US20240117972A1 - Air conditioner - Google Patents
Air conditioner Download PDFInfo
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- US20240117972A1 US20240117972A1 US18/372,890 US202318372890A US2024117972A1 US 20240117972 A1 US20240117972 A1 US 20240117972A1 US 202318372890 A US202318372890 A US 202318372890A US 2024117972 A1 US2024117972 A1 US 2024117972A1
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- panel
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- disposed
- air conditioner
- plate
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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
- F24F1/0011—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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- F24F13/20—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
- 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
- F24F2013/0616—Outlets that have intake openings
-
- 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 disclosure 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 B1 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.
- an air conditioner including a base panel having an inlet formed in one side thereof, and an outlet 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 inlet and the outlet.
- the air conditioner includes a driving device disposed on the base panel and changing a shape of the variable panel.
- the variable panel may cover the entire lower surface of the base panel.
- the variable panel may open the inlet and the outlet.
- the variable panel includes: a fixed part disposed between the inlet and the outlet, and fixed in position vertically relative to the base panel; a cover part spaced apart from the fixed part and disposed at a lower side of the inlet or the outlet; and a variable part disposed between the fixed part and the cover part, and changing an inclination angle of the cover part, such that a shape of the variable panel may be changed to a single panel shape.
- variable part may be made of a deformable material, such that a region of the variable panel that is changed in shape may have a naturally bent shape.
- variable part and the cover part may be made of different materials, such that a shape of some region, in which the inlet and the outlet are opened, may be maintained.
- the driving device may be coupled to the cover part or the variable part, so as to change a position of the cover part, thereby changing an overall shape of the variable panel.
- the variable panel may include a plurality of bridges connecting the cover part and the fixed part, and spaced apart from each other in a left-right direction, such that a region of the variable part that is changed in shape may be stably connected to the fixed part.
- a vertical height of the bridges may be less than a vertical height of the fixed part, thereby minimizing an effect on a change in shape of the variable part.
- variable part may be disposed on an upper side of the bridges, thereby minimizing a change in shape of the bridges.
- a lower surface of the bridges may be formed as a flat surface to be connected to the fixed part and the cover part, and an upper surface of the bridges may be formed in a serration shape, such that the upper surface may be significantly changed.
- the fixed part may include a fixed hook protruding upward from the fixed part, so as to fix the vertical height of the fixed part.
- the fixed hook may allow the moving panel to be secured to the base panel.
- the fixed hook may be disposed at a point where the bridges intersect the fixed part, thereby stably securing the fixed part.
- the air conditioner may further include a cover panel disposed under the variable panel to cover a lower surface of the variable panel, such that a lower surface of the variable panel may have a smooth shape.
- the air conditioner may further include: a bracket movably mounted on the variable panel and coupled to the driving device; and a bracket guider disposed on the cover part and guiding movement of the bracket, such that even when the variable panel is changed in shape, the variable panel and the driving device may be stably coupled to each other.
- the bracket guider may include a fastening part fastened to the variable panel, and a guide part disposed on one side of the fastening part and guiding movement of the bracket, wherein the guide part may be bent upward from both ends that are perpendicular to a moving direction of the bracket, so as to guide movement of the bracket, such that the bracket may move stably.
- the bracket may include a moving plate that moves forward and backward along the guide part, and a coupling plate coupled to one side of the driving device, wherein the coupling plate may protrude upward from one side of the moving plate.
- an air conditioner in accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, includes a base panel having an inlet formed in one side thereof, and an outlet 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 inlet and the outlet.
- the air conditioner includes a driving device disposed on the base panel and changing a shape of the variable panel.
- the variable panel includes: a rigid body made of a rigid material and having a bending hole formed in some region thereof; and a flexible body made of a deformable material and disposed in the bending hole, such that the variable panel may be changed in shape.
- the flexible body may be injection-molded into the bending hole of the rigid body, such that the rigid body and the flexible body may be coupled to each other.
- the rigid body may include a first plate disposed on one side of the flexible body, and a second plate disposed on another side of the flexible body.
- the rigid body may include a central rib disposed between the first plate and the second plate.
- the rigid body may include a bridge connecting the first plate and the second plate to the central rib.
- the central rib may be stably connected to the first plate and the second plate.
- the bending hole may include a first bending hole formed in one of a front side and a rear side of the central rib, and a second bending hole formed in a remaining one of the front side and the rear side of the central rib.
- the flexible body may be disposed in each of the first bending hole and the second bending hole.
- the rigid body may have a groove extending from the bending hole in a front-rear direction.
- the groove may be formed in each of a lower surface and an upper surface of the rigid body, such that the flexible body may be stably fixed to the rigid body.
- An upper groove, which is connected to the bending hole and in which the flexible body is disposed, may be formed in the upper surface of the rigid body.
- a lower groove, which is connected to the bending hole and in which the flexible body is disposed, may be formed in the lower surface of the rigid body.
- the upper groove and the lower groove may be formed at positions spaced apart from each other in a left-right direction, such that the flexible body may be stably fixed to the rigid body.
- An area of the lower groove may be smaller than an area of the upper groove.
- the flexible body is coupled to the upper surface of the rigid body.
- the flexible body may be stably coupled to the rigid body.
- an air conditioner in accordance with yet another aspect of the present disclosure, includes a base panel having an inlet formed in one side thereof, and an outlet 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 inlet and the outlet.
- the air conditioner includes a driving device disposed on the base panel and changing a shape of the variable panel.
- the variable panel includes a fixed plate which is fixed in position vertically relative to the base panel.
- the variable panel includes a variable plate disposed on one side of the fixed plate, an inclination angle between the variable plate and the fixed plate being changed so as to open and close the inlet or the outlet.
- the variable panel includes a hinge rotatably connecting the variable plate to the fixed plate. In this structure, a shape of the variable plate may be changed.
- the air conditioner may further include a cover panel disposed under the variable panel to cover a lower surface of the variable panel, such that the lower surface of the variable panel, which has a smooth shape, may be exposed.
- An air conditioner according to the present disclosure 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, an inlet and an outlet are closed by the variable panel depending on a position of the variable panel, thereby minimizing the entry of foreign matter from the outside.
- a shape of a 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 a wall surface or a ceiling surface.
- variable panel is changed in shape to open an inlet and an outlet, such that heat-exchanged air may be effectively supplied to an indoor space.
- a bridge provided in a region in which the variable panel is changed in shape, may provide stability for the variable panel, thereby increasing reliability of the variable panel that is changed in shape.
- a bracket connecting the variable panel and the driving device is movably mounted on the variable panel, such that even when the variable panel is changed in shape, the variable panel and the driving device may be stably coupled to each other.
- FIG. 1 is a lower perspective view of a variable panel disposed in a first position, in an air conditioner according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure.
- FIG. 2 is a lower perspective view of a variable panel disposed in a second position, in the air conditioner according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure.
- 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 disclosure.
- 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 disclosure.
- FIG. 5 is a bottom view of the variable panel according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure.
- FIG. 6 is a plan view of the variable panel according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure.
- FIG. 7 is a diagram explaining a bridge according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure.
- FIG. 8 A is a cross-sectional view taken along line X-X′ of FIG. 6 .
- FIG. 8 B is a cross-sectional view taken along line Y-Y′ of FIG. 6 .
- FIG. 9 is a plan view of a moving panel according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure.
