KR102296710B1 - Indoor unit for air conditioner - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to an indoor unit of an air conditioner and a method for controlling the same.
The indoor unit of the air conditioner according to the embodiment of the present invention includes a body assembly forming a front discharge part and a front panel movably provided in a vertical direction in front of the body assembly. In a state in which the front panel is moved upward, the airflow discharged from the front discharge unit may not act on the front panel.

Description

{Indoor unit for air conditioner}

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

The indoor unit of the air conditioner may be classified into an upright type, a wall-mounted type, or a ceiling type according to an installation location. Among them, the wall-mounted indoor unit is understood as an air conditioner of a type installed to be attached to a vertical wall.

In general, the wall-mounted indoor unit includes an air intake unit and an air discharge unit. The air sucked in from the air intake unit may be discharged into a room through the discharge unit after passing through a heat exchanger and a blowing fan.

The discharge unit may be provided with a direction adjusting device for controlling the direction of the discharged air flow. The direction control device may include a louver for guiding the airflow in the vertical direction or the left and right direction.

The following prior art discloses an air conditioning device provided with a louver capable of adjusting the discharge direction of an airflow forward or downward. Information on prior literature is as follows.

1. Registration number (registration date): Korean Patent No. 55309 (October 9, 1992)

2. Title of invention: air conditioner

Although the above prior literature conceptually discloses a louver that is set to an upper discharge position or a lower discharge position in order to control the discharge blowing direction, a detailed configuration or operation of the louver is not disclosed. have.

In fact, it is not easy to open and close a plurality of outlets using a single louver in order to control the discharge blowing direction forward or downward. In particular, this is especially true when the plurality of outlets includes a front outlet and a lower outlet disposed to be perpendicular to each other.

In addition, it is not preferable to provide a plurality of louvers to open and close the plurality of outlets, or to apply a louver having a complicated structure, considering the indoor unit having a limited size.

In addition, if an opening is formed in the lower part of the front panel to form the front discharge port and a louver is disposed inside the opening, there is a possibility that a safety accident may occur due to foreign matter being introduced into the indoor unit or the user's hand being caught. do.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an indoor unit of an air conditioner that forms a front discharge part and a lower discharge part and selectively opens and closes the front discharge part or the lower discharge part to easily control the direction of the discharge air flow. .

Another object of the present invention is to provide an indoor unit of an air conditioner capable of preventing dew formation that may occur when an airflow discharged from a front discharge unit acts on the front panel when the front panel is made of a metal material.

In particular, when the front discharge unit is opened by moving the front panel upward, the front panel is disposed at a higher position than the front discharge unit, so that the airflow discharged from the front discharge unit does not act on the front panel, An object of the present invention is to provide an indoor unit of an air conditioner.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an indoor unit of an air conditioner in which the front discharge unit can be opened and closed by moving a front panel, and the lower discharge unit can be opened and closed by moving upper and lower vanes.

In particular, an object of the present invention is to provide an indoor unit of an air conditioner in which an open area of the lower discharge unit can be adjusted through a sliding movement or a rotational movement of the upper and lower vanes on the upper side of the lower discharge unit.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an indoor unit of an air conditioner that can operate in a mode suitable for user preferences by interlocking the front panel and upper and lower vanes depending on whether the air conditioner is in a cooling operation or a heating operation.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an indoor unit of an air conditioner, in which rails are coupled to both sides of a front panel so that the front panel can be easily raised or lowered.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an indoor unit of an air conditioner in which left and right vanes are installed in the discharge unit to easily control the left and right directions of airflow discharged through the front discharge unit and the lower discharge unit.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an indoor unit of an air conditioner, in which the left and right vanes are integrally formed under the drain pan to improve space utilization inside the indoor unit.

In addition, providing an indoor unit of an air conditioner capable of sending airflow to a place relatively far from the indoor unit by improving the curvature of the bottom surface of the drain pan and guiding the airflow discharged through the front discharge unit to the upper front side of the indoor unit. The purpose.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an indoor unit of an air conditioner capable of guiding a stable discharge of an airflow and reducing noise by applying a groove or a protrusion structure to a bottom surface of a drain pan.

The indoor unit of the air conditioner according to the embodiment of the present invention is provided with a front discharge unit and a lower discharge unit to diversify the direction of the discharge air flow, thereby enabling customized operation according to the operation mode of the air conditioner.

In addition, when the front panel is made of a metal material, it is possible to prevent dew formation that may occur when the airflow discharged from the front discharge unit acts on the front panel.

In particular, when the front discharge unit is opened by moving the front panel upward, the front panel is disposed at a higher position than the front discharge unit, so that the airflow discharged from the front discharge unit does not act on the front panel. have.

In addition, the front discharge unit can be opened and closed by the front panel moving in the vertical direction, and the lower discharge unit is opened and closed by the sliding or rotating upper and lower vanes, so that selective opening and closing of the front discharge unit or the lower discharge unit can be easily made.

In addition, in a state in which the front panel is moved upward, the front panel is disposed at a higher position than the front discharge unit, so that an airflow discharged from the front discharge unit may be prevented from acting on the front panel. In particular, since the lower end of the front panel is higher than the front discharge unit, the front panel can avoid the airflow discharged from the front discharge unit.

In addition, the front panel is made of a metal member, and since the front panel is positioned higher than the front discharge unit, air discharged from the front discharge unit, particularly cold air, does not act on the front panel. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of dew on the front panel.

In addition, the upper and lower vane motors and links are provided on the sides of the upper and lower vanes to facilitate movement of the upper and lower vanes.

And, since the link is eccentrically connected with respect to the upper and lower vanes and rotates, rotation or sliding movement of the upper and lower vanes is possible. In particular, since the link is coupled to the rear side of the upper and lower vanes, the upper and lower vanes may perform a movement in which the rear end thereof is lifted.

In particular, in order to open both the front discharge unit and the lower discharge unit, the front panel may be moved upward and the upper and lower vanes may be driven to be in a first position.

In another operation, the front panel may be moved upward and the upper and lower vanes may be driven to be in a second position so that the front discharge unit is opened and the lower discharge unit is closed.

In another operating mode, the front panel may be moved downward and the upper and lower vanes may be driven to be in a third position so that the front discharge unit is closed and the lower discharge unit is opened.

In addition, when the user desires direct air during the cooling or heating operation of the air conditioner, since both the front discharge part and the lower discharge part are opened, a strong discharge air flow can be formed and the discharge air flow can be directly supplied to the user.

In addition, when the user desires indirect air during the cooling operation of the air conditioner, the front discharge unit is opened and the lower discharge unit is closed, so that relatively low temperature air is discharged to the front of the indoor unit, and cool air is directly supplied to the user. it can be prevented

In addition, when the user desires indirect air during the heating operation of the air conditioner, the front discharge unit is closed and the lower discharge unit is opened. it can be prevented

In addition, since the left and right vanes are provided at positions adjacent to the front discharge part and the lower discharge part, it is easy to control the left and right directions of the airflow discharged through the front discharge part or the lower discharge part.

In addition, since the left and right vanes are provided on the bottom surface of the drain pan supporting the lower portion of the heat exchanger, space utilization of the indoor unit is improved.

In addition, since the front panel is provided to be movable upward or downward along the rails on both sides, the discharge air flow can be easily controlled and the filter assembly disposed on the upper part of the indoor unit can be easily attached and detached.

In addition, since panel driving units for moving the front panel are provided on both sides of the front panel, the front panel can move up and down in a state in which left and right are balanced.

In addition, a rack interlocking with the panel driving unit may be provided on the rear portion of the support frame to be gear-linked with the panel driving unit.

The indoor unit of the air conditioner according to the embodiment of the present invention includes a body assembly having a front discharge part for discharging air passing through a blowing fan and a metal material, and a front panel for opening the front discharge part.

The front panel may be made of an aluminum material.

The front panel may be provided in front of the body assembly.

The front panel may be provided to be movable upward or downward.

The front panel may move upward to open the front discharge unit, and may move downward to close the front discharge unit.

In a state in which the front panel is moved upward, the front panel may be disposed at a higher position than the front discharge unit.

In a state in which the front panel is moved upward, a lower end of the front panel may be disposed at a higher position than an upper end of the front discharge unit.

A support frame coupled to the rear surface of the front panel is further included, and the support frame may be made of a plastic material.

