WO2022131646A1

WO2022131646A1 - Air conditioner

Info

Publication number: WO2022131646A1
Application number: PCT/KR2021/018337
Authority: WO
Inventors: 오동경; 김동현; 오정교; 홍진우
Original assignee: 삼성전자주식회사
Priority date: 2020-12-16
Filing date: 2021-12-06
Publication date: 2022-06-23
Also published as: KR20220086425A

Abstract

Disclosed is an air conditioner comprising a flow rate adjusting device. An air conditioner comprises: a housing provided with first and second discharge ports; a ventilation fan arranged in the housing; a heat exchanger exchanging heat with air discharged from the ventilation fan; a first flow path which guides the air that has passed through the heat exchanger to the first discharge port; a second flow path which is connected to the first flow path and guides the air that has passed through the heat exchanger to the second discharge port; and a flow rate adjusting device which is provided to adjust the flow rate of the air guided to the first discharge port and the second discharge port, wherein the flow rate adjusting device comprises: a damper which is arranged on the first flow path and can block the flow of some air in the first flow path to the first discharge port so that the flow rate guided to the first discharge port can be reduced; and a valve which is arranged between the first flow path and the second flow path, and allows the first flow path and the second flow path selectively to be in communication with each other so that some of the air in the first flow path is moved to the second flow path and the flow rate in the second flow path can be increased.

Description

air conditioner

The present disclosure relates to an air conditioner, and more particularly, to an air conditioner having an improved flow rate control structure.

An air conditioner is a device that uses a refrigeration cycle to keep indoor air comfortable for human activity. An air conditioner can cool a room by a repeated action of sucking in hot air from the room, heat exchange with a low-temperature refrigerant, and then discharging it into the room, or can heat the room by the opposite action.

The air conditioner may be provided with a plurality of outlets to discharge cold air in a plurality of directions, and the air conditioner is a flow rate control device provided to appropriately distribute the flow rate of the cold air supplied to each of the plurality of outlets according to the needs of the user. may include

One aspect of the present disclosure relates to an air conditioner including a plurality of outlets, which can control a flow rate of air supplied to the plurality of outlets.

An air conditioner according to the spirit of the present disclosure includes a housing provided with first and second outlets; a blowing fan disposed inside the housing; a heat exchanger exchanging heat with the air discharged from the blower fan; a first flow path for guiding the air passing through the heat exchanger to the first outlet; a second flow path connected to the first flow path and guiding the air passing through the heat exchanger to the second outlet; and a flow rate control device provided to adjust the flow rate of air guided to the first outlet and the second outlet, wherein the flow rate control device is disposed on the first flow path and guided to the first outlet a damper capable of blocking a portion of the air of the first flow path from flowing to the first outlet so that the flow rate can be reduced; and disposed between the first flow path and the second flow path, the first flow path and the second flow path such that a portion of the air in the first flow path is moved to the second flow path to increase the flow rate of the second flow path. It may include; a valve for selectively communicating the flow path.

It may further include first and second blades provided to open and close a corresponding one of the first and second outlets.

The damper may divide the first flow path into a venting part communicating with the first outlet and an isolated part not communicating with the first outlet, the first and second blades are opened and the first flow path is closed by the damper When partitioned, the valve may communicate the first flow path and the second flow path so that the air of the isolation part can move to the second flow path.

When the first and second blades are opened and the damper does not block the flow of a portion of the air of the first flow path toward the first outlet, the valve may divide the first flow path and the second flow path have.

When the first blade is closed and the second blade is open and the damper does not block the flow of some of the air in the first flow path towards the first outlet, the valve closes the first flow path and the second flow path. Euro can be connected.

The valve may be rotatably disposed at a point where the first flow passage and the second flow passage are connected, and as the valve rotates, a point where the first flow passage and the second flow passage are connected may be opened or closed.

When the valve opens a point where the first flow path and the second flow path are connected, the air in the first flow path may move to the second flow path, and the valve opens the first flow path and the second flow path. When closing the connecting point, the air flow between the first flow path and the second flow path may be blocked.

The valve includes a damper valve provided to block an air flow between the first flow path and the second flow path, and a guide fan that sucks air from the first flow path and supplies it to the second flow path, the damper valve may selectively cover the guide pan.

When the damper valve is closed, the air flow between the first flow path and the second flow path is blocked, and when the damper valve is opened and the guide fan is turned on, the air in the first flow path moves to the second flow path. can be moved in euros.

The first flow path and the second flow path may be formed between the housing and the heat exchanger.

The blowing fan may include a centrifugal fan, and the heat exchanger may cover the centrifugal fan in a radial direction of the centrifugal fan.

