Air conditioner comprising control box

Abstract

According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, an air conditioner capable of being disposed in a ceiling may include a housing having a suction port. The air conditioner may include a duct connection member that includes a duct connected from an interior of the housing outside of the housing. The housing may include a blower disposed therein. The air conditioner may include a control box for controlling driving of the blower. When the air conditioner is disposed in a ceiling, the control box may be connected to the housing so as to be movable between a first position at which the control box is positioned to overlap the duct connection member in the vertical direction on the ceiling and a second position at which the control box is positioned to overlap the duct connection member in the vertical direction on the ceiling. The overlapping degree of the control box and the pipeline connecting component is smaller than the overlapping degree when the control box is located at the first position.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to an indoor unit of an air conditioner, the air conditioner including a control box having a moving structure. Background Art

[0002] An air conditioner may be a device for maintaining a certain air quality in a designated space (hereinafter, referred to as an "indoor space") under conditions suitable for its purpose and use. For example, when operating in a cooling mode, the air conditioner may cool the indoor space by sucking or removing hot air from the indoor space, exchanging heat with a low-temperature refrigerant, and then discharging the cooled air into the indoor space. For example, when operating in a heating mode, the air conditioner may heat the indoor space by sucking or removing cold air from the indoor space, exchanging heat with a high-temperature refrigerant, and then discharging the heated air into the indoor space.

[0003] Generally, air conditioners may be classified into integral types and split types, depending on whether the indoor unit and the outdoor unit are combined or separated / disassembled from each other. An integral air conditioner is composed of an indoor unit and an outdoor unit combined into a single unit, while a split air conditioner includes an indoor unit installed in an indoor space and an outdoor unit installed in an outdoor space, where the outdoor unit is connected to the indoor unit through a refrigerant pipe.

[0004] In the case of a ceiling-mounted air conditioner (which is regarded as a split type), the indoor unit may be installed and fixed to the ceiling. In such a ceiling-mounted air conditioner, due to the limited indoor space, a control box configured to control the operation of the indoor unit is usually arranged in the air flow path adjacent to or near the air suction port or in the vicinity thereof. In this case, during the operation of the air conditioner, the control box may disrupt and / or interfere with the air flow toward the air suction port, thereby deteriorating the performance of the air conditioner. Summary of the Invention

[0005]

Solution to the Problem

[0006] Various embodiments of the present disclosure may provide an air conditioner having a control box disposed outside a housing and having a movable and rotatable structure.

[0007] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, an air conditioner installable in a ceiling includes: a housing having a suction port; a pipe connector including one or more pipes connecting from the inside to the outside of the housing; a blower inside the housing; and a control box configured to control the driving of the blower, wherein the control box is connected to the housing such that when the air conditioner is installed in the ceiling, the control box is movable between a first position and a second position, at the first position, the control box vertically overlaps the pipe connector, and at the second position, the degree of overlap of the control box with the pipe connector is less than that when the control box is in the first position.

[0008] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the control box may be closer to the suction port when in the second position than when in the first position.

[0009] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the air conditioner may further include a link assembly, and the link assembly may include a first connector defining a first rotation axis and connected to the housing. The control box may be movable between the first position and the second position by rotation of the link assembly about the first rotation axis.

[0010] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the link assembly may include a second connector defining a second rotation axis parallel to the first rotation axis and connected to the control box. The control box may rotate about the second rotation axis.

[0011] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the housing may include a first interlocking hole. The control box may include a second interlocking hole. The first connector of the link assembly may include an annular first protrusion inserted into the first interlocking hole in the housing. The second connector of the link assembly may include an annular second protrusion inserted into the second interlocking hole in the control box.

[0012] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, each of the annular first protrusion and the annular second protrusion may be configured to have a tapered shape with a diameter gradually decreasing toward the outside of the link assembly.

[0013] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the link assembly may include a first link structure and a second link structure. The first link structure may connect a first side of the control box to a first side of the housing. The second link structure may connect a second side of the control box to a second side of the housing.

[0014] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the link assembly may include a link body connecting the first connector and the second connector integrally.

[0015] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the air conditioner may further include an electric wire electrically connecting the blower and the control box. The link assembly may include a link body having a wiring accommodation space formed to accommodate the electric wire.

[0016] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the link assembly may include a link cover that is detachably coupled to the link body to cover the wiring accommodation space.

[0017] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a coupling groove may be formed in the link body. The link cover may include a coupling protrusion that can be inserted into the coupling groove to attach the link cover to the link body.

[0018] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the air conditioner may further include a wire that electrically connects the blower and the control box. The link assembly may include a link body having a wiring accommodation space formed to accommodate the wire. The first connector may include a first wiring hole that communicates with the wiring accommodation space. The second connector may include a second wiring hole that communicates with the wiring accommodation space. The first wiring hole may open into the link body in a direction parallel to the first rotation axis. The second wiring hole may be spaced apart from the first wiring hole in the horizontal direction and open into the link body in a direction parallel to the second rotation axis. The wire may pass through the first wiring hole, the wiring accommodation space, and the second wiring hole.

[0019] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the link body may include: a first slit formed at a first end of the link body to extend in an axial direction of the first rotation axis; and a second slit formed at a second end of the link body to extend in an axial direction of the second rotation axis.

[0020] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the air conditioner may further include a stopper that protrudes from a side surface of the housing to fix the control box in a first position.

[0021] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the stopper may be adjacent to a lower end of a side surface of the housing.

[0022] According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the control box of the indoor unit may be disposed at an external position that does not interfere with the air flow passing through the suction port, thereby improving the performance of the indoor unit.

[0023] According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, when it is necessary to install or maintain a refrigerant pipe or the like, the control box of the indoor unit may appropriately change its position so as not to interfere with its installation or maintenance.

[0024] When it is necessary to install or maintain, for example, a refrigerant pipe, a drain pipe, etc., the control box may be rotated to a position that does not interrupt the pipeline or pipe through the link assembly, thereby improving the workability of the user (or service personnel) of the air conditioner. In addition, when the user has completed the installation or maintenance of the refrigerant pipe, the drain pipe, etc., the user may rotate the control box back to its original position (for example, a position adjacent to the pipeline or pipe but not covering the suction port) through the link assembly, thereby promoting the air flow toward the suction port during the operation of the air conditioner.

[0025] Based on the following description, those of ordinary skill in the art to which the embodiments of the present disclosure pertain can clearly derive and understand the effects that can be obtained from the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. That is to say, according to the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, those of ordinary skill in the art can also clearly derive any unanticipated effects resulting from implementing the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] Figure 1 is a perspective view of the appearance of a ceiling-mounted air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, as viewed from its bottom side;

[0027] Figure 2 is Figure 1 a vertical cross-sectional view of the air conditioner taken along line A-A';

[0028] Figure 3 is a view of the air conditioner installed on a ceiling (where the ceiling panel is removed), as viewed from its bottom side, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0029] Figure 4 is a view showing Figure 3 the control box and the link assembly separated from the housing of the air conditioner shown in

[0030] Figure 5 is an exploded perspective view of a link structure according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0031] Figure 6 is a view showing the link body of the link structure according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, as viewed from various angles;

[0032] Figure 7a is a view showing the wiring accommodated in the link body according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0033] Figure 7b is a view showing a link cover coupled to the link body, where the wiring is accommodated in the link body, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0034] Figure 8 is an exploded perspective view of a link structure according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0035] Figure 9 is a view showing an air conditioner with a control box according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, where the control box is provided with exposed pipe connectors;

[0036] Figure 10 is a view showing Figure 9 the control box repositioned / relocated on the pipe connectors in the air conditioner shown in

[0037] Figure 11 is a view showing a control box of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure that is rotated to its intended or predetermined position to prepare for normal operation; Figure 9

[0038] Figure 12 is a view showing an air conditioner installed on a ceiling (with its ceiling panel removed) as viewed from the bottom side according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0039] Figure 13 is a view showing a control box of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure that is arranged in a manner to expose pipe connectors; Figure 12

[0040] Figure 14 is a view showing a control box separated from a housing of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure and Figure 12 and Figure 13

[0041] Figure 15 is a view showing an air conditioner installed on a ceiling (with its ceiling panel removed) as viewed from the bottom side according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0042] Figure 16 is a view showing a control box of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure that is arranged in a manner to expose pipe connectors; and Figure 15

[0043] Figure 17 is a view showing a control box removed from a housing of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 16

[0044] For the description of the drawings, the same or similar reference numerals may be used to refer to the same or similar components. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0045] As used herein, each phrase such as "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 item in the items listed together in the corresponding phrase, or all possible combinations thereof. In addition, it should be understood that the term "and / or" used herein covers any one and all possible combinations of one or more of the listed items. Terms such as "first", "second", "first" or "second" may be used simply to distinguish the corresponding component from another component and do not limit the corresponding component in other respects (e.g., importance or order). ​​​​​

[0046] It should be understood that when an element (e.g., a first element) is referred to as being "coupled", "connected", "supported", "touched", or "contacted" to another element (e.g., a second element) in the presence or absence of the terms "operatively" or "communicatively", it includes not only the case where the element is directly coupled, connected, supported, or contacted to the other element, but also the case where the element is indirectly coupled, connected, supported, or contacted to the other element through a third element.

