56 and 58 are formed in a lower surface 52b and an upper surface 52a, respectively, of the rigid body 52.
- the grooves 56 and 58 includes an upper groove 56 formed in the upper surface 52a of the rigid body 52, and a lower groove 58 formed in the lower surface 52b of the rigid body 52. Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6 , an area of the lower groove 58 is smaller than an area of the upper groove 56.
- the upper groove 56 and the lower groove 58 may be formed at positions spaced apart in a left-right direction.
- a bracket hole 60 in which the bracket 90 or the bracket guider 95 is mounted, may be formed in the rigid body 52.
- the bracket hole 60 is formed in each of the first plate 54a and the second plate 54b.
- the bracket hole 60 includes a first bracket hole 60a, formed in the first plate 54a, and a second bracket hole 60b formed in the second plate 54b. Referring to FIG. 3 , the first plate 54a is disposed at a lower side of the first communication hole 12 of the base panel 10, and the second plate 54b is disposed at a lower side of the second communication hole 14 of the base panel 10.
- the first bracket hole 60a is formed in the first plate 54a at each of both ends thereof in a horizontal or left-right direction.
- the second bracket hole 60b is formed in the second plate 54b at each of both ends thereof in the horizontal direction.
- Each of the first bracket hole 60a and the second bracket hole 60b may be located further outward than the upper groove 56 or the lower groove 58.
- the outward direction may be a direction close to the edge of the rigid body 52 in the horizontal direction.
- the central rib 62 is disposed between the first plate 54a and the second plate 54b.
- the central rib 62 may be disposed on each of the first plate 54a and the second plate 54b at positions spaced apart from each other.
- the central rib 62 is disposed between the first bending hole 68a and the second bending hole 68b.
- the flexible body 70 includes a first flexible body 70a disposed in the first bending hole 68a, and a second flexible body 70b disposed in the second bending hole 68b.
- the central rib 62 is disposed between the first flexible body 70a and the second flexible body 70b.
- the central rib 62 is fixed to the base panel 10 or the moving panel 80.
- the variable panel 50 may be fixed to the moving panel 80.
- a position of the variation panel 50 may be changed according to a change in position of the moving panel 80.
- the arrangement of the first plate 54a and the second plate 52b may be changed, which are disposed at the front and rear side of the central rib 62 of the variable panel 50.
- the central rib 62 may be spaced an equal vertical distance from the base panel 10.
- the central rib 62 is directly connected to the base panel 10, the central rib 62 is fixed to the base panel 10, and thus remains in position.
- the arrangement of the first plate 54a and the second plate 54b may be changed.
- an inclination angle of the first plate 54a and the second plate 54b may be changed.
- the inclination angle may refer to an angle formed between a plane parallel to the ground surface or a ceiling surface, and a surface formed by the first plate 54a or the second plate 54b.
- the fixed hook 64 may be formed on the central rib 62.
- the fixed hook 64 protruding upward from the central rib 62, allows the variable panel 50 to be mounted to the moving panel 80 or the base panel 10.
- the fixed hook 64 is inserted into a hook hole 82 formed in the moving panel 80.
- the fixed hook 64 may fix the variable panel 50 to the moving panel 80. Accordingly, as the fixed hook 64 is inserted into the hook hole 82 of the moving panel 80, the variable panel 50 may move along with the movement of the moving panel 80.
- a plurality of fixed hooks 64 which are spaced apart from each other in the horizontal direction, may be disposed on the variable panel 50. Referring to FIG. 6 , the fixed hooks 64 may be disposed in a region in which the bridge 66 and the central rib 62 intersect each other.
- the fixed hook 64 protrudes in a cylindrical shape upward from the central rib 62 and has an upper end protruding radially outwardly, to be mounted in the hook hole 82 of the moving panel 80.
- a plurality of bridges 66 are disposed on the variable panel 50.
- the respective bridges 66 are spaced apart from each other in the horizontal direction.
- the bridges 66 are disposed in a region in which the flexible body 70 is disposed.
- the bridges 66 connect each of the central rib 62, the first plate 54a, and the second plate 54b, thereby stably maintaining a bending range or shape of the flexible body 70.
- the respective bridges 66 may connect the first plate 54a and the second plate 54b.
- the respective bridges 66 connect the first plate 54a and the central rib 62.
- the respective bridges 66 connect the second plate 54b and the central rib 62.
- the bridges 66 may include a first bridge 66a connecting the first plate 54a and the central rib 62, and a second bridge 66b connecting the second plate 54b and the central rib 62.
- a vertical height 66h of the bridge 66 is less than a vertical height 62h of the central rib 62. Accordingly, the flexible body 70 comes into contact with an upper surface of the bridge 66.
- a width 66w (from left to right) of the bridge 66 is greater than a width 62w (from front to rear) of the central rib 62.
- a lower surface of the bridge 66 may be formed as a flat surface so as to be smoothly connected to the first plate 54a and the second plate 54b.
- An upper surface of the bridge 66 may have a serration shape.
- the upper surface of the bridge 66 which has a serration shape, may alleviate a problem in that the bridge 66 is separated from the flexible body 70 at a contact portion with the flexible body 70.
- the upper surface of the bridge 66 has a serration shape, such that even when the variable panel 50 is changed in shape, the bridge 66 is prevented from being deformed by elongation or compression of the variable panel 50 or the cover panel 86.
- the moving panel 80 fixes the position of the central rib 62 of the variable panel 50. That is, the moving panel 80 may allow the central rib 62, disposed at the center of the variable panel 50, to remain fixed in position vertically relative to the base panel 10.
- the central rib 62 is vertically spaced apart from the base panel 10
- positions of the central rib 62 and the base panel 10 which are vertically relative to each other, may refer to positions spaced apart from each other.
- positions of the central rib 62 and the base panel 10 may refer to positions at which the central rib 62 and the base panel 10 may remain in contact with each other.
- the moving panel 80 may fix the position of the central rib 62, thereby preventing the central rib 62 from relatively sagging in the variable panel 50.
- the central rib 62 disposed between the first flexible body 70a and the second flexible body 70b, moves relative thereto, such that sagging may occur.
- the moving panel 80 fixes the position of the central rib 62, the first flexible body 70a and the second flexible body 70b, which are disposed on both sides of the centra rib 62, may be bent downward.
- the moving panel 80 may be made of a material having rigidity, thereby preventing the central rib 62 form sagging downward in the variable panel 50.
- the moving panel 80 has the hook hole 82 into which the fixed hook 64 of the variable panel 80 is inserted and mounted.
- the hook hole 82 includes an insertion hole 82a, into which the fixed hook 64 is inserted, and a fixing hole 82b in which the fixed hook 64 is mounted.
- the insertion hole 82a is formed to be greater than a diameter of an upper end of the fixed hook 64
- the fixing hole 82b is formed to be smaller than the diameter of the upper end of the fixed hook 64.
- the central rib 62 is fixed to the moving panel 80, such that if the moving panel 80 moves forward and backward, the variable panel 50 as a whole may also move forward and backward.
- the moving panel 80 is elongated in a forward direction in which the second communication hole 14 is formed, rather than in a rearward direction in which the first communication hole 12 is formed, with respect to the hook hole 82.
- a second motor mounter 84 on which a second motor 122 of the driving device 100 to be described later is mounted, is disposed at both ends in the left-right direction of the moving panel 80. Accordingly, the second motor mounter 84 and the second motor 122 may move forward and backward together with the moving panel 80.
- a plurality of brackets 90 and a plurality of bracket guiders 95 are disposed on the variable panel 50. Each of the plurality of brackets 90 may be disposed in each of the plurality of bracket guiders 95.
- each of the plurality of brackets 90 and each of the plurality of bracket guider 95 may be disposed in two first bracket holes 60a, formed in the first plate 54a, and two second bracket holes 60b formed in the second plate 54b.
- the bracket 90 includes a first bracket 90a disposed in the first bracket hole 60a, and a second bracket 90b disposed in the second bracket hole 60b.
- the bracket guider 95 includes a first bracket guider 95a in which the first bracket 90a is disposed, and a second bracket guider 95b in which the second bracket 90b is disposed.
- the bracket guider 95 is fixed to the variable panel 50.
- the bracket guider 95 is disposed in the bracket hole 60 of the variable panel 50.
- the bracket 90 is disposed in the bracket guider 95 to be movable forward and backward.
- the bracket guider 95 includes a pair of fastening parts 96 fastened to the variable panel 50, and a guide part 98 disposed between the pair of fastening parts 96 and guiding movement of the bracket 90.
- the guide part 98 which is bent upward from both ends in the left-right direction, may prevent separation of the bracket 90 and may guide forward and backward movement of the bracket 90.
- the bracket 90 includes a moving plate 92 moving forward and backward along the guide part 98, and a coupling plate 94 coupled to one side of the driving device 100.
- the moving plate 92 and the coupling plate 94 may be disposed perpendicular to each other.
- both ends in the left-right direction of the moving plate 92 may be disposed in a bending structure formed at both ends in the left-right direction of the guide part 98 of the bracket guider 95.
- the base panel 10 has the first communication hole 12 through which air is introduced, and the second communication hole 14 through which air flowing through the main body is discharged.
- the first communication hole 12 and the second communication hole 14 are spaced apart from each other in the front-rear direction. Referring to FIG. 18 , the second communication hole 14 is spaced forward from the first communication hole 12. Referring to FIG. 18 , an area of the second communication hole 14 may be smaller than an area of the first communication hole 12.
- the base panel 10 has a motor hole 16 formed in a region in which the second motor 122 of the driving device 100 to be described below is disposed.
- the motor hole 16 is formed as an opening in the front-rear direction, the opening corresponding to a distance the second motor 122 and the second motor mounter 84 moves in the front-rear direction.
- the hook groove 18 may be formed at an upper side where the fixed hook 64 is disposed.
- the hook groove 18 may guide forward and backward movement of the fixed hook 64 that moves together with the moving panel 80.
- the base panel 10 includes a panel guider 20 in which the driving device 100 is disposed. Gear holes 34a and 34b, through which panel moving plates 102 and 116 of the driving device 100 that will be described below may pass, are formed in the base panel 10.
- the panel guider 20 includes a first panel guider 20a disposed at a left end of the base panel 10, and a second panel guider 20b disposed at a right end of the base panel 10.
- the first panel guider 20a is disposed on the left side of the first communication hole 12 and the second communication hole 14 which are formed in the base panel 10.
- the second panel guider 20b is disposed on the right side of the first communication hole 12 and the second communication hole 14 which are formed in the base panel 10.
- Each of the first panel guider 20a and the second panel guider 20b includes a pair of guide walls 22 and 24 which are horizontally spaced apart from each other.
- Each of the first panel guider 20a and the second panel guider 20b includes a first guide wall 22, and a second guide wall 24 which is horizontally spaced apart from the first guide wall 22.
- Each of the first panel guider 20a and the second panel guider 20b may include an upper wall 26 connecting upper ends of the first guide wall 22 and the second guide wall 24.
- the first guide wall 22 and the second guide wall 24 may have corresponding shapes.
- the first guide wall 22 may be disposed closer to the first communication hole 12 or the second communication hole 14 than the second guide wall 24.
- the first guide wall 22 and the second guide wall 24 may protrude upward from the base panel 10.
- each of the first guide wall 22 and the second guide wall 24 includes a first guide hole 28 guiding movement of a first rotating shaft 102a of a first panel moving plate 102 which will be described below, a second guide hole 30 guiding movement of a second rotating shaft 116a of a second panel moving plate 116 which will be described below, and a third guide hole 32 guiding movement of the first panel moving plate 102.
- the first guide hole 28 and the second guide hole 30 may have a shape of a straight hole extending in the front-rear direction.
- the length of the first guide hole 28, extending in the front-rear direction may be equal to a length of the second guide hole 30 extending in the front-rear direction.
- the third guide hole 32 includes a curved guide hole 32a extending circumferentially from a position spaced apart from the first rotating shaft 102a by a predetermined distance, and a linear guide hole 32b extending rearward from a lower end of the curved guide hole 32a.
- the third guide hole 32 is disposed above the first guide hole 28 or the second guide hole 30.
- a length of each of the first guide hole 28 and the second guide hole 30 extending in the front-rear direction may be equal to a length of the linear guide hole 32b extending in the front-rear direction.
- the first guide hole 28, the second guide hole 30, and the third guide hole 32 may serve to suspend the variable panel 50 from the base panel 10 by the panel moving plates 102 and 116.
- the gear holes 34a and 34b, through which the panel moving plates 102 and 116 pass, are formed in the base panel 10 between the first guide wall 22 and the second guide wall 24.
- a first hole 34a, through which the first panel moving pate 102 passes, and a second hole 34b, through which the second panel moving plate 116 passes, are formed between the first guide wall 22 and the second guide wall 24 in the base panel 10.
- a first motor mounter 36 on which the first motor 120 of the driving device 100 which will be described below is mounted, is disposed on one side of the first guide wall 22.
- the first motor mounter 36 is fixed to an upper surface of the base panel 10. Accordingly, the first motor 120 mounted on the first motor mounter 36 is fixed onto the top of the base panel 10.
- a motor shaft hole 22a through which a rotating shaft of the first motor 120 passes, is formed in the first guide wall 22.
- the driving device 100 may include a first driving device configured to change a shape of the variable panel 50, and a second driving device configured to move a position of the variable panel 50.
- the first driving device may include the first motor 120 and the first panel moving plate 102 which will be described below.
- the first driving device includes the second motor 122 and the second panel moving plate 116 which will be described below.
- the second driving device may include the first motor 120 and the first panel moving plate 102 which will be described below. That is, the first panel moving plate 102 and the first motor 120 may be included in the first driving device as well as in the second driving device. However, the second panel moving plate 116 and the second motor 122 may be included only in the first driving device.
- the driving device 100 includes the first panel moving plate 102 for changing a position of the first plate 54a of the variable panel 50, the second panel moving plate 116 for changing a position of the second plate 54b of the variable panel 50, the first motor 120 coupled to the first panel moving plate 102 to change the position of the first panel moving plate 102, and the second motor 122 coupled to the second panel moving plate 116 to change the position of the second panel moving plate 116.
- the driving device 100 may further include a spacer 124 for maintaining a distance between the first rotating shaft 102a of the first panel moving plate 102 and the second rotating shaft 116a of the second panel moving plate 116.
- the driving device 100 may include a motor gear 126 rotating in connection with the motor rotating shaft 120a of the first motor 120, and engaged with a gear surface of the first panel moving plate 102.
- the driving device 100 may include a first guide pin 130 extending in the left-right direction along the first rotating shaft 102a of the first panel moving plate 102, a second guide pin 132 extending in the left-right direction along the second rotating shaft 116a of the second panel moving plate 116, and a third guide pin 134 radially spaced apart from the first rotating shaft 102a of the first panel moving plate 102 and extending in the left-right direction from one side of the first panel moving plate 102.
- the first guide pin 130 may move along the first guide hole 28 formed in each of the first guide wall 22 and the second guide wall 24.
- the second guide pin 132 may move along the second guide hole 30 formed in each of the first guide wall 22 and the second guide wall 24.
- the third guide pin 134 may move along the third guide hole 32 formed in each of the first guide wall 22 and the second guide wall 24.
- the second guide pin 132 may connect the second motor 122 and the second panel moving plate 116. Accordingly, when the second motor 122 is activated, the second guide pin 132 may change a position of the second panel moving plate 116.
- Each of the first panel moving plate 102 and the second panel moving plate 116 may be formed as a fan-shaped plate.
- the first panel moving plate 102 may be connected on one side to the bracket 90.
- the bracket 90 is disposed to be coupled to a lower portion of each of the first panel moving plate 102 and the second panel moving plate 116.
- the first panel moving plate 102 rotates about the first rotating shaft 102a.
- the first panel moving plate 102 includes a lower surface 104 facing the variable panel 50, an upper surface 106 disposed opposite the lower surface 104 and inclined with respect to the lower surface 104, and an outer peripheral surface 1008 connecting end portions of the lower surface 104 and the upper surface 106 and forming a curved surface.
- the first panel moving plate 102 includes an inner surface 110 facing the first motor 120, and an outer surface 114 facing a direction opposite the inner surface 110.
- a gear surface 112, engaged with the motor rotating shaft 120a coupled to the first motor 120, is formed on the inner surface 110 of the first panel moving plate 102.
- the gear surface 112 is spaced apart from the outer peripheral surface 108 and the upper surface 106 by a predetermined distance, and is formed to face the first rotating shaft 102a.
- the gear surface 112 includes a first gear surface 112a spaced apart from the outer peripheral surface 108, and a second gear surface 112b spaced apart from the upper surface 106.
- the outer peripheral surface 108 and the first gear surface 112a may have an arc shape.
