Air conditioner

Abstract

An air conditioner includes: a body including a first side, a second side opposite the first side, an outlet between the first side and the second side, and a guide protrusion on the outlet; and a vane for opening and closing the outlet, in which the vane includes: a vane body extending from the first side to the second side of the main body when the outlet is closed by the vane, and a guide rail on a top surface of the vane body facing the outlet. The vane is configured such that the vane body is rotatable relative to the outlet to adjust a direction of air from the outlet, and the guide rail is supported by the guide protrusion so as to be slidable to guide at least one of a translational motion or a rotational motion of the vane body relative to the main body during rotation of the vane body.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an air conditioner having an improved structure. Background Art

[0002] Generally speaking, an air conditioner is a device that uses a refrigeration cycle to adjust temperature, humidity, airflow, etc. to a level suitable for human activities while removing dust or other pollutants from the air.

[0003] The air conditioner may include an indoor unit, an outdoor unit, and a refrigerant pipe connecting the indoor unit and the outdoor unit and circulating a refrigerant.

[0004] The air conditioner may also be divided into a split type, in which the indoor unit is placed indoors and the outdoor unit is placed outdoors, and an integrated type, in which the indoor unit and the outdoor unit are placed in a single housing. Summary of the invention Technical issues

[0005] Embodiments of the present disclosure may provide an air conditioner having improved aesthetics.

[0006] Embodiments of the present disclosure may provide an air conditioner with improved air outlet efficiency.

[0007] An embodiment of the present disclosure may provide an air conditioner having blades extending left and right.

[0008] Embodiments of the present disclosure may provide an air conditioner having blades that can be driven without interfering with other components.

[0009] Embodiments of the present disclosure may provide an air conditioner capable of translational movement and / or rotational movement.

[0010] The embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to the above-mentioned aspects, and other aspects may become apparent to a person of ordinary skill in the technical field to which the present disclosure belongs based on the following description. Technical Solution

[0011] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, an air conditioner includes: a main body and a blade, the main body includes a first side, a second side opposite to the first side, an outlet between the first side and the second side, and a guide protrusion on the outlet, the blade is configured to open and close the outlet, the blade includes a blade body and a guide rail on the top surface of the blade body facing the outlet, wherein when the outlet is closed by the blade, the blade body extends from the first side of the main body to the second side. The blade is configured so that: the blade body can rotate relative to the outlet to adjust the flow direction of air discharged from the outlet, and the guide rail is supported by the guide protrusion so as to be able to slide to guide at least one of the translational movement or the rotational movement of the blade body relative to the main body during the rotation of the blade body.

[0012] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the air conditioner may further include: a motor; and a linkage device configured to transmit the rotational force generated by the motor to the blade.

[0013] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the linkage device may include: a first link, connected to the motor so that the first link can rotate; a second link, connecting the first link and the blade; and a third link, connecting the first link and the blade at a position closer to the motor than the second link, and the length of the third link is shorter than the length of the second link.

[0014] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the guide rail may include: a first portion inclined downward in a flow direction of the air and having a straight shape; and a second portion extending from an upper portion of the first portion and having a curved shape.

[0015] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the blade body may be configured to perform translational movement and rotational movement relative to the body in response to the guide rail sliding in a state where the guide protrusion is in the first portion.

[0016] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the blade body may be configured to perform a rotational movement relative to the body in response to the guide rail sliding in a state in which the guide protrusion is in the second portion.

[0017] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the blade can be configured to move between: a first position, wherein at the first position the outlet can be closed and the guide protrusion can be placed at the end of the first portion of the guide rail; and a second position, wherein at the second position the outlet can be opened and the guide protrusion can be placed at the end of the second portion of the guide rail.

[0018] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the blade body may include a rear portion and a front portion opposite to the rear portion. In response to the blade moving from the first position to a third position, the rear portion of the blade body may be configured to move forward, wherein at the third position the guide protrusion may be arranged to overlap the first portion and the second portion of the guide rail.

[0019] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the blade body may include a rear portion and a front portion opposite to the rear portion. In response to the blade moving from a third position to the second position, the blade body may be configured to rotate about the rear portion, wherein at the third position the guide protrusion may be arranged to overlap the first portion and the second portion of the guide rail.

[0020] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the second portion of the guide rail may have a predetermined radius of curvature.

[0021] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the second link and the third link may be configured to rotate in a direction opposite to a rotation direction of the first link.

[0022] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the motor may include a motor shaft.The first connecting rod may include a first end connected to the motor shaft and a second end configured to rotate around the first end.

[0023] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the blade may include a plurality of guide rails arranged along a longitudinal direction of the blade body.

[0024] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the guide rail may be disposed at a more inward position along the blade body than the linkage device.

[0025] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the vane body may be configured to cover at least a portion of the first side and at least a portion of the second side when the outlet is closed by the vane.

[0026] An embodiment of the present disclosure may provide an air conditioner, comprising: a housing; an outlet panel coupled to a lower portion of the housing and forming an outlet; a heat exchanger configured to perform heat exchange with air introduced into the housing; a fan configured to generate a blowing force within the housing; a motor detachably mounted on the outlet panel; a linkage device; and a blade. The linkage device may include: a first link connected to a motor shaft of the motor to rotate in a first direction; a second link rotatably connected to the first link in a second direction opposite to the first direction; and a third link spaced apart from the second link and rotatably connected to the first link in the second direction. The blade may be rotatably connected to the second link and the third link, and configured to open and close the outlet by interacting with the rotation of the linkage device.

[0027] The length of the second link and the length of the third link may be different.

[0028] The outlet panel may include: a first body portion arranged to span the outlet; a second body portion extending downward from the first body portion; and a guide protrusion protruding from the second body portion. The vane may include a guide rail that is slidably movable relative to the guide protrusion and includes a first portion having a straight shape and a second portion extending from the first portion and having a curved shape.

[0029] In response to the guide rail sliding to allow the guide protrusion to be positioned in the first portion, the vane can perform translational and rotational movement relative to the outlet panel. In response to the guide rail sliding to allow the guide protrusion to be positioned in the second portion, the vane can perform rotational movement relative to the outlet panel.

[0030] In response to the outlet being closed, the vane may cover the outlet panel. Beneficial Effects

[0031] According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the air conditioner may have a beautiful appearance.

[0032] According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, an air conditioner may have an increased air outlet area.

[0033] According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, an air conditioner may include a blade shaped to extend from one side to the other side.

[0034] According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, an air conditioner may include blades arranged not to interfere with other components.

[0035] According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the air conditioner may be compound-driven.

[0036] Advantages according to the spirit of the present disclosure are not limited to those mentioned above, and other advantages not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0037] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing an example of the appearance of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0038] Figure 2 is a sectional side view showing an example of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0039] Figure 3 is a perspective view showing some components of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0040] Figure 4 According to the embodiment of the present disclosure Figure 3 An exploded perspective view of some components of the air conditioner is shown.

[0041] Figure 5 From the other direction Figure 4 An exploded perspective view of some components of the air conditioner is shown.

[0042] Figure 6 According to the embodiment of the present disclosure Figure 3 An exploded perspective view of the linkage device is shown.

[0043] Figure 7 is a view illustrating a situation in which a blade of the air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is located at a first position P1.

[0044] Figure 8 yes Figure 7 A view of the linkage devices shown.

[0045] Fig. 9 yes Figure 7 View of the rail shown.

[0046] Fig.10 is a view illustrating a case in which the blade of the air conditioner according to the embodiment of the present disclosure is located at the second position P2.

[0047] Fig.11 yes Fig.10 A view of the linkage devices shown.

[0048] Fig.12 yes Fig.10 View of the rail shown.

[0049] Fig.13 is a view illustrating a case in which the blades of the air conditioner according to the embodiment of the present disclosure are located at a third position P3.

[0050] Fig.14 yes Fig.13 A view of the linkage devices shown.

[0051] Fig.15 yes Fig.13 View of the rail shown.

[0052] Fig.16 2 is a view showing a linkage device when a blade of the air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure moves from a first position P1 to a second position P2.

[0053] Fig.17 2 is a view illustrating a guide rail when a blade of the air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure moves from a first position P1 to a second position P2.

[0054] Fig.18 2 is a view showing a linkage device when the blade of the air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure moves from the second position P2 to the third position P3.

[0055] Fig.19 2 is a view illustrating a guide rail when a blade of the air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure moves from a second position P2 to a third position P3. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0056] The embodiments described in the specification and the configurations shown in the drawings are merely examples of the present disclosure, and various modifications may replace the embodiments and drawings of the present disclosure.

[0057] Furthermore, the same symbols or numerals in the drawings of the present disclosure denote components or elements configured to perform substantially the same function.

