Air conditioner

Abstract

The invention relates to an air conditioner. An air conditioner according to the present disclosure comprises: a case in which a suction port, a first discharge port disposed on a lower surface, a second discharge port disposed on a front surface, and third discharge ports disposed on both sides are formed; a fan which is disposed inside the housing and forms an air flow; and a blade for opening and closing the first discharge port. The air flowing by the fan flows in the order of the first discharge port and the second discharge port. An inner flow path extending from a front portion of the first discharge port toward the third discharge port is formed inside the housing.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to an air conditioner, and more specifically, to an air conditioner having outlets in a plurality of directions. Background Technology

[0002] Air conditioners can supply heat-exchanged air to indoor spaces to regulate the temperature of those spaces.

[0003] Wall-mounted air conditioners can have outlets that open forward or downward. If there's only one outlet, it won't cover a large area, making it difficult to meet user comfort needs. Specifically, if the outlet opens forward, it's difficult to create a direct airflow towards the bottom of the unit; if the outlet opens downward, it's difficult to deliver air over long distances forward.

[0004] Korean Patent No. KR 2020-0095936 discloses a structure for an air conditioner that has two discharge outlets.

[0005] However, the structures mentioned in the aforementioned literature require separate opening and closing of the two discharge outlets. Furthermore, the forward airflow distance may be limited structurally. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The problem to be solved

[0007] The purpose of this disclosure is to resolve the aforementioned problems and other issues.

[0008] Another objective is to provide an air conditioner in which a portion of a plurality of outlets is opened and closed by blades, and when the blades are located at a portion of the outlets, the flowing air is directed to the other outlets.

[0009] When air is guided by blades through heat exchange and flows inside the air conditioner, condensation may form on one side of the blades due to the temperature difference between their two surfaces. In particular, the likelihood of condensation is higher when air vortices are generated at the ends of the blades.

[0010] Another objective is to provide an air conditioner that reduces the likelihood of condensation forming on the surface of the blades.

[0011] In structures such as wall-mounted air conditioners, a method is disclosed that discharges air in a forward direction, which is a predetermined direction. However, it is not possible to discharge heat-exchanged air in a left or right direction, which is not the forward direction.

[0012] Another objective is to provide an air conditioner that discharges heat-exchanged air not only forward but also to the left and right sides.

[0013] Technical solutions to the problem

[0014] To achieve the above objectives, an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes: a housing having an intake port, a first exhaust port disposed on a lower surface, a second exhaust port disposed on a front surface, and a third exhaust port disposed on both sides; a fan disposed inside the housing and forming airflow; and blades for opening and closing the first exhaust port.

[0015] The air flowing from the fan flows in the order of the first discharge port and the second discharge port.

[0016] An internal flow path is formed inside the housing, extending from the front portion of the first discharge port toward the third discharge port.

[0017] The third discharge outlet is configured to be spaced apart from the first discharge outlet in the left-right direction.

[0018] The internal flow path extends in a left-right direction to the left and right sides of the first discharge port.

[0019] The internal flow path is formed above the first discharge port.

[0020] The width of the internal flow path in the front-to-back direction is less than half the width of the first discharge port in the front-to-back direction.

[0021] The length of the internal flow path extending in the left-right direction is longer than the width of the internal flow path in the front-back direction.

[0022] A first discharge flow path and a second discharge flow path are formed inside the housing; the first discharge flow path is formed below the fan and delivers the air flowing downward by the fan to the front; the second discharge flow path is downstream of the first discharge flow path and delivers the air flowing above the first discharge outlet to the second discharge outlet.

[0023] The second discharge path is connected to the inner path.

[0024] When the blade closes the first discharge port, the second discharge flow path is formed above the blade.

[0025] A second discharge port is disposed in front of the second discharge flow path, and an inner flow path is disposed to the side of the second discharge flow path.

[0026] The left-right width of the second discharge path is greater than the left-right width of the first discharge path.

[0027] The housing includes an upper cover having the inlet formed on its upper surface and a lower cover disposed below the upper cover.