- the outer peripheral surface 108 and the first gear surface 112a may have the same center of the arc.
- the first gear surface 112a and the second gear surface 112b may have a structure in which the motor gear 126 may be continuously engaged therewith.
- the second gear surface 112b may be formed approximately parallel to the upper surface 106.
- the first guide pin 130 is disposed on the first rotating shaft 102a of the first panel moving plate 102.
- the first guide pin 130 may extend around the first rotating shaft 102a and may be formed by passing through the first panel moving plate 102.
- the third guide pin 134 may be disposed on the upper surface 106.
- the third guide pin 134 may protrude upward above a straight surface formed by the upper surface 106.
- the second panel moving plate 116 is directly coupled to the second motor 122 at the second rotating shaft 116a.
- a stopper 118 for limiting downward movement of the second panel moving plate 116 may be disposed on an upper surface of the second panel moving plate 116.
- the stopper 118 protrudes horizontally from the upper surface of the second panel moving plate 116.
- the stopper 118 comes into contact with upper ends of the pair of guide walls 22 and 24, to stop the rotation of the second panel moving plate 116.
- the spacer 124 maintains a distance between the first rotating shaft 102 of the first panel moving plate 102 and the second rotating shaft 116a of the second panel moving plate 116.
- the spacer 124 is connected on one side to the first guide pin 130 disposed on the first panel moving plate 102, and is connected on another side to the second guide pin 132 disposed on the second panel moving plate 116.
- the first motor 120 is disposed on the first motor mounter 36 disposed on the base panel 10. Accordingly, even when the first panel moving plate 102 or the second panel moving plate 116 moves forward and backward from the base panel 10, the first motor 120 may be fixed in position.
- the second motor 122 is disposed on the second motor mounter 84 disposed on an upper side of the moving panel 80. Accordingly, when the first panel moving plate 102 or the second panel moving plate 116 moves forward and backward from the base panel 10, the second motor 122 may move together.
- the first panel moving plate 102 may change the position of the first plate 54a. Accordingly, when the first motor 120 is activated, the outer peripheral surface of the first panel moving plate 102 may move downward, such that the first plate 54a may be inclined downward from the base panel 10. In this case, the first communication hole 12 of the base panel 10 may be opened.
- the second panel moving plate 116 may change the position of the second plate 54b. Accordingly, when the second motor 122 is activated, the outer peripheral surface of the second panel moving plate 116 may move downward, such that the second plate 54b may be inclined downward from the base panel 10. In this case, the second communication hole 14 of the base panel 10 may be opened.
- variable panel 50 during the operation of the first motor 120 or the second motor 122 will be described with reference to FIGS. 23 to 27 .
- the variable panel 50 may be disposed in a first position P1 in which the first communication hole 12 and the second communication hole 14, which are formed in the base panel 10, are closed; a second position P2 in which a portion of the variable panel 50 is bent so as to open the first communication hole 12 and the second communication hole 14; and a third position P3 in which the variable panel 50 moves in a direction in which the second communication hole 14 is formed.
- variable panel 50 In the first position P1, the variable panel 50 is disposed to cover the bottom of the base panel 10.
- the variable panel 50 may have a greater area than the base panel 10. Referring to FIG. 23 , when in the first position P1, the variable panel 50 may cover the entire base panel 10 in the front-rear direction. Accordingly, when the variable panel 50 is disposed in the first position P1, the base panel 10 may not be seen from an occupant present in a lower part of an indoor space.
- the first motor 120 may be disposed at a lower end of the first gear surface 112a of the first panel moving plate 102. Referring to FIG. 24 , when the variable panel 50 is disposed in the first position P1, one end of the bracket 90 may remain spaced apart a first distance 11 from one end of the bracket hole 60.
- variable panel 50 By the operation of the first motor 120 and the second motor 122, the variable panel 50 may be changed in shape from the first position P1 to the second position P2.
- the motor gear 126 By the operation of the first motor 120, the motor gear 126 may move along the first gear surface 112a of the first panel moving plate 102. In this case, the first flexible body 70a is bent, and the first plate 54a moves downward.
- the second communication hole 14 When the variable panel 50 is in the second position P2, the second communication hole 14 may be opened.
- the motor gear 126 moves along the first gear surface 112a.
- the third guide pin 134 moves along the curved guide hole 32a of the third guide hole 32. Accordingly, the outer peripheral surface of the first panel moving plate 102 may also move downward.
- the first panel moving plate 102 rotates downward about the first rotating shaft 102a.
- the motor gear 126 may be disposed at a portion where the first gear surface 112a and the second gear surface 112b meet.
- the second panel moving plate 116 rotate about the second rotating shaft 116a. In this case, the second flexible body 70b is bent, and the second plate 54b moves downward.
- the first communication hole 12 may be opened.
- the stopper 118 of the second panel moving plate 116 may come into contact with the upper ends of the guide walls 22 and 24.
- one end of the bracket 90 may remain spaced apart a second distance 12 from one end of the bracket hole 60.
- the second distance 12 may be different from the first distance 11.
- the second distance 12 may be smaller than the first distance 11.
- variable panel 50 may move from the second position P2 to the third position P3.
- the motor gear 126 may move along the second gear surface 112b.
- the third guide pin 134 may move along the linear guide hole 32b of the third guide hole 32.
- the first guide pin 130 and the second guide pin 132 may move along the first guide hole 28 and the second guide hole 30, respectively.
- the central rib 62 of the variable panel 50 may move in a direction in which the second communication hole 14 is formed.
- a contact area between the air, discharged through the second communication hole 14, and the variable panel 50 may increase, leading to an increase in a guided area of the air guided by the variable panel 50 when the air is discharged through the second communication hole 14.
- an opening area of the second communication hole 14 increases, leading to an increase in an amount of air flowing into the air conditioner.
- variable panel a driving device, and a base panel according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 28 to 36 .
- a variable panel 250 according to the second embodiment includes a first variable panel 252 which is disposed under the base panel 210 and changed in position at a lower side of the first communication hole 212, and a second variable panel 260 which is disposed under the base panel 210 and changed in position at a lower side of the second communication hole 214.
- One of the first communication hole 212 and the second communication hole 214 may be an inlet through which outside air is drawn into the air conditioner.
- the other one of the first communication hole 212 and the second communication hole 214 may be an outlet through which air in the air conditioner is discharged to the outside.
- the first variable panel 252 may open and close the first communication hole 212.
- the second variable panel 260 may open and close the second communication hole 214.
- An inclination angle of the first variable panel 252 may be changed at the lower side of the first communication hole 212.
- the inclination angle may refer to an angle between surfaces formed by each of the first variable panel 252 and the base panel 210.
- An inclination angle of the second variable panel 260 may be changed at the lower side of the second communication hole 214.
- the variable panel 250 may include a fixed part which is fixed in position vertically relative to the base panel 210, a cover part spaced apart from the fixed part and disposed at a lower side of the first communication hole 212 or the second communication hole 214, and a variable part disposed between the fixed part and the cover part and changing an inclination angle of the cover part.
- the fixed part may be a hinge 270 which will be described below.
- the variable part may be the hinge 270 which will be described below.
- the cover part may be the first variable panel 252 or the second variable panel 260.
- the hinge 270 may be disposed on a first rotation axis 270a around which the first variable panel 252 or the second variable panel 260 rotate.
- the variable panel 250 may include the hinge 270 rotatably connecting the first variable panel 252 and the second variable panel 260.
- the hinge 270 may rotatably connect each of the first variable panel 252 and the second variable panel 260. Accordingly, the position of each of the first variable panel 252 and the second variable panel 260 may be changed with respect to the hinge 270. The inclination angle of each of the first variable panel 252 and the second variable panel 260 may be changed with respect to the hinge 270.
- a third pin 272 for guiding forward and backward movement of the hinge 270 may be disposed on one side of the hinge 270.
- the third pin 272 may move together with the hinge 270.
- the third pin 272 may move together with the variable panel 250 when the variable panel 250 moves forward and backward.
- the first variable panel 252 is coupled to a first plate 254, and a pair of first panel gears 256 disposed at both ends of the first plate 254 and coupled to a driving device 300 to change arrangement of the first plate 254.
- the first panel gears 256 may be formed in a fan shape.
- a first gear surface 256a, engaged with a first gear 306 to be described below, may be formed on an outer circumferential surface of the first panel gears 256.
- the outer circumferential surface may refer to a surface extending circumferentially at a position radially spaced apart from the center of rotation of the fan-shaped first panel gears 256.
- the first panel gears 256 may have a structure in which a lower end thereof is connected to the first plate 254. Referring to FIG. 29 , the lower end of the first panel gears 256 may be disposed to come into contact with an upper end of the first plate 254.
- the first panel gears 256 and the first plate 254 may be formed as one body.
- An upper surface of the first panel gears 256 may be inclined upward from the first plate 254.
- a first pin 274 for guiding a change of arrangement or movement of position of the first panel gears 256 is disposed on one side of the first panel gears 256.
- the first pin 274 may be disposed on one side of an upper surface of the first panel gears 256.
- the second variable panel 260 includes a second plate 262, and a pair of second panel gears 264 disposed at both ends of the second plate 262 and coupled to the driving device 300 to change arrangement of the second plate 262.
- the second panel gears 264 may be formed in a fan shape.
- a second gear surface 264a, engaged with a second gear 308 to be described below, may be formed on an outer circumferential surface of the second panel gears 264.
- the second panel gears 264 may have a structure in which a lower end thereof is connected to the second plate 262. Referring to FIG. 29 , the lower end of the second panel gears 264 may be disposed to come into contact with an upper end of the second plate 262.
- the second panel gears 264 and the second plate 262 may be formed as one body.
- the upper surface of the second panel gears 264 may be inclined upward from the second plate 262.
- a second pin 276 for guiding a change of arrangement or movement of position of the second panel gears 264 is disposed on one side of the second panel gears 264.
- the second pin 276 may be disposed on one side of the upper surface of the second panel gears 264.
- the driving device 300 may include a first driving device for changing a shape of the variable panel 250, and a second driving device for moving a position of the variable panel 250.
- the first driving device may be a first motor 302 and a first mover 310 which will be described below.
- the first driving device may include a plurality of gears connected to the first motor 302 or the first mover 310.
- the second driving device may be a second motor 320 and a second mover 322 which will be described below.
- the second driving device may include a horizontal gear 321 coupled to the second motor 320.
- the driving device 300 may include the first motor 302 for changing arrangement of the variable panel 250.
- the driving device 300 may include a plurality of gears coupled to the first motor 302 and changing arrangement of the first variable panel 252 or the second variable panel 260.
- the driving device 300 may include the first mover 310 coupled to the first motor 302 to move up and down.
- the first mover 310 may rotate the second gear 308 spaced apart from the first gear 306.
- the first mover 310 is engaged on one side with the first gear 306 and is engaged on another side with the second gear 308.
- the first mover 310 includes a first vertical bar 312 having a first rack 312a engaged with the first gear 306, a second vertical bar 314 spaced apart from the first vertical bar 312 and having a second rack 214a engaged with the second gear 308, and a horizontal bar 316 connecting the first vertical bar 312 and the second vertical bar 314.
- the horizontal bar 316 may connect an upper end of the first vertical bar 312 and an upper end of the second vertical bar 314. The horizontal bar 316 may come into contact with the base panel 210 to limit downward movement of the first mover 310.
- the first vertical bar 312 and the second vertical bar 314 may be spaced apart from each other in the front-rear direction.
- the first rack 312a and the second rack 214a may be formed in opposite directions.
- the first mover 310 may include a guide rib protruding from one side thereof or a guide groove recessed from one side thereof, to guide up-and-down movement of the first mover 310.
- a first guide318 protruding rib from one side of the first mover 310 is disposed on the first mover 310.
- the first guide rib 318 may be inserted into a first guide groove 324a formed in the second mover 322 which will be described below.
- the first guide rib 318 disposed on the first mover 310 may extend in an up-down direction in which the first mover 310 moves.
- the first guide rib 318 protrudes from one side of the first mover 310 in a direction in which the second mover 322 is disposed, and extends in a moving direction of the first mover 310.
- a guide rib to be inserted into the guide groove may be disposed on the second mover 322.
- the first guide rib 318 protruding in a direction in which the second mover 322 is disposed, may be disposed on the first mover 310.
- the first guide groove 324a which is vertically formed so that the first guide rib 318 is inserted thereinto to move, is formed in the second mover 322.
- the plurality of gears include a motor gear 304 connected to a rotating shaft of the first motor 302.
- the plurality of gears includes a first gear 306 engaged with the motor gear 304 to be rotated thereby, and a second gear 308 engaged with the first mover 310 to be rotated thereby.
- the first gear 306 includes a first inner gear 306a engaged with the motor gear 304, and a first outer gear 306b engaged with the first panel gear 256.
- the first inner gear 306a and the first outer gear 306b may rotate together about the same rotation axis.
- the first inner gear 306a and the first outer gear 306b may be formed as separate components.
- the first inner gear 306a and the first outer gear 306b may be formed as one body.
- the first inner gear 306a is engaged on one side with the motor gear 304 to be rotated.
- the first inner gear 306a is engaged on another side with one side of the first mover 310. Accordingly, when the motor gear 304 is rotated by the operation of the first motor 302, the first inner gear 306a is rotated such that the first mover 310 may move up and down.
- the first outer gear 306b may be engaged with the first panel gear 256 of the first variable panel 252. Accordingly, when the motor gear 304 is rotated by the operation of the first motor 302, the first inner gear 306a and the first outer gear 306b are rotated such that arrangement of the first variable panel 252 may be changed.
- the second gear 308 includes a second inner gear 308a engaged with another side of the first mover 310, and a second outer gear 308b engaged with the second panel gear 264.
- the second inner gear 308a and the second outer gear 308b may rotate together about the same rotation axis.
- the second inner gear 308a and the second outer gear 308b may be formed as separate components.
- the second inner gear 308a and the second outer gear 308b may be formed as one body.
- the second inner gear 308a is engaged on one side with the first mover 310 to be rotated thereby.
- the second inner gear 308a may be engaged with the second rack 214a of the first mover 310. Accordingly, when the first mover 310 moves up and down, the second inner gear 308a engaged with the second rack 214a may be rotated.
- the second outer gear 308b may be engaged with the second panel gear 264 of the second variable panel 260. Accordingly, when the first mover 310 moves up and down, the second inner gear 308a and the second outer gear 308b are rotated such that arrangement of the second variable panel 260 may be changed.
- the driving device 300 includes the second mover 322 for moving a position of the variable panel 250, and the second motor 320 mounted to the base panel 210 and moving the second mover 322.
- the driving device 300 may include the horizontal gear 321 connected to the second motor 320 to be rotated thereby.
- the second mover 322 is movably disposed on the base panel 210.
- the second mover 322 may move forward and backward on the base panel 210.
- the second mover 322 includes a moving panel 324 on which the first mover 310 is mounted, and a first motor mounting part 326 in which the first motor 302 is mounted.
- the first guide groove 324a for guiding up-and-down movement of the first mover 310 is formed in the moving panel 324.
- the first guide rib 318 of the first mover 310 may be inserted into the first guide groove 324a.
- a horizontal rack 330 engaged with the horizontal gear 321 on a surface facing the horizontal gear 321, may be disposed on the moving panel 324.
- the horizontal gear 321 is rotated, the horizontal gear 321 is engaged with the horizontal rack 330 to move the second mover 322 forward and backward.
- Each of the first gear 306 and the second gear 308 is rotatably disposed on the second mover 322.
- Each of the first gear 306 and the second gear 308 is rotatably disposed on the moving panel 324.
- the first motor 302 may be mounted in the first motor mounting part 326.
- the first motor mounting part 326 may define a space which protrudes from one side surface of the moving panel 324 and in which the first motor 302 is mounted.
- the second mover 322 may include a cover wall 328 protruding from one side of the moving panel 324 and covering one side of the second gear 308.
- the cover wall 328 is disposed between the second gear 308 and the second motor 320.
- the cover wall 328 may prevent the second gear 308 from contacting the second motor 320 or the horizontal gear 321.
- the first communication hole 212 and the second communication hole 214 may be formed in the base panel 210.
- the first communication hole 212 and the second communication hole 214 may be spaced apart from each other in the front-rear direction.
- Guide walls 220a and 220b for guiding movement of the second mover 322 may be disposed on the base panel 210.
- a second motor mounting part 236 for fixing a position of the second motor 320 may be disposed on the base panel 210.
- the second motor mounting part 236 may fix the position of the second motor 320 disposed on the base panel 210.
- the second motor mounting part 236 may be disposed on one side of the guide walls 220a and 220b.
- a pair of guide walls 220a and 220b which are spaced apart from each other in the left-right direction, may be disposed on the base panel 210.