[0047] Terms such as "comprising", "including", "having", and "consisting of" used herein are only intended to indicate the presence of the features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in the present disclosure, and are not intended to preclude the possibility of the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof by using these terms. When a component is referred to as being "on" another component, it includes not only the case where the component is in contact with the other element, but also the case where there is another component between the two elements.

[0048] As used in the present disclosure, the expression "configured to" may, depending on the context, be interchangeably used with, for example, "suitable for", "capable of", "designed to", "modified to", "manufactured to", "able to", etc. The term "configured to" may not necessarily only mean "specially designed to" in terms of hardware. Instead, in some cases, the expression "a device configured to" may mean that the device "is capable of" together with another device or component. For example, the phrase "a device configured to (or suitable for) perform A, B, and C" may represent a dedicated device for performing the corresponding operations, or may imply a general-purpose device capable of performing various operations including the corresponding operations.

[0049] Meanwhile, terms such as "upper", "lower", and "forward / backward direction" used in the present disclosure are defined based on the drawings, and the shapes and positions of the corresponding components are not limited by these terms.

[0050] Although the description disclosed herein focuses on specific embodiments, it should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to such specific embodiments, and covers all changes, modifications, equivalents, and / or alternatives of the various embodiments described herein. In the description in conjunction with the drawings, similar or identical reference numerals may be used to refer to similar or related elements.

[0051] Hereinafter, various example air conditioners will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings.

[0052] Figure 1 is a perspective view of the appearance of a ceiling-mounted air conditioner according to an example as viewed from its bottom side. Figure 2 isFigure 1 Vertical sectional view taken along line A-A' of the air conditioner.

[0053] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 In the example, the air conditioner 1 may include a housing 10, a blower 20, a heat exchanger 30, a flow path guide 40, a drain 50, a condensate guide 60, and a ceiling panel 70.

[0054] According to the example, the housing 10 may be embedded inside the ceiling surface C ( Figure 1 The area embedded inside the ceiling surface C is not shown in the figure). In the example, the housing 10 may be in the shape of a hexahedron with an open lower part, but the present disclosure does not limit the specific shape of the housing thereto.

[0055] According to the example, as Figure 2 shown, the housing 10 embedded inside the ceiling surface C in the upward direction along the Z-axis direction may include a hollow space therein.

[0056] According to the example, the housing 10 may include an insulating member 11, which is provided on the inner surface of the wall of the housing 10 to surround the internal hollow space of the housing 10. The insulating member 11 may include, for example, expanded polystyrene, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0057] According to the example, the internal hollow space of the housing 10 may include an air conditioning space 12, in which an air flow is generated to perform an air conditioning operation. In this air conditioning space 12 of the air conditioner, components such as a blower 20, a heat exchanger 30, and a condensate guide 60 may be included.

[0058] According to the example, the blower 20 may be provided inside the housing 10 (e.g., the air conditioning space 12). The blower 20 may be, for example, a cross-flow fan having a rotating shaft (not shown) extending in the longitudinal direction of the housing 10 (e.g., the Y-axis direction). The blower 20 may be rotated by a motor (not shown) coupled to one end of the rotating shaft. In this case, due to the rotation of the blower 20, an air flow may be formed in the air conditioning space 12. The air flow may be formed in the direction from the suction port 71 toward the discharge port 75, which will be described later. More specifically, in the case where an air flow is generated by the rotation of the blower 20, the air introduced into the housing 10 through the suction port 71 may be heated / cooled by heat exchange via the heat exchanger 30 and then discharged into the indoor space through the discharge port 75.

[0059] According to an example, the heat exchanger 30 may be disposed inside the housing 10 (e.g., the air conditioning space 12). The heat exchanger 30 may be located between the suction port 71 and the blower 20, which will be described later. The heat exchanger 30 may be disposed obliquely (e.g., at an angle) in the housing 10. For example, the heat exchanger 30 may have a lower end disposed below the blower 20 and may extend obliquely from the lower end toward the upper space of the suction port 71 to be inclined with respect to the ground. In this case, the lateral space (side area) of the heat exchanger 30 facing the ground or the suction port 71 may be increased, and thus, the contact area of the air flowing in through the suction port 71 with the heat exchanger 30 is increased, thereby improving the heat exchange efficiency in the heat exchanger 30. Such an inclined side portion of the heat exchanger 30 may extend in the longitudinal direction of the housing 10 (e.g., the Y-axis direction). In the example, the heat exchanger 30 may be configured to have two rows, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. In the example, although not specifically shown herein, the heat exchanger 30 may include a main heat exchanger and an auxiliary heat exchanger.

[0060] According to an example, the flow path guide 40 may be configured to guide air from the suction port 71 to the discharge port 75. In the example, the flow path guide 40 may be configured to surround (or cover) the blower 20 and the heat exchanger 30 disposed in the air conditioning space 12. In the example, the flow path guide 40 may also extend in the longitudinal direction of the housing 10 (e.g., the Y-axis direction). In the example, the flow path guide 40 may be formed to extend downward from the upper portion of the air conditioning space 12 inside the housing 10. In the example, the flow path guide 40 may be provided with a curved surface to at least partially correspond to the shape of the blower 20 in a specific area adjacent to the blower 20 in the air conditioning space 12. In this case, when the blower 20 is in operation, the flow path guide 40 may guide air from the suction port 71 to the discharge port 75 and may prevent air from flowing in the opposite direction away from the suction port 71 (e.g., backflow).

[0061] According to an example, the drain 50 may be configured to accommodate condensate (or condensed water) formed on the surface of the heat exchanger 30 due to the heat exchange process occurring in the heat exchanger 30. In the example, the drain 50 may be disposed below the heat exchanger 30. In the example, the drain 50 may have a concave groove that supports the lower end of the heat exchanger 30. The condensate guided by the condensate guide 60 to be described later may be accommodated in the groove of the drain 50. The condensate accommodated in the groove of the drain 50 may be discharged to the outside through a drain hose connected to the outside (e.g., as shown by the reference numeral 51 in Figure 4 the drawings).

[0062] In an example, the condensate guide 60 may be provided on the lower side of the inclined side portion of the heat exchanger 30. In an example, the heat exchanger 30 may be provided inclinedly (e.g., at an angle) above the suction port 71, in which case the condensate guide 60 may be upstream of the heat exchanger 30 in the air flow path. For example, the condensate guide 60 may be arranged backward (e.g., in the -X axis direction) and downward (e.g., in the -Z axis direction) with respect to the heat exchanger 30. According to the example, the condensed water or condensate formed on the surface of the heat exchanger 30 due to the heat exchange process may fall toward the ground, and the condensate guide 60 may guide the falling condensed water to the drain 50. Although the condensate guide 60 is shown in the drawings as being adjacent to the heat exchanger 30 at the same angle with respect to the ground or the ceiling surface, the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0063] According to an example, the ceiling panel 70 may be attached to the ceiling surface C to cover the lower side of the housing 10, i.e., the lower side of the air conditioning space 12. According to an example, in addition to the internal space of the housing 10, the ceiling panel 70 may also be provided in the ceiling surface C to cover various individual components located outside the housing 10 and installed in the internal space of the ceiling surface C, such as the lowermost part of the pipe connection and the control box. According to an example, the ceiling panel 70 may have a rectangular shape, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0064] According to an example, the ceiling panel 70 may include a suction port 71, a suction grille 72, an air filter 73, and a discharge port 75.

[0065] According to an example, the suction port 71 may be provided in the ceiling panel 70 to allow air to flow from the internal space of the room into the housing 10. In an example, the suction port 71 may be provided on one side of the ceiling panel 70 (e.g., in the -X axis direction). In an example, the suction port 71 may be arranged below the heat exchanger 30. In an example, the suction port 71 may be formed to open downward from the ceiling panel 70. In an example, the suction port 71 may be formed to extend in the longitudinal direction (e.g., Y axis direction) of the ceiling 70.

