Air conditioner with auxiliary air deflector arranged on auxiliary air deflector

Abstract

The present invention relates to an air conditioner (1), in particular an indoor unit, having a fan (3) inside and configured to blow out air drawn in by the fan from an inlet (13) from an outlet (14), the air conditioner comprising: a first horizontal air deflector (6) having a first surface (6A) and a second surface (6B) that guide the blown-out air, the first horizontal air deflector is rotatably arranged at the outlet (14); a second horizontal air deflector (7) placed above the first horizontal air deflector (6) and on the downstream side of the air flow when the air conditioner (1) is installed; the auxiliary air deflector (8) is arranged on the first surface (6A) of the first horizontal air deflector (6), the auxiliary air deflector (8) is provided with a third surface (8A) facing the first surface (6A), and the third surface (8A) of the auxiliary air deflector (8) is at least partially similar to a first arc in shape. The second horizontal air deflector (7) is provided with a third surface (8A) such that blown air flowing along the third surface (8A) is guided toward a lower surface (7A) of the second horizontal air deflector (7) facing the first surface (6A) of the first horizontal air deflector (6).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to an air conditioner. More particularly, the present invention relates to such an air conditioner having an auxiliary air deflector provided on a sub-air deflector. BACKGROUND

[0002] A conventional air conditioner, particularly a wall-mounted indoor unit, generally includes an indoor heat exchanger, an indoor fan that circulates air that has undergone heat exchange in the indoor heat exchanger in a room, an indoor outlet that blows out air that has undergone heat exchange in the indoor heat exchanger to the room, a main horizontal deflector (main air deflector) arranged in the indoor outlet to change the air direction in the vertical direction, a sub-horizontal deflector (sub-air deflector), etc.

[0003] Since air flowing around the main horizontal deflector (main air deflector) has a high speed, based on Bernoulli's equation, there is a pressure drop at both edges of the main horizontal deflector. Due to the large pressure drop, surrounding humid air is drawn in from the side. This side air flow brings moisture, and thus, more "sweat" is generated on the edges of the main horizontal deflector. Depending on the angle of the main horizontal deflector, this effect is weaker or stronger. In addition, for example, if the vertical deflector is turned to the left side to direct the air flow to the left side, there will be less air flow around the right edge of the horizontal deflector (particularly the main horizontal deflector), thereby increasing the formation of condensation ("sweat"). In addition, a fan guard for protecting fingers from a rotating fan reduces the air flow, thus increasing the risk of condensation forming on the edges (corners) of the main horizontal deflector. Therefore, in order to avoid or reduce the generation / formation of condensation ("sweat"), it is necessary to reduce the working area (angle) of the main horizontal deflector and the sub-horizontal deflector, particularly with respect to each other. However, setting the combination of air deflector angles to match the motion in order to avoid or at least reduce the generation of condensation ("sweat") has the disadvantage that the maximum air flow of the air conditioner cannot be achieved, resulting in a reduction in capacity and efficiency. SUMMARY

[0004] In view of the above-described problems, it is desirable to provide an air conditioner that can maintain the maximum air flow of the air conditioner independent of the temperature and humidity of the surrounding air, thereby increasing the capacity and efficiency, while avoiding the generation of "sweat" at the main air deflector, particularly at both opposite edges of the main air deflector. This object can be achieved by an air conditioner as defined in claim 1. Embodiments can be found in the dependent claims, the following description and the drawings.

[0005] In particular, in view of the above-discussed limitations, according to a first aspect of the present document, the inventors have devised an air conditioner, in particular an indoor unit, more in particular an indoor unit of a split air conditioner, having a fan inside and being configured to blow out air sucked from an inlet by said fan from an outlet, said air conditioner comprising: a first horizontal deflector (horizontal deflector; secondary deflector) having a first surface and a second surface, said first surface and second surface guiding the blown-out air, said first horizontal deflector being rotatably arranged at said outlet; a second horizontal deflector (horizontal deflector; primary deflector) being placed above said first horizontal deflector and downstream of the air flow in case said air conditioner is installed; and an auxiliary deflector being arranged on the first surface of said first horizontal deflector, wherein said auxiliary deflector has a third surface facing the first surface of said first horizontal deflector, said third surface of said auxiliary deflector having a shape at least partially approximating a first arc, such that blown-out air flowing along said third surface is guided or deflected towards a lower surface of said second horizontal deflector, the lower surface facing the first surface of said first horizontal deflector.

[0006] Thus, there is provided an air conditioner which is able to increase the capacity and efficiency of the air conditioner by maintaining the maximum air flow of the air conditioner, regardless of the temperature and humidity of the surrounding air, while avoiding or at least reducing the generation of "sweat" at the primary deflector, in particular at the two opposite edges of the primary deflector.