- the pair of guide walls 220a and 220b may be disposed on the left side and the right side, respectively, of the first communication hole 212 or the second communication hole 214.
- the base panel 210 includes a first guide wall 220a and a second guide wall 220b spaced apart from the first guide wall 220a.
- the first guide wall 220a and the second guide wall 220b may be symmetrical to each other in the left-right direction.
- the first guide wall 220a and the second guide wall 220b may include the same components.
- guide walls 220a and 220b may be applied to each of the first guide wall 220a and the second guide wall 220b.
- the guide walls 220a and 220b include a mover guide wall 222 disposed on one side of the second mover 322, and a pin guide wall 224 having a plurality of pin guide grooves 230, 232, and 234 formed therein, in which a plurality of guide pins 272, 274, and 276 move.
- the mover guide wall 222 may be disposed to face the second mover 322.
- the mover guide wall 222 may guide forward and backward movement of the second mover 322.
- the mover guide wall 322 may support a position of the second mover 322.
- the second mover 322 may come into contact with the mover guide wall 222.
- a second guide rib 223 for guiding movement of the second mover 322 may be disposed on the mover guide wall 222.
- a second guide groove 324b corresponding to the second guide rib 223 may be formed in the second mover 322.
- the mover guide wall 222 includes a first mover guide wall 222a disposed on one side of the first communication hole 212, and a second mover guide wall 222b disposed on one side of the second communication hole 214.
- the first mover guide wall 222a and the second mover guide wall 222b may be spaced apart from each other in the front-rear direction.
- Each of the first mover guide wall 222a and the second mover guide wall 222b may be disposed on one side of the second mover 322.
- a pair of pin guide walls 224 may be provided which are spaced apart from each other in the left-right direction.
- the pin guide walls 224 may include an inner guide wall 225a disposed adjacent to the mover guide wall 222, and an outer guide wall 225b spaced apart from the inner guide wall 225a.
- the inner guide wall 225a and the outer guide wall 225b may be disposed parallel to each other.
- the pin guide walls 224 include a first end wall 226a bent and extending inwardly from a front end of the inner guide wall 225a, and a second end wall 226b bent and extending inwardly from a rear end of the inner guide wall 225a.
- the first end wall 226a may come into contact with the first mover guide wall 222a.
- the second end wall 226b may come into contact with the second mover guide wall 222b.
- Each of the first end wall 226a and the second end wall 226b may come into contact with the first mover 310 to limit forward and backward movement of the first mover 310.
- the pin guide walls 224 are positioned further to the outside than the mover guide wall 222.
- the outside may refer to a direction away from the first communication hole 212 and the second communication hole 134 which are formed in the base panel 210.
- the pin guide walls 224 may include an upper guide wall 227b disposed on an upper side of the base panel 210 and guiding movement of the first pin 274 and the second pin 276, and a lower guide wall 227a disposed on a lower side of the base panel 210 and guiding movement of the third pin 272.
- Each of the inner guide wall 225a and the outer guide wall 225b described above may include the upper guide wall 227b.
- Each of the inner guide wall 225a and the outer guide wall 225b may include the lower guide wall 227a.
- a third pin hole 230 for guiding movement of the third pin 272 may be formed in the pin guide wall 224.
- a first pin hole 232 for guiding movement of the first pin 274 may be formed in the pin guide wall 224.
- a second pin hole 234 for guiding movement of the second pin 276 may be formed in the pin guide wall 224.
- the third pin hole 230 may be formed in the lower guide wall 227a.
- the third pin hole 230 may be open from side to side in the pin guide wall 224 and extend in the front-rear direction.
- the first pin hole 232 and the second pin hole 234 may be formed in the upper guide wall 227b.
- the first pin hole 232 may guide movement of the first pin 274.
- the first pin hole 232 includes a first curved part 232a guiding a change in arrangement of the first variable panel 252, and a first straight part 232b guiding movement of the first variable panel 252.
- the first straight part 232b may be disposed parallel to the third pin hole 230.
- the first curved part 232a may guide movement of the first pin 274 rotating about the hinge 270. Accordingly, the first curved part 232a may have an arc shape with a radius corresponding to a distance between the first pin 274 and the hinge 270.
- the second pin hole 234 may guide movement of the second pin 276.
- the second pin hole 234 includes a second curved part 234a guiding a change in arrangement of the second variable panel 260, and a second straight part 234b guiding movement of the second variable panel 260.
- the second straight part 234b may be disposed parallel to the third pin hole 230.
- the second curved part 234a may guide movement of the second pin 276 rotating about the hinge 270. Accordingly, the second curved part 234a may have an arc shape with a radius corresponding to a distance between the second pin 276 and the hinge 270.
- variable panel 250 may be disposed in the first position P1 in which the variable panel 250 closes the first communication hole 212 and the second communication hole 214. As illustrated in FIG. 35 , the variable panel 250 may be disposed in the second position P2 in which the variable panel 250 opens the first communication hole 212 and the second communication hole 214. As illustrated in FIG. 36 , the variable panel 250 may be disposed in the third position P3 in which the variable panel 250 moves up and down from the second position P2.
- the first variable panel 252 in the first position P1, may be disposed at a lower side of the first communication hole 212.
- the second variable panel 260 may be disposed at a lower side of the second communication hole 214.
- the variable panel 250 may have a greater area than the base panel 210. Accordingly, when disposed in the first position P1, the variable panel 250 may cover the entire bottom of the base panel 210. Accordingly, when the variable panel 250 is disposed in the first position P1, components of the base panel 210 may not be exposed to an occupant present in a lower part of an indoor space.
- the first pin 274 may be disposed at an upper end of the first pin hole 232.
- the second pin 276 may be disposed at an upper end of the second pin hole 234.
- variable panel 250 By the operation of the first motor 302, the variable panel 250 may be changed in shape from the first position P1 to the second position P2.
- the motor gear 304 rotates the first gear 306.
- the first gear 306 When the first gear 306 is rotated, the first panel gear 256 engaged with one side of the first gear 306 moves to change the position of the first variable panel 252. In this case, an inclination angle of the first variable panel 252 may be changed.
- the first mover 310 engaged with another side of the first gear 306 moves downward.
- the second gear 308 engaged with one side of the first mover 310 is rotated thereby.
- the second gear 308 is rotated, the second panel gear 264 engaged with one side of the second gear 308 moves to change the position of the second variable panel 260. In this case, an inclination angle of the second variable panel 260 may be changed.
- Each of the first variable panel 252 and the second variable panel 260 are rotated about the hinge 270.
- variable panel 250 When the variable panel 250 is changed from the first position P1 to the second position P2, the hinge 270 may remain in place.
- the third pin 272 When the variable panel 250 is changed from the first position P1 to the second position P2, the third pin 272 may remain in place.
- variable panel 250 When the variable panel 250 is changed from the first position P1 to the second position P2, the first pin 274 moves downward along the first curved part 232a of the first pin hole 232.
- the second pin 276 moves downward along the second curved part 234a of the second pin hole 234.
- variable panel 250 may open each of the first communication hole 212 and the second communication hole 214. Accordingly, air may flow through the first communication hole 212 or the second communication hole 214.
- each of the first variable panel 252 and the second variable panel 260 may be inclined with respect to the base panel 210. In the second position P2, the first variable panel 252 and the second variable panel 260 may be inclined in different directions.
- the first pin 274 may be disposed at a lower end of the first curved part 232a of the first pin hole 232.
- the second pin 276 may be disposed at a lower end of the second curved part 234a of the second pin hole 234.
- the variable panel 250 may be changed in shape from the second position P2 to the third position P3.
- the horizontal gear 321 is rotated in engagement with the horizontal rack 330.
- the horizontal rack 330 moves forward and backward.
- the first mover 310 moves forward and backward.
- the second mover 322 and the variable panel 250 may move together forward and backward.
- variable panel a driving device, and a base panel according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 37 to 42 .
- a variable panel 450 may include a fixed part fixed in position vertically relative to the base panel 210, a cover part spaced apart from the fixed part and disposed at a lower side of the first communication hole 212 or the second communication hole 214, and a variable part disposed between the fixed part and the cover part and changing an inclination angle of the cover part.
- the fixed part and the variable part may be a variable part 470 to be described with reference to the third embodiment.
- the cover part may be a first cover part 452 and a second cover part 460 to be described with reference to the third embodiment.
- the variable panel 450 in the third embodiment includes the first cover part 452 disposed under the base panel 410 and changed in position at the lower side of the first communication hole 412, a second cover part 460 disposed under the base panel 410 and changed in position at the lower side of the second communication hole 414, and the variable part 470 changed in shape and disposed between the first cover part 452 and the second cover part 460.
- One of the first communication hole 412 and the second communication hole 414 may be an inlet through which outside air is drawn into the air conditioner.
- the other one of the first communication hole 412 and the second communication hole 414 may be an outlet through which air in the air conditioner is discharged to the outside.
- the first cover part 452 may open and close the first communication hole 412.
- the second cover part 414 may open and close the second communication hole 414.
- An inclination angle of the first cover part 452 may be changed at the lower side of the first communication hole 412.
- the inclination angle may refer to an angle between surfaces formed by each of the first cover part 452 and the base panel 410.
- An inclination angle of the second cover part 460 may be changed at the lower side of the second communication hole 414.
- the first cover part 452 includes a first plate 454, and a pair of first connectors 456 connected to a driving device 500 to change arrangement of the first plate 454.
- the second cover part 460 includes a second plate 462, and a pair of second connectors 464 connected to the driving device 500 to change arrangement of the second plate 462.
- the variable part 470 may be made of a deformable material.
- the variable part may be made of a different material from the cover part.
- the variable part 470 may be disposed between the first cover part 452 and the second cover part 460.
- the variable part 470 may be made of a deformable material. One side of the variable part 470 may be movably coupled to the base panel 410. That is, although not illustrated herein, a central portion of the variable part 470 in the front-rear direction may be connected to the base panel 410. Accordingly, the central portion of the variable part 470 may be maintained in contact with the base panel 410.
- a first connector 456 has a first connecting hole 456a in which a connecting protrusion 512 of first movers 510a and 510b which will be described below is disposed.
- the first connecting hole 456a may extend from an upper side of the first plate 454 in the front-rear direction. Accordingly, the connecting protrusion 512 of the first movers 510a and 510b, which is disposed in the first connecting hole 456a, may move forward and backward within the first connecting hole 456a depending on arrangement.
- the first connecting hole 456a may extend in the front-rear direction further than a diameter of the connecting protrusion 512.
- the second connector 464 also has a second connecting hole 464a in which the connecting protrusion 512 of the first movers 510a and 510b which will be described below is disposed.
- the second connecting hole 464a may have the same shape as the first connecting hole 456a.
- the driving device 500 may include a first driving device for changing a shape of the variable panel 450, and a second driving device for moving a position of the variable panel 450.
- the first driving device may be first motors 502a and 502b and first movers 510a and 510b which will be described below.
- the first driving device may include a plurality of gears connected to the first motors 502a and 502b or the first movers 510a and 510b.
- the second driving device may be a second motor 520 and a second mover 522 which will be described below.
- the second driving device may include a horizontal gear 521 connected to the second motor 520.
- the driving device 500 may be disposed at both ends of the variable panel 450 in the left-right direction.
- the driving device 500 may be disposed at each of a left portion and a right portion of the variable panel 450.
- the driving devices 500 disposed at the left portion and the right portion of the variable panel 450 may have the same configuration. Accordingly, the configuration of the driving device 500 which will be described below may be applied to the driving device disposed at each of the left portion and the right portion of the variable panel.
- the driving device 500 includes a pair of first motors 502a and 502b for changing arrangement of the variable panel 450.
- Each of the pair of first motors 502a and 502b may change a shape of the variable panel 450.
- the driving device 500 includes a pair of first movers 510a and 510b connected to the pair of first motors 502a and 502b, respectively, so as to move up and down.
- the pair of first movers 510a and 510b may have a shape of a long bar extending in the up-down direction.
- a gear surface, connected to the pair of first motors 502a and 502b, may be formed on one side surface of each of the pair of first movers 510a and 510b.
- the connecting protrusion 512 protruding leftward or rightward and connected to the variable panel 450, may be disposed at a lower end of each of the pair of first movers 510a and 510b.
- the connecting protrusion 512 may be disposed in a direction perpendicular to a moving direction of the first movers 510a and 510b.
- the connecting protrusion 512 may move up and down together with the first movers 510a and 510b.
- the connecting protrusion 512 may be disposed in connecting holes 456a and 462a of the connectors 456 and 462 disposed on the first cover part 452 or the second cover part 460.
- the driving device 500 includes a pair of first gears 506a and 506b connected to the pair of first motors 502a and 502b, respectively, to be rotated thereby and engaged with the pair of first movers 510a and 5 10b, respectively.
- the driving device 500 includes a pair of first motor mounters 504a and 504b fixing the position of the pair of first motors 502a and 502b.
- the pair of first motor mounters 504a and 504b may be fixed to the base panel 410 or the second mover 522 which will be described below.
- the first motors 502a and 502b in this embodiment are fixed to the second mover 522, such that the first motor mounters 504a and 504b may also be coupled to the second mover 522.
- the driving device 500 includes the second mover 522 for moving a position of the variable panel 450, and the second motor 520 for moving the second mover 522.
- the driving device 500 may include the horizontal gear 521 connected to the second motor 520 to be rotated thereby.
- the second mover 522 is movably disposed on the base panel 410.
- the second mover 522 may move forward and backward on the base panel 410.
- the second mover 522 includes a moving panel 524 on which the first movers 510a and 510b are mounted.
- the pair of first motor mounters 504a and 504b are mounted on the moving panel 524.
- a pair of first guide grooves 526 for guiding up-and-down movement of the pair of first movers 510a and 510b are formed in the moving panel 524.
- the first movers 510a and 510b may be disposed in the first guide grooves 526.
- the first movers 510a and 5 10b may move up and down within the first guide grooves 526.
- a horizontal rack (not shown), engaged with the horizontal gear 521 on a surface facing the horizontal gear 521, may be disposed on the moving panel 524.
- the horizontal gear 521 is rotated, the horizontal gear 521 is engaged with the horizontal rack to move the second mover 522 forward and backward.
- Each of the pair of first motors 502a and 502b may be rotatably mounted to the second mover 522.
- the first communication hole 412 and the second communication hole 414 may be formed in the base panel 410.
- the first communication hole 412 and the second communication hole 414 may be spaced apart from each other in the front-rear direction.
- a guide wall 420 for guiding movement of the second mover 522 may be disposed on the base panel 410.
- a second motor mounter 422 for fixing a position of the second motor 520 is disposed on the base panel 410.
- the second motor mounter 422 may fix the position of the second motor 520 disposed on the base panel 410.
- the second motor mounter 422 may be disposed on one side of the guide wall 420.
- Through-holes 424a and 242b through which the pair of first movers 510a and 5 10b respectively pass, may be formed in the base panel 410.
- the first movers 510a and 5 10b may be formed by passing through the through-holes formed in the base panel 410. Accordingly, upper ends of the first movers 510a and 510b are disposed at an upper side of the base panel 410, and lower ends thereof may be disposed at a lower side of the base panel 410.
- the plurality of through-holes 424a and 242b may be formed in the base panel 410.
- the respective through-holes 424a and 242b may be spaced apart from each other in the front-rear direction or in the left-right direction.
- variable panel 450 may be disposed in the first position P1 in which the variable panel 450 closes the first communication hole 412 and the second communication hole 414. As illustrated in FIG. 41 , the variable panel 450 may be disposed in the second position P2 in which the variable panel 450 opens the first communication hole 412 and the second communication hole 414. As illustrated in FIG. 42 , the variable panel 450 may be disposed in the third position P3 in which the variable panel 450 moves up and down from the second position P2.
- the first cover part 452 is disposed at a lower side of the first communication hole 412.
- the second cover part 460 is disposed at a lower side of the second communication hole 414.
- the variable panel 450 may have a greater area than the base panel 410. Accordingly, in the first position P1, the variable panel 450 may cover the entire bottom of the base panel 410. Accordingly, when the variable panel 450 is disposed in the first position P1, components of the base panel 410 may not be exposed to an occupant present in a lower part of an indoor space.
- each of the connecting holes 456a and 462a of the connectors 456 and 462 may be disposed above the base panel 410.
- the lower ends of the first movers 510a and 510b may be disposed at an upper side of the base panel 410.
- the connecting protrusion 512 of the first movers 510a and 510b may be in close contact with the inside of the connecting holes 456a and 462a in a direction in which the variable part 470 is disposed.
- variable panel 450 may be changed in shape from the first position P1 to the second position P2.
- the pair of first motors 502a and 502b rotate the pair of first gears 506a and 506b, respectively.
- each of the pair of first gears 506a and 506b is rotated, each of the pair of first movers 510a and 510b moves downward.
