Air conditioner indoor unit and air conditioner control method

Abstract

An indoor unit of an air conditioner includes a case having an opening, a heat exchanger disposed within the case to exchange heat with an airflow drawn into the case, a fan disposed within the case and rotatable about a rotation axis formed to extend in a direction toward the opening, and a diffuser disposed at the opening through which the heat-exchanged airflow blown by the fan is discharged, the diffuser including a plurality of vanes configured to guide the heat-exchanged airflow blown by the fan, the diffuser being further configured to be selectively rotatable in the same direction as a rotation direction of the fan, the fan and the plurality of vanes being disposed to guide the heat-exchanged airflow blown by the fan in the rotation direction of the diffuser while the diffuser is rotated.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to an indoor unit of an air conditioner, and more specifically, to an air conditioner with an enhanced emission structure. Background Technology

[0002] Generally, an air conditioner is a device that uses a refrigeration cycle to control temperature, humidity, airflow, airflow distribution, etc. to suit human activities and remove dust and other contaminants from the airflow. It includes a compressor, condenser, evaporator, fan, etc.

[0003] Air conditioners can be divided into split-type air conditioners, which have separate indoor and outdoor units, and integrated air conditioners, which have both indoor and outdoor units installed in a single unit.

[0004] The indoor unit of a split-type air conditioner includes a heat exchanger that forces airflow drawn into the panel to exchange heat, and a fan that draws indoor airflow into the panel and blows the airflow back into the room.

[0005] To control the direction and velocity distribution of the airflow discharged from the indoor unit of a split air conditioner, a variable structure that changes the flow path or direction is usually used. However, in this case, the resistance of the flow path increases and flow loss occurs. Summary of the Invention

[0006] Technical issues

[0007] One aspect of this disclosure provides an indoor unit of an air conditioner with an exhaust airflow control structure, the exhaust airflow control structure being enhanced to reduce flow loss of the exhaust airflow.

[0008] This disclosure also provides an indoor unit of an air conditioner, which is enhanced to effectively diffuse and concentrate the airflow discharged from the indoor unit.

[0009] Technical solution

[0010] According to an embodiment of this disclosure, an indoor unit of an air conditioner includes a housing with an opening, a heat exchanger disposed within the housing for heat exchange with airflow drawn into the housing, a fan disposed within the housing and rotatable about a rotation axis formed to extend in a direction toward the opening, and a diffuser disposed at the opening through which the heat-exchange airflow blown by the fan is discharged. The diffuser includes a plurality of blades configured to guide the heat-exchange airflow blown by the fan, and the diffuser is also configured to selectively rotate in the same direction as the fan's rotation, and the plurality of blades are arranged to guide the heat-exchange airflow blown by the fan to rotate in the same direction as the diffuser rotates.

[0011] The diffuser can be configured to selectively rotate in the opposite direction to the fan's rotation.

[0012] The opening can be circular, and the diffuser can also include a ring corresponding to the opening and a central portion arranged in the middle of the ring, and multiple blades can be arranged to extend from the central portion to the ring.

[0013] The opening may be circular, and the diffuser may further include a ring corresponding to the opening and a central portion disposed in the middle of the ring. The plurality of blades may be arranged to extend from the central portion to the ring and guide the heat exchange airflow blown out of the fan in the opposite direction to the rotation direction of the fan while the diffuser rotates in the opposite direction to the rotation direction of the fan.

[0014] Each of the multiple blades may have one end placed adjacent to the central portion and another end connected to the ring, and each of the multiple blades may be bent from one end in the direction of fan rotation to extend to the other end.

[0015] Each of the multiple blades has an end that is connected to the central portion and another end that is connected to the ring, and each of the multiple blades can be bent from one end to the other in the opposite direction of the fan's rotation.

[0016] Each of the plurality of blades has one end connected to the central portion and the other end connected to the ring, and each of the plurality of blades can extend from one end to the other end in the radial direction of the ring.

[0017] It may also include a controller for controlling the rotation of the diffuser, and the controller can control the diffuser by selecting one of a first state in which the diffuser rotates in the direction of the fan's rotation and a second state in which the diffuser stops.

[0018] It may also include a controller for controlling the rotation of the diffuser, and the controller can control the diffuser by selecting one of a first state in which the diffuser rotates in the direction of the fan's rotation, a second state in which the diffuser stops, and a third state in which the diffuser rotates in the opposite direction of the fan's rotation.

[0019] It may also include an auxiliary fan disposed within the housing, and the housing may also include an auxiliary outlet disposed for the airflow blown from the auxiliary fan to be discharged.

[0020] The housing may also include an auxiliary flow path for directing the auxiliary airflow introduced into the housing to an auxiliary outlet via an auxiliary fan, and the auxiliary flow path may be configured to prevent the auxiliary airflow flowing in the auxiliary flow path from passing through the heat exchanger.

[0021] The opening may include a first opening and a second opening that are separate from the first opening. The diffuser may include a first diffuser disposed on the first opening and a second diffuser disposed on the second opening, and the first diffuser and the second diffuser may be configured to rotate independently.

[0022] It may also include a controller for controlling the rotation of the first diffuser and the second diffuser, and the controller may be configured to control the first diffuser and the second diffuser by selecting one of the following states: a first state in which both the first diffuser and the second diffuser rotate in the direction of fan rotation; a second state in which one of the first diffuser and the second diffuser rotates in the direction of fan rotation while stopping; and a third state in which both the first diffuser and the second diffuser are stopped.

[0023] The opening may include a first opening and a second opening that are separate from the first opening. The diffuser may include a first diffuser disposed on the first opening and a second diffuser disposed on the second opening, and the first diffuser and the second diffuser may be configured to rotate independently.

[0024] It may also include a controller for controlling the rotation of the first diffuser and the second diffuser, and the controller may be configured to control the first diffuser and the second diffuser by selecting one of a first state and a second state, in which both the first diffuser and the second diffuser rotate in the direction of fan rotation, and in the second state, in which one of the first diffuser and the second diffuser rotates in the direction of fan rotation while simultaneously stopping. A third state in which both the first diffuser and the second diffuser stop; a fourth state in which both the first diffuser and the second diffuser rotate in the opposite direction of fan rotation; a fifth state in which one of the first diffuser and the second diffuser stops while the other rotates in the opposite direction of fan rotation; and a sixth state in which one of the first diffuser and the second diffuser rotates in the direction of fan rotation while the other rotates in the opposite direction of fan rotation.

[0025] According to an embodiment of this disclosure, an indoor unit of an air conditioner includes: a housing having a circular opening; a heat exchanger disposed within the housing; a fan rotating about a rotation axis extending in the direction in which the opening is open; and a diffuser disposed at the opening and configured to discharge airflow that exchanges heat with the heat exchanger through the fan, wherein the diffuser includes a ring corresponding to the opening, a central portion disposed at the center of the ring, and a plurality of blades extending from the central portion to the ring, the plurality of blades being configured to selectively rotate about a rotation axis extending in the same direction as the rotation axis of the fan to the same direction of rotation of the fan, and wherein the plurality of blades are configured to guide the airflow discharged by the fan in the direction of rotation of the diffuser when the diffuser rotates.

[0026] It may also include a fan drive motor for driving the fan, and the fan drive motor may be arranged on the rear surface of the central portion.

[0027] It may also include a diffuser drive motor for driving the diffuser, and the diffuser drive motor may be arranged on the rear surface of the central portion.

[0028] Each of the multiple blades may have an end connected to the central portion and another end connected to the ring, and each of the multiple blades may be bent from one end in the direction of fan rotation or in the opposite direction of fan rotation to extend to the other end.

[0029] According to an embodiment of this disclosure, an indoor unit of an air conditioner includes: a housing having a circular opening; a heat exchanger disposed within the housing; a fan rotating about a rotation axis extending in the direction in which the opening is open; a diffuser rotatably disposed at the opening for exhausting airflow blown by the fan; and a controller configured to selectively rotate the diffuser. The diffuser includes a ring corresponding to the opening, a central portion disposed in the middle of the ring, and a plurality of blades, each blade extending from the central portion into the ring, wherein the plurality of blades can be arranged to guide airflow exhausted by the fan in the direction of rotation of the diffuser when the diffuser rotates.

[0030] Beneficial effects

[0031] According to this disclosure, the indoor unit of the air conditioner can effectively control the exhaust airflow, while reducing the flow loss of the exhaust airflow by changing the airflow discharged by the rotation of the diffuser. Attached Figure Description

[0032] Figure 1An indoor unit of an air conditioner according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0033] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 The front view of the interior unit shown;

[0034] Figure 3 It shows Figure 1 The interior unit shown has its front panel separated from the interior unit;

[0035] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 An exploded perspective view of some of the interior units shown;

[0036] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 A sectional view of the interior unit shown;

[0037] Figure 6 A diffuser for an indoor unit of an air conditioner according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0038] Figure 7 The diagram schematically illustrates the exhaust airflow released from the outlet according to the operating mode of the indoor unit of the air conditioner according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0039] Figure 8 The diagram schematically illustrates the exhaust airflow released from the outlet according to the operating mode of the indoor unit of the air conditioner according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0040] Figure 9 The diagram schematically illustrates the exhaust airflow released from the outlet according to the operating mode of the indoor unit of the air conditioner according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0041] Figure 10 A control system for an air conditioner according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0042] Figure 11 This is a flowchart illustrating a method for controlling an air conditioner according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0043] Figure 12 The diagram schematically illustrates the exhaust airflow released from the outlet according to the operating mode of the indoor unit of the air conditioner, based on a second embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0044] Figure 13 The diagram schematically illustrates the exhaust airflow released from the outlet according to the operating mode of the indoor unit of the air conditioner, based on a second embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0045] Figure 14 This is a flowchart illustrating a method for controlling an air conditioner according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0046] Figure 15 A diffuser for the indoor unit of an air conditioner according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0047] Figure 16 A diffuser for the indoor unit of an air conditioner according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0048] Figure 17 An indoor unit of an air conditioner according to a fifth embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0049] Figure 18 The diagram schematically illustrates an exhaust airflow released from an outlet according to an operating mode of an indoor unit of an air conditioner, according to a fifth embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0050] Figure 19 The diagram schematically illustrates the exhaust airflow released from the outlet according to the operating mode of the indoor unit of the air conditioner according to the fifth embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0051] Figure 20 The diagram schematically illustrates the exhaust airflow released from the outlet according to the operating mode of the indoor unit of the air conditioner according to the fifth embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0052] Figure 21 An indoor unit of an air conditioner according to a sixth embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0053] Figure 22 yes Figure 21 An exploded perspective view of some of the interior units shown;

[0054] Figure 23 The diagram schematically illustrates an exhaust airflow released from an outlet according to an operating mode of an indoor unit of an air conditioner, according to a sixth embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0055] Figure 24 An indoor unit of an air conditioner according to a seventh embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0056] Figure 25 It shows Figure 24 Some components shown are separate from the interior unit. Detailed Implementation

[0057] The embodiments described herein are merely preferred examples and are provided to aid in a comprehensive understanding of the disclosure as defined by the claims and their equivalents. Therefore, those skilled in the art will recognize that various changes and modifications can be made to the embodiments described herein without departing from the scope and spirit of the disclosure.

[0058] As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. For clarity, elements in the accompanying drawings are drawn in exaggerated form and size.

[0059] It should also be understood that, when used in this specification, the terms “comprising” and / or “including” specify the presence of the stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components and / or groups thereof.

[0060] Throughout this specification, the term "identical" includes the meaning of being similar or analogous to each other in properties within a certain range. The term "identical" means substantially the same. The expression "substantially the same" should be interpreted as meaning that values ​​within the tolerance range or values ​​differing from the reference value within a meaningless range fall within the range of "identical."

[0061] Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of this disclosure as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

[0062] Figure 1 An indoor unit of an air conditioner according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure is shown; Figure 2 yes Figure 1 The front view of the interior unit shown; Figure 3 It shows Figure 1 The interior unit shown has a front panel that is separate from the interior unit; Figure 4 yes Figure 1 An exploded perspective view of a portion of the interior unit shown; Figure 5 yes Figure 1 The sectional view of the interior unit shown.

[0063] like Figures 1 to 5 As shown, the indoor unit 1 of the air conditioner includes a housing 10 constituting the exterior of the indoor unit 1, a fan unit 100 arranged in the housing 10, at least one heat exchanger 13 arranged behind the fan unit 100 in the housing 10, and an inlet 14 arranged on the rear surface of the housing 10.

[0064] Unlike the embodiments disclosed herein, the indoor unit 1 of the air conditioner may not include a heat exchanger. In this case, the indoor unit 1 of the air conditioner may be configured to capture foreign objects in the indoor airflow while circulating the indoor airflow, and discharge the airflow after removing the foreign objects. Alternatively, the indoor unit 1 of the air conditioner may simply circulate the indoor airflow without capturing foreign objects in the airflow.

[0065] However, in the following description, it is assumed that, for example, the indoor unit 1 of an air conditioner includes a heat exchanger 11 to remove foreign matter from the indoor airflow and to deliver warm or cold airflow into the room by exchanging heat with the heat exchanger 11.

[0066] The housing 10 includes a front panel 11 and a housing body 12. An opening 15 is formed in the front panel 11, which opens to the front of the housing 10 to expose the fan unit 100 to the front. The housing body 12 is connected to the rear of the front panel 11. The opening 15 may be circular in shape.

[0067] The indoor unit 1 of the air conditioner may include a diffuser 200, which forms an outlet 211 of the fan unit 100 and is disposed on the opening 15 of the housing 10.

[0068] The airflow blown by the fan unit 100 can be discharged from the housing 10 through the diffuser 200.

[0069] The indoor unit 1 of the air conditioner is not limited to the embodiments disclosed herein, but may further include a grille (not shown) disposed in front of the diffuser 200. The grille may be provided to prevent a user's hands from entering the diffuser 200. The grille may be arranged to extend to the front of the front panel 11 to cover at least some area of ​​the front panel 11 of the housing 10. However, it is not limited thereto, and the grille may be selectively disposed in front of the diffuser 200.

[0070] The fan unit 100 may be equipped with a mixed-flow fan. However, it is not limited to this and may be equipped with another type of fan. The fan unit 100 may be configured as multiple fan units 110, 120, and 130. The fan unit 100 may be configured with a single fan, but according to embodiments of the present disclosure, the fan unit 100 may be configured as multiple fan units 110, 120, and 130. The multiple fan units 110, 120, and 130 may be arranged separately along the length of the housing 10. Specifically, in embodiments of the present disclosure, the multiple fan units 110, 120, and 130 may be arranged individually in the vertical direction of the indoor unit 1 of the air conditioner.

[0071] The housing 10 may have multiple openings 15 to match multiple fan units 110, 120, and 130. These multiple openings 15 may be spaced apart along the length of the front panel 11. Specifically, the multiple openings 15 may be arranged to match multiple fan units 110, 120, and 130, allowing them to be placed individually in the vertical direction of the indoor unit 1 of the air conditioner.

[0072] Multiple diffusers 200, namely 210, 220, and 230, can be configured to match multiple fan units 110, 120, and 130. The multiple diffusers 210, 220, and 230 can be arranged to match multiple openings 15.

[0073] Multiple wind turbine units 110, 120 and 130 or multiple diffusers 210, 220 and 230 are identical to each other, so a wind turbine unit (e.g. 110) or a diffuser (e.g. 210) will be described as representative to avoid redundant interpretation.

[0074] The fan unit 110 may include a fan drive motor 111 disposed on the rear surface of the diffuser 210, and a fan 112 rotatably connected to the fan drive motor 111.

[0075] The indoor unit 1 of the air conditioner may include a duct 17 arranged to cover at least some of the diffuser 210 from the rear of the diffuser 210 to form a flow path in which airflow flows, while airflow drawn in by the fan 112 is discharged to the outlet 211 of the diffuser 210.

[0076] The diffuser 210 can be arranged in front of the fan 112 to allow the airflow blown by the fan 112 to exit the housing 10 through the diffuser 210.

[0077] The diffuser 210 may include a central portion 212 disposed in the middle of the opening 15, a ring 213 disposed outside the central portion 212 to form the side of the diffuser 210, and an outlet 211 formed between the central portion 212 and the ring 213.

[0078] The central portion 212 can be configured as a disc plate. However, it is not limited to this and can be configured to have various shapes.

[0079] Ring 213 may have a shape that approximately matches the inner circumferential surface of opening 15. Ring 213 may be configured to be annular. Therefore, outlet 211 may be configured to form an annulus between the outer circumferential surface of central portion 212 and the inner circumferential surface of ring 213. Thus, airflow passing through fan 112 can be discharged from housing 10 through outlet 211.