[0066] According to an example, the suction grille 72 may be provided at the suction port 71. In an example, the suction grille 72 may be provided to prevent foreign objects from entering the housing 10 and protect the components of the air conditioner 1. In an example, the suction grille 72 may be provided in a lattice structure with a certain interval in width and length, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0067] According to an example, the air filter 73 may be disposed inside the housing 10 and above the suction port 71. In the example, the air filter 73 may be arranged to filter out foreign substances contained in the air introduced into the housing 10 through the suction port 71. The air filter 73 may include, for example, various types of filters such as an electric dust collection filter, a HEPA filter, an antibacterial filter, and a deodorizing filter, but the present disclosure is not limited to the specific types and numbers of filters. In this regard, the foreign substances contained in the air entering the housing 10 through the suction port 71 may be primarily filtered by the suction grille 72, and then, secondarily filtered by the air filter 73.

[0068] According to an example, the discharge port 75 may be provided in the ceiling panel 70 to discharge the air that has undergone heat exchange inside the housing 10 into the indoor space. In the example, the discharge port 75 may be provided on the other side (e.g., the +X direction) of the ceiling panel 70 opposite to the suction port 71. In the example, the discharge port 75 may be arranged below the blower 20. In the example, the discharge port 75 may be formed to open below the ceiling panel 70. In the example, the discharge port 75 may be formed to extend in the longitudinal direction (e.g., the Y-axis direction) of the ceiling 70.

[0069] According to an example, although not specifically shown herein, the discharge port 75 may be provided with a louver structure (or vane structure) (not shown), which is configured to adjust the wind direction of the air discharged through the discharge port 75. For example, the louver structure may be arranged to be rotatable in the up / down direction within a predetermined angle range relative to the ceiling surface C, and by rotating the louver structure, the wind direction of the air discharged into the external indoor space through the discharge port 75 can be adjusted in the up / down direction.

[0070] Figure 3 is an example diagram showing the air conditioner installed in the ceiling (with the ceiling panel removed) as viewed from the bottom side. Figure 4 is a view showing Figure 3 the control box and the link assembly separated from the housing of the air conditioner shown.

[0071] Hereinafter, in the description of the housing, as Figure 3As shown, the downward-facing side of the air conditioner (when in the installed state in the ceiling) will be referred to as the lower surface, and conversely, the upward-facing side opposite the lower surface and facing the ceiling wall will be referred to as the upper surface. In addition, the surface connecting the lower surface and the upper surface on the suction port 71 side with respect to the X-axis can be referred to as the front surface, and the surface connecting the lower surface and the upper surface on the discharge port 75 side opposite the front surface can be referred to as the rear surface. In addition, when viewed from the front side, the surface connecting the front surface and the rear surface on the right side will be referred to as the right side surface, and the surface connecting the front surface and the rear surface on the left side opposite the right side surface will be referred to as the left side surface.

[0072] In the example, the air conditioner 1 can be installed to be suspended from an upper ceiling wall (not shown) above the ceiling surface (e.g., C in Figure 2 . According to the example, as shown in Figure 3 and Figure 4 , the housing 10 can include a plurality of hanging brackets 13 that support the housing 10 so that the air conditioner 1 is fixedly installed on the ceiling wall. In the example, each of the plurality of hanging brackets 13 can be arranged at the edge and / or corner of the housing 10. In the example, each of the plurality of hanging brackets 13 can be formed to project horizontally from each side end of the left and right ends of the housing 10. Although not shown herein, each of the plurality of hanging brackets 13 can be coupled to a support structure (not shown) fixed to the upper ceiling wall so that the housing 10 can be stably connected in place.

[0073] Referring to Figure 3 and Figure 4 , in the example, when viewed from the front side (e.g., in the Z-axis direction, near the bottom surface of the housing 10), the housing 10 can include a recessed portion 141 in the exterior of a right side portion 14 provided on its right side, the recessed portion 141 being formed to recess toward the center along a predetermined section of the X-axis. In the example, the recessed portion 141 can be provided on each of the front surface 14a and the rear surface 14b of the right side portion 14. According to the example, the housing 10 can include two recessed portions 141, each recessed portion 141 being formed to recess toward the center from each side of the front surface 14a and the rear surface 14b so as to face each other in the X-axis direction. According to the example, each recessed portion 141 can provide a space for setting a link assembly 90 to be described later.

[0074] According to an example, each recessed portion 141 may include a first interlocking hole 142 at a position in a vertical plane, and the first interlocking hole 142 is formed in a recess that faces the center from the front surface or the rear surface in the X-axis direction. According to an example, a link assembly 90 (specifically, each of the link structures 90a and 90b) to be described later may be disposed in each recessed portion 141, and a first connector 912 of the link assembly 90 (specifically, each of the link structures 90a and 90b) to be described later may be inserted into each first interlocking hole 142 of the recessed portion 141. In the example, in the vertical plane of each recessed portion 141 of the right side portion 14 of the housing 10, the first interlocking hole 142 may be disposed to be offset toward the lower surface of the housing 10, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0075] According to an example, a pipe connector 33 may be disposed on the right side of the housing 10. In the example, in the pipe connector 33, one or more pipes (31, 32, and 51) connected from the inside of the housing 10 may be disposed outside the housing 10. In the example, a first refrigerant pipe 31 through which refrigerant flowing into the heat exchanger 30 flows and a second refrigerant pipe 32 through which refrigerant discharged from the heat exchanger 30 flows may be disposed in the pipe connector 33. In the example, a drain hose 51 connected to the drain member 50 to drain the condensed water contained in the drain member 50 to the outside may be disposed in the pipe connector 33.

[0076] According to an example, a stopper 15 may be disposed on the right side surface of the housing 10 (for example, the outermost right surface of the right side portion 14), but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. In the example, the stopper 15 may be formed to protrude from the right side surface. In the example, the stopper 15 may be formed in a triangular prism shape so as to have a flat surface on its uppermost surface side (for example, the side facing the Z-axis direction) and an inclined surface on its lowermost surface side (for example, the side facing the -Z-axis direction), but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. In the example, when the air conditioner 1 is in normal operation, a control box 80 to be described later may be disposed below the pipe connector 33 (for example, in the -Z-axis direction), so as to overlap the pipe connector 33 in the vertical direction. In this case, since the control box 80 may contact the stopper 15, thereby restricting its rotation, the control box 80 may be fixedly held in place.

[0077] According to an example, the air conditioner 1 may include a control box 80.

[0078] According to an example, the control box 80 may include a printed circuit board assembly (PBA) to control the operation of various components (for example, the blower 20) of the air conditioner 1. As Figure 3As shown, in the example, the control box 80 may have a substantially parallelepiped (or rectangular parallelepiped) shape, having a length x in the X-axis direction, a length y in the Y-axis direction, and a length z in the Z-axis direction, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. As Figure 3 and Figure 4 shown, the length z of the control box 80 in the Z-axis direction is shorter than the length x in the X-axis direction and the length y in the Y-axis direction, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. In the example, the PBA of the control box 80 may be electrically connected to each component of the air conditioner 1, such as the blower 20, through wiring (not shown). In the example, as Figure 3 shown, when the air conditioner 1 is in its normal operation, the PBA substrate of the control box 80 may be arranged to face downward the lowermost surface of the housing 10 in the XY plane.

[0079] In the example, the control box 80 may be rotatably connected to the housing 10 through a link assembly 90. In the example, the position of the control box 80 relative to the housing 10 may be changeable through the link assembly 90. In the example, when the air conditioner 1 is in its normal operation, the control box 80 may be arranged at a position that does not interfere with the air flow. For example, the control box 80 may be arranged at a position vertically overlapping the duct connector 33 (e.g., a position corresponding to the lower side of the duct connector 33 or a first position), without covering or interfering with the suction port 71 or the discharge port 75. In the example, for example, when any work (such as installation or maintenance) needs to be performed on the duct connector 33, the control box 80 may be moved to a position that does not overlap or cover the duct connector 33 (e.g., a second position) to allow the duct connector 33 to be fully exposed for operator access. In the example, the control box 80 may be moved to a position facing the suction port 71 of the housing 10 to allow the duct connector 33 to be fully exposed for operator access. For example, when the operation for the duct connector 33 is completed, the control box 80 may be moved back to its original position, i.e., the position vertically overlapping the duct connector 33 (e.g., the first position), by the manipulation of the operator.

