WO2007091767A2

WO2007091767A2 - Indoor unit of air conditioner

Info

Publication number: WO2007091767A2
Application number: PCT/KR2006/005137
Authority: WO
Inventors: Sang Won Cha
Original assignee: Lg Electronics Inc.
Priority date: 2006-02-09
Filing date: 2006-11-30
Publication date: 2007-08-16
Also published as: WO2007091767A3; EP1818623A2; EP1818623A3

Abstract

The indoor unit of an air conditioner includes a cabinet (10) having a front panel (20) mounted thereon, a picture frame panel (30) having a picture frame base (32) and a picture frame assembly (33) hinged on the picture frame base (32), the picture frame panel (30) being linked with the front panel (20) for opening/closing the front panel (20), a holding device (270) slidably mounted on one of the picture frame assembly (33) and the picture frame base (32) for holding the other one, and a supporter (400) mounted on one of the picture frame assembly (33) and the picture frame base (32) for supporting the picture frame assembly (33) so that the picture frame assembly (33) maintains a fixed distance to the picture frame base (32) at the time the picture frame assembly (33) is opened.

Description

INDOOR UNIT OF AIR CONDITIONER

Technical Field

[1] The present invention relates to a picture frame type indoor unit of an air conditioner for mounting a photograph or a picture on a wall.

Background Art

[2] In general, the air conditioner, serving as a room heater, a room cooler, or an air purifier for cooling/heating a room, or purifying room air, provides human being a better room environment. Recently, an air conditioner has been developed, which is provided with a turbo-fan to minimize a thickness of a cabinet thereof to permit the air conditioner to be mounted on a wall of the room like a picture frame.

[3] FlG. 26 illustrates an exploded perspective view of a related art air conditioner.

[4] Referring to FlG. 26, the related art air conditioner is provided with a thin rectangular cabinet 1 with an opened front, a fan 2 in the cabinet 1, a heat exchanger 3 in front of the fan 2, a front panel 4 with an air inlet 4a in front of the heat exchanger 3, an orifice 5 which is an air outlet between the cabinet 1 and the front panel 4, and a front grill 6 rotatably mounted in front of the front panel 4, for opening/closing the air inlet 4a.

[5] The fan 2 is provided with a turbo fan 2a and a motor 2b for rotating the turbo fan

2a, not only for minimizing thickness of the cabinet 1, but also for discharging air drawn through the air inlet 4a in a circumferential direction.

[6] The orifice 5, between the heat exchanger 3 and the fan 2, guides the air from the air inlet 4a to the fan 2.

[7] In the meantime, mounted between the front panel 4 and the orifice 5, there is a filter 7 for filtering air from the air inlet 4a, and mounted above the orifice 5, there is a control box 8 which is a control unit.

[8] Mounted on the cabinet 1, there are outlet units 9 for guiding a direction of air blow at the time of air discharge from an inside of the cabinet 1.

[9] The outlet unit 9 has an air outlet on an inner side with a plurality of grills 9a for guiding an air blow direction, and a motor (not shown) for operating vanes 9b.

[10] However, the related art indoor unit of an air conditioner has a problem in that it is required that the front grill and the front panel are dismounted/mounted from/to the cabinet for reaching to an inner portion in cleaning or repair of the indoor unit, to require a long working time. Disclosure of Invention Technical Problem [11] An object of the present invention devised to solve the problem lies on providing an indoor unit of an air conditioner, which enables easy mounting/dismounting of a picture frame panel, and leave a cabinet opened, for convenience of cleaning and repair of an inside of the cabinet. Technical Solution

[12] To achieve these objects and other advantages and in accordance with the purpose of the invention, as embodied and broadly described herein, the indoor unit of an air conditioner includes a cabinet having a front panel mounted thereon, a picture frame panel having a picture frame base and a picture frame assembly hinged on the picture frame base, the picture frame panel being linked with the front panel for opening/ closing the front panel, a holding device slidably mounted on one of the picture frame assembly and the picture frame base for holding the other one, and a supporter mounted on one of the picture frame assembly and the picture frame base for supporting the picture frame assembly so that the picture frame assembly maintains a fixed distance to the picture frame base at the time the picture frame assembly is opened. Advantageous Effects

[13] The indoor unit of an air conditioner of the present invention can improve an assembly work owing to the convenient mounting/dismounting of the picture frame panel with the holding device. [14] Moreover, since the picture frame panel of the indoor unit can be set at a position without separating from the cabinet, cleaning or repair of an inside of the indoor is convenient.

Brief Description of the Drawings [15] The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the invention, illustrate embodiments of the invention and together with the description serve to explain the principle of the invention. [16] In the drawings :