[0058] A singular form of a noun corresponding to an item may include one or more of that item, unless the relevant context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0059] As used herein, each of the phrases "A or B", "at least one of A and B", "at least one of A or B", "A, B or C", "at least one of A, B and C", and "at least one of A, B or C" may include any one of the items listed together in the phrase or any possible combination thereof. For example, the phrase "at least one of translational movement or rotational movement of the blade body" includes any one of the following: (a) translational movement, (b) rotational movement, and (c) both translational movement and rotational movement.

[0060] The term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0061] Terms such as “first” or “second” may be used merely to distinguish one such component from another such component without qualifying such components in any other respects (eg, importance or order).

[0062] When a component (e.g., a first component) is referred to as being "coupled" or "connected" (with or without the term "functionally" or "communicatively") to another component (e.g., a second component), it may mean that the component may be directly (e.g., in a wired manner), wirelessly, or connected to the other component through a third component.

[0063] When used in this specification, terms such as “includes,” “comprising,” and / or “having” are intended to specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or combinations thereof.

[0064] When a component is referred to as being “connected,” “coupled,” “supported,” or “in contact with” another component, this includes the case where the components are directly connected, coupled, supported, or in contact with each other as well as the case where they are indirectly connected, coupled, supported, or in contact with each other via a third component.

[0065] When a component is referred to as being 'on' another component, this includes not only a case where the component is adjacent to the other component but also a case where the other component exists between the two components.

[0066] On the other hand, the terms "front and back", "front", "rear", "up and down", "top", "bottom", "left and right", "left", "right", etc. used in the following description are defined based on the drawings, and the shape and position of each component are not limited by these terms.

[0067] For example, in the following description, it is understood that the front represents the +X direction, and the back represents the -X direction. For example, in the following description, it is understood that the right represents the +Y direction, and the left represents the -Y direction. For example, in the following description, it is understood that the top represents the +Z direction, and the bottom represents the -Z direction.

[0068] For example, it is understood that the outlet 22 is located in front of the inlet 21. However, it is not limited thereto, and the definition of the direction may vary depending on the geometry and / or position of the blade 100.

[0069] The refrigeration cycle constituting the air conditioner may include a compressor, a condenser, an expansion valve, and an evaporator. The refrigeration cycle may implement a cycle of a series of processes including compression-condensation-expansion-evaporation, and provide air for heat exchange with the refrigerant.

[0070] The compressor compresses and discharges high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant gas, which enters the condenser. The condenser condenses the compressed refrigerant into liquid and releases heat to the surrounding environment through the condensation process. The expansion valve expands the high-temperature and high-pressure liquid refrigerant condensed in the condenser into low-pressure liquid refrigerant. The evaporator evaporates the expanded refrigerant from the expansion valve and returns the low-temperature and low-pressure refrigerant gas to the compressor. This cycle allows the air conditioner to regulate the temperature in the room.

[0071] The outdoor unit of the air conditioner may include a compressor and an outdoor heat exchanger. The indoor unit of the air conditioner may include an indoor heat exchanger. The expansion valve may be located in one of the indoor unit and the outdoor unit. The indoor heat exchanger and the outdoor heat exchanger are used as a condenser or an evaporator. When the indoor heat exchanger is used as a condenser, the air conditioner performs an indoor heating mode. When the indoor heat exchanger is used as an evaporator, the air conditioner performs an indoor cooling mode.

[0072] For ease of explanation, the following description is made by taking the indoor unit of a ceiling-mounted air conditioner as an example. However, it is understandable that the air conditioner 1 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure can also be applied to indoor units of other types of air conditioners, such as indoor units of stand-alone air conditioners and indoor units of wall-mounted air conditioners.

[0073] For example, the air conditioner 1 can be arranged in a single-channel type. However, the air conditioner 1 can also be arranged in a four-channel type. The air conditioner 1 can discharge air in different directions. For ease of explanation, the following description will be taken as an example of a single-channel air conditioner.

[0074] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing an example of the appearance of an air conditioner according to the embodiment. Figure 2 is a sectional side view showing an example of an air conditioner according to the embodiment.

[0075] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 The air conditioner 1 may include a main body 10. The main body 10 may form an overall appearance of the air conditioner 1.

[0076] Various components for driving the air conditioner 1 may be accommodated inside the main body 10 .

[0077] A flow path may be provided in the body 10 to allow air to flow.

[0078] The body 10 may include an inlet 21. The inlet 21 may draw air outside the air conditioner 1 into the air conditioner 1. The inlet 21 may be configured to draw indoor air.

[0079] For example, at least one of a grille or a filter member configured to filter out dust in the air sucked from the inlet 21 may be provided at the inlet 21 .

[0080] The main body 10 may include an outlet 22. The outlet 22 may discharge the heat-exchanged air to the outside of the air conditioner 1. The outlet 22 may be provided to discharge the heat-exchanged air into the room.

[0081] For example, the outlet 22 may include a wind direction adjusting member (not shown) for adjusting the direction of air to be discharged.

[0082] The body 10 may include a housing 10a and a panel 10b coupled to the housing 10a, but is not limited thereto. Alternatively, the housing 10a and the panel 10b may be integrally provided.

[0083] The housing 10a may be installed on the ceiling C. The housing 10a may be suspended from the ceiling C or buried in the ceiling C. For example, the housing 10a may be in a generally box shape with an open bottom.

[0084] The housing 10a may house various components of the air conditioner 1. For example, the heat exchanger 30 may be housed in the housing 10a. For example, the fan 40 may be housed in the housing 10a. For example, a controller (not shown) configured to control the operation of the air conditioner 1 may be housed in the housing 10a.

[0085] The panel 10b may be detachably coupled to the lower portion of the housing 10a. The panel 10b may be provided to cover the housing 10a. The panel 10b may be provided to cover the lower portion of the housing 10a. At least a portion of the panel 10b may be exposed indoors.

[0086] The panel 10b may include an inlet panel 11 in which an inlet 21 is formed. The inlet panel 11 may be in communication with the housing 10a. Air introduced from the room through the inlet 21 may flow into the main body 10. For example, the inlet panel 11 may be arranged to be exposed to the room. For example, the inlet panel 11 may have a shape extending substantially in the left-right direction (Y direction).

[0087] The panel 10b may include an outlet panel 12 in which an outlet 22 is formed. The outlet panel 12 may be in communication with the housing 10a. The air inside the main body 10 may flow into the room through the outlet 22. The outlet panel 12 may be disposed at the front side of the inlet panel 11. For example, the outlet panel 12 may have a shape extending substantially in the left-right direction (Y direction). For example, the outlet panel 12 may be covered by a blade 100, which will be described later.

[0088] The panel 10b may include an intermediate panel 13 disposed between the inlet panel 11 and the outlet panel 12. For example, the intermediate panel 13 may be provided to distinguish the inlet panel 11 from the outlet panel 12. For example, the intermediate panel 13 may be arranged to be exposed indoors. For example, the intermediate panel 13 may have a shape extending substantially in the left-right direction (Y direction).

[0089] In the drawings, the middle panel 13 is shown as being provided in a component separate from the inlet panel 11 and the outlet panel 12, but is not limited thereto. For example, the middle panel 13 may be formed integrally with the inlet panel 11. For example, the middle panel 13 may be formed integrally with the outlet panel 12. For example, the middle panel 13 may be omitted.

[0090] The body 10 may include a guide configured to guide the air discharged through the outlet 22 .

[0091] For example, the guide may include a first guide portion 14 and a second guide portion 15 spaced apart from the first guide portion 14. The second guide portion 15 may be disposed in front of the first guide portion 14. Each of the first guide portion 14 and the second guide portion 15 may have a curved shape to prevent flow loss of the discharged air.

[0092] The first guide portion 14 may be provided as a part of the panel 10b. For example, the first guide portion 14 may be provided as a part of the middle panel 13 or the outlet panel 12. The second guide portion 15 may be provided as a part of the panel 10b. For example, the second guide portion 15 may be provided as a part of the outlet panel 12. However, these are not limited to the above examples, and the formation positions of the first guide portion 14 and the second guide portion 15 may vary according to the configuration of the main body 10. For example, the first guide portion 14 and the second guide portion 15 may be provided as a part of the housing 10a.

[0093] The air conditioner 1 may include a heat exchanger 30. The heat exchanger 30 may be configured to perform heat exchange between the air introduced through the inlet 21 and the refrigerant. The heat exchanger 30 may cool or heat the air introduced through the inlet 21. The heat exchanger 30 may be accommodated in the housing 10a. The heat exchanger 30 may be disposed between the inlet 21 and the outlet 22.

[0094] For example, the heat exchanger 30 may include a tube through which the refrigerant flows. For example, the heat exchanger 30 may include a heat exchanging fin in contact with the tube to increase a heat transfer area.