[0080] According to the example, interlocking holes 81 may be provided in each of the front surface and the rear surface of the control box 80. The second connector 913 of the link assembly 90, which will be described later, may be inserted into each interlocking hole 81.

[0081] According to an example, the air conditioner 1 may include a link component 90. According to an example, the link component 90 may include a pair of link structures 90a and 90b. In the example, each of the link structures 90a and 90b may be respectively disposed on the front side and the rear side of the housing 10 and the control box 80. The link component 90 may include a first link structure 90a and a second link structure 90b. The first link structure 90a may connect the first side of the control box 80 to the first side of the housing 10. The second link structure 90b may connect the second side of the control box 80 to the second side of the housing 10.

[0082] According to an example, one end of each of the link structures 90a and 90b may be rotatably connected to the housing 10. In the example, each of the link structures 90a and 90b may have the above-described first connector 912 and second connector 913. In the example, the first connector 912 of each of the link structures 90a and 90b may be inserted or fitted into each first interlocking hole 142 provided in the right side portion 14 of the housing 10. In this case, a first rotation axis R1 connecting the first interlocking holes 142 on both sides of the housing 10 may be defined. The link structures 90a and 90b may rotate about the first rotation axis R1.

[0083] According to an example, the other end of each of the link structures 90a and 90b may be connected to the control box 80. In the example, the second connector 913 of each of the link structures 90a and 90b may be inserted or fitted into the second interlocking hole 81 provided in the control box 80. In this regard, a second rotation axis R2 connecting the second interlocking holes 81 on both sides of the control box 80 may be defined. The control box 80 connected to the link structures 90a and 90b may rotate about the second rotation axis R2.

[0084] Figure 5 is an exploded perspective view of a link structure according to an example. Figure 6 is a diagram showing a link body of the link structure according to an example as viewed from various angles. Figure 7a is a diagram showing the wiring accommodated in the link body. Figure 7b is a diagram showing a link cover coupled to the link body, wherein the wiring is accommodated in the link body;

[0085] Reference Figure 5 、 Figure 6 、 Figure 7a and Figure 7b , in the example, each of the link structures 90a and 90b of the link component 90 may include a link body 910 and a link cover 920.

[0086] According to an example, the link body 910 may include a first connector 912 formed in a ring shape toward the X-axis direction, an end 9113 extending from the first connector 912 along the -X axis, a second connector 913 formed in a ring shape toward the X-axis direction from the opposite side of the first connector 912, and another end 9114 extending from the second connector 913 along the -X axis. According to an example, the link body 910 may include a main body 914 that extends along the Y-axis between the end 9113 and the other end 9114 and forms the overall appearance of the link structures 90a and 90b.

[0087] According to an example, the main body 914 of the link body 910 may be configured to accommodate the wiring W therein. In an example, the main body 914 of the link body 910 may be provided with a substantially hollow structure. In an example, the main body 914 of the link body 910 may include a wiring accommodation space 9111, where one side of the wiring accommodation space 9111 is open and formed in a recess inward in the X-axis direction.

[0088] According to an example, each of one surface of the main body 914 of the link body 910 (e.g., the surface facing the Z-axis direction) and the opposite surface of the link body 910 (e.g., the surface facing the -Z-axis direction) may be provided with an assembly hole 9112, where the assembly protrusion 922 of the link cover 920, which will be described later, may be inserted or assembled and coupled to the assembly hole 9112. In an example, the assembly hole 9112 may extend along the longitudinal direction of the main body 914 (e.g., the Y-axis direction), but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0089] According to an example, one end 9113 of the link body 910 may be provided to extend along the X-axis from the first interlocking hole 142 of the housing 10. According to an example, this end 9113 may be connected to be bent toward the main body 914 extending along the Y-axis. In this regard, at least a part of the inner surface 9113a of the end 9113 connected to the main body 914 of the link body 910 may be formed to have a curved surface. In this case, excessive bending of the wiring W accommodated in the accommodation space 9111 of the link body 910 can be prevented.

[0090] According to an example, a first wiring slit 9113b formed to be laterally open may be provided on one side surface of one end 9113 of the link body 910 (e.g., the outer surface facing the +Y-axis direction). In an example, the first wiring slit 9113b may be formed to extend along the longitudinal direction of one end 9113 of the link body 910 (e.g., the X-axis direction). In an example, the first wiring slit 9113b may extend to bend at least two (2) times in another direction, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. In an example, the first wiring slit 9113b may communicate with a first elastic member 9124, which will be described later, through the opening.

[0091] According to an example, the other end 9114 of the link body 910 may be set to extend along the X-axis from the second interlock hole 81 of the control box 80. According to an example, the other end 9114 may be connected to be bent toward the main body 914 extending along the Y-axis. In this case, at least a part of the inner surface 9114a of the other end 9114 connected to the main body 914 of the link body 910 may be formed to have a curved surface. In this case, excessive bending of the wiring W accommodated in the accommodation space 9111 of the link body 910 can be prevented.

[0092] According to an example, a second wiring slit 9114b formed to be laterally open may be provided on one side surface (e.g., the outer surface facing the -Y axis direction) of the other end 9114 of the link body 910. In the example, the second wiring slit 9114b may extend along the longitudinal direction (e.g., the X-axis direction) of the other end 9114 of the link body 910. In the example, the second wiring slit 9114b may be bent and extend at least two (2) times in another direction, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. In the example, the second wiring slit 9114b may be in open communication with a second elastic member 9134 to be described later.

[0093] According to an example, the first connector 912 may include an annular first interlock protrusion 9122 and a first interlock groove 9123. According to an example, the first wiring hole 9121 may be defined by the annular first interlock protrusion 9122 and the first interlock groove 9123.

[0094] According to an example, the first interlock protrusion 9122 may be a protrusion configured to protrude in an annular shape from the front end of the first connector 912. According to an example, the first interlock groove 9123 may be formed to be recessed inward in its circumferential direction to form a predetermined step behind the first interlock protrusion 9122. In the example, the first interlock protrusion 9122 and the first interlock groove 9123 may together define the first wiring hole 9121, which is a space surrounded by the first interlock protrusion 9122 and the first interlock groove 9123. In the example, the first wiring hole 9121 may be set to communicate with the first interlock hole 142 of the housing 10.

[0095] In the example, the first interlocking protrusion 9122 can be inserted or fitted into the first interlocking hole 142 provided in the right side portion 14 of the housing 10. In the example, the first interlocking protrusion 9122 can be configured to be elastic and lose its shape (e.g., deform) when inserted into the first interlocking hole 142 provided in the right side portion 14 of the housing 10. In the example, each of the two side surfaces (e.g., the outer surfaces facing each of the +Y axis direction and the -Y axis direction) of the first connector 912 of the link body 910 can be provided with a first elastic member 9124, which is formed to cross the side surfaces of the first interlocking protrusion 9122 and the first interlocking groove 9123. Although not specifically shown herein, the first interlocking protrusion 9122 can contact the inner surface of the first interlocking hole 142 during the process of being inserted or fitted into the first interlocking hole 142 so as to lose its shape (e.g., deform) when it moves toward the first elastic member 9124, and can be continuously inserted until it passes through the first interlocking hole 142. Thereafter, the first interlocking protrusion 9122 can be restored to its original shape to be locked and fixed to the first interlocking hole 142. Accordingly, the detachment of the first interlocking protrusion 9122 from the first interlocking hole 142 can be prevented.

[0096] According to the example, the second connector 913 can include an annular second interlocking protrusion 9132 and a second interlocking groove 9133. According to the example, the second wiring hole 9131 can be defined by the annular second interlocking protrusion 9132 and the second interlocking groove 9133.

[0097] According to the example, the second interlocking protrusion 9132 can be a protrusion configured to protrude in an annular shape from the front end of the second connector 913. According to the example, the second interlocking groove 9133 can be configured to be recessed inward in the circumferential direction to form a predetermined step behind the second interlocking protrusion 9132. In the example, the second interlocking protrusion 9132 and the second interlocking groove 9133 can together define the second wiring hole 9131, which is a space surrounded by the second interlocking protrusion 9132 and the second interlocking groove 9133. According to the example, the second wiring hole 9131 can be provided to communicate with the second interlocking hole 81 of the control box 80.