[0007] As used herein, the term or feature "at least partially approximating a first arc" refers to any type of shape which approximately replicates the shape of an arc. Thus, the third surface of the auxiliary deflector can also be formed by, for example, three (at least three) straight portions or increments replicating an arc.

[0008] Further, as used herein, the term "guided" with respect to the auxiliary deflector (in particular the third surface) refers to the fact that, in case the third surface of the auxiliary deflector 8 is facing the lower surface of the second horizontal deflector, the flow direction of the blown-out air is altered or changed towards a desired direction or point.

[0009] According to another aspect of the present invention, the first arc of the third surface of the auxiliary deflector is formed in a plane which is parallel to the blowing-out direction of the air and perpendicular to the pivot axis X1 around which the first horizontal deflector is pivoted, wherein preferably the center of the first arc is located at the side of the auxiliary deflector facing the second horizontal deflector. In other words, the third surface of the auxiliary deflector is formed to be convex towards the first surface of the first horizontal deflector.

[0010] Furthermore, in some aspects of the invention, the auxiliary air guide plate has a fourth surface facing the lower surface of the second horizontal air guide plate, the fourth surface having a shape that at least partially approximates the second arc, such that blown air flowing along the fourth surface is guided or deflected toward the lower surface of the second horizontal air guide plate.

[0011] Furthermore, in some aspects of the invention, a second arc of the fourth surface of the auxiliary air guide is formed in a plane parallel to the air blowing direction and perpendicular to the pivot axis X1 around which the first horizontal air guide pivots, wherein, preferably, the center of the second arc is located on the side of the auxiliary air guide facing the second horizontal air guide. In other words, the fourth surface of the auxiliary air guide is formed to be recessed toward the lower surface of the second horizontal air guide.

[0012] In some respects, the radius of the first arc is smaller than the radius of the second arc.

[0013] According to another aspect of the invention, an auxiliary air guide plate is placed upstream of the airflow on the first surface of the horizontal air guide plate.

[0014] Furthermore, in some respects, when the auxiliary air guide plate is viewed in a cross section of the pivot axis X1 around which the first horizontal air guide plate pivots, which is parallel to the air blowing direction and perpendicular to the pivot axis X1, the thickness of the auxiliary air guide plate on the downstream side of the airflow is greater than the thickness of the auxiliary air guide plate on the upstream side of the airflow.

[0015] In some aspects of the invention, a first distance D1 between the first end of the airflow downstream of the auxiliary air guide plate and the first surface is greater than a second distance D2 between the second end of the airflow upstream of the auxiliary air guide plate and the first surface.

[0016] According to another aspect of the air conditioner of the present invention, a third distance D3 between the third surface of the auxiliary air guide plate and the first surface of the first horizontal air guide plate gradually increases from the upstream side of the airflow of the auxiliary air guide plate toward the downstream side of the airflow. In other words, although the third surface of the auxiliary air guide plate is formed to bulge toward the first surface of the first horizontal air guide plate, the auxiliary air guide plate is arranged and oriented in such a way that the closest point between the auxiliary air guide plate and the first horizontal air guide plate is located at the upstream airflow point of the auxiliary air guide plate. Therefore, the third distance D3 increases from the value of the second distance D2 to the value of the first distance D1.

[0017] In addition, in some aspects, the first horizontal air guide plate has a supporting part, which is preferably integrally formed with the first horizontal air guide plate and supports the auxiliary air guide plate, particularly in a direction perpendicular to the first surface of the first horizontal air guide plate.

[0018] According to another aspect of the invention, when the auxiliary air guide plate is viewed in a cross-section parallel to the airflow direction and perpendicular to the pivot axis X1 around which the first horizontal air guide plate pivots, the auxiliary air guide plate includes a first portion disposed outside the radius of the first arc, downstream of the airflow of the auxiliary air guide plate, thereby increasing the thickness of the auxiliary air guide plate downstream of the airflow, wherein, preferably, the thickness of the first portion gradually increases toward the downstream of the airflow of the auxiliary air guide plate. In this way, the Coanda effect of the auxiliary air guide plate can be improved. By improving the Coanda effect, the formation / generation of condensate (“sweat”) on the lower surface of the second horizontal air guide plate (main air guide plate) and the third surface (lower surface) of the auxiliary air guide plate can be reduced.

[0019] In some aspects of the invention, when the auxiliary air guide is viewed in a cross-section parallel to the airflow direction and perpendicular to the pivot axis X1 around which the first horizontal air guide pivots, the auxiliary air guide includes a second portion arranged within the radius of a second arc, downstream of the airflow of the auxiliary air guide, thereby increasing the thickness of the auxiliary air guide downstream of the airflow. Preferably, the thickness of the second portion gradually increases towards the downstream of the airflow of the auxiliary air guide. In this way, countermeasures against the main air guide (second horizontal air guide) can be established. In other words, by adding the second portion to the auxiliary air guide, the angle / curvature of the auxiliary air guide can be increased downstream of the airflow towards the second horizontal air guide (main air guide), thereby providing greater flexibility relative to the operating angle range of the main air guide and the auxiliary air guide. More specifically, by adding the second portion to the auxiliary air guide, airflow deflection at the auxiliary air guide can be increased, so that the angle of the auxiliary air guide does not need to be changed upwards too much, thereby ensuring maximum airflow.