A lower end of the support frame may be disposed at a higher position than a lower end of the front panel.

a panel driver provided in the body assembly and configured to provide a driving force to the front panel; a gear interlocking with the panel driving unit; and a rack provided on the support frame and interlocking with the gear.

A rail provided on a side surface of the main assembly and guiding the vertical movement of the front panel may be further included.

The front panel may be disposed in front of the body assembly, extend rearward from both sides of the front panel, and may further include a rail coupling unit coupled to the rail.

The body assembly includes: a case body having a side portion on which the rail is installed; and a grill frame coupled to the front of the case body, wherein the grill frame may include a frame insertion part through which the rail coupling part passes.

a lower discharge unit formed at a lower portion of the body assembly and discharging air downward; and upper and lower vanes rotating or sliding on the upper side of the lower discharge unit.

The body assembly may include a case body coupled to the chassis; and a grill frame provided in front of the case body and having a frame front portion forming the front discharge unit and a lower frame forming the lower discharge unit.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the direction of the discharge air flow can be easily adjusted by forming the front discharge unit and the lower discharge unit and selectively opening and closing the front discharge unit or the lower discharge unit.

In addition, the front discharge unit can be opened and closed by moving the front panel, and the lower discharge unit can be opened and closed by moving the upper and lower vanes.

In particular, the open area of the lower discharge unit may be adjusted by sliding or rotating the upper and lower vanes on the upper side of the lower discharge unit.

Also, depending on whether the air conditioner is in a cooling operation or a heating operation, the front panel and the upper and lower vanes are interlocked to operate, so that operation in a mode suitable for the user's preference may be possible.

In addition, the rails are coupled to both sides of the front panel, so that the front panel can be easily raised or lowered.

In addition, by installing left and right vanes in the discharge unit, the left and right direction control of the airflow discharged through the front discharge unit and the lower discharge unit can be easily achieved.

In addition, the left and right vanes are integrally formed under the drain pan to improve space utilization inside the indoor unit.

In addition, by improving the curvature of the bottom surface of the drain pan and guiding the airflow discharged through the front discharge unit to the upper front side of the indoor unit, the airflow can be sent to a place relatively far from the indoor unit.

In addition, by applying a groove or protrusion structure to the bottom surface of the drain pan, it is possible to guide the stable discharge of the airflow and reduce noise.

1 is a view showing a state in which an indoor unit of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention is installed on a wall.
2 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the indoor unit.
3 is a front view illustrating an indoor unit in a state in which the front panel is moved upward according to an embodiment of the present invention.
4 is an exploded perspective view showing the configuration of the indoor unit.
5 is an exploded perspective view showing the configuration of a case according to an embodiment of the present invention.
6 is a perspective view illustrating a state in which components of an indoor unit are installed inside the case.
7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 7-7' of FIG. 2 .
8 is an exploded perspective view showing the configuration of an assembly (hereinafter, referred to as a panel assembly) of a front panel and a support frame according to an embodiment of the present invention.
9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 9-9' of FIG.
10 is a perspective view illustrating the configuration of an assembly (hereinafter, referred to as a body assembly) of a case body and a grill frame according to an embodiment of the present invention.
11 is a front view showing the configuration of the front part of the indoor unit with the panel assembly removed according to the embodiment of the present invention.
12 is an exploded plan view showing the configuration of a panel assembly and a case body according to an embodiment of the present invention.
13 is a view showing a state in which the panel assembly is coupled to a rail.
14 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 14-14' of FIG. 2 .
15 is an exploded perspective view of a panel assembly and a case body showing a panel driving unit for moving the panel assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.
16 is an exploded perspective view of a panel assembly and a case body showing configurations of a holder and a holder bracket according to an embodiment of the present invention.
17 is a view showing a panel driving unit and a peripheral configuration thereof according to an embodiment of the present invention.
18 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the configuration of the panel driving unit.
19 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a gear assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.
20 is a cross-sectional view showing a coupling state between the holder and the holder bracket.
21 is a cross-sectional view taken along 21-21 ′ of FIG. 20 .
22 is an enlarged view of part “A” of FIG. 15 .
23 is a cross-sectional view taken along 23-23' of FIG.
24 is a schematic diagram showing a connection state of the upper and lower vanes and the link according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 25 is an enlarged view of part "B" of FIG. 15 .
26 is a top perspective view showing the configuration of a drain pan according to an embodiment of the present invention.
27 is a bottom perspective view illustrating a configuration of a drain pan according to an embodiment of the present invention.
28 is a view showing a state in which a drain pan according to an embodiment of the present invention is installed in an indoor unit.
29 is a view showing a coupling state of the left and right vane motor and the left and right vanes according to an embodiment of the present invention.
30A to 30C are views illustrating the configuration and operation of the indoor unit when the indoor unit is discharged forward and downward.
31A to 31C are views showing the configuration and operation of the indoor unit when the indoor unit is discharged from the front.
32A to 32C are diagrams illustrating the configuration and operation of the indoor unit when the indoor unit is discharged downward.
33 is a view showing a state in which the filter assembly is drawn out forward when the front panel is moved downward.

Hereinafter, specific embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. However, the spirit of the present invention is not limited to the presented embodiments, and those skilled in the art who understand the spirit of the present invention will be able to easily suggest other embodiments within the scope of the same spirit.

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

1 to 4 , the indoor unit 10 of the air conditioner according to the embodiment of the present invention may be installed on a wall W. As shown in FIG.

The indoor unit 10 includes an installation plate 20 fixed to the wall W, a chassis 30 coupled to the front of the installation plate 20 , and a case 100 coupled to the front of the chassis 30 . ) is included.

The installation plate 20 is a part for fixing the indoor unit 10 to the wall W, and after being coupled to the wall W, the chassis 30 can be mounted thereon. The installation plate 20 has a thin plate shape and includes a central portion coupled to the rear surface of the chassis 30 and both sides extending downward from both sides of the central portion to support the lower portion of the chassis 30 .

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

In the chassis 30, a plate coupling part 31 coupled to the installation plate 20 and a rear guide extending downward from the plate coupling part 31 roundly surround a part of the outer circumferential surface of the blower fan 40 ( 33) is included.

The plate coupling part 31 has a thin plate shape. The rear guide 33 functions as a flow guide for guiding the airflow discharged from the blower fan 40 toward the discharge units 126 and 129 .

The blowing fan 40 includes a cross flow fan. The cross-flow fan may suck in the air sucked from the upper part of the indoor unit 10 in the circumferential direction and discharge it in the circumferential direction. The axial direction of the blowing fan 40 may be a horizontal direction of the indoor unit 10 .

The blowing fan 40 may be rotatably supported on both sides of the chassis 30 . In detail, the chassis 30 further includes two fan support parts 35 protruding forward from both sides of the rear guide 33 and supporting both ends of the blowing fan 40 . A fan motor 45 for driving the blowing fan 40 may be installed outside any one of the two fan support parts 35 . The shaft of the fan motor 45 may pass through the fan support part 35 to be coupled to the blowing fan 40 .

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

A control box 50 provided with a control component for operating the indoor unit 10 may be installed at a side portion of the chassis 30 . The control box 50 is located on the side of the fan motor 45 and may be supported by a case body 110 to be described later.

A heat exchanger 60 may be installed in an inner space formed by the chassis 30 and the case 100 . Based on the air flow, the heat exchanger 60 may be disposed on the suction side of the blower fan 40 , and may be supported by the chassis 30 .

The heat exchanger 60 may have a bent shape. In detail, in the heat exchanger (60), a first heat exchange unit (61) vertically extending in a direction corresponding to the front side of the indoor unit (10), and a first heat exchange unit (61) extending obliquely upward from the first heat exchange unit (61) A second heat exchange unit 63 and a third heat exchange unit 65 extending downwardly from the second heat exchange unit 63 are included. The first to third heat exchange units 61 , 63 , and 65 are disposed outside the blowing fan 40 , and may be understood to be disposed in a suction region of air sucked by the blowing fan 40 .

A heat exchanger holder 67 is coupled to the heat exchanger 60 . The heat exchanger holder 67 is coupled to the side of the heat exchanger 60 , and may be supported on the inner surface of the case 100 .

A refrigerant tube 70 is coupled to the heat exchanger 60 . The refrigerant tube 70 may introduce the refrigerant into the heat exchanger 60 or guide the flow of the refrigerant discharged from the heat exchanger 60 . The refrigerant tube 70 is coupled to the side of the heat exchanger 60 , and the tube cover 75 is wrapped around the outside of the refrigerant tube 70 .