[0028] The lower cover includes: a first discharge cover having the first discharge outlet; and a second discharge cover disposed above the first discharge cover and having the second discharge outlet and the third discharge outlet.

[0029] A second discharge port is formed on one side of the front of the second discharge cap, and the internal flow path is arranged behind the front of the second discharge cap where the second discharge port is not formed.

[0030] The second discharge port of the second discharge cover is provided with a plurality of front blades spaced apart in the vertical direction.

[0031] The plurality of front blades are configured to tilt upwards in a forward direction.

[0032] The third discharge port of the second discharge cap is provided with a plurality of side blades spaced apart in the vertical direction.

[0033] The plurality of lateral blades are configured to tilt upwards in an outward direction.

[0034] The upper surface of the blade forms a curved surface that slopes downward from the front end.

[0035] The upper surface of the blade forms a curved surface that slopes downward from the left or right end.

[0036] The fan is positioned above the second and third discharge outlets and delivers air to the front where the first discharge outlet is located.

[0037] The lower surface of the housing is configured to slope upwards in a forward direction.

[0038] The blades are configured to align with the lower face of the housing when the first discharge port is closed.

[0039] A plurality of front blades are arranged on the front side of the housing, the plurality of front blades being spaced vertically in the region where the second discharge port is formed and inclined upwards in the forward direction.

[0040] The angle of inclination between each of the plurality of forward blades and the imaginary horizontal plane is greater than the angle of inclination between the blade and the imaginary horizontal plane.

[0041] Specific details of other embodiments are included in the detailed description and accompanying drawings.

[0042] Technical effect

[0043] The air conditioner according to this disclosure has one or more of the effects described below.

[0044] First, it has outlets in multiple directions and can generate various airflows depending on the blade configuration.

[0045] Second, no dew is generated on the surface of the leaves when the leaves are closed.

[0046] Third, supply the heat-exchanged air to the left and right sides, which are not the front or bottom directions. This allows the heat-exchanged air to be transported in multiple directions, quickly forming an air circulation.

[0047] The effects of this disclosure are not limited to those mentioned above, and those skilled in the art can clearly understand other effects not mentioned from the description of the claims. Attached Figure Description

[0048] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0049] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of one side of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, cut along the vertical direction.

[0050] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view taken along the horizontal direction of the other side of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0051] Figure 4 It is magnification Figure 2 The diagram of A.

[0052] Figure 5 This is a side cross-sectional view used to illustrate an internal flow path according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0053] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view of one side of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, taken in a vertical direction to illustrate the airflow according to the fan rotation.

[0054] Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view taken in the horizontal direction to illustrate the airflow according to the fan rotation, showing the other side of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0055] The advantages and features of this disclosure, as well as methods of implementing them, will become apparent from the embodiments described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, this disclosure is not limited to the following embodiments, but can be implemented in many different forms. These embodiments are provided merely to complete this disclosure and to fully inform those skilled in the art of the scope of the disclosure. This disclosure is defined only by the scope of the claims. Throughout this specification, the same reference numerals refer to the same constituent elements.

[0056] The air conditioner of this disclosure will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0057] Reference Figure 1 This describes the shape of the air conditioner.

[0058] The air conditioner includes an intake 12 and a first exhaust 14 (see reference). Figure 2 The housing 10 includes the second discharge port 16. The first discharge port 14 may be formed on the lower surface of the housing 10.

[0059] The second outlet 16 is formed on the front side of the shell 10.

[0060] A third discharge port 18 may be formed on the side of the housing 10. The third discharge port 18 may be formed on both sides of the housing 10.

[0061] The housing 10 includes a top cover 20 forming an intake port 12. The intake port 12 is formed on the upper surface of the top cover 20. An intake grille 22 may be disposed on the intake port 12 of the top cover 20.

[0062] A front cover 24 may be disposed on the front side of the upper cover 20. The front cover 24 may be formed of glass or plastic material.

[0063] The housing 10 includes a lower cover 30 disposed below the upper cover 20. A first discharge port 14 (see reference) may be formed on the lower cover 30. Figure 2 ), second outlet 16 and third outlet 18.

[0064] The lower cover 30 can be combined with the upper cover 20.