The damper may divide the first flow path into a venting part communicating with the first outlet and an isolated part not communicating with the first outlet, and when the first flow path is partitioned by the damper, discharge from the blower fan The exhausted air may be introduced into the ventilation unit and the isolation unit through the heat exchanger.

The damper is a first damper, and the flow rate control device is disposed on the second flow path, and a portion of air in the second flow path flows to the second outlet so that the flow rate guided to the second outlet can be reduced. It may further include a second damper capable of blocking the operation.

The damper may include a pair of dampers disposed on both sides of the first outlet.

The damper may be rotatable about a rotation shaft provided at one end.

An air conditioner according to the spirit of the present disclosure includes a housing provided with first and second outlets; first and second blades provided to open and close the first and second outlets; a blowing fan disposed inside the housing and discharging air in a radial direction; a heat exchanger covering the blowing fan in a radial direction of the blowing fan and heat-exchanging the air discharged from the blowing fan; a blowing passage formed between the housing and the heat exchanger and guiding the air passing through the heat exchanger to the first and second outlets; and a first air flow passage which is rotatably disposed on the air flow passage, and selectively communicates the air flow passage with the first outlet as the air passage is opened and closed at the arranged position, and a second air passage communicating with the second outlet It may include; a plurality of damper valves partitioning the air flow passage.

The plurality of damper valves may include a first damper valve disposed adjacent to the first outlet, a second damper valve disposed adjacent to the second outlet, and the first damper valve and the second damper along the air flow path. It may include a third damper valve arranged between the damper valves.

When the first and second blades are opened, the first damper valve is closed, the second damper valve is opened, and the third air flow passage has a volume greater than that of the first air flow passage. The damper valve may be open.

When the first and second blades are opened, the first damper valve is opened, the second damper valve is opened, and the third damper valve is opened so that the first air flow passage and the second air flow passage are symmetrical. can be closed

When the first blade is closed and the second blade is opened, the first to third damper valves may be opened.

The air conditioner according to the present disclosure is provided with a flow rate control device therein, and the user may control the air distribution to the plurality of outlets by manipulating the flow rate control device as needed.

1 is a perspective view of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the air conditioner shown in FIG. 1 .

3 is a bottom perspective view of the main housing shown in FIG. 2 .

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the damper shown in FIG. 3 .

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the valve shown in FIG. 3 ;

6 is a view illustrating a flow rate control device when the air conditioner shown in FIG. 1 operates in an equalization mode.

7 is a view illustrating a flow rate control device when the air conditioner shown in FIG. 1 operates in a biased mode.

8 is a view illustrating a flow rate control device when the air conditioner shown in FIG. 1 operates in a one-way mode.

9 is a bottom perspective view illustrating a body housing of an air conditioner according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

10 is a view showing a closed state of the valve shown in FIG.

11 is a view showing an open state of the valve shown in FIG.

12 is a perspective view illustrating the valve shown in FIG. 11 from another angle;

13 is a view illustrating a flow rate control device when the air conditioner shown in FIG. 9 operates in an equalization mode.

14 is a view illustrating a flow rate control device when the air conditioner shown in FIG. 9 operates in a biased mode.

FIG. 15 is an enlarged view of area A of FIG. 14 .

16 is a view illustrating a flow rate control device when the air conditioner shown in FIG. 9 operates in a one-way mode.

The configuration shown in the embodiments and drawings described in this specification is only a preferred example of the disclosed invention, and there may be various modifications that can be substituted for the embodiments and drawings of the present specification at the time of filing of the present application.

In addition, the same reference numerals or reference numerals in each drawing of the present specification indicate parts or components that perform substantially the same functions.

In addition, the terminology used herein is used to describe the embodiments, and is not intended to limit and/or limit the disclosed invention. The singular expression includes the plural expression unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. In the present specification, terms such as “comprise” or “have” are intended to designate that a feature, number, step, operation, component, part, or combination thereof described in the specification exists, but one or more other features It does not preclude the possibility of the presence or addition of numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

In addition, terms including an ordinal number, such as "first", "second", etc. used herein may be used to describe various elements, but the elements are not limited by the terms, and the terms are It is used only for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another. For example, without departing from the scope of the present invention, a first component may be referred to as a second component, and similarly, a second component may also be referred to as a first component. The term “and/or” includes a combination of a plurality of related listed items or any of a plurality of related listed items.

On the other hand, the terms "front", "rear", "upper" and "lower" used in the following description are defined based on the drawings, and the shape and position of each component is not limited by these terms. Meanwhile, based on the coordinate axes shown in the drawings, the X-axis direction may be referred to as a front-back direction, the Y-axis direction may be referred to as a left-right direction, and the Z-axis direction may be referred to as an up-down direction.