[17] FlG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an indoor unit of an air conditioner in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. [18] FlG. 2 illustrates an exploded perspective view of an indoor unit of an air conditioner in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. [19] FlG. 3 illustrates an exploded perspective view of an inside of an indoor unit of an air conditioner in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. [20] FlG. 4 illustrates an exploded perspective view of a picture frame panel in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. [21] FlG. 5 illustrates sections showing the steps of a process for assembling a picture frame panel in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. [22] FlG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of a deco-frame with fastening portions in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. [23] FlG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of a picture frame base in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. [24] FlG. 8 illustrates an exploded perspective view of a holding device in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. [25] FlG. 9 illustrates a front view of a picture frame base showing a holding device in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. [26] FlG. 10 illustrates a back view of a picture frame base showing a holding device in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. [27] FlG. 11 illustrates diagrams showing operation of a holding device in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. [28] FlG. 12 illustrates a front view of a front panel in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. [29] FlG. 13 illustrates a front view of a front panel in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, having a service cover removed therefrom. [30] FlG. 14 illustrates an exploded perspective view of a cabinet and a front panel in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. [31] FlG. 15 illustrates a perspective view a cabinet and a front panel assembled together in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. [32] FlG. 16 illustrates a perspective view of a service cover and a drain pan in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. [33] FlG. 17 illustrates an exploded perspective view of a picture frame panel and a link mechanism in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. [34] FlG. 18 illustrates a side view of a link mechanism in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. [35] FlG. 19 illustrates a perspective view showing a operation state of a link mechanism in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. [36] FlG. 20 illustrates a perspective view showing an operation state of a supporting bar in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. [37] FlG. 21 illustrates a perspective view when a picture frame assembly of a picture frame panel in FlG. 1 is maintained at a rotated position after the picture frame assembly is rotated in a front direction. [38] FlG. 22 illustrates a side view when the picture frame assembly of a picture frame panel in FlG. 1 is maintained at a rotated position after the picture frame assembly is rotated in a front direction. [39] FlG. 23 illustrates a perspective view of a back side of the picture frame assembly in FIG. 21. [40] FIG. 24 illustrates a perspective view showing a state in which the supporter in FIG.

21 is received in a picture frame assembly.

[41] FIG. 25 illustrates a section across a line A-A in FIG. 24.

[42] FIG. 26 illustrates an exploded perspective view of a related art air conditioner.

Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention [43] Reference will now be made in detail to the preferred embodiments of the present invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. [44] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 16, the air conditioner in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention includes a cabinet 10 having a front panel 20 mounted on a front, a picture frame panel 30 mounted on the front panel 20 with a space thereto, a holding device 270 on the picture frame panel, and a supporter 400 for supporting the picture frame panel 30 so as to be spaced from the front panel 20 when the picture frame panel 30 is spaced from the front panel 20.

[45] The front panel 20 has a central air inlet 15, and is fastened to the cabinet 10.

[46] The cabinet 10 has at least one air outlet 16 for discharge of air.

[47] The picture frame panel 30 is mounted in front of the front panel 20, spaced a predetermined distance from the front panel 20 to form a gap through which air moves toward the air inlet 15. [48] In the meantime, the indoor unit includes a base 12 to be mounted on a wall of a room, a fan 14 on the base 12 for drawing/discharging room air, and an orifice 13 for guiding air from the air inlet 15 to the fan 14. [49] The fan 14 between the base 12 and the orifice 13 guides the air from the air inlet

15 to the air outlet 16 entirely. [50] Particularly, the fan 14 is a centrifugal fan for discharging air from the orifice 13 in a circumferential direction. [51] On opposite sides of the fan 14, i.e., in opposite sides of the base 12, there are the air outlets 16 for guiding air from the fan 14 to an outside of the cabinet 10. Each of the air outlets 16 has an outlet unit 40 mounted thereon for opening/closing the air outlet 16. [52] The air outlet 16 on an underside of the base 12 also has the outlet unit 40 mounted thereon for guiding outlet air into the room opened/closed by the control unit of the indoor unit.

[53] The base 12 is fixedly secured to the wall of the room with a bracket on a back side.

[54] Mounted over the fan 14, i.e., at an upper portion of the base 12, there is an air guide 18 for guiding the air from the fan 14 to the air outlets 16 on both sides of the base 12. [55] In the meantime, mounted over the orifice 13, there is an outfit unit 150 of the control unit of the air conditioner. [56] In front of the orifice 13, there is a heat exchanger 50 for making heat exchange with room air for cooling/heating the room air, and under the heat exchanger 50, there is a drain pan 100 for holding and draining condensed water formed at the heat exchanger 50. [57] The heat exchanger 50 is secured to the front panel 20 or the orifice 13, and has a connection pipe 52 at one side for connection to a refrigerant pipe line (not shown) lead from an outside of the indoor unit.

[58] Particularly, the heat exchanger 50 has a plasma filter 160 on a front.

[59] The front panel 20 in front of the heat exchanger 50 is fastened to the base 12. The fastening of the front panel 20 to the base 12 forms the air outlet 16 on which the outlet unit 40 is mounted. [60] The cabinet 10 has pipe covers 11 mounted on corners to form a portion of an exterior of the indoor unit as the pipe covers 11 are mounted to corners of the base 12. [61] The pipe covers 11 are mounted to a plurality of corners of the four corners of the cabinet 10, through which the external refrigerant pipe line is lead into the cabinet 10. [62] In the meantime, the picture frame panel 30 includes a picture frame base 32, and a picture frame assembly rotatably hinged on the picture frame base 32. [63] The picture frame assembly includes a deco-frame 34 hinged on the picture frame base 32, a transparent plate 35 placed in the deco-frame 34, a deco 36 for surrounding and holding the deco-frame 34 and the transparent plate 35 at a time, and a display window 38 in the deco-frame 34. [64] The transparent plate 35 is formed of transparent acryl, or glass, and positioned on a front of the picture frame base 32 for exposing a picture or a photograph attached to the picture frame base 32. [65] The deco-frame 34 is mounted on a periphery of the transparent plate 35 for securing the transparent plate 35. [66] The deco-frame 34 includes four members 34a, 34b, 34c, and 34d for making close contact to four sides of the transparent plate 35, each of which are assembled together before mounting. [67] Accordingly, some members 34a and 34c of the deco-frame 34 have holes 34a and