[0098] In an example, the second interlocking protrusion 9132 may be inserted or embedded into the second interlocking hole 81 provided in the control box 80. In the example, the second interlocking protrusion 9132 may be provided to have elasticity and lose its shape (e.g., deform) when inserted into the second interlocking hole 81 provided in the control box 80. In the example, each of the two side surfaces (e.g., outer surfaces facing each of the +Y direction and the -Y axis direction) of the second connector 913 of the link body 910 may be provided with a second elastic member 9134 formed to cross the side surfaces of the second interlocking protrusion 9132 and the second interlocking groove 9133. Although not specifically shown herein, the second interlocking protrusion 9132 may contact the inner surface of the second interlocking hole 81 during the process of being inserted or assembled into the second interlocking hole 81. After the contact, the second interlocking protrusion 9132 loses its shape (e.g., deforms) when it moves toward the second elastic member 9134 and may be continuously inserted until it passes through the second interlocking hole 81. Thereafter, the second interlocking protrusion 9132 may be restored to its original shape to be locked and fixed to the second interlocking hole 81. Accordingly, separation of the second locking protrusion 9132 from the second interlocking hole 81 may be prevented.

[0099] According to an example, a first rotation axis R1 may be defined in each of the first connectors 912 of the link structures 90a and 90b provided on both sides of the housing 10. In the example, in the case where the first connectors 912 of each of the link structures 90a and 90b are inserted or assembled into the first interlocking holes 142, a first rotation axis R1 connecting the centers of the first wiring holes 9121 of the first connectors 912 may be defined, where the first interlocking holes 142 are respectively formed on the front side and the rear side of the right side portion of the housing 10. Since the first wiring hole 9121 communicates with the first interlocking hole 142 provided in the right side portion 14 of the housing 10 and houses the first rotation axis R1, damage caused by twisting and / or torsion of the wiring W accommodated in the link structures 90a and 90b may be prevented when the link structures 90a and 90b rotate about the first rotation axis R1. In the example, one end of the wiring W accommodated in the link body 910 may be connected to the inside of the housing 10 through the first wiring hole 9121 and the first interlocking hole 142 and then may be electrically connected to a corresponding component of the air conditioner 1, e.g., the blower 20.

[0100] According to the example, the second rotation axis R2 can be defined by the second connectors 913 of the link structures 90a and 90b provided on both sides of the control box 80. In the example, when the second connectors 913 in each of the link structures 90a and 90b are inserted or assembled into the second interlocking holes 81, the second rotation axis R2 connecting the centers of the second wiring holes 9131 of each second connector 913 can be defined, where the second interlocking holes 81 are respectively formed on the front side and the rear side of the control box 80. Since the second wiring holes 9131 are formed to communicate with the second interlocking holes 81 on both sides of the control box 80 and accommodate the second rotation axis R2, damage caused by the twisting and / or torsion of the wiring W accommodated in the link structures 90a and 90b can be prevented when the control box 80 rotates around the second rotation axis R2. In the example, the other end of the wiring W accommodated in the link body 910 can be connected to the inside of the control box 80 through the second wiring holes 9131 and the second interlocking holes 81, and then can be electrically connected to the corresponding electrical components of the PBA provided in the control box 80.

[0101] In the example, each of the link structures 90a and 90b of the link assembly 90 may include a link cover 920.

[0102] According to the example, the link cover 920 can be configured to surround the open surface of the main body 914 of the link body 910 (e.g., the surface through which the wiring accommodation space 9111 is exposed to the outside), as well as the outer peripheral surfaces of each of the opposite end portions 9113 and 9114. In the example, the upper surface (e.g., the surface facing the Z-axis direction) or the lower surface (e.g., the surface facing the -Z-axis direction) of the link cover 920 may include an inwardly cut notch portion 921 of the link cover 920. According to the example, the link cover 920 may have an open surface of the main body 914 of the link body 910, as well as an internal recessed space surrounding and accommodating the outer peripheral surfaces of each of the opposite end portions 9113 and 9114.

[0103] According to an example, the link cover 920 can be detachably coupled to the link body 910 so as to face and be close to the wiring accommodation space 9111 (in the X-axis direction) of the link body 910. In the example, the link cover 920 can be coupled to the link body 910 to block the wiring accommodation space 9111 of the link body 910 from the outside. In the example, the cutout portion 921 of the link cover 920 can be provided with an assembly protrusion 922 that is formed to protrude toward the assembly hole 9112 of the link body 910. In the example, although not specifically shown herein, when the link body 910 and the link cover 920 are coupled to each other, the assembly protrusion 922 can have a hook structure that can be caught and fixed to the assembly hole 9112 of the link body 910, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. In this case, the wiring W accommodated in the wiring accommodation space 9111 of the link body 910 can be separated from the outside for protection.

[0104] According to an example, although not specifically shown herein, before each of the link structures 90a and 90b in the link assembly 90 is coupled to each of the housing 10 and the control box 80, the wiring W can be inserted into the wiring accommodation space 9111 of the link body 910 through the wiring holes 9121 and 9131 and the wiring slits 9113b and 9114b provided in the link body 910. The wiring W can be assembled to its intended position when it passes through the first wiring hole 9121, the wiring accommodation space 9111, and the second wiring hole 9131 (see Figure 7a ). In the example, the link cover 920 can be provided to surround or cover the open surface of the main body 914 of the link body 910 and the outer peripheral surfaces of each of the opposite end portions 9113 and 9114. In the example, the assembly protrusion 922 of the link cover 920 can be inserted or assembled into the assembly groove 9112 provided in the link body 910 to allow the wiring accommodation space 9111 of the link body 910 to be separated from the outside (see Figure 7b ). Then, the wiring and assembly of the link assembly 90 can be completed by coupling each of the first connector 912 and the second connector 913 of the link structures 90a and 90b to the housing 10 and the control box 80, respectively.

[0105] In the example, the above wiring work can be performed as follows: First, in a state where the wiring W is connected to the link body 910 of each of the link structures 90a and 90b, it is coupled to the housing 10 and the control box 80, and then the link cover 920 is coupled to the link body 910. The link body 910 and the link cover 920 can protect the wiring W that connects each electrical component of the housing 10 and the control box 80 from external physical factors. In addition, even if relative rotation of the housing 10 and the control box 80 occurs, the wiring W that connects each electrical component of the housing 10 and the control box 80 can maintain its shape through the link body 910 and the link cover 920.

[0106] Figure 8 is an exploded perspective view of the link structure according to the example.

[0107] Figure 8 The link structure 90c shown may include a link body 910' and a link cover 920'. Figure 8 The link structure 90c shown may have a structure substantially similar to Figure 5 the link structures 90a and 90b shown in FIGS. 1 to 7. In the example, similar to Figure 5 the cases of the link structures 90a and 90b in FIGS. 1 to 7, the link body 910' may include a first connector 912' formed in a ring shape in the X-axis direction, an end 9113' extending along the -X axis from the first connector 912', a second connector 913' formed in a ring shape and arranged side by side with the first connector 912' in the X-axis direction opposite to the first connector 912', and another end 9114' extending along the -X axis from the second connector 913'. According to the example, the link body 910' may include a main body 914', and the main body 914' extends along the Y axis between one end portion 9113' and the other end portion 9114' to form the overall appearance of the link body 910'. According to the example, a wiring accommodation space capable of accommodating the wiring W may be provided inside the main body 914' of the link body 910'.

[0108] In the example, similar to Figure 5 the link structures 90a and 90b in FIGS. 1 to 7, the first connector 912' of the link structure 90c may include a ring-shaped first interlocking protrusion 9122' and a first interlocking groove 9123'. According to the example, the first wiring hole may be defined by the ring-shaped first interlocking protrusion 9122' and the first interlocking groove 9123'. The second connector 913' of the link structure 90c may include a ring-shaped second interlocking protrusion 9132’ and a second interlocking groove 9133'. According to the example, the second wiring hole may be defined by the ring-shaped second interlocking protrusion 9132’ and the second interlocking groove 9133’.

[0109] In the example, similar to Figure 5 the link structures 90a and 90b in FIGS. 1 to 7, the link structure 90c may include a first elastic member 9124' and a second elastic member 9134', which are formed as openings in each of the first connector 912' and the second connector 913'. In the example, similar to Figure 5The link structures 90a and 90b up to FIG. 7 are similar. The link structure 90c may include a first wiring slit 9113b' and a second wiring slit 9114b' formed at opposite ends 9113' and 9114' of the link body 910', respectively. In the example, each of the first wiring slit 9113b' and the second wiring slit 9114b' may be configured to be in open communication with each of the first elastic member 9124' and the second elastic member 9134'.

