Air conditioning unit

Abstract

An air conditioner includes a discharge blade configured to move between a guided position in which the direction of air blown by the blower fan and discharged to an outlet is controlled, and a closed position in which the outlet is closed, wherein the discharge blade includes a plurality of blade holes through which air is discharged through the discharge blade in the closed position, wherein the discharge blade moves between the guided position and the closed position and controls the flow of air from the blower fan to the discharge or outlet plate. Through this configuration, the flow of air discharged out of the chamber can be controlled by the operation of the discharge blade.

Description

Description Invention title: Air conditioner Technical background [1] The following description relates to an air conditioner, and specifically to an air conditioner that changes the way air is discharged. Prior knowledge [2] In general, an air conditioner is a device that controls a temperature, humidity, air flow, distribution, and the like suitable for human activities using a refrigeration cycle. The main components for forming a refrigeration cycle include a compressor, a condenser, an evaporator, a blower fan, etc. [3] An air conditioner can be classified into a split-type air conditioner in which the indoor unit and the outdoor unit are installed separately from each other, and an integrated air conditioner in which the indoor unit and the outdoor unit are installed together in a cabinet. The indoor unit of a split-type air conditioner includes a heat exchanger that exchanges heat on the air sucked into the panel, and a blower fan that sucks the indoor air into the panel and blows the sucked air into the room. An indoor unit is made of a conventional air conditioner to minimize its heat exchanger, to increase the revolutions per minute (RPM) of a blower fan, and to maximize the wind speed and wind volume. Therefore, the discharge temperature is reduced, and the discharge air forms a long and narrow path and is discharged into an indoor space. Disclosure of the invention Technical problem [4] When the user is in direct contact with the discharged air, the user can feel cold and uncomfortable, while when the user is not in contact with the discharged air, the user can feel warm and uncomfortable. [5] In addition, when the RPM of the blower fan is increased to achieve a high wind speed, its noise increases. A radiant air conditioner that ventilates air without using a blower fan requires a large panel to produce the same capacity as an air conditioner that uses a blower fan. Also, the ventilation air speed is very slow, resulting in high construction costs. Solution to the problem [6] Therefore, one aspect of the present disclosure is to provide an air conditioner with various air discharge methods. [7] Another aspect of the present disclosure is to provide an air conditioner that warms and ventilates an indoor space at a minimum wind speed at which the user feels comfortable. [8] Another aspect of the present disclosure is to provide an air conditioner that provides air conditioning through convection by minimizing wind speed and provides radiant air conditioning in the vicinity of the air conditioner. [9] Additional aspects of the disclosure are set forth in part in the description below and are partly apparent from the description, or may be learned by practice of the disclosure.

[10] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, an air conditioner includes: a housing including a discharge plate having a plurality of holes formed therein and an outlet; a heat exchanger disposed within the housing; a blower fan configured to blow air exchanged with heat by the heat exchanger toward the discharge plate or outlet; and a discharge blade configured to move between a guide position in which the direction of air blown from the blower fan and discharged to the outlet is controlled, and a closing position in which the outlet is closed, wherein the discharge blade includes a plurality of blade holes through which air is discharged through the discharge blade in the closing position, wherein the discharge blade may move between the guide position and the closing position and control the flow of air from the blower fan to the discharge plate or outlet.

[11] The operation of opening the outlet and the operation of blocking the air flow to the discharge plate may be performed together in the guide position.

[12] The discharge blade may include a blade body corresponding to the outlet and having a plurality of blade holes formed therein, wherein the blade body is configured to block airflow moving toward the discharge plate when the discharge blade is in the guide position.

[13] The air conditioner may further include a flow path guide including a first flow path guide configured to form a first flow path through which air flows from the blower fan to the outlet and a second flow path configured to form a second flow path diverging from the first flow path through which air flows through a plurality of holes, wherein the discharge blade may be configured to selectively block the first and second flow paths.

[14] The blade body may include: a guide portion configured to control the direction of air blown from the blower fan in the guide position; and a flow path door portion extending from the guide portion and configured to block the second flow path in the guide position.

[15] The second flow path guide may include a curved surface guide configured to form a rotational space of the flow path door portion in the guide position, and one end of the flow path door portion may move along the inner surface of the curved surface guide.

[16] The discharge plate may be located on two sides of the chamber and one side in front of the chamber where the outlet is located.

[17] The discharge plate may include a first portion and a pair of second portions disposed on either side of the first portion, and the plurality of holes in the first portion may have a larger size than the plurality of holes in the second portion.

[18] The housing may include an outlet forming portion configured to form the outlet, and the discharge blade may include at least one separation protrusion formed at one end of the discharge blade to form a predetermined gap with the outlet forming portion.

[19] The at least one separation protrusion may include a plurality of separation protrusions spaced a predetermined distance apart from each other in the longitudinal direction of the discharge blade.

[20] Many holes may have at least one circular shape and one polygonal shape.

[21] The air conditioner may further include a housing door provided in the housing to be slidable so that the discharge plate and the discharge blade are not exposed to the outside.

[22] The discharge blade may rotate and move between a guide position and a closing position.

[23] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, an air conditioner includes: a housing including an outlet and a discharge plate with a plurality of holes formed adjacent to the outlet; a heat exchanger disposed within the housing; a blower fan configured to blow heat-exchanged air by the heat exchanger; a discharge blade configured to be movable between a guide position in which the outlet is open and the blown air from the blower fan is directed, and a closing position in which the outlet is closed, wherein the discharge blade includes a plurality of blade holes through which air is discharged through the discharge blade in the closing position; and a flow path blade configured to block the flow of air from the blower fan to the discharge plate.