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

A case 100 is provided at the front of the chassis 30 . It is understood that the assembly of the chassis 30 and the case 100 constitutes a “body of the indoor unit”. The main body of the indoor unit may be configured to have a substantially hexahedral shape.

An air flow path is formed inside the case 100 . In detail, an air intake unit 115a is formed at an upper portion of the case 100 , and a filter assembly 300 is installed at the air intake unit 115a. The air intake part 115a may be formed to be opened in the upper surface part 115 of the case body 110 .

A discharge portion is formed at a lower portion of the case 100 . A lower discharge part 126 and a front discharge part 129 are formed in the discharge part. The lower discharge unit 126 may be formed at an opened lower end of the grill frame 120 , and the front discharge unit 129 may be formed by opening at least a portion of a front surface of the grill frame 120 . Accordingly, the opening directions of the lower discharge part 126 and the front discharge part 129 may be formed to be perpendicular to each other.

A drain pan 80 disposed below the heat exchanger 60 may be provided in the discharge unit. The drain pan 80 may include left and right vanes 83 for controlling the direction of the discharge air flow in the left and right directions. The left and right vanes 83 may be rotated in the left and right directions based on the vertical line to control the left and right directions of the discharge air flow. The plurality of left and right vanes 83 may be provided and connected to one link bar, and the plurality of left and right vanes 83 may rotate together according to the movement of the link bar.

The lower discharge unit 126 may be provided with upper and lower vanes 160 for controlling the direction of the discharge air flow. The upper and lower vanes 160 may be provided rotatably or slidably to control the vertical direction of the discharge airflow.

The front part of the case 100 includes a front panel 150 forming the front exterior of the indoor unit 10 . The front panel 150 may include a display unit 156 for checking operation information of the indoor unit 10 .

The front panel 150 may be provided to be movable directly upward or downwardly. For example, when the indoor unit 10 is powered on, the front panel 150 may move upward as an initial operation.

When the front panel 150 is moved upward, a human body detection sensor 165 for detecting a body of an interior person may be exposed on the lower right side of the indoor unit 10 . For example, the human body detection sensor 165 may include a camera module provided with a lens 166 . The lens 166 may form an angle of view toward the front. In addition, the human body detection sensor 165 is supported on the upper surface of the lower grill 125a of the grill body 120 and may be located on the side of the lower discharge part 126 .

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

The case 100 includes a grill frame 120 that forms the exterior of the front edge of the indoor unit 10 . The grill frame 120 may include a grill portion having a lower grill 125a and a side grill 125b. A lower discharge part 126 is formed in a substantially central portion of the lower grill 125a.

The voice recognition device 190 includes a microphone hole 195 for collecting the user's voice. The microphone hole 195 may be formed in the grill frame 120 .

Left and right vane motors 83a for driving the left and right vanes 83 are provided on the side of the front discharge part 129 .

The indoor unit 10 further includes a horizontal bar 128a extending in a horizontal direction to a substantially central portion of the front discharge unit 129 in a vertical direction. The horizontal bar 128a may function as a safety device to prevent the user's hand from being inserted.

Hereinafter, the configuration of the case 100 will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings.

5 is an exploded perspective view showing the configuration of a case according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing an indoor unit component installed inside the case, and FIG. 7 is a view taken along line 7-7' of FIG. It is a cut-away cross-section.

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

The front panel 150 includes a thin plate-shaped panel body 151 and a display hole 152 that is opened in the panel body 151 and in which the display 156 is located. The panel body 151 may have, for example, a quadrangular plate shape.

The front panel 150 may be made of a metal material. In addition, other components of the case 100 except for the front panel 150 may be made of plastic resin. When the blower fan 40 is driven, vibration is generated, and the vibration may induce vibration of the indoor unit to generate noise.

In the present embodiment, since the front panel 150 is made of a relatively heavy metal material, there is an advantage in that vibration of the metal material is reduced even if vibration occurs. In addition, the metal material is less likely to cause contamination than the plastic resin, and can be easily cleaned even if contamination occurs.

The front panel 150 may be surface-treated so that a predetermined texture can be felt, thereby realizing a beautiful appearance.

The case 100 further includes a support frame 140 coupled to the rear of the front panel 150 to support the front panel 150 . The support frame 140 may be in surface contact with the rear surface of the front panel 150 . The assembly of the front panel 150 and the support frame 140 may be referred to as a “panel assembly”.

In detail, the support frame 140 has a frame body 141 having a substantially quadrangular plate shape and a display opening 143 formed by opening at least a portion of the frame body 141 . The display opening 143 may be aligned behind the display hole 152 of the front panel 150 .

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

Rail coupling portions 145 protruding rearward from both sides of the frame body 141 are provided in the support frame 140 . Due to the frame body 141 and the rail coupling portions 145 on both sides, the support frame 140 may have a “c” shape as a whole.

The case 100 further includes a grill frame 120 provided at the rear of the support frame 140 and forming the discharge parts 126 and 129 . The front surface of the grill frame 120 is configured to face the rear surface of the support frame 140 . The grill frame 120 is made of a plastic material, and for example, may be made of an ABS resin (Acrylonitrile-Butadiene-Styrene resin) having relatively high strength.

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

A grill part 125 having a plurality of grills is provided on the frame lower part 121a and the frame side part 121b. The plurality of grills are spaced apart from each other and extend in parallel, and may be bent to form a lower portion and both side portions of the grill frame 120 . For example, the grill part 125 may be configured to have a “∪ shape.

In detail, the grill part 125 includes a lower grill 125a constituting the frame lower part 121a. At least a portion of the lower grill 125a is formed to pass through, and the through-formed portion forms a lower discharge portion 126 to guide air discharge.

The lower discharge part 126 is formed in a substantially central portion of the lower grill 125a, and both sides of the lower grill 125a are blocked. Accordingly, air is not discharged from the area of the lower grill 125a other than the area where the lower discharge part 126 is formed.

The lower grill 125a is configured to further extend downward from the lower discharge part 126 , and the lower discharge part 126 is not easily seen from the outside. Accordingly, it is possible to implement a beautiful appearance of the indoor unit. In addition, the air discharged from the lower discharge part 126 is guided by the lower grill 125a, so that the downward straightness can be increased.

The grill part 125 further includes side grills 125b extending upward from both sides of the lower grill 125a. Since the shape of the side grill 125b is the same as that of the lower grill 125a, in terms of design, the lower grill 125a and the side grill 125b may achieve a sense of unity.

Most of the side grill 125b is configured to be blocked so as not to communicate with the outside, however, a sensor hole may be formed in a portion where the temperature and humidity sensor 194 is located for communication with the outside.

Frame insertion parts 127a and 127b into which the rail coupling part 145 are inserted are formed on both sides of the grill frame 120 . The rail coupling part 145 may extend rearwardly through the frame insertion parts 127a and 127b, and may be coupled to the rail 130 . The rail 130 may be provided on both sides of the indoor unit 10 .

A case body 110 is provided at the rear of the grill frame 120 . The case body 110 has an overall rectangular parallelepiped shape, and may be configured such that the front part, the lower part, and the upper part are opened. The grill frame 120 and the case body 110 may be coupled to each other, and the assembly of the grill frame 120 and the case body 110 may be referred to as a “body assembly”.

In detail, the case body 110 includes a main body front part 111 , a main body side part 112 , a main body rear part 114 , and a main body upper surface part 115 . A front opening 111a at least partially covered by the grill frame 120 is formed in the front part of the main body 111 .

A lower portion of the front opening 111a may be aligned with the front discharge portion 129 of the grill frame 120 in the front-rear direction. Accordingly, the airflow of the indoor unit may be discharged to the outside through the lower portion of the front opening 111a and the front discharge unit 129 . In addition, the panel assemblies 140 and 150 may be moved in the vertical direction to selectively open and close the front discharge unit 129 .

The control box 50 may be disposed inside the main body side part 112 . In addition, the outer surface of the main body side portion 112 includes a rail mounting portion 113 on which the rail 30 is placed. The grill part 125 is disposed to cover the rail seating part 113 , and a space in which the rail 130 is installed is formed between the grill part 125 and the rail seating part 113 .