- the pair of first movers 510a and 510b move downward, such that an inclination angle of the first plate 454 and the second plate 462 may be changed.
- variable part 470 When the variable panel 450 is changed from the first position P1 to the second position P2, the variable part 470 may be changed in shape to a bent shape.
- the connecting protrusion 512 disposed at a lower end of each of the pair of first movers 510a and 510b moves to a lower side of the base panel 410.
- an inclination angle of each of the first cover part 452 and the second cover part 460 may be changed.
- the inclination angle may be an angle formed between the first cover part 452 or the second cover part 460 and the base panel 410.
- the connecting protrusion 512 disposed in the connecting holes 456a and 462a may be changed in relative position within the connecting holes 456a and 462a.
- the connecting protrusion 512 moves up and down, but the connecting holes 456a and 462a move circumferentially, such that a relative position of the connecting protrusion 512 may be changed.
- variable panel 450 when disposed in the second position P2, the variable panel 450 may open each of the first communication hole 412 and the second communication hole 414. Accordingly, air may flow through the first communication hole 412 or the second communication hole 414.
- each of the first cover part 452 and the second cover part 260 may be inclined with respect to the base panel 410. In the second position P2, each of the first cover part 452 and the second cover part 260 may be inclined in different directions.
- lower ends of the pair of first movers 510a and 510b may be disposed under the base panel 410.
- the variable panel 450 may be changed from the second position P2 to the third position P3.
- the horizontal gear 521 is rotated in engagement with the horizontal rack.
- the horizontal rack moves forward and backward.
- the first movers 510a and 510b move forward and backward.
- the second mover 522 and the variable panel 450 may also move together forward and backward.
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Air Filters, Heat-Exchange Apparatuses, And Housings Of Air-Conditioning Units (AREA)
Abstract
The air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a base panel having a first communication hole formed in one side thereof, and a second communication hole formed in another side thereof, a variable panel disposed under the base panel and changed in shape to open and close the first communication hole and the second communication hole; and a driving device disposed on an upper side of the base panel and changing a position of one side of the variable panel in an up-down direction, so that the variable panel is changed in shape, wherein the variable panel includes: a first cover part disposed under the base panel to open and close the first communication hole; a second cover part disposed under the base panel to open and close the second communication hole; and a variable part disposed between the first cover part and the second cover part, and changing an inclination angle of the first cover part and the second cover part.
Description
- The present invention relates to an air conditioner, and more particularly to an air conditioner mounted on the ceiling or on one side of the wall.
- An air conditioner is mounted on the ceiling or wall with its inlet and outlet being exposed to the outside. In addition, a grille is disposed at a portion where the inlet is formed, and a vane is disposed at a portion where the outlet is formed. These structures are exposed to the outside, spoiling the aesthetics of the indoor space.
- Korean Patent No.
KR 10-2401787 B - The inlet and the outlet are provided for generating an airflow, but unlike a wall surface or a ceiling surface that is formed flat, the inlet and the outlet are formed with multiple structures and shapes, and thus are inharmonious with the wall surface or the ceiling surface, spoiling the aesthetics in terms of unity. In addition, there is also a problem in that as the inlet or the outlet is exposed to the outside, foreign matter may be introduced into the air conditioner from the outside.
- It is an objective of the present invention to provide an air conditioner mounted on a ceiling surface or a wall surface, in which exposure of an inlet and an outlet of the air conditioner to the outside may be minimized. In addition, a single panel structure covers a portion of the air conditioner that is exposed to the outside, thereby providing a sense of unity with the wall surface or the ceiling surface.
- It is another objective of the present invention to provide an air conditioner in which by opening the inlet or the outlet while the air conditioner is in operation, an amount of air flow may be secured.
- It is yet another objective of the present invention to provide an air conditioner in which by changing a shape of a panel disposed at the outlet, a direction of discharged air may be adjusted.
- It is further another objective of the present invention to provide an air conditioner in which by moving a position of the panel disposed at the outlet, air may be discharged to a remote location.
- It is further another objective of the present invention to provide an air conditioner in which by changing a shape of the panel disposed at the outlet or moving a position thereof, an amount of air flowing through the inlet may be secured.
- It is further another objective of the present invention to provide an air conditioner capable of rapidly changing a shape or moving a position of the variable panel.
- The objectives of the present invention are not limited to the aforementioned objectives and other objectives not described herein will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description.
- In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, the above and other objectives can be accomplished by providing an air conditioner including a base panel having a first communication hole formed in one side thereof, and a second communication hole formed in another side thereof. The air conditioner includes a variable panel disposed under the base panel and changed in shape to open and close the first communication hole and the second communication hole. The air conditioner includes a driving device disposed on an upper side of the base panel and changing a position of one side of the variable panel in an up-down direction, so that the variable panel is changed in shape. The variable panel includes a first cover part disposed under the base panel to open and close the first communication hole. The variable panel includes a second cover part disposed under the base panel to open and close the second communication hole. The variable panel includes a variable part disposed between the first cover part and the second cover part, and changing an inclination angle of the first cover part and the second cover part. Accordingly, the variable panel may cover or open the lower side of the base panel.
- The variable part may be made of a deformable material. When the inclination angle of the first cover part and the second cover part is changed, a shape of the variable part may be changed. Accordingly, the shape of the variable panel may be smoothly changed or restored.
- One side of the variable part may be movably coupled to the base panel. Accordingly, a shape of the variable panel may be changed.
- The driving device may be configured to change a shape of the variable panel or to move a position of the variable panel. Accordingly, the direction or volume of air may be adjusted while the variable panel covers or opens a lower side of the base panel.
- The driving device may include a first driving device configured to change a shape of the variable panel, and a second driving device configured to move a position of the variable panel. The first driving device and the second driving device may change the shape or move the position of the variable panel.
- The driving device may include a pair of first movers that move up and down so as to adjust the inclination angle of each of the first cover part and the second cover part.
- Each of the first cover part and the second cover part may include a connector having a connector hole connected to a lower end of each of the pair of first movers.
- A connecting protrusion, connected to the connector of each of the first cover part and the second cover part, may be disposed at a lower end of each of the pair of first movers. A connecting hole may be formed in the connector of each of the first cover part and the second cover part, the connecting hole extending in a front-rear direction further than a diameter of the connecting protrusion.
- The driving device may include a pair of first movers configured to change a position of the variable panel. The driving device may include a pair of first motors configured to move each of the pair of first movers. The driving device may include a second mover configured to move a position of the variable panel. The driving device may include a second motor configured to move the second mover.
- Each of the pair of first motors may be fixedly disposed on the second mover, and the second motor may be fixedly disposed on the base panel. Accordingly, the shape of the variable panel may be changed, or the position thereof may be moved.
- Each of the pair of first movers may be disposed on the second mover to be movable up and down, and the second mover may be disposed on the base panel to be movable forward and backward.
- The second mover may include a moving panel to which each of the pair of first movers is mounted. A pair of first guide grooves may be formed in the moving panel, the pair of first guide grooves guiding up-and-down movement of each of the pair of first movers.
- A pair of first motor mounters may be mounted to the moving panel, the pair of first motor mounters fixing a position of each of the pair of first motors.
- A guide wall for guiding movement of the second mover may be disposed on the base panel.
- In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an air conditioner including: a base panel having a first communication hole formed in one side thereof, and a second communication hole formed in another side thereof; a variable panel disposed under the base panel and changed in shape to open and close the first communication hole and the second communication hole; and a driving device mounted on the base panel and changing a shape or position of the variable panel. The driving device includes a first driving device configured to change a shape of the variable panel. The driving device includes a second driving device configured to move a position of the variable panel.
- The first driving device may include a first mover disposed on the base panel to be movable up and down, and a first motor configured to move the first mover in an up-down direction. When the first mover moves up and down, the variable panel may be changed in shape. The second driving device may include a second mover disposed on the base panel to be movable forward and backward, and a second motor configured to move the second mover in a front-rear direction.
- The first motor may be fixedly disposed on the second mover. The second motor may be fixedly disposed on the base panel. Accordingly, a position of the first mover may be charged independently of a position of the second mover.
- Other detailed matters of the exemplary embodiments are included in the detailed description and the drawings.
- An air conditioner according to the present invention has one or more of the following effects.
- First, a variable panel which is variable in shape in some region is provided, such that when the air conditioner is not in operation, the variable panel may cover both an inlet and an outlet. Accordingly, the inlet and the outlet are closed depending on a position of the variable panel, thereby minimizing the entry of foreign matter from the outside. In addition, a shape of the variable panel may be changed, such that when the air conditioner is not in operation, the variable panel covers both the inlet and the outlet, with only one panel being exposed to an occupant present in a room, thereby providing a sense of unity with the wall or ceiling.
- Second, a driving device changes a shape of the variable panel to open communication holes formed in a base panel, thereby allowing air to flow through the communication holes. Accordingly, the flow of air heat-exchanged or filtered through the communication holes may be secured.
- Third, a position of the variable panel may be changed at a lower side of a communication hole through which air is discharged, such that a flow of the discharged air may be guided.
- Fourth, the driving device moves a position of the variable panel, such that an air discharge area may increase in size or air flowing in the discharge area may be guided, thereby allowing air to be discharged to a remote location.
- Fifth, a first driving device and a second driving device may operate independently of each other, such that a shape change or position movement of the variable panel may be performed simultaneously or separately, and the position thereof may be rapidly moved from a first position to a third positions.
- The effects of the present invention are not limited to the aforesaid, and other effects not described herein will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description of the appended claims.
-
-
FIG. 1 is a lower perspective view of an air conditioner in which a variable panel of the air conditioner is disposed in a first position, according to a first embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 2 is a lower perspective view of an air conditioner in which a variable panel of the air conditioner is disposed in a second position, according to the first embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of a base, a variable panel, and a driving device of the air conditioner according to the first embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of a variable panel, a cover panel, and a moving panel of the air conditioner according to the first embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 5 is a bottom view of the variable panel according to the first embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 6 is a plan view of the variable panel according to the first embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 7 is a diagram explaining a bridge according to the first embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 8A is a cross-sectional view taken along line X-X' ofFIG. 6 . -
FIG. 8B is a cross-sectional view taken along line Y-Y' ofFIG. 6 . -
FIG. 9 is a plan view of a moving panel according to the first embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 10 is a diagram explaining one end of the moving panel and a motor disposed on an upper side thereof, according to the first embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 11 is a diagram explaining a coupling relationship between the moving panel land the variable panel according to the first embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a state in which a bracket and a bracket guider are coupled to each other, according to the first embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a state in which the bracket and the bracket guider are separated from each other, according to the first embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 14 is a side view ofFIG. 12 . -
FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a state in which the variable panel, the cover panel, and the moving panel of the air conditioner are coupled to each other, according to the first embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 16 is a plan view ofFIG. 15 . -
FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a base panel according to the first embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 18 is a plan view ofFIG. 17 . -
FIG. 19 is a side view ofFIG. 17 . -
FIG. 20 is a side view of the driving device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 21 is a plan view ofFIG. 20 . -
FIG. 22 is a perspective view of a state in which the driving device, coupled to the variable panel, is disposed on a base panel, according to the first embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 23 is a diagram explaining arrangement of the driving device and the variable panel when the variable panel is in a first position P 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 24 is a diagram explaining arrangement of the bracket disposed on the variable panel when the variable panel is in the first position P1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 25 is a diagram explaining arrangement of the driving device and the variable panel when the variable panel is in a second position P2 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 26 is a diagram explaining arrangement of the bracket disposed on the variable panel when the variable panel is in the second position P2 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 27 is a diagram explaining arrangement of the driving device and the variable panel when the variable panel is in a third position P3 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 28 is a perspective view of a state in which a base panel, a variable panel, and a driving device of an air conditioner are coupled to each other according to a second embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 29 is an exploded perspective view of the base panel, the variable panel, and the driving device of the air conditioner according to the second embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 30 is a perspective view of the variable panel according to the second embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 31 is a side view of one side of the variable panel, from which a plurality of pins are removed, according to the second embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 32 is a perspective view of the driving device according to the second embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 33 is a perspective view explaining configuration of the variable panel connected to the driving device, according to the second embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 34 is a diagram explaining a first position of the variable panel according to the second embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 35 is a diagram explaining a second position of the variable panel according to the second embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 36 is a diagram explaining a third position of the variable panel according to the second embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 37 is a perspective view of a state in which a base panel, a variable panel, and a driving device of an air conditioner are coupled each other according to a third embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 38 is an exploded perspective view of the base panel, the variable panel, and the driving device of the air conditioner according to the third embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 39 is an exploded perspective view of the driving device according to the third embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 40 is a diagram explaining a first position of the variable panel according to the third embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 41 is a diagram explaining a second position of the variable panel according to the third embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 42 is a diagram explaining a third position of the variable panel according to the third embodiment of the present invention. - Advantages and features of the present invention and methods of accomplishing the same may be understood more readily by reference to the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments and the accompanying drawings. The present invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the exemplary embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these exemplary embodiments are provided so that this invention will be thorough and complete and will fully convey the concept of the invention to those skilled in the art, and the present invention will only be defined by the appended claims. Like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout the specification.
- In the specification and the claims, terms such as "first," "second," "third," and the like, if any, will be used to distinguish a plurality of elements from each other, and the use of ordinal terms does not by itself connote any priority, precedence, or order of one element over another.