The refrigeration cycle of an air conditioner consists of a compressor, a condenser, an expansion valve, and an evaporator. The refrigeration cycle repeats a series of processes consisting of compression-condensation-expansion-evaporation, and after heat exchange between high-temperature air and low-temperature refrigerant, low-temperature air is supplied to the room.

The compressor compresses and discharges the refrigerant gas in a high-temperature and high-pressure state, and the discharged refrigerant gas flows into the condenser. The condenser condenses the compressed refrigerant into a liquid phase and releases heat to the surroundings through the condensation process. The expansion valve expands the high-temperature and high-pressure liquid refrigerant condensed in the condenser into the low-pressure liquid refrigerant. The evaporator evaporates the refrigerant expanded in the expansion valve. The evaporator uses the latent heat of evaporation of the refrigerant to achieve a refrigeration effect by heat exchange with the object to be cooled, and returns the refrigerant gas in the low-temperature and low-pressure phase to the compressor. Through this cycle, the air temperature in the indoor space can be adjusted.

The outdoor unit of the air conditioner refers to a part of the refrigeration cycle consisting of a compressor and an outdoor heat exchanger. The expansion valve may be located in either an indoor unit or an outdoor unit, and the indoor heat exchanger is located in an indoor unit of the air conditioner. When the indoor heat exchanger is used as a condenser, the air conditioner may become a heater, and when used as an evaporator, the air conditioner may become a cooler. Hereinafter, for convenience, an indoor unit including an indoor heat exchanger is referred to as an air conditioner, and an indoor heat exchanger is referred to as a heat exchanger.

Hereinafter, an embodiment according to the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

1 is a perspective view of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the air conditioner shown in FIG. 1 . 3 is a bottom perspective view of the main housing shown in FIG. 2 . FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the damper shown in FIG. 3 . FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the valve shown in FIG. 3 ;

1 to 5 , the air conditioner 1 may include a housing 10 forming an exterior. The housing 10 may be installed to be embedded in the ceiling.

Unlike the wall-mounted air conditioner and the stand air conditioner, the ceiling-type air conditioner 1 is installed in a state embedded in the ceiling, and thus has the advantage of increasing the utilization of indoor space. In this detailed description, although the ceiling type air conditioner 1 is described as an example, it is not limited thereto. That is, the spirit of the present disclosure may be applied to a wall-mounted air conditioner or a stand air conditioner.

The housing 10 may include a body housing 11 and a cover housing 12 . The body housing 11 may have an accommodating space therein. The main body housing 11 may have a bottom surface open downward. The heat exchanger 40 , the blowing fan 30 , etc. may be accommodated in the accommodation space. The cover housing 12 may be coupled to the body housing 11 to cover the accommodation space. The cover housing 12 may be disposed on a bottom surface of the main housing 11 .

The housing 10 may include an inlet 13 and

outlet ports

14 and 15 formed in the cover housing 12 . The

outlets

14 and 15 may include a first outlet 14 and a second outlet 15 . The first outlet 14 and the second outlet 15 may be disposed on both sides of the cover housing 12 . The inlet 13 may be disposed between the first outlet 14 and the second outlet 15 . That is, the first outlet 14 and the second outlet 15 may be disposed on both sides of the inlet 13 , respectively.

The first outlet 14 and the second outlet 15 may extend in one direction. Referring to the drawings, each of the first outlet 14 and the second outlet 15 may extend in the front-rear direction (X). The first outlet 14 and the second outlet 15 may be provided symmetrically.

Air outside the air conditioner 1 through the inlet 13 may be introduced into the housing 10, and the air inside the housing 10 through the

outlets

14 and 15 is outside the air conditioner 1 can be emitted as

The air conditioner 1 may include first and

second blades

21 and 22 . The first and

second blades

21 and 22 may be rotatably coupled to the cover housing 12 . The first blade 21 may open and close the first outlet 14 , and the second blade 22 may open and close the second outlet 15 .

The air conditioner 1 may include a blowing fan 30 . The blowing fan 30 may include a plurality of blowing fans 30 . The blower fan 30 may be accommodated in the receiving space of the main housing 11 and rotatably fixed to the main housing 11 . The blowing fan 30 may be provided at a position corresponding to the suction port 13 . That is, the blowing fan 30 may be disposed above the suction port 13 .

The blowing fan 30 may include a centrifugal fan. In detail, the blowing fan 30 may be formed of a turbo fan. The rotation shaft R of the blower fan 30 may be provided parallel to the vertical direction Z. The blowing fan 30 may discharge air sucked from below in a radial direction of the blowing fan 30 perpendicular to the vertical direction Z.