34c respectively and other members 34b and 34d have bosses 34b to be placed in the holes 34a and 34c respectively. A fastening member (not shown) is fastened to the boss 34b after the deco 36 is assembled, to put the deco-frame 34 close to the deco 36. [68] Together with this, the members 34a, 34b, 34c, and 34d of the deco-frame 34 have outer edges 33 bent forward for surrounding an edge of the transparent plate 35. [69] On an upper side of a back side of the deco-frame 34, there are projections 31 toward the picture frame base 32, each with a hinge hole 31a for hinge connection to the picture frame base 32. [70] The hinge hole 3 Ia is extended in a lateral direction at an upper side of the deco- frame 34 so that the picture frame assembly can turn around a top edge. [71] The projection 31 connects the picture frame base 32 to the picture frame assembly with a hinge as the projection is placed in a slot (not shown) in the picture frame base

32 and a pin (not shown) is passed through the slot and the projection 31. [72] On a lower side of the deco-frame 34, there is the display window 38 connected to the outfit unit 150 for displaying a signal. [73] The display window 38 between a lower side member 34c and a right side member

34b of the deco-frame 34 is mounted at a lower side of a right side of the drawing, and the lower member 36c of the deco 36 has a hole 36c for exposing the display window

38. [74] Though the embodiment shows the display window 38 as a device for turning on an

LED or the like, different from this, the display window 38 may be a flat display unit, such as an LCD.

[75] The display window 38 displays an operation state of the indoor unit, or an environment of the room, or the like. [76] In the meantime, the deco 36, for surrounding and holding edges of the deco-frame

34 and the transparent plate 35 at a time, has one opened side facing the transparent window. [77] The deco 36 has four members 36a, 36b, 36c, and 36d for surrounding four edges of the transparent plate 35 at a time. [78] In grooves 37 in the members 36a, 36b, 36c, and 36d, the deco-frame 34 and the transparent plate 35 are placed. [79] Particularly, a front side blade 37a of the deco 36 is made to be in close contact with the transparent plate 35, and a rear side blade 37b of the deco 36 is made to be in close contact with the deco-frame 34. [80] The rear side blade 37b of the deco 36 is formed long enough to cover the hole 34a

/boss 34b portions to which the members 36a and 36b of the deco-frame 34 are engaged. [81] The rear side blade 37b of the deco 36 has a hole 37c for placing a fastening member 39 therein, and the fastening member 39 placed through the hole 37c of the deco 36 is placed in the boss 34b of the deco-frame 34 after the fastening member 39 is placed through the hole 37c. As an inserted depth of the fastening member 39 becomes the deeper, the fastening member 39 presses the deco-frame 34 onto the transparent plate 35. [82] The hole 37c in the deco 36 has a thread formed thereon for fastening with the fastening member 39, and an end of the fastening member 39 pushes the deco-frame

34 toward the transparent plate 35. [83] The front side blade 37a of the deco 36 is long enough to make the deco-frame 34 invisible through the transparent plate 35, the hole 36c in the deco 36 matches with the display window 38. [84] Assembly of the picture frame panel 30 of the present invention is efficient because the fastening member 39 presses the deco-frame 34 onto the transparent plate 35 at the time the fastening member 39 is fastened, and fastening of the deco 36 and the deco- plate 34 is made at a time. [85] The picture frame base 32 has a slot 32a for placing the projection 31 of the picture frame assembly therein to make the picture frame assembly hinged thereon, and a holding device 270 for holding the picture frame assembly. [86] The picture frame assembly is rotatably hinged on the top of the picture frame base

32, and the picture frame base 32 has a holding hole 271 at a lower side for mounting the holding device 270. [87] The picture frame base 32 has a plurality of the holding devices 270 mounted thereon, and one the holding hole 271 at left and right sides. The holding hole 271 is a pass through hole toward the picture frame assembly. [88] Accordingly, the holding hole 271 is a pass through hole in front/rear direction in the embodiment. [89] The holding hole 271 has a guide rail 273 for guiding a direction of movement of the holding device 270 in a lateral direction. [90] On a back side of the picture frame base 32, there are mounting ribs 32b for mounting cables (not shown) connected between the outfits 150 and the display window 38. [91] The mounting ribs 32b are not formed in a line to connect the outfits 150 to the display window 38 in line, but bent once in the middle of a path of the cable, for preventing separation of the cable. [92] The mounting ribs 32b are formed opposite to each other at predetermined distance so that the cable is mounted between the mounting ribs 32b. [93] On the back side of the picture frame base 32, there are also reinforcing ribs 32c for reinforcing strength of the picture frame base 32. [94] The deco-frame 34 of the picture frame assembly has a holding portion 272 to be placed in the holding hole 271 and holding the holding device 270. [95] The holding device 270 includes a body 274, a guide projection 275 on the body