[0080] The diffuser 210 may include a plurality of blades 214 arranged between the central portion 212 and the ring 213. Some outlets 211 may be separated by the plurality of blades 214, so that the plurality of blades 214 can guide the airflow discharged through the outlets 211.

[0081] One end 214a of each of the plurality of blades 214 may be connected to the outer circumferential surface of the central portion 212, and the other end of each of the plurality of blades 214 may be connected to the inner circumferential surface of the ring 213. This will be described in detail later.

[0082] By adjusting the number, shape, and placement angle of multiple blades 214, the direction and volume of the airflow discharged through outlet 211 can be controlled.

[0083] Furthermore, by adjusting the gap between the central portion 212 and the ring 213 to reduce or increase the radial width of the outlet 211, the direction and volume of the airflow discharged through the outlet 211 can be controlled, and by adjusting the diameter of the central portion 212, the direction and volume of the airflow discharged through the outlet 211 can be controlled.

[0084] The diffuser 210 may include a diffuser body 219, wherein the diffuser body 219, a central portion 212, a ring 213, and a plurality of blades 214 are integrally formed in the diffuser body 219. Although in the embodiments of this disclosure the central portion 212, the ring 213, and the plurality of blades 214 are integrally formed in the diffuser body 219, each of the components 212, 213, and 214 may be provided individually.

[0085] The diffuser 210 may include a diffuser drive motor 215 configured to rotate a plurality of blades 214 in the direction of rotation of the fan 112 or in the opposite direction of rotation. The diffuser drive motor 215 may be provided to rotate the diffuser body 219.

[0086] A diffuser drive motor 215 can be placed on the rear surface of the central portion 212. The diffuser drive motor 215 can transmit rotational power to multiple blades 214 to rotate the multiple blades 214.

[0087] The diffuser 210 may include a bracket 216 to support the diffuser drive motor 215. At least some brackets 216 may be arranged on the rear surface of the central portion 212 of the diffuser 210 such that the diffuser drive motor 215 is arranged on the rear surface of the central portion 212.

[0088] The bracket 216 can be connected to the pipe 17 to allow rotation of the multiple blades 214 to be unrestricted and to support the diffuser drive motor 215. It is not limited to this, and the bracket 216 can be directly connected to the housing 10 to support the diffuser drive motor 215.

[0089] Although the support 216 is described as part of the diffuser 210 in the embodiments of this disclosure, it is not limited thereto, and the support 216 may be part of the conduit 17, or may be a separate part not included in the diffuser 210 or the conduit 17.

[0090] The fan drive motor 111 can also be supported by connecting to bracket 216.

[0091] Depending on the direction in which the opening 15 is open, the diffuser drive motor 215 can be connected to the front surface of the bracket 216, and the fan drive motor 111 can be connected to the rear surface of the bracket 216. However, it is not limited to this; the fan drive motor 111 and the diffuser drive motor 215 can be disposed on the same surface of the bracket 216.

[0092] A fan drive motor 111 is arranged on the rear surface of the central portion 212 such that the rotation axis 113 of the fan drive motor 111 is positioned in the direction toward the rear surface of the housing 12 to rotate the fan 112. A diffuser drive motor 215 is disposed on the rear surface of the central portion 212 such that the rotation axis (not shown) of the diffuser drive motor 215 is positioned in the direction toward the opening 15 of the front panel 11 to rotate a plurality of blades 214.

[0093] The fan 112 has a structure arranged between the diffuser 210 and the heat exchanger 13 to draw in airflow that has already undergone heat exchange in the heat exchanger 13 and discharge the airflow through the outlet 211. The fan 112 includes a hub 112a connected to the rotation axis 113 of the fan drive motor 111 and a plurality of blades 112b connected to the outer circumferential surface of the hub 112a.

[0094] The diameter of hub 112a gradually decreases along the direction pointed to by the rotation axis 113 of fan drive motor 111, that is, gradually decreases towards the rear surface of housing 12, so the outer circumferential surface of hub 112a is formed at an angle. The shape of fan 112 can be similar to that of mixed flow fan, and is configured to discharge the airflow drawn in by fan 112 at an angle towards outlet 211.

[0095] At least three of the wing portions 112b are arranged at regular intervals along the outer circumferential surface of the hub 112a. The wing portions 112b form a pressure gradient in the fore-and-aft direction of the fan 112 so as to generate a constant airflow when the wing portions 112 rotate together with the hub 112a.

[0096] The duct 17 is arranged in a circular shape to surround the fan 112 in order to form a flow path for the airflow drawn in by the fan 112, so as to flow to the outlet 211.

[0097] The front surface of the conduit 17 and the rear surface of the diffuser 210 can be connected. Furthermore, as described above, the conduit 17 can be configured to support the bracket 216. Therefore, the conduit 17 can support the bracket 216 such that the bracket 216 is arranged on the rear surface of the central portion 212.

[0098] The housing 10 may include a fixing frame 15 to securely support the pipe 17. However, it is not limited to this, and the pipe 17 may be directly connected to one of the front panel 11 or the rear panel 12.

[0099] The heat exchanger 13 can be disposed between the fan unit 110 and the inlet 14 to absorb heat from the airflow introduced through the inlet 14 or to transfer heat to the airflow introduced through the inlet 14.

[0100] One or more heat exchangers 13 can be installed in the indoor unit 1. Specifically, the same number of heat exchangers 13 as the number of fan units 110, 120, and 130 can be arranged behind the fan units 110, 120, and 130 to match them, or a single heat exchanger 13 with dimensions corresponding to all of the fan units 110, 120, and 130 can be arranged. Furthermore, not all heat exchangers 13 need to have the same heat exchange capacity. For example, one of the multiple heat exchangers 13 with a relatively small heat exchange capacity can be arranged behind one fan unit 110, and another heat exchanger with a relatively large heat exchange capacity can be arranged behind two or more fan units 120 and 130.

[0101] An inlet 14 is formed on the housing 12 located behind the heat exchanger 13 to guide airflow from outside the indoor unit 1 into the indoor unit 1. The inlet 14 may be located on one or more of the top surface, side surface, and rear surface of the housing 12.

[0102] Similar to heat exchanger 13, one or more inlets 14 can be provided on housing 12. The same number of inlets 14 as the number of fan units 110, 120, and 130 can be arranged on housing 12 to match the fan units 110, 120, and 130, or a single inlet 14 can be arranged with dimensions corresponding to all the fan units 110, 120, and 130. Not all of the multiple inlets 14 need to have the same dimensions.

[0103] In embodiments of this disclosure, the indoor unit 1 may include multiple fan units 110, 120, and 130, multiple diffusers 210, 220, and 230, multiple heat exchangers 13, multiple inlets 14, and multiple openings 15. For ease of illustration, as... Figure 5 As shown, the multiple fan units 100 include a first fan unit 110, a second fan unit 120 and a third fan unit 130, which are respectively arranged along the length direction of the indoor unit 1.

[0104] Multiple diffusers 200 may be arranged in front of multiple fan units 100 and on multiple openings 15. The multiple diffusers 200 may include a first diffuser 210 matched with a first fan unit 110, a second diffuser 220 matched with a second fan unit 120, and a third diffuser 230 matched with a third fan unit 130.

[0105] Between the inlets 14 are first to third heat exchangers 13a, 13b, and 13c, which are separately arranged along the length of the indoor unit 100. The plurality of inlets 14 include a first inlet 14a, a second inlet 14b, and a third inlet 14c. The first inlet 14a, the second inlet 14b, and the third inlet 14c are separately arranged along the length of the indoor unit 100 after the heat exchanger 130.

[0106] The plurality of heat exchangers 13 include a first heat exchanger 13a, a second heat exchanger 13b, and a third heat exchanger 13c, which are respectively arranged between the plurality of fan units 10 and the inlet 14 along the length direction of the indoor unit 1. The plurality of inlets 14 include a first inlet 14a, a second inlet 14b, and a third inlet 14c, which are arranged separately along the length direction of the indoor unit 1 after the heat exchangers 13.

[0107] The first diffuser 210, the first fan unit 110, the first heat exchanger 13a, and the first inlet 14a can be arranged to be aligned with each other. The second diffuser 220, the second fan unit 120, the second heat exchanger 13b, and the second inlet 14b can be arranged to be aligned with each other below the first diffuser 210, the first fan unit 110, the first heat exchanger 13a, and the first inlet 14a, respectively. Furthermore, the third diffuser 230, the third fan unit 130, the third heat exchanger 13c, and the third inlet 14c can be arranged to be aligned with each other below the second diffuser 220, the second fan unit 120, the second heat exchanger 13b, and the second inlet 14b, respectively.

[0108] In this way, when the multiple diffusers 210, 220, and 230, the multiple fan units 110, 120, and 130, the multiple heat exchangers 13a, 13b, and 13c, and the multiple inlets 14a, 14b, and 14c arranged at upper, middle, and lower heights along the length of the indoor unit 100, are aligned in the front-to-back direction, the indoor unit 1 can have a slender width. In this case, the flow path formed between the inlet 14 and the outlet 211 is shortened, thus increasing the operating efficiency of the indoor unit 1 while reducing noise.

[0109] The first fan unit 110, the second fan unit 120, and the third fan unit 130 can be controlled to be turned on / off or rotate at different speeds, and the first heat exchanger 13a, the second heat exchanger 13b, and the third heat exchanger 13c correspond to the first fan unit 110, the second fan unit 120, and the third fan unit 130, respectively. The refrigerant can be received by controlling the first to third fan units 110, 120, and 130 according to their operating states (on / off). For example, when the first fan unit 110 and the second fan unit 120 are started (turned on) and the third fan unit 130 is stopped (turned off), the first 13a and the second heat exchanger 13b corresponding to the first fan unit 110 and the second fan unit 120 can be controlled to receive refrigerant, while the third heat exchanger 13c corresponding to the third fan unit 130 can be controlled not to receive refrigerant. Although not shown, to control the refrigerant supplied to the first to third heat exchangers 13a, 13b, and 13c, a corresponding valve may be installed to block the flow path between the refrigerant pipes connected to the respective first to third heat exchangers 13a, 13b, and 13c and the refrigerant pipes connected to the first to third heat exchangers 13a, 13b, and 13c, or a valve having multiple ports (e.g., a three-way valve) connected to the first to third heat exchangers 13a, 13b, and 13a. For this type of valve, there may be solenoid-based electronic on / off valves, pneumatic on / off valves, etc.

[0110] Furthermore, as will be described later, the first to third diffusers 210, 220 and 230 can be controlled to open / close or rotate at different speeds.

[0111] The diffuser 200 will now be described in detail.

[0112] Figure 6 The diffuser of the indoor unit of an air conditioner according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Figure 7 The illustration schematically shows the exhaust airflow released from the outlet in the operating mode of the indoor unit of an air conditioner according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 8 The illustration schematically depicts the exhaust airflow released from the outlet according to the operating mode of the indoor unit of the air conditioner, based on a first embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 9 The illustration schematically shows an exhaust airflow released from an outlet according to an operating mode of an indoor unit of an air conditioner, based on a first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0113] like Figure 6As shown, the diffuser 210 may include a plurality of blades 214 arranged between the central portion 212 and the ring 213. The diffuser 210 may be arranged in front of the fan 112, such that the airflow passing through the fan 112 is discharged to the front of the front panel 11 through the outlet 211. In this case, the discharged airflow can be guided by the plurality of blades 214 arranged on the outlet 211. By adjusting the number, shape, placement angle, etc. of the plurality of blades 214, the airflow direction and airflow volume discharged through the outlet 211 can be controlled.

[0114] Multiple blades 214 are formed in the shape of a spiral blade from the center portion 214 to the ring 213, thereby guiding the exhaust airflow blown out of the fan 112 to the outside.

[0115] Multiple blades 214 are formed to extend from the central portion 212 to the ring 213 in a radial direction. Specifically, one end 214a of the multiple blades 214 may be disposed adjacent to the central portion 212, while the other end of the multiple blades 214 may be disposed adjacent to the ring 213.

[0116] Preferably, one end 214a of the plurality of blades 214 can be configured to abut the outer circumferential surface of the central portion 212, while the other end of the plurality of blades 214 can be configured to abut the inner circumferential surface of the ring 213. However, this disclosure is not limited thereto, and when the central portion 212, the ring 213 and the plurality of blades 214 are not integrally formed but can be formed separately, one end 214a and the other end 214b of the plurality of blades 214 can be arranged to not contact the central portion 212 and the ring 213, but to be adjacent to the central portion 212 and the ring 213.

[0117] Multiple blades 214 can be bent in a second direction B, which is opposite to the first direction A. The first direction A is the rotation direction of the fan 112 along the radial direction of the ring 213.

[0118] When viewed from the front of the diffuser 210, when the fan 112 rotates clockwise, the plurality of blades 214 are formed to bend counterclockwise from the center portion 212 to the ring 213, and when the fan 112 rotates counterclockwise, the plurality of blades 214 are formed to bend clockwise from the center portion 214 to the ring 214.

[0119] Specifically, each of the plurality of blades 214 includes an end 214a arranged adjacent to the central portion 214 and another end 214b adjacent to the connecting ring 213, and can be configured to bend from one end 214a toward a second direction B opposite to a first direction A to extend to the other end 214b, the first direction A being the rotation direction of the fan 112. That is, each blade 214 can be bent and extend in a direction opposite to the rotation direction of the fan 112.

[0120] Therefore, the multiple blades 214 can be arranged such that when the diffuser 210 stops, the airflow discharged from the diffuser 210 is a forward airflow, which is an airflow with high directionality to the forward direction.

[0121] Conversely, when multiple blades 214 extend from the central portion 214 to the ring 213 and bend in the same direction A as the rotation direction of the fan 112, the exhaust airflow blown from the fan 112 is guided by the multiple blades 214 to form a diffused airflow rather than a forward airflow. A diffused airflow is an airflow that has less directionality in the forward direction but greater directionality in other directions and is easily diffused in all directions.

[0122] However, using the structure as disclosed herein, multiple blades 214 block the progression of the exhaust airflow that diffuses in all directions and guide it to change into a forward airflow.

[0123] For example, assuming the direction toward the front of diffuser 210 is the z-direction, the radial direction starting from the central portion 214 of diffuser 210 is the y-direction, and the direction corresponding to the rotation direction A of the fan 112 in the tangential direction of the circle of diffuser 210 is the x-direction, some exhaust airflow is blown out from the fan 112 along the x and y directions. This airflow is guided in the z-direction by multiple blades 214.

[0124] The airflow discharged from the indoor unit 1 of the air conditioner can be discharged in the z direction by the fan 112. However, when the fan 112 rotates in the first direction A, the airflow passing through the fan 112 can have strong fluidity in the x direction corresponding to the rotation direction A of the fan 112, and therefore also has increased fluidity in the y direction.

[0125] In other words, the airflow fluidity increases in the direction of rotation of the fan 112, so that the airflow blown out from the fan 112 has increased fluidity not only in the z direction (i.e. the direction of airflow discharge) but also in the x direction corresponding to the rotation direction A of the fan 112 and the y direction that connects with the x direction, thereby forming a diffused airflow.

[0126] As described above, the diffused airflow discharged by the fan 112 can have reduced fluidity in the x and y directions due to the multiple blades 214 disposed in front of the fan 112, and has increased directionality relative to the z direction, thereby changing into a forward airflow. The diffused airflow formed by the fan 112 can be changed into a forward airflow by the diffuser 210.

[0127] Specifically, the flowability of the diffused airflow in the x-direction is restricted by multiple blades 214 formed to bend towards a second direction B, which is opposite to the rotation direction of the fan 112. Therefore, the flowability in the y-direction can be reduced accordingly. The flowability in the z-direction increases as the flowability in the x and y directions decreases, making the force of the forward-moving airflow stronger. Thus, the directionality of the diffused airflow can be changed to a forward-moving airflow.

[0128] In other words, multiple blades 214 can guide the airflow in the x and y directions to the z direction, thereby turning the airflow discharged from the diffuser 210 into a forward airflow.

[0129] When the multiple blades 214 bend in the first direction A corresponding to the rotation direction of the fan 112, the multiple blades 214 cannot restrict the flow of the exhaust airflow in the x and y directions, so the diffused airflow further develops and advances from the front of the air conditioner in all directions.

[0130] In one embodiment of this disclosure, multiple blades 214 bend in a second direction B opposite to the rotation direction of the fan 112. Therefore, when the diffuser 210 stops, the exhaust airflow further develops into a forward airflow rather than a diffused airflow, thus forming a forward airflow from the front of the air conditioner, making long-distance airflow possible. The opposite situation will be described later in conjunction with another embodiment.