The air conditioner 1 may include a heat exchanger 40 that exchanges heat with the air discharged from the blower fan 30 .

The heat exchanger 40 may have a hollow column shape extending in the vertical direction (Z). The blowing fan 30 may be accommodated in an inner space of the heat exchanger 40 . The heat exchanger 40 may cover the blowing fan 30 in the radial direction of the blowing fan 30 . Air discharged in the radial direction of the blowing fan 30 by the blowing fan 30 passes through the heat exchanger 40 , and may exchange heat with the heat exchanger 40 while passing through the heat exchanger 40 .

The air conditioner 1 has a first flow path 51 for guiding the air discharged from the blowing fan 30 and passing through the heat exchanger 40 to the first outlet 14, and is discharged from the blowing fan 30. A second flow path 52 for guiding the air passing through the heat exchanger 40 to the second outlet 15 may be included. The first flow path 51 and the second flow path 52 may be connected to each other. The first flow passage 51 and the second flow passage 52 in a state of being connected to each other may be referred to as an air blowing passage 50 as one body. The first flow path 51 and the second flow path 52 may be provided substantially symmetrically.

The air flow passage 50 may be formed between the housing 10 and the heat exchanger 40 . That is, the air flow passage 50 may correspond to a spaced apart space between the body housing 11 and the heat exchanger 40 . The blower passage 50 may be disposed above the first and

second outlets

14 and 15 , and may communicate with the first and

second outlets

14 and 15 . That is, the first flow path 51 may communicate with the first outlet 14 , and the second flow path 52 may communicate with the second outlet 15 .

The air conditioner 1 may include a flow rate control device 100 provided to adjust the flow rate of air discharged from the blower fan 30 and guided to the first outlet 14 and the second outlet 15 . . The flow rate control device 100 may be disposed on the air flow passage 50 .

The flow rate control device 100 is disposed adjacent to the

outlets

14 and 15 and between the

dampers

111 and 112 capable of blocking the flow of air on the air flow passage 50 , and the first flow passage 51 and the second flow passage 52 . It may include a valve 120 disposed in the first flow passage 51 and the second flow passage 52 to selectively communicate. Since the

dampers

111 and 112 and the valve 120 are devices that partially open and close the air flow passage 50 to control the air flowing through the air flow passage 50 , they may be referred to as damper valves. That is, the first damper 111 , the second damper 112 , and the valve 120 may be sequentially referred to as a first damper valve, a second damper valve, and a third damper valve.

The

dampers

111 and 112 may be rotatably disposed on the first flow path 51 or the second flow path 52 . The

dampers

111 and 112 may open and close the first flow path 51 or the second flow path 52 according to the degree of rotation.

The flow rate regulating device 100 is disposed on the first flow path 51 and a portion of the air of the first flow path 51 is transferred to the first outlet 14 so that the flow rate of the air guided to the first outlet 14 can be reduced. ) may include a first damper 111 that can block the flow.

The first damper 111 may include a pair of first dampers 111 . The pair of first dampers 111 may be provided in mirror symmetry with each other. A pair of first dampers 111 may be disposed on both sides of the first outlet 14 . That is, the first outlet 14 is disposed between the pair of first dampers 111 , one of the pair of first dampers 111 , the first outlet 14 , and the pair of first dampers 111 . ) of the other one may be arranged in a line in the direction in which the first outlet 14 extends.

The flow rate control device 100 is disposed on the second flow path 52, so that the flow rate of the air guided to the second outlet 15 can be reduced, a portion of the air of the second flow path 52 is removed from the second outlet ( 15) may include a second damper 112 that can block the flow.

The second damper 112 may include a pair of second dampers 112 . The pair of second dampers 112 may be provided in mirror symmetry with each other. A pair of second dampers 112 may be disposed on both sides of the second outlet 15 . That is, the second outlet 15 is disposed between the pair of second dampers 112 , one of the pair of second dampers 112 , the second outlet 15 , and the pair of second dampers 112 . ) of the other one may be arranged in a line in the direction in which the second outlet 15 extends.

The first damper 111 and the second damper 112 may be provided in mirror symmetry with each other. The shape of the first damper 111 as an example will be described with reference to FIG. 4 , and all of these descriptions may also be applied to the second damper 112 .

The

dampers

111 and 112 may include a damper plate 111a having a shape of a plate bent to have a curvature, and a rotation shaft 111b provided at one end of the damper plate 111a and extending in the vertical direction Z. The

dampers

111 and 112 may include a guide surface 111c that is a curved surface formed on the damper plate 111a to guide the flow of air flowing through the airflow passage 50 to the

outlets

14 and 15 . The rotating shaft 111b may be rotatably coupled to the main housing 11 , and the

dampers

111 and 112 may be rotatably provided on the airflow passage 50 about the rotating shaft 111b.