[24] The flow path blade and the discharge blade may operate independently.

[25] The housing may include an outlet-forming portion configured to be shaped into an outlet, and the air conditioner may further include a movable blade configured to fill a gap formed between the discharge blade and the outlet-forming portion due to the operation of the discharge blade.

[26] The discharge plate may include an inlet space into which at least a portion of the movable blade is inserted so that the movable blade advances and retreats relative to the discharge plate, and one side of the movable blade may be in the inlet space and the other side in contact with the discharge blade.

[27] The movable blade may operate in conjunction with the discharge blade function.

[28] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, an air conditioner includes: a housing including a discharge plate having a plurality of holes formed therein and an outlet; a heat exchanger disposed within the housing and performing heat exchange with air entering the housing; a blower fan configured to blow the heat-exchanged air by the heat exchanger; and a discharge blade configured to control the direction of the discharged air to the outlet and to open / close the outlet, wherein the discharge blade includes a plurality of blade holes through which air is discharged through the discharge blade when the outlet is closed by the discharge blade, wherein the discharge blade may close one of the outlets and the discharge plate so that air blown from the blower fan flows to the other side of the outlet and the discharge plate.

[29] The air conditioner may further include a flow path guide including a first flow path guide configured to form a first flow path through which air blown from the blower fan flows, and a second flow path guide configured to form a second flow path diverging from the first flow path through which air flows toward the discharge plate, wherein the discharge blade may be configured to open each of the first and second flow path guides by a rotary operation. Beneficial effects of the invention

[30] As described above, in an air conditioner according to the present disclosure, heat-exchanged air can be discharged by changing a wind speed.

[31] In addition, the method of blowing the heat-exchanged air can vary according to the user's environment.

[32] Additionally, the heat-exchanged air is controlled to not be blown directly towards the user to improve user satisfaction. Brief description of the maps

[33] These and / or other aspects of the disclosure will be readily apparent from the following description of the examples, which, together with the accompanying drawings, will be readily understood:

[34] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an air conditioner according to an example of the present disclosure;

[35] Figure 2 is an enlarged view of section A of Figure 1;

[36] Figure 3 is a front view of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[37] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[38] Figures 5 and 6 are views showing an operation of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[39] Figures 7 and 8 are views showing the implementation of an air conditioner according to an example of the present disclosure;

[40] Figure 9 is a perspective view of an air conditioner according to an example of the present disclosure;

[41] Figure 10 is a front view of an air conditioner according to an example of the present disclosure;

[42] Figure 11 is an enlarged view of section C of Figure 10;

[43] Figure 12 is a perspective view of part B of Figure 4 according to an example of the present disclosure;

[44] Figure 13 is a perspective view of an air conditioner according to an example of the present disclosure;

[45] Figure 14 is a front view of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[46] Figures 15, 16, 17 and 18 are views showing the operation of an air conditioner according to an example of the present disclosure;

[47] Figures 19, 20, 21, and 22 are views showing an air conditioner according to an example of the present disclosure;

[48] ​​Figure 23 is a view showing an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[49] Figure 24 is a view of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The best way to invent

[50] The embodiments described in the present description and the configurations shown in the drawings are only exemplary of the disclosure, and there may be various modifications that may supersede the modifications of the present description and drawings at the time of filing of this application.

[51] As reference numbers or symbols in each of the drawings and descriptions herein indicate components or elements that perform substantially similar functions.

[52] The terms used in the present description and specification are used to describe particular embodiments only and are not intended to limit and / or exclusive of the present disclosure. A term used in the singular includes the plural unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. In the present description and specification, it is to be understood that terms such as “comprising,” “having,” or the like are used to indicate the presence of features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof disclosed in the description and specification, and are not intended to exclude the possibility of the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[53] It is to be understood that although the terms "first," "second," and the like are used herein to describe various components, such components are not limited by such terms. Such terms are used only to distinguish one component from another. For example, the first component discussed below could be called the second component, and similarly, the second component could be called the first component, without departing from the teachings of this disclosure. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any or all combinations of one or more of the related items listed.

[54] Hereinafter, examples in accordance with the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[55] A refrigeration cycle formed by an air conditioner consists of a compressor, a condenser, an expansion valve, and an evaporator. The refrigeration cycle consists of a series of steps including compression-condensation-expansion-evaporation, performing heat exchange between high-temperature air and a low-temperature refrigerant, and then introducing the low-temperature air into the indoor space.

[56] The compressor compresses the refrigerant gas in a high-temperature, high-pressure state and discharges the compressed refrigerant gas to supply the discharged refrigerant gas to the condenser. The condenser condenses the compressed refrigerant into a liquid state and dissipates heat around the condenser through the condensation method. The expansion valve expands a liquid refrigerant in a high-temperature, high-pressure state condensed by the condenser into a liquid refrigerant having a low-pressure state. The evaporator evaporates the refrigerant expanded by the expansion valve. The evaporator achieves a cooling effect by exchanging heat with the object to be cooled using the latent heat of evaporation of the refrigerant, and returns the refrigerant gas in a low-temperature, low-pressure state to the compressor. Through this cycle, the air temperature of an indoor space can be controlled.