[0020] Furthermore, in some aspects, on the first surface of the first horizontal air guide plate, two auxiliary air guide plates are provided on opposite sides of the first horizontal air guide plate in a direction parallel to the pivot axis X1, and the two auxiliary air guide plates extend from the corresponding ends of the first horizontal air guide plate toward each other by a predetermined length.

[0021] According to another aspect of the invention, the first arc and / or the second arc are formed such that the blown air flowing along the auxiliary air guide is guided or deflected toward a predetermined area on the downstream side of the airflow toward the lower surface of the second horizontal air guide. Attached Figure Description

[0022] A more complete understanding of the invention and its many accompanying advantages can be readily obtained, as they become better understood, by taking into consideration the accompanying drawings and by referring to the following detailed description, wherein: Figure 1A schematic cross-sectional view of a wall-mounted indoor unit of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown; Figure 2 A functional block diagram of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown; Figure 3 It shows Figure 1 A partial view of the cross-sectional diagram of the wall-mounted indoor unit; Figure 4 A schematic cross-sectional side view of a first horizontal air guide plate with an auxiliary air guide plate according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown; Figure 5 A schematic spatial view of a first horizontal air guide plate with an auxiliary air guide plate according to a second embodiment of the present invention is shown; Figure 6 A schematic spatial view of a first horizontal air guide plate with an auxiliary air guide plate according to a third embodiment of the present invention is shown; Figure 7 A schematic cross-sectional view of the auxiliary air guide plate according to the present invention is shown; Figure 8 The simulation shows an airflow pattern of a conventional arrangement of horizontal air deflectors without auxiliary deflectors; and Figure 9 An airflow simulation of an arrangement of horizontal air guides according to the invention using an auxiliary air guide with an auxiliary air guide is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0023] Embodiments of this disclosure will now be explained with reference to the accompanying drawings. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art of air conditioning devices that, based on this disclosure, the following description of the embodiments is merely illustrative and not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure as defined by the appended claims. The features of the embodiments described below can also be used to further characterize the apparatus and methods defined in the claims.

[0024] Modifications to features can be combined to form other embodiments. If features described in a single embodiment are not incompatible, those features can be provided in that single embodiment. Similarly, features described in a single embodiment can be provided individually or in any suitable sub-combination in several embodiments. As used in the specification and appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” “the,” etc., include plural indicators unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0025] The same reference numerals listed in different figures denote the same, corresponding, or functionally similar elements. Furthermore, where reference numerals are appended to technical features in the figures, detailed embodiments, or any claims, they are included solely for the purpose of enhancing the comprehensibility of the figures, detailed embodiments, and claims. Therefore, the presence or absence of reference numerals does not limit the scope of any claim element.

[0026] As described below, an exemplary implementation of the present invention relates to an air conditioner.

[0027] The air conditioner according to this embodiment includes Figure 1 The wall-mounted indoor unit 1 and outdoor unit 20 shown (see...) Figure 2 It performs heat pump-type cooling and heating operations.

[0028] The wall-mounted indoor unit 10 is entirely elongated in one direction and is mounted on the wall surface of the room so that its longitudinal direction is horizontal. For example... Figure 1 As shown, the wall-mounted indoor unit 10 includes: a housing 2; an indoor fan 3 housed in the housing 2; an indoor heat exchanger 4; a lateral deflector 5; a first horizontal deflector 6 (first horizontal air guide plate; secondary air guide plate); a second horizontal deflector 7 (second horizontal air guide plate; main air guide plate); and the like.

[0029] The housing 2 includes a generally box-shaped housing base 11 and a front panel 12. The housing base 11 is open at the front, and the front panel 12 covers the front portion of the opening of the housing base 11. The housing base 11 includes: an upper surface in which an indoor inlet 13 is formed; and a lower surface in which an indoor outlet 14 is formed. The indoor inlet 13 is an elongated, grid-like opening in the lateral direction, and the indoor outlet 14 is an elongated, rectangular opening in the lateral direction. When air conditioning operation (cooling operation or heating operation) is performed, an indoor fan 3 arranged in the airflow path from the indoor inlet 13 to the indoor outlet 14 is driven to draw in air through the indoor inlet 13, causing the air to undergo heat exchange (i.e., become hot or cold) in the indoor heat exchanger 4, and then blown out of the indoor outlet 14 into the room.