- References to directions, such as up (U), down (D), left (L), right (R), front (F), and rear (R), shown in
FIGS. 1 to 42 are merely for convenience of explanation, and not intended for limiting the scope of the present invention. Accordingly, the directions may vary depending on a reference direction. - Hereinafter, an air conditioner according to embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
- The air conditioner of the present invention may be mounted inside the ceiling or wall. The air conditioner includes a main body (not shown) mounted inside the ceiling or wall and defining a space, a
base panel 10 disposed on one side of the body and having afirst communication hole 12 and asecond communication hole 14, avariable panel 50 disposed on one side of thebase panel 10 and changed in shape to cover or open thefirst communication hole 12 and thesecond communication hole 14, and adriving device 100 configured to change a shape or position of thevariable panel 50 based on thebase panel 10. - Here, one of the
first communication hole 12 and thesecond communication hole 14 may be an inlet through which outside air is drawn into the air conditioner. The other one of thefirst communication hole 12 and thesecond communication hole 14 may be an outlet through which air in the air conditioner is discharged to the outside. - A fan (not shown) for generating an air flow, a motor (not shown) for rotating the fan, a heat exchanger (not shown) for heat exchanging air discharged through the
second communication hole 14, a drain pan (not shown) for collecting and discharging condensate generated in the heat exchanger, and the like may be mounted in the main body. - Hereinafter, with reference to
FIGS. 1 to 22 , thebase panel 10, thevariable panel 50, and thedriving device 100 will be described using an example of an air conditioner mounted on the ceiling. However, the structure of thebase panel 10, thevariable panel 50, and thedriving device 100 which will be described below may also be applied to an air conditioner mounted on the wall, etc., in addition to the air conditioner mounted on the ceiling. - Referring to
FIG. 1 , thevariable panel 50 is disposed under thebase panel 10 to cover the main body (not shown) and a lower portion of thebase panel 10. Here, the position to cover the lower portion may include a position at which the main body or thebase panel 10 may be covered when viewed from below. - Referring to
FIG. 2 , thevariable panel 50 may be changed in shape to open thefirst communication hole 12 and thesecond communication hole 14 which are formed in thebase panel 10. - The
variable panel 50 may allow thefirst communication hole 12 and thesecond communication hole 14 to open and close simultaneously or together. Here, the opening and closing simultaneously may refer to opening and closing together at the same time. Here, the opening and closing together may refer to opening and closing together through a single operation and does not mean opening and closing at the same time in a temporal sense. - The
variable panel 50 may individually open and close thefirst communication hole 12 and thesecond communication hole 14. Thevariable panel 50 is made of heterogeneous materials, such that some region may be easily bent. Thevariable panel 50, including a silicone material and the like in some region thereof, may be changed in shape. Further, thevariable panel 50 has a structure in which a plurality of panels are connected, and connecting portions of the plurality of panels are rotated. - The
variable panel 50 may be mounted on thebase panel 10 in a region between thefirst communication hole 12 and thesecond communication hole 14. Thevariable panel 50 may be mounted on thebase panel 10 so as to be movable forward and backward. That is, thevariable panel 50 may be mounted on thebase panel 10 to be movable in a region between thefirst communication hole 12 and thesecond communication hole 14. - Referring to
FIG. 3 , the air conditioner includes thebase panel 10 having thefirst communication hole 12 and thesecond communication hole 14, thevariable panel 50 disposed on one side of thebase panel 10 and changed in shape to be bent or flat in some region, and thedriving device 100 mounted to thebase panel 10 and changing a shape of thevariable panel 50. - Referring to
FIG. 4 , the air conditioner includes a movingpanel 80 disposed under thebase panel 10 and coupled to thevariable panel 50, acover panel 86 disposed under thevariable panel 50 to cover a lower surface of thevariable panel 50, abracket 90 movably mounted to thevariable panel 50 and coupled to thedriving device 100, and abracket guider 95 mounted to thevariable panel 50 and guiding movement of thebracket 90. - The
variable panel 50 is disposed under thebase panel 10. Thevariable panel 50 may be mounted to thebase panel 10 from the bottom of thebase panel 10. Here, a method of mounting thevariable panel 50 to thebase panel 10 may include direct connection of thevariable panel 50 to thebase panel 10. In addition, a method of mounting thevariable panel 50 to thebase panel 10 may include indirect connection of thevariable panel 50 to thebase panel 10 via the movingpanel 80 or thedriving device 100. - In this embodiment, the
variable panel 50 may be indirectly mounted to thebase panel 10 via thedriving device 100. - The moving
panel 80 may fix the position of a central portion of thevariable panel 50. Thevariable panel 50 may have a bent portion which may partially sag due to gravity. The movingpanel 80 may fix the position of thevariable panel 50 in a region where thevariable panel 50 is bent, thereby preventing thevariable panel 50 from partially drooping or sagging. - Hereinafter, a configuration of the moving
panel 80 and a coupling relationship between the movingpanel 80 and thevariable panel 50 will be described in detail. - The
cover panel 86 is disposed under thevariable panel 50. Thecover panel 86 may be adhered to a lower surface of thevariable panel 50. Thecover panel 86 may also be connected to thevariable panel 50 by a separate fastening member (not shown). - The
cover panel 86 may be formed in a size enough to cover the lower surface of thevariable panel 50. Thecover panel 86 may be formed in a size enough to cover the lower surface and a peripheral surface of thevariable panel 50. - The
variable panel 50 may include a fixed part which is disposed between thefirst communication hole 12 and thesecond communication hole 14, and which is fixed in position vertically relative to thebase panel 10, a cover part spaced apart from the fixed part and disposed at a lower side of thefirst communication hole 12 or thesecond communication hole 14, and a variable part disposed between the fixed part and the cover part and changing an inclination angle of the cover part. - Here, the fixed part may be a
central rib 62 which will be described below. The cover part may be arigid body 52 which will be described later. The cover part may be afirst plate 54a and asecond plate 54b which will be described below. The variable part may be aflexible body 70 which will be described below. Accordingly, the variable part may be made of a deformable material. The variable part may be made of a different material from the cover part. - The
variable panel 50 includes therigid body 52 made of a rigid material and having a bending hole 68 formed in some region, and theflexible body 70 made of a flexible material and disposed in the bending hole 68 formed in therigid body 52. - The
rigid body 52 may be disposed in a front-rear direction with respect to theflexible body 70. Therigid body 52 includes thefirst plate 54a disposed on one side of theflexible body 70, thesecond plate 54b disposed on another side of theflexible body 70, abridge 66 connecting thefirst plate 54a and thesecond plate 54b, and thecentral rib 62 disposed between thefirst plate 54a and thesecond plate 54b. - The
rigid body 52 may further include a fixedhook 64 fixed to thebase panel 10 or the movingpanel 80 to prevent the central portion of thevariable panel 50 from sagging. - The
rigid body 52 has afirst bending hole 68a formed in one of the front and rear sides of thecentral rib 62, and asecond bending hole 68b formed in the other one of the front and rear sides of thecentral rib 62. Thefirst bending hole 68a and thesecond bending hole 68b may be divided by thebridge 66 into a plurality of regions. Referring toFIG. 6 , thefirst bending hole 68a may be formed in the rear side of thecentral rib 62, and thesecond bending hole 68b may be formed in the front side of thecentral rib 62. - The
flexible body 70 may be disposed in each of thefirst bending hole 68a and thesecond bending hole 68b. Theflexible body 70 may be made of a deformable material. Theflexible body 70 may be made of a silicone or rubber material. Theflexible body 70 may be molded into the bending hole 68 formed in therigid body 52. Theflexible body 70 may be injection molded into the bending hole 68 formed in therigid body 52. - In order to prevent the
flexible body 70, disposed in thefirst bending hole 68a and thesecond bending hole 68b, from being separated from therigid body 52,grooves rigid body 52. - The
grooves flexible body 70 disposed in the bending hole 68, are formed in therigid body 52. Thegrooves rigid body 52. Thegrooves upper groove 56 formed in the upper surface 52a of therigid body 52, and alower groove 58 formed in the lower surface 52b of therigid body 52. Referring toFIGS. 5 and 6 , an area of thelower groove 58 is smaller than an area of theupper groove 56. - The
upper groove 56 and thelower groove 58 may be formed at positions spaced apart in a left-right direction. - A
bracket hole 60, in which thebracket 90 or thebracket guider 95 is mounted, may be formed in therigid body 52. Thebracket hole 60 is formed in each of thefirst plate 54a and thesecond plate 54b. Thebracket hole 60 includes afirst bracket hole 60a, formed in thefirst plate 54a, and asecond bracket hole 60b formed in thesecond plate 54b. Referring toFIG. 3 , thefirst plate 54a is disposed at a lower side of thefirst communication hole 12 of thebase panel 10, and thesecond plate 54b is disposed at a lower side of thesecond communication hole 14 of thebase panel 10. - The
first bracket hole 60a is formed in thefirst plate 54a at each of both ends thereof in a horizontal or left-right direction. Thesecond bracket hole 60b is formed in thesecond plate 54b at each of both ends thereof in the horizontal direction. Each of thefirst bracket hole 60a and thesecond bracket hole 60b may be located further outward than theupper groove 56 or thelower groove 58. Here, the outward direction may be a direction close to the edge of therigid body 52 in the horizontal direction. - The
central rib 62 is disposed between thefirst plate 54a and thesecond plate 54b. Thecentral rib 62 may be disposed on each of thefirst plate 54a and thesecond plate 54b at positions spaced apart from each other. Thecentral rib 62 is disposed between thefirst bending hole 68a and thesecond bending hole 68b. Theflexible body 70 includes a firstflexible body 70a disposed in thefirst bending hole 68a, and a secondflexible body 70b disposed in thesecond bending hole 68b. - The
central rib 62 is disposed between the firstflexible body 70a and the secondflexible body 70b. Thecentral rib 62 is fixed to thebase panel 10 or the movingpanel 80. - The
variable panel 50 may be fixed to the movingpanel 80. A position of thevariation panel 50 may be changed according to a change in position of the movingpanel 80. Accordingly, the arrangement of thefirst plate 54a and the second plate 52b may be changed, which are disposed at the front and rear side of thecentral rib 62 of thevariable panel 50. Thecentral rib 62 may be spaced an equal vertical distance from thebase panel 10. In addition, if thecentral rib 62 is directly connected to thebase panel 10, thecentral rib 62 is fixed to thebase panel 10, and thus remains in position. - Accordingly, if the
flexible body 70 disposed at the front and rear side of thecentral rib 62 is changed in shape, the arrangement of thefirst plate 54a and thesecond plate 54b may be changed. If theflexible body 70 disposed at the front and rear side of thecentral rib 62 is changed in shape, an inclination angle of thefirst plate 54a and thesecond plate 54b may be changed. Here, the inclination angle may refer to an angle formed between a plane parallel to the ground surface or a ceiling surface, and a surface formed by thefirst plate 54a or thesecond plate 54b. - The fixed
hook 64 may be formed on thecentral rib 62. The fixedhook 64, protruding upward from thecentral rib 62, allows thevariable panel 50 to be mounted to the movingpanel 80 or thebase panel 10. In this embodiment, the fixedhook 64 is inserted into ahook hole 82 formed in the movingpanel 80. The fixedhook 64 may fix thevariable panel 50 to the movingpanel 80. Accordingly, as the fixedhook 64 is inserted into thehook hole 82 of the movingpanel 80, thevariable panel 50 may move along with the movement of the movingpanel 80. - A plurality of fixed
hooks 64, which are spaced apart from each other in the horizontal direction, may be disposed on thevariable panel 50. Referring toFIG. 6 , the fixed hooks 64 may be disposed in a region in which thebridge 66 and thecentral rib 62 intersect each other. - Referring to
FIG. 7 , the fixedhook 64 protrudes in a cylindrical shape upward from thecentral rib 62 and has an upper end protruding radially outwardly, to be mounted in thehook hole 82 of the movingpanel 80. - Referring to
FIG. 6 , a plurality ofbridges 66 are disposed on thevariable panel 50. The respective bridges 66 are spaced apart from each other in the horizontal direction. Thebridges 66 are disposed in a region in which theflexible body 70 is disposed. Thebridges 66 connect each of thecentral rib 62, thefirst plate 54a, and thesecond plate 54b, thereby stably maintaining a bending range or shape of theflexible body 70. - The respective bridges 66 may connect the
first plate 54a and thesecond plate 54b. The respective bridges 66 connect thefirst plate 54a and thecentral rib 62. The respective bridges 66 connect thesecond plate 54b and thecentral rib 62. - The
bridges 66 may include afirst bridge 66a connecting thefirst plate 54a and thecentral rib 62, and asecond bridge 66b connecting thesecond plate 54b and thecentral rib 62. - A
vertical height 66h of thebridge 66 is less than avertical height 62h of thecentral rib 62. Accordingly, theflexible body 70 comes into contact with an upper surface of thebridge 66. Awidth 66w (from left to right) of thebridge 66 is greater than awidth 62w (from front to rear) of thecentral rib 62. - A lower surface of the
bridge 66 may be formed as a flat surface so as to be smoothly connected to thefirst plate 54a and thesecond plate 54b. An upper surface of thebridge 66 may have a serration shape. - The upper surface of the
bridge 66, which has a serration shape, may alleviate a problem in that thebridge 66 is separated from theflexible body 70 at a contact portion with theflexible body 70. In addition, the upper surface of thebridge 66 has a serration shape, such that even when thevariable panel 50 is changed in shape, thebridge 66 is prevented from being deformed by elongation or compression of thevariable panel 50 or thecover panel 86. - The moving
panel 80 fixes the position of thecentral rib 62 of thevariable panel 50. That is, the movingpanel 80 may allow thecentral rib 62, disposed at the center of thevariable panel 50, to remain fixed in position vertically relative to thebase panel 10. Here, if thecentral rib 62 is vertically spaced apart from thebase panel 10, positions of thecentral rib 62 and thebase panel 10, which are vertically relative to each other, may refer to positions spaced apart from each other. Further, if thecentral rib 62 is disposed in contact with thebase panel 10, positions of thecentral rib 62 and thebase panel 10 may refer to positions at which thecentral rib 62 and thebase panel 10 may remain in contact with each other. - The moving
panel 80 may fix the position of thecentral rib 62, thereby preventing thecentral rib 62 from relatively sagging in thevariable panel 50. Thecentral rib 62, disposed between the firstflexible body 70a and the secondflexible body 70b, moves relative thereto, such that sagging may occur. As the movingpanel 80 fixes the position of thecentral rib 62, the firstflexible body 70a and the secondflexible body 70b, which are disposed on both sides of thecentra rib 62, may be bent downward. - The moving
panel 80 may be made of a material having rigidity, thereby preventing thecentral rib 62 form sagging downward in thevariable panel 50. - Referring to
FIG. 9 , the movingpanel 80 has thehook hole 82 into which the fixedhook 64 of thevariable panel 80 is inserted and mounted. Thehook hole 82 includes aninsertion hole 82a, into which the fixedhook 64 is inserted, and a fixinghole 82b in which the fixedhook 64 is mounted. Theinsertion hole 82a is formed to be greater than a diameter of an upper end of the fixedhook 64, and the fixinghole 82b is formed to be smaller than the diameter of the upper end of the fixedhook 64. Referring toFIG. 11 , while being inserted into the fixinghole 82b of thehook hole 82, the fixedhook 64 may be fixed to the movingpanel 80. - The
central rib 62 is fixed to the movingpanel 80, such that if the movingpanel 80 moves forward and backward, thevariable panel 50 as a whole may also move forward and backward. - The moving
panel 80 is elongated in a forward direction in which thesecond communication hole 14 is formed, rather than in a rearward direction in which thefirst communication hole 12 is formed, with respect to thehook hole 82. - A
second motor mounter 84, on which asecond motor 122 of thedriving device 100 to be described later is mounted, is disposed at both ends in the left-right direction of the movingpanel 80. Accordingly, thesecond motor mounter 84 and thesecond motor 122 may move forward and backward together with the movingpanel 80. - A plurality of
brackets 90 and a plurality ofbracket guiders 95 are disposed on thevariable panel 50. Each of the plurality ofbrackets 90 may be disposed in each of the plurality ofbracket guiders 95. - Referring to
FIG. 4 , each of the plurality ofbrackets 90 and each of the plurality ofbracket guider 95 may be disposed in twofirst bracket holes 60a, formed in thefirst plate 54a, and twosecond bracket holes 60b formed in thesecond plate 54b. - The
bracket 90 includes afirst bracket 90a disposed in thefirst bracket hole 60a, and asecond bracket 90b disposed in thesecond bracket hole 60b. Thebracket guider 95 includes afirst bracket guider 95a in which thefirst bracket 90a is disposed, and asecond bracket guider 95b in which thesecond bracket 90b is disposed. - The
bracket guider 95 is fixed to thevariable panel 50. Thebracket guider 95 is disposed in thebracket hole 60 of thevariable panel 50. Thebracket 90 is disposed in thebracket guider 95 to be movable forward and backward. - Referring to
FIG. 13 , thebracket guider 95 includes a pair offastening parts 96 fastened to thevariable panel 50, and aguide part 98 disposed between the pair offastening parts 96 and guiding movement of thebracket 90. Theguide part 98, which is bent upward from both ends in the left-right direction, may prevent separation of thebracket 90 and may guide forward and backward movement of thebracket 90. - The
bracket 90 includes a movingplate 92 moving forward and backward along theguide part 98, and acoupling plate 94 coupled to one side of thedriving device 100. The movingplate 92 and thecoupling plate 94 may be disposed perpendicular to each other. - By the operation of the
driving device 100, thebracket 90 moves upward and downward, and by moving upward and downward, thebracket 90 may move forward and backward within thebracket guider 95. Referring toFIG. 14 , both ends in the left-right direction of the movingplate 92 may be disposed in a bending structure formed at both ends in the left-right direction of theguide part 98 of thebracket guider 95. - The