The air conditioner 1 shown in the drawing includes a pair of first dampers 111 and a pair of second dampers 112, but is not limited thereto. For example, the air conditioner 1 may include only a pair of first dampers 111 . As another example, the air conditioner may include only one first damper 111 . As another example, the air conditioner 1 may include only one first damper 111 and one second damper 112 .

The valve 120 of the flow rate control device 100 may be rotatably disposed at a point where the first flow path 51 and the second flow path 52 are connected. The valve 120 may be arranged between the first damper 111 and the second damper 112 along the air flow passage 50 . The valve 120 may include a pair of valves 120 .

The valve 120 includes a damper plate 120a having a shape corresponding to the cross section of the air flow passage 50 at the point where the first flow passage 51 and the second flow passage 52 are connected, and approximately of the damper plate 120a. It may include a rotation shaft 120b provided in the center and extending in the vertical direction (Z). The rotation shaft 120b may be rotatably coupled to the body housing 11 , and the valve 120 may be rotatably provided on the air flow passage 50 about the rotation shaft 120b. A rounding corresponding to the rounding formed at the edge of the inner surface of the body housing 11 may be formed at the edge of the damper plate 120a in contact with the inner surface of the body housing 11 .

When the valve 120 is arranged side by side in the forward and backward direction (X), the air flow passage 50 is closed, and when the valve 120 is arranged side by side in the left and right direction (Y), the air flow passage 50 can be opened. have. That is, the valve 120 may open and close a point at which the first flow path 51 and the second flow path 52 are connected as the valve 120 rotates. The valve 120 may selectively partition the first flow path 51 and the second flow path 52 .

6 is a view illustrating a flow rate control device when the air conditioner shown in FIG. 1 operates in an equalization mode. 7 is a view illustrating a flow rate control device when the air conditioner shown in FIG. 1 operates in a biased mode. 8 is a view illustrating a flow rate control device when the air conditioner shown in FIG. 1 operates in a one-way mode.

An operation of the air conditioner will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 6 to 8 .

Referring to FIG. 6 , when the first outlet 14 is opened by the first blade 21 and the second outlet 15 is opened by the second blade 22 , the air conditioner 1 ) may be operated in an equalization mode in which the air discharged from the blowing fan 30 is guided to each of the first outlet 14 and the second outlet 15 at approximately the same flow rate.

In the equalization mode, the first damper 111 may not block the air flow of the first flow path 51 toward the first outlet 14 . The first damper 111 may open the first flow path 51 . The first damper 111 may guide the air of the first flow path 51 to the first outlet 14 .

In the equalization mode, the second damper 112 may not block the air flow of the second flow path 52 toward the second outlet 15 . The second damper 112 may open the second flow path 52 . The second damper 112 may guide the air of the second flow path 52 to the second outlet 15 .

In the equalization mode, the valve 120 may close the air flow path 50 , and the first flow path 51 and the second flow path 52 may be partitioned so as not to communicate with each other by the valve 120 . Specifically, the valve 120 may close a point where the first flow path 51 and the second flow path 52 are connected.

On the other hand, it can be seen that the air flow passage 50 is divided into a first air flow passage communicating with the first outlet 14 and a second air passage communicating with the second outlet 15 by the damper valve 120 . In the equalization mode, the first flow passage 51 may correspond to the first air flow passage and the second flow passage 52 may correspond to the second air flow passage. In the equalization mode, the first air flow passage and the second air flow passage may be formed symmetrically.

As described above, since the flow of air between the first flow path 51 and the second flow path 52 may be blocked by the valve 120 , the air introduced into the first flow path 51 only flows through the first outlet 14 . and the air introduced into the second flow path 52 flows only through the second outlet 15 . Since the first flow path 51 and the second flow path 52 are symmetrically provided, the flow rate of air flowing through each flow path is also the same. Therefore, regardless of the angle of the first and

second blades

21 and 22 and/or the degree of opening of the first and

second outlets

14 and 15 by the first and

second blades

21 and 22, the first outlet 14 ) and the second outlet 15, respectively, the air of the same flow rate may be supplied by the first and

second flow passages

51 and 52, and the air supplied to each

outlet

14 and 15 is supplied to the air conditioner 1 ) can be discharged to the outside.

Referring to FIG. 7 , when the first outlet 14 is opened by the first blade 21 and the second outlet 15 is opened by the second blade 22 , the air conditioner 1 ) may be operated in a biased mode in which the flow rate of air guided to one of the first outlet 14 and the second outlet 15 is greater than the flow rate of air guided to the other one.