[0030] The lateral deflector 5 is arranged inside the indoor outlet 14 to adjust the air direction of the air blown out of the indoor outlet 14 in the lateral direction.

[0031] The first horizontal deflector 6 adjusts the air direction of the air blown out from the indoor outlet 14 in the vertical direction. The first horizontal deflector 6 includes a pivot center C1 located at the midpoint of the indoor outlet 14 in the vertical direction. Figure 1The first horizontal deflector 6, indicated by a solid line, is located at the uppermost position within the blowing direction adjustment range of the first horizontal deflector 6. Additionally, in Figure 1 The first horizontal deflector 6, indicated by a double-dotted line, is located at the lowest position within the airflow direction adjustment range of the first horizontal deflector 6. The highest position within the airflow direction adjustment range corresponds to the position where the first horizontal deflector 6 is almost perfectly horizontal, in the same manner as a typical wall-mounted indoor unit. Furthermore, during cooling or heating operation, in response to user operation instructions, the first horizontal deflector 6 is configured to oscillate between the solid line position and the double-dotted line position via a drive motor (not shown), and remain at any position between the solid line position and the double-dotted line position.

[0032] The second horizontal deflector 7 (main air deflector) is arranged along the upper structural portion of the indoor outlet 14 to prevent water from accumulating on the inner surface of the first horizontal deflector 6 during cooling operation. The second horizontal deflector 7 is configured to revolve around a pivot center C2. Figure 1 The air direction of the blown air is adjusted between the solid line position and the double-dotted line position. During cooling operation, the second horizontal deflector 7 is automatically controlled to remain in the optimal position in cooperation with the position of the first horizontal deflector 6 within the blowing direction adjustment range. However, during heating operation, the second horizontal deflector 7 is maintained at the highest position within the blowing direction adjustment range. Figure 1 (The solid line in the middle).

[0033] Furthermore, when cooling and heating operations cease, both the first horizontal deflector 6 and the second horizontal deflector 7 are configured to pivot to a position further upward from the uppermost position within the respective blowing direction adjustment range, such that the first horizontal deflector 6 and the second horizontal deflector 7 contact the upper structural portion of the indoor outlet 14 (i.e., the closed position) to close the indoor outlet 14. In this way, the first horizontal deflector 6 and the second horizontal deflector 7 also serve as covering members for the indoor outlet 14.

[0034] Figure 2 A functional block diagram of an air conditioner 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figure 2 As shown, the wall-mounted indoor unit 10 includes a controller 30, which fully controls the operation of the air conditioner. The controller 30 consists of a memory storing a predetermined control program, a processor that continuously runs the control program to execute various controls, and the like. Furthermore, the controller 30 includes an air volume controller 31 and an air direction controller 32. The air volume controller 31 limits the amount of air generated by the indoor fan 3 at the start of heating operation. The air direction controller 32 controls the vertical air direction using a first horizontal deflector 6 and a second horizontal deflector 7. The controller 30 also includes a transmit / receive circuit unit 33, which performs communication with the outdoor unit 20, etc.

[0035] Controller 30 may include one or more processing units or modules (e.g., a central processing unit (CPU), such as a microprocessor; or a suitably programmed field-programmable gate array (FPGA) or application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC)). Alternatively, controller 30 may be provided with any storage portion (not shown) necessary to perform its functions of controlling the operation of air conditioner 1. Such storage portion may be provided as part of controller 30 (included in controller 30) (e.g., integrally formed or provided on the same chip) or separately, but electrically connected to controller 30. For example, storage portion may include both volatile and non-volatile memory resources, such as working memory (e.g., random access memory). Furthermore, storage portion may include instruction memory (e.g., electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM) or ROM in the form of flash memory) storing a computer program comprising computer-readable instructions that, when executed by controller 30, cause controller 30 to perform the various functions described herein.

[0036] A computer program that includes computer-readable instructions may be, for example, software or firmware, which, when executed by controller 30, cause controller 30 to perform the various functions described herein.

[0037] The control unit 30 is connected to the indoor fan 3 and the indoor heat exchanger temperature sensor 41. The indoor fan 3 is an indoor circulation fan that circulates air that has already undergone heat exchange in the indoor heat exchanger 4 within the room. The indoor fan 3 includes a drive motor whose speed is controlled based on commands from the air volume controller 31 for controlling the air volume.

[0038] An indoor heat exchanger temperature sensor 41 is attached to the indoor heat exchanger 4 at a location that allows the average temperature of the indoor heat exchanger 4 to be detected as the indoor heat exchanger temperature Tr. The indoor heat exchanger temperature Tr detected by the indoor heat exchanger temperature sensor 41 is sent to the controller 30 and used as reference data for airflow control of the indoor fan 3 by the airflow controller 31 and airflow direction control of the first horizontal deflector 6 and the second horizontal deflector 7 by the airflow direction controller 32.