[0065] The lower cover 30 includes a first discharge cover 32 forming a first discharge outlet 14 (see reference). Figure 2 ) and a second discharge cover 34 disposed above the first discharge cover 32.

[0066] The first ejector cap 32 forms the lower surface of the shell 10.

[0067] The second discharge cover 34 is disposed between the first discharge cover 32 and the upper cover 20. The second discharge cover 34 is combined with the first discharge cover 32. The first discharge cover 32 and the second discharge cover 34 are combined by welding.

[0068] Reference Figure 2 This describes the internal structure and casing shape of the air conditioner.

[0069] The air conditioner has a fan 40 installed inside the housing 10. The fan 40 is positioned below the intake 12. The fan 40 rotates to deliver air downwards. The fan 40 is positioned above the first exhaust 14. The fan 40 rotates to deliver air forward and downwards.

[0070] Fan 40 can use a cross-flow fan.

[0071] The air conditioner has a heat exchanger 42 installed inside the housing 10. The heat exchanger 42 is positioned above the fan 40. Therefore, air descending from the intake 12 can flow through the heat exchanger 42 to the fan 40.

[0072] The heat exchanger 42 is located below the suction port 12.

[0073] The air conditioner includes an inner body 44 disposed inside the housing 10. The inner body 44 is disposed rearward inside the housing 10. A heat exchanger 42 can be supported on one side of the inner body 44. The inner body 44 can deliver air flowing downward by the fan 40 to the first discharge port 14.

[0074] The inner body 44 can be combined with the first ejector cap 32.

[0075] The inner body 44 includes the upper part 45 of the inner body that supports the heat exchanger 42.

[0076] The inner body 44 includes an inner guide 46 that guides air flowing from the fan 40 to its lower front side. The inner body 44 includes an inner body joint 48 extending below the inner guide 46.

[0077] The inner body joint 48 can be combined with the first discharge cover 32.

[0078] The air conditioner includes a stabilizer 50 disposed inside the housing 10 and spaced apart from the inner body 44.

[0079] The stabilizer 50 is positioned above the first discharge port 14. An discharge path 70 is formed between the stabilizer 50 and the inner body 44 to deliver air flowing from the fan 40 to the first discharge port 14 (see reference). Figure 3 ).

[0080] The air conditioner includes a first blade 52 (or "blade") that opens and closes the first discharge outlet 14. The first blade 52 can open or close the first discharge outlet 14 depending on its configuration position.

[0081] The first blade 52 can guide the air flowing through the discharge path 70 to the second discharge outlet 16 when the first discharge outlet 14 is closed. The first blade 52 extends forward from the inner guide 46 when the first discharge outlet 14 is closed.

[0082] The air conditioner includes a second blade 54 disposed inside the housing 10. The second blade 54 may be formed with a length shorter than that of the first blade 52. The second blade 54 may be linked with the first blade 52 to change its position.

[0083] The air conditioner may include a linkage module 56 that can change the configuration position of the first blade 52 and the second blade 54. The linkage module 56 can change its configuration position using a linkage motor (not shown), and can also change the configuration position of the first blade 52 and the second blade 54.

[0084] The linkage module 56 is connected to the linkage motor and includes a drive linkage 58 connected to the first blade 52 and a first linkage 60 connecting the housing 10 and the first blade 52. The linkage module 56 includes a second linkage 62 connecting the drive linkage 58 and the second blade 54.

[0085] One side of the second blade 54 can be rotatably connected to the housing 10.

[0086] The housing 10 includes an upper cover 20 forming an intake port 12. A front cover 24 is disposed on the front side of the upper cover 20. A separate intake grille 22 may be disposed on the intake port 12 formed on the upper part of the upper cover 20.

[0087] A lower cover 30 may be disposed below the upper cover 20. The lower cover 30 is combined with the upper cover 20.

[0088] The lower cover 30 includes a first discharge cover 32 forming a first discharge port 14 and disposed on the lower surface of the housing 10. The first discharge cover 32 can be coupled to one side of the inner body 44. The first discharge cover 32 can have a structure that is attached to one side of the upper cover 20.