The rail coupling part 145 may be coupled to a side surface of the rail 130 . While the panel assemblies 140 and 150 are moved in the vertical direction, the rail coupling part 145 may move in the vertical direction along the rail 130 .

A rear opening 114a is formed in the rear surface portion 114 of the main body. A chassis 30 may be coupled to the rear opening 114a. That is, it can be understood that the body assemblies 110 and 120 and the chassis 30 are combined to form the overall exterior of the indoor unit 10 , and the panel assemblies 140 and 150 form the front surface of the indoor unit 10 .

An upper surface opening 115a in which the filter assembly 300 is mounted is formed in the upper surface portion 115 of the main body. The upper surface opening 115a may function as an air intake unit. In addition, a filter support part 115b extending in the front-rear direction to support the filter assembly 300 is provided in the upper surface opening 115a. A plurality of the filter support parts 115b may be provided, and may be spaced apart from each other and arranged in the left and right directions.

The upper and lower vanes 160 for controlling the vertical direction of the discharge air flow are provided at the lower portion of the case 100 . A vane motor 162 for driving the upper and lower vanes 160 and a vane motor cover 163 surrounding the vane motor 162 are provided on the side of the upper and lower vanes 160 .

The case 100 further includes a panel driving unit 170 that provides a driving force for upward or downward movement of the panel assemblies 140 and 150 . The panel driving unit 170 is disposed on the rear surface of the grill frame 120 , and a gear provided in the panel driving unit 170 passes through the grill frame 120 to contact the panel assemblies 140 and 150 . The panel driving unit 170 may be provided on both sides of the case 100 to provide a stable driving force to the panel assembly 170 .

The case 100 further includes a temperature and humidity sensor 194 for sensing the temperature and humidity of an indoor space in which the indoor unit 10 is installed. The temperature and humidity sensor 194 includes a temperature sensor and a humidity sensor, and may be installed on the main body side part 112 of the case body 110 .

In detail, a sensor mounting part 113a in which the temperature and humidity sensor 192 is installed is provided at a lower portion of the main body side part 112 . The sensor mounting part 113a is formed below the rail mounting part 113 , and a partition rib 113b may protrude between the sensor mounting part 113a and the rail mounting part 113 . The side grill 125b of the grill part 125 may cover side surfaces of the rail mounting part 113 and the sensor mounting part 113a. A sensor hole may be formed in the side grill 125b at a point corresponding to the position of the temperature/humidity sensor 192 to communicate with the outside of the indoor unit 10 .

The case 100 further includes a dust sensor 192 for detecting air quality information around the indoor unit 10 . The dust sensor 192 may be installed on the main body side part 112 of the case body 110 . In detail, a dust sensor opening 112a is formed in the case body 110, and a dust sensor cover 192a (refer to FIG. 10) may be detachably provided in the dust sensor opening 112a.

The dust sensor cover 192a may be detached for cleaning the dust sensor 192 , and the user may clean the dust sensor 192 using a cleaning device, for example, a cotton swab.

A filter cleaning device 400 for separating dust accumulated on the filter assembly 300 and a dust container 430 for storing the separated dust may be provided on the upper portion of the case 100 . The dust container 430 may be disposed on the side of the filter assembly 300 .

A brush 420 may be provided between the filter assembly 300 and the dust container 430 . The brush 420 may come into contact with the pre-filter provided in the filter assembly 300 to shake off foreign matter accumulated in the pre-filter.

The pre-filter is configured to be rotatable in an endless orbit by a filter rotation motor 350, and foreign matter can be separated from the pre-filter by contact between the pre-filter and the brush 420 during the rotation of the pre-filter. have. The filter rotation motor 350 is surrounded by a motor cover 355 and may be supported inside the case body 110 .

The brush 420 includes a brush body 421 having a cylindrical shape and brush bristles 425 provided on an outer circumferential surface of the brush body 421 to contact the pre-filter.

The filter cleaning device 400 is disposed below the dust container 430 , and may be located above the control box 50 . When the filter cleaning device 400 is driven, the suction force of the filter cleaning device 400 acts on the filter assembly 300 via the dust container 430 , and foreign matter separated from the filter assembly 300 is It may be stored in the dust container 430 .

8 is an exploded perspective view showing the configuration of an assembly (hereinafter, referred to as a panel assembly) of a front panel and a support frame according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 9-9' of FIG. 4 .

8 and 9 , the front panel 150 according to the embodiment of the present invention may be coupled to the front of the support frame 140 . In other words, the support frame 140 may be coupled to the rear surface of the front panel 150 .

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

Accordingly, the front panel 150 may be configured to be heavier than the support frame 140 . However, in order to relatively reduce the weight of the front panel 150 , a depression 151c may be formed at the rear of the front panel 150 . The recessed portion 151c may be understood as a result of performing a slimming process in order to reduce the weight of the front panel 150 during the processing of the front panel 150 .

The depression 151c may be formed on an area of 80% or more of the rear surface area of the front panel 150, and may have a shape of about a quadrilateral.

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

In detail, the panel bracket 153 is coupled to the rear surface of the panel body 151 . A plurality of the panel brackets 153 may be provided to be spaced apart from the edge of the panel body 151 . For example, eight panel brackets 153 may be provided.

The four panel brackets 153 are arranged to be horizontally spaced apart from each other on the upper rear surface of the panel body 151 , and the remaining four panel brackets 153 are horizontally spaced apart from the lower rear surface of the front panel 150 . can be arranged.

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

In detail, the panel bracket 153 includes a bracket body 153a extending in the vertical direction. A front surface of the bracket body 153a may be inserted into the bracket groove 151a, and a rear surface of the bracket body 153a may be supported by the frame body 141 .

An inner insertion portion 153b inserted into the bracket groove 151a to engage the panel body 151 at an upper portion of the bracket body 153a, and an inner insertion portion 153b bent from the inner insertion portion 153b to extend the panel A locking portion 153c supported on the rear surface of the main body 151 is included.

The panel body 151 includes a support jaw 151b positioned between the inner insertion part 153a and the locking part 153b. The front surface of the support jaw 151b may support the inner insertion part 153a, and the rear surface of the support jaw 151b may be supported by the locking part 153c.

In addition, a rear support part 153e supported on the rear surface of the panel body 151 is provided under the bracket body 153a. The locking part 153c may be located above the bracket groove 151a, and the rear support part 153e may be located below the bracket groove 151a.

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

A frame fastening hole 141b through which the panel fastening member 154 passes is formed in the frame body 141 . The panel fastening member 154 may be inserted into the frame fastening hole 141b and fastened to the fastening hole 153d of the panel bracket 153 . The fastening hole 153d is formed at a substantially central portion of the bracket body 153a in the vertical direction, and may be positioned between the locking portion 153c and the rear support portion 153e.

For convenience of description, the fastening hole 153c may be referred to as a “first fastening hole” and the frame fastening hole 141b may be referred to as a “second fastening hole”.

In this way, since the relatively heavy front panel 150 can be fastened to the support frame 140 through the panel bracket 153 , it is possible to prevent the front panel 150 from being separated or from being deformed at the fastening portion. .

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

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

10 is a perspective view showing the configuration of an assembly (hereinafter, referred to as a body assembly) of a case body and a grill frame according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 11 is a view of the indoor unit with the panel assembly removed according to the embodiment of the present invention. This is a front view showing the configuration of the front part.

10 and 11 , the indoor unit 10 according to the embodiment of the present invention includes a grill frame 120 having a frame front part 121 . The frame front portion 121 faces the rear surface of the support frame 140 , and a front discharge portion 129 may be formed at a lower portion thereof. The front discharge part 129 may be formed by being cut lengthwise in the horizontal direction.

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

In detail, the frame openings 121f and 121g include a first opening 121f and a second opening 121g. The first opening 121f may be larger than the second opening 121g. This is so that the display assembly 155 protruding to the rear of the support frame 140 can be inserted into the first opening 121f.

At least a portion of the case body 110 at the rear of the grill frame 120 may be exposed through the first and second openings 121f and 121g. In detail, the body front part 111 and the first rail 130a on the side of the body front part 111 may be exposed to the front through the first opening 121f. In addition, the second rail 130b may be exposed in the front through the second opening 121g.

Frame insertion portions 127a and 127b into which the rail coupling portions 145 of the support frame 140 are inserted are formed in the first and second openings 121f and 121g, respectively.