[0039] Furthermore, controller 30 is connected to the drive units of the first horizontal deflector 6, the second horizontal deflector 7, and the lateral deflector 5, such that these deflectors are controlled by air direction controller 32. Additionally, control unit 30 is connected to an electrically operated expansion valve 42 that controls the refrigerant in the indoor heat exchanger 4. The opening degree of the electrically operated expansion valve 42 is controlled by commands from controller 30.

[0040] Furthermore, the wall-mounted indoor unit 10 includes a remote control unit 43 as an accessory. The remote control unit 43 serves as the operating unit for the air conditioner 1 and includes an operation switch, an operation mode selection section, a setting section, an air volume setting section, and a feedback device (e.g., a display). The operation switch starts and stops the operation of the air conditioner 1. The setting section sets the set temperature of the indoor air. The air volume setting section sets the air volume of the indoor fan during normal heating operation. The display shows the indoor temperature or the air volume of the indoor fan. The remote control unit 43 is configured to transmit the selected or set operation information to the controller 30 wirelessly.

[0041] The outdoor unit 20 includes a compressor 21, an outdoor fan 22, and an outdoor controller 23 that controls these devices. Additionally, the outdoor unit 20 includes a four-way switching valve (not shown) that switches the refrigerant circuit between cooling and heating cycles. The switching of the four-way switching valve is controlled by the outdoor controller 23. Similarly, the controller 30 of the wall-mounted indoor unit 10 is electrically connected to the outdoor controller 23 via a transmit / receive circuit unit 33, and operational information received by the controller 30 from the remote control unit 43 is also transmitted to the outdoor controller 23. The outdoor unit also includes an outdoor air temperature sensor (not shown) for monitoring the outdoor air temperature.

[0042] Figure 3 It shows Figure 1 A partial cross-sectional view of the wall-mounted indoor unit 1, which shows in more detail the first horizontal air guide plate 6 (secondary air guide plate) and the second horizontal air guide plate 7 (primary air guide plate). From Figure 3 As can be seen, the first horizontal air guide plate 6 has a first surface 6A and a second surface 6B, which are used to guide the blown air in the desired direction. The first surface 6A faces upwards, toward the second horizontal air guide plate 7, and particularly toward the lower surface 7A of the second horizontal air guide plate 7. An auxiliary air guide plate 8 is provided on the first surface 6A of the first horizontal air guide plate 6, which has a third surface 8A facing the first surface 6A of the first horizontal air guide plate 6. In other words, in Figure 3 In the middle, the third surface 8A of the auxiliary air guide plate 8 faces downward. For example, in... Figure 3 As can also be seen, the auxiliary air guide plate 8 has the following shape and orientation, particularly an arc shape, such that the auxiliary air guide plate 8 extends from the upstream side of the airflow to the downstream side of the airflow toward the second horizontal air guide plate 7 (the main air guide plate), especially when both air guide plates 6 and 7 are in the open position. Because the auxiliary air guide plate 8 has an arc shape, and particularly the third surface 8A of the auxiliary air guide plate 8 has a shape that at least partially approximates the first arc, the blown air flowing along the third surface is deflected toward the lower surface 7A of the second horizontal air guide plate 7, which faces the first surface 6A of the first horizontal air guide plate 6.

[0043] Figure 4 A schematic cross-sectional side view of a first horizontal air guide plate with an auxiliary air guide plate according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. (Refer to above) Figure 3 The first horizontal air guide plate 6 is provided with an auxiliary air guide plate 8, which is disposed on the first surface 6A of the first horizontal air guide plate 6. Figure 4 As shown, in the context of this invention, the term "disposed on the first surface" should be understood to mean that the auxiliary air guide plate 8 is provided with the first horizontal air guide plate 6, particularly disposed on one side of the first surface 6A, but not necessarily directly disposed on the first surface 6A. In other words, as from... Figure 5 and Figure 6 Particularly noticeable is that the auxiliary air guide plate 8 is positioned at a certain distance from the first surface 6A and is supported or fixed by some supporting devices, such as... Figure 5 The support component 9 is shown. Figure 4 and Figure 6 In the embodiment shown, the auxiliary air guide plate 8 is supported only by the mounting part 10 of the first auxiliary air guide plate 8, which is used to fix the first auxiliary air guide plate 8 to its rotation drive shaft (not shown).