- FIG. 10 is a diagram explaining one end of the moving panel and a motor disposed on top of the moving panel, according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure.
- FIG. 11 is a diagram explaining a coupling relationship between the moving panel and the variable panel according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure.
- 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 disclosure.
- 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 disclosure.
- FIG. 14 is a side view of FIG. 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 disclosure.
- FIG. 16 is a plan view of FIG. 15 .
- FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a base panel according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure.
- FIG. 18 is a plan view of FIG. 17 .
- FIG. 19 is a side view of FIG. 17 .
- FIG. 20 is a side view of the driving device according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure.
- FIG. 21 is a plan view of FIG. 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 disclosure.
- 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 disclosure.
- FIG. 24 is a diagram explaining a position of the bracket disposed on the variable panel when the variable panel is in the first position P 1 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure.
- FIG. 25 is a diagram explaining arrangement of the driving device and the variable panel when the variable panel is in a second position P 2 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure.
- FIG. 26 is a diagram explaining a position of the bracket disposed on the variable panel when the variable panel is in the second position P 2 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure.
- FIG. 27 is a diagram explaining arrangement of the driving device and the variable panel when the variable panel is in a third position P 3 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure.
- FIG. 28 is a perspective view of a variable panel according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure.
- FIG. 29 is an exploded perspective view of the variable panel according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure.
- FIG. 30 is an exploded plan view of the variable panel according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure.
- FIG. 31 is a diagram explaining a first position of the variable panel according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure.
- FIG. 32 is a diagram explaining a second position of the variable panel according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure.
- 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 disclosure. Accordingly, the directions may vary depending on a reference direction.
- the air conditioner of the present disclosure 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 an inlet 12 and an outlet 14 , a variable panel 50 disposed on one side of the base panel 10 and changed in shape to cover or open the inlet 12 and the outlet 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 inlet 12 and the second outlet 14 may be an inlet through which outside air is drawn into the air conditioner.
- the other one of the inlet 12 and the outlet 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 outlet 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 inlet 12 and the outlet 14 which are formed in the base panel 10 .
- the variable panel 50 may allow the inlet 12 and the outlet 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 inlet 12 and the outlet 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 inlet 12 and the outlet 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 inlet 12 and the outlet 14 .
- the air conditioner includes the base panel 10 having the inlet 12 and the outlet 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 inlet 12 and the outlet 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 inlet 12 or the outlet 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 54 a and a second plate 54 b 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 54 a disposed on one side of the flexible body 70 , the second plate 54 b disposed on another side of the flexible body 70 , a bridge 66 connecting the first plate 54 a and the second plate 54 b , and the central rib 62 disposed between the first plate 54 a and the second plate 54 b.
- 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 68 a formed in one of the front and rear sides of the central rib 62 , and a second bending hole 68 b formed in the other one of the front and rear sides of the central rib 62 .
- the first bending hole 68 a and the second bending hole 68 b may be divided by the bridge 66 into a plurality of regions. Referring to FIG. 6 , the first bending hole 68 a may be formed in the rear side of the central rib 62 , and the second bending hole 68 b 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 68 a and the second bending hole 68 b .
- 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 52 b and an upper surface 52 a , respectively, of the rigid body 52 .
- the grooves 56 and 58 includes an upper groove 56 formed in the upper surface 52 a of the rigid body 52 , and a lower groove 58 formed in the lower surface 52 b 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 54 a and the second plate 54 b .
- the bracket hole 60 includes a first bracket hole 60 a , formed in the first plate 54 a , and a second bracket hole 60 b formed in the second plate 54 b .
- the first plate 54 a is disposed at a lower side of the inlet 12 of the base panel 10
- the second plate 54 b is disposed at a lower side of the outlet 14 of the base panel 10 .
- the first bracket hole 60 a is formed in the first plate 54 a at each of both ends thereof in a horizontal or left-right direction.
- the second bracket hole 60 b is formed in the second plate 54 b at each of both ends thereof in the horizontal direction.
- Each of the first bracket hole 60 a and the second bracket hole 60 b 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 54 a and the second plate 54 b .
- the central rib 62 may be disposed on each of the first plate 54 a and the second plate 54 b at positions spaced apart from each other.
- the central rib 62 is disposed between the first bending hole 68 a and the second bending hole 68 b .
- the flexible body 70 includes a first flexible body 70 a disposed in the first bending hole 68 a , and a second flexible body 70 b disposed in the second bending hole 68 b.
- the central rib 62 is disposed between the first flexible body 70 a and the second flexible body 70 b .
- 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 54 a and the second plate 52 b 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 fixed to the base panel 10 , and thus remains in position.
- the arrangement of the first plate 54 a and the second plate 54 b may be changed.
- an inclination angle of the first plate 54 a and the second plate 54 b 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 54 a or the second plate 54 b.
- 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 .
- 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 54 a , and the second plate 54 b , thereby stably maintaining a bending range or shape of the flexible body 70 .
- the respective bridges 66 may connect the first plate 54 a and the second plate 54 b .
- the respective bridges 66 connect the first plate 54 a and the central rib 62 .
- the respective bridges 66 connect the second plate 54 b and the central rib 62 .
- the bridges 66 may include a first bridge 66 a connecting the first plate 54 a and the central rib 62 , and a second bridge 66 b connecting the second plate 54 b and the central rib 62 .
- a vertical height 66 h of the bridge 66 is less than a vertical height 62 h of the central rib 62 . Accordingly, the flexible body 70 comes into contact with an upper surface of the bridge 66 .
- a width 66 w (from left to right) of the bridge 66 is greater than a width 62 w (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 54 a and the second plate 54 b .
- 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 .
- 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 70 a and the second flexible body 70 b , moves relative thereto, such that sagging may occur.
- the moving panel 80 fixes the position of the central rib 62
- the first flexible body 70 a and the second flexible body 70 b 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 82 a , into which the fixed hook 64 is inserted, and a fixing hole 82 b in which the fixed hook 64 is mounted.
- the insertion hole 82 a is formed to be greater than a diameter of an upper end of the fixed hook 64
- the fixing hole 82 b is formed to be smaller than the diameter of the upper end of the fixed hook 64 .
- the fixed hook 64 may be fixed to the moving panel 80 .
- 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 outlet 14 is formed, rather than in a rearward direction in which the inlet 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 60 a , formed in the first plate 54 a , and two second bracket holes 60 b formed in the second plate 54 b.
- the bracket 90 includes a first bracket 90 a disposed in the first bracket hole 60 a , and a second bracket 90 b disposed in the second bracket hole 60 b .
- the bracket guider 95 includes a first bracket guider 95 a in which the first bracket 90 a is disposed, and a second bracket guider 95 b in which the second bracket 90 b 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 inlet 12 through which air is introduced, and the outlet 14 through which air flowing through the main body is discharged.
- the inlet 12 and the outlet 14 are spaced apart from each other in the front-rear direction. Referring to FIG. 18 , the outlet 14 is spaced forward from the inlet 12 . Referring to FIG. 18 , an area of the outlet 14 may be smaller than an area of the inlet 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.
- a hook groove 18 which is recessed upward and in which the fixed hook 64 is disposed, is formed in a lower surface of the base panel 10 .
- 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 34 a and 34 b , 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 20 a disposed at a left end of the base panel 10 , and a second panel guider 20 b disposed at a right end of the base panel 10 .