Hereinafter, a case in which the air conditioner 1 is operated so that the flow rate of the air guided to the second outlet 15 is greater than the flow rate of the air guided to the first outlet 14 will be exemplarily described. it is not When the description of the first damper 111 described below is applied to the second damper 112 and the description of the second damper 112 described below is applied to the first damper 111, air conditioning The unit 1 may be operated in a biased mode such that a flow rate of air guided to the first outlet 14 is greater than a flow rate of air guided to the second outlet 15 .

In the biased mode, the first damper 111 may block some of the air in the first flow path 51 facing the first outlet 14 to prevent it from reaching the first outlet 14 . The first damper 111 may close the first flow path 51 . The first damper 111 may divide the first flow path 51 into a ventilation part 51b communicating with the first outlet 14 and an isolation part 51a communicating with the first outlet 14 .

Specifically, the ventilation portion 51b may correspond to a portion between the first outlet 14 and the first damper 111 among the first flow passages 51 , and the isolated portion 51a is formed in the first flow passage 51 . Among them, it may correspond to a portion between a point connected to the first damper 111 and the second flow path 52 . That is, the ventilation portion 51b may be in communication with the second flow passage 52 , and the isolated portion 51a may communicate with the second flow passage 52 .

In the biased mode, the second damper 112 may not block the air flow of the second flow path 52 toward the second outlet 15 . The second damper 112 may open the second flow path 52 . The second damper 112 may guide the air of the second flow path 52 to the second outlet 15 .

In the biased mode, the valve 120 may open the air flow passage 50 . The first flow path 51 and the second flow path 52 may communicate with each other by the valve 120 . Specifically, the isolated portion 51a of the first flow path 51 partitioned by the first damper 111 may communicate with the second flow path 52 .

Air discharged from the blower fan 30 may pass through the heat exchanger 40 and be supplied to the ventilation part 51b and the isolation part 51a of the first flow path 51 . The air supplied to the ventilation part 51b is discharged to the first outlet 14, and the air supplied to the isolation part 51a cannot be moved to the first outlet 14, but is moved to the second flow path 52 to 2 may be discharged through the outlet (15).

On the other hand, it can be seen that the air flow passage 50 is divided into a first air flow passage communicating with the first outlet 14 and a second air passage communicating with the second outlet 15 by the damper valve 111 . In the biased mode, the ventilation portion 51b of the first flow passage 51 corresponds to the first air flow passage, and the second flow passage 52 and the isolated portion 51a of the first flow passage 51 are the second air flow passages. may apply to In the biased mode, the volume of the second air flow passage may be larger than the volume of the first air flow passage.

In this way, since some of the air in the first flow path 51 moves to the second flow path 52 and is discharged to the second outlet 15 , in the unbalanced mode, the air conditioner 1 moves to the second outlet 15 . The flow rate of the air discharged to the first outlet 14 can be made larger than the flow rate of the air discharged to the. Accordingly, the user may adjust the air conditioner 1 so that more cool air is discharged to a desired outlet among the first and

second outlets

14 and 15 as necessary.

Referring to FIG. 8 , when one of the first and

second blades

21 and 22 closes one of the corresponding

outlets

14 and 15 and the other is in an open state, the air conditioner 1 is a blower fan It can be operated in a one-way mode in which the air discharged in (30) is discharged only through an open outlet.

Hereinafter, the first blade 21 closes the first outlet 14 and the second blade 22 opens the second outlet 15 to discharge air only through the second outlet 15 It is operated in a one-way mode The case will be described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and in the arrangement state of the first and

second dampers

111 and 112 and the valve 120 to be described later, the second blade 22 closes the second outlet 15 and the first blade 21 closes the first When the first outlet 14 is opened, the air conditioner 1 may be operated in a one-way mode in which air is discharged only through the first outlet 14 .

In the one-way mode, the first damper 111 may not block the air flow of the first flow path 51 toward the first outlet 14 . The first damper 111 may open the first flow path 51 .

In the one-way mode, the second damper 112 may not block the air flow of the second flow path 52 toward the second outlet 15 . The second damper 112 may open the second flow path 52 . The second damper 112 may guide the air of the blower passage 50 to the second outlet 15 .

In the one-way mode, the valve 120 may open the air flow passage 50 . The first flow path 51 and the second flow path 52 may be integrally communicated with each other without being partitioned by the valve 120 .

As such, in the one-way mode, since the first outlet 14 is closed by the first blade 21 , all of the air supplied to the first flow path 51 and the second flow path 52 is supplied to the second outlet 15 . can be released through The user may operate the air conditioner 1 so that cold air is discharged through only one of the first outlet 14 and the second outlet 15 for intensive cooling in a desired direction.