base panel 10 has thefirst communication hole 12 through which air is introduced, and thesecond communication hole 14 through which air flowing through the main body is discharged. Thefirst communication hole 12 and thesecond communication hole 14 are spaced apart from each other in the front-rear direction. Referring toFIG. 18 , thesecond communication hole 14 is spaced forward from thefirst communication hole 12. Referring toFIG. 18 , an area of thesecond communication hole 14 may be smaller than an area of thefirst communication hole 12. - The
base panel 10 has amotor hole 16 formed in a region in which thesecond motor 122 of thedriving device 100 to be described below is disposed. Themotor hole 16 is formed as an opening in the front-rear direction, the opening corresponding to a distance thesecond motor 122 and thesecond motor mounter 84 moves in the front-rear direction. - A
hook groove 18, which is recessed upward and in which the fixedhook 64 is disposed, is formed in a lower surface of thebase panel 10. Thehook groove 18 may be formed at an upper side where the fixedhook 64 is disposed. Thehook groove 18 may guide forward and backward movement of the fixedhook 64 that moves together with the movingpanel 80. - The
base panel 10 includes apanel guider 20 in which thedriving device 100 is disposed.Gear holes panel moving plates driving device 100 that will be described below may pass, are formed in thebase panel 10. - The
panel guider 20 includes afirst panel guider 20a disposed at a left end of thebase panel 10, and asecond panel guider 20b disposed at a right end of thebase panel 10. - The
first panel guider 20a is disposed on the left side of thefirst communication hole 12 and thesecond communication hole 14 which are formed in thebase panel 10. Thesecond panel guider 20b is disposed on the right side of thefirst communication hole 12 and thesecond communication hole 14 which are formed in thebase panel 10. - Each of the
first panel guider 20a and thesecond panel guider 20b includes a pair ofguide walls - Each of the
first panel guider 20a and thesecond panel guider 20b includes afirst guide wall 22, and asecond guide wall 24 which is horizontally spaced apart from thefirst guide wall 22. Each of thefirst panel guider 20a and thesecond panel guider 20b may include anupper wall 26 connecting upper ends of thefirst guide wall 22 and thesecond guide wall 24. - The
first guide wall 22 and thesecond guide wall 24 may have corresponding shapes. Thefirst guide wall 22 may be disposed closer to thefirst communication hole 12 or thesecond communication hole 14 than thesecond guide wall 24. Thefirst guide wall 22 and thesecond guide wall 24 may protrude upward from thebase panel 10. - Referring to
FIG. 19 , each of thefirst guide wall 22 and thesecond guide wall 24 includes afirst guide hole 28 guiding movement of a firstrotating shaft 102a of a firstpanel moving plate 102 which will be described below, asecond guide hole 30 guiding movement of a secondrotating shaft 116a of a secondpanel moving plate 116 which will be described below, and athird guide hole 32 guiding movement of the firstpanel moving plate 102. - The
first guide hole 28 and thesecond guide hole 30 may have a shape of a straight hole extending in the front-rear direction. The length of thefirst guide hole 28, extending in the front-rear direction, may be equal to a length of thesecond guide hole 30 extending in the front-rear direction. - The
third guide hole 32 includes acurved guide hole 32a extending circumferentially from a position spaced apart from the firstrotating shaft 102a by a predetermined distance, and alinear guide hole 32b extending rearward from a lower end of thecurved guide hole 32a. Thethird guide hole 32 is disposed above thefirst guide hole 28 or thesecond guide hole 30. - A length of each of the
first guide hole 28 and thesecond guide hole 30 extending in the front-rear direction may be equal to a length of thelinear guide hole 32b extending in the front-rear direction. - The
first guide hole 28, thesecond guide hole 30, and thethird guide hole 32 may serve to suspend thevariable panel 50 from thebase panel 10 by thepanel moving plates - The gear holes 34a and 34b, through which the
panel moving plates base panel 10 between thefirst guide wall 22 and thesecond guide wall 24. Afirst hole 34a, through which the firstpanel moving pate 102 passes, and asecond hole 34b, through which the secondpanel moving plate 116 passes, are formed between thefirst guide wall 22 and thesecond guide wall 24 in thebase panel 10. - A
first motor mounter 36, on which thefirst motor 120 of thedriving device 100 which will be described below is mounted, is disposed on one side of thefirst guide wall 22. Thefirst motor mounter 36 is fixed to an upper surface of thebase panel 10. Accordingly, thefirst motor 120 mounted on thefirst motor mounter 36 is fixed onto the top of thebase panel 10. Amotor shaft hole 22a, through which a rotating shaft of thefirst motor 120 passes, is formed in thefirst guide wall 22. - The
driving device 100 may include a first driving device configured to change a shape of thevariable panel 50, and a second driving device configured to move a position of thevariable panel 50. - The first driving device may include the
first motor 120 and the firstpanel moving plate 102 which will be described below. In addition, the first driving device includes thesecond motor 122 and the secondpanel moving plate 116 which will be described below. The second driving device may include thefirst motor 120 and the firstpanel moving plate 102 which will be described below. That is, the firstpanel moving plate 102 and thefirst motor 120 may be included in the first driving device as well as in the second driving device. However, the secondpanel moving plate 116 and thesecond motor 122 may be included only in the first driving device. - The
driving device 100 includes the firstpanel moving plate 102 for changing a position of thefirst plate 54a of thevariable panel 50, the secondpanel moving plate 116 for changing a position of thesecond plate 54b of thevariable panel 50, thefirst motor 120 coupled to the firstpanel moving plate 102 to change the position of the firstpanel moving plate 102, and thesecond motor 122 coupled to the secondpanel moving plate 116 to change the position of the secondpanel moving plate 116. - The
driving device 100 may further include aspacer 124 for maintaining a distance between the firstrotating shaft 102a of the firstpanel moving plate 102 and the secondrotating shaft 116a of the secondpanel moving plate 116. Thedriving device 100 may include amotor gear 126 rotating in connection with the motor rotating shaft 120a of thefirst motor 120, and engaged with a gear surface of the firstpanel moving plate 102. - The
driving device 100 may include afirst guide pin 130 extending in the left-right direction along the firstrotating shaft 102a of the firstpanel moving plate 102, asecond guide pin 132 extending in the left-right direction along the secondrotating shaft 116a of the secondpanel moving plate 116, and athird guide pin 134 radially spaced apart from the firstrotating shaft 102a of the firstpanel moving plate 102 and extending in the left-right direction from one side of the firstpanel moving plate 102. - The
first guide pin 130 may move along thefirst guide hole 28 formed in each of thefirst guide wall 22 and thesecond guide wall 24. Thesecond guide pin 132 may move along thesecond guide hole 30 formed in each of thefirst guide wall 22 and thesecond guide wall 24. Thethird guide pin 134 may move along thethird guide hole 32 formed in each of thefirst guide wall 22 and thesecond guide wall 24. - The
second guide pin 132 may connect thesecond motor 122 and the secondpanel moving plate 116. Accordingly, when thesecond motor 122 is activated, thesecond guide pin 132 may change a position of the secondpanel moving plate 116. - Each of the first
panel moving plate 102 and the secondpanel moving plate 116 may be formed as a fan-shaped plate. The firstpanel moving plate 102 may be connected on one side to thebracket 90. Thebracket 90 is disposed to be coupled to a lower portion of each of the firstpanel moving plate 102 and the secondpanel moving plate 116. - The first
panel moving plate 102 rotates about the firstrotating shaft 102a. The firstpanel moving plate 102 includes alower surface 104 facing thevariable panel 50, anupper surface 106 disposed opposite thelower surface 104 and inclined with respect to thelower surface 104, and an outer peripheral surface 1008 connecting end portions of thelower surface 104 and theupper surface 106 and forming a curved surface. The firstpanel moving plate 102 includes aninner surface 110 facing thefirst motor 120, and anouter surface 114 facing a direction opposite theinner surface 110. Agear surface 112, engaged with the motor rotating shaft 120a coupled to thefirst motor 120, is formed on theinner surface 110 of the firstpanel moving plate 102. Thegear surface 112 is spaced apart from the outerperipheral surface 108 and theupper surface 106 by a predetermined distance, and is formed to face the firstrotating shaft 102a. - The
gear surface 112 includes afirst gear surface 112a spaced apart from the outerperipheral surface 108, and asecond gear surface 112b spaced apart from theupper surface 106. The outerperipheral surface 108 and thefirst gear surface 112a may have an arc shape. The outerperipheral surface 108 and thefirst gear surface 112a may have the same center of the arc. Thefirst gear surface 112a and thesecond gear surface 112b may have a structure in which themotor gear 126 may be continuously engaged therewith. - The
second gear surface 112b may be formed approximately parallel to theupper surface 106. - The
first guide pin 130 is disposed on the firstrotating shaft 102a of the firstpanel moving plate 102. Thefirst guide pin 130 may extend around the firstrotating shaft 102a and may be formed by passing through the firstpanel moving plate 102. - The
third guide pin 134 may be disposed on theupper surface 106. Thethird guide pin 134 may protrude upward above a straight surface formed by theupper surface 106. - The second
panel moving plate 116 is directly coupled to thesecond motor 122 at the secondrotating shaft 116a. Astopper 118 for limiting downward movement of the secondpanel moving plate 116 may be disposed on an upper surface of the secondpanel moving plate 116. - The
stopper 118 protrudes horizontally from the upper surface of the secondpanel moving plate 116. When the secondpanel moving plate 116 rotates downward, thestopper 118 comes into contact with upper ends of the pair ofguide walls panel moving plate 116. - The
spacer 124 maintains a distance between the firstrotating shaft 102 of the firstpanel moving plate 102 and the secondrotating shaft 116a of the secondpanel moving plate 116. Thespacer 124 is connected on one side to thefirst guide pin 130 disposed on the firstpanel moving plate 102, and is connected on another side to thesecond guide pin 132 disposed on the secondpanel moving plate 116. - The
first motor 120 is disposed on thefirst motor mounter 36 disposed on thebase panel 10. Accordingly, even when the firstpanel moving plate 102 or the secondpanel moving plate 116 moves forward and backward from thebase panel 10, thefirst motor 120 may be fixed in position. - The
second motor 122 is disposed on thesecond motor mounter 84 disposed on an upper side of the movingpanel 80. Accordingly, when the firstpanel moving plate 102 or the secondpanel moving plate 116 moves forward and backward from thebase panel 10, thesecond motor 122 may move together. - The first
panel moving plate 102 may change the position of thefirst plate 54a. Accordingly, when thefirst motor 120 is activated, the outer peripheral surface of the firstpanel moving plate 102 may move downward, such that thefirst plate 54a may be inclined downward from thebase panel 10. In this case, thefirst communication hole 12 of thebase panel 10 may be opened. - The second
panel moving plate 116 may change the position of thesecond plate 54b. Accordingly, when thesecond motor 122 is activated, the outer peripheral surface of the secondpanel moving plate 116 may move downward, such that thesecond plate 54b may be inclined downward from thebase panel 10. In this case, thesecond communication hole 14 of thebase panel 10 may be opened. - Hereinafter, the position of the
variable panel 50 during the operation of thefirst motor 120 or thesecond motor 122 will be described with reference toFIGS. 23 to 27 . - The
variable panel 50 may be disposed in a first position P1 in which thefirst communication hole 12 and thesecond communication hole 14, which are formed in thebase panel 10, are closed; a second position P2 in which a portion of thevariable panel 50 is bent so as to open thefirst communication hole 12 and thesecond communication hole 14; and a third position P3 in which thevariable panel 50 moves in a direction in which thesecond communication hole 14 is formed. - In the first position P1, the
variable panel 50 is disposed to cover the bottom of thebase panel 10. Thevariable panel 50 may have a greater area than thebase panel 10. Referring toFIG. 23 , when in the first position P1, thevariable panel 50 may cover theentire base panel 10 in the front-rear direction. Accordingly, when thevariable panel 50 is disposed in the first position P1, thebase panel 10 may not be seen from an occupant present in a lower part of an indoor space. - When the
variable panel 50 is disposed in the first position P1, thefirst motor 120 may be disposed at a lower end of thefirst gear surface 112a of the firstpanel moving plate 102. Referring toFIG. 24 , when thevariable panel 50 is disposed in the first position P1, one end of thebracket 90 may remain spaced apart a first distance 11 from one end of thebracket hole 60. - By the operation of the
first motor 120 and thesecond motor 122, thevariable panel 50 may be changed in shape from the first position P1 to the second position P2. By the operation of thefirst motor 120, themotor gear 126 may move along thefirst gear surface 112a of the firstpanel moving plate 102. In this case, the firstflexible body 70a is bent, and thefirst plate 54a moves downward. When thevariable panel 50 is in the second position P2, thesecond communication hole 14 may be opened. - When the
variable panel 50 is changed in shape from the first position P1 to the second position P2, themotor gear 126 moves along thefirst gear surface 112a. When thevariable panel 50 is changed in shape from the first position P1 to the second position P2, thethird guide pin 134 moves along thecurved guide hole 32a of thethird guide hole 32. Accordingly, the outer peripheral surface of the firstpanel moving plate 102 may also move downward. The firstpanel moving plate 102 rotates downward about the firstrotating shaft 102a. Referring toFIG. 26 , when thevariable panel 50 is in the second position P2, themotor gear 126 may be disposed at a portion where thefirst gear surface 112a and thesecond gear surface 112b meet. - By the operation of the
second motor 122, the secondpanel moving plate 116 rotate about the secondrotating shaft 116a. In this case, the secondflexible body 70b is bent, and thesecond plate 54b moves downward. When thevariable panel 50 is in the second position P2, thefirst communication hole 12 may be opened. When thevariable panel 50 is in the second position P2, thestopper 118 of the secondpanel moving plate 116 may come into contact with the upper ends of theguide walls - Referring to
FIG. 26 , when thevariable panel 50 is in the second position P2, one end of thebracket 90 may remain spaced apart asecond distance 12 from one end of thebracket hole 60. Thesecond distance 12 may be different from the first distance 11. Referring toFIGS. 24 and26 , thesecond distance 12 may be smaller than the first distance 11. - In addition, when the
first motor 120 is activated, thevariable panel 50 may move from the second position P2 to the third position P3. - When the
variable panel 50 moves from the second position P2 to the third position P3, themotor gear 126 may move along thesecond gear surface 112b. When thevariable panel 50 moves from the second position P2 to the third position P3, thethird guide pin 134 may move along thelinear guide hole 32b of thethird guide hole 32. When thevariable panel 50 moves from the second position P2 to the third position P3, thefirst guide pin 130 and thesecond guide pin 132 may move along thefirst guide hole 28 and thesecond guide hole 30, respectively. - When the
variable panel 50 moves from the second position P2 to the third position P3, thecentral rib 62 of thevariable panel 50 may move in a direction in which thesecond communication hole 14 is formed. - In a structure in which the air in the air conditioner is discharged through the
second communication hole 14, a contact area between the air, discharged through thesecond communication hole 14, and thevariable panel 50 may increase, leading to an increase in a guided area of the air guided by thevariable panel 50 when the air is discharged through thesecond communication hole 14. - Further, in a structure in which the air is drawn into the air conditioner through the
second communication hole 14, an opening area of thesecond communication hole 14 increases, leading to an increase in an amount of air flowing into the air conditioner. - Hereinafter, a variable panel, a driving device, and a base panel according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to
FIGS. 28 to 36 . - A
variable panel 250 according to the second embodiment includes a firstvariable panel 252 which is disposed under thebase panel 210 and changed in position at a lower side of thefirst communication hole 212, and a secondvariable panel 260 which is disposed under thebase panel 210 and changed in position at a lower side of thesecond communication hole 214. - One of the
first communication hole 212 and thesecond communication hole 214 may be an inlet through which outside air is drawn into the air conditioner. The other one of thefirst communication hole 212 and thesecond communication hole 214 may be an outlet through which air in the air conditioner is discharged to the outside. - The first
variable panel 252 may open and close thefirst communication hole 212. The secondvariable panel 260 may open and close thesecond communication hole 214. An inclination angle of the firstvariable panel 252 may be changed at the lower side of thefirst communication hole 212. Here, the inclination angle may refer to an angle between surfaces formed by each of the firstvariable panel 252 and thebase panel 210. An inclination angle of the secondvariable panel 260 may be changed at the lower side of thesecond communication hole 214. - The
variable panel 250 may include a fixed part which is fixed in position vertically relative to thebase panel 210, a cover part spaced apart from the fixed part and disposed at a lower side of thefirst communication hole 212 or thesecond communication hole 214, and a variable part disposed between the fixed part and the cover part and changing an inclination angle of the cover part. - The fixed part may be a
hinge 270 which will be described below. Further, the variable part may be thehinge 270 which will be described below. The cover part may be the firstvariable panel 252 or the secondvariable panel 260. Thehinge 270 may be disposed on afirst rotation axis 270a around which the firstvariable panel 252 or the secondvariable panel 260 rotate. - The
variable panel 250 may include thehinge 270 rotatably connecting the firstvariable panel 252 and the secondvariable panel 260. - The
hinge 270 may rotatably connect each of the firstvariable panel 252 and the secondvariable panel 260. Accordingly, the position of each of the firstvariable panel 252 and the secondvariable panel 260 may be changed with respect to thehinge 270. The inclination angle of each of the firstvariable panel 252 and the secondvariable panel 260 may be changed with respect to thehinge 270. - A
third pin 272 for guiding forward and backward movement of thehinge 270 may be disposed on one side of thehinge 270. Thethird pin 272 may move together with thehinge 270. Thethird pin 272 may move together with thevariable panel 250 when thevariable panel 250 moves forward and backward. - The first