[0110] However, in Figure 5 the link structures 90a and 90b up to FIG. 7, the rear surface of the wiring accommodation space 9111 of the main body 914 is entirely open, while in the link structure 90c, a slit-shaped open space S extending in a recessed manner in the Y-axis direction from one surface facing the Z-axis is formed on one side of the main body 914', and the rear surface 914b' of the wiring accommodation space inside the main body 914' has a closed shape. According to the example, the first wiring slit 9113b' and the second wiring slit 9114b' of the link body 910' may be respectively connected to the open space S. According to the example, the wiring W may be inserted into the wiring accommodation space through the first wiring slit 9113b', the open space S, and the second wiring slit 9114b'. Although not specifically shown herein, the wiring W may pass through the first wiring hole 9121', the wiring accommodation space, and the second wiring hole 9131', and be assembled to its intended position.

[0111] In Figure 5 the link structures 90a and 90b up to FIG. 7, the link cover 920 may face the wiring accommodation space 9111 of the link body 910 and move closer (in the X-axis direction) to be coupled to the link body 910, while Figure 8 the shown link structure 90c is different in that the link cover 920' approaches the link body 910' from above the link body 910' in the Z-axis direction to be coupled to the link body 910'. According to the example, as shown, the link cover 920' may be configured to cover the open space S of the main body 914' as well as the first wiring slit 9113b' and the second wiring slit 9114b'. According to the example, the assembly holes 9112' may be formed near the position where the open space S is formed in the main body 914' of the link body 910'. According to the example, the assembly holes 9112' may be respectively formed below each of the wiring slits 9113b' and 9114b' located at the two ends 9113' and 9114'. According to the example, the assembly holes 9112' may also be formed at the center of the rear surface 914b of the main body 914'.

[0112] According to the example, when the link cover 920' is coupled to the link body 910', the link cover 920' may have fitting protrusions 922' with hook structures in each area set to correspond to each fitting hole 9112' of the main body 914' described above. When the link cover 920' and the link body 910' are coupled to each other, each fitting protrusion 922' may be hooked and fixed to its corresponding fitting hole 9112'.

[0113] So far, with reference to Figures 5 to 8 , the structures of some exemplary link structures have been described, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, various link structures with different shapes and structures may be used.

[0114] Figure 9 FIG. is a view showing an air conditioner having a control box according to an example, the control box being arranged such that the pipe connector is exposed. Figure 10 FIG. is a view showing Figure 9 the control box repositioned on the pipe connector in the air conditioner. Further, Figure 11 FIG. is a view showing Figure 9 the control box of the air conditioner rotated to its intended or predetermined position to prepare for normal operation.

[0115] With reference to Figure 9 , the control box 80 is arranged such that when pipe routing is required for the installation or maintenance of the air conditioner 1, the control box 80 does not cover the pipe connector 33. Although not specifically shown herein, an operator can access the side of the housing 10 of the air conditioner 1 where the pipe connector 33 is provided after removing the ceiling panel (referred to as Figure 1 70 in Figure 9 from the housing 10 of the air conditioner 1. As shown in the figure, the control box 80 may be arranged at a position adjacent to the suction port 71 of the housing 10, away from the area where the refrigerant pipes 31 and 32 and / or the drain hose 51 of the pipe connector 33 are provided. In this case, the operator can ensure sufficient visibility and working space for each of the pipes 31, 32, and 52 of the pipe connector 33, enabling the operator to easily perform maintenance work. According to the example, when any maintenance work is required while the control box 80 is located in the lower area of the pipe connector 33, the control box 80 can be rotated and moved to a position that does not interfere with the pipe connector 33 (or exposes the pipe connector 33 more) by the rotation of the link assembly 90. In the example, the link assembly 90 can rotate about the first rotation axis R1 and can move the connected control box 80 between a position below the pipe connector 33, for example, and

[0116] With reference to Figure 10, shows a state where the control box 80 is disposed at a position overlapping the pipe connector 33 in the vertical direction. For example, when the pipe laying work of the air conditioner 1 has been completed in the state shown in Figure 9 , the control box 80, which is provided adjacent to the suction port 71 of the housing 10, can be moved to its original position, that is, the area below the pipe connector 33. As described above, the link assembly 90 can rotate about the first rotation axis R1 and move the connected control box 80 from Figure 9 the position of the control box 80 shown (e.g., the area adjacent to the suction port 71) to Figure 10 the area below the pipe connector 33 shown in

[0117] In the example, when the position of the control box 80 is moved according to the rotation of the link assembly 90 about the first rotation axis R1, the top and bottom sides of the control box 80 can be reversed. In Figure 11 , according to the example, it shows that the control box 80 rotates about the second rotation axis R2 from the Figure 10 position to rotate upside down again. Therefore, during normal operation of the air conditioner 1, the control box 80 can be disposed below the pipe connector 33 to vertically overlap the pipe connector 33 so as not to interfere with the air flow path such as the suction port 71 or the discharge port 75. In this case, the PBA substrate of the control box 80 can be arranged in place to face the bottom of the ceiling surface.

[0118] In the example, the control box 80 located below the pipe connector 33 can be hooked and fixed by the stopper 15. According to the example, as shown in the figure, the stopper 15 can be provided in a triangular prism shape, which has a flat surface on its upper side (e.g., the side facing the Z-axis direction) and an inclined surface on its lower side (e.g., the side facing the -Z-axis direction). Therefore, when the control box 80 moves from the space outside the pipe connector 33 (e.g., Figure 9 the space adjacent to the suction port 71 shown) to the space overlapping the pipe connector 33 by its rotation about the first rotation axis R1 of the link assembly 90, the control box 80 can rotate and move along the inclined surface of the stopper 15. At the same time, when the control box 80 is located in the space overlapping the pipe connector 33, the control box 80 can contact the flat surface of the stopper 15 to limit the rotation. Therefore, the control box 80 can be fixed at the position below the pipe connector 33 (e.g., in the -Z-axis direction). According to the example, the control box 80 located at the bottom of the pipe connector 33 can contact the stopper 15, thereby preventing it from rotating and moving due to its own weight during the operation of the air conditioner 1.

[0119] In the example, the stopper 15 can be formed of an elastic member. In the example, when the control box 80 is disposed below the pipe connector 33 and contacts the upper surface of the stopper 15, the rotation of the control box 80 can be restricted by the stopper 15, and the position of the control box 80 can be maintained in a fixed state as described above, unless any external force is applied. However, when a user applies an external force for rotation as needed (e.g., for installation or maintenance), the control box 80 can rotate again beyond the stopper 15 to a position where the pipe connector 33 is exposed.

[0120] Different from the configuration shown, according to the example, the air conditioner 1 can include a stopper having a different configuration for fixing the position of the control box 80. For example, the rotation of the link structures 90a and 90b can be prevented by hooking between the first connector 912 or the second connector 913 of the link structures 90a and 90b and the protrusion (and stopper structure) adjacent thereto formed in the first interlocking hole 142 or the second interlocking hole 81.

[0121] Merely as an example, although not shown in the figures, a protrusion can be formed in a predetermined area around the first interlocking groove 9123 of the link structures 90a and 90b, and a guiding structure (e.g., a guiding groove) capable of guiding the rotational movement of the protrusion when the link structures 90a and 90b rotate along the first rotation axis R1 can be formed in the first interlocking hole 142 of the housing 10, and the first interlocking hole 142 of the housing 10 contacts the first interlocking groove 9123. Although not shown herein, the first interlocking hole 142 can include a first stopper structure and a second stopper structure, wherein the first stopper structure is formed in the area between the first interlocking hole 142 and its guiding structure, and relative to the area where the protrusion of the first interlocking groove 9123 contacts when the link structures 90a and 90b are inserted into the first interlocking hole 142 (hereinafter referred to as the protrusion corresponding area), the second stopper structure is formed in the area opposite to the area where the first stopper structure is formed. For example, in the first interlocking hole 142, a first stopper structure and a second stopper structure can be formed, and the protrusion corresponding area is interposed therebetween.