[0095] The air conditioner 1 may include a drain pan 17 configured to collect condensed water generated by the heat exchanger 30. The drain pan 17 may be disposed below the heat exchanger 30. For example, the condensed water collected in the drain pan 17 may be discharged to the outside through a drain pipe (not shown) or the like. For example, the drain pan 17 may include a heat insulating material 17a for insulating the heat-exchanged air. For example, the drain pan 17 may be covered by the middle panel 13.

[0096] The air conditioner 1 may include one or more guide ribs 16. The guide ribs 16 may be disposed between the heat exchanger 30 and the inlet 21. The guide ribs 16 may guide air drawn through the inlet 21 toward the heat exchanger 30. For example, the guide ribs 16 may be disposed to be inclined relative to the arrangement direction of the heat exchanger 30.

[0097] The air conditioner 1 may include a fan 40. The fan 40 may generate a blowing force inside the main body 10. The fan 40 may generate a blowing force inside the housing 10a. The fan 40 may force air to flow. The fan 40 may allow air to be sucked in through the inlet 21 or allow air that has exchanged heat with the heat exchanger 30 to be discharged through the outlet 22.

[0098] In the drawings, the fan 40 is shown to be disposed at the upstream side of the heat exchanger 30 in the air flow direction, but is not limited thereto. The fan 40 may be disposed at the downstream side of the heat exchanger 30 in the air flow direction.

[0099] For example, the fan 40 may be an axial flow fan or a mixed flow fan. However, the type of the fan 40 is not limited thereto, as long as the fan 40 is configured to blow air introduced from outside the main body 10 to discharge it to the outside of the main body 10. For example, the fan 40 may be a cross flow fan, a turbine fan, or a multi-blade fan.

[0100] The air conditioner 1 may include a fan driving device (not shown) configured to drive the fan 40 .

[0101] For example, the fan driving device may include a fan motor (not shown) configured to rotate the fan 40 , but is not limited thereto as long as the fan driving device drives the fan 40 .

[0102] The air conditioner 1 may include a blade 100. The blade 100 may be disposed to correspond to the outlet 22. The blade 100 may be detachably mounted on the outlet panel 12.

[0103] Figure 3 is a perspective view showing some components of an air conditioner according to an embodiment. Figure 4 yes Figure 3 An exploded perspective view of some components of the air conditioner is shown. Figure 5 From the other direction Figure 4 An exploded perspective view of some components of the air conditioner is shown. Figure 6 yes Figure 3 An exploded perspective view of the linkage device is shown.

[0104] The outlet panel 12 may include a first side 12a and a second side 12b, the second side 12b being opposite to the first side 12a. The first side 12a and the second side 12b may be arranged substantially along the left-right direction (Y direction). For example, the first side 12a may be the right side of the outlet panel 12, and the second side 12b may be the left side of the outlet panel 12.

[0105] The outlet panel 12 may form an outlet 22. The outlet 22 may be formed between the first side 12a and the second side 12b of the outlet panel 12. The outlet 22 may have a shape extending in the longitudinal direction of the outlet panel 12. For example, the outlet 22 may have a shape extending substantially in the left-right direction (Y direction).

[0106] The outlet panel 12 may include a guide protrusion 183 provided at the outlet 22. The guide protrusion 183 may be detachably coupled to the blade 100. The guide protrusion 183 may be slidably coupled to a guide rail 120 of the blade 100, which will be described later.

[0107] The outlet panel 12 may include a support member 18 provided to rotatably support the blade 100. The support member 18 may be provided at the outlet 22. A guide protrusion 183 may be provided as a part of the support member 18.

[0108] For example, the support member 18 may include a first body portion 181 disposed to intersect the outlet 22. For example, the outlet panel 12 may include a second body portion 182 extending downward from the first body portion 181. For example, the outlet panel 12 may include a guide protrusion 183 protruding from the second body portion 182. For example, the guide protrusion 183 may protrude from the second body portion 182 to the left or right.

[0109] The motor 200 may be detachably mounted on the outlet panel 12 .

[0110] For example, the outlet panel 12 may include a motor accommodation portion 191 that accommodates the motor 200. The motor accommodation portion 191 may be formed between the first side 12a and the second side 12b of the outlet panel 12. The motor accommodation portion 191 may be disposed on the inner side of the first side 12a with respect to the left-right direction (Y direction). The motor accommodation portion 191 may be disposed on the inner side of the second side 12b with respect to the left-right direction (Y direction).

[0111] For example, the outlet panel 12 may include a connection hole 192 communicating the outlet 22 and the motor receiving portion 191 .

[0112] The blade 100 may be provided to open and close the outlet 22. The blade 100 may be provided to cover the outlet 22. The blade 100 may be provided to guide the air discharged through the outlet 22. The blade 100 may be provided to be rotatable relative to the body 10. The blade 100 may operate in conjunction with the rotation of the linkage device 300 to be described later.

[0113] The blade 100 may be disposed to correspond to the outlet panel 12. For example, the blade 100 may extend to correspond to the first side 12a of the outlet panel 12 and the second side 12b of the outlet panel 12. For example, the blade 100 may have a shape extending substantially in the left-right direction (Y direction).

[0114] The blade 100 may include a first side 111 and a second side 112 , the second side 112 being opposite to the first side 111 .

[0115] The first side 111 of the blade 100 may correspond to the first side 12a of the outlet panel 12. When the blade 100 closes the outlet 22, the first side 111 of the blade 100 may cover the first side 12a of the outlet panel 12. For example, when the blade 100 closes the outlet 22, the first side 111 of the blade 100 may be arranged to smoothly connect with the first side 12a of the outlet panel 12 (without a step), or protrude beyond the first side 12a of the outlet panel 12. For example, the first side 111 of the blade 100 may be the right side of the blade 100. The first side 111 may also be referred to as a right portion 111.

[0116] For example, when the blade 100 closes the outlet 22, the first side 111 of the blade 100 may be arranged to smoothly connect with the first side 13a of the middle panel 13 (without a step) (see Figure 1 For example, when the blade 100 closes the outlet 22, the first side 11a of the inlet panel 11, the first side 13a of the intermediate panel 13 and the first side 111 of the blade 100 may be arranged to smoothly merge toward each other (without a step) (see Figure 1 ). Therefore, the aesthetics of the air conditioner 1 can be improved. The air conditioner 1 can have a seamless appearance.

[0117] The second side 112 of the blade 100 may correspond to the second side 12b of the outlet panel 12. When the blade 100 closes the outlet 22, the second side 112 of the blade 100 may cover the second side 12b of the outlet panel 12. For example, when the blade 100 closes the outlet 22, the second side 112 of the blade 100 may be configured to smoothly connect with the second side 12b of the outlet panel 12 (without a step), or protrude beyond the second side 12b of the outlet panel 12 (see Figure 3 ). For example, the second side 112 of the blade 100 may be the left side of the blade 100. The second side 112 may also be referred to as the left portion 112.

[0118] For example, when the blade 100 closes the outlet 22, the second side 112 of the blade 100 may be arranged to smoothly connect with the second side 13b of the middle panel 13 (without a step) (see Figure 1 ). For example, when the blade 100 closes the outlet 22, the second side 11b of the inlet panel 11, the second side 13b of the middle panel 13, and the second side 112 of the blade 100 may be arranged to smoothly connect toward each other (without a step). Therefore, the aesthetics of the air conditioner 1 may be improved. The air conditioner 1 may have a seamless appearance.

[0119] For example, the motor accommodating portion 191 of the outlet panel 12 may be arranged to be located inside the blade 100 in the left-right direction (Y direction). For example, the motor 200 installed in the motor accommodating portion 191 may be arranged to be located inside the blade 100 in the left-right direction (Y direction). For example, the motor 200 may be arranged between the first side 111 and the second side 112 of the blade 100. Therefore, the motor 200 may be arranged so that it does not protrude outside the blade 100.

[0120] Typically, the size of the blade can be set to correspond to the outlet formed in the outlet panel. For example, the size of the blade can be smaller than the size of the outlet panel, the left side of the blade can be at a position inward from the left side of the outlet panel, and the right side of the blade can be at a position inward from the right side of the outlet panel. As a result, when the blade closes the outlet, the area of ​​the outlet panel other than the outlet may be exposed to the room. When the blade opens the outlet, the air in the main body flows only through the outlet of the outlet panel, so that the air outlet area of ​​the air conditioner may be limited. In addition, the motor mounted on the outlet panel may be arranged to protrude beyond the blade.