[57] An outdoor unit of an air conditioner consists of a compressor, a refrigeration cycle, and an outdoor heat exchanger. An expansion valve may be located in either the indoor or outdoor unit, and an indoor heat exchanger is located in the indoor unit of the air conditioner.

[58] The present disclosure relates to an air conditioner that ventilates an indoor space, and the outdoor heat exchanger functions as a condenser while the indoor heat exchanger functions as an evaporator. Hereinafter, for convenience, the indoor unit including the indoor heat exchanger will be referred to as an air conditioner and the indoor heat exchanger as a heat exchanger.

[59] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 2 is an enlarged view of section A of Figure 1; Figure 3 is a front view of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention; and Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[60] An air conditioner 1 includes a housing 10 having an inlet 12 and an outlet 14, a heat exchanger 40 that exchanges heat with air entering the housing 10, and a blower fan 45 that circulates air into or out of the housing 10.

[61] An air conditioner 1 may be a wall-mounted air conditioner 1 mounted on a wall surface, but the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

[62] The housing 10 may form the entire outer surface of the air conditioner 1. The housing 10 may include a discharge plate 20 having a plurality of holes 22 formed therein. The plurality of holes 22 may be distinguished from the outlet 14. As shown in FIG. 2, the plurality of holes 22 may be distributed in the discharge plate 20, and the width of each of the plurality of holes 22 may be smaller than the width of the outlet 14. Also, air flowing in the second flow path b75, which will be described later, may be discharged to the outside of the housing 10 through the plurality of holes 22. As shown in FIG. 2, the plurality of holes 22 may be distributed in the discharge plate 20 to be spaced apart by a predetermined distance. However, the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto, and the holes 22 may also be distributed to be concentrated in a specific area of ​​the discharge plate 20.The air is discharged through a plurality of holes 22, a plurality of blade holes 56, which will be described later, and a plurality of holes 385 of a movable blade 384 so that the air can be discharged to the outside of the chamber 10 at a low speed. Therefore, the wind does not directly contact the user, and a purpose of air ventilation to improve user satisfaction can be achieved.

[63] The housing 10 may include a front panel with an outlet 14 formed by an outlet portion 15, a rear panel 24 disposed behind the front panel, a pair of side panels 25 disposed between the front panel and the rear panel 24, a top panel 26 having an inlet 12 formed therein and disposed above the pair of side panels 25, and a bottom panel 27 disposed below the pair of side panels 25. The outlet 14 and the inlet 12 are disposed in the front panel and the top panel 26, respectively. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The front panel may have the same configuration as the discharge plate 20 described above. An inlet guide 13 that directs air to the inlet 12 may be disposed in the top panel 26. A plurality of inlet guides 13 may be formed in parallel in the longitudinal direction of the housing 10.

[64] The air conditioner 1 may include a discharge blade 50 that opens / closes the outlet 14. The discharge blade 50 is rotatably disposed in the housing 10. Specifically, the discharge blade 50 may be rotatable about a blade rod 59 relative to the discharge plate 20. The blade rod 59 may be disposed on the inner surface of the discharge plate 20.

[65] The discharge blade 50 may be controlled between a closing position b50 in which the outlet 14 is closed, and a guide position a50 in which the outlet 14 is open and a blowing direction of air from the blower fan 45 is moved to discharge to the outlet 14. The guide position a50 is a position in which the discharge blade 50 opens the outlet 14 and the discharged air is directed through the outlet 14 within a predetermined angle range in which the discharge blade 50 controls the direction of the discharged air. The air conditioner 1 may control the flow of air from the blower fan 45 to the discharge plate 20 or the outlet 14 by the discharge blade 50 moving between the guide position a50 and the closing position b50. When the discharge blade 50 is in the guide position a50, an opening operation of the outlet 14 and an blocking operation of an air flow to the discharge plate 20 may be performed together. When the discharge blade 50 is in the closing position b50, a closing operation of the outlet 14 and a releasing operation blocking the air flow to the discharge plate 20 may be performed together.

[66] The air conditioner 1 may include an auxiliary blade 70 that controls the direction of air blown from the blower fan 45 inside the discharge blade 50. The discharge blade 50 may control the blown air in the vertical direction, and the auxiliary blade 70 may control the blown air in the horizontal direction. At least one auxiliary blade 70 may be provided. In the present example, a plurality of auxiliary blades 70 are spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance in the horizontal direction. A plurality of auxiliary blades 70 may be arranged in the longitudinal direction of the outlet 14. The auxiliary blades 70 may be positioned inside the discharge blade 50 so as to be configured so as not to be exposed to the outside when the discharge blade 50 is in the closed position b50.

[67] A sensor receiver (see 72 of FIG. 7 ) may be provided on the side portion of the auxiliary blade 70. The sensor receiver 72 may be covered by the discharge blade 50 when the discharge blade 50 is in the closed position b50. Even when the sensor receiver 72 is covered by the discharge blade 50, the sensor receiver 72 senses a signal through a plurality of holes 22 formed in the discharge blade 50 and transmits the signal to a controller (not shown) so that the air conditioner 1 can operate.

[68] Figures 5 and 6 are views showing the operation of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The operation of the air conditioner according to the embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to Figure 4.

[69] The heat exchanger 40 may be located within the enclosure 10, and may be located in an air flow path from the inlet 12 to the outlet 14. The heat exchanger 40 is configured to absorb heat from air entering the inlet 12 or to transfer heat to the air. A drain panel 42 may be located below the heat exchanger 40 to collect moisture condensed in the heat exchanger 40. The drain panel 42 may be connected to a drain hose (not shown) connected to the exterior of the enclosure 10 and may drain the condensed moisture to the exterior of the enclosure 10.