9 is a bottom perspective view illustrating a body housing of an air conditioner according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. 10 is a view showing a closed state of the valve shown in FIG. 11 is a view showing an open state of the valve shown in FIG. 12 is a perspective view illustrating the valve shown in FIG. 11 from another angle;

An air conditioner according to another embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 9 to 12 . Content overlapping with the above will be omitted.

The valve 220 includes a damper valve 221 disposed at a point where the first flow path 51 and the second flow path 52 are connected to block the flow of air, the first flow path 51 and the second flow path 52 . ) may include a guide fan 223 that forms an airflow therebetween, and a frame 222 on which the damper valve 221 and the guide fan 223 are supported. The valve 220 may include a pair of valves 220 .

The guide fan 223 may be rotatably fixed to the frame 222 . The guide fan 223 may be driven by a motor (not shown), and the motor may be supported by the frame 222 . The guide fan 223 may include a plurality of guide fans 223 . The guide fan 223 may be selectively turned on and off.

The damper valve 221 has a shape corresponding to the cross section of the air flow passage 50 at the point where the first flow passage 51 and the second flow passage 52 are connected, and is provided at one end of the damper valve 221 and a frame 222 ) may include a rotating shaft 224 that is rotatably coupled to. The rotation shaft 224 may extend in the vertical direction (Z).

The damper valve 221 may selectively cover the guide fan 223 . Specifically, the frame 222 forms a communication path 225 through which the guide fan 223 is disposed and the first flow path 51 and the second flow path 52 communicate with each other, and the damper valve 221 adjusts to the degree of rotation. Accordingly, the communication path 225 may be opened and closed, and when the damper valve 221 is closed, the communication path 225 may be closed and the guide fan 223 may be covered.

When the damper valve 221 is closed, the valve 220 closes the air flow path 50 at the point where the first flow path 51 and the second flow path 52 are connected, and the first flow path 51 and the second flow path (52) can be partitioned so as not to communicate with each other. When the damper valve 221 is opened, the valve 220 opens the air flow passage 50 at a point where the first flow passage 51 and the second flow passage 52 are connected, and the first flow passage 51 and the second flow passage. (52) can be made to communicate with each other.

13 is a view illustrating a flow rate control device when the air conditioner shown in FIG. 9 operates in an equalization mode. 14 is a view illustrating a flow rate control device when the air conditioner shown in FIG. 9 operates in a biased mode. FIG. 15 is an enlarged view of area A of FIG. 14 . 16 is a view illustrating a flow rate control device when the air conditioner shown in FIG. 9 operates in a one-way mode.

The operation of the valve in each mode will be described with reference to FIGS. 13 to 16 .

When operating in the equalization mode, the damper valve 221 of the valve 220 may be in a closed state and the guide fan 223 may be in a non-operating state.

At this time, the flow of air between the first flow path 51 and the second flow path 52 may be blocked by the valve 220 , and the air introduced into the first flow path 51 may only flow through the first outlet 14 . and the air introduced into the second flow path 52 may flow only through the second outlet 15 . Since the first flow path 51 and the second flow path 52 are symmetrically provided, the flow rate of air flowing through each flow path is also the same. Therefore, regardless of the angle of the first and

second blades

21 and 22 and/or the degree of opening of the first and

second outlets

14 and 15 by the first and

second blades

second flow passages

51 and 52, and the air supplied to each

outlet

In the biased mode or one-way mode, the damper valve 221 of the valve 220 may be in an open state and the guide fan 223 may operate. 14 is a view showing a biased mode in which a larger flow rate of air is supplied to the second outlet 15 than the first outlet 14, and FIG. 16 is a one-way mode in which air is discharged to the second outlet 15. 14, the guide fan 223 may suck in air from the isolated portion 51a of the first flow path 51 and supply it to the second flow path 52 in the same situation as in FIG. 14, and in the same situation as in FIG. 16 Also, the guide fan 223 may suck in air from the first flow path 51 and supply it to the second flow path 52 .

When the motor for driving the guide fan 223 is a motor rotatable in only one direction, the guide fan 223 provided in one of the pair of valves 220 sucks air from the first flow path 51 to make the second The guide fan 223 provided to supply to the flow passage 52 and provided in the other one may be provided to suck air from the second flow passage 52 and supply it to the first flow passage 51 .

Meanwhile, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, each of the pair of valves 220 includes a plurality of guide fans 223 , and each of the pair of valves 220 sucks air from the first flow path 51 into the second flow path 52 . It may include both a guide fan 223 provided to supply, and a guide fan 223 provided to suck air from the second flow path 52 and supply it to the first flow path 51 .