[0121] In contrast, the blade 100 according to the present disclosure may be configured to cover the outlet panel 12. The blade 100 may be configured to cover the outlet panel 12 when the outlet 22 is closed. Therefore, the outlet panel 12 may not be exposed to the room (see FIG. Figure 1). For example, the blade 100 may extend to a position corresponding to the first side 12a of the outlet panel 12 and the second side 12b of the outlet panel 12. For example, when the blade 100 closes the outlet 22, the first side 111 of the blade 100 may cover the first side 12a of the outlet panel 12. For example, when the blade 100 closes the outlet 22, the second side 112 of the blade 100 may cover the second side 12b of the outlet panel 12. In other words, compared with conventional blades, the blade 100 may have a shape substantially extended in the left-right direction (Y direction). Therefore, when the blade 100 closes the outlet 22, the outlet panel 12 is covered by the blade 100 and is thus not exposed to the room. In other words, when the blade 100 closes the outlet 22, the blade 100 forms an overall aesthetic feeling, thereby improving the aesthetics of the air conditioner 1. Because the opening range of the blade 100 in the left-right direction is increased compared with the conventional method, the air outlet area of ​​the air conditioner 1 can be increased. In addition, the motor 200 mounted on the outlet panel may be arranged inside the blade 100 in the left-right direction (Y direction). As a result, the motor 200 may be disposed so as not to protrude outside the blade 100 .

[0122] The blade 100 may include a third side 113 and a fourth side 114 , the fourth side 114 being opposite to the third side 113 .

[0123] The third side 113 of the blade 100 may be disposed at a rear side of a fourth side 114 of the blade 100. The fourth side 114 of the blade 100 may be disposed at a front side of the third side 113 of the blade 100.

[0124] For example, the third side 113 of the blade 100 may be the rear side 113 of the blade 100. The third side 113 may also be referred to as a rear portion.

[0125] For example, the fourth side 114 of the blade 100 may be the front side 114 of the blade 100. The fourth side 114 may also be referred to as a front portion.

[0126] For example, the third side 113 of the blade 100 may be disposed closer to the outlet 22 than the fourth side 114. The third side 113 of the blade 100 may be disposed closer to the inlet 21 than the fourth side 114. The third side 113 of the blade 100 may be disposed closer to the intermediate panel 13 than the fourth side 114.

[0127] The blade 100 may include a blade body 110 .

[0128] The blade body 110 may adjust the flow direction of the air discharged from the outlet 22. The blade body 110 may be provided to be rotatable relative to the outlet 22. For example, the blade body 110 may be provided to be rotatable via the linkage device 300.

[0129] The blade body 110 may define the overall appearance of the blade 100. For example, the blade body 110 may have a substantially rectangular shape having a pair of long sides and a pair of short sides.

[0130] The blade body 110 may be provided to cover at least a portion of the body 10. The blade body 110 may be provided to cover at least a portion of the left side of the panel 10b. The blade body 110 may be provided to cover at least a portion of the right side of the panel 10b.

[0131] The blade body 110 may be provided to cover the outlet panel 12. The blade body 110 may extend to a position corresponding to the first side 12a and the second side 12b of the outlet panel 12. For example, the blade body 110 may have a shape extending substantially in the left-right direction (Y direction).

[0132] For example, the first side 111 of the blade 100 may refer to the first side 111 of the blade body 110. For example, the second side 112 of the blade 100 may refer to the second side 112 of the blade body 110. For example, the third side 113 of the blade 100 may refer to the third side 113 of the blade body 110. For example, the fourth side 114 of the blade 100 may refer to the fourth side 114 of the blade body 110.

[0133] For example, the first side 111 and the second side 112 may be provided as a pair of short sides of the blade body 110 . For example, the third side 113 and the fourth side 114 may be provided as a pair of long sides of the blade body 110 .

[0134] For example, the blade 100 may include a plurality of air outlet holes 110h. The plurality of air outlet holes 110h may be formed in the blade body 110. The plurality of air outlet holes 110h may be formed to penetrate a first surface 115 of the blade body 110 facing the outlet 22 and a second surface 116 disposed opposite to the first surface 115. The first surface 115 may also be referred to as an inner surface 115 of the blade body 110. The second surface 116 may also be referred to as an outer surface 116 of the blade body 110.

[0135] When the blade 100 closes the outlet 22, the air conditioner 1 can pass through the plurality of air outlet holes 110h (see Figure 5 ) discharges the heat-exchanged air into the room. The air conditioner 1 may discharge air at a predetermined speed or lower than a predetermined speed through the plurality of air outlet holes 110h. Therefore, the air discharged from the air conditioner 1 may not directly touch the user, and the air conditioner 1 may achieve a windless airflow.

[0136] The blade 100 may include a rail 120 .

[0137] The guide rail 120 may be formed on the first surface 115 of the blade body 110 facing the outlet 22. For example, the guide rail 120 may protrude from the first surface 115 of the blade body 110 substantially vertically.

[0138] The guide rail 120 may be slidably supported on the guide protrusion 183. The guide rail 120 may be disposed to move relative to the guide protrusion 183. The guide rail 120 may be rotatably supported by the support member 18 of the body 10. The guide rail 120 may be disposed to move relative to the support member 18 of the body 10. The guide rail 120 may be detachably coupled to the guide protrusion 183.

[0139] As the blade 100 rotates, the guide rail 120 may slide and / or rotate while being coupled to the guide protrusion 183. As the blade 100 rotates, the guide rail 120 may be configured to slide while being coupled to the guide protrusion 183. The blade 100 may be configured to rotate relative to the body 10 by the sliding movement of the guide rail 120. The blade 100 may be configured to move forward or backward relative to the body 10 by the sliding movement of the guide rail 120.

[0140] The guide rail 120 may be provided to guide the movement of the blade 100. The guide rail 120 may be provided to guide the movement of the blade body 110. The guide rail 120 may guide the movement of the blade body 110 relative to the main body 10 by interacting with the rotation of the blade body 110. The guide rail 120 may guide at least one of the translational motion or the rotational motion of the blade body 110 relative to the main body 10 by interacting with the rotation of the blade body 110. That is, the blade 100 may utilize the guide rail 120 to perform at least one of the translational motion or the rotational motion. In other words, the blade 100 may utilize the guide rail 120 to perform translational motion, rotational motion, or a combination of translational motion and rotational motion. As a result, the blade 100 may be driven in various ways, and interference with other components may be avoided. A specific description of this will be described later.

[0141] The guide rail 120 is provided to constrain the blade 100 and can guide the blade 100 to obtain driving in a predetermined direction.

[0142] The guide rail 120 may include a first portion 121 and a second portion 122 .

[0143] The first portion 121 may be disposed to be inclined downward in the direction in which air flows. The first portion 121 may have a straight line shape.

[0144] As the blade 100 rotates in a state in which the guide rail 120 is coupled to the guide protrusion 183 , the guide rail 120 may slide to allow the guide protrusion 183 to be placed in the first portion 121 .

[0145] When the guide rail 120 slides so that the guide protrusion 183 is disposed in the first portion 121, the blade 100 can perform translational and / or rotational motion relative to the body 10. When the guide rail 120 slides so that the guide protrusion 183 is disposed in the first portion 121, the blade body 110 can rotate while linearly moving relative to the body 10.

[0146] For example, when the guide protrusion 183 is placed in a predetermined portion of the first portion 121, the blade 100 may move forward or backward without rotating. The blade 100 may not interfere with other components of the air conditioner 1. The forward or backward movement of the blade 100 allows the distance between the blade 100 and the middle panel 13 to be adjusted.

[0147] For example, the first part 121 may include a curved portion 121c. The curved portion 121c may be formed at the end of the first part 121. The curved portion 121c may be formed at the front end of the first part 121. The curved portion 121c may be provided to minimize the gap between the blade 100 and the middle panel 13 when the blade 100 closes the outlet 22. For example, when the guide rail 120 slides so that the guide protrusion 183 is located at the curved portion 121c of the first part 121, the blade 100 may only perform a translational motion within a predetermined range. However, it is not limited to the above example, and the blade 100 may be provided to perform different motions according to different shapes of the first part 121 of the guide rail 120. For example, it is sufficient if the blade 100 can be arranged to perform at least one of a translational motion or a rotational motion.

[0148] The second portion 122 may extend from an upper portion of the first portion 121. The second portion 122 may have a curved shape. The second portion 122 may be provided to have a predetermined radius of curvature.

[0149] When the blade 100 rotates in a state where the guide rail 120 is coupled to the guide protrusion 183, the guide rail 120 may slide so that the guide protrusion 183 is disposed in the second portion 122. When the guide rail 120 slides so that the guide protrusion 183 is disposed in the second portion 122, the blade 100 may rotate relative to the body 10. When the guide rail 120 slides so that the guide protrusion 183 is disposed in the second portion 122, the blade body 110 may rotate relative to the body 10.