In detail, the frame inserting parts 127a and 127b include a first frame inserting part 127a forming at least a portion of the first opening 121f and into which any one of the two rail coupling parts 145 is inserted. do. In addition, a second frame inserting part 127b forming at least a portion of the second opening 121g and into which the other one of the two rail coupling parts 145 is inserted is provided in the frame inserting parts 127a and 127b. Included.

From another point of view, the first frame insertion part 127a may be understood as a space between the first rail 130a provided in the case body 110 and the end of the first opening 121f. In addition, the second frame insertion part 127b may be understood as a space between the second rail 130b provided in the case body 110 and the end of the second opening 121g.

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

12 is an exploded plan view showing the configuration of a panel assembly and a case body according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 13 is a view showing a state in which the panel assembly is coupled to a rail, and FIG. 14 is 14-14' of FIG. It is a cross-sectional view cut along the

12 to 14 , the panel assemblies 140 and 150 according to the embodiment of the present invention may be provided to be movable in the vertical direction from the front of the grill frame 120 .

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

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

The rail 130 includes a fixed rail 131 coupled to the main body side part 112 of the case body 110 and a moving rail 132 moving upward or downward along the fixed rail 131 . .

The main body side part 112 is provided with a rail seating part 113 having a seating surface facing to the side, and a rail receiving part 117 protruding laterally from the edge of the rail seating part 113 . In another view, the rail receiving portion 117 may be configured to be recessed backward from the front end of the main body side portion 112 .

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

The fixing rail 131 has a quadrangular plate shape, and recessed sliding grooves 131a are formed on both sides of the fixing rail 131 . The sliding groove 131a may be formed to be elongated in the vertical direction.

Both sides of the moving rail 132 are accommodated in the sliding groove 131a, and the moving rail 132 may move along the sliding groove 131a. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the moving rail 132 from swinging in the front-rear direction.

The rail coupling part 145 may be coupled to a side surface of the moving rail 132 to move upward or downward. In detail, the rail coupling part 145 includes first and second coupling parts 145a and 145b arranged in the vertical direction. The second coupling part 145b is positioned above the first coupling part 145a. As the two coupling parts 145a and 145b are coupled to the moving rail 132 , the coupling force between the rail coupling part 145 and the rail 130 may be increased.

A frame recessed portion 145c is formed in the front portion of the rail coupling portion 145 . The frame recessed part 145c is recessed rearward from the frame body 141 , and the first and second coupling parts 145a and 145b extend from the rear side of the frame recessed part 145c. According to the configuration of the frame recessed portion 145 , a dispersion effect of stress generated according to the coupling between the first and second coupling parts 145a and 145b and the rail 130 may be exhibited.

The rail coupling part 145 is provided with a fastening pin 147 and a pin coupling part 146 into which the fastening pin 147 is inserted. The pin coupling part 146 may extend rearwardly from the frame recessed part 145c, and the fastening pin 147 may be located at an end of the pin coupling part 146 . Since the pin coupling part 146 is configured to extend backwardly from the frame recessed part 145c, a stress dissipation effect transmitted from the fastening pin 147 can be expected.

15 is an exploded perspective view of a panel assembly and a case body showing a panel driving unit for moving the panel assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 16 is a panel assembly showing the configuration of a holder and a holder bracket according to an embodiment of the present invention. and an exploded perspective view of the case body, FIG. 17 is a view showing a panel driving unit and its peripheral configuration according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 18 is an exploded perspective view showing the configuration of the panel driving unit, and FIG. 19 is an embodiment of the present invention It is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a gear assembly according to an example.

15 to 19 , the panel assemblies 140 and 150 according to the embodiment of the present invention may be provided to move in the vertical direction from the front of the grill frame 120 .

The panel assemblies 140 and 150 include a front panel 150 and a support frame 140 coupled to a rear surface of the front panel 150 . The indoor unit 10 further includes a driving mechanism for vertical movement of the front panel 150 .

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

A plurality of the panel driving units 170a and 170b is provided, and the plurality of panel driving units 170a and 170b include a first panel driving unit 170a and a second panel driving unit 170b spaced apart from each other in the left and right directions.

In detail, the panel driving units 170a and 170b include a driving motor 171 that generates driving force and has a motor shaft 171a and a gear assembly that transmits power generated by the driving motor 171 .

In the gear assembly, a first gear 171b coupled to the motor shaft 171a, a second gear 173a and a third gear 173b interlocking with the first gear 171b, and the third A fourth gear 173c interlocking with the gear 173b is included.

A first gear shaft 174a is centrally coupled to the second gear 173a and the third gear 173b. The first gear shaft 174a is rotatably supported by the gear cases 172a and 172b, and the second and third gears 173a and 173b and the first gear shaft 174a may rotate together. For example, the third gear 173b is coupled to the side of the second gear 173a, and the outer diameter of the third gear 173b is larger than the outer diameter of the second gear 173a and has more gear teeth. It can be configured to

The second gear 173a is positioned above the first gear 171b to be gear-coupled, and the second and third gears 173a and 173b are arranged to have concentricity.

The gear assembly further includes a fourth gear 173c interlocking with the third gear 173b. The fourth gear 173c is located below the third gear 173b and may be centrally coupled to the second gear shaft 174b. The second gear shaft 174b may be rotatably supported by the gear cases 172a and 172b.

The gear cases 172a and 172b include a case body 172a and a case cover 172b coupled to the case body 172a. The case body 172a and the case cover 172b are coupled in the left and right directions, and may be fastened by, for example, a case fastening member 172d. A fastening hole 172c into which the case fastening member 172d is inserted may be formed in the case body 172a and the case cover 172b, respectively.

When the driving motor 171 is driven, the fourth gear 173c is finally rotated by the interlocking of the first to fourth gears. The fourth gear 173c may be interlocked with the rack 148 of the support frame 148 by gear coupling.

The gear cases 172a and 172b include case openings 172e that are opened so that the fourth gear 173c can be exposed to the outside of the gear cases 172a and 172b. The case opening portion 172e is formed in the front portion of the gear case 172a and 172b, and may face the rear surface of the support frame 140 .

A rack 148 interlocking with the panel driving unit 170 is provided on the rear surface of the support frame 140 . The rack 148 is configured to extend in the vertical direction, and includes a plurality of gear teeth.

A plurality of the racks 148 may be provided, and the plurality of racks 148 may be spaced apart from each other in the left and right directions. In detail, the rack 148 includes a first rack 148a and a second rack 148b. The first and second racks 148b may be disposed on both sides of the rear surface of the panel assembly 140 and 150 .

The rack 148 may be gear-coupled to and interlock with the fourth gear 173c of the panel driving unit 170 . In detail, the first and second racks 148a and 148c may cooperate with a fourth gear 173c provided in the first and second panel driving units 170a and 170b, respectively.

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

In detail, a plurality of holder brackets 185 may be provided, and the plurality of holder brackets 185 may be disposed to be spaced apart from each other in the left and right directions. In detail, the holder bracket 185 includes a first holder bracket 185a positioned on the side of the first rack 148a and a second holder bracket 185b positioned on the side of the second rack 148b. Included.

A bracket hole 185d (refer to FIG. 21 ) into which a portion of the holder 178 is inserted is formed in the holder bracket 185 , and when the panel assemblies 140 and 150 move in the vertical direction, the holder 178 becomes the holder. It can move in the vertical direction along the bracket 185 .

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

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

When the panel assemblies 140 and 150 move in the vertical direction, the distance between the case body 110 in which the control box 50 is installed and the display assembly 155 installed in the panel assemblies 140 and 150 is changed. At this time, since the electric wire is moved, if the electric wire is not protected by the connection link 180 , there is a possibility that the electric wire may interfere with surrounding parts.

Therefore, in the present embodiment, the connection link 180 surrounding the electric wire is configured to connect the panel assemblies 140 and 150 and the case body 110, thereby preventing interference between the electric wire and surrounding components.

A gear hole 122 through which the fourth gear 173c of the panel driving unit 170 passes is formed in the grill frame 120 . A plurality of gear holes 122 may be formed on both sides of the grill frame 120 to correspond to the positions of the first and second panel driving units 170a and 170b.

In addition, a holder through hole 122a through which the holder 178 passes is formed in the grill frame 120 . The holder through-hole 122a may be disposed adjacent to the side of the gear hole 122 . A plurality of the holder through-holes 122a may be provided corresponding to the number of the holders 178 and the number of the holder brackets 185 .