[70] A blower fan 45 is located within the housing 10. The blower fan 45 is configured to blow air so that air can flow from the inlet 12 to the outlet 14 or the discharge plate 20. The blower fan 45 may be a cross-flow fan having the same longitudinal direction as the housing 10.

[71] The air conditioner 1 may include a flow path guide 74. The flow path guide 74 is configured to guide air blown from the blower fan 45.

[72] The flow path guide 74 may include a first flow path guide 76 and a second flow path guide 78 .

[73] The first flow path guide 76 is provided to form a first flow path a75 through which air flows from the blower fan 45 to the outlet 14. The first flow path a75 may be connected to the outlet 14. The outlet 14 may be located at the end of the first flow path guide 76. The outlet 14 may be located on an extension of the path of air directed by the first flow path guide 76.

[74] A second flow path guide 78 is provided to form a second flow path b75. The second flow path b75 may be connected to a plurality of holes 22. Specifically, the second flow path b75 is formed by the second flow path guide 78 and an inner surface of the discharge plate 20, and air flowing in the second flow path b75 may be discharged from the discharge plate 20 through the plurality of holes 22 to the outside of the housing 10. The second flow path b75 diverges from the first flow path a75 and the air flows into the plurality of holes 22. A guide opening 77 is formed in the first flow path guide 76 so that air flowing in the first flow path a75 can flow into the second flow path b75. The drain panel 42 described above may be disposed on the rear surface of the second flow path guide 78.

[75] The second flow path guide 78 may include a curved surface guide 79. The curved surface guide 79 may be formed into a curved surface with respect to the rotation of the discharge blade 50. The curved surface guide 79 may form a rotating space a79 of the flow path door portion 54 of the discharge blade 50, which will be described later. The rotating space a79 is a space in which a portion of the second flow path b75 is formed and the flow path door portion 54 is rotatable. With respect to the rotating space a79 formed inside the curved surface guide 79, the discharge blade 50 does not interfere with the curved surface guide 79 and is rotatable.

[76] The discharge blade 50 may rotate and move between a guide position a50 and a closed position b50. The discharge blade 50 may operate to selectively block the first and second flow paths a75 and b75. When the discharge blade 50 is in the closed position b50, the discharge blade 50 may close the outlet 14. In addition, the discharge blade 50 is configured to cover the sensor receiver 72 in the closed position b50 so that the interior configuration of the housing 10 is not exposed to the outside.

[77] The discharge blade 50 may include a blade body 52 and a plurality of blade holes 56 .

[78] The blade body 52 may be shaped to be rotatable about the blade rod 59. The blade body 52 may be configured to conform to the outlet 14. The blade body 52 may have an approximate plate shape. A plurality of blade holes 56 may be distributed in the blade body 52, and the width of each of the blade holes 56 may be smaller than the width of the outlet 14. Also, even when the discharge blade 50 is in the closed position b50, air can be discharged from the discharge blade 50 to the outside of the chamber 10 through the plurality of blade holes 56. The plurality of blade holes 56 and the plurality of holes 22 of the discharge plate 20 may also have the same size and shape or different sizes and shapes.

[79] The blade body 52 may include a guide section 53 and a flow path door section 54. The guide section 53 and the flow path door section 54 may be integrally formed.

[80] The guide section 53 controls the direction of the air blown from the blower fan 45 and discharges it to the outlet 14 when the discharge blade 50 is in the guide position a50. The guide section 53 may change the direction of the air discharged out of the chamber 10 according to the rotational angle at which the blade rod 59 is centered.

[81] In the guide position a50, the flow path door portion 54 extends from the guide portion 53 and is provided to block air flowing in the second flow path b75. When the discharge blade 50 is in the guide position a50, the flow path door portion 54 is configured to move the rotating space a79 formed by the curved surface guide 79. That is, when the discharge blade 50 is in the guide position a50, the flow path door portion 54 is configured to block the second flow path b75. In the guide position a50, the guide portion 53 moves outwardly of the housing 10 and the flow path door portion 54 moves relatively inwardly of the housing 10.

[82] Hereinafter, the operation of an air conditioner according to the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 , 5 , and 6 .

[83] First, the case where the discharge blade 50 is in the closed position b50 will be described.

[84] When the discharge blade 50 is in the closed position b50, the outlet 14 is closed by the discharge blade 50 and the second flow path b75 is open as shown in FIG. 4. Therefore, the air blown from the blower fan 45 flows in the first and second flow paths a75 and b75 to be discharged outside the chamber 10 through the plurality of holes 22 of the discharge plate 20 and the plurality of blade holes 56 of the discharge blade 50.

[85] Next, a case where the discharge blade 50 is located at the guide position a50 will be described.

[86] When the discharge blade 50 is in the guide position a50, the outlet 14 is open and the second flow path b75 is blocked by the flow path door portion 54 as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6. That is, the air blown from the blower fan 45 can only flow through the first flow path a75.

[87] Therefore, the air blown from the blower fan 45 flows along the first flow path a75 and is discharged outside the chamber 10 through the outlet 14.

[88] Next, the attachment and detachment of the discharge plate 20 in the air conditioner 1 will be described.