[0131] The rotor blades 214 of the multiple blades can be formed with ribs of a certain width. Since the multiple blades 214 are used to protect the internal components in the indoor unit 1, such as the blower 112, from external influences, and also to guide the exhaust airflow blown from the blower 112 to generate airflow, they can be formed with ribs of a certain width to adequately guide the exhaust airflow.

[0132] As described above, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the indoor unit 1 of the air conditioner can be configured such that the diffuser 210 discharges forward airflow while the diffuser 210 stops.

[0133] In this situation, when the forward airflow reaches the user directly, the user may feel cold and uncomfortable. Conversely, when the user is some distance away, the exhaust airflow cannot reach the user's space, and even when a forward airflow is generated, the user may feel hot and uncomfortable.

[0134] In order to increase the air volume of the indoor unit of an air conditioner, in the conventional case, the fan speed is increased by increasing the fan speed by increasing the number of revolutions per minute (rpm), or the amount of refrigerant to be carried into the heat exchanger is increased to the maximum value.

[0135] Conversely, in order to minimize the airflow through the indoor unit of the air conditioner that comes into direct contact with the user, an exhaust plate structure with micro-perforated plates is additionally formed at the front of the outlet of the indoor unit to physically reduce the wind speed of the exhaust airflow through the exhaust plate, thereby making the user feel comfortable.

[0136] In the conventional case, the exhaust plate structure is additionally used to generate a diffused airflow, thus reducing the velocity of the exhaust airflow and the fluid velocity of the exhaust airflow by keeping the airflow fluid velocity constant in a specific area to generate a diffused airflow.

[0137] In this situation, when some airflow exiting the outlet collides with the exhaust plate, pressure loss of the airflow occurs, thereby reducing the pressure loss. There is a way to increase the area of ​​the exhaust plate or increase the size and gap of the micropores, but due to the size limitations of the indoor unit of the air conditioner, it is difficult to prevent pressure loss of the airflow.

[0138] As mentioned above, due to the resistance of the flow path formed by the exhaust plate, the exhaust airflow may experience a loss of airflow fluidity. Therefore, the air volume may decrease, and the noise from the collision between the exhaust plate and the airflow may increase.

[0139] To address these issues, in embodiments of this disclosure, the indoor unit 1 of the air conditioner may be exempt from the exhaust panel structure, thereby easily selecting and changing the airflow discharged from the indoor unit 1 of the air conditioner into a forward airflow or a diffused airflow.

[0140] Specifically, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the indoor unit 1 of the air conditioner can control the directionality of the exhaust airflow, so that the airflow passing through the diffuser 210 becomes a forward airflow or a diffused airflow through the rotation of the diffuser 210.

[0141] The diffuser 210 can be configured to rotate about the rotation axis C of the fan 112 in a first direction A, where the first direction A is the rotation direction of the fan 112. Alternatively, the diffuser 210 can be configured to rotate about the rotation axis C of the fan 112 in a direction B opposite to the first direction A.

[0142] like Figure 7 As shown, when the diffuser 21 is in the stopped state S, the airflow discharged through the diffuser 210 can form a first airflow f1 with high directionality in the forward direction. The first airflow f1 can correspond to the aforementioned forward airflow.

[0143] Figures 7 to 9 The first airflow f1 shown, as well as the second airflow f2 and the third airflow f3, which will be described later, are shown in straight lines to increase the visibility of directionality.

[0144] As described above, when the multiple blades 214 bend towards the second direction B, they restrict the airflow exiting the diffuser 210 from flowing in the x-direction, which is the tangential direction to the rotation direction A of the fan 112, and guide the airflow to the z-direction, which is the direction extending from the rotation axis C of the fan 112. Therefore, the airflow passing through the diffuser 210 can be formed into a first airflow f1 with a higher directionality than the forward direction.

[0145] like Figure 8 As shown, when the diffuser 210 is driven in a rotational state R1 where it rotates along the first direction A, the airflow passing through the diffuser 210 can form a second airflow f2. The second airflow f2 has a smaller directionality in the forward direction than the first airflow f1, but has a greater diffusivity. The second airflow f2 can correspond to the aforementioned diffused airflow.

[0146] The diffuser 210 can be configured to rotate along a first direction A, which is the rotation direction of the fan 112. As described above, the diffuser 210 can rotate about an axis that is the same as the rotation axis C of the fan 112.

[0147] Therefore, the multiple blades 214 can also be configured to rotate along the first direction A. When the multiple blades 214 rotate along the first direction A, they can increase the airflow flowability along the x-direction. When the diffuser 210 rotates along the first direction A, the airflow flowability along the x-direction increases, thus forming a second airflow f2 that diffuses in all directions. When the diffuser 210 rotates along the first direction A, the rotational property of the airflow passing through the diffuser 210 along the first direction A is enhanced, thereby increasing the flowability along the x-direction.

[0148] Specifically, when the multiple blades 214 are in a stopped state S, they can limit the airflow directionality in the x-direction by blocking the airflow in the x-direction and change the airflow directionality to the z-direction. However, when the multiple blades 214 are driven in a rotating state R1 in the first direction A, they may not limit the airflow but instead increase the airflow directionality. This is because when the multiple blades 214 rotate in the same direction A as the fan 112, they guide the airflow to increase the airflow directionality in the tangential direction.

[0149] The airflow blown by the fan 112 has enhanced fluidity in the x direction due to the rotation of the fan 112. Therefore, the fluidity of the airflow can also be increased in the y direction. When the diffuser 210 also rotates in the first direction A, the exhaust airflow through the diffuser 210 has a further increased directionality toward the first direction A, thereby generating a force that forms an airflow in a direction substantially orthogonal to the z direction of the exhaust airflow, thereby generating a diffused airflow.

[0150] Therefore, when the diffuser 210 is driven in the rotational state R1 of the first direction A, the airflow through the diffuser 210 can have increased fluidity in the x direction, thus forming a second airflow f2 with high directionality, wherein the airflow diffuses in all directions.

[0151] The second airflow f2 has a reduced flow rate and directionality in the forward direction, and therefore can have a reduced flow velocity in the forward direction. However, the airflow distribution of the second airflow f2 diffuses in all directions except the forward direction, and the second airflow f2 can be discharged from the diffuser 210 to the outside in the forward direction with a reduced flow velocity without airflow loss.

[0152] Therefore, by rotating the diffuser 210, the indoor unit 1 of the air conditioner can cool or heat the room at a minimum airflow speed, allowing the user to experience a pleasant sensation at this minimum speed. Furthermore, the indoor unit 1 of the air conditioner can be configured to perform convection-based cooling in the forward direction at a minimum airflow speed, and to perform radiation-based cooling through cold airflow zones formed in adjacent areas.

[0153] In the traditional case, increasing the flow path resistance of the airflow reduces the forward flow velocity, resulting in flow loss and a decrease in flow velocity, thereby reducing cooling or heating efficiency.

[0154] A perforated plate with multiple discharge holes in the airflow path is arranged to reduce the fluid velocity in the forward direction. This results in pressure loss of the discharged airflow and flow loss of the indoor unit of the air conditioner, and increases resistance in the discharge flow path, thereby generating noise.

[0155] On the other hand, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the indoor unit 1 of the air conditioner generates an airflow with a reduced velocity in the forward direction without causing flow loss of the exhaust airflow due to the rotation of the diffuser 210, thereby providing fresh air to the user and maintaining the cooling or heating efficiency at a certain level.

[0156] On the contrary, such as Figure 9 As shown, the diffuser 210 can rotate in a second direction B, which is opposite to the rotation direction of the fan 112.

[0157] When the diffuser 210 is driven in the state R2 rotating along the second direction B, the airflow can form a third airflow f3. When passing through the diffuser 210, the third airflow f3 has a higher directionality in the forward direction than the first airflow f1.

[0158] Multiple blades 214 can guide the airflow through diffuser 210 in a direction opposite to the x-direction, while rotating in a direction B opposite to the rotation direction of fan 112. Therefore, the multiple blades 214 can counteract the flowability of the airflow exiting the diffuser in the x and y directions, and change the flowability in the x and y directions to the z-direction. In other words, the directionality of the exhaust airflow in the x-direction can be eliminated, and the exhaust airflow can be guided to a forward airflow by changing the direction of movement of the exhaust airflow diffusing forward in all directions.

[0159] Therefore, when in the driving state R2, the diffuser 210 rotates in the second direction B, instead of when the diffuser 210 is in the stopped state S. The diffuser 210 can further guide the exhaust airflow in the forward direction to prevent the airflow from flowing in the x direction.

[0160] When in the driving state R2, the diffuser 210 can further guide the exhaust airflow in the forward direction. In the driving state R2, the diffuser 210 rotates along the second direction B, instead of blocking the airflow flowing in the x direction when the diffuser 210 is in the stopped state S.

[0161] Therefore, since the flow rate along the y direction is reduced proportionally to the flow rate along the x direction and the flow rate along the z direction is increased, when the diffuser 210 is in the state R2 rotating along the second direction B, compared to when the diffuser 210 is in the stopped state S, the exhaust airflow flowing through the diffuser 210 can form a third airflow f3, which has a higher directionality in the forward direction than the first airflow f1.

[0162] When the indoor unit 1 of the air conditioner is set to exhaust the third airflow f3, the indoor unit 1 can force the airflow to travel a greater distance at a faster speed, thereby allowing air conditioning in a spacious space and rapidly cooling or heating the space.

[0163] In other words, the indoor unit 1 of the air conditioner can be configured to generate different types of airflow according to the corresponding states S, R1, and R2 of the diffuser 210. In particular, different types of airflow are generated by simply rotating the diffuser 210, and no flow loss occurs even when different airflows are discharged. Therefore, the indoor unit 1 of the air conditioner can easily generate different types of airflow without losing cooling or heating efficiency.

[0164] When the diffuser 210 is in the stopped state S, the first airflow f1 discharged through the diffuser 210 is a generally forward airflow with a definite forward direction.

[0165] When the diffuser 210 is in a state R1 of rotating along the first direction A, the second airflow f2 discharged through the diffuser 210 is a diffused airflow with fluid diffusion in all directions.

[0166] When the diffuser 210 is in the state R2 of rotating along the second direction B, the third airflow f3 discharged through the diffuser 210 is a forward airflow with a higher directionality than the first airflow f1.

[0167] Depending on the user's selection, the diffuser 210 can be driven in one of the following states: a stop state S, a state R1 rotating in the first direction A, and a state R2 rotating in the second direction B. Therefore, various types of airflow f1, f2, and f3 can be discharged through the indoor unit 1 of the air conditioner.

[0168] Although three different airflows f1, f2, and f3 have been used as examples so far, a greater variety of airflows than just three airflows f1, f2, and f3 can be generated because multiple diffusers 210, 220, and 230 are driven individually in different states S, R1, and R2. For example, when the indoor unit 1 of the air conditioner is driven with the first diffuser 210 in a stopped state S and the second and third diffusers 220 and 230 in a state R1 rotating along the first direction A, an airflow with a slightly different flow pattern than the second airflow f2 can be generated.

[0169] However, for ease of explanation, three types of airflows f1, f2, and f3 have been described above as examples. It can be defined that the first airflow f1 is the airflow generated when all the multiple diffusers 210, 220, and 230 are in a stopped state S; the second airflow f2 is the airflow generated when all the multiple diffusers 210, 220, and 230 are in a state R1 rotating along a first direction A; and the third airflow f3 is the airflow generated when all the multiple diffusers 210, 220, and 230 are in a state R2 rotating along a second direction B.

[0170] The airflows other than the first to third airflows f1, f2, and f3 will be described in conjunction with the indoor unit 1 that controls the air conditioner. The method for controlling the indoor unit 1 of the air conditioner having the above structure will now be described in detail.

[0171] Figure 10 A control system for an air conditioner according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure is shown, and Figure 11 This is a flowchart illustrating a method for controlling an air conditioner according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0172] In one embodiment of this disclosure, the indoor unit 1 is equipped with a plurality of diffusers 210, 220 and 230 arranged in the vertical direction of the indoor unit for performing target-type airflow regulation by controlling the direction of the airflow discharged through the plurality of diffusers 210, 220 and 230.

[0173] It is not limited to this, but can control the airflow or velocity of the air discharged through multiple fan units 110, 120 and 130. That is, it can control the rpm of the fan in each fan unit 110, 120 and 130 respectively, and control the airflow and velocity of the air discharged from the indoor unit 1 of the air conditioner through on / off control. However, only the control of airflow direction by controlling the diffuser 200 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described now.

[0174] like Figure 10 As shown, the indoor unit 1 of the air conditioner may include a controller 300 for controlling the general operation of the indoor unit 1 of the air conditioner.

[0175] The input terminals of the controller 300 can be electrically connected to the input terminal 301 for communication, the outdoor temperature sensor 302, the indoor temperature sensor 303, the evaporator temperature sensor 304, etc.

[0176] In addition, it can be electrically connected to a memory 305 that stores the operation history of the indoor unit 1 of the air conditioner and an external server 306 that stores the operation history of the indoor unit 1 of the air conditioner to store the user's preferred operation mode.

[0177] The output of the controller 300 is electrically connected to the first to third diffuser drivers 210a, 220a, and 230a for communication. The first to third diffuser drivers 210a, 220a, and 230a are used to drive the first to third diffusers 210, 220, and 230, respectively, and operate according to control commands from the controller 300, controlling the on / off state and speed of the diffuser drive motor 215 of each of the first to third diffusers 210, 220, and 230.

[0178] The controller 300 sends control commands to each of the first to third diffuser drivers 210a, 220a and 230a to control the on / off state and rotation speed of a corresponding one of the first to third diffusers 210, 220 and 230, in accordance with the operating mode selected by the user.

[0179] Figure 11 The control method in the middle is by Figure 10 The control system shown is executed. Figure 11 As shown, according to an embodiment of this disclosure, when a user supplies power to the air conditioner and selects a desired operating mode, in step 310, the air conditioner controller 300 receives information about the operating mode selected by the user, generates a control signal corresponding to the received operating mode, and transmits the control signal to each part of the air conditioner to perform the target operation.

[0180] When the user does not select any operating mode, information about the optimal operating mode collected by the memory 305 or the external server 306, taking into account external temperature, internal temperature, etc., is selectively sent to the controller 300, and based on this, the controller 300 can control the first to third diffuser drivers 210a, 220a and 230a.

[0181] When the user selects the first operating mode, the controller 300 can send a control command to each of the first to third diffuser drivers 210a, 220a, and 230a to execute the first operating mode. The first operating mode is the mode in which the air conditioner generates a first airflow f1, and the controller 300 can control the first to third diffuser drivers 210a, 220a, and 230a to put the first to third diffusers 210, 220, and 230 in a stopped state S.

[0182] In the first operating mode, the first to third diffuser drivers 210a, 220a and 230a can control the diffuser drive motor 215 of each of the first to third diffusers 210, 220 and 230 to not operate.

[0183] When the user selects the second operating mode, the controller 300 can send a control command to each of the first to third diffuser drivers 210a, 220a, and 230a to execute the second operating mode. The second operating mode is the operating mode in which the air conditioner generates a second airflow f2, and the controller 300 can control the first to third diffuser drivers 210a, 220a, and 230a in 321 to put the first to third diffusers 210, 220, and 230 in a rotating state R1, wherein the first to third diffusers 210, 220, and 230 rotate in a first direction A along the rotation direction of the fan 112.

[0184] In the second operating mode, the first to third diffuser drivers 210a, 220a and 230a can control the diffuser drive motor 215 of each of the first to third diffusers 210, 220 and 230, so that the plurality of blades 214 of each of the diffusers 210, 220 and 230 rotate along the first direction A.

[0185] When the user selects the third operating mode, the controller 300 can send a control command to each of the first to third diffuser drivers 210a, 220a, and 230a to execute the third operating mode. The third operating mode is the operating mode in which the air conditioner generates a third airflow f3, and the controller 300 can control the first to third diffuser drivers 210a, 220a, and 230a in 322 to make the first to third diffusers 210, 220, and 230 rotate in a rotating state R2, wherein the first to third diffusers 210, 220, and 230 rotate in a second direction B opposite to the rotation direction of the fan 112.

[0186] In the third operating mode, the first to third diffuser drivers 210a, 220a and 230a can control the diffuser drive motor 215 of each of the first to third diffusers 210, 220 and 230, so that the plurality of blades 214 of each of the diffusers 210, 220 and 230 rotate along the second direction B.