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

FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view showing a coupling state between the holder and the holder bracket, and FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view taken along 21-21' of FIG.

19, 29 and 30 , in the indoor unit 10 according to the embodiment of the present invention, a holder 178 mounted on the grill frame 120 for stable vertical movement of the panel assemblies 140 and 150 . is included

The holder 178 is installed on the rear surface of the grill frame 120 . A seating rib 122c on which the holder 178 is seated is provided on the rear surface of the grill frame 120 . The seating rib 122c may be configured to protrude rearward from the rear surface of the frame body 121 and to have a rectangular shape with an empty interior.

A holder fastening boss 122b fastened to the holder 178 is provided inside the seating rib 122c. The holder fastening boss 122b may be configured to protrude rearward from the rear surface of the frame body 121 and to be fastened with a screw S. A plurality of the holder fastening bosses 122b may be provided on both inner sides of the seating ribs 122c.

In the holder 178, the grill support portion 179a placed on the seating rib 122c and the grill support portion 179a extend forward and pass through the holder through hole 122a and the bracket hole 185d. An insertion portion 179b inserted into the holder bracket 185 is included.

The grill support part 179a has a substantially rectangular plate shape, and holder fastening holes 179c to which the screw S is fastened may be formed on both sides of the grill support part 179a.

The holder 178 further includes a slider 179d extending in the left and right directions from the end of the insertion part 179b and moving up and down inside the holder bracket 185 . Since the left-right length of the slider 179d is greater than the left-right diameter of the bracket hole 185d, the slider 179d can be prevented from being separated from the holder bracket 185 .

When the panel assemblies 140 and 150 move in the vertical direction, the holder bracket 185 moves in the vertical direction, and the protruding ribs 186c provided on the rear surface of the holder bracket 185 are disposed on the grill frame 120 . It may be provided so as to be in contact with the front surface.

The slider 179d moves relative to the inside of the holder bracket 185 . A protrusion 179e capable of contacting the inner surface of the holder bracket 185 protrudes from the rear surface of the slider 179d.

In detail, the holder bracket 185 includes a first part 186b coupled to the rear surface of the frame body 141 and a second part 186b extending rearwardly from the first part 186b. do. The first protruding rib 186c may protrude rearward from the rear surface of the second part 186b.

The first and second parts 186a and 186b are provided on both sides of the holder bracket 185 , and a bracket hole 185d is formed between the two first and second parts 186a and 186b. With this configuration, the holder 178 may be stably supported by the holder bracket 185 .

22 is an enlarged view of part "A" of FIG. 15, FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view taken along 23-23' of FIG. 22, and FIG. 24 is a connection view of the upper and lower vanes and links according to an embodiment of the present invention is a schematic diagram showing the , and FIG. 25 is an enlarged view of part "B" of FIG. 15 .

22 to 25 , the upper and lower vanes 160 for opening or closing the lower discharge part 126 are included in the lower portion of the indoor unit 10 according to the embodiment of the present invention.

In detail, the upper and lower vanes 160 may be provided on the upper surface of the frame lower portion 121a of the grill frame 120 . A lower discharge portion 126 penetrating in the vertical direction is formed in the frame lower portion 121a to discharge air downward.

The upper and lower vanes 160 may be formed to have a size sufficient to cover the entire lower discharge unit 126 . In detail, the upper and lower vanes 160 are configured to have the shape of a tetragonal plate, and the width in the left and right directions may be longer than the width in the front and rear directions.

When the upper and lower vanes 160 close the lower discharge unit 126 , the upper and lower vanes 160 are arranged in a horizontal direction, which may form a vertical direction with respect to the front panel 150 arranged in the vertical direction. have.

The indoor unit 10 further includes upper and lower vane motors 162a and 162b that provide driving force to move the upper and lower vanes 160 . The upper and lower vane motors 162a and 162b may be supported on the upper side of the lower frame 121a. And, a vane motor cover 163 is covered on the outside of the upper and lower vane motors 162a and 162b.

In the upper and lower vane motors 162a and 162b, a first vane motor 162a disposed on one side (eg, right side) of the upper and lower vanes 160 and the other side of the upper and lower vanes 160 (eg, as an example) , a second vane motor 162b disposed on the left side) is included.

Since the upper and lower vanes 160 are formed to be relatively long in the left and right directions corresponding to the width in the left and right directions of the lower discharge part 126, when the upper and lower vanes are driven by one vane motor, the movement of the upper and lower vanes is not easy may not be In particular, the movement of the part far from the vane motor among the upper and lower vanes may reduce responsiveness and cause warpage.

Therefore, in this embodiment, by providing two vane motors on both sides of the upper and lower vanes 160 and providing driving force, reliability of the movement of the upper and lower vanes 160 can be improved. Of course, the driving of the first and second vane motors 162a and 162b may be synchronized.

The indoor unit 10 further includes links 167a and 167b for transmitting the driving force of the first and second vane motors 162a and 162b to the upper and lower vanes 160 .

In detail, the links 167a and 167b have a first link 167a connecting the first vane motor 162a and the upper and lower vanes 160, and the second vane motor 162b and the upper and lower vanes 160. ) and a second link 167b for connecting them.

The first link 167a may extend from the first vane motor 162a to the right side of the upper and lower vanes 160 . That is, one side of the first link 167a may be connected to the motor shaft of the first vane motor 162a , and the other side may be coupled to the right end of the upper and lower vanes 160 .

The second link 167b may extend from the second vane motor 162b to the left side of the upper and lower vanes 160 . That is, one side of the second link 167b may be connected to the motor shaft of the second vane motor 162b , and the other side may be coupled to the left end of the upper and lower vanes 160 .

The configuration of the first link 167a and the configuration of the second link 167b are the same. Accordingly, with respect to the configuration of the link, the following description will be focused on the configuration of the first link 167a, and the description of the first link 167a will be used for the second link 167b.

In the first link 167a, a bar-shaped link body 168a, a motor connection part 168b which forms one side of the link body 168a and is connected to the first vane motor 162a, and the link body A vane connecting portion 168c that forms the other side of the 168a and rotates around the motor connecting portion 168b is included.

The link body 168a, the motor connection part 168b, and the vane connection part 168c may be integrally formed.

The motor connection part 168b is connected to the motor shaft of the first vane motor 162a and may extend through the vane motor cover 163 . The motor connection part 168b may extend laterally. In addition, the vane motor cover 163 is formed with a cover through portion 163a through which the motor connection portion 168b passes.

When the first vane motor 162a is driven, the motor connection part 168b may rotate in place.

The link body 168a may extend in the front-rear direction from the motor connection part 168b. When the first vane motor 162a is driven, the link body 168a may rotate based on the motor connection part 168b. For example, the link body 168a may rotate in the front-rear direction with respect to the central axis in the left-right direction.

The vane connection part 168c protrudes from the link body 168a in the left and right directions and is rotatably coupled to the upper and lower vanes 160 . The vane connection part 168c may rotate together with the link body 168a.

In detail, a hinge protrusion 161 is provided on the side surface of the upper and lower vanes 160 . The vane connection part 168c may be coupled to the hinge protrusion 161 to rotate. That is, the hinge protrusion 161 may be inserted into the vane connection part 168c to perform a "rotation center" function of the vane connection part 168c.

However, on the contrary, a hinge protrusion is provided on the vane connection part 168c, and the upper and lower vanes 160 may be rotatably coupled to the hinge protrusion of the vane connection part 168c.

The vane connection portion 168c may be coupled to the rear portion of the upper and lower vanes 160 based on a center line ℓ1 passing through the front and rear center C of the upper and lower vanes 160 .

In detail, when defining the distance from the front end 160a to the rear end 160b of the upper and lower vanes 160, that is, the front-rear width (w1+w2) of the upper and lower vanes 160, the vane connection part 168c ) to the front end of the upper and lower vanes 160 (w1) may be formed larger than the distance (w2) of the rear end of the upper and lower vanes 160.

In addition, the vane connection part 168c may be located rearwardly spaced apart from the center line ℓ1 by a predetermined distance ΔS.

With this configuration, the upper and lower vanes 160 do not simply rotate around the vane connecting portion 168c, but the rear portion of the upper and lower vanes 160 according to the movement of the vane connecting portion 168c. Able to perform lifting and lowering movements.