[89] Figures 7 and 8 are views showing the deployment of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[90] The discharge plate 20 may be removably provided in the housing 10. The housing 10 may include a front frame 30 disposed within the discharge plate 20, to which the discharge plate 20 may be attached. That is, the discharge plate 20 may be removably provided in the front frame 30. The front frame 30 may include a second flow path guide 78.

[91] At least one connection groove may be formed in each of the discharge plate 20 and the front frame 30 , and at least one connection protrusion for insertion into and connection with the at least one connection groove may be formed in another of the grooves of the discharge plate 20 and the front frame 30 .

[92] In the present example, the discharge plate 20 may include a first connecting member 62 formed from a surface facing the front frame 30 and a first connecting groove 63 formed at the end of the first connecting member 62. Also, the front frame 30 may include a first connecting protrusion 32 to be inserted into and connected to the first connecting groove 63 of the discharge plate 20.

[93] The first connecting member 62 includes a pair of elastic legs a62 having elasticity and expansion. Specifically, the pair of elastic legs a62 are elastically deformed from the first connecting protrusion 32 and expanded while the first connecting protrusion 32 is inserted into the first connecting groove 63, and when the first connecting protrusion 32 is inserted into the first connecting groove 63, the pair of expanded elastic legs a62 are elastically returned. Through this configuration, the first connecting protrusion 32 is not deflected from the first connecting groove 63.

[94] Also, the front frame 30 may include a second connecting member 34 protruding from a surface facing the discharge plate 20 and a second connecting groove 35 formed recessedly at the end of the second connecting member 34. The discharge plate 20 may include a second connecting protrusion 64 to be inserted and connected to the second connecting groove 35 of the front frame 30.

[95] The second connecting member 34 includes a pair of elastic legs a34 that have elasticity and expansion properties. Specifically, the pair of elastic legs a34 are elastically deformed and expanded from the second connecting protrusion 64 while the second connecting protrusion 64 is inserted into the second connecting groove 35, and when the second connecting protrusion 64 is inserted into the second connecting groove 35, the expanded pair of elastic legs a34 are elastically returned. Through this configuration, the second connecting protrusion 64 is not deflected from the second connecting groove 35.

[96] At least one entry hole 36 may be formed in each of the discharge plate 20 and the front frame 30, and at least one hook 66 for hooking the at least one entry hole 36 may be formed in the other discharge plate 20 and the front frame 30. In the present example, the hook 66 protruding from the surface facing the front frame 30 may be formed in the discharge plate 20, and the entry hole 36 in the front frame 30 is formed at a position corresponding to the hook 66 so that the hook 66 can hook the entry hole 36.

[97] The hook 66 may be connected to the inlet hole 36 to bear only the weight of the discharge plate 20. Through this configuration, when the first connecting member 62 and the first connecting protrusion 32 are separated from each other and the connecting member 34 and the connecting protrusion 64 are separated from each other, the hook 66 may be easily deflected from the inlet hole 36.

[98] In the present example, the first connecting member 62, the second connecting protrusion 64, and the hook 66 are respectively provided on the discharge plate 20, and the first connecting protrusion 32, the second connecting member 34, and a connecting groove are respectively provided on the front frame 30. However, the arrangement is not limited thereto.

[99] The coupling members 34 and 62, the connecting protrusions 32 and 64, the hooks 66, and the inlet holes 36 are spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance in the horizontal direction, which is the longitudinal direction of the air conditioner 1, so that the discharge plate 20 can be stably coupled to the front frame 30.

[100] The discharge plate 20 may include step prevention protrusions 68 protruding from both ends of the discharge plate 20. A pair of step prevention protrusions 68 may be provided at the left end and the right end of the discharge plate 20. The front frame 30 may include a pair of step prevention grooves (see 38 of FIG. 7 ) corresponding to the pair of step prevention protrusions. The pair of step prevention protrusions 68 mate with the pair of step prevention grooves 38 so that the left and right sides of the discharge plate 20 can be mated parallel to the front frame 30.

[101] Hereinafter, the air conditioner 1 will be described according to an example of the present disclosure. Descriptions of configurations similar to those described above will be omitted.

[102] Figure 9 is a perspective view of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[103] The chamber 110 may constitute an entire exterior space of an air conditioner 100. The chamber 110 may include a discharge plate 120 having a plurality of holes 22 formed therein. The plurality of holes 22 may be distinguished from an outlet 14. As shown in FIG. 2 , the plurality of holes 22 are distributed in the discharge plate 120, and the width of each of the holes 22 may be smaller than the width of the outlet 14. In addition, air flowing in the second flow path b75 may be discharged to the outside of the chamber 110 through the plurality of holes 22.

[104] The housing 110 may include a front panel having an outlet 14 formed therein, a rear panel 24 disposed behind the front panel, a pair of side panels disposed between the front panel and the rear panel 24, a top panel 26 having an inlet 12 formed therein and disposed above a plurality of side panels, and a bottom panel 27 disposed below a pair of side panels 25.

[105] The front panel and the pair of side panels may have a similar configuration to the discharge plate 120 described above. That is, the discharge plate 120 is formed on a front side and both sides of the housing 110 so that the area in which a large number of holes 22 are distributed can be enlarged.

[106] Hereinafter, an air conditioner according to an example of the present disclosure will be described. Descriptions of configurations similar to those described above will be omitted.

[107] FIG. 10 is a front view of an air conditioner according to an example of the present disclosure, and FIG. 11 is an enlarged view of section C of FIG. 10.

[108] An air conditioner 200 may include a discharge plate 220 and a discharge blade 250.