variable panel 252 is coupled to afirst plate 254, and a pair of first panel gears 256 disposed at both ends of thefirst plate 254 and coupled to adriving device 300 to change arrangement of thefirst plate 254. - The first panel gears 256 may be formed in a fan shape. A
first gear surface 256a, engaged with afirst gear 306 to be described below, may be formed on an outer circumferential surface of the first panel gears 256. Here, the outer circumferential surface may refer to a surface extending circumferentially at a position radially spaced apart from the center of rotation of the fan-shaped first panel gears 256. - The first panel gears 256 may have a structure in which a lower end thereof is connected to the
first plate 254. Referring toFIG. 29 , the lower end of the first panel gears 256 may be disposed to come into contact with an upper end of thefirst plate 254. The first panel gears 256 and thefirst plate 254 may be formed as one body. - An upper surface of the first panel gears 256 may be inclined upward from the
first plate 254. - A
first pin 274 for guiding a change of arrangement or movement of position of the first panel gears 256 is disposed on one side of the first panel gears 256. Thefirst pin 274 may be disposed on one side of an upper surface of the first panel gears 256. - The second
variable panel 260 includes asecond plate 262, and a pair of second panel gears 264 disposed at both ends of thesecond plate 262 and coupled to thedriving device 300 to change arrangement of thesecond plate 262. - The second panel gears 264 may be formed in a fan shape. A
second gear surface 264a, engaged with asecond gear 308 to be described below, may be formed on an outer circumferential surface of the second panel gears 264. - The second panel gears 264 may have a structure in which a lower end thereof is connected to the
second plate 262. Referring toFIG. 29 , the lower end of the second panel gears 264 may be disposed to come into contact with an upper end of thesecond plate 262. The second panel gears 264 and thesecond plate 262 may be formed as one body. - The upper surface of the second panel gears 264 may be inclined upward from the
second plate 262. - A
second pin 276 for guiding a change of arrangement or movement of position of the second panel gears 264 is disposed on one side of the second panel gears 264. Thesecond pin 276 may be disposed on one side of the upper surface of the second panel gears 264. - The
driving device 300 may include a first driving device for changing a shape of thevariable panel 250, and a second driving device for moving a position of thevariable panel 250. - The first driving device may be a
first motor 302 and afirst mover 310 which will be described below. The first driving device may include a plurality of gears connected to thefirst motor 302 or thefirst mover 310. - The second driving device may be a
second motor 320 and asecond mover 322 which will be described below. The second driving device may include ahorizontal gear 321 coupled to thesecond motor 320. - The
driving device 300 may include thefirst motor 302 for changing arrangement of thevariable panel 250. - The
driving device 300 may include a plurality of gears coupled to thefirst motor 302 and changing arrangement of the firstvariable panel 252 or the secondvariable panel 260. - The
driving device 300 may include thefirst mover 310 coupled to thefirst motor 302 to move up and down. - By the rotation of the
first gear 306 which will be described below, thefirst mover 310 may rotate thesecond gear 308 spaced apart from thefirst gear 306. Thefirst mover 310 is engaged on one side with thefirst gear 306 and is engaged on another side with thesecond gear 308. - Referring to
FIG. 32 , thefirst mover 310 includes a firstvertical bar 312 having a first rack 312a engaged with thefirst gear 306, a secondvertical bar 314 spaced apart from the firstvertical bar 312 and having a second rack 214a engaged with thesecond gear 308, and ahorizontal bar 316 connecting the firstvertical bar 312 and the secondvertical bar 314. - The
horizontal bar 316 may connect an upper end of the firstvertical bar 312 and an upper end of the secondvertical bar 314. Thehorizontal bar 316 may come into contact with thebase panel 210 to limit downward movement of thefirst mover 310. - The first
vertical bar 312 and the secondvertical bar 314 may be spaced apart from each other in the front-rear direction. The first rack 312a and the second rack 214a may be formed in opposite directions. - The
first mover 310 may include a guide rib protruding from one side thereof or a guide groove recessed from one side thereof, to guide up-and-down movement of thefirst mover 310. Referring toFIG. 32 , a first guide318 protruding rib from one side of thefirst mover 310 is disposed on thefirst mover 310. Thefirst guide rib 318 may be inserted into afirst guide groove 324a formed in thesecond mover 322 which will be described below. - The
first guide rib 318 disposed on thefirst mover 310 may extend in an up-down direction in which thefirst mover 310 moves. Thefirst guide rib 318 protrudes from one side of thefirst mover 310 in a direction in which thesecond mover 322 is disposed, and extends in a moving direction of thefirst mover 310. - Unlike the drawing, if a guide groove is vertically formed in the
first mover 310, a guide rib to be inserted into the guide groove may be disposed on thesecond mover 322. - Referring to
FIG. 32 , thefirst guide rib 318, protruding in a direction in which thesecond mover 322 is disposed, may be disposed on thefirst mover 310. In addition, thefirst guide groove 324a, which is vertically formed so that thefirst guide rib 318 is inserted thereinto to move, is formed in thesecond mover 322. - The plurality of gears include a
motor gear 304 connected to a rotating shaft of thefirst motor 302. The plurality of gears includes afirst gear 306 engaged with themotor gear 304 to be rotated thereby, and asecond gear 308 engaged with thefirst mover 310 to be rotated thereby. - The
first gear 306 includes a firstinner gear 306a engaged with themotor gear 304, and a firstouter gear 306b engaged with thefirst panel gear 256. The firstinner gear 306a and the firstouter gear 306b may rotate together about the same rotation axis. The firstinner gear 306a and the firstouter gear 306b may be formed as separate components. The firstinner gear 306a and the firstouter gear 306b may be formed as one body. - The first
inner gear 306a is engaged on one side with themotor gear 304 to be rotated. The firstinner gear 306a is engaged on another side with one side of thefirst mover 310. Accordingly, when themotor gear 304 is rotated by the operation of thefirst motor 302, the firstinner gear 306a is rotated such that thefirst mover 310 may move up and down. - The first
outer gear 306b may be engaged with thefirst panel gear 256 of the firstvariable panel 252. Accordingly, when themotor gear 304 is rotated by the operation of thefirst motor 302, the firstinner gear 306a and the firstouter gear 306b are rotated such that arrangement of the firstvariable panel 252 may be changed. - The
second gear 308 includes a secondinner gear 308a engaged with another side of thefirst mover 310, and a secondouter gear 308b engaged with thesecond panel gear 264. The secondinner gear 308a and the secondouter gear 308b may rotate together about the same rotation axis. The secondinner gear 308a and the secondouter gear 308b may be formed as separate components. The secondinner gear 308a and the secondouter gear 308b may be formed as one body. - The second
inner gear 308a is engaged on one side with thefirst mover 310 to be rotated thereby. The secondinner gear 308a may be engaged with the second rack 214a of thefirst mover 310. Accordingly, when thefirst mover 310 moves up and down, the secondinner gear 308a engaged with the second rack 214a may be rotated. - The second
outer gear 308b may be engaged with thesecond panel gear 264 of the secondvariable panel 260. Accordingly, when thefirst mover 310 moves up and down, the secondinner gear 308a and the secondouter gear 308b are rotated such that arrangement of the secondvariable panel 260 may be changed. - The
driving device 300 includes thesecond mover 322 for moving a position of thevariable panel 250, and thesecond motor 320 mounted to thebase panel 210 and moving thesecond mover 322. Thedriving device 300 may include thehorizontal gear 321 connected to thesecond motor 320 to be rotated thereby. - The
second mover 322 is movably disposed on thebase panel 210. Thesecond mover 322 may move forward and backward on thebase panel 210. Thesecond mover 322 includes a moving panel 324 on which thefirst mover 310 is mounted, and a firstmotor mounting part 326 in which thefirst motor 302 is mounted. - The
first guide groove 324a for guiding up-and-down movement of thefirst mover 310 is formed in the moving panel 324. Thefirst guide rib 318 of thefirst mover 310 may be inserted into thefirst guide groove 324a. - A
horizontal rack 330, engaged with thehorizontal gear 321 on a surface facing thehorizontal gear 321, may be disposed on the moving panel 324. When thehorizontal gear 321 is rotated, thehorizontal gear 321 is engaged with thehorizontal rack 330 to move thesecond mover 322 forward and backward. - Each of the
first gear 306 and thesecond gear 308 is rotatably disposed on thesecond mover 322. Each of thefirst gear 306 and thesecond gear 308 is rotatably disposed on the moving panel 324. - The
first motor 302 may be mounted in the firstmotor mounting part 326. The firstmotor mounting part 326 may define a space which protrudes from one side surface of the moving panel 324 and in which thefirst motor 302 is mounted. - The
second mover 322 may include acover wall 328 protruding from one side of the moving panel 324 and covering one side of thesecond gear 308. Thecover wall 328 is disposed between thesecond gear 308 and thesecond motor 320. Thecover wall 328 may prevent thesecond gear 308 from contacting thesecond motor 320 or thehorizontal gear 321. - The
first communication hole 212 and thesecond communication hole 214 may be formed in thebase panel 210. Thefirst communication hole 212 and thesecond communication hole 214 may be spaced apart from each other in the front-rear direction. -
Guide walls second mover 322 may be disposed on thebase panel 210. A secondmotor mounting part 236 for fixing a position of thesecond motor 320 may be disposed on thebase panel 210. The secondmotor mounting part 236 may fix the position of thesecond motor 320 disposed on thebase panel 210. The secondmotor mounting part 236 may be disposed on one side of theguide walls - A pair of
guide walls base panel 210. The pair ofguide walls first communication hole 212 or thesecond communication hole 214. - The
base panel 210 includes afirst guide wall 220a and asecond guide wall 220b spaced apart from thefirst guide wall 220a. Thefirst guide wall 220a and thesecond guide wall 220b may be symmetrical to each other in the left-right direction. Thefirst guide wall 220a and thesecond guide wall 220b may include the same components. - Accordingly, the following description of the
guide walls first guide wall 220a and thesecond guide wall 220b. - The
guide walls mover guide wall 222 disposed on one side of thesecond mover 322, and apin guide wall 224 having a plurality ofpin guide grooves mover guide wall 222 may be disposed to face thesecond mover 322. Themover guide wall 222 may guide forward and backward movement of thesecond mover 322. Themover guide wall 322 may support a position of thesecond mover 322. Thesecond mover 322 may come into contact with themover guide wall 222. - A second guide rib 223 for guiding movement of the
second mover 322 may be disposed on themover guide wall 222. Asecond guide groove 324b corresponding to the second guide rib 223 may be formed in thesecond mover 322. - The
mover guide wall 222 includes a firstmover guide wall 222a disposed on one side of thefirst communication hole 212, and a secondmover guide wall 222b disposed on one side of thesecond communication hole 214. The firstmover guide wall 222a and the secondmover guide wall 222b may be spaced apart from each other in the front-rear direction. Each of the firstmover guide wall 222a and the secondmover guide wall 222b may be disposed on one side of thesecond mover 322. - A pair of
pin guide walls 224 may be provided which are spaced apart from each other in the left-right direction. Thepin guide walls 224 may include aninner guide wall 225a disposed adjacent to themover guide wall 222, and anouter guide wall 225b spaced apart from theinner guide wall 225a. Theinner guide wall 225a and theouter guide wall 225b may be disposed parallel to each other. - The
pin guide walls 224 include afirst end wall 226a bent and extending inwardly from a front end of theinner guide wall 225a, and a second end wall 226b bent and extending inwardly from a rear end of theinner guide wall 225a. Thefirst end wall 226a may come into contact with the firstmover guide wall 222a. The second end wall 226b may come into contact with the secondmover guide wall 222b. Each of thefirst end wall 226a and the second end wall 226b may come into contact with thefirst mover 310 to limit forward and backward movement of thefirst mover 310. - The
pin guide walls 224 are positioned further to the outside than themover guide wall 222. Here, the outside may refer to a direction away from thefirst communication hole 212 and thesecond communication hole 134 which are formed in thebase panel 210. - The
pin guide walls 224 may include anupper guide wall 227b disposed on an upper side of thebase panel 210 and guiding movement of thefirst pin 274 and thesecond pin 276, and alower guide wall 227a disposed on a lower side of thebase panel 210 and guiding movement of thethird pin 272. Each of theinner guide wall 225a and theouter guide wall 225b described above may include theupper guide wall 227b. Each of theinner guide wall 225a and theouter guide wall 225b may include thelower guide wall 227a. - A
third pin hole 230 for guiding movement of thethird pin 272 may be formed in thepin guide wall 224. Afirst pin hole 232 for guiding movement of thefirst pin 274 may be formed in thepin guide wall 224. Asecond pin hole 234 for guiding movement of thesecond pin 276 may be formed in thepin guide wall 224. - The
third pin hole 230 may be formed in thelower guide wall 227a. Thethird pin hole 230 may be open from side to side in thepin guide wall 224 and extend in the front-rear direction. - The
first pin hole 232 and thesecond pin hole 234 may be formed in theupper guide wall 227b. Thefirst pin hole 232 may guide movement of thefirst pin 274. Thefirst pin hole 232 includes a firstcurved part 232a guiding a change in arrangement of the firstvariable panel 252, and a firststraight part 232b guiding movement of the firstvariable panel 252. The firststraight part 232b may be disposed parallel to thethird pin hole 230. - The first
curved part 232a may guide movement of thefirst pin 274 rotating about thehinge 270. Accordingly, the firstcurved part 232a may have an arc shape with a radius corresponding to a distance between thefirst pin 274 and thehinge 270. - The
second pin hole 234 may guide movement of thesecond pin 276. Thesecond pin hole 234 includes a secondcurved part 234a guiding a change in arrangement of the secondvariable panel 260, and a secondstraight part 234b guiding movement of the secondvariable panel 260. The secondstraight part 234b may be disposed parallel to thethird pin hole 230. - The second
curved part 234a may guide movement of thesecond pin 276 rotating about thehinge 270. Accordingly, the secondcurved part 234a may have an arc shape with a radius corresponding to a distance between thesecond pin 276 and thehinge 270. - Hereinafter, a change of shape and movement of position of the
variable panel 250 by the operation of thefirst motor 302 and thesecond motor 320 will be described with reference toFIGS. 34 to 36 . - As illustrated in
FIG. 34 , thevariable panel 250 may be disposed in the first position P1 in which thevariable panel 250 closes thefirst communication hole 212 and thesecond communication hole 214. As illustrated inFIG. 35 , thevariable panel 250 may be disposed in the second position P2 in which thevariable panel 250 opens thefirst communication hole 212 and thesecond communication hole 214. As illustrated inFIG. 36 , thevariable panel 250 may be disposed in the third position P3 in which thevariable panel 250 moves up and down from the second position P2. - Referring to
FIG. 34 , in the first position P1, the firstvariable panel 252 may be disposed at a lower side of thefirst communication hole 212. In the first position P1, the secondvariable panel 260 may be disposed at a lower side of thesecond communication hole 214. Thevariable panel 250 may have a greater area than thebase panel 210. Accordingly, when disposed in the first position P1, thevariable panel 250 may cover the entire bottom of thebase panel 210. Accordingly, when thevariable panel 250 is disposed in the first position P1, components of thebase panel 210 may not be exposed to an occupant present in a lower part of an indoor space. - In the first position P1, the
first pin 274 may be disposed at an upper end of thefirst pin hole 232. In the first position P1, thesecond pin 276 may be disposed at an upper end of thesecond pin hole 234. - By the operation of the
first motor 302, thevariable panel 250 may be changed in shape from the first position P1 to the second position P2. When thefirst motor 302 is activated, themotor gear 304 rotates thefirst gear 306. When thefirst gear 306 is rotated, thefirst panel gear 256 engaged with one side of thefirst gear 306 moves to change the position of the firstvariable panel 252. In this case, an inclination angle of the firstvariable panel 252 may be changed. - In addition, when the
first gear 306 is rotated, thefirst mover 310 engaged with another side of thefirst gear 306 moves downward. When thefirst mover 310 moves downward, thesecond gear 308 engaged with one side of thefirst mover 310 is rotated thereby. When thesecond gear 308 is rotated, thesecond panel gear 264 engaged with one side of thesecond gear 308 moves to change the position of the secondvariable panel 260. In this case, an inclination angle of the secondvariable panel 260 may be changed. - Each of the first
variable panel 252 and the secondvariable panel 260 are rotated about thehinge 270. - When the
variable panel 250 is changed from the first position P1 to the second position P2, thehinge 270 may remain in place. When thevariable panel 250 is changed from the first position P1 to the second position P2, thethird pin 272 may remain in place. - When the
variable panel 250 is changed from the first position P1 to the second position P2, thefirst pin 274 moves downward along the firstcurved part 232a of thefirst pin hole 232. When thevariable panel 250 is changed from the first position P1 to the second position P2, thesecond pin 276 moves downward along the secondcurved part 234a of thesecond pin hole 234. - Referring to
FIG. 35 , in the second position P2, thevariable panel 250 may open each of thefirst communication hole 212 and thesecond communication hole 214. Accordingly, air may flow through thefirst communication hole 212 or thesecond communication hole 214. - In the second position P2, each of the first
variable panel 252 and the secondvariable panel 260 may be inclined with respect to thebase panel 210. In the second position P2, the firstvariable panel 252 and the secondvariable panel 260 may be inclined in different directions. - In the second position P2, the
first pin 274 may be disposed at a lower end of the firstcurved part 232a of thefirst pin hole 232. In the second position P2, thesecond pin 276 may be disposed at a lower end of the secondcurved part 234a of thesecond pin hole 234. - By the operation of the