As a result, when the vane connection part 168c rotates, the upper and lower vanes 160 may rotate or slide. In particular, an angle between the vane connection part 168c and the upper and lower vanes 160 may be changed while the vane connection part 168c rotates.

26 is an upper perspective view showing a configuration of a drain pan according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 27 is a lower perspective view showing a configuration of a drain pan according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. It is a view showing the drain pan installed in the indoor unit, and FIG. 29 is a view showing the coupling of the left and right vane motors and the left and right vanes according to an embodiment of the present invention.

26 to 29 , the indoor unit 10 according to the embodiment of the present invention includes a drain pan 80 that supports the heat exchanger 40 and can store condensed water generated in the heat exchanger 40 . more included. The drain pan 80 may be disposed below the heat exchanger 60 , for example, below the first heat exchange unit 61 . In addition, the drain pan 80 may be disposed behind the front discharge part 129 of the grill frame 120 .

In detail, the drain pan 80 includes a pan body 81 having a heat exchanger support rib 82 . The fan body 81 may constitute a bottom surface of the drain pan 80 , and the heat exchanger support rib 82 may protrude upward from the fan body 81 to support the bottom surface of the heat exchanger 60 . have.

In the fan body 81, a body bottom part 81c, a body side part 81b extending upward from both sides of the body bottom part 81c, and a body bottom part 81c extending upward from the front A body front portion 61c is included.

Condensed water storage space for storing condensed water generated in the heat exchanger 60 in the fan body 81 by the configuration of the body bottom portion 81a, the body side portion 81b, and the body front portion 61c (82a) can be defined.

The drain pan 80 further includes a stabilizer 85 protruding upward from the rear portion of the fan body 81 to face the outer peripheral surface of the blowing fan 40 .

The stabilizer 85 may be disposed adjacent to the front lower side of the blowing fan 40 . In detail, the stabilizer 85 is installed to be spaced apart from the outer circumferential surface of the blowing fan 40 on the discharge side of the blowing fan 40 , and the air discharged from the blowing fan 40 is directed toward the heat exchanger 60 . prevent backflow. A relatively small space may be formed between the stabilizer 85 and the outer peripheral surface of the blowing fan 40 . In addition, the stabilizer 85 may extend long along the axial direction of the blowing fan 40 .

The drain pan 80 is provided with left and right vanes 83 for controlling the left and right directions of the discharge air flow. The left and right vanes 83 are provided on the bottom surface of the body 81a. In addition, a plurality of the left and right vanes 83 may be provided, and may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other in the left and right directions. In addition, the plurality of left and right vanes 83 may be disposed above the upper and lower vanes 160 .

Left and right vane motors 85 for providing driving force to the left and right vanes 83 are provided on the sides of the left and right vanes 83 .

The drain pan 80 further includes a link bar 84 connected to the plurality of left and right vanes 83 . The link bar 84 extends long in the left and right direction, and may be coupled to the rear portion of the plurality of left and right vanes 83 .

A first vane pin 86a is coupled to the rear portion of the left and right vanes 83 . The first vane pin 86a may pass through the link bar 84 to be coupled to the left and right vanes 83 . A plurality of the first vane fins 86a may be provided, and each of the first vane fins 86a may be coupled to each of the left and right vanes 83 .

A second vane pin 86b is coupled to the front portion of the left and right vanes 83 . The second vane pin 86b may pass through the left and right vanes 83 to be coupled to the body bottom portion 81a of the fan body 81 . A plurality of second vane fins 86b may be provided, and each second vane fin 86b may be coupled to each of the left and right vanes 83 .

The first vane fin 86a is disposed behind the second vane fin 86b. The rear portion of the left and right vanes 83 to which the first vane pin 86a is coupled may rotate based on the front portion to which the second vane pin 86b is coupled.

That is, the rear portions of the plurality of left and right vanes 83 are connected to the link bar 84 by the first vane pin 86a, and the plurality of left and right vanes 83 move the link bar 84 . Accordingly, the second vane pin 86b may rotate in the left and right directions.

The drain pan 80 further includes a vane link 87 connecting the left and right vane motor 85 and the link bar 84 . The vane link 87 is coupled to the motor shaft of the left and right vane motor 85 , and extends laterally to be coupled to the link bar 84 .

Link holes 87a penetrating in the left and right directions are formed in the vane link 87 . In addition, a guide pin 88 may be inserted into the link hole 87a. The guide pin 88 may pass through the link hole 87a and be coupled to the body bottom portion 81a of the fan body 81 .

When the left and right vane motor 85 is driven, the vane link 87 can move left and right. guide to move in a straight line.

30A to 30C are views illustrating the configuration and operation of the indoor unit when the indoor unit is discharged forward and downward.

30A to 30C , in the indoor unit 10 according to the embodiment of the present invention, a “simultaneous mode” in which air is discharged through the lower discharge unit 126 and the front discharge unit 129 may be operated. . For example, during a cooling operation and a heating operation of the air conditioner, the simultaneous mode operation is possible.

An input unit may be provided in the indoor unit 10 or a separate remote control. The input unit may include a “cooling/heating selection unit” for selecting a cooling operation or a heating operation.

The input unit may further include a "simultaneous mode selection unit" capable of instructing the operation of the "simultaneous mode". The user may select a cooling or heating operation by inputting the heating/cooling selection unit, and then may perform simultaneous mode operation by inputting the simultaneous mode selection unit.

As another example, when the user selects the heating/cooling selection unit, the simultaneous mode operation may be set to be performed as a basic operation mode without input from the simultaneous mode selection unit.

In detail, when the blowing fan 40 is driven, the air sucked from the upper part of the indoor unit 10 is purified while passing through the filter assembly 300 and flows to the lower part of the indoor unit 10 while passing through the blowing fan 40 . do. At this time, the front panel 150 moves upward to be in the upper position.

In the upper position, the front panel 150 may be at a higher position than the front discharge unit 129 . That is, the lower end of the front panel 150 may be higher than the upper end of the front discharge unit 129 by a predetermined height Δh. In this case, the airflow discharged from the front discharge unit 129 may be prevented from contacting the front panel 150 made of a metal material. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the condensed water from being generated by condensing the airflow in the front panel 150 .

Meanwhile, the lower end of the support frame 140 coupled to the rear surface of the front panel 150 is disposed at a higher position than the lower end of the front panel 150 . Therefore, the airflow discharged from the front discharge part 129 is not likely to act on the support frame 140 , and the support frame 140 is made of a plastic material, and the front panel 150 made of a metal material is not provided. Condensate is less likely to occur.

And, when the upper and lower vane motors 162a and 162b are driven, the upper and lower vanes 160 may move by the action of the links 167a and 167b.

In detail, the upper and lower vanes 160 are arranged to be inclined upward by a first set angle θ1 with respect to the upper surface of the lower grill 125a of the grill frame 120 . At this time, the first set angle (θ1) is formed in the range of about 10 ~ 30 °. And, the rear end portion 160b of the upper and lower vanes 160 is located at a higher position than the front end portion 160a, and accordingly, the rear end portion of the upper and lower vanes 160 is lifted upward.

In addition, the vane connection part 168c is positioned at a higher position than the motor connection part 168b and is located behind the motor connection part 168b. In addition, the link body 168a may be disposed to be substantially parallel to the upper and lower vanes 160 .

The air passing through the blower fan 40 is guided by the upper and lower vanes 160 , and may be discharged downward and forward through the open lower discharge unit 126 and the front discharge unit 129 .

31A to 31C are views showing the configuration and operation of the indoor unit when the indoor unit is discharged from the front.

31A to 31C , in the indoor unit 10 according to the embodiment of the present invention, air may be discharged only through the front discharge unit 129 . For example, during the cooling operation of the air conditioner, the indirect wind mode in which the front discharge is performed so that the cooling air is not directly supplied to the user may be operated.

The input unit may include an "indirect wind mode selection unit" for selecting an indirect wind mode. After selecting the cooling operation by inputting the heating/cooling selection unit, the user may input the indirect wind mode selection unit to perform the indirect wind mode during cooling operation.

In detail, when the blowing fan 40 is driven, the air sucked from the upper part of the indoor unit 10 is purified while passing through the filter assembly 300 and flows to the lower part of the indoor unit 10 while passing through the blowing fan 40 . do.

At this time, the front panel 150 moves upward in the same manner as in the simultaneous mode operation to be in the upper position.