- the first panel guider 20 a is disposed on the left side of the inlet 12 and the outlet 14 which are formed in the base panel 10 .
- the second panel guider 20 b is disposed on the right side of the inlet 12 and the outlet 14 which are formed in the base panel 10 .
- Each of the first panel guider 20 a and the second panel guider 20 b includes a pair of guide walls 22 and 24 which are horizontally spaced apart from each other.
- Each of the first panel guider 20 a and the second panel guider 20 b 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 20 a and the second panel guider 20 b 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 inlet 12 or the outlet 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 102 a of a first panel moving plate 102 which will be described below, a second guide hole 30 guiding movement of a second rotating shaft 116 a 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 32 a extending circumferentially from a position spaced apart from the first rotating shaft 102 a by a predetermined distance, and a linear guide hole 32 b extending rearward from a lower end of the curved guide hole 32 a .
- 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 32 b 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 34 a and 34 b 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 34 a through which the first panel moving pate 102 passes, and a second hole 34 b , 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 22 a through which a rotating shaft of the first motor 120 passes, is formed in the first guide wall 22 .
- the driving device 100 includes the first panel moving plate 102 for changing a position of the first plate 54 a of the variable panel 50 , the second panel moving plate 116 for changing a position of the second plate 54 b 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 102 a of the first panel moving plate 102 and the second rotating shaft 116 a 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 120 a 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 102 a of the first panel moving plate 102 , a second guide pin 132 extending in the left-right direction along the second rotating shaft 116 a of the second panel moving plate 116 , and a third guide pin 134 radially spaced apart from the first rotating shaft 102 a 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 102 a .
- 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 120 a 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 102 a.
- the gear surface 112 includes a first gear surface 112 a spaced apart from the outer peripheral surface 108 , and a second gear surface 112 b spaced apart from the upper surface 106 .
- the outer peripheral surface 108 and the first gear surface 112 a may have an arc shape.
- the outer peripheral surface 108 and the first gear surface 112 a may have the same center of the arc.
- the first gear surface 112 a and the second gear surface 112 b may have a structure in which the motor gear 126 may be continuously engaged therewith.
- the second gear surface 112 b may be formed approximately parallel to the upper surface 106 .
- the first guide pin 130 is disposed on the first rotating shaft 102 a of the first panel moving plate 102 .
- the first guide pin 130 may extend around the first rotating shaft 102 a 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 116 a .
- 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 116 a 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 54 a . 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 54 a may be inclined downward from the base panel 10 . In this case, the inlet 12 of the base panel 10 may be opened.
- the second panel moving plate 116 may change the position of the second plate 54 b . 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 54 b may be inclined downward from the base panel 10 . In this case, the outlet 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 P 1 in which the inlet 12 and the outlet 14 , which are formed in the base panel 10 , are closed; a second position P 2 in which a portion of the variable panel 50 is bent so as to open the inlet 12 and the outlet 14 ; and a third position P 3 in which the variable panel 50 moves in a direction in which the outlet 14 is formed.
- the variable panel 50 In the first position P 1 , 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 .
- the variable panel 50 when in the first position P 1 , 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 P 1 , 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 112 a of the first panel moving plate 102 .
- 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 may be changed in shape from the first position P 1 to the second position P 2 .
- the motor gear 126 may move along the first gear surface 112 a of the first panel moving plate 102 .
- the first flexible body 70 a is bent, and the first plate 54 a moves downward.
- the outlet 14 may be opened.
- the motor gear 126 moves along the first gear surface 112 a .
- the third guide pin 134 moves along the curved guide hole 32 a 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 102 a .
- the motor gear 126 may be disposed at a portion where the first gear surface 112 a and the second gear surface 112 b meet.
- the second panel moving plate 116 rotate about the second rotating shaft 116 a .
- the second flexible body 70 b is bent, and the second plate 54 b moves downward.
- the inlet 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 P 2 to the third position P 3 .
- the motor gear 126 may move along the second gear surface 112 b .
- the third guide pin 134 may move along the linear guide hole 32 b 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.
- variable panel 50 moves from the second position P 2 to the third position P 3 , the central rib 62 of the variable panel 50 may move in a direction in which the outlet 14 is formed. Accordingly, when the variable panel 50 is in the third position P 3 , a contact area between the air, discharged through the outlet 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 outlet 14 .
- variable panel according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure is changed in configuration and shape.
- variable panel 150 according to the second embodiment may be mounted on the base panel 10 (see FIG. 3 ) according to the first embodiment, and may be changed in shape by the driving device 100 (see FIG. 21 ) according to the first embodiment.
- the variable panel 150 according to the second embodiment may move to the moving panel 80 according to the first embodiment.
- the cover panel 86 (see FIG. 3 ) according to the first embodiment may be disposed under the variable panel 150 according to the second embodiment.
- a fixed plate 152 may be disposed between the first variable plate 156 a and the second variable plate 156 b .
- the fixed plate 152 may be spaced apart from each of the first variable plate 156 a and the second variable plate 156 b .
- the fixed plate 152 may be connected to the first variable plate 156 a by a first hinge 160 .
- the fixed plate 152 may be connected to the second variable plate 156 b by a second hinge 162 .
- the fixed plate 152 may be fixed to the base panel 10 or the moving panel 80 .
- the fixed plate 152 may be positioned at an equal vertical distance relative to the base panel 10 . That is, a contact position of the fixed plate 152 with the base panel 10 may be maintained, and if the first variable plate 156 a is spaced apart from the base panel 10 , a spaced-apart distance therebetween may be maintained.
- a fixed hook 153 may be disposed on the fixed plate 152 .
- the fixed hook 153 protrudes upward from the fixed plate 152 , and may allow the variable panel 150 to be secured to the moving panel 80 (see FIG. 3 ) or the base panel 10 .
- the fixed hook 153 may be inserted into a hook hole formed in the moving panel 80 .
- the fixed hook 153 may allow the variable panel 150 to be secured to the moving panel 80 . Accordingly, as the fixed hook 153 is inserted into the hook hole of the moving panel 80 , the variable panel 150 may move along with the movement of the moving panel 80 .
- a plurality of fixed hooks 153 which are spaced apart from each other in the left-right direction, may be disposed on the fixed plate 152 .
- the fixed plate 152 has first protrusions 154 in which hinges 160 and 162 are disposed, and which are formed at both ends of the first variable plate 156 a to which the variable plates 156 a and 156 b are connected.
- a plurality of first protrusions 154 which are spaced apart from each other in the left-right direction, may be disposed at both ends of the fixed plate 152 .
- the hinges 160 and 162 may be disposed in the plurality of first protrusions 154 .
- Each of the first variable plate 156 a and the second variable plate 156 b is rotatably mounted to the first variable plate 156 a . Accordingly, an inclination angle between the first variable plate 156 a and each of the first variable plate 156 a and the second variable plate 156 b may be changed.
- the first variable plate 156 a may be disposed at a lower side of the inlet 12 (see FIG. 3 ) of the base panel 10
- the second variable plate 156 b may be disposed at a lower side of the outlet 14 (see FIG. 3 ) of the base panel 10 .
- Each of the first variable plate 156 a and the second variable plate 156 b may be coupled to the driving device 100 , to be changed in arrangement.
- Each of the first variable plate 156 a and the second variable plate 156 b may be coupled to the driving device 100 via the bracket 90 (see FIG. 3 ) and the bracket guider 95 (see FIG. 3 ).
