Air conditioner

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to an air conditioner. The air conditioner according to an aspect of the present disclosure comprises: a case having a fan disposed therein; a panel which is disposed at the lower side of the case and has a discharge port formed thereon; and a vane assembly disposed at the discharge port, wherein the vane assembly comprises: a first vane rotatably disposed at the discharge port; a second vane rotatably disposed at the discharge port and spaced apart from the first vane; first motors coupled to the first vane; and second motors coupled to the second vane and disposed separately from the respective first motors. Therefore, by independently driving the first vane and the second vane, airflow can be directed in various directions.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an air conditioner, and more particularly, to an indoor unit of an air conditioner installed on a ceiling.[Background Art]

[0002] An air conditioner is an apparatus that heatexchanges a sucked air and supplies the heat-exchanged air to a room.

[0003] An air conditioner includes an indoor unit having an intake port and a discharge port. The indoor unit is installed in an indoor space and supplies the sucked, heat-exchanged air to a room through the discharge port.

[0004] A vane that controls the airflow direction can be installed in the discharge port of the indoor unit. The vane can be movably disposed in the discharge port, and the airflow direction is controlled by the movement of the vane.

[0005] The indoor unit can have a plurality of vanes, and the plurality of vanes can be connected to each other through a link. The plurality of vanes can be rotated together by a driving motor.

[0006] However, conventional air conditioners have a problem in that each vane does not have a degree of freedom because the plurality of vanes are connected to each other through a link. Therefore, there is a problem in that conventional air conditioners can only blow airflow in a set direction.[Disclosure][Technical Problem]

[0007] An object of the present disclosure is to solve the aforementioned problems and other problems.

[0008] Another object of the present disclosure may be to supply airflow in various directions.

[0009] Another object of the present disclosure may be to facilitate the driving of a vane.

[0010] Another object of the present disclosure may be to simplify the link structure of a vane.

[0011] Another object of the present disclosure may be to facilitate airflow control.

[0012] The tasks of the present invention are not limited to the tasks mentioned above, and other tasks not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description below.[Technical Solution]

[0013] An air conditioner according to one aspect of the present disclosure for achieving the above-described purpose includes a case having a fan disposed therein.

[0014] The air conditioner includes a panel which is disposed at a lower side of the case, and has a discharge port formed thereon.

[0015] The air conditioner includes a vane assembly disposed at the discharge port.

[0016] The vane assembly includes a first vane rotatably disposed at the discharge port.

[0017] The vane assembly includes a second vane which is rotatably disposed at the discharge port, and spaced apart from the first vane.

[0018] The vane assembly includes a first motor coupled to the first vane.

[0019] The vane assembly includes a second motor which is coupled to the second vane, and disposed separately from the first motor.

[0020] The first vane and the second vane are driven independently of each other.

[0021] The vane assembly includes a first rotation shaft connecting the first motor and the first vane.

[0022] The vane assembly includes a second rotation shaft connecting the second motor and the second vane.

[0023] The vane assembly includes a first link connecting the first motor and the first vane.

[0024] The vane assembly includes a second link which is spaced from the first link, and connected to the first vane.

[0025] The vane assembly includes a link coupling portion which is connected to the first link and the second link, and protrudes from the first vane.

[0026] The air conditioner includes a housing which accommodates the first motor and the second motor are, and is coupled to the panel.

[0027] The housing includes a first opening through which a wire of the first motor passes.

[0028] The housing includes a second opening through which a wire of the second motor passes.

[0029] The panel includes a panel lower wall disposed at a lower side of the fan.

[0030] The panel includes a groove recessed upward from the panel lower wall.

[0031] The first vane includes a vane body which rotates at a lower side of the panel lower wall.

[0032] The first vane includes a vane protrusion which protrudes from the vane body, and is accommodated in an inner space of the groove.

[0033] The first vane includes an inner edge which rotates in an inner space of the groove.

[0034] The air conditioner includes a heat exchanger disposed inside the case.

[0035] The air conditioner includes a drain pan disposed at a lower side of the heat exchanger.

[0036] The drain pan includes a drain pan upper portion which is spaced apart from an upper side of the second vane, and faces the second vane.

[0037] The drain pan includes a drain pan lower portion which is spaced apart from a lateral side of the second vane, and protrudes toward the second vane.