14 to 16 , only the guide fan 223 provided to suck air from the first flow path 51 and supply it to the second flow path 52 operates, and sucks air from the second flow path 52 . Accordingly, the guide fan 223 provided to be supplied to the first flow path 51 may not operate. When operated in a biased mode to supply a larger flow rate than the second outlet 15 to the first outlet 14 or operated in a one-way mode in which air is discharged to the first outlet 14, the air in the second flow path 52 The guide fan 223 provided to suck in and supply to the first flow path 51 is operated, and the guide fan 223 is provided to suck air from the first flow path 51 and supply it to the second flow path 52 . may not work.

However, the present invention is not limited thereto. The motor driving the guide fan 223 may be a motor rotatable in both directions. In this case, in the same situation as in FIGS. 14 to 16 , all of the guide fans 223 provided in the pair of valves 220 are operated to suck air from the first flow path 51 and supply it to the second flow path 52 . have. A pair of valves 220 when operated in a biased mode to supply a larger flow rate to the first outlet 14 than the second outlet 15, or in a one-way mode in which air is discharged to the first outlet 14 All of the guide fans 223 provided in the air may be operated to suck air from the second flow path 52 and supply it to the first flow path 51 .

In the above, specific embodiments have been shown and described. However, it is not limited only to the above-described embodiments, and those of ordinary skill in the art to which the invention pertains can make various changes without departing from the spirit of the invention described in the claims below. .

Claims

a housing provided with first and second outlets;

a blowing fan disposed inside the housing;

a heat exchanger exchanging heat with the air discharged from the blower fan;

a first flow path for guiding the air passing through the heat exchanger to the first outlet;

a second flow path connected to the first flow path and guiding the air passing through the heat exchanger to the second outlet; and

Including; and a flow rate control device provided to adjust the flow rate of air guided to the first outlet and the second outlet;

The flow control device is

a damper disposed on the first flow path to reduce a flow rate of air guided to the first outlet; and

The first flow path and the second flow path are disposed between the first flow path and the second flow path, and a portion of the air of the first flow path is moved to the second flow path to increase the flow rate of the second flow path. A valve for selectively communicating with; Air conditioner comprising a.
The method of claim 1,

The air conditioner further comprising first and second blades provided to open and close a corresponding one of the first and second outlets.
3. The method of claim 2,

The damper is

The first flow path may be divided into a ventilation part communicating with the first outlet and an isolated part communicating with the first outlet,

When the first and second blades are opened and the first flow path is partitioned by the damper, the valve communicates the first flow path and the second flow path so that the air of the isolation part can move to the second flow path Air conditioner that lets you do it.
3. The method of claim 2,

When the first and second blades are opened and the damper does not block the flow of a portion of the air of the first flow path toward the first outlet, the valve opens the air dividing the first flow path and the second flow path. harmonizer.
3. The method of claim 2,

When the first blade is closed and the second blade is open and the damper does not block the flow of some of the air in the first flow path towards the first outlet, the valve closes the first flow path and the second An air conditioner that connects the flow path.
According to claim 1,

The valve is rotatably disposed at a point where the first flow path and the second flow path are connected,

As the valve rotates, a point where the first flow path and the second flow path are connected is opened or closed.
7. The method of claim 6,

When the valve opens a point where the first flow path and the second flow path are connected, the air in the first flow path may be moved to the second flow path,

When the valve closes a point where the first flow path and the second flow path are connected, the air flow between the first flow path and the second flow path is blocked.
According to claim 1,

the valve is

a damper valve provided to block the air flow between the first flow path and the second flow path; and a guide fan that sucks in air from the first flow path and supplies it to the second flow path,

The damper valve selectively covers the guide fan.
9. The method of claim 8,

When the damper valve is closed, the air flow between the first flow path and the second flow path is blocked,

When the damper valve is opened and the guide fan is turned on, the air in the first flow path moves to the second flow path.
According to claim 1,

The first flow path and the second flow path are formed between the housing and the heat exchanger.
11. The method of claim 10,

The blowing fan includes a centrifugal fan,

The heat exchanger is an air conditioner that covers the centrifugal fan in a radial direction of the centrifugal fan.
12. The method of claim 11,

The damper may divide the first flow path into a ventilation part communicating with the first outlet and an isolation part communicating with the first outlet,

When the first flow path is partitioned by the damper, the air discharged from the blower fan passes through the heat exchanger and flows into the ventilation unit and the isolation unit.
According to claim 1,

The damper is a first damper,

The flow control device is

The air conditioner further comprising a second damper disposed on the second flow path to reduce the flow rate guided to the second outlet.
According to claim 1,

The damper is an air conditioner including a pair of dampers disposed on both sides of the first outlet.
The method of claim 1,

The damper is an air conditioner rotatable about a rotation shaft provided at one end.