[0122] In an example, the protrusion or the first and second stopper structures may be formed of an elastic member. In the example, the first interlocking protrusion 9122 of the link structure 90a may be inserted into the first interlocking hole 142 of the housing 10, such that the protrusion of the first interlocking groove 9123 is located in the protrusion corresponding area between the first and second stopper structures. In the example, when a user applies an external force to rotate the link structures 90a and 90b about the first rotation axis R1, the protrusion of the first interlocking groove 9123 may extend beyond the first stopper structure to enter the guiding structure. The protrusion may enter the guiding structure and then rotate along the guiding structure. At the end of the rotation, the protrusion of the first interlocking groove 9123 may return to the position between the first and second stopper structures (e.g., the original position) beyond the second stopper structure. Thus, the rotation of the link structures 90a and 90b may be stopped, and the control box 80 may reach a desired position. In this state, without an additional external force, the protrusion of the first interlocking groove 9123 is caught between the first and second stopper structures, preventing movement in either direction. Thus, the rotation of the link structures 90a and 90b may be stopped, and the control box 80 may be held in place, i.e., its normal / original position. In the example, if an external force is applied again, the protrusion of the first interlocking groove 9123 may extend beyond the first or second stopper structure to enter the guiding structure and may rotate again along the guiding structure to a desired position. The protrusion and the structures of the first and second stoppers have been described for the first interlocking groove 9123 and the first interlocking hole 142, but the same configuration may also be applicable to the second interlocking groove 9133 and the second interlocking hole 81. In addition, this configuration of the protrusion and the first and second stoppers is merely an example, and more various stopper structures may be used.

[0123] Although not specifically shown herein, according to an example, after completion of installation or repair work, the ceiling panel 70 of the housing 10 may be coupled, where the control box 80 is disposed below the duct connector 33, as Figure 11 shown. Thus, during operation of the air conditioner 1, the control box 80 is fixedly disposed at a position that does not interfere with the suction port 71 or the discharge port 75 (or does not overlap with the suction port 71 or the discharge port 75), so as not to interfere with the air flow through the suction port 71 or the discharge port 75, thereby improving the performance of the air conditioner 1.

[0124] Figure 12 is a view showing an air conditioner installed on a ceiling (where the ceiling panel is removed) as viewed from the bottom side according to an example. Figure 13 is a view showing Figure 12 the control box provided with an exposed duct connector in the air conditioner shown in Figure 14 is Figure 12 andFigure 13 Exploded view of the control box separated from the housing of the air conditioner shown.

[0125] So far, with reference to Figures 3 to 11 , the following embodiments have been described: The control box 80 of the air conditioner 1 is connected to the housing 10 by a pair of link structures 90a and 90b (i.e., link assembly 90), each link structure having two connectors 912 and 913, rotating about each of two rotation axes R1 and R2, and moving between a position vertically overlapping the pipe connector 33 and another position exposing the pipe connector 33. In the case of the air conditioner 1' of the embodiment described with reference to Figures 12 to 14 , the control box 80' can rotate about one rotation axis R1' formed between the control box 80' and the housing 10' to move between a position vertically overlapping the pipe connector 33 and a position exposing the pipe connector 33.

[0126] With reference to Figure 12 and Figure 13 's illustrations, the air conditioner 1' includes a housing 10'. As shown, in the example, the housing 10' can include an extension part 16, where the front plate constituting the front surface of the housing 10' and the rear plate constituting the rear surface of the housing 10 extend to the right in the right part where the suction port 71 and the discharge port 75 are arranged. The extension parts 16 on each of the front side and the rear side can form a space 17 recessed toward the right surface of the housing 10' between them. At least a part of the control box 80' can be disposed in the space 17. Similar to the above control box 80, the control box 80' can have a parallelepiped (or rectangular parallelepiped) shape and can include a PBA therein. As Figure 12 shown, during the normal operation of the air conditioner 1', the PBA substrate of the control box 80 can be set to face downward with respect to the bottom surface of the housing 10' in the XY plane. Similar to the above control box 80, the control box 80' can have a generally parallelepiped shape having a length x in the X-axis direction, a length y in the Y-axis direction, and a length z in the Z-axis direction. In the example, the length z in the Z-axis direction can be shorter than the length x in the X-axis direction and the length y in the Y-axis direction.

[0127] With reference to Figure 12 and Figure 13 , the air conditioner 1' can include a link structure 90d that connects the control box 80' to the extension part 16 of each of the front surface and the rear surface of the housing 10'. In the example, the control box 80' can be connected to the housing 10' by the link structure 90d on both sides of the front surface and the rear surface, and can rotate about the first rotation axis R1' defined by the link structures 90d on both sides. For example, as Figure 12As shown, the control box 80' can rotate clockwise by 90 degrees around the first rotation axis R1'. Among them, the PBA substrate included in the control box 80' is set to face the bottom side of the housing 10' along the XY plane at a position where it vertically overlaps with the pipe connector 33 (for example, the lower side of the pipe connector 33). By rotation, the control box 80’ can be in a state where the PBA substrate included in the control box 80’ extends along the -Z axis and thus faces the left side along the XZ plane, as Figure 13 shown. As shown in the figure, in Figure 12 , the control box 80' can overlap the pipe connector 33 by a length y in the Y-axis direction relative to the XY plane, and in Figure 13 , the control box 80' can overlap the pipe connector 33 by a length z in the Z-axis direction relative to the XY plane. As described above, since the length z in the Z-axis direction is shorter than the length y in the Y-axis direction, therefore, compared with the pipe connector in Figure 12 , the pipe connector 33 in Figure 13 can be further exposed downward due to this difference in the two lengths. For example, as Figure 13 shown, when viewed from the lower side, each of the pipes (31, 32, and 51) of the pipe connector 33 is exposed behind the control box 80’.

[0128] Referring to Figure 14 , the connection structure between the housing 10' and the link structure 90d of the control box 80' can be more clearly understood. The link structure 90d can include a main body 924 and a pair of first interlocking protrusions 9322a and second interlocking protrusions 9322b formed on both sides of the main body 924. The link structure 90d can include a pair of first interlocking grooves 9323a, which form a predetermined step between the first interlocking protrusion 9322a and the main body 924 and are recessed inward in the circumferential direction. In the example, the link structure 90d can include a first interlocking protrusion 9322a and a first elastic member 9324a, which are formed to be open and cross the side surface of the first interlocking groove 9323a. The link structure 90d can also include a second interlocking protrusion 9322b, a second interlocking groove 9323b, and a second elastic member 9324b corresponding to the first interlocking protrusion 9322a, the first interlocking groove 9323a, and the first elastic member 9324a respectively, at the opposite ends of the main body 924.

[0129] In the example, the pipe connector 33 can be disposed near the front end in the Z-axis direction between the corresponding extension portions 16 of the front surface and the rear surface of the housing 10' near the top surface of the housing 10’. For example, the first refrigerant pipe 31, the second refrigerant pipe 32, and the condensate drain hose 51 can be disposed in the pipe connector 33, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0130] In the example, in each of the extensions 16 of the front surface and the rear surface, the interlocking holes 144 may be formed on the surface facing the space 17, near the front end in the -Z axis direction, close to the bottom surface of the housing 10'. A part of the above-described link structure 90d (e.g., the first interlocking protrusion 9322a) may be inserted into each of the interlocking holes 144 of each extension 16. In the example, the first interlocking protrusion 9322a may be inserted or fitted into the first interlocking hole 144 provided in the extension 16 of the housing 10'. In the example, the first interlocking protrusion 9322a may be provided to be elastic and lose its shape (e.g., deform) during the process of being inserted into the first interlocking hole 144 of the housing 10'. In the example, when the first interlocking protrusion 9322a is inserted or fitted into the first interlocking hole 144, the first interlocking protrusion 9322a may contact the inner surface of the first interlocking hole 142 so as to lose its shape (e.g., deform) when it moves toward the first elastic member 9324a, and may be continuously inserted into the first interlocking hole 144 until it passes through the first interlocking hole 144. Thereafter, the first interlocking protrusion 9322a may be restored to its original shape to be stuck and locked to the first interlocking hole 144. Thus, separation of the first interlocking protrusion 9322 from the first interlocking hole 144 can be prevented.

[0131] In the example, the second interlocking holes 82 may be formed in each of the front surface and the rear surface of the control box 80'. A part of the above-described link structure 90d (e.g., the second interlocking protrusion 9322b) may be inserted into each of the second interlocking holes 82. In the example, the second interlocking protrusion 9322b may be inserted or fitted into each of the second interlocking holes 82 provided in the front surface and the rear surface of the control box 80'. In the example, the second interlocking protrusion 9322b may be provided to be elastic and lose its shape (e.g., deform) when it is inserted into the second interlocking hole 82 of the control box 80'. For example, in the example, when the second interlocking protrusion 9322b is inserted or fitted into the second interlocking hole 82, the second interlocking protrusion 9322b may contact the inner surface of the second interlocking hole 82 so as to lose its shape (e.g., deform) when it moves toward the second elastic member 9324b, and may be continuously inserted until it passes through the second interlocking hole 82. Thereafter, the second interlocking protrusion 9322b may be restored to its original shape to be stuck and fixed to the second interlocking hole 82. Thus, separation of the second interlocking protrusion 9322b from the second interlocking hole 82 can be prevented.