[0187] When the user selects the fourth operating mode, the controller 300 can send a control command to each of the first to third diffuser drivers 210a, 220a, and 230a to execute the fourth operating mode. The fourth operating mode is an operating mode in which the air conditioner produces an exhaust airflow similar to the first airflow f1, and in step 323, the controller 300 can control the first to third diffuser drivers 210a, 220a, and 230a to put one of the first to third diffusers 210, 220, and 230 in a rotating state R1, where the rotating state R1 is along a first direction A corresponding to the rotation direction of the fan 112, and the other two diffusers are in a stopped state S.

[0188] For example, such as Figure 11 As shown, the controller 300 can control the first to third diffuser drivers 210a, 220a and 230a to put the third diffuser 230 in a rotating state R1, where the rotating state R1 is a rotation along a first direction A corresponding to the rotation direction of the fan 112, and to control the first and second diffusers 210 and 220 in a stopped state S.

[0189] In other words, the controller 300 can control the first and second diffuser drivers 210a and 220a to not drive the drive motors 115 of the first and second diffusers 210 and 220, and control the third diffuser driver 230a to make the drive motor 115 of the third diffuser 230 rotate the third diffuser 230 along the first direction A.

[0190] A fourth operating mode can be provided to operate the indoor unit 1 of the air conditioner while the first or second diffuser 210 or 220 is also rotating in the first direction A and the other diffusers are stopped.

[0191] In other words, the fourth operating mode can be further subdivided into three types of sub-operating modes. In this case, based on information input by the user or information sent from each of the sensors 302, 303 and 304, the memory 305 or the server 306, the controller 300 can control the first to third diffuser drivers 210a, 220a and 230a.

[0192] The airflow discharged in the fourth operating mode has a similar directionality to the first airflow f1 because both diffusers discharge airflow in the stopped state S, but because one diffuser discharges diffused airflow in the rotating state R1, it is more diffuse than the first airflow f1.

[0193] When the first to third diffusers 210, 220 and 230 are arranged to be spaced apart in the vertical direction, the directionality of the airflow can be changed depending on which of the three diffusers 210, 220 and 230 rotates in the first direction A.

[0194] In other words, in the fourth operating mode, the airflow discharged from the indoor unit 1 of the air conditioner can be divided into three sub-airflows. Due to the different discharge heights of the airflows discharged from one of the diffusers, from the first diffuser 210 to the third diffuser 220 and 230, which rotate along the first direction A, the three sub-airflows can be classified as having different directions.

[0195] When the user selects the fifth operating mode, the controller 300 can send a control command to each of the first to third diffuser drivers 210a, 220a, and 230a to execute the fifth operating mode. The fifth operating mode is an operating mode in which the air conditioner produces an exhaust airflow similar to the first airflow f1, and the controller 300 can control the first to third diffuser drivers 210a, 220a, and 230a in 324 such that one of the first to third diffusers 210, 220, and 230 is in a rotating state R2, rotating in a second direction B opposite to the rotation direction of the fan 112, while the other two diffusers are in a stopped state S.

[0196] For example, such as Figure 11 As shown, the controller 300 can control the first to third diffuser drivers 210a, 220a and 230a of the third diffuser 230 to be in a rotating state R2, the rotating state R2 being a second direction B corresponding to the opposite direction of the rotation of the fan 112, and control the first and second diffusers 210 and 220 to be in a stopped state S.

[0197] In other words, the controller 300 can control the first and second diffuser drivers 210a and 220a to not drive the drive motors 115 of the first and second diffusers 210 and 220, and control the third diffuser driver 230a to make the drive motor 115 of the third diffuser 230 rotate the third diffuser 230 along the second direction B.

[0198] A fifth operating mode can be provided to operate the indoor unit 1 of the air conditioner while the first or second diffuser 210 or 220 is also rotating in the second direction B and the other diffusers are stopped.

[0199] In other words, the fifth operating mode can be further subdivided into three types of sub-operating modes. In this case, based on information input by the user or information sent from each of the sensors 302, 303 and 304, the memory 305 or the server 306, the controller 300 can control the first to third diffuser drivers 210a, 220a and 230a.

[0200] In the fifth operating mode, the exhaust airflow has a similar directionality to the first airflow f1 because both diffusers exhaust airflow in the stopped state S. However, since one diffuser exhausts forward airflow in the rotating state R2, the two diffusers have a higher directionality in the forward direction than the first airflow f1.

[0201] In other words, in the fifth operating mode, the airflow discharged from the indoor unit 1 of the air conditioner can be divided into three sub-airflows. Due to the different discharge heights of one of the diffused airflows rotating along the second direction B from the first diffuser 210 to the third diffuser 220 and 230, the three sub-airflows can be classified as having different directions.

[0202] When the user selects the sixth operating mode, the controller 300 can send a control command to each of the first to third diffuser drivers 210a, 220a, and 230a to execute the sixth operating mode. The sixth operating mode is an operating mode in which the air conditioner generates an exhaust airflow similar to the second airflow f2, and the controller 300 can control the first to third diffuser drivers 210a, 220a, and 230a in 325 to put one of the first to third diffusers 210, 220, and 230 in a stopped state S, and to put the other two diffusers in a rotating state R1, the rotating state R1 rotating along a first direction A corresponding to the rotation direction of the fan 112.

[0203] For example, such as Figure 11 As shown, the controller 300 can control the first to third diffuser drivers 210a, 220a and 230a to put the third diffuser 230 in a stopped state S and to put the first and second diffusers 210 and 220 in a rotating state R1 that rotates along the first direction A.

[0204] In other words, the controller 300 can control the first and second diffuser drivers 210a and 220a, causing the drive motors 115 of the first and second diffusers 210 and 220 to rotate the first and second diffusers 210 and 220 in the first direction A, and control the third diffuser driver 230a to stop the drive motor 115 of the third diffuser 230.

[0205] A sixth operating mode can be provided for the indoor unit 1 of the air conditioner, in which the first or second diffuser 210 or 220 is also stopped and the other diffusers are rotating in the first direction A.

[0206] In other words, the sixth operating mode can be further subdivided into three types of sub-operating modes. In this case, based on information input by the user or information sent from each of the sensors 302 / 303 and 304 / memory 305 or server 306, the controller 300 can control the first to third diffuser drivers 210a, 220a and 230a.

[0207] Because the two diffusers discharge airflow in state R1 when rotating along the first direction A, the airflow discharged in the sixth operating mode has a similar directionality to the second airflow f2. However, since one diffuser discharges airflow in state S when stationary, the two diffusers have a higher directionality in the forward direction than the second airflow f2.

[0208] Furthermore, in the sixth operating mode, airflow with higher directionality in all directions can be discharged than that discharged in the fourth operating mode.

[0209] In the sixth operating mode, the airflow discharged from the indoor unit 1 of the air conditioner can be divided into three sub-airflows. The three sub-airflows can be classified into having different directions, which is determined by the discharge height of two of the airflows discharged from the first diffuser to the third diffuser 210, 220 and 230 and the discharge height of the airflow discharged from the other diffuser. Two of the first diffuser 210 to the third diffuser 210, 220 and 230 rotate along the first direction A, while the other diffuser stops.

[0210] When the user selects the seventh operating mode, the controller 300 can send a control command to each of the first to third diffuser drivers 210a, 220a, and 230a to execute the seventh operating mode. The seventh operating mode is the operating mode in which the air conditioner produces an exhaust airflow similar to the third airflow f3, and the controller 300 can control the first to third diffuser drivers 210a, 220a, and 230a in 326 to put one of the first to third diffusers 210, 220, and 230 in a stopped state S, and to put the other two diffusers in a rotating state R2, rotating in a second direction B opposite to the rotation direction of the fan 112.

[0211] For example, such as Figure 11 As shown, the controller 300 can control the first to third diffuser drivers 210a, 220a and 230a to put the third diffuser 230 in a stopped state S and to put the first and second diffusers 210 and 220 in a rotating state R2 that rotates along the second direction B.

[0212] In other words, the controller 300 can control the first diffuser driver 210a and the second diffuser driver 220a, causing the drive motors 115 of the first diffuser 210 and the second diffuser 220 to rotate the first diffuser 210 and the second diffuser 220 in the second direction B, and control the third diffuser driver 230a to stop the drive motor 115 of the third diffuser 230.

[0213] A seventh operating mode can be provided for the indoor unit 1 of the air conditioner, which operates in a state where the first or second diffuser 210 or 220 is also stopped and the other diffusers are rotating in the second direction B.

[0214] In other words, the seventh operating mode can be subdivided into three types of sub-operating modes. In this case, based on information input by the user or information sent from each of the sensors 302, 303 and 304, the memory 305 or the server 306, the controller 300 can control the first to third diffuser drivers 210a, 220a and 230a.

[0215] In the seventh operating mode, the exhaust airflow has a similar directionality to the third airflow f3 because both diffusers exhaust airflow rotating in the second direction B in the rotating state R2. However, since one diffuser exhausts airflow in the stationary state S, the two diffusers have higher diffusion in all directions compared to the third airflow f3.

[0216] Furthermore, in the seventh operating mode, an airflow with a higher directionality than the airflow discharged in the aforementioned fifth operating mode can be discharged.

[0217] In the seventh operating mode, the airflow discharged from the indoor unit 1 of the air conditioner can be divided into three sub-airflows. The three sub-airflows can be classified as having different directions, which is caused by the discharge height of the airflow discharged from two of the first to third diffusers 210, 220 and 230 and the discharge height of the airflow discharged from the other diffuser, wherein two of the first to third diffusers 210, 220 and 230 rotate along the second direction B, while the other diffuser is stationary.

[0218] When the user selects the eighth operating mode, the controller 300 can send a control command to each of the first to third diffuser drivers 210a, 220a, and 230a to execute the eighth operating mode. The eighth operating mode is the operating mode in which the air conditioner generates an exhaust airflow similar to the third airflow f3, and the controller 300 can control the first to third diffuser drivers 210a, 220a, and 230a in 327 to make one of the first to third diffusers 210, 220, and 230 rotate in a first direction A corresponding to the rotation direction of the fan 112, and to make the other two diffusers rotate in a second direction B opposite to the rotation direction of the fan 112 in a second direction R2.

[0219] For example, such as Figure 11 As shown, the controller 300 can control the first to third diffuser drivers 210a, 220a and 230a of the first diffuser 210 to be in a rotational state R1 that rotates along the first direction A, and control the second and third diffusers 220 and 230 to be in a rotational state R2 that rotates along the second direction B.

[0220] In other words, the controller 300 can control the second and third diffuser drivers 220a and 230a to make the drive motors 115 of the second and third diffusers 220 and 230 rotate in the second direction B, and control the first diffuser driver 210a to make the drive motor 115 of the first diffuser 210 rotate in the first direction A.

[0221] An eighth operating mode can be provided for the indoor unit 1 of the air conditioner, so that it operates in a state where the second or third diffuser 220 or 230 also rotates in the first direction A while the other diffusers rotate in the second direction B.

[0222] In other words, the eighth operating mode can be subdivided into three types of sub-operating modes. In this case, based on information input by the user or information sent from each of the sensors 302, 303 and 304, the memory 305 or the server 306, the controller 300 can control the first to third diffuser drivers 210a, 220a and 230a.

[0223] Because both diffusers discharge airflow in a rotating state R2 along the second direction B, the airflow discharged in the eighth operating mode has a similar directionality to the third airflow f3. However, since one diffuser discharges airflow in a rotating state R1 along the first direction A, the airflow has a higher diffusivity in all directions than the third airflow f3. Furthermore, it can discharge airflow with a higher diffusivity in all directions than the airflow discharged in the seventh operating mode.

[0224] In the eighth operating mode, the airflow discharged from the indoor unit 1 of the air conditioner can be divided into three sub-airflows. The three sub-airflows can be classified as having different directions due to the discharge height of two of the airflows discharged from the first to the third diffusers 210, 220 and 230 and the discharge height of the airflow discharged from the other diffuser, wherein two of the first to the third diffusers 210, 220 and 230 rotate along the second direction B, while the other diffuser rotates along the first direction A.

[0225] When the user selects the ninth operating mode, the controller 300 can send a control command to each of the first to third diffuser drivers 210a, 220a, and 230a to execute the ninth operating mode. The ninth operating mode is the operating mode in which the air conditioner generates an exhaust airflow similar to the second airflow f2, and the controller 300 can control the first to third diffuser drivers 210a, 220a, and 230a in 328 to make two of the first to third diffusers 210, 220, and 230 rotate in a first direction A corresponding to the rotation direction of the fan 112, and make the other diffuser rotate in a second direction B opposite to the rotation direction of the fan 112 in a second direction B.

[0226] For example, such as Figure 11 As shown, the controller 300 can control the first to third diffuser drivers 210a, 220a and 230a of the first diffuser 210 to be in a rotational state R2 rotating along the second direction B, and control the second and third diffusers 220 and 230 to be in a rotational state R1 rotating along the first direction A.

[0227] In other words, the controller 300 can control the second and third diffuser drivers 220a and 230a to make the drive motors 115 of the second and third diffusers 220 and 230 rotate in the first direction A, and control the first diffuser driver 210a to make the drive motor 115 of the first diffuser 210 rotate in the second direction B.

[0228] A ninth operating mode can be provided for the indoor unit 1 of the air conditioner, in which the second or third diffuser 220 or 230 also rotates along the second direction B while the other diffuser rotates along the first direction A.

[0229] In other words, the ninth operating mode can be subdivided into three types of sub-operating modes. In this case, based on information input by the user or information sent from each of the sensors 302, 303, and 304, the memory 305, or the server 306, the controller 300 can control the first to third diffuser drivers 210a, 220a, and 230a.

[0230] Because both diffusers discharge airflow in rotational state R1 along the first direction A, the airflow discharged in the ninth operating mode has a directionality similar to the second airflow f2. However, since one diffuser discharges airflow in rotational state R2 along the second direction B, both diffusers have a higher directionality in the forward direction than the second airflow f2. Furthermore, it can discharge airflow with a higher directionality in the forward direction than the airflow discharged in the sixth operating mode.

[0231] In the ninth operating mode, the airflow discharged from the indoor unit 1 of the air conditioner can be divided into three sub-airflows. The three sub-airflows can be classified as having different directions due to the discharge height of two of the airflows discharged from the first to the third diffusers 210, 220 and 230 and the discharge height of the airflow discharged from the other diffuser. Two of the first to the third diffusers 210, 220 and 230 rotate along a first direction A, and the other diffuser rotates along a second direction B.

[0232] When the user selects the tenth operating mode, the controller 300 can send a control command to each of the first to third diffuser drivers 210a, 220a, and 230a to execute the tenth operating mode. The tenth operating mode is the operating mode in which the air conditioner generates exhaust airflow, which is a mixture of the first, second, and third airflows f1, f2, and f3. The controller 300 can control the first to third diffuser drivers 210a, 220a, and 230a in 329 to make one of the first to third diffusers 210, 220, and 230 rotate in a first direction A corresponding to the rotation direction of the fan 112, in a rotational state R1. For the other diffuser in the rotational state R2, it rotates in a second direction B opposite to the rotation direction of the fan 112. And for the other diffuser in the stopped state S, it rotates in a second direction B opposite to the rotation direction of the fan 112.

[0233] For example, such as Figure 11As shown, the controller 300 can control the first to third diffuser drivers 210a, 220a and 230a of the first diffuser 210 to be in a rotational state R2 rotating along the second direction B, the second diffuser 220 to be in a rotational state R1 rotating along the first direction A, and the third diffuser 230 to be in a stopped state S.

[0234] In other words, the controller 300 can control the second diffuser driver 220a to make the drive motor 115 of the second diffuser 220 rotate the second diffuser 220 along the first direction A, control the first diffuser driver 210a to make the drive motor 115 of the first diffuser 210 rotate the first diffuser 210 along the second direction B, and control the third diffuser driver 230a to make the drive motor 115 of the third diffuser 230 stop.

[0235] The indoor unit 1 of the air conditioner can be provided with a tenth operating mode, in which the indoor unit 1 of the air conditioner operates in the following state: the second diffuser 220 or the third diffuser or 230 rotates in the second direction B, another diffuser of the second diffuser 220 or the third diffuser or 230 rotates in the first direction A, while the other diffuser stops.

[0236] In other words, the tenth operating mode can be subdivided into six types of sub-operating modes. In this case, based on information input by the user or information sent from each of the sensors 302, 303 and 304, the memory 305 or the server 306, the controller 300 can control the first to third diffuser drivers 210a, 220a and 230a.

[0237] Because one diffuser discharges airflow rotating in the first direction A in the rotating state R1, another diffuser discharges airflow rotating in the second direction B in the rotating state R2, and the other diffusers discharge airflow in the stopped state S, the mixture of the first, second and third airflows f1, f2 and f3 can be discharged in the tenth operating mode.