In addition, the upper and lower vanes 160 are in a state parallel to the upper surface of the lower grill 125a of the grill frame 120 . That is, the upper and lower vanes 160 have a shape lying so that the front end and the rear end have the same height, and close the lower discharge unit 126 .

In addition, the vane connection part 168c is positioned at a lower position than the motor connection part 168b and is located in front of the motor connection part 168b.

A process of switching from the position of the link 167b shown in FIG. 30C to the position of the link 167b shown in FIG. 31C will be described. In the position of FIG. 30C , the vane connecting portion 168c rotates counterclockwise around the motor connecting portion 168b, and accordingly the rear end 160b of the upper and lower vanes 160 is lifted.

And, when the vane connection part 168c moves forward than the motor connection part 168b, the front end of the upper and lower vanes 160 moves forward, and accordingly, the upper and lower vanes 160 move forward with respect to the lower grill 125a. The inclination angle will decrease. As a result, the upper and lower vanes 160 may be disposed in the same manner as in FIG. 31C .

The air passing through the blowing fan 40 is guided by the upper and lower vanes 160 , and may be discharged forward through the open front discharge unit 129 . At this time, since the lower discharge part 126 is shielded by the upper and lower vanes 160 , the airflow discharge downward is limited.

32A to 32C are views illustrating the configuration and operation of the indoor unit when the indoor unit is discharged downwardly.

32A to 32C , in the indoor unit 10 according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention, air may be discharged only through the lower discharge unit 126 . For example, during the heating operation of the air conditioner, the indirect wind mode in which the downward discharge is performed so that the hot air is not directly supplied to the user may be operated.

After selecting the heating operation by inputting the heating/cooling selection unit, the user may input the indirect wind mode selection unit to perform the indirect wind mode during heating operation.

That is, even if one indirect wind mode selector is input, the driving state of the indoor unit may vary depending on whether the indoor unit is operated as a cooling operation or a heating operation. 31A to 31C , if the indirect wind mode selection unit is input after the cooling operation is selected, only the front discharge unit 129 is opened to discharge the discharge air flow forward. On the other hand, as shown in FIGS. 32A to 32C , when the indirect wind mode selection unit is input after the heating operation is selected, only the lower discharge unit 129 is opened to discharge the discharge air flow forward.

Referring back to FIG. 32B , when the blowing fan 40 is driven, air sucked in from the upper part of the indoor unit 10 is purified while passing through the filter assembly 300 and passes through the blowing fan 40 to the indoor unit 10 ) flows downwards.

At this time, the front panel 150 does not move upward or downward, but is at the central position. Here, the “central position” is understood to be a position where the front panel 150 covers the front discharge part 129 of the grill frame 120 and does not go down further than the lower end of the grill frame 120 . do.

Meanwhile, the lower end of the support frame 140 coupled to the rear surface of the front panel 150 is disposed at a higher position than the lower end of the front panel 150 . Accordingly, when the front panel 150 is in the central position, the front and lower front exteriors of the indoor unit 10 are formed by the front panel 150 , so that the exterior may be beautiful.

In addition, the upper and lower vanes 160 are arranged to be inclined upward by a second set angle θ2 with respect to the upper surface of the lower grill 125a of the grill frame 120 . At this time, the second set angle θ2 is formed in the range of about 30 to 60°.

In detail, the rear end 160b of the upper and lower vanes 160 is positioned higher than the front end 160a, and accordingly, the rear end 160b of the upper and lower vanes 160 is lifted upward. In addition, the vane connection part 168c is positioned at a higher position than the motor connection part 168b and is located in front of the motor connection part 168b.

A process of switching from the position of the link 167b shown in FIG. 31C to the position of the link 167b shown in FIG. 32C will be described. In the position of FIG. 31C , the vane connecting portion 168c rotates clockwise around the motor connecting portion 168b and thus the rear end 160b of the upper and lower vanes 160 is lifted. As a result, the upper and lower vanes 160 may be disposed in the same manner as in FIG. 32C .

The air passing through the blowing fan 40 is guided by the upper and lower vanes 160 , and may be discharged downward through the open lower discharge unit 126 . At this time, since the front discharge part 129 is shielded by the panel assemblies 140 and 150 , the forward discharge of the airflow is limited.

In this way, when the indoor unit 10 is driven, the front panel 150 may be in the “first position (central position)” or “the second position (upper position)”, and at the position of the upper and lower vanes 160 . Indirect wind mode or simultaneous mode operation can be performed accordingly.

33 is a view showing a state in which the filter assembly is drawn out forward when the front panel is moved downward.

Referring to FIG. 33 , the filter assembly 300 according to the embodiment of the present invention may be detachably provided to the indoor unit 10 . The front panel 150 may move downward to separate the filter assembly 300 .

When the front panel 150 is in the “first position (central position)”. Since the front portion of the filter assembly 300 is interfered with by the panel assemblies 140 and 150 , the separation of the filter assembly 300 forward is limited. That is, the front surface of the filter assembly 300 may face the rear surfaces of the panel assemblies 140 and 150 , and may be shielded by the rear surfaces of the panel assemblies 140 and 150 .

However, when the front panel 150 is in the third position (lower position), the front of the filter assembly 300 may be opened. Accordingly, the filter assembly 300 may be moved forward to be detachable from the indoor unit 10 .

In order to move the filter assembly 300 forward, a filter driving unit (motor and gear) may be provided at the rear side of the filter assembly 300 . In this way, as the front panel 150 moves downward, the front separation of the filter assembly 300 can be easily achieved.

Hereinafter, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. Since this embodiment has some differences from the first embodiment in the configuration of the drain pan, the differences will be mainly described, and descriptions and reference numerals of the first embodiment are used for the same parts as those of the first embodiment.

10: indoor unit 30: chassis
40: blowing fan 50: control box
60: heat exchanger 100: case
110: case body 120: grill frame
130: rail 140: support frame
150: front panel 160: upper and lower vanes
170: panel driving unit 180: connection link
300: filter assembly 430: dust bin

Claims (15)

wall-mounted chassis;
a blowing fan installed in the chassis; and
A case provided at the front of the chassis is included,
The case is
a body assembly having a front discharge part for discharging air that has passed through the blowing fan;
a front panel made of a metal material, the front panel opening the front discharge part from the front of the body assembly;
a rail provided on a side surface of the body assembly and guiding the vertical movement of the front panel; and
It extends rearward from both sides of the front panel and includes a rail coupling part coupled to the rail,
The rail is
a fixing rail fixed to the body assembly having a guide groove formed in a directly upward direction so that the front panel can move directly upwardly or downwardly; and
and a moving rail coupled to the rail coupling part and moving along a guide groove of the fixed rail. The method of claim 1,
The front panel is an indoor unit of the air conditioner composed of an aluminum material. delete delete The method of claim 1,
The front panel is
moves upward to open the front discharge part,
An indoor unit of the air conditioner that moves downward to close the front discharge part. 6. The method of claim 5,
In a state in which the front panel is moved upward,
The front panel is an indoor unit of the air conditioner disposed at a higher position than the front discharge part. 7. The method of claim 6,
In a state in which the front panel is moved upward,
The lower end of the front panel is disposed at a higher position than the upper end of the front discharge unit. The method of claim 1,
A support frame coupled to the rear of the front panel is further included,
The support frame is an indoor unit of the air conditioner made of a plastic material. 9. The method of claim 8,
The lower end of the support frame is disposed at a higher position than the lower end of the front panel. 9. The method of claim 8,
a panel driver provided in the body assembly and configured to provide a driving force to the front panel;
a gear interlocking with the panel driving unit; and
The indoor unit of the air conditioner is provided on the support frame and further includes a rack interlocking with the gear. delete delete The method of claim 1,
In the body assembly,
a case body having a side portion on which the rail is installed; and
A grill frame coupled to the front of the case body is included,
An indoor unit of the air conditioner having a frame insertion portion through which the rail coupling portion passes is formed in the grill frame. The method of claim 1,
a lower discharge unit formed at a lower portion of the body assembly and discharging air downward; and
The indoor unit of the air conditioner further includes upper and lower vanes rotating or sliding on the upper side of the lower discharge part. 15. The method of claim 14,
In the body assembly,
a case body coupled to the chassis; and
The indoor unit of the air conditioner includes a grill frame provided in front of the case body, the grill frame having a frame front portion forming the front discharge portion and a frame lower portion forming the lower discharge portion.

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