[109] The discharge plate 220 may include a plurality of holes 222 and the discharge blade 250 may include a plurality of blade holes 256.

[110] A portion of the plurality of holes 222 in one portion of the discharge plate 220 may have a larger size than a portion of the plurality of holes 222 in another portion of the discharge plate 220. Similarly, a plurality of blade holes 256 in a portion of the discharge plate 250 may have a larger size than a plurality of blade holes 256 in another portion of the discharge plate 250.

[111] In the present embodiment, the discharge plate 220 may include a first portion a221 and a second portion b221. The plurality of holes a222 in the first portion a221 may have a larger size than the plurality of holes b222 in the second portion b221. The second portion b221 may be provided on both the left and right sides of the first portion a221. Through this configuration, a wind speed of air discharged through the plurality of holes a222 in the first portion a221 is faster than a wind speed of air discharged through the plurality of holes b222 in the second portion b221, so that air discharged through the plurality of holes 222 of the discharge plate 220 can be discharged linearly forward.

[112] Also, the discharge blade 250 may include a first blade portion a251 and a second blade portion b251. The plurality of blade holes a256 in the first portion a221 may have a larger size than the plurality of blade holes b256 in the second portion b221. The second portion b221 may be provided on both the left and right sides of the first portion a221. Through this configuration, a wind speed of air discharged through the plurality of blade holes a256 in the first portion a221 is faster than a wind speed of air discharged from the plurality of blade holes b256 in the second portion b221 so that air discharged through the plurality of blade holes 256 from the discharge blade 250 can be discharged linearly forward.

[113] In the present example, the width of the first portion a221 and the width of the first blade portion a251 are the same as each other. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the width of the first portion a221 and the width of the first blade portion a251 may be different from each other. In addition, the first and second portions a221 and b221 and the first and second blade portions a251 and b251 are arranged in the horizontal direction. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the first and second portions a221 and b221 and the first and second blade portions a251 and b251 may be arranged in the vertical direction. Of course, a plurality of portions may be formed in the vertical and horizontal directions such that a plurality of holes formed in a plurality of portions of the central portion may have a larger size than a plurality of holes formed in an outer portion of the plurality of portions.

[114] Hereinafter, an air conditioner according to an example of the present disclosure will be described. Descriptions of configurations similar to those described above will be omitted.

[115] Figure 12 is a perspective view of part B of Figure 4 according to an example of the present disclosure.

[116] A discharge blade 50 may further include a separation protrusion 58 .

[117] The separation protrusion 58 may protrude from the blade body 52 to be spaced a predetermined distance from the outlet forming portion 15. The separation protrusion 58 may be spaced a predetermined distance from the outlet forming portion 15 with a predetermined gap between the blade body 52 and the outlet forming portion 15.

[118] When the blade body 52 and the outlet forming portion 15 are in contact with each other, the heat-exchanged air between the blade body 52 and the outlet forming portion 15 stagnates, and dew is formed on the blade body 52 due to the temperature difference between the inner and outer surfaces of the blade body 52. ​​According to the separation protrusion 58, the blade body 52 and the outlet forming portion 15 may be spaced apart by a predetermined distance so that a small amount of air can be discharged to the outside of the chamber 10 by the predetermined gap to prevent this phenomenon from occurring. Through this configuration, the heat-exchanged air flows on the outer surface of the blade body 52, so that dew formation on the blade body 52 can be prevented.

[119] Hereinafter, an air conditioner according to an example of the present disclosure will be described. Descriptions of configurations similar to those described above will be omitted.

[120] Figure 13 is a perspective view of an air conditioner according to an example of the present disclosure, Figure 14 is a front view of an air conditioner according to an example of the present disclosure, and Figures 15 to 18 are views showing the operation of an air conditioner according to an example of the present disclosure.

[121] An air conditioner 300 may include a discharge blade 350 that opens / closes an outlet 14. The discharge blade 350 may include a blade body 52, a blade hole 356, and a blade rod 359. The discharge blade 350 is rotatably provided in the housing 310. Specifically, the discharge blade 350 may be provided within the housing 310 to be rotatable about the blade rod 359. The blade rod 359 may be disposed on the inner surface of a discharge plate 320.

[122] The discharge blade 350 may be provided for movement between a closed position b350 in which the outlet 14 is closed and a guide position a350 in which the air blown from a blower fan 45 is directed by rotation from the closed position b350.

[123] The air conditioner 300 may include a flow path blade 380 .

[124] The flow path blade 380 is rotatably provided in the housing 310. Specifically, the flow path blade 380 may be rotatably provided in the second flow path guide 78. The flow path blade 380 may be rotatably provided to block the second flow path b75. The flow path blade 380, which is a separate configuration from the discharge blade 350, may operate independently of the discharge blade 350. The flow path blade 380 may have a rotating rod 382 that is spaced from the discharge blade 350 by a predetermined distance from the blade rod 359 and may rotate about the rotating rod 382. That is, the discharge blade 350 may operate to close the outlet 14, and the flow path blade 380 may operate to close the second flow path b75.

[125] The flow path blade 380 is movable between an open position a380 in which the flow path blade 380 is in close contact with the second flow path guide 78 to prevent interference with the airflow passing through the second flow path b75 and a closed position b380 in which the second flow path b75 is blocked.