274 for placing in the holding hole 271 and moving along the guide rail 273, a holding projection 276 for placing in the holding portion 272 of the deco-frame 34 for holding the picture frame, and a gripping portion 277 on an outside of the body 274. [96] The body 274 is mounted on the back side of the picture frame base 32 so as to be exposed from a lower side of the picture frame base 32, and the guide projection 275 is projected forward from the body 274, and engaged with the guide rail 273. [97] The guide projection 275 has a hook shape for placing in the holding hole 271 in a front/rear direction, and hooking the guide rail 273. [98] Thus, as the guide projection 275 and the guide rail 273 are hooked together, separation of the holding device 270 from the picture frame base 32 is prevented. [99] Moreover, the guide projection 275 can move in a left/right direction along the guide rail 273 in a state the guide projection 275 is hooked at the guide rail 273. [100] That is, the guide projection 275 has a function for preventing the holding device

270 from separating from the picture frame base 32, as well as a function for moving the holding device 270. [101] In the meantime, the holding projection 276 is projected from the body 274 toward the holding portion 272 of the deco-frame 34, for being placed in a hollow 272a in the holding portion 272 to hold when the holding device 270 moves in left/right direction to hold the picture frame base 32 and the deco-frame 34 together. [102] Accordingly, the holding projection 276 has an end bent in left/right direction after the projection is projected forward by a predetermined distance, and the hollow 272a of the holding portion 272 is extended in left/right direction. [103] Moreover, in order to minimize a distance to the holding device 270, the holding portion 272 is projected toward the picture frame base 32, and in the embodiment, placed in the holding hole 271. [104] The gripping portion 277 is formed on an outside surface of the body 274 with knurl for preventing slipping at the time of moving the holding device 270. [105] Particularly, the gripping portion 277 is formed on a lower side of the body 274 so that the gripping portion 277 is exposed at the lower side of the picture frame base 32, but is not exposed to a front of the indoor unit because the gripping portion 277 is covered with the picture frame assembly when the picture frame assembly is in close contact with the picture frame base 32. [106] Referring to FIGS. 17 to 21, the indoor unit also includes a supporter 400 for supporting the picture frame assembly to maintain a state the picture frame assembly

33 is rotated forward. [107] It is preferable that the supporter 400, for maintaining the picture frame assembly

33 in a state tilted, or perpendicular to the picture frame base 32 for easy attachment/ detachment of a photograph or the like to/from the picture frame base 32, is a stick with a length greater than a predetermined length for supporting a lower side of the picture frame assembly spaced from the picture frame base 32. [108] The supporter 400 is rotatably connected to one of the picture frame base 32 and the picture frame assembly 33, and holds the other one of the picture frame base 32 and the picture frame assembly 33.

[109] That is, the supporter 400 includes a connection portion 402 hinged one of the picture frame base 32 and the picture frame assembly 33, and an end portion 410 extended from the connection portion 402 for holding the other one of the picture frame base 32 and the picture frame assembly 33.

[110] In order not to be placed in a cross ridge 420, which will be described later, at a slope, but perpendicular thereto so as to have a maximum contact area, the end portion 410 is bent from the connection portion 402 at a predetermined angle.

[Ill] The cross ridge 420 is formed in one of the picture frame base 32 and the picture frame assembly 33, for holding the supporter 400, more specifically the end portion 410, together with a guide portion 430 for guiding the supporter 400.

[112] Hereinafter, for convenience sake, it is assumed that the connection portion 402 is hinged on a back side of the picture frame assembly 33, specifically, to the deco-frame 34, and the cross ridge 420 and the supporter guide portion 430 are formed at a front of the picture frame base 32, so that the end portion 410 is slidably guided in up/down direction by the supporter guide portion 430, and placed in the cross ridge 420 sloped downward.

[113] The supporter guide portion 430, for slidably guiding the supporter 400 in up/down direction, and limiting left/right side movement of the supporter 400, specifically the end portion 410, includes vertical ribs 432 and 434 on left/right sides of the end portion 410 extended in up/down direction spaced slightly greater than a left/right direction width of the supporter 400, specifically the end portion 410.

[114] The vertical ribs 432 and the 434 are projected forward from a front surface of the picture frame base 32, respectively.

[115] The cross ridge 420 is a horizontal rib projected forward from the picture frame base 32 extended in a lateral direction on a front of the picture frame base 32, specifically between the vertical ribs 432 and 434 so that a rear end of the end portion 410 is held downward.

[116] In this instance, of course, it is apparent that the supporter guide portion 430 and the cross ridge 420 may form a sliding groove recessed backward in the front surface of the picture frame base 32 extended in up/down direction, such that the end portion 410 of the supporter 400 is guided in up/down direction along the sliding groove and placed on a lower end of the sliding groove so as to be held downward thereon.

[117] In the meantime, the supporter 400, specifically, the connection portion 402 has a supporting portion 408 projected therefrom so as to be in contact with a back side of the picture frame assembly 33 at the time the rear end of the end portion 410 is held downward at the cross ridge 420 for supporting the picture frame assembly 33. [118] The supporting portion 408, actually supporting the picture frame assembly 33, is projected from the supporter 400, specifically, from the connection portion 402, for making surface to surface, or line to line, contact with the picture frame assembly 33, specifically, the back side of the deco-frame 34.

[119] It is preferable that the supporting portion 408 has a portion formed flat so that the supporting portion 408 makes contact with the back side of the deco-frame 34 with a largest area as far as possible.

[120] It is preferable that the supporter 400 is provided at least one of left/right sides of the picture frame assembly 33, and connected to left side and right side of the back side of the picture frame assembly 33 respectively for securer supporting.