- the inclination angle may refer to an angle between a surface formed by the first variable plate 156 a and a surface formed by the first variable plate 156 a or the second variable plate 156 b.
- the bracket 90 and the bracket guider 95 are disposed on each of the first variable plate 156 a and the second variable plate 156 b.
- Bracket holes 157 a and 157 b in which the bracket 90 or the bracket guider 95 is disposed, may be formed in each of the first variable plate 156 a and the second variable plate 156 b .
- the bracket holes 157 a and 157 b may include a first bracket hole 157 a , formed in the first variable plate 156 a , and a second bracket hole 157 b formed in the second variable plate 156 b.
- the first bracket hole 157 a is formed at both ends of the first variable plate 156 a in the left-right direction.
- the second bracket hole 157 b is formed at both ends of the second variable plate 156 b in the left-right direction.
- Each of the first variable plate 156 a and the second variable plate 156 b may have second protrusions 158 in which the hinges 160 and 162 are disposed, and which are formed at one end of each of the first variable plate 156 a and the second variable plate 156 b to which the variable plate 156 a is connected.
- a plurality of second protrusions 158 which are spaced apart from each other in the left-right direction, may be disposed at one end of each of the first variable plate 156 a and the second variable plate 156 b .
- the hinges 160 and 162 may be disposed in the plurality of second protrusions 158 .
- the first protrusions 154 and the second protrusions 158 may be alternately arranged.
- the hinges 160 and 162 may be disposed by passing through the respective first and second hinges 160 and 162 that are alternately arranged.
- a position of the variable panel 150 will be described with reference to FIGS. 31 and 32 .
- a position of the variable panel 150 may be changed by the driving device 100 according to the first embodiment.
- variable panel 150 may be disposed in a first position P 1 , in which the variable panel 150 closes the inlet 12 and the outlet 14 , and in a second position P 2 in which some region of the variable panel 150 is bent to open the inlet 12 and the outlet 14 .
- the variable panel 150 may be disposed in a third position in which the variable panel 150 moves in a direction in which the outlet 14 is formed.
- the variable panel 150 when disposed in the first position P 1 , the variable panel 150 may cover the entire base panel 10 in the front-rear direction.
- the first variable plate 156 a In the first position P 1 , the first variable plate 156 a may be disposed to close the inlet 12 .
- the second variable plate 156 b In the first position P 1 , the second variable plate 156 b , and the first variable plate 156 a may be disposed parallel to each other.
- variable panel 150 in the second position P 2 , the variable panel 150 may open the inlet 12 and the outlet 14 .
- the arrangement of the first variable plate 156 a and the second variable plate 156 b may be changed by the driving device 100 .
- each of the first variable plate 156 a and the second variable plate 156 b may be inclined with respect to the first variable plate 156 a .
- the first variable plate 156 a may rotate about the hinges 160 and 162 , to be inclined with respect to the first variable plate 156 a .
- the second variable plate 156 b may rotate about the hinges 160 and 162 , to be inclined with respect to the first variable plate 156 .
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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)
- Air-Flow Control Members (AREA)
Abstract
The air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes: a base panel having an inlet formed in one side thereof, and an outlet formed in another side thereof; a variable panel disposed under the base panel and changed in shape to open and close the inlet and the outlet; and a driving device disposed on the base panel and changing a shape of the variable panel, thereby allowing the variable panel to cover the entire lower surface of base panel. In addition, the variable panel may open and close the inlet and the outlet. The variable panel includes: a fixed part disposed between the inlet and the outlet, and fixed in position vertically relative to the base panel; a cover part spaced apart from the fixed part and disposed at a lower side of the inlet or the outlet; and a variable part disposed between the fixed part and the cover part, and changing an inclination angle of the cover part.
Description
- This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2022-0128430, filed Oct. 7, 2022, whose entire disclosures are hereby incorporated by reference.
- The present disclosure 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 B1 discloses an air conditioner having an inlet and an outlet that are exposed to the outside. In the air conditioner, 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. 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 disclosure 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.
- It is another objective of the present disclosure to provide an air conditioner in which a single panel structure covers a portion that is exposed to the outside, thereby providing the aesthetics in unity with a wall surface or a ceiling surface.
- It is yet another objective of the present disclosure to provide an air conditioner in which by opening an inlet and an outlet while the air conditioner is in operation, obstruction of an air flow may be minimized.
- It is further another objective of the present disclosure to provide an air conditioner capable of opening an inlet and an outlet by providing a single panel that may or may not be changed in shape.
- It is further another objective of the present disclosure to provide an air conditioner capable of providing structural stability of a panel that is changed in shape.
- It is further another objective of the present disclosure to provide an air conditioner in which a coupling relationship between a panel, which is changed in shape, and another structure that is coupled thereto may be stably maintained.
- The objectives of the present disclosure 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 disclosure, the above and other objectives can be accomplished by providing an air conditioner including a base panel having an inlet formed in one side thereof, and an outlet 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 inlet and the outlet. The air conditioner includes a driving device disposed on the base panel and changing a shape of the variable panel. The variable panel may cover the entire lower surface of the base panel. In addition, the variable panel may open the inlet and the outlet. The variable panel includes: a fixed part disposed between the inlet and the outlet, and fixed in position vertically relative to the base panel; a cover part spaced apart from the fixed part and disposed at a lower side of the inlet or the outlet; and a variable part disposed between the fixed part and the cover part, and changing an inclination angle of the cover part, such that a shape of the variable panel may be changed to a single panel shape.
- The variable part may be made of a deformable material, such that a region of the variable panel that is changed in shape may have a naturally bent shape.
- The variable part and the cover part may be made of different materials, such that a shape of some region, in which the inlet and the outlet are opened, may be maintained.
- The driving device may be coupled to the cover part or the variable part, so as to change a position of the cover part, thereby changing an overall shape of the variable panel.
- The variable panel may include a plurality of bridges connecting the cover part and the fixed part, and spaced apart from each other in a left-right direction, such that a region of the variable part that is changed in shape may be stably connected to the fixed part.
- A vertical height of the bridges may be less than a vertical height of the fixed part, thereby minimizing an effect on a change in shape of the variable part.
- The variable part may be disposed on an upper side of the bridges, thereby minimizing a change in shape of the bridges.
- A lower surface of the bridges may be formed as a flat surface to be connected to the fixed part and the cover part, and an upper surface of the bridges may be formed in a serration shape, such that the upper surface may be significantly changed.
- The fixed part may include a fixed hook protruding upward from the fixed part, so as to fix the vertical height of the fixed part. The fixed hook may allow the moving panel to be secured to the base panel.
- The fixed hook may be disposed at a point where the bridges intersect the fixed part, thereby stably securing the fixed part.
- The air conditioner may further include a cover panel disposed under the variable panel to cover a lower surface of the variable panel, such that a lower surface of the variable panel may have a smooth shape.
- The air conditioner may further include: a bracket movably mounted on the variable panel and coupled to the driving device; and a bracket guider disposed on the cover part and guiding movement of the bracket, such that even when the variable panel is changed in shape, the variable panel and the driving device may be stably coupled to each other.
- The bracket guider may include a fastening part fastened to the variable panel, and a guide part disposed on one side of the fastening part and guiding movement of the bracket, wherein the guide part may be bent upward from both ends that are perpendicular to a moving direction of the bracket, so as to guide movement of the bracket, such that the bracket may move stably.