second motor 320, thevariable panel 250 may be changed in shape from the second position P2 to the third position P3. When thesecond motor 320 is activated, thehorizontal gear 321 is rotated in engagement with thehorizontal rack 330. By the rotation of thehorizontal gear 321, thehorizontal rack 330 moves forward and backward. By the rotation of thehorizontal gear 321, thefirst mover 310 moves forward and backward. By the movement of thefirst mover 310, thesecond mover 322 and thevariable panel 250 may move together forward and backward. - Hereinafter, a variable panel, a driving device, and a base panel according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to
FIGS. 37 to 42 . - A
variable panel 450 may include a fixed part fixed in position vertically relative to thebase panel 210, a cover part spaced apart from the fixed part and disposed at a lower side of thefirst communication hole 212 or thesecond communication hole 214, and a variable part disposed between the fixed part and the cover part and changing an inclination angle of the cover part. - The fixed part and the variable part may be a
variable part 470 to be described with reference to the third embodiment. The cover part may be afirst cover part 452 and asecond cover part 460 to be described with reference to the third embodiment. - The
variable panel 450 in the third embodiment includes thefirst cover part 452 disposed under thebase panel 410 and changed in position at the lower side of thefirst communication hole 412, asecond cover part 460 disposed under thebase panel 410 and changed in position at the lower side of thesecond communication hole 414, and thevariable part 470 changed in shape and disposed between thefirst cover part 452 and thesecond cover part 460. - One of the
first communication hole 412 and thesecond communication hole 414 may be an inlet through which outside air is drawn into the air conditioner. The other one of thefirst communication hole 412 and thesecond communication hole 414 may be an outlet through which air in the air conditioner is discharged to the outside. - The
first cover part 452 may open and close thefirst communication hole 412. Thesecond cover part 414 may open and close thesecond communication hole 414. An inclination angle of thefirst cover part 452 may be changed at the lower side of thefirst communication hole 412. Here, the inclination angle may refer to an angle between surfaces formed by each of thefirst cover part 452 and thebase panel 410. An inclination angle of thesecond cover part 460 may be changed at the lower side of thesecond communication hole 414. - The
first cover part 452 includes afirst plate 454, and a pair offirst connectors 456 connected to adriving device 500 to change arrangement of thefirst plate 454. Thesecond cover part 460 includes asecond plate 462, and a pair ofsecond connectors 464 connected to thedriving device 500 to change arrangement of thesecond plate 462. - The
variable part 470 may be made of a deformable material. The variable part may be made of a different material from the cover part. Thevariable part 470 may be disposed between thefirst cover part 452 and thesecond cover part 460. - The
variable part 470 may be made of a deformable material. One side of thevariable part 470 may be movably coupled to thebase panel 410. That is, although not illustrated herein, a central portion of thevariable part 470 in the front-rear direction may be connected to thebase panel 410. Accordingly, the central portion of thevariable part 470 may be maintained in contact with thebase panel 410. - A
first connector 456 has a first connectinghole 456a in which a connectingprotrusion 512 offirst movers hole 456a may extend from an upper side of thefirst plate 454 in the front-rear direction. Accordingly, the connectingprotrusion 512 of thefirst movers hole 456a, may move forward and backward within the first connectinghole 456a depending on arrangement. The first connectinghole 456a may extend in the front-rear direction further than a diameter of the connectingprotrusion 512. - The
second connector 464 also has a second connectinghole 464a in which the connectingprotrusion 512 of thefirst movers hole 464a may have the same shape as the first connectinghole 456a. - The
driving device 500 may include a first driving device for changing a shape of thevariable panel 450, and a second driving device for moving a position of thevariable panel 450. - The first driving device may be
first motors first movers first motors first movers - The second driving device may be a
second motor 520 and asecond mover 522 which will be described below. The second driving device may include ahorizontal gear 521 connected to thesecond motor 520. - The
driving device 500 may be disposed at both ends of thevariable panel 450 in the left-right direction. Thedriving device 500 may be disposed at each of a left portion and a right portion of thevariable panel 450. The drivingdevices 500 disposed at the left portion and the right portion of thevariable panel 450 may have the same configuration. Accordingly, the configuration of thedriving device 500 which will be described below may be applied to the driving device disposed at each of the left portion and the right portion of the variable panel. - The
driving device 500 includes a pair offirst motors variable panel 450. Each of the pair offirst motors variable panel 450. - The
driving device 500 includes a pair offirst movers first motors first movers first motors first movers - The connecting
protrusion 512, protruding leftward or rightward and connected to thevariable panel 450, may be disposed at a lower end of each of the pair offirst movers protrusion 512 may be disposed in a direction perpendicular to a moving direction of thefirst movers protrusion 512 may move up and down together with thefirst movers - The connecting
protrusion 512 may be disposed in connectingholes 456a and 462a of theconnectors first cover part 452 or thesecond cover part 460. - The
driving device 500 includes a pair of first gears 506a and 506b connected to the pair offirst motors first movers 510a and 5 10b, respectively. - The
driving device 500 includes a pair offirst motor mounters first motors first motor mounters base panel 410 or thesecond mover 522 which will be described below. - Referring to
FIG. 39 , thefirst motors second mover 522, such that thefirst motor mounters second mover 522. - The
driving device 500 includes thesecond mover 522 for moving a position of thevariable panel 450, and thesecond motor 520 for moving thesecond mover 522. Thedriving device 500 may include thehorizontal gear 521 connected to thesecond motor 520 to be rotated thereby. - The
second mover 522 is movably disposed on thebase panel 410. Thesecond mover 522 may move forward and backward on thebase panel 410. Thesecond mover 522 includes a movingpanel 524 on which thefirst movers first motor mounters panel 524. - A pair of
first guide grooves 526 for guiding up-and-down movement of the pair offirst movers panel 524. Thefirst movers first guide grooves 526. Thefirst movers 510a and 5 10b may move up and down within thefirst guide grooves 526. - A horizontal rack (not shown), engaged with the
horizontal gear 521 on a surface facing thehorizontal gear 521, may be disposed on the movingpanel 524. When thehorizontal gear 521 is rotated, thehorizontal gear 521 is engaged with the horizontal rack to move thesecond mover 522 forward and backward. - Each of the pair of
first motors second mover 522. - The
first communication hole 412 and thesecond communication hole 414 may be formed in thebase panel 410. Thefirst communication hole 412 and thesecond communication hole 414 may be spaced apart from each other in the front-rear direction. - A
guide wall 420 for guiding movement of thesecond mover 522 may be disposed on thebase panel 410. Asecond motor mounter 422 for fixing a position of thesecond motor 520 is disposed on thebase panel 410. Thesecond motor mounter 422 may fix the position of thesecond motor 520 disposed on thebase panel 410. Thesecond motor mounter 422 may be disposed on one side of theguide wall 420. - Through-
holes 424a and 242b, through which the pair offirst movers 510a and 5 10b respectively pass, may be formed in thebase panel 410. Thefirst movers 510a and 5 10b may be formed by passing through the through-holes formed in thebase panel 410. Accordingly, upper ends of thefirst movers base panel 410, and lower ends thereof may be disposed at a lower side of thebase panel 410. The plurality of through-holes 424a and 242b may be formed in thebase panel 410. The respective through-holes 424a and 242b may be spaced apart from each other in the front-rear direction or in the left-right direction. - Hereinafter, a change of shape and movement of position of the
variable panel 450 by the operation of thefirst motor 302 and thesecond motor 320 will be described with reference toFIGS. 40 to 42 . - As illustrated in
FIG. 40 , thevariable panel 450 may be disposed in the first position P1 in which thevariable panel 450 closes thefirst communication hole 412 and thesecond communication hole 414. As illustrated inFIG. 41 , thevariable panel 450 may be disposed in the second position P2 in which thevariable panel 450 opens thefirst communication hole 412 and thesecond communication hole 414. As illustrated inFIG. 42 , thevariable panel 450 may be disposed in the third position P3 in which thevariable panel 450 moves up and down from the second position P2. - Referring to
FIG. 40 , in the first position P1, thefirst cover part 452 is disposed at a lower side of thefirst communication hole 412. In the first position P1, thesecond cover part 460 is disposed at a lower side of thesecond communication hole 414. Thevariable panel 450 may have a greater area than thebase panel 410. Accordingly, in the first position P1, thevariable panel 450 may cover the entire bottom of thebase panel 410. Accordingly, when thevariable panel 450 is disposed in the first position P1, components of thebase panel 410 may not be exposed to an occupant present in a lower part of an indoor space. - In the first position P1, each of the connecting
holes 456a and 462a of theconnectors base panel 410. In the first position P1, the lower ends of thefirst movers base panel 410. In the first position P1, the connectingprotrusion 512 of thefirst movers holes 456a and 462a in a direction in which thevariable part 470 is disposed. - By the operation of the
first motors variable panel 450 may be changed in shape from the first position P1 to the second position P2. When each of the pair offirst motors first motors first movers - Accordingly, by the operation of the pair of
first motors first movers first plate 454 and thesecond plate 462 may be changed. - When the
variable panel 450 is changed from the first position P1 to the second position P2, thevariable part 470 may be changed in shape to a bent shape. When thevariable panel 450 is changed from the first position P1 to the second position P2, the connectingprotrusion 512 disposed at a lower end of each of the pair offirst movers base panel 410. As the connectingprotrusion 512 moves to the lower side, an inclination angle of each of thefirst cover part 452 and thesecond cover part 460 may be changed. Here, the inclination angle may be an angle formed between thefirst cover part 452 or thesecond cover part 460 and thebase panel 410. - When the
variable panel 450 is changed from the first position P1 to the second position P2, the connectingprotrusion 512 disposed in the connectingholes 456a and 462a may be changed in relative position within the connectingholes 456a and 462a. The connectingprotrusion 512 moves up and down, but the connectingholes 456a and 462a move circumferentially, such that a relative position of the connectingprotrusion 512 may be changed. - Referring to
FIG. 41 , when disposed in the second position P2, thevariable panel 450 may open each of thefirst communication hole 412 and thesecond communication hole 414. Accordingly, air may flow through thefirst communication hole 412 or thesecond communication hole 414. - In the second position P2, each of the
first cover part 452 and thesecond cover part 260 may be inclined with respect to thebase panel 410. In the second position P2, each of thefirst cover part 452 and thesecond cover part 260 may be inclined in different directions. - In the second position P2, lower ends of the pair of
first movers base panel 410. - By the operation of the
second motor 520, thevariable panel 450 may be changed from the second position P2 to the third position P3. When thesecond motor 520 is activated, thehorizontal gear 521 is rotated in engagement with the horizontal rack. By the rotation of thehorizontal gear 521, the horizontal rack moves forward and backward. By the rotation of thehorizontal gear 521, thefirst movers first movers 510a and 5 10b, thesecond mover 522 and thevariable panel 450 may also move together forward and backward. - While the preferred embodiments have been particularly shown and described, the present specification shall not be limited to the particular embodiments described above, and it will be understood by an ordinary skilled person in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the following claims, and the alternative embodiments should not be individually understood from the inventive concept and prospect of the present invention.
Claims (15)
- An air conditioner comprising:a base panel having a first communication hole formed in one side thereof, and a second communication hole formed in another side thereof;a variable panel disposed under the base panel and changed in shape to open and close the first communication hole and the second communication hole; anda driving device disposed on an upper side of the base panel and changing a position of one side of the variable panel in an up-down direction, so that the variable panel is changed in shape,wherein the variable panel comprises:a first cover part disposed under the base panel to open and close the first communication hole;a second cover part disposed under the base panel to open and close the second communication hole; anda variable part disposed between the first cover part and the second cover part, and changing an inclination angle of the first cover part and the second cover part.
- The air conditioner of claim 1, wherein the variable part is made of a deformable material,
wherein when the inclination angle of the first cover part and the second cover part is changed, a shape of the variable part is changed. - The air conditioner of claim 2, wherein one side of the variable part is movably coupled to the base panel.
- The air conditioner of claim 1, wherein the driving device is configured to change a shape of the variable panel or to move a position of the variable panel.
- The air conditioner of claim 1, wherein the driving device comprises a first driving device configured to change a shape of the variable panel, and a second driving device configured to move a position of the variable panel.
- The air conditioner of claim 1, wherein the driving device comprises a pair of first movers that move up and down so as to adjust the inclination angle of each of the first cover part and the second cover part.
- The air conditioner of claim 6, wherein each of the first cover part and the second cover part comprises a connector having a connector hole connected to a lower end of each of the pair of first movers.
- The air conditioner of claim 7, wherein a connecting protrusion, connected to the connector of each of the first cover part and the second cover part, is disposed at a lower end of each of the pair of first movers,
wherein a connecting hole is formed in the connector of each of the first cover part and the second cover part, the connecting hole extending in a front-rear direction further than a diameter of the connecting protrusion. - The air conditioner of claim 1, wherein the driving device comprises:a pair of first movers configured to change a position of the variable panel;a pair of first motors configured to move each of the pair of first movers;a second mover configured to move a position of the variable panel; anda second motor configured to move the second mover.
- The air conditioner of claim 9, wherein each of the pair of first motors is fixedly disposed on the second mover, and the second motor is fixedly disposed on the base panel, wherein each of the pair of first movers is disposed on the second moverto be movable up and down, and the second mover is disposed on the base panel to be movable forward and backward.
- The air conditioner of claim 9, wherein the second mover comprises a moving panel to which each of the pair of first movers is mounted,
wherein a pair of first guide grooves are formed in the moving panel, the pair of first guide grooves guiding up-and-down movement of each of the pair of first movers. - The air conditioner of claim 10, wherein a pair of first motor mounters are mounted to the moving panel, the pair of first motor mounters fixing a position of each of the pair of first motors.
- The air conditioner of claim 9, wherein a guide wall for guiding movement of the second mover is disposed on the base panel.
- The air conditioner of claim 9, wherein the driving device comprises a pair of first motor mounters fixing positions of the pair of first motors,
wherein the pair of first motor mounters are fixedly disposed on the base panel or the second mover. - The air conditioner of claim 9, wherein a connecting protrusion is disposed at a lower end of each of the pair of first movers, the connecting protrusion protruding leftward or rightward and movably coupled to the variable panel, wherein:the first cover part comprises a first plate for opening and closing the first communication hole, and a first connector connected to the driving device to change a position of the first plate; andthe second cover part comprises a second plate for opening and closing the second communication hole, and a second connector connected to the driving device to change a position of the second plate.
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
KR1020220128433A KR20240048747A (en) | 2022-10-07 | 2022-10-07 | Air Conditioner |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP4350226A1 true EP4350226A1 (en) | 2024-04-10 |
Family
ID=88237743
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP23201107.2A Pending EP4350226A1 (en) | 2022-10-07 | 2023-10-02 | Air conditioner |
Country Status (4)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20240117991A1 (en) |
EP (1) | EP4350226A1 (en) |
KR (1) | KR20240048747A (en) |
CN (1) | CN117847765A (en) |
Citations (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
CN101057109A (en) * | 2004-11-19 | 2007-10-17 | 大金工业株式会社 | Indoor machine of air conditioner |
US9970676B2 (en) * | 2011-08-16 | 2018-05-15 | Gree Electric Appliances, Inc. Of Zhuhai | Indoor unit of air conditioner |
JP2020070988A (en) * | 2018-10-31 | 2020-05-07 | ダイキン工業株式会社 | Blower |
EP3730845A1 (en) * | 2017-12-21 | 2020-10-28 | LG Electronics Inc. | Ceiling-type indoor unit of air conditioner |
CN214791478U (en) * | 2021-05-31 | 2021-11-19 | 广东美的制冷设备有限公司 | Indoor unit of air conditioner |
KR102401787B1 (en) | 2017-04-28 | 2022-05-26 | 삼성전자주식회사 | Air conditioner |
-
2022
- 2022-10-07 KR KR1020220128433A patent/KR20240048747A/en unknown
-
2023
- 2023-09-26 CN CN202311260620.4A patent/CN117847765A/en active Pending
- 2023-09-28 US US18/374,157 patent/US20240117991A1/en active Pending
- 2023-10-02 EP EP23201107.2A patent/EP4350226A1/en active Pending
Patent Citations (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
CN101057109A (en) * | 2004-11-19 | 2007-10-17 | 大金工业株式会社 | Indoor machine of air conditioner |
US9970676B2 (en) * | 2011-08-16 | 2018-05-15 | Gree Electric Appliances, Inc. Of Zhuhai | Indoor unit of air conditioner |
KR102401787B1 (en) | 2017-04-28 | 2022-05-26 | 삼성전자주식회사 | Air conditioner |
EP3730845A1 (en) * | 2017-12-21 | 2020-10-28 | LG Electronics Inc. | Ceiling-type indoor unit of air conditioner |
JP2020070988A (en) * | 2018-10-31 | 2020-05-07 | ダイキン工業株式会社 | Blower |
CN214791478U (en) * | 2021-05-31 | 2021-11-19 | 广东美的制冷设备有限公司 | Indoor unit of air conditioner |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
CN117847765A (en) | 2024-04-09 |
KR20240048747A (en) | 2024-04-16 |
US20240117991A1 (en) | 2024-04-11 |
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