[0044] Figure 4 It is also shown that the auxiliary air guide plate 8 has a lower surface 7A facing the second horizontal air guide plate 7. Figure 3 The fourth surface 8B (shown in the diagram) has a shape that at least partially approximates the second arc, such that the blown air flowing along the fourth surface 8B is deflected toward the lower surface 7A of the second horizontal guide vane 7 (main guide vane). Figure 4 In the middle, the airflow direction is from right to left. Without an auxiliary air guide plate 8 on the first horizontal air guide plate 6, the airflow will typically flow along the side surfaces 6A and 6B of the air guide plate 6, as shown by arrow A. G As shown. However, by providing an auxiliary air guide plate 8 on the first horizontal air guide plate 6, the air flowing along the first surface 6A of the air guide plate 6 is deflected upwards, that is, deflected towards the second horizontal air guide plate 7, as shown by arrow A. D As shown. Also as Figure 4 As shown, it is preferable to install an auxiliary air guide plate upstream of the horizontal air guide plate 6. Furthermore, as... Figure 4 As shown, the first distance D1 between the first end 8End1 on the downstream side of the airflow of the auxiliary air guide plate 8 and the first surface 6A is greater than the second distance D2 between the second end 8End2 on the upstream side of the airflow of the auxiliary air guide plate 8 and the first surface 6A.

[0045] More preferably, such as Figure 4As shown, the third distance D3, defined between the third surface 8A of the auxiliary air guide plate 8 and the first surface 6A of the first horizontal air guide plate 6, gradually increases from the upstream side of the airflow of the auxiliary air guide plate 8 toward the downstream side of the airflow.

[0046] As briefly described above, in Figure 5 In the illustrated embodiment (which shows a schematic spatial view of a first horizontal air guide plate with an auxiliary air guide plate), the auxiliary air guide plate 8 is supported not only by the mounting part 10 but also by the support part 9. In this embodiment, the support part 9 is integrally formed with the first horizontal air guide plate 6, particularly in the direction perpendicular to the first surface 6A of the first horizontal air guide plate 6. However, the support part 9 may also be formed as a separate part, which is fixed to the first horizontal air guide plate 6 by a fastening device such as screws.

[0047] Figure 6 A schematic spatial view of a first horizontal air guide plate with an auxiliary air guide plate according to a third and alternative embodiment of the present invention is shown, wherein the auxiliary air guide plate 8 is not supported by the support member 9. Instead, the auxiliary air guide plate 8 is formed as part of the mounting member 10, which extends longitudinally toward the center of the first horizontal air guide plate 6.

[0048] Figure 7 A schematic cross-sectional view of the auxiliary air guide plate 8 according to the present invention is shown. Figure 7 As shown, the first arc of the third surface 8A of the auxiliary air guide plate 8 is formed on plane E (e.g., Figure 5 As shown), the plane E is parallel to the direction of airflow and perpendicular to the pivot axis X1 around which the first horizontal guide plate 6 pivots (as shown). Figure 3 As shown in the diagram, the center of the first arc is located on the side of the auxiliary air guide plate 8 facing the second horizontal air guide plate 7. In other words, the third surface 8A of the auxiliary air guide plate 8 is formed to bulge towards the first surface 6A of the first horizontal air guide plate 6.

[0049] like Figure 7 It is also shown that the second arc of the fourth surface 8B of the auxiliary air guide plate 8 is formed in a plane E, which is parallel to the air blowing direction and perpendicular to the pivot axis X1 of the first horizontal air guide plate 6, wherein the center of the second arc is located on the side of the auxiliary air guide plate 8 facing the second horizontal air guide plate 7. In other words, the fourth surface 8B of the auxiliary air guide plate 8 is formed to be recessed toward the lower surface 7A of the second horizontal air guide plate 7. As shown in Figure 7 As can also be seen, the radius of the first arc is smaller than the radius of the second arc.

[0050] Figure 7It is also shown that the thickness of the auxiliary air guide plate 8 on the downstream side of the airflow is greater than the thickness of the auxiliary air guide plate 8 on the upstream side of the airflow. In other words, the curvature of the fourth surface 8B of the auxiliary air guide plate increases towards its downstream end. Furthermore, as... Figure 7 As shown, the auxiliary air guide plate 8 may be provided with a first portion A, which is located outside the radius of the first arc (radially outward) on the downstream side of the airflow of the auxiliary air guide plate 8. In this way, the thickness of the auxiliary air guide plate 8 on the downstream side of the airflow can be increased, wherein the thickness of the first portion A gradually increases towards the downstream side of the airflow of the auxiliary air guide plate 8.

[0051] In addition, as Figure 7 As shown, a second portion B can be provided for the auxiliary air guide plate 8, which is located within the radius of the second arc (radially inward) on the downstream side of the airflow of the auxiliary air guide plate 8. In this way, the thickness of the auxiliary air guide plate 8 on the downstream side of the airflow can be further increased, wherein, preferably, the thickness of the second portion B gradually increases towards the downstream side of the airflow of the auxiliary air guide plate 8. In this way, the curvature of the fourth surface 8B of the auxiliary air guide plate 9 towards its downstream end can also be increased.