- The bracket may include a moving plate that moves forward and backward along the guide part, and a coupling plate coupled to one side of the driving device, wherein the coupling plate may protrude upward from one side of the moving plate.
- In accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, an air conditioner includes a base panel having an inlet formed in one side thereof, and an outlet 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 inlet and the outlet. The air conditioner includes a driving device disposed on the base panel and changing a shape of the variable panel. The variable panel includes: a rigid body made of a rigid material and having a bending hole formed in some region thereof; and a flexible body made of a deformable material and disposed in the bending hole, such that the variable panel may be changed in shape.
- The flexible body may be injection-molded into the bending hole of the rigid body, such that the rigid body and the flexible body may be coupled to each other.
- The rigid body may include a first plate disposed on one side of the flexible body, and a second plate disposed on another side of the flexible body. The rigid body may include a central rib disposed between the first plate and the second plate. The rigid body may include a bridge connecting the first plate and the second plate to the central rib. The central rib may be stably connected to the first plate and the second plate.
- The bending hole may include a first bending hole formed in one of a front side and a rear side of the central rib, and a second bending hole formed in a remaining one of the front side and the rear side of the central rib. The flexible body may be disposed in each of the first bending hole and the second bending hole.
- The rigid body may have a groove extending from the bending hole in a front-rear direction. The groove may be formed in each of a lower surface and an upper surface of the rigid body, such that the flexible body may be stably fixed to the rigid body.
- An upper groove, which is connected to the bending hole and in which the flexible body is disposed, may be formed in the upper surface of the rigid body. A lower groove, which is connected to the bending hole and in which the flexible body is disposed, may be formed in the lower surface of the rigid body.
- The upper groove and the lower groove may be formed at positions spaced apart from each other in a left-right direction, such that the flexible body may be stably fixed to the rigid body.
- An area of the lower groove may be smaller than an area of the upper groove. In a larger area, the flexible body is coupled to the upper surface of the rigid body. The flexible body may be stably coupled to the rigid body.
- In accordance with yet another aspect of the present disclosure, an air conditioner includes a base panel having an inlet formed in one side thereof, and an outlet 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 inlet and the outlet. The air conditioner includes a driving device disposed on the base panel and changing a shape of the variable panel. The variable panel includes a fixed plate which is fixed in position vertically relative to the base panel. The variable panel includes a variable plate disposed on one side of the fixed plate, an inclination angle between the variable plate and the fixed plate being changed so as to open and close the inlet or the outlet. The variable panel includes a hinge rotatably connecting the variable plate to the fixed plate. In this structure, a shape of the variable plate may be changed.
- The air conditioner may further include a cover panel disposed under the variable panel to cover a lower surface of the variable panel, such that the lower surface of the variable panel, which has a smooth shape, may be exposed.
- Other detailed matters of the exemplary embodiments are included in the detailed description and the drawings.
- An air conditioner according to the present disclosure 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, an inlet and an outlet are closed by the variable panel depending on a position of the variable panel, thereby minimizing the entry of foreign matter from the outside.
- Second, a shape of a 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 a wall surface or a ceiling surface.
- Third, the variable panel is changed in shape to open an inlet and an outlet, such that heat-exchanged air may be effectively supplied to an indoor space.
- Fourth, a bridge, provided in a region in which the variable panel is changed in shape, may provide stability for the variable panel, thereby increasing reliability of the variable panel that is changed in shape.
- Fifth, a bracket connecting the variable panel and the driving device is movably mounted on the variable panel, such that even when the variable panel is changed in shape, the variable panel and the driving device may be stably coupled to each other.
- The effects of the present disclosure 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 a variable panel disposed in a first position, in an air conditioner according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. -
FIG. 2 is a lower perspective view of a variable panel disposed in a second position, in the air conditioner according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. -
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 disclosure. -
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 disclosure. -
FIG. 5 is a bottom view of the variable panel according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. -
FIG. 6 is a plan view of the variable panel according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. -
FIG. 7 is a diagram explaining a bridge according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. -
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 disclosure. -
FIG. 10 is a diagram explaining one end of the moving panel and a motor disposed on top of the moving panel, according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. -
FIG. 11 is a diagram explaining a coupling relationship between the moving panel and the variable panel according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. -
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 disclosure. -
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 disclosure. -
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 disclosure. -
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 disclosure. -
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 disclosure. -
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 disclosure. -
FIG. 23 is a diagram explaining arrangement of the driving device and the variable panel when the variable panel is in a first position P1 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. -
FIG. 24 is a diagram explaining a position 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 disclosure. -
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 disclosure. -
FIG. 26 is a diagram explaining a position 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 disclosure. -
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 disclosure. -
FIG. 28 is a perspective view of a variable panel according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. -
FIG. 29 is an exploded perspective view of the variable panel according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure. -
FIG. 30 is an exploded plan view of the variable panel according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure. -
FIG. 31 is a diagram explaining a first position of the variable panel according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure. -
FIG. 32 is a diagram explaining a second position of the variable panel according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure. - Advantages and features of the present disclosure 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 disclosure 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 disclosure will be thorough and complete and will fully convey the concept of the disclosure to those skilled in the art, and the present disclosure 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 disclosure. Accordingly, the directions may vary depending on a reference direction. - Hereinafter, an air conditioner according to embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
- The air conditioner of the present disclosure 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 aninlet 12 and anoutlet 14, avariable panel 50 disposed on one side of thebase panel 10 and changed in shape to cover or open theinlet 12 and theoutlet 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
inlet 12 and thesecond outlet 14 may be an inlet through which outside air is drawn into the air conditioner. The other one of theinlet 12 and theoutlet 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
outlet 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 theinlet 12 and theoutlet 14 which are formed in thebase panel 10. - The
variable panel 50 may allow theinlet 12 and theoutlet 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 theinlet 12 and theoutlet 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 theinlet 12 and theoutlet 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 theinlet 12 and theoutlet 14. - Referring to
FIG. 3 , the air conditioner includes thebase panel 10 having theinlet 12 and theoutlet 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. - Variable Panel>
- The