[121] Since a length of the supporter 400 is required to be great if the supporter 400 is connected to a lower portion of left side or right side of the back side of the picture frame assembly 33, it is preferable that the supporter 400 is connected to a middle or higher than the middle of the left side or right side of the back side of the picture frame assembly 33.

[122] There is a receiving portion 440 at least in one of the picture frame base 32 or the picture frame assembly 33 for receiving the supporter 400.

[123] Though it is possible that the receiving portion 440 is formed in each of the picture frame base 32 and the picture frame assembly 33, it is preferable that the receiving portion 440 is formed in the front of the picture frame base 32 if the supporter 400 is rotatably connected to the front of the picture frame base 32, and it is preferable that the receiving portion 440 is formed in the back side of the picture frame base 32 if the supporter 400 is rotatably connected to the back side of the picture frame base 32.

[124] The receiving portion 440 is vertical ribs 442 and 444 extended in up/down direction on left and right sides of the supporter 400 spaced slightly greater than a left to right side width of the supporter 400 projected backward from the back side of the picture frame assembly 32.

[125] The connection portion 402 has a hinge pin 404 projected in a lateral direction.

[126] The picture frame assembly 33 has a pin holding portion 33a for rotatably holding the hinge pin 404.

[127] The pin holding portion 33a is projected in a semi-circular shape from the back side of the picture frame assembly 33, specifically, the deco-frame 34, and has a hinge hole 33b in a lateral direction for rotatably placing the hinge pin 404 therein.

[128] It is preferable that the pin holding portion 33a is formed between the vertical ribs

442 and 444 on the back side of the picture frame assembly 33, specifically, the deco- frame 34, and has an insertion guide slot 33c formed in rear direction in one of the vertical ribs 442 and 444 for easy initial insertion of the hinge pin 404 therein.

[129] The picture frame assembly 33 has a stopper portion 33d projected toward the pin holding portion 33a so that, when the hinge pin 404 is placed in the hinge hole 33b deeply, an opposite portion 406 of the hinge pin 404 of the connection portion 402 is held on a side opposite to the hinge hole 33b. [130] The stopper portion 33d is curved so that an opposite portion 406 of the hinge pin

404 of the connection portion 402 slides over the stopper portion 33d at the time of initial insertion of the hinge pin 404 into the hinge hole 33b. [131] There is a supporter holder 450 at least on one of the picture frame assembly 33 and the supporter 400 for fastening the supporter 400 to the picture frame assembly, specifically, the deco-frame 34. [132] The supporter holder 450 includes a holding groove 452 in one of the deco-frame

34 and the supporter 400, and a hook 454 on one of the deco-frame 34 and the supporter 400 for holding the supporter 400 placed in the holding groove 452 at the time of storage the supporter 400. [133] In the meantime, referring to FIGS. 22 to 25, the picture frame panel 30 of the present invention can maintain a state in which the picture frame panel 30 is spaced from the front panel 20 for permitting inspection or repair of an inside of the indoor unit. [134] Following one touch action of the user to activate a link mechanism, the picture frame panel 30 can move forward of the front panel 20 so as to be spaced away from the front panel 20 in a front direction. [135] The link mechanism 200 includes a variable link 210 and a support link 220 hinged on the picture frame panel 30 and the front panel 20, respectively. [136] The rotatable link 210 is positioned over the support link 220, and both the rotatable link 210 and the support link 220 are hinged so as to be rotatable in up/down direction. [137] Accordingly, on the back side of the picture frame base 32 of the picture frame panel 30, there are brackets 212 and 322 projected backward arranged in up/down direction respectively, and the front panel 20 also has brackets 214 and 324 projected toward the picture frame panel 30 arranged in up/down direction, respectively. [138] The rotatable link 210 and the support link 220 have one ends 210a and 220a hinged on the brackets 212 and 322 on the picture frame base 32, and the other ends

210b and 220b hinged on the brackets 214 and 324 on the front panel 20. [139] Particularly, the support link 220 is longer than the rotatable link 210.

[140] Moreover, the one ends 210a and 220a of the rotatable link 210 and the support link

220 are positioned in front of the other ends 210b and 220b in a state the picture frame panel 30 is brought into close contact with the front panel 20. [141] On the picture frame panel 30 and the front panel 20, there are hooks 202 and slots