[0238] In the tenth operating mode, the airflow discharged from the indoor unit 1 of the air conditioner can be classified into six sub-airflows. When the first to third diffusers 210, 220 and 230 are driven in one of the following states: a stop state S, a rotation state R1 rotating in the first direction A, and a rotation state R2 rotating in the second direction B, the six sub-airflows can be classified into different directions caused by the discharge height of the airflow discharged from each diffuser.

[0239] In this way, in 330, the operation in the selected operating mode is performed, and when the operation in the operating mode is completed, the operation of the air conditioner is stopped.

[0240] The indoor unit 1 of an air conditioner according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure will now be described. Except for the operating modes of the first to third diffuser drivers 210a, 220a, and 230a of the indoor unit 1, the configuration is the same as that in the indoor unit 1 of the air conditioner according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure, and therefore, overlapping descriptions will not be repeated.

[0241] Figure 12 The illustration schematically depicts the exhaust airflow released from the outlet of the indoor unit of an air conditioner according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 13 The illustration schematically depicts the exhaust airflow released from the outlet of the indoor unit of the air conditioner in an operating mode according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure, and Figure 14 This is a flowchart illustrating a method for controlling an air conditioner according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0242] Specifically, according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure, the indoor unit 1 of the air conditioner can control the directionality of the exhaust airflow, so that the airflow passing through the diffuser 210 through the rotation of the diffuser 210 becomes a forward airflow or a diffused airflow.

[0243] The diffuser 210 can be configured to rotate about the rotation axis C of the fan 112 in a first direction A, where the first direction A is the rotation direction of the fan 112. Alternatively, the diffuser 210 can be configured to rotate about the rotation axis C of the fan 112 in a direction B opposite to the first direction A.

[0244] Although the indoor unit 1 of the air conditioner according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure is provided with a diffuser that is driven in one of the states R1 (rotation along the first direction A) and R2 (rotation along the second direction B) in the stop state S, the indoor unit 1 of the air conditioner according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure may be provided with a diffuser that is driven in one of the states R1 (rotation along the first direction A) and R2 (rotation along the second direction B).

[0245] like Figure 12 As shown, when the diffuser 210 is driven in a rotational state R1 that rotates along the first direction A, the airflow passing through the diffuser 210 can form a second airflow f2. This second airflow f2 has a small directionality in the forward direction but a high degree of diffusivity. The second airflow f2 can correspond to a diffused airflow.

[0246] The diffuser 210 can be configured to rotate in a first direction A along the rotation direction of the fan 112. As described above, the diffuser 210 can rotate about an axis that is the same as the rotation axis C of the fan 112.

[0247] Therefore, the multiple blades 214 can also be configured to rotate along the first direction A. When the multiple blades 214 rotate along the first direction A, they can increase the airflow flow in the x-direction. When the diffuser 210 rotates along the first direction A, the airflow flow in the x-direction increases, thus forming a second airflow f2 that diffuses in all directions. When the diffuser 210 rotates along the first direction A, the rotational nature of the airflow passing through the diffuser 210 along the first direction A is enhanced, thereby increasing the flow in the x-direction.

[0248] On the contrary, such as Figure 13 As shown, the diffuser 210 can rotate in a second direction B, which is opposite to the rotation direction of the fan 112.

[0249] When the diffuser 210 is driven in the state R2 rotating along the second direction B, the airflow can be formed into a third airflow f3. When passing through the diffuser 210, the third airflow f3 has a higher directionality in the forward direction than the second airflow f2.

[0250] Multiple blades 214 can guide the airflow through diffuser 210 in a direction opposite to the x-direction, while rotating in a direction B opposite to the rotation direction of fan 112. Therefore, the multiple blades 214 can counteract the flow characteristics of the airflow exiting diffuser 210 in the x and y directions, and change the flow characteristics in the x and y directions to the z-direction. In other words, the directionality of the exhaust airflow in the x-direction can be eliminated, and by changing the direction of movement of the exhaust airflow to the forward direction in all directions, the exhaust airflow can be guided as a forward airflow.

[0251] In other words, the indoor unit 1 of the air conditioner can be configured to generate different types of airflow according to the corresponding states R1 and R2 of the diffuser 210. In particular, different types of airflow are generated by simply rotating the diffuser 210, and no flow loss occurs even when different airflows are discharged. Therefore, the indoor unit 1 of the air conditioner can easily generate different types of airflow without losing cooling or heating efficiency.

[0252] When the diffuser 210 is in a state R1 of rotating along the first direction A, the second airflow f2 discharged through the diffuser 210 is a diffused airflow with fluid diffusion in all directions.

[0253] When the diffuser 210 is in the state R2 of rotating along the second direction B, the third airflow f3 discharged through the diffuser 210 is a forward airflow with a higher directionality than the second airflow f2.

[0254] Depending on the user's selection, the diffuser 210 can be driven in one of two states: R1, which rotates along the first direction A, and R2, which rotates along the second direction B. Therefore, various types of airflow f2 and f3 can be discharged through the indoor unit 1 of the air conditioner.

[0255] Although two different airflows f2 and f3 have been described as examples, a greater variety of airflows than just two airflows f2 and f3 can be formed because multiple diffusers 210, 220, and 230 are driven independently in different states R1 and R2. For example, when the indoor unit 1 of the air conditioner is driven in state R2, where the first diffuser 210 is rotating in the second direction B and the second and third diffusers 220 and 230 are rotating in the first direction A, an airflow with a slightly different flow pattern than the second airflow f2 can be generated.

[0256] However, for ease of explanation, two types of airflows, f2 and f3, have been described as examples. It can be defined that the second airflow f2 is the airflow generated when all the plurality of diffusers 210, 220, and 230 are in a state R1 rotating along the first direction A, and the third airflow f3 is the airflow generated when all the plurality of diffusers 210, 220, and 230 are in a state R2 rotating along the second direction B.

[0257] In other words, unlike the diffuser 210 in the first embodiment of this disclosure, the diffuser 210 in the second embodiment of this disclosure can be configured to rotate along a first direction A or a second direction B, and can be driven in a stopped state S without the control of the diffuser driver 210a.

[0258] Therefore, the indoor unit 1 of the air conditioner according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure can be configured to select the airflow discharged from the diffuser 210 as either diffuse airflow f2 or forward airflow f3 by controlling the diffuser 210 to be selectively in one of two states R1 and R2 instead of one of three states S, R1 and R2.

[0259] The airflows other than the second and third airflows f2 and f3 will be described in conjunction with the indoor unit 1 for controlling the air conditioner. The method for controlling the indoor unit 1 of the air conditioner having the above structure will now be described in detail.

[0260] like Figure 14 As shown, when a user supplies power to the air conditioner and selects a desired operating mode, in 410, the air conditioner controller 300 receives information about the operating mode selected by the user, generates a control signal corresponding to the received operating mode, and transmits the control signal to each part of the air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure to perform the target operation.

[0261] When the user does not select any operating mode, the controller 300 selectively sends information about the optimal operating mode collected by the memory 305 or the external server 306, taking into account external temperature, internal temperature, etc., and based on this, the controller 300 can control the first to third diffuser drivers 210a, 220a and 230a.

[0262] When the user selects the first operating mode, the controller 300 can send a control command to each of the first to third diffuser drivers 210a, 220a, and 230a to execute the first operating mode. The first operating mode is the mode in which the air conditioner generates the second airflow f2, and the controller 300 can control the first to third diffuser drivers 210a, 220a, and 230a in 420 to put the first to third diffusers 210a, 220a, and 230a in a rotational state R1 along a first direction A, where the first direction A is the rotation direction of the fan 112.

[0263] In the first operating mode, the first to third diffuser drivers 210a, 220a and 230a can control the diffuser drive motor 215 of each of the first to third diffusers 210, 220 and 230, so that the plurality of blades 214 of each of the diffusers 210, 220 and 230 rotate along the first direction A.

[0264] When the user selects the second operating mode, the controller 300 can send a control command to each of the first to third diffuser drivers 210a, 220a, and 230a to execute the second operating mode. The second operating mode is the operating mode in which the air conditioner generates a third airflow f3, and the controller 300 can control the first to third diffuser drivers 210a, 220a, and 230a in 421 to put the first to third diffusers 210a, 220a, and 230a in a rotational state R2 along a second direction B, which is opposite to the rotation direction of the fan 112.

[0265] In the second operating mode, the first to third diffuser drivers 210a, 220a and 230a can control the diffuser drive motor 215 of each of the first to third diffusers 210, 220 and 230, so that the plurality of blades 214 of each of the diffusers 210, 220 and 230 rotate along the second direction B.

[0266] When the user selects the third operating mode, the controller 300 can send a control command to each of the first to third diffuser drivers 210a, 220a, and 230a to execute the third operating mode. The third operating mode is the operating mode in which the air conditioner generates an exhaust airflow similar to a third airflow f3, and the controller 300 can control the first to third diffuser drivers 210a, 220a, and 230a in 422 to put one of the first to third diffusers 210, 220, and 230 into a rotating state R1, which rotates along a first direction A corresponding to the rotation direction of the fan 112, and put the other two diffusers into a rotating state R2, which rotates along a second direction B opposite to the rotation direction of the fan 112.

[0267] For example, such as Figure 14 As shown, the controller 300 can control the first to third diffuser drivers 210a, 220a and 230a of the first diffuser 210 to be in a rotational state R1 that rotates along the first direction A, and control the second and third diffusers 220 and 230 to be in a rotational state R2 that rotates along the second direction B.

[0268] In other words, the controller 300 can control the second and third diffuser drivers 220a and 230a, causing the drive motors 115 of the second and third diffusers 220 and 230 to rotate the second and third diffusers 220 and 230 in the second direction B, and control the first diffuser driver 210a, causing the drive motor 115 of the first diffuser 210 to rotate the first diffuser 210 in the first direction A.

[0269] A third operating mode can be provided for the indoor unit 1 of the air conditioner, in which the second or third diffuser 220 or 230 also rotates along the first direction A, while the other two diffusers rotate along the second direction B.

[0270] In other words, the third operating mode can be further subdivided into three types of sub-operating modes. In this case, based on information input by the user or information sent from each of the sensors 302, 303 and 304, the memory 305 or the server 306, the controller 300 can control the first to third diffuser drivers 210a, 220a and 230a.

[0271] Because the two diffusers discharge airflow along the rotational state R2 of the second direction B, the airflow discharged in the third operating mode has a similar directionality to the third airflow f3. However, since one diffuser discharges airflow along the rotational state R1 of the first direction A, the two diffusers have higher diffusion in all directions compared to the third airflow f3.

[0272] In the third operating mode, the airflow discharged from the indoor unit 1 of the air conditioner can be divided into three sub-airflows. The three sub-airflows can be classified as having different directions due to the discharge height of the airflow discharged from two of the first diffuser 210 to the third diffuser 220 and 230 and the discharge height of the airflow discharged from the other diffuser, wherein two of the first diffuser to the third diffuser 210, 220 and 230 rotate along the second direction B, while the other diffuser rotates along the first direction A.

[0273] When the user selects the fourth operating mode, the controller 300 can send a control command to each of the first to third diffuser drivers 210a, 220a, and 230a to execute the fourth operating mode. The fourth operating mode is an operating mode in which the air conditioner generates an exhaust airflow similar to the second airflow f2, and the controller 300 can control the first to third diffuser drivers 210a, 220a, and 230a in 423 to make two of the first to third diffusers 210, 220, and 230 rotate in a first direction A corresponding to the rotation direction of the fan 112, in a rotational state R1, and to make the other diffuser rotate in a second direction B opposite to the rotation direction of the fan 112, in a rotational state R2.

[0274] For example, such as Figure 14 As shown, the controller 300 can control the first to third diffuser drivers 210a, 220a and 230a of the first diffuser 210 to be in a rotational state R2 rotating along the second direction B, and control the second and third diffusers 210 and 220 to be in a rotational state R1 rotating along the first direction A.

[0275] In other words, the controller 300 can control the second and third diffuser drivers 220a and 230a, causing the drive motors 115 of the second and third diffusers 220 and 230 to rotate the second and third diffusers 220 and 230 in the first direction A, and control the first diffuser driver 210a, causing the drive motor 115 of the first diffuser 210 to rotate the first diffuser 210 in the second direction B.

[0276] A fourth operating mode can be provided for the indoor unit 1 of the air conditioner, in which the second diffuser 220 or the third diffuser 230 also rotates in the second direction B, while the other two diffusers rotate in the first direction A.

[0277] In other words, the fourth operating mode can be further subdivided into three types of sub-operating modes. In this case, based on information input by the user or information sent from each of the sensors 302, 303 and 304, the memory 305 or the server 306, the controller 300 can control the first to third diffuser drivers 210a, 220a and 230a.

[0278] In the fourth operating mode, the exhaust airflow has a similar directionality to the second airflow f2 because the two diffusers exhaust airflow in the rotational state R1 when they are rotating in the first direction A. However, since one diffuser exhausts airflow in the rotational state R2 when it is rotating in the second direction B, the two diffusers have a higher directionality in the forward direction than the second airflow f2.

[0279] In the fourth operating mode, the airflow discharged from the indoor unit 1 of the air conditioner can be divided into three sub-airflows. The three sub-airflows can be classified into having different directions due to the discharge height of the airflow discharged from two of the first diffuser 210 to the third diffuser 220 and 230 and the discharge height of the airflow discharged from the other diffuser. Two of the first diffuser 210 to the third diffuser 220 and 230 rotate along a first direction A, and the other diffuser rotates along a second direction B.

[0280] In this way, in 430, the operation of the selected operation mode is performed, and when the operation in the operation mode is completed, the operation of the air conditioner is stopped.

[0281] According to a first embodiment of this disclosure, the diffuser 200 is driven in three states, S, R1, and R2, thereby controlling the characteristics of the airflow discharged from the indoor unit 1 of the air conditioner. Conversely, in a second embodiment of this disclosure, the diffuser 200 is driven in two states, R1 and R2, to control the characteristics of the airflow discharged from the indoor unit 1 of the air conditioner. In this case, the controller 300 can control the state of each of the diffusers 210, 220, and 230 respectively, so that even if the diffuser 200 is driven in two states, R1 and R2, the indoor unit 1 of the air conditioner can discharge multiple types of airflow with different directions.

[0282] As described above, the indoor unit 1 of the air conditioner according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure can be configured to select whether the airflow discharged from the diffuser 210 is a diffused airflow f2 or a forward airflow f3 by controlling the diffuser 210 to be selectively in one of two states R1 and R2.

[0283] However, it is not limited to this, and the diffuser 210 of the indoor unit 1 of the air conditioner can be selectively in one of a stopped state S and a rotating state R1 in the first direction A, so that the airflow discharged from the diffuser 210 can be selected as a first airflow f1 or a second airflow f2.

[0284] Alternatively, the diffuser 210 of the indoor unit 1 of the air conditioner can be selectively controlled to be either in a stopped state S or in a rotating state R2 in the second direction B, so that the airflow discharged from the diffuser 210 can be selected as a first airflow f1 or a third airflow f3.

[0285] The indoor unit 1 of an air conditioner according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure will now be described. The components, except for the diffuser 210 of the indoor unit 1, are the same as those in the indoor unit 1 of the air conditioner according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure, and therefore, overlapping descriptions will not be repeated.

[0286] Figure 15 A diffuser for the indoor unit of an air conditioner according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0287] As described above, the diffuser 200 of the indoor unit 1 of the air conditioner may include first to third diffusers 210, 220, and 230, each having the same structure; therefore, the first diffuser 210 will now be described as representative. In other words, although in Figure 15 Only the first diffuser 210 is shown, but the second diffuser 220 and the third diffuser 230 can also be configured to work in conjunction with it. Figure 15 The first diffuser 210 shown is the same.

[0288] like Figure 15 As shown, the diffuser 210 may include a plurality of blades 217 arranged between the central portion 212 and the ring 213. The diffuser 210 may be arranged in front of the fan 112 to allow airflow passing through the fan 112 to be discharged forward from the front panel 11 through the outlet 211. In this case, the airflow discharged through the plurality of blades 217 arranged on the outlet 211 can be guided. By adjusting the number, shape, placement angle, etc. of the plurality of blades 217, the airflow direction and volume discharged through the outlet 211 can be controlled.

[0289] Multiple blades 217 are formed in the shape of a spiral blade from the center portion 214 to the ring 213, thereby guiding the exhaust airflow blown out of the fan 112 to the outside.

[0290] Multiple blades 217 are formed to extend from the central portion 212 to the ring 213 in a radial direction. Specifically, one end 217a of the multiple blades 217 may be disposed adjacent to the central portion 212, while the other end 217b of the multiple blades 217 may be disposed adjacent to the ring 213.