variable panel 50 may include a fixed part which is disposed between theinlet 12 and theoutlet 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 theinlet 12 or theoutlet 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 54 a and asecond plate 54 b 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 54 a disposed on one side of theflexible body 70, thesecond plate 54 b disposed on another side of theflexible body 70, abridge 66 connecting thefirst plate 54 a and thesecond plate 54 b, and thecentral rib 62 disposed between thefirst plate 54 a and thesecond plate 54 b. - 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 68 a formed in one of the front and rear sides of thecentral rib 62, and asecond bending hole 68 b formed in the other one of the front and rear sides of thecentral rib 62. Thefirst bending hole 68 a and thesecond bending hole 68 b may be divided by thebridge 66 into a plurality of regions. Referring toFIG. 6 , thefirst bending hole 68 a may be formed in the rear side of thecentral rib 62, and thesecond bending hole 68 b may be formed in the front side of thecentral rib 62. - The
flexible body 70 may be disposed in each of thefirst bending hole 68 a and thesecond bending hole 68 b. 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 68 a and thesecond bending hole 68 b, 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 52 a of therigid body 52, and alower groove 58 formed in the lower surface 52 b 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 54 a and thesecond plate 54 b. Thebracket hole 60 includes afirst bracket hole 60 a, formed in thefirst plate 54 a, and asecond bracket hole 60 b formed in thesecond plate 54 b. Referring toFIG. 3 , thefirst plate 54 a is disposed at a lower side of theinlet 12 of thebase panel 10, and thesecond plate 54 b is disposed at a lower side of theoutlet 14 of thebase panel 10. - The
first bracket hole 60 a is formed in thefirst plate 54 a at each of both ends thereof in a horizontal or left-right direction. Thesecond bracket hole 60 b is formed in thesecond plate 54 b at each of both ends thereof in the horizontal direction. Each of thefirst bracket hole 60 a and thesecond bracket hole 60 b 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 54 a and thesecond plate 54 b. Thecentral rib 62 may be disposed on each of thefirst plate 54 a and thesecond plate 54 b at positions spaced apart from each other. Thecentral rib 62 is disposed between thefirst bending hole 68 a and thesecond bending hole 68 b. Theflexible body 70 includes a firstflexible body 70 a disposed in thefirst bending hole 68 a, and a secondflexible body 70 b disposed in thesecond bending hole 68 b. - The
central rib 62 is disposed between the firstflexible body 70 a and the secondflexible body 70 b. 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 54 a and the second plate 52 b 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 54 a and thesecond plate 54 b 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 54 a and thesecond plate 54 b 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 54 a or thesecond plate 54 b. - 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 54 a, and thesecond plate 54 b, thereby stably maintaining a bending range or shape of theflexible body 70. - The respective bridges 66 may connect the
first plate 54 a and thesecond plate 54 b. The respective bridges 66 connect thefirst plate 54 a and thecentral rib 62. The respective bridges 66 connect thesecond plate 54 b and thecentral rib 62. - The
bridges 66 may include afirst bridge 66 a connecting thefirst plate 54 a and thecentral rib 62, and asecond bridge 66 b connecting thesecond plate 54 b and thecentral rib 62. - A
vertical height 66 h of thebridge 66 is less than avertical height 62 h of thecentral rib 62. Accordingly, theflexible body 70 comes into contact with an upper surface of thebridge 66. Awidth 66 w (from left to right) of thebridge 66 is greater than awidth 62 w (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 54 a and thesecond plate 54 b. 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. - Moving Panel>
- 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 70 a and the secondflexible body 70 b, moves relative thereto, such that sagging may occur. As the movingpanel 80 fixes the position of thecentral rib 62, the firstflexible body 70 a and the secondflexible body 70 b, 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 82 a, into which the fixedhook 64 is inserted, and a fixinghole 82 b in which the fixedhook 64 is mounted. Theinsertion hole 82 a is formed to be greater than a diameter of an upper end of the fixedhook 64, and the fixinghole 82 b 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 82 b 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 theoutlet 14 is formed, rather than in a rearward direction in which theinlet 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. - Bracket and Bracket Guider>
- 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 two first bracket holes 60 a, formed in thefirst plate 54 a, and two second bracket holes 60 b formed in thesecond plate 54 b. - The
bracket 90 includes afirst bracket 90 a disposed in thefirst bracket hole 60 a, and asecond bracket 90 b disposed in thesecond bracket hole 60 b. Thebracket guider 95 includes afirst bracket guider 95 a in which thefirst bracket 90 a is disposed, and asecond bracket guider 95 b in which thesecond bracket 90 b 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. - Base Panel>
- The
base panel 10 has theinlet 12 through which air is introduced, and theoutlet 14 through which air flowing through the main body is discharged. Theinlet 12 and theoutlet 14 are spaced apart from each other in the front-rear direction. Referring toFIG. 18 , theoutlet 14 is spaced forward from theinlet 12. Referring toFIG. 18 , an area of theoutlet 14 may be smaller than an area of theinlet 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 34 a and 34 b, through whichpanel 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 20 a disposed at a left end of thebase panel 10, and asecond panel guider 20 b disposed at a right end of thebase panel 10. - The
first panel guider 20 a is disposed on the left side of theinlet 12 and theoutlet 14 which are formed in thebase panel 10. Thesecond panel guider 20 b is disposed on the right side of theinlet 12 and theoutlet 14 which are formed in thebase panel 10. - Each of the
first panel guider 20 a and thesecond panel guider 20 b includes a pair ofguide walls - Each of the
first panel guider 20 a and thesecond panel guider 20 b 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 20 a and thesecond panel guider 20 b 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 theinlet 12 or theoutlet 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 102 a of a firstpanel moving plate 102 which will be described below, asecond guide hole 30 guiding movement of a secondrotating shaft 116 a 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 32 a extending circumferentially from a position spaced apart from the firstrotating shaft 102 a by a predetermined distance, and alinear guide hole 32 b extending rearward from a lower end of thecurved guide hole 32 a. 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 32 b 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 34 a and 34 b, through which the
panel moving plates base panel 10 between thefirst guide wall 22 and thesecond guide wall 24. Afirst hole 34 a, through which the firstpanel moving pate 102 passes, and asecond hole 34 b, 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 22 a, through which a rotating shaft of thefirst motor 120 passes, is formed in thefirst guide wall 22. - Driving Device>
- The
driving device 100 includes the firstpanel moving plate 102 for changing a position of thefirst plate 54 a of thevariable panel 50, the secondpanel moving plate 116 for changing a position of thesecond plate 54 b 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 102 a of the firstpanel moving plate 102 and the secondrotating shaft 116 a of the secondpanel moving plate 116. Thedriving device 100 may include amotor gear 126 rotating in connection with the motor rotating shaft 120 a 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 102 a of the firstpanel moving plate 102, asecond guide pin 132 extending in the left-right direction along the secondrotating shaft 116 a of the secondpanel moving plate 116, and athird guide pin 134 radially spaced apart from the firstrotating shaft 102 a 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 102 a. 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 120 a 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 102 a. - The
gear surface 112 includes afirst gear surface 112 a spaced apart from the outerperipheral surface 108, and asecond gear surface 112 b spaced apart from theupper surface 106. The outerperipheral surface 108 and thefirst gear surface 112 a may have an arc shape. The outerperipheral surface 108 and thefirst gear surface 112 a may have the same center of the arc. Thefirst gear surface 112 a and thesecond gear surface 112 b may have a structure in which themotor gear 126 may be continuously engaged therewith. - The
second gear surface 112 b may be formed approximately parallel to theupper surface 106. - The
first guide pin 130 is disposed on the firstrotating shaft 102 a of the firstpanel moving plate 102. Thefirst guide pin 130 may extend around the firstrotating shaft 102 a 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 116 a. 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 116 a 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 54 a. Accordingly, when thefirst motor 120 is activated, the outer peripheral surface of the firstpanel moving plate 102 may move downward, such that thefirst plate 54 a may be inclined downward from thebase panel 10. In this case, theinlet 12 of thebase panel 10 may be opened. - The second