204 for holding the picture frame panel 30 spaced away in a front direction of the front panel 20. [142] In the embodiment, the hooks 202 are formed on the back side of the picture frame base 32 at an upper side and sides thereof, and the slots 204 are formed on a front of the front panel 20 at positions opposite to the hooks 202. [143] As the picture frame panel 30 connected with the link mechanism 200 has a center of gravity in front of the front panel 20, if the picture frame panel 30 is not held by the hooks 202 and slots 204, the picture frame panel 30 is spaced from the front panel 20 by hinge structures of the rotatable link 210 and the support link 220 at a position in front of the front panel 20. [144] Moreover, the bracket 324 having the other end of the support link 220 connected thereto has rails 225 for slidable up/down movement of the other end 220b. [145] The rails 225 have the hinge 223 at the other end of the support link 220 movably placed therein, and a lower end of the bracket 324 is closed for supporting the support link 220. [146] Accordingly, the support link 220 is rotatably supported on the lower end of the bracket 324, and can be separated from the bracket 324 by pulling the other end 220b of the support link 220 upward if required. [147] The support link 220 includes a picture frame arm 222 hinged on the picture frame panel 30, and a panel arm 224 hinged on the front panel 20. [148] The picture frame arm 222 has one end 222a hinged on the picture frame base 32 as the one end 222a is placed in the picture frame base 32 and fastened with a pin (not shown) thereto, the other end 222b having the panel arm 224 placed therein, and an inside forming a guide slot 226. [149] Especially, the guide slot 226 is extended in a length direction of the picture frame arm 222. [150] The panel arm 224 has one end 224a with a guide projection 229 formed thereon for placing in and moving along the guide slot 226, and the other end 224b placed in the bracket 324 of the front panel 20. [151] The guide slot 226 in the picture frame arm 222 has an insertion projection 227, and the panel arm 224 has an insertion hole 228 for fitting in the insertion projection 227. [152] Accordingly, at the time the picture frame arm 222 and the panel arm 224 make a relative motion, the insertion projection 227 and the insertion arm 228 are separated or coupled so that shaking of the picture arm 222 and the panel 324 is minimized and a friction force required in a course of the fitting in is provided. [153] The front of the front panel 20 may be exposed more by lifting a lower end of the picture frame panel 30. [154] If the lower end of the picture frame panel 20 is lifted in a state the picture frame panel 30 is opened, the support link 220 connected to the picture frame panel 30 extends to make the picture frame panel 30 and the front panel 20 spaced further, permitting the user to replace the filter mounted on the front panel 20 easily.

[155] Mounted on the front of the front panel 20, there is a supporting bar 280 for supporting the picture frame panel 30.

[156] The supporting bar 280 between the picture frame panel 30 and the front panel 20 supports the picture frame panel 30. The supporting bar 280 may be mounted either on the front panel 20 or the picture frame panel 30, and in the embodiment, the supporting bar 280 is mounted on the front panel 20.

[157] The supporting bar 280 supports the picture frame panel 30 from a lower side of the support link 220 in a case the picture frame panel 30 is opened further at the time of replacement of the filter or the like.

[158] Accordingly, the front panel 20 has rotatable portions 282 formed thereon for placing ends of the supporting bar 280 therein, and the supporting bar 280 has opposite ends rotatably placed in the rotatable portions 282 on the front panel 20.

[159] The rotatable portion 282 has holes (not shown) in a lateral direction for enabling the supporting bar 280 rotating in a front direction, and the supporting bar 280 extends in left/right direction.

[160] The supporting bar 280 includes a shaft portion 284 to be placed in the rotatable portion 282, a bar portion 286 perpendicular to the shaft portion 284 formed as one body with or separate from the shaft portion 284, and supporting portion 288 connected, and perpendicular to the bar portion 286 formed as one body with or separate from the bar portion 286.

[161] The bar portion 286 and the supporting portion 288 are formed by bending a predetermined portion for increasing strength of the supporting bar 280 of metal.

[162] On the back side of the picture frame panel 30 which is supported by the supporting bar 280, there is a holding portion 289 for holding the supporting portion 288 of the supporting bar 280.

[163] The holding portion 289 has slots arranged in a vertical direction on the back side of the picture frame panel 30 for adjusting an angle of slope of the supporting bar 280.

[164] Moreover, when the supporting bar 280 is in close contact with the front panel 20, the bar portion 286 is secured in close contact with, and supported between, the brackets 204.

[165] The operation of the indoor unit of an air conditioner of the present invention will be described.

[166] In a case it is intended to mount the picture frame assembly to the picture frame base, the holding device 270 is placed in the holding hole 271 formed in a front/rear direction. Then, as the guide projection 275 of the holding device 270 is placed in the holding hole 271, the guide projection 275 of the holding device 270 is joined with the guide rail 273 around the holding hole 271. [167] Accordingly, the body 274 of the holding device 270 is prevented from being separated from the picture frame base 32 by the guide projection 275.

[168] Moreover, the guide projection 275 is movable in a left/right direction along the guide rail 273 in a state the guide projection 275 is held at the guide rail 273.

[169] Then, a picture, a photograph or the like is placed on the front of the picture frame base 32, and the picture frame assembly is put close to the front of the picture frame base 32.

[170] Thereafter, the body 274 of the holding device 270 exposed to a lower side of the picture frame base 32 is moved in a left/right direction, to place the holding projection 276 of the holding device 270 in the holding portion 272 of the deco-frame 34, the picture frame base can be secured to the picture frame base 32.

[171] Dismounting of the picture frame base from the picture frame base may be made in a reverse order of above steps.

[172] In the meantime, if it is intended to attach or detach the photograph or the like to / from the picture frame panel 30, the picture frame assembly 33 is rotated forward, to make a lower portion of the picture frame assembly 33 rotated around a top of the picture frame base while the picture frame assembly 33 is spaced away from the front of the picture frame base 32.

[173] Then, if the supporter 400 is pulled backward or downward substantially, the supporter 400 makes the hook 454 to bend to release the ribs 442 from the hook 454, letting a major portion of the supporter 400 escapes from the vertical ribs 442 and 444 which is the receiving portion 440, enabling the supporter 400 rotatable around the hinge pin 404.

[174] Then, if the rear end of the end portion 410 of the supporter 400 is placed in between the vertical ribs 432 and 434, and placed on the cross ridge 420, the picture frame assembly 33 is supported on the supporter 400, with the picture frame assembly 33 maintained rotated forward at a predetermined angle.