[0291] Multiple blades 217 can be bent in a first direction A along the radial direction of the ring 213, where the first direction A is the rotation direction of the fan 112.

[0292] When viewed from the front of the diffuser 210, when the fan 112 rotates clockwise, a plurality of blades 217 are formed to extend from the center portion 212 to the ring 213 in a clockwise curve, and when the fan 112 rotates counterclockwise, a plurality of blades 217 are formed to extend from the center portion 214 to the ring 214 in a counterclockwise curve.

[0293] Specifically, each of the plurality of blades 217 includes an end 217a arranged adjacent to the central portion 217 and another end 217b adjacent to the connecting ring 213, and can be configured to extend from one end 217a to the other end 217b to bend in a first direction A, the first direction A being the rotation direction of the fan 112. That is, each blade 217 can bend and extend in the rotation direction of the fan 112.

[0294] Therefore, when the diffuser 210 stops, the exhaust airflow blown out from the fan 112 is guided by multiple blades 217 to form a diffused airflow instead of a forward airflow.

[0295] Assuming the direction towards the front of diffuser 210 is the z-direction, the radial direction starting from the center portion 214 of diffuser 210 is the y-direction, and the direction corresponding to the rotation direction A of fan 112 in the tangential direction of the diffuser 210's circle is the x-direction, then the multiple blades 217 cannot restrict the flow of the exhaust airflow in the x and y directions. Therefore, the diffused airflow further develops and propagates from the front of the air conditioner in all directions.

[0296] Airflow can be discharged by the fan 112 along the z direction. However, when the fan 112 rotates along the first direction A, the airflow passing through the fan 112 can have strong fluidity in the x direction corresponding to the rotation direction A of the fan 112, and therefore also has increased fluidity in the y direction.

[0297] In other words, the airflow fluidity increases in the direction of rotation of the fan 112, so that the airflow blown out from the fan 112 has increased fluidity not only in the z direction (i.e. the direction of airflow discharge) but also in the x direction corresponding to the rotation direction A of the fan 112 and the y direction that connects with the x direction, thereby forming a diffused airflow.

[0298] In this configuration, when multiple blades 217 bend in the rotational direction A of the fan 112, they can additionally guide the airflow in the x-direction. As a result, the flow in the x-direction and the flow in the y-direction increase proportionally, which enhances the dynamics of the flow in all directions, thereby generating a diffused airflow.

[0299] In the third embodiment of this disclosure, the diffuser 210 can be configured to form the exhaust airflow into the diffused airflow, while in the first embodiment of this disclosure, the plurality of blades 214 of the indoor unit 1 of the air conditioner are configured to guide the airflow in the x and y directions of the exhaust airflow blown out by the fan 112 to the z direction, so that the airflow passing through the diffuser 210 forms into the forward airflow.

[0300] Specifically, when the diffuser 210 is in a stopped state S, a diffused airflow is formed, and when the diffuser 210 is in a state R1 rotating along the first direction A, a diffused airflow with a higher diffusion capacity can be discharged than the airflow discharged when the diffuser 210 is in a stopped state S.

[0301] On the other hand, when the diffuser 210 is in the state R2 of rotating along the second direction B, when the multiple blades 217 rotate along the second direction B, some airflow discharged from the diffuser 210 in the x and y directions is guided to the z direction, so that forward airflow can be discharged.

[0302] When the airflow discharged from the diffuser 210 in the third embodiment of the present disclosure is compared with the airflow discharged from the diffuser 210 in the first embodiment of the present disclosure, the discharged airflow in the third embodiment when the diffuser 210 is in the stop state S may have a higher diffusivity than the discharged airflow f1 in the first embodiment when the diffuser 210 is in the stop state S.

[0303] In the third embodiment, the exhaust gas flow when the diffuser 210 is in a state R1 of rotating along the first direction A can have a higher diffusivity than the exhaust gas flow f2 in the first embodiment when the diffuser 210 is in a state R1 of rotating along the first direction A.

[0304] In the third embodiment, the exhaust airflow when the diffuser 210 is in a state R2 rotating along the second direction B can have a higher diffusivity than the exhaust airflow f2 in the first embodiment. In both the first and third embodiments, the exhaust airflow when the diffuser 210 is in a state R2 rotating along the second direction B is formed as a forward airflow; however, in this case, the forward airflow in the third embodiment has less directionality in the forward direction compared to the forward airflow in the first embodiment.

[0305] The rotational states S, R1, or R2 of each of the diffusers 210, 220, and 230 in the third embodiment of this disclosure may be the same as those in the first or second embodiment of this disclosure.

[0306] Specifically, each diffuser 210, 220 and 230 is configured to be driven in one of the following states: a stop state S, a state R1 rotating along the first direction A and a state R2 rotating along the second direction B, or each of the diffusers 210, 220 and 230 is configured to be driven in one of the following states: a state R1 rotating along the first direction A and a state R2 rotating along the second direction B.

[0307] The indoor unit 1 of an air conditioner according to the fourth embodiment of this disclosure will now be described. The components, except for the diffuser 210 of the indoor unit 1, are the same as those in the indoor unit 1 of the air conditioner according to the first embodiment of this disclosure, and therefore, overlapping descriptions will not be repeated.

[0308] Figure 16 A diffuser for the indoor unit of an air conditioner according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0309] As described above, the diffuser 200 of the indoor unit 1 of the air conditioner may include first to third diffusers 210, 220, and 230, each having the same structure; therefore, the first diffuser 210 will now be described as representative. In other words, although in Figure 16 Only the first diffuser 210 is shown, but the second diffuser 220 and the third diffuser 230 can also be configured to work in conjunction with it. Figure 16 The first diffuser 210 shown is the same.

[0310] like Figure 16 As shown, the diffuser 210 may include a plurality of blades 218 arranged between the central portion 212 and the ring 213. The diffuser 210 may be arranged in front of the fan 112 to allow airflow passing through the fan 112 to be discharged forward from the front panel 11 through the outlet 211. In this case, the airflow discharged through the plurality of blades 218 arranged on the outlet 211 can be guided. By adjusting the number, shape, placement angle, etc. of the plurality of blades 218, the airflow direction and airflow volume discharged through the outlet 211 can be controlled.

[0311] Multiple blades 218 are formed to extend from the central portion 212 to the ring 213 in a radial direction. Specifically, one end 218a of the multiple blades 218 may be disposed adjacent to the central portion 212, while the other end 218b of the multiple blades 218 may be disposed adjacent to the ring 213.

[0312] Multiple blades 218 may extend straight in the radial direction of the ring 213. In the first and third embodiments of this disclosure, multiple blades 214 and 217 are configured to be curved along a first direction A or a second direction B, but in the fourth embodiment of this disclosure, multiple blades 218 may extend straight.

[0313] Therefore, in the fourth embodiment, the airflow discharged through the diffuser 210 can have a higher diffusivity than the airflow discharged through the diffuser 210 in the first embodiment, and a higher forward directionality than the airflow discharged through the diffuser 210 in the third embodiment.

[0314] When the airflow discharged from the diffuser 210 in the fourth embodiment of this disclosure is compared with the airflow discharged from the diffuser 210 in the first and third embodiments of this disclosure, the exhaust airflow discharged in the fourth embodiment when the diffuser 210 is in the stopped state S may have a higher diffusivity than the exhaust airflow f1 discharged in the first embodiment when the diffuser 210 is in the stopped state S, and may have a higher forward directionality than the exhaust airflow discharged in the third embodiment when the diffuser 2210 is in the stopped state S.

[0315] In the fourth embodiment, the exhaust airflow discharged when the diffuser 210 is in a state R1 of rotating along the first direction A can have a higher diffusivity than the exhaust airflow f2 discharged when the diffuser 210 is in a state R1 of rotating along the first direction A in the first embodiment, and has a higher directionality toward the forward direction than the exhaust airflow discharged when the diffuser 210 is in a state R1 of rotating along the first direction A in the third embodiment.

[0316] In the fourth embodiment, the exhaust airflow discharged when the diffuser 210 is in a state R2 rotating along the second direction B can have a higher diffusivity than the exhaust airflow f3 discharged when the diffuser 210 is in a state R2 rotating along the second direction B in the first embodiment, and can have a higher directionality in the forward direction than the exhaust airflow discharged when the diffuser 210 is in a state R2 rotating along the second direction B in the third embodiment.

[0317] In other words, in the fourth embodiment, the exhaust airflow from the diffuser 210 can have higher diffusivity than the exhaust airflow from the diffuser 210 in the first embodiment, and can have higher directionality in the forward direction than the exhaust airflow from the diffuser 210 in the third embodiment.

[0318] The rotational states S, R1, or R2 of each of the diffusers 210, 220, and 230 in the fourth embodiment of this disclosure may be the same as those in the first or second embodiment of this disclosure.

[0319] Specifically, each diffuser 210, 220 and 230 can be configured to be driven in one of the following states: a stop state S, a state R1 rotating along a first direction A and a state R2 rotating along a second direction B; or each of the diffusers 210, 220 and 230 can be configured to be driven in one of the following states: a state R1 rotating along a first direction A and a state R2 rotating along a second direction B.

[0320] The indoor unit 1 of an air conditioner according to the fifth embodiment of this disclosure will now be described. The components, except for the diffuser 400 of the indoor unit 1, are the same as those in the indoor unit 1 of the air conditioner according to the first embodiment of this disclosure, and therefore, overlapping descriptions will not be repeated.

[0321] Figure 17 An indoor unit of an air conditioner according to a fifth embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Figure 18 The diagram schematically illustrates the exhaust airflow released from the outlet in the operating mode of the indoor unit of an air conditioner according to a fifth embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 19 The diagram schematically illustrates the exhaust airflow released from the outlet in the operating mode of the indoor unit of an air conditioner according to a fifth embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 20 The illustration schematically shows an exhaust airflow released from an outlet according to an operating mode of an indoor unit of an air conditioner, according to a fifth embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0322] like Figure 17 As shown, diffuser 400 may include a first diffuser 410, a second diffuser 420, and a third diffuser 430. Diffusers 410, 420, and 430 may be arranged separately in the vertical direction. Unlike embodiments of this disclosure, there may be fewer or more than three diffusers 400. Since multiple diffusers 410, 420, and 430 are formed in the same structure, the first diffuser 410 will be described with reference to an example of diffuser 400.

[0323] The diffuser 410 may include a plurality of blades 414 arranged between the central portion 412 and the ring 413. The diffuser 410 may be arranged in front of the fan 112 to allow airflow passing through the fan 112 to be discharged forward from the front panel 11 through the outlet 411. In this case, the airflow discharged through the plurality of blades 414 arranged on the outlet 411 can be guided. By adjusting the number, shape, placement angle, etc. of the plurality of blades 414, the direction and volume of the airflow discharged through the outlet 411 can be controlled.

[0324] Multiple blades 414 may be provided in the form of a ring. Each of the multiple blades 414 may be provided in the form of a ring with a different radius. The multiple blades 414 may be arranged in the radial direction of the ring 413 in order of increasing radius from the central portion 412 to the ring 413.

[0325] Therefore, outlet 411 can have the shape of a ring between blades 414.

[0326] Assuming the direction toward the front of the diffuser 410 is the z-direction, the radial direction starting from the center portion 412 of the diffuser 410 is the y-direction, and the direction corresponding to the rotation direction A of the fan 112 in the tangential direction of the diffuser 410 is the x-direction, some exhaust airflow blown out from the fan 112 is guided by multiple blades 414 in the x and y directions and flows completely along the x and y directions.

[0327] Although in the first embodiment, multiple blades 214 are provided to block some exhaust airflow flowing in the x and y directions from being directed to the z direction, in the fifth embodiment, multiple blades 414 can be configured not to block some exhaust airflow flowing in the x and y directions and not to direct airflow flowing in the x and y directions to the z direction.

[0328] Therefore, when the diffuser 410 stops, multiple blades 414 can be arranged so that the airflow discharged from the diffuser 410 becomes a diffused airflow.

[0329] Specifically, in the first embodiment, when the diffuser 210 is in the stop state S, the indoor unit 1 of the air conditioner is configured to discharge forward airflow, while in the fifth embodiment, when the diffuser 210 is in the stop state S, the indoor unit 1 of the air conditioner is configured to discharge diffused airflow.

[0330] Unlike the diffuser 210 in the first or third embodiment, the diffuser 410 in the fifth embodiment can be configured to minimize the control of the directionality of the airflow generated by the fan 112 when discharging airflow in the stop state S.

[0331] However, in the fifth embodiment, the indoor unit 1 of the air conditioner can control the directionality of the exhaust airflow, so that by rotating the diffuser 410, the airflow passing through the diffuser 410 becomes a forward airflow or a diffused airflow.

[0332] The diffuser 410 can be configured to rotate about the rotation axis C of the fan 112 along a first direction A, where the first direction A is the rotation direction of the fan 112. Alternatively, the diffuser 410 can be configured to rotate about the rotation axis C of the fan 112 along a direction B opposite to the first direction A.

[0333] like Figure 18 As shown, when diffuser 21 is in the stopped state S, the airflow discharged through diffuser 410 can form a fourth airflow f4 with directionality caused by fan 112b. The fourth airflow f4 can correspond to a diffused airflow with x and y directional characteristics caused by fan 112.

[0334] As described above, since the multiple blades 414 are shaped like rings arranged radially apart, the airflow exiting the diffuser 410 can be maintained such that the airflow flows in both the x and y directions, where the x direction is the tangential direction to the rotation direction A of the fan 112 and the y direction is the radial direction. Therefore, the airflow through the diffuser 410 can form a fourth airflow f4 with high directionality in all directions.

[0335] According to a first embodiment of this disclosure, the fourth airflow f4 can have a higher diffusivity than the first airflow f1 formed when the diffuser 210 in the indoor unit 1 of the air conditioner stops.

[0336] like Figure 19 As shown, when the diffuser 410 is driven in the rotational state R1 of the first direction A, the airflow passing through the diffuser 410 can form a fifth airflow f5. The fifth airflow f5 has a smaller directionality in the forward direction, but has a higher diffusivity than the fourth airflow f4. The fifth airflow f5 can correspond to a diffused airflow with a higher diffusivity than the fourth airflow f4.

[0337] The diffuser 410 can be configured to rotate in a first direction A along the rotation direction of the fan 112. As described above, the diffuser 410 can rotate about an axis that is the same as the rotation axis C of the fan 112.

[0338] Therefore, the multiple blades 414 can also be configured to rotate along the first direction A. When the multiple blades 414 rotate along the first direction A, they can increase the airflow flow in the x-direction. When the diffuser 410 rotates in the first direction A, the airflow through the diffuser 410 further acquires x-direction directionality, resulting in a further increase in airflow flow in the x-direction.

[0339] Specifically, when the multiple blades 414 are in a stopped state S, the multiple blades 414 do not increase the directionality in the x-direction, thereby maintaining the directionality formed by the fan 112 when the airflow passes through the diffuser 410. On the other hand, when the multiple blades 414 rotate in the first direction A, the exhaust airflow becomes more directional in the x-direction. Therefore, conversely, the directionality of the airflow in the z-direction is canceled out, thereby increasing the diffusion of the exhaust airflow.

[0340] Therefore, when the diffuser 410 is driven in a rotating state R1 that rotates along the first direction A, the airflow through the diffuser 410 can have increased fluidity in the x direction, thus forming a fifth airflow f5 with high directionality, in which the airflow diffuses in all directions.

[0341] like Figure 20 As shown, the diffuser 410 can rotate in a second direction B, which is opposite to the rotation direction of the fan 112.

[0342] When the diffuser 410 is driven in the state R2 of rotating along the second direction B, the airflow can form a sixth airflow f6. When passing through the diffuser 410, the sixth airflow f6 has a higher directionality in the forward direction than the fourth airflow f4.

[0343] Multiple blades 414 can guide the airflow through the diffuser 410 in a direction opposite to the x-direction, while rotating in a direction B opposite to the rotation direction of the fan 112. Therefore, the multiple blades 414 can counteract the flow of the airflow discharged from the diffuser 410 in the x and y directions and change the flow of the airflow in the x and y directions to the z-direction.

[0344] In other words, the directionality of the exhaust airflow in the x-direction can be eliminated, and the exhaust airflow can be guided to the forward airflow by changing the direction of movement of the exhaust airflow to spread forward in all directions. This is because when the multiple blades 414 rotate along the second direction B, the airflow through the multiple blades 414 has a further directionality in the opposite direction to the x-direction.