panel moving plate 116 may change the position of thesecond plate 54 b. Accordingly, when thesecond motor 122 is activated, the outer peripheral surface of the secondpanel moving plate 116 may move downward, such that thesecond plate 54 b may be inclined downward from thebase panel 10. In this case, theoutlet 14 of thebase panel 10 may be opened. - Operation>
- 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 theinlet 12 and theoutlet 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 theinlet 12 and theoutlet 14; and a third position P3 in which thevariable panel 50 moves in a direction in which theoutlet 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 112 a 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 112 a of the firstpanel moving plate 102. In this case, the firstflexible body 70 a is bent, and thefirst plate 54 a moves downward. When thevariable panel 50 is in the second position P2, theoutlet 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 112 a. 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 32 a 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 102 a. 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 112 a and thesecond gear surface 112 b meet. - By the operation of the
second motor 122, the secondpanel moving plate 116 rotate about the secondrotating shaft 116 a. In this case, the secondflexible body 70 b is bent, and thesecond plate 54 b moves downward. When thevariable panel 50 is in the second position P2, theinlet 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 and 26 , 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 112 b. 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 32 b 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 theoutlet 14 is formed. Accordingly, when thevariable panel 50 is in the third position P3, a contact area between the air, discharged through theoutlet 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 theoutlet 14. - Hereinafter, a structure in which a variable panel according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure is changed in configuration and shape will be described with reference to
FIGS. 28 to 32 . - The
variable panel 150 according to the second embodiment may be mounted on the base panel 10 (seeFIG. 3 ) according to the first embodiment, and may be changed in shape by the driving device 100 (seeFIG. 21 ) according to the first embodiment. In addition, thevariable panel 150 according to the second embodiment may move to the movingpanel 80 according to the first embodiment. Further, the cover panel 86 (seeFIG. 3 ) according to the first embodiment may be disposed under thevariable panel 150 according to the second embodiment. - A fixed
plate 152 may be disposed between the first variable plate 156 a and the second variable plate 156 b. The fixedplate 152 may be spaced apart from each of the first variable plate 156 a and the second variable plate 156 b. The fixed plate 152may be connected to the first variable plate 156 a by afirst hinge 160. The fixed plate 152may be connected to the second variable plate 156 b by asecond hinge 162. - The fixed plate 152may be fixed to the
base panel 10 or the movingpanel 80. The fixed plate 152may be positioned at an equal vertical distance relative to thebase panel 10. That is, a contact position of the fixed plate 152with thebase panel 10 may be maintained, and if the first variable plate 156 a is spaced apart from thebase panel 10, a spaced-apart distance therebetween may be maintained. - A fixed
hook 153 may be disposed on the fixedplate 152. The fixedhook 153 protrudes upward from the fixedplate 152, and may allow thevariable panel 150 to be secured to the moving panel 80 (seeFIG. 3 ) or thebase panel 10. In one embodiment, the fixedhook 153 may be inserted into a hook hole formed in the movingpanel 80. The fixedhook 153 may allow thevariable panel 150 to be secured to the movingpanel 80. Accordingly, as the fixedhook 153 is inserted into the hook hole of the movingpanel 80, thevariable panel 150 may move along with the movement of the movingpanel 80. A plurality of fixedhooks 153, which are spaced apart from each other in the left-right direction, may be disposed on the fixedplate 152. - The fixed plate 152has
first protrusions 154 in which hinges 160 and 162 are disposed, and which are formed at both ends of the first variable plate 156 a to which the variable plates 156 a and 156 b are connected. A plurality offirst protrusions 154, which are spaced apart from each other in the left-right direction, may be disposed at both ends of the fixedplate 152. The hinges 160 and 162 may be disposed in the plurality offirst protrusions 154. - Each of the first variable plate 156 a and the second variable plate 156 b is rotatably mounted to the first variable plate 156 a. Accordingly, an inclination angle between the first variable plate 156 a and each of the first variable plate 156 a and the second variable plate 156 b may be changed.
- The first variable plate 156 a may be disposed at a lower side of the inlet 12 (see
FIG. 3 ) of thebase panel 10, and the second variable plate 156 b may be disposed at a lower side of the outlet 14 (seeFIG. 3 ) of thebase panel 10. - Each of the first variable plate 156 a and the second variable plate 156 b may be coupled to the
driving device 100, to be changed in arrangement. Each of the first variable plate 156 a and the second variable plate 156 b may be coupled to thedriving device 100 via the bracket 90 (seeFIG. 3 ) and the bracket guider 95 (seeFIG. 3 ). - Here, the inclination angle may refer to an angle between a surface formed by the first variable plate 156 a and a surface formed by the first variable plate 156 a or the second variable plate 156 b.
- The
bracket 90 and thebracket guider 95 are disposed on each of the first variable plate 156 a and the second variable plate 156 b. - Bracket holes 157 a and 157 b, in which the
bracket 90 or thebracket guider 95 is disposed, may be formed in each of the first variable plate 156 a and the second variable plate 156 b. The bracket holes 157 a and 157 b may include afirst bracket hole 157 a, formed in the first variable plate 156 a, and asecond bracket hole 157 b formed in the second variable plate 156 b. - The
first bracket hole 157 a is formed at both ends of the first variable plate 156 a in the left-right direction. Thesecond bracket hole 157 b is formed at both ends of the second variable plate 156 b in the left-right direction. - Each of the first variable plate 156 a and the second variable plate 156 b may have
second protrusions 158 in which thehinges second protrusions 158, which are spaced apart from each other in the left-right direction, may be disposed at one end of each of the first variable plate 156 a and the second variable plate 156 b. The hinges 160 and 162 may be disposed in the plurality ofsecond protrusions 158. - The
first protrusions 154 and thesecond protrusions 158 may be alternately arranged. The hinges 160 and 162 may be disposed by passing through the respective first andsecond hinges - Hereinafter, a position of the
variable panel 150 will be described with reference toFIGS. 31 and 32 . A position of thevariable panel 150 may be changed by the drivingdevice 100 according to the first embodiment. - The
variable panel 150 may be disposed in a first position P1, in which thevariable panel 150 closes theinlet 12 and theoutlet 14, and in a second position P2 in which some region of thevariable panel 150 is bent to open theinlet 12 and theoutlet 14. In addition, although not illustrated herein, thevariable panel 150 may be disposed in a third position in which thevariable panel 150 moves in a direction in which theoutlet 14 is formed. - Referring to
FIG. 31 , when disposed in the first position P1, thevariable panel 150 may cover theentire base panel 10 in the front-rear direction. In the first position P1, the first variable plate 156 a may be disposed to close theinlet 12. In the first position P1, the second variable plate 156 b may be disposed to close theoutlet 14. In the first position P1, the first variable plate 156 a, the second variable plate 156 b, and the first variable plate 156 a may be disposed parallel to each other. - Referring to
FIG. 32 , in the second position P2, thevariable panel 150 may open theinlet 12 and theoutlet 14. The arrangement of the first variable plate 156 a and the second variable plate 156 b may be changed by the drivingdevice 100. - In the second position P2, each of the first variable plate 156 a and the second variable plate 156 b may be inclined with respect to the first variable plate 156 a. The first variable plate 156 a may rotate about the
hinges hinges - 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 disclosure.
Claims (31)
1. An air conditioner comprising:
a base panel having an inlet formed in one side thereof, and an outlet formed in another side thereof;
a variable panel disposed under the base panel and changed in shape to open and close the inlet and the outlet; and
a driving device disposed on the base panel and changing a shape of the variable panel,
wherein the variable panel comprises:
a fixed part disposed between the inlet and the outlet, and fixed in position vertically relative to the base panel;
a cover part spaced apart from the fixed part and disposed at a lower side of the inlet or the outlet; and
a variable part disposed between the fixed part and the cover part, and changing an inclination angle of the cover part.