[0052] In the following text, reference will be made to Figure 8 and Figure 9 The advantages and effects achieved by the air conditioner according to the present invention compared with conventional air conditioners are further explained. Figure 8 The diagram illustrates an airflow simulation of a conventional horizontal air deflector (main deflector and secondary deflector) without auxiliary deflectors. Figure 8 As shown, because the opening angle between the main air guide plate (second horizontal air guide plate) and the secondary air guide plate (first horizontal air guide plate) must be of a certain size to allow maximum airflow from the air conditioner, thereby maintaining the air conditioner's capacity and efficiency, the secondary air guide plate cannot adequately support the main air guide plate. In other words, the secondary air guide plate cannot generate enough upward airflow to push the air flowing along the main air guide plate upward, closer to the lower surface 7A of the main air guide plate (second horizontal air guide plate). Therefore, as... Figure 9 As shown, the airflow along the main air guide does not perfectly conform to the shape of the main air guide, especially at the ends of the main air guide (as seen in the airflow direction). The airflow detaches from the surface of the main air guide, leaving a region of slow airflow (with low velocity) downstream of the lower surface 7A of the main air guide (second horizontal air guide). Due to the low airflow velocity near the lower surface 7A, especially at its ends, condensation occurs in the low-velocity region, resulting in the formation of undesirable water droplets.

[0053] Figure 9 An airflow simulation of an arrangement of horizontal guide vanes according to the present invention is shown, wherein the arrangement uses a secondary guide vane with an auxiliary guide vane. For example... Figure 9As shown, because the secondary guide vane (first horizontal guide vane 6) is equipped with an auxiliary guide vane 8, high-speed air flowing along the first surface (upper surface) 6A of the secondary guide vane 6 is guided upward toward the lower surface 7A of the primary guide vane (second horizontal guide vane). As a portion of the airflow from the secondary guide vane is guided upward toward the primary guide vane, air that normally flows along the primary guide vane and detaches from its surface is pushed upward closer to the surface of the primary guide vane. This avoids areas of slow airflow (with low speed) downstream of the lower surface 7A of the primary guide vane (second horizontal guide vane). Because the airflow flows closer to the lower surface 7A of the primary guide vane, i.e., the airflow along the primary guide vane conforms to the shape of the primary guide vane (follows this shape), condensation on the lower surface 7A of the primary guide vane, especially on its downstream side, can be avoided. Therefore, the formation of water droplets can be suppressed. Additionally, by increasing the velocity of the air flowing along the lower surface 7A of the main air vane, lateral "humid" air behind the main air vane (as seen in the airflow direction) can be prevented from contacting the main air vane, thereby suppressing condensation. The combination of these two effects results in maximum suppression of condensation on the main air vane.

[0054] From the above description, those skilled in the art will recognize that various modifications and variations can be made to the device of the present invention without departing from the scope of the invention. Furthermore, the invention has been described with respect to specific embodiments; however, these specific embodiments are merely for a better understanding of the invention as defined by the independent claims and are not intended to limit the invention. Those skilled in the art will also readily recognize that the invention can be implemented using many different combinations of elements.

[0055] Even though the above embodiments describe a specific number of components, different numbers of these components may be used according to other embodiments.

[0056] List of reference numerals

[0057] 1 air conditioner

[0058] 2 shells

[0059] 3 indoor fans

[0060] 4 Indoor heat exchangers

[0061] 5 Lateral deflectors

[0062] 6. First horizontal deflector (secondary air guide plate)

[0063] 7. Second horizontal deflector (main air deflector)

[0064] 8 auxiliary air guide plates

[0065] 9 Supporting components (auxiliary air guide plate)

[0066] 10 indoor units

[0067] 11. Housing base

[0068] 12 front panel

[0069] 13 Indoor entrances (air)

[0070] 14 Indoor Exit (Air)

[0071] C1 Pivot Axis C1

[0072] C2 pivot axis C2

[0073] 20 outdoor units

[0074] 21 compressor

[0075] 22 outdoor fans

[0076] 23 Outdoor Controller

[0077] 30 Controller (Indoor Controller)

[0078] 31 Air volume control device

[0079] 32 Air Direction Control Device

[0080] 33 Transmit / Receive Circuit Unit

[0081] 34 Remote Control Unit

Claims

1. An air conditioner (1), particularly an indoor unit, the air conditioner (1) having a fan (3) inside and configured to blow air drawn in by the fan from an inlet (13) out from an outlet (14), the air conditioner comprising: A first horizontal air guide plate (6) has a first surface (6A) and a second surface (6B), the first surface (6A) and the second surface (6B) guide the blown air, and the first horizontal air guide plate (6) is rotatably disposed at the outlet (14). The second horizontal air guide plate (7) is placed above the first horizontal air guide plate (6) and downstream of the air flow when the air conditioner is installed; and An auxiliary air guide plate (8) is disposed on the first surface (6A) of the first horizontal air guide plate (6). The auxiliary air guide plate (8) has a third surface (8A) facing the first surface (6A), and the third surface (8A) of the auxiliary air guide plate (8) has a shape that at least partially approximates the first arc, such that the blown air flowing along the third surface (8A) is guided toward the lower surface (7A) of the second horizontal air guide plate (7).