[0089] The lower cover 30 includes a second discharge cover 34 disposed above the first discharge cover 32.

[0090] A second discharge port 16 is formed on the front side of the second discharge cover 34. A third discharge port 18 is formed on the side side of the second discharge cover 34.

[0091] A second discharge port 16 is formed on the front side of the second discharge cover 34, and an internal flow path 76 is arranged behind the front side where the second discharge port 16 is not formed (see reference). Figure 4 ).

[0092] Reference Figure 3This describes the configuration locations of the discharge flow path, the internal flow path, the second discharge outlet, and the third discharge outlet.

[0093] An exhaust flow path 70 is formed inside the housing 10 to deliver air flowing from the fan 40 to the first exhaust port 14. The exhaust flow path 70 includes: a first exhaust flow path 72, disposed below the fan 40; and a second exhaust flow path 74, disposed downstream of the first exhaust flow path 72, and wider in the left-right direction than the first exhaust flow path 72.

[0094] The width of the first discharge path 72 in the left-right direction can be configured to correspond to the width of the fan 40 in the left-right direction.

[0095] The second discharge flow path 74 is located downstream of the first discharge flow path 72. The second discharge flow path 74 is located in front of the first discharge flow path 72. A first discharge outlet 14 is located below the second discharge flow path 74. The length of the first discharge outlet 14 in the left-right direction can be longer than the length of the fan 40 in the left-right direction.

[0096] The second discharge flow path 74 is equipped with a first blade 52 and a second blade 54. The second discharge flow path 74 is connected to the inner flow path 76.

[0097] The second discharge flow path 74 is disposed in front of the first discharge flow path 72 and has a structure that extends to one side of the first discharge flow path 72. That is, the second discharge flow path 74 may have a structure that extends further in front of the first discharge flow path 72 in either the left or right direction.

[0098] When the first blade 52 closes the first discharge port 14, the second discharge flow path 74 can be formed above the first discharge port 14.

[0099] A second discharge port 16 is disposed in front of the second discharge flow path 74. Therefore, the length 14W formed by the first discharge port 14 in the left-right direction can be the same as the length 16W formed by the second discharge port 16 in the left-right direction.

[0100] That is, the lengths of the first discharge outlet 14 and the second discharge outlet 16 in the left and right directions can be configured to be longer than the length of the first discharge flow path 72 in the left and right directions.

[0101] The third discharge port 18 is formed on both sides of the housing 10. The third discharge port 18 may be formed at a position spaced apart from the first discharge port 14 in the left-right direction. The third discharge port 18 may be formed at a position spaced apart from the second discharge port 16 in the left-right direction.

[0102] An internal flow path 76 can be formed inside the housing 10, extending to the left and right in front of the first discharge port 14 and serving as a passage for airflow. The internal flow path 76 extends to the third discharge port 18.

[0103] The internal flow path 76 includes a first internal flow path 76a extending toward one side of the first discharge outlet 14 and a second internal flow path 76b extending toward the other side of the first discharge outlet 14.

[0104] The second discharge flow path 74 extends in the direction of the second inner flow path 76b in front of the first discharge flow path 72.

[0105] The length 76L formed by the inner flow path 76 in the left-right direction can be made longer than the width 76W formed by the inner flow path 76 in the front-back direction.

[0106] The length 76L formed by the inner flow path 76 in the left-right direction can be more than twice the length of the width 76W formed by the inner flow path 76 in the front-back direction.

[0107] A portion of the air flowing above the first blade 52 flows into the inner flow path 76. Increasing the space of the inner flow path 76 improves the performance in generating vortices in the air flowing above the first blade 52. However, if the width 76W formed in the front-to-back direction is too large, the amount of air flowing towards the second outlet 16 may decrease.

[0108] Therefore, the width 76W formed by the internal flow path 76 in the front-to-back direction is smaller than the length 76L formed by the internal flow path 76 in the left-to-right direction.

[0109] The width 76W of the inner flow path 76 in the front-to-back direction is smaller than the length 14L of the first discharge outlet 14 in the front-to-back direction. The width 76W of the inner flow path 76 in the front-to-back direction can be less than half the length 14L of the first discharge outlet 14 in the front-to-back direction.