[175] When the end portion 410 is held at the cross ridge 420 downward, the supporting portion 408 becomes in contact with the back side of the picture frame assembly 33 and held thereby, when a weight of the picture assembly 33 is supported by the supporter 400, such that the picture frame assembly 33 is not restored to an original state (i.e., the picture frame assembly 33 is parallel to the picture frame base 32), but kept in a state the picture frame assembly 33 is tilted at a predetermined angle in front of the picture frame base 32.

[176] Because the picture frame assembly 33 is kept in a state the picture frame assembly

33 is tilted at a predetermined angle in front of the picture frame base 32, the photograph can be attached/detached to/from the picture frame base 32 without holding the picture frame assembly 33. [177] In the meantime, if the picture frame assembly 33 is lifted upward further after the photograph is attached/detached thus, a rear end of the end portion slides away from an upper side of the cross ridge 420 in a front direction, leaving the supporter 400 free from the picture frame base 32, making the picture frame assembly 33 rotatable.

[178] Thereafter, if the supporter 400 is pushed between the vertical ribs 442 and 444, which is the receiving portion 440, the supporter 400, specifically, the connection portion 402 is placed in between the vertical ribs 442 and 444 while making the hook 454 to bend, elastically.

[179] Once the supporter is placed in between the vertical ribs 442 and 444 deeply, the hook 454 is restored elastically so as to be placed in the holding groove 452, and the supporter 400 is held received between the vertical ribs 442 and 444, which is the receiving portion 440, as the holding groove 452 at a rear thereof is held by the hook 454.

[180] Accordingly, by such a mounting/dismounting of the picture frame assembly to/ from the picture frame base, the user can place/ take the photograph or the like in/out of the picture frame conveniently.

[181] An operation process of a link mechanism of an indoor unit of the present invention will be described.

[182] The other ends 21 Ob and 220b of the rotatable link 210 and the support link 220 are placed in the brackets 214 and 424 of an assembled front panel 20 respectively, one ends 210a and 220a of the rotatable link 210 and the support link 220 are placed in the brackets 212 and 322 on the back side of the picture frame panel 20, respectively.

[183] In this state, if the picture frame panel 30 is pushed close to the front panel 20, such that the picture frame panel 30 rotates while the picture frame panel 30 is held both at the rotatable link 210 and the support link 220, a portion of the picture frame panel 30 connected to the rotatable link 210 and a portion of the picture frame panel 30 connected to the support link 220 rotate at radii different from each other.

[184] Moreover, since the support link 220 is longer than the rotatable link 210, at the time the picture frame panel 30 moves forward, the forward movement of the picture frame panel 30 is restricted by the support link 220 after the one end 210a of the rotatable link 210 is rotated by a predetermined angle.

[185] That is, when the picture frame panel 30 is secured to the front panel 20, the link mechanism 200 is mounted thereto, so that, if the picture frame panel 30 is pulled forward, the holding by the hooks 202 and the slots 204 are released, to rotate the picture frame panel 30 under the restriction of the link mechanism 200 while a center of gravity of the picture frame panel 30 moves.

[186] In more detail, when the picture frame panel 30 starts to move, the one end 210a of the rotatable link 210 rotates down from an upper side of the bracket 214 to a lower side of the bracket 214, and the one end 220a of the support link 220 rotates forward from an upper side of the bracket 324 by a predetermined angle. [187] Since the rotatable link 210 is shorter than the support link 220, enabling the rotatable link 210 to rotate greater than a rotation angle of the support link 220, the movement of the picture frame panel 30 stops when the one end 210a of the rotatable link 210 is positioned lower than a position of the bracket 214 that supports the rotatable link 210. [188] Accordingly, the user can open the picture frame panel 30 and inspect the filter 60 of the front panel 20 or an inside without supporting the picture frame panel 30. [189] Thus, at the time it is intended to clean the filter 60, the picture frame panel 30 of the present invention permits the user to replace the filter 60 easily because the lower side of the picture frame panel 30 is spaced away greatly even if the lower side of the picture frame panel 30 is not supported. [190] Moreover, it is not required to hold the picture frame panel 30 even at the time the service cover 24 of the front panel 20 is detached. [191] Moreover, even at the time the photograph or the picture on the picture frame panel

30 is replaced, the replacement of the photograph or the picture is easy because the picture frame panel 30 is projected to a lower side of the front of the indoor unit laid down with respect to the user. [192] In the meantime, as the rotation angles of the rotatable link 210 and the support link

220 are dependent on relative lengths of the rotatable link 210 and the support link

220, the rotation angles can be adjusted in a variety of ways, and the spaced distance projected forward can be set in a variety of ways. [193] Particularly, as far as the one end 220a of the support link 220 is not positioned lower than the bracket 224 that supports the support link 220, the picture frame panel

30 is supported on the support link 220, firmly. [194] Moreover, when it is intended to increase a distance between the picture frame panel and the front panel by using the link mechanism, after pulling the picture frame panel 30 forward to open the picture frame panel 30, the supporting bar 280 on the front panel 20 is rotated to fix an opened angle of the picture panel 30. [195] The supporting portion 288 of the supporting bar 280 is placed in the holding portion 289 in the back side of the picture frame base 32, to support the picture frame panel 30. [196] Therefore, if the picture frame panel 30 is secured opened further by the supporting bar 280, replacement of the filter 60 is more convenient, and replacement of the service cover 24 and repair of the indoor unit becomes easier. [197] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Thus, it is intended that the present invention cover the modifications and variations of this invention provided they come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents. Industrial Applicability

[198] As has been described, the indoor unit of an air conditioner of the present invention has the following advantages.