[126] The air conditioner 300 may include a movable blade 384. The movable blade 384 may be disposed on an outlet portion 15 of the discharge plate 320 and may be slidable relative to the discharge plate 320. Specifically, the discharge plate 320 includes an inlet space 386 into which the movable blade 384 is inserted, and the movable blade 384 may be adapted to be inserted into the inlet space 386, or at least a portion of the movable blade 384 may be exposed in the discharge plate 320. The movable blade 384 may have a plurality of holes 385, such as the discharge plate 320 or the discharge plate 350. That is, as the movable blade 384 slides, the width of the discharge plate 320 may be enlarged.

[127] When the discharge blade 350 rotates about the blade rod 359, as shown in FIG. 17, a gap G is formed between the discharge blade 350 and the upper portion of the outlet forming portion 15. The movable blade 384 may be configured to be slidable from the discharge plate 320 to fill the gap G. The movable blade 384 may operate in conjunction with the discharge blade 350. That is, when the discharge blade 350 is in the closed position b350, the movable blade 384 may be slidable downward and may fill the gap G, and when the discharge blade 350 is in the guiding position a350, the movable blade 384 may be pressed by the discharge blade 350, may move upward, and may enter the inlet space 386.

[128] Next, an air conditioner according to an example of the present disclosure will be described.

[129] For ease of explanation, the first through fourth modes will be described.

[130] As shown in FIG. 15, the first mode is an operation mode in which the air blown from the blower fan 45 is discharged to the outlet 14. The discharge blade 350 is positioned at the guide position a350 and opens the outlet 14, and the flow path blade 380 is positioned to close the second flow path b75. The movable blade 384 is pressed by the discharge blade 350, and at least a portion of the movable blade 384 is inserted into the inlet space 386. Since the discharge blade 350 rotates at a predetermined angle at the guide position a350, the discharge blade 350 is slidable. Through this configuration, the air blown from the blower fan 45 may move along the first flow path a75 and may be discharged through the outlet 14 to the outside of the chamber 310.

[131] As shown in FIG. 16, the second mode is an operation mode in which the air blown from the blower fan 45 is discharged through the outlet 14 and a plurality of holes 22. The discharge blade 350 is positioned at the guide position a350 and opens the outlet 14, and the flow path blade 380 is positioned to open the second flow b75. The movable blade 384 is pressed by the discharge blade 350, and at least a portion of the movable blade 384 is inserted into the inlet space 386. Since the discharge blade 350 rotates at a predetermined angle at the guide position a350, the discharge blade is slidable. Through this configuration, the air blown from the blower fan 45 flows along the first and second flow paths a75 and b75 and may be discharged outside the chamber 310 through the outlet 14, the plurality of holes 22 of the discharge plate 320, and the plurality of holes 22 of the movable blade 384.

[132] As shown in FIG. 17, the third mode is an operating mode in which the air blown from the blower fan 45 is discharged through a plurality of blade holes 356 of the discharge blade 350 and a plurality of holes 385 of the movable blade 384. The discharge blade 350 is positioned in the closed position b350 and closes the outlet 14, and the flow path blade 380 is positioned to close the second flow path b75. The movable blade 384 may slide downwardly so that at least a portion of the movable blade 384 protrudes toward the discharge blade 350 and the movable blade 384 is in contact with the discharge blade 350. Through this configuration, the air blown from the blower fan 45 may flow along the first flow path a75 and may be discharged through a plurality of blade holes 356 of the discharge blade 350 and a plurality of holes 385 of the movable blade 384 .

[133] As shown in FIG. 18, the fourth mode is an operating mode in which the air blown from the blower fan 45 is discharged through a plurality of holes 22 of the discharge plate 320, a plurality of blade holes 356 of the discharge plate 350, and a plurality of holes 385 of the movable plate 384. The discharge plate 350 is positioned in the closed position b350 and closes the outlet 14, and the flow path blade 380 is positioned to open the second flow path b75. The movable plate 384 may slide downwardly such that at least a portion of the movable plate 384 protrudes toward the discharge plate 320 and the movable plate 384 is in contact with the discharge plate 350. Through this configuration, the air blown from the blower fan 45 flows along the first and second flow paths a75 and b75 and may be discharged out of the chamber 310 through a plurality of holes 22 of the discharge plate 320, a plurality of holes 385 of the movable blade 384, and a plurality of blade holes 356 of the discharge blade 350.

[134] Hereinafter, an air conditioner according to an example of the present disclosure will be described. Descriptions of configurations similar to those described above will be omitted.

[135] Figures 19 to 22 are views illustrating the operation of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[136] A housing 10 may include a housing door 490 .

[137] The housing door 490 may be positioned on the front surface of a discharge plate 20 and may be provided for movement between an open position a490 in which the discharge plate 20 is exposed to the outside space and a closed position b490 in which the front surface of the discharge plate 20 is blocked.

[138] The housing door 490 may be configured to be slidable between an open position a490 and a closed position b490. The housing door 490 may include a first door 491 and a second door 492 located below the first door 491. The first door 491 may open / close an upper portion of the front surface of the discharge plate 20, and the door 492 may open / close a lower portion of the front surface of the discharge plate 20. The first and second doors 491 and 492 may operate in contact with each other when the housing door 490 is in the closed position b490.

[139] The second door 492 may open / close the lower portion of the front surface of the discharge plate 20, i.e., a portion of a discharge blade 50. Therefore, in an operation in which the discharge blade 50 is placed in the guide position a50 and air is discharged through an outlet 14, only the second door 492 may be open.