2. The air conditioner of claim 1 , wherein the variable part is made of a deformable material.
3. The air conditioner of claim 1 , wherein the variable part and the cover part are made of different materials.
4. The air conditioner of claim 1 , wherein the driving device is coupled to the cover part or the variable part, so as to change a position of the cover part.
5. The air conditioner of claim 1 , wherein the variable panel comprises a plurality of bridges connecting the cover part and the fixed part, and spaced apart from each other in a left-right direction.
6. The air conditioner of claim 5 , wherein a vertical height of the bridges is less than a vertical height of the fixed part.
7. The air conditioner of claim 6 , wherein the variable part is disposed on an upper side of the bridges.
8. The air conditioner of claim 5 , wherein a lower surface of the bridges is formed as a flat surface to be connected to the fixed part and the cover part, and an upper surface of the bridges is formed in a serration shape.
9. The air conditioner of claim 5 , wherein the fixed part comprises a fixed hook protruding upward from the fixed part, so as to fix the vertical height of the fixed part.
10. The air conditioner of claim 9 , wherein the fixed hook is disposed at a point where the bridges intersect the fixed part.
11. The air conditioner of claim 1 , further comprising a cover panel disposed under the variable panel to cover a lower surface of the variable panel.
12. The air conditioner of claim 1 , further comprising:
a bracket movably mounted on the variable panel and coupled to the driving device; and
a bracket guider disposed on the cover part and guiding movement of the bracket.
13. The air conditioner of claim 12 , wherein the bracket guider comprises a fastening part fastened to the variable panel, and a guide part disposed on one side of the fastening part and guiding movement of the bracket,
wherein the guide part is bent upward from both ends that are perpendicular to a moving direction of the bracket, so as to guide movement of the bracket.
14. The air conditioner of claim 13 , wherein the bracket comprises a moving plate that moves forward and backward along the guide part, and a coupling plate coupled to one side of the driving device,
wherein the coupling plate protrudes upward from one side of the moving plate.
15. The air conditioner of claim 1 , wherein the inlet and the outlet are opened and closed simultaneously or together by the variable panel.
16. An air conditioner comprising:
a base panel having an inlet formed in one side thereof, and an outlet formed in another side thereof;
a variable panel disposed under the base panel and changed in shape to open and close the inlet and the outlet; and
a driving device disposed on the base panel and changing a shape of the variable panel,
wherein the variable panel comprises:
a rigid body made of a rigid material and having a bending hole formed in some region thereof; and
a flexible body made of a deformable material and disposed in the bending hole.
17. The air conditioner of claim 16 , wherein the flexible body is injection-molded into the bending hole of the rigid body.
18. The air conditioner of claim 16 , wherein the rigid body comprises a first plate disposed on one side of the flexible body, a second plate disposed on another side of the flexible body, a central rib disposed between the first plate and the second plate, and a bridge connecting the first plate and the second plate to the central rib.
19. The air conditioner of claim 18 , wherein the bending hole comprises a first bending hole formed in one of a front side and a rear side of the central rib, and a second bending hole formed in a remaining one of the front side and the rear side of the central rib,
wherein the flexible body is disposed in each of the first bending hole and the second bending hole.
20. The air conditioner of claim 16 , wherein the rigid body has a groove extending from the bending hole in a front-rear direction,
wherein the groove is formed in each of a lower surface and an upper surface of the rigid body.
21. The air conditioner of claim 16 , wherein:
an upper groove, which is connected to the bending hole and in which the flexible body is disposed, is formed in the upper surface of the rigid body; and
a lower groove, which is connected to the bending hole and in which the flexible body is disposed, is formed in the lower surface of the rigid body.
22. The air conditioner of claim 21 , wherein the upper groove and the lower groove are formed at positions spaced apart from each other in a left-right direction.
23. The air conditioner of claim 21 , wherein an area of the lower groove is smaller than an area of the upper groove.
24. An air conditioner comprising:
a base panel having an inlet formed in one side thereof, and an outlet formed in another side thereof;
a variable panel disposed under the base panel and changed in shape to open and close the inlet and the outlet; and
a driving device disposed on the base panel and changing a shape of the variable panel,
wherein the variable panel comprises:
a fixed plate which is fixed in position vertically relative to the base panel; and
a variable plate disposed on one side of the fixed plate, an inclination angle between the variable plate and the fixed plate being changed so as to open and close the inlet or the outlet; and
a hinge rotatably connecting the variable plate to the fixed plate.
25. The air conditioner of claim 24 , further comprising a cover panel disposed under the variable panel to cover a lower surface of the variable panel.
26. An air conditioner comprising:
a base panel having an inlet formed in one side thereof, and an outlet formed in another side thereof;
a variable panel disposed under the base panel and changed in shape to open and close the inlet and the outlet; and
a driving device disposed on the base panel and changing a shape of the variable panel,
wherein the variable panel comprises:
a fixed part disposed between the inlet and the outlet, and fixed in position vertically relative to the base panel; and
a variable part spaced apart from the fixed part and disposed under the inlet and the outlet, and changing an inclination angle to open and close the inlet and the outlet.
27. The air conditioner of claim 26 , wherein the variable part is made of a deformable material.
28. The air conditioner of claim 26 , wherein the variable part extends from the fixed part in a front-rear direction.
29. The air conditioner of claim 26 , wherein the variable part extends from the fixed part in a front-rear direction.
30. The air conditioner of claim 26 , wherein when the variable part is changed in shape, a vertical separation distance between the base panel and a front end and a rear end of the variable part is changed.
31. The air conditioner of claim 11 , wherein the cover panel is removably mounted to the variable panel.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
KR10-2022-0128430 | 2022-10-07 | ||
KR1020220128430A KR20240048744A (en) | 2022-10-07 | 2022-10-07 | Air Conditioner |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20240117972A1 true US20240117972A1 (en) | 2024-04-11 |
Family
ID=88204170
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US18/372,890 Pending US20240117972A1 (en) | 2022-10-07 | 2023-09-26 | Air conditioner |
Country Status (4)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20240117972A1 (en) |
EP (1) | EP4350244A1 (en) |
KR (1) | KR20240048744A (en) |
CN (1) | CN117847763A (en) |
Family Cites Families (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
KR101470541B1 (en) * | 2008-01-30 | 2014-12-12 | 엘지전자 주식회사 | Ceiling type air conditioner |
JP4821807B2 (en) * | 2008-02-05 | 2011-11-24 | ダイキン工業株式会社 | Air conditioning indoor unit |
KR102403337B1 (en) * | 2015-12-31 | 2022-05-27 | 엘지전자 주식회사 | An air conditioner |
KR102401787B1 (en) | 2017-04-28 | 2022-05-26 | 삼성전자주식회사 | Air conditioner |
CN209944512U (en) * | 2018-12-18 | 2020-01-14 | 青岛海高设计制造有限公司 | Air conditioner |
-
2022
- 2022-10-07 KR KR1020220128430A patent/KR20240048744A/en unknown
-
2023
- 2023-09-26 CN CN202311255922.2A patent/CN117847763A/en active Pending
- 2023-09-26 US US18/372,890 patent/US20240117972A1/en active Pending
- 2023-09-27 EP EP23199949.1A patent/EP4350244A1/en active Pending
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
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CN117847763A (en) | 2024-04-09 |
EP4350244A1 (en) | 2024-04-10 |
KR20240048744A (en) | 2024-04-16 |
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