[0345] Therefore, when the diffuser 410 is in the state R2 of rotating along the second direction B, compared with the state S when the diffuser 410 is in the stopped state, by proportionally reducing the flow in the y direction to the flow in the x direction and increasing the flow in the z direction, the exhaust airflow through the diffuser 210 can form a sixth airflow f6 with a higher directionality in the forward direction than the fourth airflow f4.

[0346] When the indoor unit 1 of the air conditioner is set to discharge the sixth airflow f6, the indoor unit 1 can force the airflow to move a long distance at a fast speed, thereby enabling air conditioning in a spacious space and quickly cooling or heating the space.

[0347] In other words, the indoor unit 1 of the air conditioner can be configured to generate different types of airflow according to the corresponding states S, R1, and R2 of the diffuser 410. In particular, different types of airflow are generated by simply rotating the diffuser 410, and no flow loss occurs even when different airflows are discharged. Therefore, the indoor unit 1 of the air conditioner can easily generate different types of airflow without losing cooling or heating efficiency.

[0348] When diffuser 410 is in the stopped state S, the fourth airflow f4 discharged through diffuser 410 is a general diffused airflow with directionality formed by fan 112. In the first embodiment, it can be an airflow with higher diffusivity than the airflow discharged when diffuser 210 is in the stopped state S.

[0349] When the diffuser 410 is in the state R1 of rotating along the first direction A, the fifth airflow f5 discharged through the diffuser 410 is a diffused airflow with higher fluidity in all directions than the fourth airflow f4.

[0350] When the diffuser 210 is in the state R2 of rotating along the second direction B, the sixth airflow f6 discharged through the diffuser 410 is a forward airflow with a higher directionality than the fourth and fifth airflows f4 and f5 in the forward direction.

[0351] Depending on the user's selection, the diffuser 410 can operate in one of the following states: a stopped state S, a state R1 rotating in the first direction A, and a state R2 rotating in the second direction B. Therefore, various types of airflow f4, f5, and f6 can be discharged through the indoor unit 1 of the air conditioner.

[0352] Although three different airflows f4, f5, and f6 have been described above as examples, a greater variety of airflows than just three airflows f4, f5, and f6 can be generated because multiple diffusers 410, 420, and 430 are driven independently in different states S, R1, and R2. For example, when the indoor unit 1 of the air conditioner is driven with the first diffuser 410 in a stopped state S and the second and third diffusers 420 and 430 in a state R1 rotating along the first direction A, an airflow with a slightly different flow than the fifth airflow f5 can be generated.

[0353] However, for ease of explanation, three types of airflows f4, f5, and f6 have been described above as examples. It can be defined that the fourth airflow f1 is the airflow generated when all the multiple diffusers 410, 420, and 430 are in a stopped state S; the fifth airflow f5 is the airflow generated when all the multiple diffusers 410, 420, and 430 are in a state R1 rotating along the first direction A; and the sixth airflow f6 is the airflow generated when all the multiple diffusers 410, 420, and 430 are in a state R2 rotating along the second direction B.

[0354] In the indoor unit 1 of the air conditioner as shown in the first or second embodiment above, multiple diffusers 410, 420 and 430 are controlled to discharge airflows with three or more different types of directionality.

[0355] For example, multiple diffusers 410, 420, and 430 can simultaneously discharge airflow while being driven in three states S, R1, and R2 or two states R1 and R2. This is the same as the description above of the control of the indoor unit 1 of the air conditioner according to the first or second embodiment, and therefore the overlapping description will not be repeated.

[0356] The indoor unit 1' of an air conditioner according to the sixth embodiment of this disclosure will now be described. The components of the diffuser 400 and the method of controlling the diffuser 400 of the indoor unit 1' of the air conditioner are the same as those in the indoor unit 1 of the air conditioner according to the fifth embodiment, and therefore will not be described again.

[0357] Figure 21 An indoor unit of an air conditioner according to a sixth embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Figure 22 yes Figure 21 An exploded perspective view of a portion of the interior unit shown. Figure 23 The diagram schematically illustrates the exhaust airflow released from the outlet in the operating mode of the indoor unit of an air conditioner according to a sixth embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0358] Reference Figure 21 and Figure 22 The indoor unit 1' of the air conditioner may include a housing 10' forming the exterior, a fan unit 100' for allowing airflow to flow into or out of the housing 10', and a heat exchanger 13' for exchanging heat with the airflow introduced into the housing 10'.

[0359] Unlike the indoor unit 1 of the air conditioner according to the first embodiment, the indoor unit 1' of the air conditioner according to the sixth embodiment may further include an auxiliary fan unit 150' and an auxiliary outlet 16' for additionally circulating airflow, and the airflow that has flowed into the housing 10' is discharged through the auxiliary outlet 16' and the auxiliary fan unit 150'.

[0360] The airflow flowing into the housing 10' through the fan unit 10' undergoes heat exchange in the housing 10' through the heat exchanger 13', and is then discharged to the outside through the diffuser 400. The airflow flowing into the housing 10' is discharged from the housing 10' through the auxiliary fan unit 150' via the auxiliary outlet 16', without undergoing heat exchange in the housing 10'.

[0361] The indoor unit 1' of the air conditioner can be configured such that the airflow introduced through the fan unit 100' and the auxiliary fan unit 150' can flow to the diffuser 400 and the auxiliary outlet 16' respectively through separate flow paths to avoid mixing in the housing 10'.

[0362] Specifically, the housing 10' may include a housing body 12' equipped with a fan unit 100' and a heat exchanger 13', and a front panel 11' covering the front portion of the housing body 12'. The housing 10' may include an inlet 14'. The housing 12' may form the rear surface, two side surfaces, a top surface, and a bottom surface of the indoor unit 1' of the air conditioner. The housing 12' may have an open front portion. The inlet 14' may be provided on the rear surface of the housing 12'. However, it is not limited to this and may additionally be provided on at least one surface of the housing body 12'.

[0363] The housing 12' may include a front frame 12a' disposed on the front opening of the housing 12' and connected to the front panel 11'. The front frame 12a' may include an auxiliary outlet 16', which will be described later. However, it is not limited thereto, and the front frame 12a' may be integrally formed with the housing 12'.

[0364] The front panel 11' can be connected to the body shell opening 11a. Although the front panel 11' is in Figure 22 The front panel 11' is shown as separable from the housing 12', but the front panel 11' and the housing 12' can be integrally formed.

[0365] The front panel 11' may include an opening 15' connected to the fan unit 100'. Airflow from the fan unit 100' can be discharged to the opening 15' of the front panel 11' through the diffuser 400. The number of openings 15' may correspond to the number of diffusers 400.

[0366] Inlet 14' may include a first inlet 14a' and a second inlet 14b'. Inlets 14a' and 14b' may be located at housing 12'. The second inlet 14b' may be formed below the first inlet 14a'. Although in Figure 22 Two first inlets 14a' are shown, but the number of first inlets 14a' is not limited to this and can be varied as needed. Furthermore, the first inlets 14a' are shown as being rectangular, but their shape is not limited to this and can have various forms as needed. Similar to the first inlets 14a', the number and / or shape of the second inlets 14b' can be varied as needed.

[0367] Using the front frame 12a', the front panel 11' can form an auxiliary outlet 16'. The auxiliary outlet 16' can be formed on the left and / or right side of the front panel 11'. However, it is not limited to this, and it can also be formed on the top side of the front panel 11'.

[0368] However, this is not the only possibility. The auxiliary outlet 16' may be located on the front panel 11', or it may be located only on the front frame 12a'. The auxiliary outlet 16' may be located at a certain distance from the opening 15'.

[0369] The auxiliary outlet 16' may extend vertically into the housing 12'. The auxiliary outlet 16' may be provided for airflow that has flowed into the housing 10' through the auxiliary fan unit 150' and has not exchanged heat in the housing 10' for discharge. The auxiliary outlet 16' may be provided to discharge airflow introduced through the second inlet 14b'.

[0370] The auxiliary outlet 16' can be configured to mix the airflow discharged from the auxiliary outlet 16' with the airflow discharged from the diffuser 400. Specifically, the indoor unit 1' of the air conditioner may include a guide (not shown) disposed in the portion of the front panel 11' forming the auxiliary outlet 16' for guiding the airflow discharged from the auxiliary outlet 16' to mix with the airflow discharged from the diffuser 400. The guide is not limited to this, but may be disposed in the auxiliary outlet 16' in the form of blades to guide the airflow discharged through the auxiliary outlet 16'.

[0371] The auxiliary outlet 16' can be configured to provide forward directionality to the airflow discharged from the auxiliary outlet 16' to the opening leading to the front.

[0372] The indoor unit 1' of the air conditioner may include a duct 17', which is configured to direct the airflow brought into the housing 10' toward the diffuser 400 and the auxiliary outlet 16'.

[0373] Assuming that the airflow path connecting the first inlet 14a' to the diffuser 400 is called the first flow path, and the airflow path connecting the second inlet 14b' to the auxiliary outlet 16' is called the second flow path, then the pipe 17' can be configured to separate the first flow path from the second flow path, thereby preventing the airflow moving in the first and second flow paths from mixing together.

[0374] The heat exchanger 13' can be arranged in the first flow path. Therefore, the airflow flowing in the first flow path can exchange heat with the heat exchanger 13'. The second flow path is arranged separately from the first flow path, and the airflow flowing in the second flow path may not exchange heat with the heat exchanger 13'.

[0375] The conduit 17' may include a first conduit 17a' forming a first flow path. The first conduit 17a' may guide the airflow introduced from the first inlet 14a' through the fan unit 100' to the diffuser 400. The fan unit 100' is the same as the fan unit 100 of the indoor unit 1 of the air conditioner according to the first embodiment, and therefore will not be described again.

[0376] The conduit 17' may include a second conduit 17b' that forms a second flow path. The second conduit 17b' may guide the airflow introduced from the second inlet 14b' through the auxiliary fan unit 150' to the auxiliary outlet 16'.

[0377] The first conduit 17a' and the second conduit 17b' can be configured to have separate internal spaces. This separates the first flow path from the second flow path, thereby preventing the airflows flowing in the respective flow paths from mixing.

[0378] The second conduit 17b' can be configured in multiple ways and arranged on either side of the first conduit 17a'. The second conduit 17b' can be detachably connected to either side of the first conduit 17a'. However, it is not limited to this; the second conduit 17b' and the first conduit 17a' can be integrally formed.

[0379] The second duct 17b' can extend vertically. The second duct 17b' can be connected to the auxiliary fan unit 150'. The second duct 17b' can be connected to the fan outlet 151' of the auxiliary fan unit 150'. The second duct 17b' can guide the airflow blown by the auxiliary fan unit 150' to the auxiliary outlet 16'.

[0380] The indoor unit 1' of the air conditioner can discharge airflow that has already exchanged heat with the heat exchanger 13' through the diffuser 400, and discharge airflow that has not passed through the heat exchanger 13' through the auxiliary outlet 16'. That is, the auxiliary outlet 16' can be provided to discharge airflow that does not undergo heat exchange.

[0381] When the heat exchanger 13' is installed in the first flow path, the airflow discharged through the diffuser 400 can be a heat-exchanged airflow. Since no heat exchanger is installed in the second flow path, the airflow discharged through the auxiliary outlet 16' can be a non-heat-exchanged airflow.

[0382] However, it is not limited to this, and an auxiliary heat exchanger can be arranged in a second flow path. In this case, the gas flow discharged from the auxiliary outlet 16' can exchange heat with the auxiliary heat exchanger and then be discharged through the auxiliary outlet 16'. The auxiliary heat exchanger can be driven in the same manner as the heat exchanger 13', and can be driven independently with different capacities. Therefore, the gas flow discharged through the diffuser 400 and the gas flow discharged through the auxiliary heat exchanger 16' can have the same or different heat exchange rates.

[0383] The auxiliary fan unit 150' may include an auxiliary fan 152'. The auxiliary fan 152' may be configured to be driven independently of the fan unit 100'. The fan unit 100' may be arranged in a first flow path formed between the first inlet 14a' and the opening 15'.

[0384] The auxiliary fan unit 150' may include an auxiliary fan drive motor 153' for driving the auxiliary fan 152', and an auxiliary fan housing 151'.

[0385] The auxiliary fan 152' can be a centrifugal fan. However, the type of auxiliary fan 152' is not limited to this, as long as the auxiliary fan 152' has a structure that forces the airflow introduced from outside the housing 10' back to outside the housing 10'. For example, the auxiliary fan 152' can be a cross fan, a turbine fan, or a multi-blade fan.

[0386] Although an auxiliary fan 152' is shown in the sixth embodiment, the number of auxiliary fans 152' is not limited to this and can be varied as needed.

[0387] The heat exchanger 13' can be disposed between the fan unit 100' and the first inlet 14a'. As described above, the heat exchanger 13' can be disposed in the first flow path.

[0388] The airflow exiting from the auxiliary outlet 16' has a higher directionality in the forward direction than the airflow exiting from the diffuser 400.

[0389] Therefore, when the airflow discharged from the diffuser 400 mixes with the airflow discharged from the auxiliary outlet 16', the entire airflow discharged from the indoor unit 1' of the air conditioner can be formed into an airflow with a higher directionality in the forward direction than the airflow discharged only from the diffuser 400.

[0390] According to the fifth embodiment, the diffuser 400 of the indoor unit 1 of the air conditioner can be configured not to block or compress the airflow moving in the x and y directions, but to guide the airflow to flow in the x and y directions.

[0391] Therefore, compared to the diffuser 400 according to the first embodiment, the diffuser 400 according to the fifth embodiment involves less increase or decrease in the flowability of the exhaust airflow in the x and y directions. The airflow exhausting from the diffuser 400 according to the fifth embodiment can be forced through the diffuser 400 while maintaining the rotational power generated by the rotation of the fan 112, and can have the properties of a diffused airflow.

[0392] Specifically, the diffuser 400 according to the fifth embodiment can control the directionality of the exhaust airflow based on the driving state S, R1 or R2 of the diffuser 400, but the exhaust airflow can be discharged through the diffuser 400, while maintaining the diffuseness of the airflow itself according to the rotational power of the fan 112.

[0393] Since the diffuser 400 according to the fifth embodiment controls the airflow to a certain extent by increasing the diffusivity or straightness of the airflow, which guides the exhaust airflow with strong diffusivity, it can have a smaller control range for the directional change of the exhaust airflow compared to the diffuser 200 according to the first embodiment.

[0394] On the other hand, compared to the diffuser 400 according to the fifth embodiment, the diffuser 200 according to the first embodiment can be configured to actively participate in increasing or decreasing the flow rate of the exhaust airflow along the x and y directions. This is because the plurality of blades 214 of the diffuser 200 block or pressurize the exhaust airflow flowing along the x and y directions. Therefore, compared to the diffuser 400 according to the fifth embodiment, the diffuser 200 according to the first embodiment can have a greater range of control over the amount of change in the directionality of the exhaust airflow.

[0395] In particular, since the indoor unit 1 of the air conditioner according to the fifth embodiment has a higher diffuseness of the exhaust airflow itself, and the control range of the change in the directionality of the exhaust airflow is smaller compared with the airflow discharged from the indoor unit 1 of the air conditioner according to the first embodiment, it is difficult to form an airflow with a higher directionality in the forward direction compared with the indoor unit 1 of the air conditioner according to the first embodiment.

[0396] However, in the case of the indoor unit 1' of the air conditioner according to the sixth embodiment, as described above, the airflow discharged from the auxiliary outlet 16' flows after mixing with the airflow discharged from the diffuser 400, thereby helping to generate an airflow with a higher directionality in the forward direction.

[0397] In other words, the indoor unit 1' of the air conditioner according to the sixth embodiment includes the same diffuser 400 as the indoor unit 1 of the air conditioner according to the fifth embodiment, but it can also be configured to discharge a directional exhaust airflow with forward directionality from the auxiliary outlet 16', thereby generating an airflow with high directional directionality in the forward direction.

[0398] Therefore, when the airflow discharged from the diffuser 400 mixes with the airflow discharged from the auxiliary outlet 16', the entire airflow discharged from the indoor unit 1' of the air conditioner can have a higher directionality in the forward direction than the airflow discharged from the indoor unit 1 of the air conditioner according to the fifth embodiment.

[0399] The indoor unit 1' of the air conditioner according to the sixth embodiment may include the same diffuser 400 as the diffuser 400 of the indoor unit 1 of the air conditioner according to the fifth embodiment. Therefore, the diffuser 400 may be configured to discharge different types of exhaust airflows f4, f5, and f6 depending on the stop state S, the state R1 of rotation along the first direction A, and the state R2 of rotation along the second direction B.