[0150] In the air flow direction, the first portion 121 may be disposed downstream of the second portion 122. The first portion 121 may be formed closer to the third side 113 of the blade 100 than the second portion 122. When the blade 100 closes the outlet 22, the first portion 121 may be disposed before the second portion 122.

[0151] For example, the guide rail 120 may include a guide rail body 123 extending from the first surface 115 of the blade body 110. The first portion 121 may be formed through the guide rail body 123. The second portion 122 may be formed through the guide rail body 123.

[0152] For example, a plurality of guide rails 120 may be provided. The plurality of guide rails 120 may be arranged along the longitudinal direction of the blade 100. The plurality of guide rails 120 may be arranged along the longitudinal direction of the blade body 110. Although four guide rails 120 are shown in the drawings, there is no limitation on the number of guide rails 120. The guide rails 120 may be provided as one, five or more guide rails.

[0153] For example, the guide rail 120 may be arranged to be located at an inward position of the blade body 110 compared to the linkage device 300 .

[0154] The blade 100 may include a connection rib 130 for connecting with the linkage device 300 .

[0155] The connection rib 130 may be formed to be spaced apart from the guide rail 120. The connection rib 130 may be formed on the first surface 115 of the blade body 110 facing the outlet 22. For example, the connection rib 130 may protrude from the first surface 115 of the blade body 110 substantially vertically.

[0156] The connecting rib 130 may be rotatably connected to the linkage device 300. For example, the connecting rib 130 may include a first connecting portion 131 rotatably connected to a second link 320 of the linkage device 300 to be described later. For example, the first connecting portion 131 may be provided as a hole. For example, the connecting rib 130 may include a second connecting portion 132 rotatably connected to a third link 330 of the linkage device 300 to be described later. For example, the second connecting portion 132 may be provided as a hole.

[0157] The number of the connecting ribs 130 may be set to correspond to the number of the linkage devices 300. For example, a plurality of connecting ribs 130 may be provided. The plurality of connecting ribs 130 may be arranged along the longitudinal direction of the blade 100. The plurality of connecting ribs 130 may be arranged along the longitudinal direction of the blade body 110. In the drawings, two connecting ribs 130 are shown, but the number of the connecting ribs 130 is not limited thereto. If the number of the connecting ribs 130 corresponds to the number of the linkage devices 300, it may be set to one or three or more.

[0158] For example, two connection ribs 130 may be provided, one of which may be provided adjacent to the first side 111 of the blade 100 and the other of which may be provided adjacent to the second side 112 of the blade 100. For example, the guide rail 120 may be provided between the two connection ribs 130.

[0159] The air conditioner 1 may include a motor 200. The motor 200 may generate a rotational force for driving the blade 100. The motor 200 may include a motor shaft 210. The motor shaft 210 of the motor 200 may be connected to the linkage device 300. The motor 200 may transmit the rotational force to the linkage device 300 through the motor shaft 210. The motor shaft 210 of the motor 200 may form a rotation center M.

[0160] The motor 200 may be detachably mounted on the outlet panel 12. The motor 200 may be accommodated in the motor accommodation portion 191 of the outlet panel 12. The motor shaft 210 of the motor 200 may pass through the connection hole 192 of the outlet panel 12 to be connected to the linkage device 300.

[0161] For example, the motor 200 may include a stepper motor. The motor 200 may be a variable reluctance stepper motor having excellent rotation angle resolution. The motor 200 may freely implement a swing mode requiring continuous change and step change of the direction of the blade 100, but is not limited thereto. Various power devices capable of implementing the change of the direction of the blade 100 may also be used.

[0162] The air conditioner 1 may include a linkage device 300. The linkage device 300 may be configured to transmit the rotational force generated by the motor 200 to the blade 100. The linkage device 300 may connect the motor 200 and the blade 100. The linkage device 300 may connect the motor 200 and the blade body 110. The linkage device 300 may be rotatably connected to the connection rib 130 of the blade 100.

[0163] For example, the linkage device 300 may include a plurality of links. For example, the linkage device 300 may include a first link 310. For example, the linkage device 300 may include a second link 320. For example, the linkage device 300 may include a third link 330.

[0164] The first connecting rod 310 may be rotatably connected to the motor 200. One end of the first connecting rod 310 may be connected to the motor shaft 210 of the motor 200. The other end of the first connecting rod 310 may be configured to rotate around one end. The first connecting rod 310 may rotate in the same direction as the rotation direction of the motor 200. For example, the first connecting rod 310 may rotate in a first direction R1.

[0165] For example, the first link 310 may include a first coupling portion 311 rotatably coupled to the motor 200. For example, the first coupling portion 311 may be formed at one end of the first link 310.

[0166] For example, the first link 310 may include a second coupling portion 312 rotatably coupled to the second link 320. For example, the second coupling portion 312 may be formed at the other end of the first link 310.

[0167] For example, the first link 310 may include a third coupling portion 313 rotatably coupled to the third link 330. For example, the third coupling portion 313 may be formed between the first coupling portion 311 and the second coupling portion 312.

[0168] The second link 320 may be provided to connect the first link 310 and the blade 100. The second link 320 may be provided to connect the first link 310 and the blade body 110. The second link 320 may be rotatably connected to the first connection portion 131 of the connection rib 130 of the blade 100.

[0169] The second link 320 may rotate in conjunction with the rotation of the first link 310. For example, the second link 320 may rotate in a direction opposite to the rotation direction of the first link 310. For example, when the first link 310 rotates in a first direction R1 within a predetermined range, the second link 320 may rotate in a second direction R2 opposite to the first direction R1 within a predetermined range. For example, when the first link 310 rotates in the second direction R2 within a predetermined range, the second link 320 may rotate in the first direction R1 within a predetermined range.

[0170] For example, the second link 320 may include a fourth coupling portion 321 rotatably coupled to the second coupling portion 312 of the first link 310. For example, the fourth coupling portion 321 may be formed at one end of the second link 320. For example, the second coupling portion 312 may be provided as a hole, and the fourth coupling portion 321 may be provided as a protrusion and inserted into the second coupling portion 312, but is not limited thereto. The second coupling portion 312 may be provided as a protrusion and the fourth coupling portion 321 may be provided as a hole.

[0171] For example, the second link 320 may include a fifth coupling portion 322 rotatably coupled to the first connection portion 131 of the connection rib 130. For example, the fifth coupling portion 322 may be formed at the other end of the second link 320. For example, the first connection portion 131 may be provided as a hole, and the fifth coupling portion 322 may be provided as a protrusion and inserted into the first connection portion 131, but is not limited thereto. The first connection portion 131 may be provided as a protrusion and the fifth coupling portion 322 may be provided as a hole.

[0172] The third link 330 may be disposed at a position closer to the motor 200 than the second link 320. The third link 330 may be disposed to connect the first link 310 and the blade 100. The third link 330 may be disposed to connect the first link 310 and the blade body 110. The third link 330 may be rotatably connected to the second connection portion 132 of the connection rib 130 of the blade 100.

[0173] The third link 330 may rotate in conjunction with the rotation of the first link 310. For example, the third link 330 may rotate in a direction opposite to the rotation direction of the first link 310. For example, when the first link 310 rotates in a first direction R1 within a predetermined range, the third link 330 rotates in a second direction R2 opposite to the first direction R1 within a predetermined range. For example, when the first link 310 rotates in a second direction R2 within a predetermined range, the third link 330 may rotate in the first direction R1 within a predetermined range.

[0174] For example, the third link 330 may include a sixth coupling portion 331 rotatably coupled to the third coupling portion 313 of the first link 310. For example, the sixth coupling portion 331 may be formed at one end of the third link 330. For example, the third coupling portion 313 may be provided as a hole, and the sixth coupling portion 331 may be provided as a protrusion and inserted into the third coupling portion 313, but is not limited thereto. The third coupling portion 313 may be provided as a protrusion and the sixth coupling portion 331 may be provided as a hole.

[0175] For example, the third link 330 may include a seventh coupling portion 332 rotatably coupled to the second connection portion 132 of the connection rib 130. For example, the seventh coupling portion 332 may be formed at the other end of the third link 330. For example, the second connection portion 132 may be provided as a hole, and the seventh coupling portion 332 may be provided as a protrusion and inserted into the second connection portion 132, but is not limited thereto. The second connection portion 132 may be provided as a protrusion and the seventh coupling portion 332 may be provided as a hole.

[0176] The second link 320 and the third link 330 may be provided with different lengths. The length of the third link 330 may be provided to be shorter than the length of the second link 320. Due to the length difference between the second link 320 and the third link 330, the blade 100 may rotate to allow the outlet 22 to open. For example, the rotation amount of the fourth side 114 of the blade 100 around the motor shaft 210 may be greater than the rotation amount of the third side 113 of the blade 100 around the motor shaft 210.