[0110] An internal flow path 76 is formed to the side of the first discharge port 14. A second discharge port 16 is disposed in front of the first discharge port 14. Furthermore, the length of the second discharge port 16 in the left-right direction can correspond to the length of the first discharge port 14 in the left-right direction.

[0111] Therefore, with the first blade 52 closing the first discharge port 14, the air flowing forward along the discharge path 70 can flow to the second discharge port 16.

[0112] However, the inner flow path 76 is formed laterally at the front end of the first blade 52, so air that gathers at the left and right sides of the first blade 52 can flow into the inner flow path 76. Therefore, air stagnation on the left and right sides of the first blade 52 can be prevented. This can prevent condensation from occurring on the first blade 52.

[0113] Reference Figure 4 This describes the configuration of the front blades and their surrounding area at the second discharge port 16.

[0114] The first discharge path 72 may have a downward sloping shape. The second discharge path 74 is formed above the first discharge outlet 14.

[0115] Air flowing from the first discharge path 72 to the second discharge path 74 can flow towards the first discharge port 14. Additionally, air flowing from the first discharge path 72 to the second discharge path 74 can flow along the upper surface of the first blade 52. Air flowing along the upper surface of the first blade 52 can flow towards the second discharge port 16 or the third discharge port 18.

[0116] The second discharge flow path 74 can be connected to the inner flow path 76 at the front. The second discharge flow path 74 and the inner flow path 76 can be configured at an angle.

[0117] The first blade 52 can be configured at the first discharge outlet 14. The first blade 52 can be configured at the first discharge outlet 14 to close the first discharge outlet 14. The first blade 52 can descend from the first discharge outlet 14 to open the first discharge outlet 14.

[0118] The lower surface of the housing 10 may be formed as an inclined surface that slopes upward in a forward direction. When the first blade 52 closes the first discharge port 14, the first blade 52 may be configured to align with the lower surface of the housing 10.

[0119] When the first blade 52 closes the first discharge port 14, the first blade 52 can be configured to tilt forward.

[0120] A forward blade 36 is provided at the second discharge outlet 16. A plurality of forward blades 36 are provided at the second discharge outlet 16. The plurality of forward blades 36 are arranged at intervals in the vertical direction.

[0121] A plurality of forward blades 36 may be arranged tilted upwards and forwards. The tilt angle (or "tilt angle of the forward blade") θ1 formed by the forward blades 36 and the imaginary horizontal plane may be greater than the tilt angle (or "tilt angle of the first blade") θ2 formed by the first blade 52 and the imaginary horizontal plane when the first discharge port 14 is closed.

[0122] The length 36L of each of the plurality of front blades 36 extending in the front-rear direction is formed to be longer than the interval D1 between the plurality of front blades 36 in the vertical direction.

[0123] The upper surface of the first blade 52 may be formed as an inclined surface that slopes downward from the front end. The upper surface of the first blade 52 may also be formed as a curved surface that slopes downward from the front end.

[0124] An internal flow path 76 and a third discharge outlet 18 are arranged on one side of the front portion of the first discharge outlet 14. The width 76W of the internal flow path 76 in the front-rear direction can be formed to be less than half the length 52L of the first blade 52 in the front-rear direction.

[0125] The width 76W formed by the inner flow path 76 in the front-to-back direction is smaller than the height 76H formed by the inner flow path 76 in the vertical direction.

[0126] The thickness of each front blade 36 in the vertical direction decreases from the rear to the front.

[0127] Reference Figure 5 This describes the side blades and their surrounding area configured at the third discharge outlet.

[0128] The internal flow path 76 extends laterally from the first discharge port 14. The third discharge port 18 is formed on the side of the housing 10. The third discharge port 18 is configured to be spaced apart from the first discharge port 14 by a predetermined interval in the left-right direction.

[0129] The internal flow path 76 guides the air flowing above the first blade 52 to the third discharge outlet 18.

[0130] The length 76L of the inner flow path 76 extending in the left-right direction is longer than the height 76H of the inner flow path 76 in the up-down direction.