2. The air conditioner (1) according to claim 1, in, The first arc of the third surface (8A) of the auxiliary air guide plate (8) is formed in a plane (E) that is parallel to the direction of air blowing and perpendicular to the pivot axis X1 around which the first horizontal air guide plate (6) pivots. Preferably, the center of the first arc is located on the side of the auxiliary air guide plate (8) facing the second horizontal air guide plate (7).

3. The air conditioner (1) according to claim 1 or 2. in, The auxiliary air guide plate (8) has a fourth surface (8B) facing the lower surface (7A) of the second horizontal air guide plate (7), the fourth surface (8B) having a shape that at least partially approximates the second arc, such that the blown air flowing along the fourth surface (8B) is guided toward the lower surface (7A) of the second horizontal air guide plate (7).

4. The air conditioner (1) according to claim 3, wherein, The second arc of the fourth surface (8B) of the auxiliary air guide plate (8) is formed in plane (E) / plane (E), which is parallel to the air blowing direction and perpendicular to the pivot axis X1 around which the first horizontal air guide plate (6) pivots / the pivot axis X1. Preferably, the center of the second arc is located on the side of the auxiliary air guide plate (8) facing the second horizontal air guide plate (7).

5. The air conditioner (1) according to claim 3 or 4, wherein, The radius of the first arc is smaller than the radius of the second arc.

6. The air conditioner (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The auxiliary air guide plate (8) is placed on the upstream side of the airflow of the first surface (6A) of the horizontal air guide plate (6).

7. The air conditioner (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, When the auxiliary air guide plate (8) is viewed in a cross section of the pivot axis X1 around which the first horizontal air guide plate (6) pivots, which is parallel to the air blowing direction and perpendicular to the pivot axis X1, the thickness of the auxiliary air guide plate (8) on the downstream side of the airflow is greater than the thickness of the auxiliary air guide plate (8) on the upstream side of the airflow.

8. The air conditioner (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The first distance (D1) between the first end (8End1) of the auxiliary air guide plate (8) on the downstream side of the airflow and the first surface (6A) is greater than the second distance (D2) between the second end (8End2) of the auxiliary air guide plate (8) on the upstream side of the airflow and the first surface (6A).

9. The air conditioner (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The third distance (D3) between the third surface (8A) of the auxiliary air guide plate (8) and the first surface (6A) of the first horizontal air guide plate (6) gradually increases from the upstream side of the airflow of the auxiliary air guide plate (8) toward the downstream side of the airflow.

10. The air conditioner (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The first horizontal air guide plate (6) has a support part (9), which is preferably integrally formed with the first horizontal air guide plate (6) and supports the auxiliary air guide plate (8), particularly in the direction perpendicular to the first surface (6A) of the first horizontal air guide plate (6).

11. The air conditioner (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, When the auxiliary air guide plate (8) is viewed in a cross section parallel to the air blowing direction and perpendicular to the pivot axis X1 around which the first horizontal air guide plate (6) pivots, the auxiliary air guide plate (8) includes a first portion (A) arranged outside the radius of the first arc on the downstream side of the airflow of the auxiliary air guide plate (8), thereby increasing the thickness of the auxiliary air guide plate (8) on the downstream side of the airflow, wherein, preferably, the thickness of the first portion (A) gradually increases toward the downstream side of the airflow of the auxiliary air guide plate (8).

12. The air conditioner (1) according to any one of claims 4 to 11 and claim 3, wherein, When the auxiliary air guide plate (8) is viewed in a cross section parallel to the air blowing direction and perpendicular to the pivot axis X1 around which the first horizontal air guide plate (6) pivots, the auxiliary air guide plate (8) includes a second part (B) arranged within the radius of the second arc on the downstream side of the airflow of the auxiliary air guide plate (8), thereby increasing the thickness of the auxiliary air guide plate (8) on the downstream side of the airflow, wherein, preferably, the thickness of the second part (B) gradually increases toward the downstream side of the airflow of the auxiliary air guide plate (8).

13. The air conditioner (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, On the first surface (8A) of the first horizontal air guide plate (6), two auxiliary air guide plates (8) are provided on the opposite side of the first horizontal air guide plate (8) relative to the pivot axis X1. The two auxiliary air guide plates (8) extend from the corresponding ends of the first horizontal air guide plate (6) toward each other by a predetermined length.

14. The air conditioner (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The first arc and / or the second arc are formed such that the blown air flowing along the auxiliary air guide (8) is guided toward a predetermined region (P) on the downstream side of the airflow toward the lower surface (7A) of the second horizontal air guide (7).

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