[140] When the air conditioner is not operating, the first and second doors 491 and 492 are placed in the closed position b490 so that the discharge plate 20 or the discharge blade 50 is not exposed to the outside. Therefore, it is possible to prevent foreign matter from accumulating in the plurality of holes 22 or the plurality of blade holes 56.

[141] Hereinafter, an air conditioner according to an example of the present disclosure will be described. Descriptions of configurations similar to those described above will be omitted.

[142] Figure 23 is a view showing the operation of an air conditioner according to an example of the present disclosure.

[143] A housing 10 may include a housing door 590 .

[144] The housing door 590 may be positioned on the front surface of a discharge plate 20 and may be provided for movement between an open position a590 in which the discharge plate 20 is exposed to the outside, and a closed position in which the front surface of the discharge plate 20 is closed, and a closed position in which the front surface of the discharge plate 20 is blocked. As shown in FIGS. 19 and 20, although the closed position of the housing door 590 is not shown, the housing door 590 may be configured to cover the front of the housing 10.

[145] The housing door 590 may be configured to rotate and move between an open position a590 and a closed position. The housing door 590 may include a first door 591 and a second door 592 located below the first door 591. The first door 591 may open / close an upper portion of the front surface of the discharge plate 20 and the second door 592 may open / close a lower portion of the front surface of the discharge plate 20. The first and second doors 591 and 592 may operate in contact with each other when the housing door 590 is in the closed position. The first and second doors 591 and 592 are hingedly connected to the housing 10 and may therefore rotate upwardly and downwardly, respectively.

[146] Hereinafter, an air conditioner according to an example of the present disclosure will be described. Descriptions of configurations similar to those described above will be omitted.

[147] Figure 24 is a view of an air conditioner according to an example of the present disclosure.

[148] A discharge plate 20 and a front frame 30 may be detachably provided in the housing 10. The discharge plate 20 and the front frame 30, which are a module, may be detached from the air conditioner 1. The discharge plate 20 and the front frame 30 are configured as a module so that the present disclosure embodiments can be applied to air conditioners to which the present disclosure embodiments are not applied.

[149] Although several examples of the present disclosure have been shown and described, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that changes may be made to these examples without departing from the principles and spirit of the disclosure, the scope of which is defined in the claims and their equivalents. Abstract An air conditioner includes a discharge blade configured to move between a guide position in which the direction of air blown from a blower fan and discharged to an outlet is controlled, and a closing position in which the outlet is closed, wherein the discharge blade includes a plurality of blade holes through which air is discharged through the discharge blade in the closing position, wherein the discharge blade moves between the guide position and the closing position and controls an air flow from the blower fan to a discharge or outlet plate. Through this configuration, the flow of air discharged to the outside of the enclosure can be controlled by the operation of the discharge blade.

Claims

Claims 1- An air conditioner comprising: a housing including a discharge plate having a plurality of holes formed therein and an outlet; a heat exchanger disposed within the housing; a blower fan configured to blow air heat exchanged by the heat exchanger toward the discharge plate or outlet; and a discharge blade configured to move between a guide position in which the direction of air blown by the blower fan and discharged to the outlet is controlled and a closing position in which the outlet is closed, wherein the discharge blade comprises: a blade body rotatably disposed at the outlet and a plurality of blade holes formed in the blade body to discharge air passing through the discharge blade, wherein when the discharge blade is in the closing position, the air blown from the blower fan is discharged through a plurality of holes formed in the discharge plate and through a plurality of blade holes formed in the blade body.

2. The air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein: an opening of the outlet and a blocking of the air flow to the discharge plate are performed together in the guide position.

3. The air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein: the blade body is configured to prevent an air flow toward the discharge plate when the discharge blade is in the guide position.

4. The air conditioner according to claim 3, further comprising: a flow path guide comprising a first flow path guide configured to create a first flow path through which air flows from the blower fan to the outlet, and a second flow path guide configured to create a second flow path that is deviated from the first flow path through which air flows through a plurality of holes, wherein the discharge blade is configured to selectively block the first and second flow paths.

5. The air conditioner according to claim 4, wherein the blade body includes: a guide portion configured to control the direction of air blown from the blower fan in the guide position; and a flow path door portion extending from the guide portion and configured to block the second flow path in the guide position.

6. The air conditioner according to claim 5, wherein: the second flow path guide includes a curved surface guide configured to form a rotation space of the flow path door portion at the guide position, and one end of the flow path door portion moves along an inner surface of the curved surface guide.

7. The air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein: the discharge plate is located on the side surfaces of the housing and a front surface of the housing on which the outlet is located.

8. The air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein: the discharge plate includes a first section and a pair of second sections located on both sides of the first section, and a plurality of holes in the first section having a larger size than a plurality of holes in the second section.

9. The air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein: the housing includes an outlet portion configured to provide an outlet, and the discharge blade includes at least one separation protrusion formed at the end of the discharge blade to form a predetermined gap with the outlet.

10. The air conditioner according to claim 9, wherein: the at least one separation protrusion comprises a plurality of separation protrusions spaced apart from each other at a predetermined distance in a longitudinal direction of the discharge blade.

11. The air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein: a plurality of holes have at least one circular shape and one polygonal shape. 12- The air conditioner according to claim 1, further comprising: a housing door that is provided in the housing in a removable manner so that the discharge plate and the discharge blade are not exposed to the outside.

13. The air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein: the discharge blade rotates and moves between the guide position and the closed position.

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