[0132] As described above, each of the front and rear surfaces of the control box 80' can be connected to each of the opposing extension portions 16 of the housing 10' by a link structure 90d. According to an example, the first rotation axis R1' can be defined by the link structures 90d provided on both sides of the front and rear surfaces of the control box 80', and as described above, the control box 80' can rotate about the first rotation axis R1'. Further, as described above, according to an embodiment, the control box 80' can be moved between a position where it overlaps more with the pipe connector 33 and another position where it overlaps less with the pipe connector 33 and exposes at least a part of the pipe connector 33 downward by rotating about the first rotation axis R1'.

[0133] Figure 15 FIG. is a bottom - side view of an air conditioner installed on a ceiling with the ceiling panel removed according to an example. Figure 16 FIG. shows Figure 15 a control box of the air conditioner shown, in which a pipe connector is exposed. Figure 17 FIG. shows Figure 16 a control box of the air conditioner shown separated from the housing.

[0134] In the case of the air conditioner (1 or 1') according to the embodiment described above with reference to Figures 3 to 11 or Figures 12 to 14 the control box (80 or 80') rotates along the rotation axis, and thus, it is arranged at a position overlapping with the pipe connector 33 or at a position completely or partially avoiding overlapping / covering the pipe connector 33. On the other hand, in the case of the air conditioner 1'', according to the embodiment described above with reference to Figures 15 to 17 the control box 80'' moves along a guide rail formed in the housing 10'', and can be arranged at a position overlapping with the pipe connector 33 or at a position not overlapping with the pipe connector 33.

[0135] Referring to Figures 15 to 17 , the air conditioner 1'' includes a housing 10''. As shown, in the example, the housing 10'' can include an extension portion 16', where the front plate constituting the front surface of the housing 10' and the rear plate constituting the rear surface of the housing 10' extend to the right in the right - hand portion where the suction port 71 and the discharge port 75 are arranged. Between the corresponding extension portions 16' on each of the front and rear sides, the housing 10'' can have a recessed portion 18 recessed in the Z - axis direction. As Figure 16 shown, the recessed portion 18 can have a bottom surface 19.

[0136] At least a portion of the control box 80" can be disposed in the recessed portion 18 above the bottom surface 19. Similar to the above-described control box (80 or 80'), the control box 80" can have a parallelepiped (or rectangular parallelepiped) shape and can include a PBA therein. As Figures 15 to 17 shown, the PBA substrate of the control box 80" of the air conditioner 1" can be disposed facing downward with respect to the lower surface of the housing 10" in the XY plane.

[0137] Referring Figure 17 , slide rails 145 can be disposed on each of the front and rear side extension portions 16' of the housing 10", and the front and rear side extension portions 16' surround the recessed portion 18. According to an example, a first stopper 146 can be disposed at the right end of the slide rail 145. In the example, slide bars 83 can be disposed on each of the front and rear surfaces of the control box 80". In the example, a second stopper 84 can be disposed at the left end of the slide bar 83. In the example, the slide rails 145 disposed on each of the front and rear side extension portions 16' of the housing 10" can be coupled to the slide bars 83 disposed on each of the front and rear surfaces of the control box 80". In the example, the slide bars 83 of the control box 80" can be assembled into the slide rails 145 and can move along the slide rails 145 in the Y-axis direction. In the example, when the control box 80" is moved to the right to be disposed above the pipe connector 33 (or vertically overlapped with the pipe connector 33) in the vertical direction, the first stopper 146 disposed at the right end of the slide rail 145 and the second stopper 84 disposed at the left end of the slide bar 83 can be configured to catch and stop each other. In the example, through the locking between the stoppers 146 and 84, the control box 80" can be set in place (disposed at the correct or expected position) without being completely separated from the housing 10". In the example, the locking between the stoppers 146 and 84 can be configured to not only prevent the control box 80" from separating from the housing 10", but also prevent the control box 80" that has reached the position vertically overlapped with the pipe connector 33 from easily returning to its previous position, thereby helping to maintain the correct position of the control box 80".

Claims

1. An air conditioner capable of being installed in a ceiling, the air conditioner comprising: a housing (10) having an air inlet (71); a duct connector (33) including one or more ducts (31, 32, 51) connecting from the inside to the outside of the housing (10); a blower (20) inside the housing (10); and a control box (80) configured to control the driving of the blower (20), wherein the control box (80) is connected to the housing (10) such that when the air conditioner is installed in the ceiling, the control box (80) can move between a first position and a second position, wherein at the first position, the control box (80) vertically overlaps with the duct connector (33), and at the second position, the degree of overlap between the control box (80) and the duct connector (33) is less than that when the control box (80) is at the first position.

2. The air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein the control box (80) is closer to the air inlet (71) at the second position than at the first position.

3. The air conditioner according to claim 1, further comprising: a link assembly (90) including a first connector (912) that defines a first rotation axis (R1) and is connected to the housing (10), and the control box (80) can move between the first position and the second position by rotation of the link assembly (90) about the first rotation axis (R1).

4. The air conditioner according to claim 3, wherein the link assembly (90) includes: a second connector (913) that defines a second rotation axis (R2) parallel to the first rotation axis (R1) and is connected to the control box (80), and the control box (80) can rotate about the second rotation axis (R2).

5. The air conditioner according to claim 4, wherein the housing (10) includes a first interlocking hole (142), the control box (80, 80') includes a second interlocking hole (81), the first connector (912) of the link assembly (90) includes: an annular first protrusion (9122) inserted into the first interlocking hole (142) in the housing (10), and the second connector (913) of the link assembly (90) includes: an annular second protrusion (9132) inserted into the second interlocking hole (81) in the control box (80).

6. The air conditioner according to claim 5, wherein each of the annular first protrusion (9122) and the annular second protrusion (9132) is configured to have a tapered shape with a diameter gradually decreasing towards the outside of the link assembly (90).

7. The air conditioner according to claim 4, wherein the link assembly (90) includes a first link structure (90a) and a second link structure (90b), Wherein, the first link structure (90a) connects the first side of the control box (80) to the first side of the housing (10), and the second link structure (90b) connects the second side of the control box (80) to the second side of the housing (10).

8. The air conditioner according to claim 4, wherein, the link assembly (90) includes a link body (910) that integrally connects the first connector (912) and the second connector (913).

9. The air conditioner according to claim 3, further comprising: a wire electrically connecting the blower (20) and the control box (80), wherein, the link assembly (90) includes: a link body (910) having a wiring accommodation space (9111) formed to accommodate the wire.

10. The air conditioner according to claim 9, wherein, the link assembly (90) includes: a link cover (920) detachably coupled to the link body (910) to cover the wiring accommodation space (9111).

11. The air conditioner according to claim 10, wherein, a coupling groove (9112) is formed in the link body (910), and the link cover (920) includes: a coupling protrusion (922) that can be inserted into the coupling groove (9112) to attach the link cover (920) to the link body (910).

12. The air conditioner according to claim 4, further comprising: a wire electrically connecting the blower (20) and the control box (80), wherein, the link assembly (90) includes: a link body (910) having a wiring accommodation space (9111) formed to accommodate the wire, the first connector (912) includes a first wiring hole (9121) communicating with the wiring accommodation space (9111), the second connector (913) includes a second wiring hole (9131) communicating with the wiring accommodation space (9111), the first wiring hole (9121) opens into the link body (910) in a direction parallel to the first rotation axis (R1), the second wiring hole (9131) is spaced apart from the first wiring hole (9121) in the horizontal direction and opens into the link body (910) in a direction parallel to the second rotation axis (R2), and the wire passes through the first wiring hole (9121), the wiring accommodation space (9111), and the second wiring hole (9131).

13. The air conditioner according to claim 8, wherein, the link body (910) includes: a first slit (9113b) formed at the first end of the link body (910) so as to extend in the axial direction of the first rotation axis (R1), and a second slit (9114b) formed at the second end of the link body (910) so as to extend in the axial direction of the second rotation axis (R2).

14. The air conditioner according to claim 1, further comprising: A stopper (15) projects from a side surface of the housing (10) to fix the control box (80) at the first position.

15. The air conditioner according to claim 14, wherein, the stopper (15) is adjacent to a lower end of the one side surface of the housing (10).

Images