[0177] The linkage device 300 may include a first joint J1 (see Figure 4 , Figure 8 , Fig.11 and Fig.14 ). The first joint J1 may be formed at a connection portion between the first link 310 and the second link 320. For example, the first joint J1 may be formed by the second coupling portion 312 of the first link 310 and the fourth coupling portion 321 of the second link 320.

[0178] The linkage device 300 may include a second joint J2 (see Figure 4 , Figure 8 , Fig.11 and Fig.14 ). The second joint J2 may be formed at a connection portion between the first link 310 and the third link 330. For example, the second joint J2 may be formed by the third coupling portion 313 of the first link 310 and the sixth coupling portion 331 of the third link 330.

[0179] The linkage device 300 may include a third joint J3 (see Figure 4 , Figure 8 , Fig.11 and Fig.14 ). The third joint J3 may be formed at a connection portion between the second link 320 and the blade 100. For example, the third joint J3 may be formed by the fifth coupling portion 322 of the second link 320 and the first connection portion 131 of the connection rib 130.

[0180] The linkage device 300 may include a fourth joint J4 (see Figure 4 , Figure 8 , Fig.11 and Fig.14 ). The fourth joint J4 may be formed at a connection portion between the third link 330 and the blade 100. For example, the fourth joint J4 may be formed by the seventh coupling portion 332 of the third link 330 and the second connection portion 132 of the connection rib 130.

[0181] For example, a plurality of linkage devices 300 may be provided. The plurality of linkage devices 300 may be arranged along the longitudinal direction of the blade 100. The plurality of linkage devices 300 may be arranged along the longitudinal direction of the blade body 110. Although the number of linkage devices 300 is shown as two in the drawings, the number is not limited thereto. The linkage device 300 may be provided as one or three or more.

[0182] For example, two linkage devices 300 are provided, one of which is provided adjacent to the first side 11 of the blade 100, and the other of which is provided adjacent to the second side 112 of the blade 100. For example, the guide rail 120 may be provided between the two linkage devices 300.

[0183] Typically, the blade is directly coupled to the motor shaft of the motor to rotate around the motor shaft. In this case, since the blade rotates only on one axis, the degree of freedom of the blade's rotation may be limited.

[0184] In contrast, the blade 100 can be rotated by receiving the rotational force of the motor 200 from the linkage device 300. Therefore, the blade 100 can be rotated in conjunction with the rotation of the linkage device 300, and the degree of freedom of rotation can be improved by the connecting rod structure of the linkage device 300. The linkage device 300 can have such a structure that the rotational motion of the blade 100 can be converted into a compound drive (rotational motion and / or translational motion) by improving the degree of freedom of rotation of the blade 100. In other words, the blade 100 can be configured to rotate by the linkage device 300 and simultaneously perform at least one of translational motion or rotational motion by being guided by the guide rail 120.

[0185] For example, the blade 100 , the motor 200 , and the linkage 300 may be referred to as a blade assembly 50 .

[0186] Figure 7 : is a view showing a state in which the blades of the air conditioner according to the embodiment are located at a first position P1. Figure 8 yes Figure 7 A view of the linkage devices shown. Fig. 9 yes Figure 7 View of the rail shown. Fig.10 : is a view showing a case in which the blades of the air conditioner according to the embodiment are located at the second position P2. Fig.11 yes Fig.10 A view of the linkage devices shown. Fig.12 yes Fig.10 View of the rail shown. Fig.13 : is a view showing a case in which the blades of the air conditioner according to the embodiment are located at a third position P3. Fig.14 yes Fig.13 A view of the linkage devices shown. Fig.15 yes Fig.13 View of the rail shown.

[0187] The vane 100 may be in a closed position P1 (see Figures 7 to 9 ) and the open position P3 set to open the outlet 22 (see Figures 13 to 15 ). For example, when the blade 100 is in the open position P3, the blade 100 can be set to open the outlet 22 to the maximum. The blade 100 can be set in an intermediate position P2 between the closed position P1 and the open position P3 (see Figures 10 to 12 ). For example, when the blade 100 is located at the middle position P2, the blade 100 may be configured to open the outlet 22 within a predetermined range.

[0188] Hereinafter, the closed position P1 may also be referred to as the first position P1, the intermediate position P2 may also be referred to as the second position P2, and the open position P3 may also be referred to as the third position P3. However, for the first position P1, the second position P2, and the third position P3, the ordinal numbers "first", "second", and "third" therein do not limit their configurations. For example, the first position P1, the third position P2, and the second position P3 may be defined. For example, the second position P1, the third position P2, and the first position P3 may be defined. For example, the third position P1, the second position P2, and the first position P3 may be defined. However, it is not limited to the above examples, and the first position P1, the second position P2, and the third position P3 may be defined differently.

[0189] refer to Figures 7 to 9 , the blade 100 may be disposed at the first position P1. When the blade 100 is located at the first position P1, the blade 100 may close the outlet 22. For example, when the blade 100 is located at the first position P1, the blade body 110 may be substantially located on the XY plane.

[0190] When the blade 100 is located at the first position P1, the linkage device 300 may be accommodated inside the body 10. For example, when the blade 100 is located at the first position P1, the linkage device 300 may be accommodated inside the outlet panel 12.

[0191] When the blade 100 is at the first position P1, the guide protrusion 183 of the body 10 may be located at the end of the first portion 121 of the guide rail 120. For example, when the blade 100 is at the first position P1, the guide protrusion 183 of the body 10 may be located at the front end of the guide rail 120.

[0192] refer to Figures 10 to 12 , the blade 100 may be located at a second position P2 between the first position P1 and the third position P3. When the blade 100 is located at the second position P2, the blade 100 may open the outlet 22 within a predetermined range. For example, the blade 100 may rotate from the first position P1 along the first direction R1 and then be located at the second position P2. For example, the blade 100 may rotate from the third position P3 along the second direction R2 and then be located at the second position P2.

[0193] When the blade 100 is located at the second position P2, a portion of the linkage device 300 may be located inside the body 10 and the remaining portion of the linkage device 300 may be located outside the body 10. For example, when the blade 100 is located at the second position P2, a portion of the linkage device 300 may be located inside the outlet panel 12 and the remaining portion of the linkage device 300 may be located outside the outlet panel 12. For example, when the blade 100 is located at the second position P2, the first link 310 may be located inside the body 10. For example, a portion of the second link 320 and a portion of the third link 330 may be located outside the body 10.

[0194] When the blade 100 is located at the second position P2, the guide protrusion 183 of the body 10 may be arranged to overlap the first portion 121 and the second portion 122 of the guide rail 120. For example, when the blade 100 is located at the second position P2, most of the first portion 121 of the guide rail 120 may be located outside the body 10. For example, when the blade 100 is located at the second position P2, most of the second portion 122 of the guide rail 120 may be located inside the body 10.

[0195] refer to Figures 13 to 15 , the blade 100 may be located at the third position P3. When the blade 100 is located at the third position P3, the blade 100 may open the outlet 22 to the maximum extent. For example, when the blade 100 is located at the third position P3, the opening degree of the outlet 22 may be greater than the opening degree of the outlet 22 when the blade 100 is located at the second position P2.

[0196] When the blade 100 is located at the third position P3, most of the linkage device 300 may be located outside the body 10. For example, when the blade 100 is located at the third position P3, most of the linkage device 300 may be located outside the outlet panel 12. For example, when the blade 100 is located at the third position P3, a portion of the first link 310 may be located outside the body 10. For example, when the blade 100 is located at the third position P3, the second link 320 may be located outside the body 10. For example, when the blade 100 is located at the third position P3, most of the third link 330 may be located outside the body 10.

[0197] When the blade 100 is at the third position P3, the guide protrusion 183 of the body 10 may be located at the end of the second portion 122 of the guide rail 120. For example, when the blade 100 is at the third position P3, the guide protrusion 183 of the body 10 may be located at the rear end of the guide rail 120.

[0198] On the other hand, the blade 100 can be configured to achieve different drives. The blade 100 can perform at least one of a translational motion or a rotational motion. The blade 100 can perform a translational motion within a predetermined range. The blade 100 can perform a rotational motion within a predetermined range. The blade 100 can perform a translational motion and a rotational motion within a predetermined range.

[0199] Fig.16 2 is a view showing a linkage device when a blade of the air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure moves from a first position P1 to a second position P2. Fig.17 2 is a view illustrating a guide rail when a blade of the air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure moves from a first position P1 to a second position P2.

[0200] refer to Fig.16 and Fig.17 , an operation of moving the blade 100 from the first position P1 to the second position P2 will be described.