[199] The mounting/dismounting of the picture frame assembly on/from the picture frame base is convenient. Even if the picture frame assembly is not dismounted from the picture frame base completely, inspection or repair of the picture frame base and the picture frame assembly can be made easily.

[200] Moreover, since the picture frame panel with the picture frame base and the picture frame assembly can be spaced away from the front panel by using the link mechanism, and the space between the picture frame base and the picture frame assembly can be adjusted, inspection or repair of the indoor unit is convenient.

[201] Accordingly, the indoor unit of the present invention has a good industrial ap plicability.

Claims

[ 1 ] An indoor unit of an air conditioner comprising : a cabinet having a front panel mounted thereon; a picture frame panel having a picture frame base and a picture frame assembly hinged on the picture frame base, the picture frame panel being linked with the front panel for opening/closing the front panel; a holding device slidably mounted on one of the picture frame assembly and the picture frame base for holding the other one; and a supporter mounted on one of the picture frame assembly and the picture frame base for supporting the picture frame assembly so that the picture frame assembly maintains a fixed distance to the picture frame base at the time the picture frame assembly is opened.

[2] The indoor unit as claimed in claim 1, wherein the picture frame assembly includes; a deco-frame hinged on the picture frame base, a transparent plate placed in the deco-frame, a deco for surrounding and holding the deco-frame and the transparent plate at a time, and a display window in the deco-frame.

[3] The indoor unit as claimed in claim 1, wherein the holding device is passed through the picture frame base and secured to the picture frame assembly.

[4] The indoor unit as claimed in claim 1, wherein the picture frame base has a holding hole for mounting the holding device, and the picture frame assembly has a holding portion for joining with the holding device.

[5] The indoor unit as claimed in claim 4, wherein the holding device includes; a body placed in the holding hole, a guide projection on the body for joining with the picture frame base, and a holding projection on the body for placing in the holding portion of the picture frame assembly.

[6] The indoor unit as claimed in claim 5, wherein the holding hole in the picture frame base has a guide rail around the holding hole for guiding a direction of movement of the guide projection.

[7] The indoor unit as claimed in claim 5, wherein the guide projection is projected toward the picture frame assembly from the body for joining with a circumference of the holding hole, and moving in the holding hole.

[8] The indoor unit as claimed in claim 5, wherein the body further includes a gripping portion for preventing slipping.

[9] The indoor unit as claimed in claim 5, wherein the holding projection is projected from the body toward the picture frame assembly, and has an end bent so as to be parallel with a length direction of the holding hole.

[10] The indoor unit as claimed in claim 1, wherein the supporter has a stick rotatably connected to one of the picture frame base and the picture frame assembly.

[11] The indoor unit as claimed in claim 1, wherein the supporter includes; a connection portion hinged one of the picture frame base and the picture frame assembly, and an end portion extended from the connection portion for holding the other one of the picture frame base and the picture frame assembly.

[12] The indoor unit as claimed in claim 1, wherein the supporter further includes a supporting portion to be in contact with the back side of the picture frame assembly for supporting the picture frame assembly.

[13] The indoor unit as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a cross ridge formed at one of the picture frame base and the picture frame assembly for holding an end of the supporter.

[14] The indoor unit as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a supporter guiding portion formed at one of the picture frame base and the picture frame assembly for guiding sliding of the supporter.

[15] The indoor unit as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a receiving portion formed at one of the picture frame base and the picture frame assembly for receiving the supporter.

[16] The indoor unit as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a supporter holder formed at one of the picture frame assembly and the supporter for securing the supporter to the picture frame assembly.

[17] The indoor unit as claimed in claim 16, wherein the supporter holder includes; a holding groove in one of the picture frame assembly and the supporter, and a hook on one of the picture frame assembly and the supporter for being placed in the holding groove to hold the supporter at the time of storing the supporter.

[ 18] An indoor unit of an air conditioner comprising: a cabinet having a front panel mounted thereon; a picture frame panel having a picture frame base and a picture frame assembly hinged on the picture frame base, the picture frame panel being linked with the front panel for opening/closing the front panel; a link mechanism hinged both on the front panel and the picture frame panel; and a supporting bar fastened to one of the front panel and the picture frame panel for supporting the other one.

[19] The indoor unit as claimed in claim 18, wherein the supporting bar includes; one pair of shaft portions rotatably joined with both sides of the front panel, bar portions respectively extended from and perpendicular to the one pair of shaft portions, and a supporting portion extended from and perpendicular to the bar portion.

[20] The indoor unit as claimed in claim 18, wherein the picture frame panel further includes a holding portion for placing the supporting bar therein.

[21] The indoor unit as claimed in claim 20, wherein the holding portion is a groove for placing in the supporting bar.

[22] The indoor unit as claimed in claim 20, wherein the link mechanism includes; a rotatable link hinged both on the front panel and the picture frame panel, and a support link under the rotatable link, the support link hinged both on the front panel and the picture frame panel, the support link having a picture frame arm hinged on the picture frame panel and a panel arm hinged on the front panel so as to be movable relative to the picture frame arm.