[0038] The vane assembly is driven in a swing mode in which the first vane and the second vane rotate in the same direction.

[0039] In the swing mode, a difference between inclination angles of the first vane and the second vane with respect to a vertical direction is variable.

[0040] When the fan starts to drive, a speed at which the first vane rotates is faster than a speed at which the second vane rotates.

[0041] After the fan starts to drive, an amount of change in the speed at which the second vane rotates is greater than an amount of change in the speed at which the first vane rotates.

[0042] The vane assembly is driven in a multidirectional mode in which a difference between an inclination angle of the first vane and an inclination angle of the second vane with respect to a vertical direction is greater than a preset limit value.

[0043] The vane assembly is driven in a concentrated airflow mode in which a difference between an inclination angle of the first vane and an inclination angle of the second vane with respect to a vertical direction is smaller than a preset lower limit value.

[0044] Specific details of other embodiments are included in the detailed description and drawings.[Advantageous Effects]

[0045] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, airflow in various directions can be supplied by driving a first vane and a second vane.

[0046] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, the driving of a vane can be smoothly performed by a link structure connected to the first vane and the second vane.

[0047] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, each of the first vane and the second vane can be provided with degrees of freedom to provide airflow in various directions.

[0048] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, airflow in various directions can be implemented by adjusting the angles of the first vane and the second vane.

[0049] The effects of the present invention are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned can be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description of the claims.[Description of Drawings]

[0050] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an indoor unit of air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a bottom view of an indoor unit of air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of an indoor unit of air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 4 is an exploded view of a portion of an indoor unit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of an indoor unit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of an indoor unit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 7 is an operation example of an indoor unit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 8 is an operation example of an indoor unit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 9 is an operation example of an indoor unit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 10 is a contour illustrating the effect of an indoor unit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 11 is an operation example of an indoor unit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Mode for Invention]

[0051] Description will now be given in detail according to exemplary embodiments disclosed herein, with reference to the accompanying drawings. For the sake of brief description with reference to the drawings, the same or equivalent components may be denoted by the same reference numbers, and description thereof will not be repeated.

[0052] In general, suffixes such as "module" and "unit" may be used to refer to elements or components. Use of such suffixes herein is merely intended to facilitate description of the specification, and the suffixes do not have any special meaning or function.

[0053] In the present disclosure, that which is well known to one of ordinary skill in the relevant art has generally been omitted for the sake of brevity. The accompanying drawings are used to assist in easy understanding of various technical features and it should be understood that the embodiments presented herein are not limited by the accompanying drawings. As such, the present disclosure should be construed to extend to any alterations, equivalents and substitutes in addition to those which are particularly set out in the accompanying drawings.

[0054] It will be understood that although the terms first, second, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another.

[0055] It will be understood that when an element is referred to as being "connected with" another element, there may be intervening elements present. In contrast, it will be understood that when an element is referred to as being "directly connected with" another element, there are no intervening elements present.

[0056] A singular representation may include a plural representation unless context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0057] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, an air conditioner 1 is described.

[0058] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an indoor unit 1 of air conditioner. FIG. 2 is a bottom view of the indoor unit 1 of air conditioner.

[0059] FIGS. 1 to 11 illustrate the indoor unit of the air conditioner 1. Hereinafter, the indoor unit 1 of the air conditioner 1 is described.

[0060] The air conditioner 1 may include a panel 10. The panel 10 may form the lower surface of the indoor unit 1. The panel 10 may be exposed to the lower side of the ceiling of the indoor space.

[0061] The air conditioner 1 may include a case 40. The case 40 may be installed on the ceiling of the indoor space. A space may be formed inside the case 40. The panel 10 may be coupled to the lower side of the case 40.

[0062] The panel 10 may include an intake port 11. Air in the indoor space may flow into the case 40 through the intake port 11.

[0063] The panel 10 may include a discharge port 12. Air flowed in through the intake port 11 may be supplied to the indoor space through the discharge port 12.

[0064] The air conditioner 1 may include an intake grill 20. The intake grill 20 may be disposed in the intake port 11.

[0065] The air conditioner 1 may include a vane assembly 30. The vane assembly 30 may be disposed in the discharge port 12.