[0201] For ease of description, Fig.16 and Fig.17 In order to distinguish the position of the blade 100, when the blade 100 is located at the first position P1, "a" is added after the reference numeral of each component of the blade 100. When the blade 100 is located at the second position P2, "b" may be added after the reference numeral of each component of the blade 100. Fig.16 and Fig.17 , in order to distinguish the positions of the blades 100, the blade 100 located at the first position P1 is indicated by a double-dashed line, and the blade 100 located at the second position P2 is indicated by a solid line. However, these indications are for reference only.

[0202] refer to Fig.16 The linkage device 300 may transmit the rotational force of the motor 200 to the blade 100. The linkage device 300 may be configured to rotate in conjunction with the rotation of the motor 200. The blade 100 may be configured to rotate in conjunction with the rotation of the linkage device 300.

[0203] The first link 310 may be configured to rotate about the motor shaft 210 of the motor 200. The first link 310 may be configured to rotate in the first direction R1 relative to the rotation center M. The position of one end of the first link 310 may be fixed. The other end of the first link 310 may move downward while rotating about one end of the first link 310.

[0204] The second link 320 may move downward in conjunction with the rotation of the first link 310. For example, the second link 320 may push downward the blade 100. For example, the second link 320 may rotate in the second direction R2.

[0205] For example, as the blade 100 moves from the first position P1 to the second position P2, the first joint J1 may move downward. For example, as the blade 100 moves from the first position P1 to the second position P2, the first joint J1 may move forward.

[0206] For example, as the blade 100 moves from the first position P1 to the second position P2, the third joint J3 may move downward. For example, as the blade 100 moves from the first position P1 to the second position P2, the third joint J3 may move forward.

[0207] For example, as the blade 100 moves from the first position P1 to the second position P2, the angle between the first link 310 and the second link 320 may increase. For example, the angle b2 between the first link 310b and the second link 320b when the blade 100 is at the second position P2 may be greater than the angle b1 between the first link 310a and the second link 320a when the blade 100 is at the first position P1.

[0208] The third link 330 may move downward in conjunction with the rotation of the first link 310. For example, the third link 330 may push downward the blade 100. For example, the third link 330 may rotate in the second direction R2.

[0209] For example, as the blade 100 moves from the first position P1 to the second position P2, the second joint J2 may move downward. For example, as the blade 100 moves from the first position P1 to the second position P2, the second joint J2 may move forward.

[0210] For example, as the blade 100 moves from the first position P1 to the second position P2, the fourth joint J4 may move downward. For example, as the blade 100 moves from the first position P1 to the second position P2, the fourth joint J4 may move forward.

[0211] For example, as the blade 100 moves from the first position P1 to the second position P2, the angle between the first link 310 and the third link 330 may increase. For example, the angle a2 between the first link 310b and the third link 330b when the blade 100 is at the second position P2 may be greater than the angle a1 between the first link 310a and the third link 330a when the blade 100 is at the first position P1.

[0212] refer to Fig.17 As the blade 100 moves from the first position P1 to the second position P2 , the guide rail 120 may guide the translational movement and / or rotational movement of the blade 100 .

[0213] As the blade 100 rotates through the linkage device 300, the guide rail 120 may be configured to slide relative to the guide protrusion 183 of the main body 10. The guide protrusion 183 of the main body 10 may be fixed. The guide rail 120 may slide to allow the guide protrusion 183 to be positioned in the first portion 121. The blade 100 may move along the straight line of the first portion 121 of the guide rail 120 while receiving the rotational force of the motor 200 through the linkage device 300. Therefore, the blade 100 may be configured to achieve translational motion and / or rotational motion relative to the main body 10. The blade body 110 may be configured to achieve a combination of translational motion and rotational motion relative to the main body 10. The blade 100 may be configured to move forward while rotating within a predetermined range relative to the main body 10, but is not limited thereto. The blade 100 may be configured to move forward without rotating within a predetermined range relative to the main body 10.

[0214] refer to Fig.16 and Fig.17 As the blade 100 moves from the first position P1 to the second position P2, the blade 100 may perform a translational motion and / or a rotational motion.

[0215] For example, when the blade 100 moves from the first position P1 to the second position P2, the third side 113 of the blade 100 may move forward. For example, when the blade 100 moves from the first position P1 to the second position P2, the fourth side 114 of the blade 100 may move forward. For example, when the blade 100 moves from the first position P1 to the second position P2, the blade 100 may move away from the intermediate panel 13. For example, when the blade 100 moves from the first position P1 to the second position P2, the blade 100 may move away from the inlet panel 11.

[0216] For example, when the blade 100 is in the second position P2, the third side 113b of the blade 100 may be positioned in front of the third side 113a of the blade 100 when the blade 100 is in the first position P1. For example, when the blade 100 is in the second position P2, the third side 113b of the blade 100 may be positioned downward from the third side 113a of the blade 100 when the blade 100 is in the first position P1.

[0217] For example, when the blade 100 is in the second position P2, the fourth side 114b of the blade 100 may be positioned forward and downward from the fourth side 114a of the blade 100 when the blade 100 is in the first position P1.

[0218] When the blade 100 moves from the second position P2 to the first position P1, the above operation may be performed in reverse order. The motor 200 rotates in the second direction R2, and the blade 100 interacts with the rotation of the motor 200 and the linkage device 300 to move from the second position P2 to the first position P1. For example, when the blade 100 moves from the second position P2 to the first position P1, the blade 100 may move backward. For example, when the blade 100 moves from the second position P2 to the first position P1, the blade 100 may rotate in the second direction R2.

[0219] Fig.18 2 is a view showing a linkage device when the blade of the air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure moves from the second position P2 to the third position P3. Fig.19 2 is a view illustrating a guide rail when a blade of the air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure moves from a second position P2 to a third position P3.

[0220] refer to Fig.18 and Fig.19 , an operation of moving the blade 100 from the second position P2 to the third position P3 will be described.

[0221] For ease of description, Fig.18 and Fig.19 In order to distinguish the position of the blade 100, when the blade 100 is at the second position P2, "b" is added after the reference numeral of each component of the blade 100. When the blade 100 is at the third position P3, "c" may be added after the reference numeral of each component of the blade 100. Fig.18 and Fig.19 , in order to distinguish the positions of the blades 100, the blade 100 located at the second position P2 is indicated by a double-dashed line, and the blade 100 located at the third position P3 is indicated by a solid line. However, these indications are for reference only.

[0222] refer to Fig.18 The linkage device 300 may transmit the rotational force of the motor 200 to the blade 100. The linkage device 300 may be configured to rotate in conjunction with the rotation of the motor 200. The blade 100 may be configured to rotate in conjunction with the rotation of the linkage device 300.

[0223] The first link 310 may be configured to rotate about the motor shaft 210 of the motor 200. The first link 310 may be configured to rotate in the first direction R1 relative to the rotation center M. The position of one end of the first link 310 may be fixed. The other end of the first link 310 may move downward while rotating about one end of the first link 310.

[0224] The second link 320 may move downward in conjunction with the rotation of the first link 310. For example, the second link 320 may push down the blade 100. For example, the second link 320 may move backward in conjunction with the rotation of the first link 310.

[0225] For example, as the blade 100 moves from the second position P2 to the third position P3, the first joint J1 may move downward. For example, as the blade 100 moves from the second position P2 to the third position P3, the first joint J1 may move backward.

[0226] For example, as the blade 100 moves from the second position P2 to the third position P3, the third joint J3 may move downward. For example, as the blade 100 moves from the second position P2 to the third position P3, the third joint J3 may move backward.

[0227] For example, as the blade 100 moves from the second position P2 to the third position P3, the angle between the first link 310 and the second link 320 may remain substantially the same. For example, the angle b3 between the first link 310c and the second link 320c when the blade 100 is at the third position P3 may be substantially equal to the angle b2 between the first link 310b and the second link 320b when the blade 100 is at the second position P2, but is not limited thereto. Compared to the angle change between the first link 310 and the second link 320 when the blade 100 moves from the first position P1 to the second position P2, the angle change between the first link 310 and the second link 320 when the blade 100 moves from the second position P2 to the third position P3 may be relatively small or close to zero.

[0228] The third link 330 may move downward in conjunction with the rotation of the first link 310. For example, the third link 330 may push down the blade 100. For example, the third link 330 may move backward in conjunction with the rotation of the first link 310.

[0229] For example, as the blade 100 moves from the second position P2 to the third position P3, the second joint J2 may move downward. For example, as the blade 100 moves from the second position P2 to the third position P3, the second joint J2 may move backward.

[0230] For example, as the blade 100 moves from the second position P2 to the third position P3, the fourth joint J4 may move downward. For example, as the blade 100 moves from the second position P2 to the third position P3, the fourth joint J4 may move backward.