[0131] The upper surface of the first blade 52 forms a surface that slopes downward at either the left or right end. The upper surface of the first blade 52 also forms a curved surface that slopes downward at either the left or right end.

[0132] A side blade 38 is provided at the third discharge outlet 18. A plurality of side blades 38 spaced apart in the vertical direction are provided at the third discharge outlet 18.

[0133] The lateral blade 38 forms an inclined surface extending outward and upward. The lateral blade 38 forms an inclined surface tilting upward.

[0134] The length of the side blades 38 can be constant or greater to guide the airflow. The length 38L of each of the plurality of side blades 38 extending in the left-right direction is formed to be longer than the interval D2 between the plurality of side blades 38 in the up-down direction.

[0135] The length 18H of the third outlet 18 in the vertical direction is longer than the length 38L of the lateral blades 38 in the horizontal direction.

[0136] Reference Figure 6 and Figure 7 This illustrates the airflow caused by the rotation of the fan.

[0137] As the fan 40 rotates, the air flowing into the intake 12 flows toward the first exhaust 14, the second exhaust 16, and the third exhaust 18. The air also flows downwards from the fan 40 due to its rotation.

[0138] That is, such as Figure 6 As shown, air flows through the first discharge path 72 formed by the stabilizer 50 and the inner body 44 due to the rotation of the fan 40.

[0139] The air flowing through the first discharge path 72 flows through the second discharge path 74 formed above the first blade 52. With the first discharge outlet 14 closed by the first blade 52, the air flows into the second discharge path 74 formed above the first blade 52.

[0140] Air flows forward of the second discharge path 74. Therefore, most of the air is discharged through the second discharge port 16 located in front of the second discharge path 74.

[0141] However, the air flowing along both sides of the second discharge flow path 74 may form vortices due to friction with the internal wall. Thus, the air flowing along both sides of the second discharge flow path 74 can flow into the inner flow path 76 formed in the left and right direction in front of the first blade 52.

[0142] A portion of the air flowing in the second discharge path 74 flows through the inner flow path 76 and is discharged from the third discharge outlet 18. The inner flow path 76 can improve the flow of air stagnating above the first blade 52 in the left-right direction. That is, it can remove condensation formed at the left and right ends of the first blade 52.

[0143] The preferred embodiments of the present disclosure have been illustrated and described above. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments described above, and various modifications can obviously be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure as claimed in the claims. These modifications should not be understood solely from the technical concept or prospect of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. An air conditioner, wherein, include: The housing has an intake port, a first discharge port disposed on the lower surface, a second discharge port disposed on the front surface, and a third discharge port disposed on both sides. A fan is disposed inside the housing and creates airflow; as well as The blades open and close the first discharge port; The air flowing from the fan flows in the order of the first discharge port and the second discharge port; An internal flow path is formed inside the housing, extending from the front portion of the first discharge port toward the third discharge port.

2. The air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein, The third discharge port is configured to be spaced apart from the first discharge port in the left-right direction.

3. The air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein, The internal flow path extends in a left-right direction to the left and right sides of the first discharge port.

4. The air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein, The internal flow path is formed above the first discharge port.

5. The air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein, The width of the internal flow path in the front-to-back direction is less than half the width of the first discharge port in the front-to-back direction.

6. The air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein, The length of the internal flow path extending in the left-right direction is longer than the width of the internal flow path in the front-back direction.

7. The air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein, A first discharge flow path and a second discharge flow path are formed inside the housing; The first discharge path is formed below the fan and delivers the air flowing downwards from the fan to the front; The second discharge path, located downstream of the first discharge path, delivers the air flowing above the first discharge outlet to the second discharge outlet; The second discharge path is connected to the inner path.

8. The air conditioner according to claim 7, wherein, When the blade closes the first discharge port, the second discharge flow path is formed above the blade.

9. The air conditioner according to claim 7, wherein, A second discharge port is disposed in front of the second discharge flow path, and an inner flow path is disposed to the side of the second discharge flow path.

10. The air conditioner according to claim 7, wherein, The left-right width of the second discharge path is greater than the left-right width of the first discharge path.

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