[0400] When the diffuser 400 is in the stopped state S, the airflow discharged through the diffuser 400 can form a fourth airflow f4 with directionality caused by the fan. The fourth airflow f4 can correspond to the diffused airflow with directionality in the x and y directions caused by rotational power.

[0401] When the diffuser 400 is driven in a rotational state R1 that rotates along the first direction A, the airflow passing through the diffuser 400 can form a fifth airflow f5 that has less directionality in the forward direction but has higher diffusivity than the fourth airflow f4. The fifth airflow f5 can correspond to a diffused airflow with higher diffusivity than the fourth airflow f4.

[0402] When the diffuser 400 is driven in a state R2 rotating along the second direction B, the airflow can form a sixth airflow f6. When passing through the diffuser 400, the sixth airflow f6 has a higher directionality in the forward direction than the fourth airflow f4.

[0403] like Figure 23 As shown, the indoor unit 1' of the air conditioner according to the sixth embodiment can be configured to drive the auxiliary fan unit 150' when the diffuser 400 is driven in a state R2 rotating along the second direction B.

[0404] The diffuser 400 is driven in a state R2 that rotates along the second direction B to form an exhaust airflow that is forward airflow. In this case, the directionality of the exhaust airflow in the forward direction is further increased.

[0405] The forward-directional airflow discharged through auxiliary outlet 16' can be defined as the seventh airflow f7. When discharged from indoor unit 1', the seventh airflow f7 can be guided to have forward-directionality and can have a higher forward-directionality than the sixth airflow f6.

[0406] When the diffuser 400 is in a state of rotation along the second direction B (R2) and the auxiliary fan unit 150' is driven, the sixth airflow f6 and the seventh airflow f7 discharged through the diffuser 400 can be mixed.

[0407] The seventh airflow is a highly directional airflow in the forward direction, and it can be mixed with the sixth airflow f6 to form the eighth airflow f8. The eighth airflow f8 can be formed into an airflow with an even higher directional direction in the forward direction than the sixth airflow f6.

[0408] However, this disclosure is not limited thereto. According to the sixth embodiment, the indoor unit 1' of the air conditioner can be configured to drive the auxiliary fan unit 150' when the diffuser 400 is driven in the stop state S. In this case, the fourth airflow f4 discharged when the diffuser 400 is in the stop state S and the seventh airflow f7 discharged from the auxiliary outlet 16' mix to form airflows with different directions.

[0409] Depending on the user's selection, the diffuser 400 can operate in one of the following states: a stopped state S, a state R1 rotating in the first direction A, and a state R2 rotating in the second direction B. Therefore, various types of airflow f4, f5, and f6 can be discharged through the indoor unit 1 of the air conditioner.

[0410] Furthermore, although the auxiliary fan unit 150' is additionally driven, the airflow f8, which has a higher directionality in the forward direction than the aforementioned airflow f4, f5, or f6, can be discharged through the indoor unit 1' of the air conditioner.

[0411] Although four different airflows f4, f5, f6 and f8 have been described as examples, more diverse airflows than four airflows f4, f5, f6 and f8 can be generated by multiple diffusers 410, 420 and 430 driven independently in different states S, R1 and R2, as well as additional auxiliary fan units 150' driven independently.

[0412] For example, when the first diffuser 410 is in a stopped state S and the second and third diffusers 420 and 430 are in a state R2 rotating in the second direction, when A**→B** drives the indoor unit 1 of the air conditioner, an airflow with a flow slightly different from the sixth airflow f6 can be generated.

[0413] Furthermore, in this case, when the auxiliary fan 150' is further driven, an airflow with a slightly different flow rate than the eighth airflow f8 can be generated.

[0414] However, for ease of explanation, four types of airflows f4, f5, f6, and f8 have been described above as examples. It can be defined that the fourth airflow f4 is the airflow generated when all the multiple diffusers 410, 420, and 430 are in a stopped state S; the fifth airflow f5 is the airflow generated when all the multiple diffusers 410, 420, and 430 are in a state R1 rotating along the first direction A; the sixth airflow f6 is the airflow generated when all the multiple diffusers 410, 420, and 430 are in a state R2 rotating along the second direction B; and the eighth airflow f8 is the airflow generated by mixing the seventh airflow f7 discharged through the auxiliary outlet 16' with the already generated sixth airflow f6.

[0415] In the indoor unit 1 of the air conditioner as shown in the first or second embodiment above, multiple diffusers 410, 420 and 430 are controlled to discharge airflows with three or more different types of directionality.

[0416] For example, multiple diffusers 410, 420, and 430 can simultaneously discharge airflow while being driven in three states S, R1, and R2 or two states R1 and R2. This is the same as the description above of the control of the indoor unit 1 of the air conditioner according to the first or second embodiment, and therefore will not be repeated.

[0417] Furthermore, the indoor unit 1' of the air conditioner according to the sixth embodiment can have an independently driven auxiliary fan unit 150', thus enabling the exhaust of more diverse airflows than the indoor unit 1 of the air conditioner according to the fifth embodiment. In particular, compared to the indoor unit 1 of the air conditioner according to the fifth embodiment of this disclosure, it can more easily generate exhaust airflows with higher directionality in the forward direction.

[0418] The indoor unit 1 of an air conditioner according to the seventh embodiment of this disclosure will now be described. The components, except for the diffuser 500 of the indoor unit 1, are the same as those of the indoor unit 1 of the air conditioner according to the first embodiment of this disclosure, and therefore, overlapping descriptions will not be repeated.

[0419] Figure 24 An indoor unit of an air conditioner according to a seventh embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Figure 25 It shows Figure 24 The indoor unit shown has some components that are separate from the indoor unit.

[0420] In the seventh embodiment, the indoor unit 1” of the air conditioner may include a front panel 11” and a housing 10”, wherein a front opening 15 is formed at the front panel 11”, and the housing 10” includes a housing body 12 connected to the rear of the front panel 11”.

[0421] The indoor unit 1” of the air conditioner may include a front diffuser 500 forming an outlet 511 of the fan unit. The front diffuser is disposed on the opening 15” of the housing 10” and in front of the diffuser 200.

[0422] The airflow blown out by the fan unit can continuously pass through the diffuser 200 and the front diffuser 500, and then be discharged from the housing 10”.

[0423] The front diffuser 500 can be provided as a plurality of front diffusers 510, 520 and 530 to match a plurality of diffusers 210, 220 and 230. The plurality of front diffusers 510, 520 and 530 can be arranged to match the plurality of openings 15”.

[0424] Multiple diffusers 210, 220 and 230 or multiple front diffusers 510, 520 and 530 are identical to each other, so a diffuser (e.g. 210) or a front diffuser (e.g. 510) will be described as representative to avoid redundant interpretation.

[0425] The indoor unit 1 of the air conditioner may include a duct 17, which is configured to cover at least some of the diffuser 210 and the front diffuser 510 from the rear of the diffuser 210 to form a flow path in which airflow flows, while the airflow drawn in by the fan 210 is discharged to the outlet 211 of the diffuser 210 and the outlet 511 of the front diffuser 510.

[0426] The diffuser 210 may include a central portion 212 disposed in the middle of the opening 15”, a ring 213 disposed outside the central portion 212 to form the side of the diffuser 210, an outlet 211 formed between the central portion 212 and the ring 213, and a plurality of blades 214 formed between the central portion 212 and the ring 213. According to a first embodiment of the present disclosure, the diffuser 210 may be formed as identical to the diffuser 210.

[0427] The front diffuser 510 may include a central portion 512 disposed in the middle of the opening 15”, a ring 513 disposed outside the central portion 512 to form the side of the front diffuser 510, an outlet 511 formed between the central portion 513 and the ring 513, and a plurality of blades 514 formed between the central portion 512 and the ring 513. The central portion 512, the ring 513 and the plurality of blades 514 may be integrally formed into the diffuser body 519. Furthermore, according to the fourth embodiment of the present disclosure, the front diffuser 510 may be formed to be identical to the diffuser 410.

[0428] The front diffuser 510 may include a front diffuser drive motor 515 configured to rotate a plurality of blades 514 in the direction of rotation of the fan or in the opposite direction of rotation. The front diffuser drive motor 515 may be provided to rotate the diffuser body 519.

[0429] The front diffuser 510 may include a front bracket 516 supporting a front diffuser drive motor 515. At least some of the front brackets 516 may be arranged on the rear surface of the central portion 512 of the front diffuser 510 such that the front diffuser drive motor 515 is arranged on the rear surface of the central portion 512.

[0430] The bracket 516 can be connected to the pipe 17” to allow rotation of the multiple blades 214 of the diffuser 210 and the multiple blades 514 of the front diffuser 510 without restricting their rotation, and to support the front diffuser drive motor 515. It is not limited thereto, and the bracket 516 can be directly connected to the housing 10” to support the front diffuser drive motor 515.

[0431] Although the front support 516 is described as part of the front diffuser 510 in the embodiments of this disclosure, it is not limited thereto, and the front support 516 may be part of the conduit 17” or may be a separate part not included in the front diffuser 510 or the conduit 17”.

[0432] It is not limited to this, and the drive motor 215 that transmits driving force to the diffuser 210 disclosed in the first embodiment can be arranged at the front support 516 instead of at the support 216. In this case, the drive motor 215 can be arranged in front of the central portion 212 to transmit rotational power to the diffuser 210. Specifically, it can be located in front of and connected to the central portion 212 to allow the multiple blades 214 to rotate.

[0433] The diffuser 210 and the front diffuser 510 are respectively controlled to be driven in a stop state S, rotating in a first direction A state R1 or rotating in a second direction B state R2.

[0434] The airflow can continuously pass through the diffuser 210 and the front diffuser 510, and then be discharged into the housing 10”. The airflow entering the housing 10” can be formed into a directional airflow, passing through the diffuser 210 and the front diffuser 510 and being discharged from the housing 10”.

[0435] In other words, the airflow introduced into the housing 10” can become a directional airflow, while first passing through the diffuser 210. Depending on the drive state S, R1 or R2, the airflow can form an airflow with the same directionality as one of the first, second and third airflows f1, f2 and f3, and then flow to the front diffuser 510.

[0436] Similarly, the airflow flowing into the front diffuser 510 can form a directional airflow depending on the driving state S, R1, or R2 of the front diffuser 510. Since the airflow flowing into the front diffuser 510 has a different directionality than the airflow flowing into the diffuser 410 disclosed in the fourth embodiment, the airflow flowing through the front diffuser 510 does not form an airflow with the same directionality as the fourth, fifth, or sixth airflows, but can form an airflow with a new directionality that has been slightly similar to the previous one.

[0437] That is, the indoor unit 1” of the air conditioner according to the seventh embodiment has a diffuser 210 and a front diffuser 510 arranged in sequence to form an airflow with more directional characteristics than the indoor unit 1 or 1' of the air conditioner according to other foregoing embodiments.

[0438] Furthermore, as described above, diffuser 210 and front diffuser 510 can be driven individually. In this case, when only front diffuser 510 is driven and diffuser 210 is in a stopped state, airflow similar to the airflow discharged from diffuser 410 disclosed in the fourth embodiment can be discharged, and when only diffuser 210 is driven and front diffuser 510 is in a stopped state, airflow similar to the airflow discharged from diffuser 410 disclosed in the first embodiment can be discharged.

[0439] The diffuser 210 and the front diffuser 510 can be driven individually and selectively to exhaust airflows with different directions.

[0440] Furthermore, as in the first and fifth embodiments, the first, second, and third diffusers 210, 220, and 230, as well as the first, second, and third front diffusers 510, 520, and 530, are individually driven in a state R1 of rotation along the first direction A or a state R2 of rotation along the second direction B in the stop state S. Therefore, they can be configured to discharge airflow with additional directionality.

[0441] Other structures and operating principles are the same as those of the indoor unit 1 of the air conditioner according to the above embodiments of the present disclosure, therefore detailed descriptions thereof are omitted.

[0442] While this disclosure has been shown and described with reference to certain exemplary embodiments thereof, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes in form and detail may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. An indoor unit of an air conditioner, comprising: A housing having a first opening and a second opening; A heat exchanger is disposed in the housing to exchange heat with the airflow drawn into the housing; A fan is disposed within the housing and is rotatable about a rotation axis formed to extend along a direction toward the first opening and the second opening; A first diffuser and a second diffuser, the first diffuser being located at the first opening and the second diffuser being located at the second opening, and the heat exchange airflow blown out by the fan being discharged through the first diffuser and the second diffuser; as well as The controller is configured to control the rotation of the first diffuser and the second diffuser. The first diffuser and the second diffuser each include a plurality of blades configured to guide the heat exchange airflow blown out by the fan, and the first diffuser and the second diffuser are also configured to selectively rotate in the same direction as the fan's rotation. The plurality of blades are configured to guide the heat exchange airflow blown out by the fan along the rotation direction of the first diffuser and / or the second diffuser while the first diffuser and / or the second diffuser are rotating, and The controller is configured to control the first diffuser and the second diffuser by selecting one of a first state, a second state, and a third state. In the first state, both the first diffuser and the second diffuser rotate along the rotation direction of the fan. In the second state, one of the first diffuser and the second diffuser stops, while the other rotates in the direction of rotation of the fan. In the third state, both the first diffuser and the second diffuser are stopped.

2. The indoor unit of the air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein, At least one of the first diffuser and the second diffuser is configured to selectively rotate in the opposite direction to the rotation direction of the fan.

3. The indoor unit of the air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein, At least one of the first opening and the second opening is formed in a circular shape. At least one of the first diffuser and the second diffuser further includes a ring corresponding to the first opening or the second opening and a central portion disposed in the middle of the ring. The plurality of blades are arranged to extend from the central portion to the ring.

4. The indoor unit of the air conditioner according to claim 2, wherein, At least one of the first opening and the second opening is formed in a circular shape. At least one of the first diffuser and the second diffuser further includes a ring corresponding to the first opening or the second opening and a central portion disposed in the middle of the ring. The plurality of blades are arranged to extend from the central portion to the ring, and while at least one of the first diffuser and the second diffuser rotates in a direction opposite to the rotation direction of the fan, they guide the heat exchange airflow blown out of the fan in a direction opposite to the rotation direction of the fan.

5. The indoor unit of the air conditioner according to claim 3, wherein, Each of the plurality of blades has one end separately disposed adjacent to the central portion, and the other end separately connected to the ring. Each of the plurality of blades is configured to bend from one end to the other along the rotation direction of the fan.

6. The indoor unit of the air conditioner according to claim 3, wherein, Each of the plurality of blades has one end individually connected to the central portion and the other end individually connected to the ring. Each of the plurality of blades is configured to bend from one end to the other in a direction opposite to the direction of rotation of the fan.

7. The indoor unit of the air conditioner according to claim 3, wherein, Each of the plurality of blades has one end individually connected to the central portion and the other end individually connected to the ring. Each of the plurality of blades is configured to extend from one end to the other end along the radial direction of the ring.

8. The indoor unit of the air conditioner according to claim 2, wherein, The controller is also configured to control the first diffuser and the second diffuser by selecting one of a fourth state and a fifth state. In the fourth state, both the first diffuser and the second diffuser rotate in the opposite direction to the rotation direction of the fan. In the fifth state, one of the first diffuser and the second diffuser stops, while the other rotates in the opposite direction to the rotation direction of the fan.

9. The indoor unit of the air conditioner according to claim 1, further comprising: An auxiliary fan is installed inside the housing. The housing also includes an auxiliary outlet, which is configured to discharge airflow from the auxiliary fan.

10. The indoor unit of the air conditioner according to claim 9, wherein, The housing also includes an auxiliary flow path, which is used by the auxiliary fan to direct the auxiliary airflow brought into the housing towards the auxiliary outlet. The auxiliary flow path is configured to prevent the auxiliary airflow flowing in the auxiliary flow path from passing through the heat exchanger.

11. The indoor unit of the air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein, The second opening is separate from the first opening. The first diffuser and the second diffuser are configured to rotate independently.

12. The indoor unit of the air conditioner according to claim 2, wherein, The second opening is separate from the first opening. The first diffuser and the second diffuser are configured to rotate independently.

13. The indoor unit of the air conditioner according to claim 12, wherein, The controller is also configured to control the rotation of the first diffuser and the second diffuser by selecting one of a fourth state, a fifth state, and a sixth state. In the fourth state, both the first diffuser and the second diffuser rotate in the opposite direction to the rotation direction of the fan. In the fifth state, one of the first diffuser and the second diffuser stops, while the other rotates in the opposite direction to the rotation direction of the fan. In the sixth state, one of the first diffuser and the second diffuser rotates in the direction of rotation of the fan, while the other rotates in the opposite direction to the direction of rotation of the fan.

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