[0231] For example, as the blade 100 moves from the second position P2 to the third position P3, the angle between the first link 310 and the third link 330 may remain substantially the same. For example, the angle a3 between the first link 310c and the third link 330c when the blade 100 is at the third position P3 may be substantially equal to the angle a2 between the first link 310b and the third link 330b when the blade 100 is at the second position P2, but is not limited thereto. Compared to the angle change between the first link 310 and the third link 330 when the blade 100 moves from the first position P1 to the second position P2, the angle change between the first link 310 and the third link 330 when the blade 100 moves from the second position P2 to the third position P3 may be relatively small or close to zero.

[0232] refer to Fig.19 As the blade 100 moves from the second position P2 to the third position P3 , the guide rail 120 may guide the rotational movement of the blade 100 .

[0233] As the blade 100 rotates through the linkage device 300, the guide rail 120 may be configured to slide relative to the guide protrusion 183 of the main body 10. The guide protrusion 183 of the main body 10 may be fixed. The guide rail 120 may slide to allow the guide protrusion 183 to be positioned in the second portion 122. The blade 100 may move along the curved shape of the second portion 122 of the guide rail 120 while receiving the rotational force of the motor 200 through the linkage device 300. The blade 100 may be configured to rotate about the third side 113. Therefore, the blade 100 may be configured to achieve a rotational motion relative to the main body 10. The blade body 110 may be configured to rotate relative to the main body 10.

[0234] refer to Fig.18 and Fig.19 As the blade 100 moves from the second position P2 to the third position P3, the blade 100 may be configured to rotate. For example, as the blade 100 moves from the second position P2 to the third position P3, the blade 100 may rotate about the third side 113.

[0235] For example, when the blade 100 moves from the second position P2 to the third position P3, the third side 113 of the blade 100 may not move. For example, when the blade 100 moves from the second position P2 to the third position P3, the position of the third side 113 of the blade 100 may remain unchanged. For example, when the blade 100 moves from the second position P2 to the third position P3, the fourth side 114 of the blade 100 may be arranged to rotate relative to the third side 113.

[0236] For example, the third side 113 of the blade 100 when the blade 100 is in the third position P3 may be positioned at substantially the same position as the third side 113 of the blade 100 when the blade 100 is in the second position P2.

[0237] For example, when the blade 100 is located at the third position P3, the fourth side 114c of the blade 100 may be positioned downward and rearward from the fourth side 114b of the blade 100 when the blade 100 is located at the second position P2.

[0238] For example, when the blade 100 moves from the second position P2 to the third position P3, the distance L from the third side 113 of the blade 100 to the center O of the guide protrusion 183 may be maintained. For example, the distance between the third side 113 and the center O of the guide protrusion 183 when the blade 100 is at the second position P2 may be the same as the distance between the third side 113 and the center O of the guide protrusion 183 when the blade 100 is at the third position P3. Therefore, when moving from the second position P2 to the third position P3, the blade 100 may only perform a rotational motion.

[0239] When the blade 100 moves from the third position P3 to the second position P2, the above operation can be performed in reverse order. The motor 200 rotates in the second direction R2, and the blade 100 interacts with the rotation of the motor 200 and the linkage device 300 to move from the third position P3 to the second position P2. For example, when the blade 100 moves from the third position P3 to the second position P2, the blade 100 can rotate around the third side 113 in the second direction R2.

[0240] Generally, the blade can be driven by a single axis around the motor shaft of the motor. At this time, if the blade has a shape extending in the left-right direction, the blade may interfere with other components during rotation. For example, the blade may interfere with the main body when rotating. For example, the rear of the blade may interfere with the guide part or the middle panel of the main body. In addition, if the blade has a shape extending in the left-right direction, the rotation range of the blade may be limited in order to avoid interference between the blade and the main body.

[0241] In contrast, according to the present disclosure, the blade 100 may be arranged not to interfere with the body 10 during rotation despite having a shape extending in the left-right direction. For example, the blade 100 may be arranged not to interfere with the guide portion 14 or the middle panel 13 (see Figure 2). As the blade 100 is rotated by the linkage device 300 having a plurality of joints, the blade 100 is not simply driven to rotate about a single axis. In addition, the blade 100 may be configured to be movable along the shape of the guide rail 120. For example, the blade 100 interacts with the linkage device 300 so that the blade 100 rotates and simultaneously moves along the first portion 121 having a straight line shape. For example, when the blade 100 moves from the first position P1 to the second position P2, the blade 100 may move forward. For example, when the blade 100 moves from the first position P1 to the second position P2, the blade 100 may rotate. For example, when the blade 100 moves from the first position P1 to the second position P2, the blade 100 may move along a straight line while rotating (see Fig.16 and Fig.17 As a result, the third side 113 of the blade 100 may not interfere with the body 10 (eg, the guide portion 14 or the middle panel 13 ).

[0242] In addition, according to the present disclosure, the blade 100 can be arranged to perform only a rotational movement in a moving state without interfering with the main body 10. The blade 100 can be arranged to adjust the opening degree of the outlet 22 in a moving state without interfering with the main body 10. For example, the blade 100 interacts with the linkage device 300 so that the blade 100 rotates and simultaneously moves along the second portion 122 having a curved shape. Therefore, the blade 100 can be arranged to rotate about one axis. For example, when the blade 100 moves from the second position P2 to the third position P3, the blade 100 can rotate about the third side 113 (see Fig.18 and Fig.19 ).

[0243] Although the present disclosure has been described in detail with reference to exemplary embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. An air conditioner, comprising: a main body comprising: a first side, a second side opposite to the first side, an outlet between the first side and the second side, and a guide protrusion on the outlet; and a blade configured to open and close the outlet, the blade comprising: a blade body extending from the first side of the body to the second side when the outlet is closed by the blade; and a guide rail on a top surface of the blade body facing the outlet, Wherein, the blade is configured such that: The blade body is rotatable relative to the outlet to adjust the flow direction of the air discharged from the outlet, and The guide rail is supported by the guide protrusion so as to be slidable to guide at least one of a translational movement or a rotational movement of the blade body relative to the main body during rotation of the blade body.

2. The air conditioner according to claim 1, further comprising: Motor; as well as A linkage device is configured to transmit the rotational force generated by the motor to the blades.

3. The air conditioner according to claim 2, wherein: The linkage device comprises: a first connecting rod connected to the motor so that the first connecting rod can rotate, a second connecting rod connecting the first connecting rod and the blade, and The third connecting rod connects the first connecting rod and the blade at a position closer to the motor than the second connecting rod, and the length of the third connecting rod is shorter than the length of the second connecting rod.

4. The air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein: The guide rail comprises: a first portion which is inclined downward in the flow direction of the air and has a straight line shape, and The second portion extends from an upper portion of the first portion and has a curved shape.

5. The air conditioner according to claim 4, wherein: The blade body is configured to perform translational movement and rotational movement relative to the body in response to the guide rail sliding in a state where the guide protrusion is in the first portion.

6. The air conditioner according to claim 4, wherein: The blade body is configured to perform a rotational movement relative to the body in response to the guide rail sliding in a state where the guide protrusion is in the second portion.

7. The air conditioner according to claim 4, wherein: The blade is configured to be movable between the following positions: a first position, wherein the outlet is closed and the guide projection is positioned at an end of the first portion of the guide rail, and A second position, wherein the outlet is opened and the guide protrusion is positioned at an end of the second portion of the guide rail.

8. The air conditioner according to claim 7, wherein: The blade body includes a rear portion and a front portion opposite to the rear portion, and In response to the blade moving from the first position to a third position, wherein the guide protrusion is arranged to overlap the first portion and the second portion of the guide rail, the rear portion of the blade body is configured to move forward.

9. The air conditioner according to claim 7, wherein: The blade body includes a rear portion and a front portion opposite to the rear portion, and The blade body is configured to rotate about the rear portion in response to the blade moving from a third position to the second position, wherein the guide protrusion is arranged to overlap the first portion and the second portion of the guide rail at the third position.

10. The air conditioner according to claim 4, wherein: The second portion of the guide rail has a predetermined radius of curvature.

11. The air conditioner according to claim 3, wherein: The second link and the third link are configured to rotate in a direction opposite to a rotation direction of the first link.

12. The air conditioner according to claim 3, wherein: The motor includes a motor shaft, and The first connecting rod comprises: a first end connected to the motor shaft, and The second end is configured to rotate around the first end.

13. The air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein: The blade comprises: A plurality of guide rails are arranged along the longitudinal direction of the blade body.

14. The air conditioner according to claim 2, wherein: The guide rail is disposed at a more inward position along the blade body than the linkage device.

15. The air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein: The vane body is configured to cover at least a portion of the first side and at least a portion of the second side when the outlet is closed by the vane.

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