[0066] Referring to FIG. 3, the air conditioner 1 is described.

[0067] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the indoor unit 1 taken along the line 9-9 illustrated in FIG. 2.

[0068] The intake grill 20 may include a grill hole 21. The grill hole 21 may be in communication with the indoor space. The intake port 11 may be in communication with the grill hole 21.

[0069] The air conditioner 1 may include a control box 50. The control box 50 may be disposed inside the case 40.

[0070] The air conditioner 1 may include a heat exchanger 42. The heat exchanger 42 may be disposed inside the case 40. Air flowed into the case 40 through the intake port 11 may pass through the heat exchanger 42.

[0071] The air conditioner 1 may include a fan 41. The fan 41 may be disposed inside the case 40. The fan 41 may suck the air from the indoor space through the intake port 11, and blow it out through the discharge port 12.

[0072] The air conditioner 1 may include a stabilizer 44. The stabilizer 44 may be disposed inside the case 40.

[0073] The air conditioner 1 may include a drain pan 43. The drain pan 43 may be disposed on the lower side of the heat exchanger 42.

[0074] The drain pan 43 may include a drain pan base 431. The drain pan base 431 may be disposed on the lower side of the heat exchanger 42.

[0075] The drain pan 43 may include a drain pan outer wall 432. The drain pan outer wall 432 may extend upward from the drain pan base 431. The drain pan outer wall 432 may be located on the lower side of the pan 41. The drain pan outer wall 432 may face the stabilizer 44. The discharge port 12 may be formed between the drain pan outer wall 432 and the stabilizer 44.

[0076] The vane assembly 30 may be disposed at the discharge port 12. The vane assembly 30 may be disposed at the lower side of the stabilizer 44. The vane assembly 30 may be disposed at one side of the drain pan outer wall 432.

[0077] The vane assembly 30 may include a first vane 31. The first vane 31 may be rotatably disposed at the discharge port 12.

[0078] The vane assembly 30 may include a second vane 32. The second vane 32 may be rotatably disposed in the discharge port 12.

[0079] The first vane 31 and the second vane 32 may be spaced apart. The first vane 31 may be longer than the second vane 32. The first vane 31 may be positioned further from the fan 41 than the second vane 32.

[0080] The vane assembly 30 may include a first rotation shaft 33. The first rotation shaft 33 may be connected to the first vane 31.

[0081] The vane assembly 30 may include a second rotation shaft 34. The second rotation shaft 34 may be connected to the second vane 32.

[0082] The vane assembly 30 may include a first link 35. The first link 35 may connect the first rotation shaft 34 and the first vane 31. The first link 35 may be rotatably coupled to the first vane 31.

[0083] The vane assembly 30 may include a second link 36. The second link 36 may be rotatably coupled to the first vane 31. The second link 36 may be spaced apart from the first link 35.

[0084] Referring to FIG. 4, an air conditioner 1 is described.

[0085] FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the vane assembly 30 and a portion of the indoor unit.

[0086] The vane assembly 30 may be coupled to the panel 10. The first vane 31 and the second vane 32 may be rotatably coupled to the panel 10.

[0087] The first vane 31 may include a link coupling portion 315. The link coupling portion 315 may protrude upward from the first vane 31. The first link 35 and the second link 36 may be rotatably coupled to the link coupling portion 315.

[0088] The vane assembly 30 may include a first motor 37. The first motor 37 may be fixed to the panel 10. The first motor 37 may be coupled to the first rotation shaft 33.

[0089] The vane assembly 30 may include a second motor 38. The second motor 38 may be fixed to the panel 10. The second motor 38 may be coupled to the second rotation shaft 34.

[0090] The air conditioner 1 may include a housing 60. The housing 60 may be disposed on the upper side of the panel 10. The first motor 37 and the second motor 38 may be disposed inside the housing 60. The link 35, 36 may be disposed inside the housing 60.

[0091] The housing 60 may be disposed on each of both sides of the panel 10. The links 35, 36 may be disposed on each of both sides of the vane 31, 32.

[0092] The air conditioner 1 may include a block 46. The block 46 may be disposed on the upper side of the panel 10. The block 46 may connect the panel 10 and the case 40.

[0093] The block 46 may include a plate 461. A portion of the plate 461 may be opened in the vertical direction. The plate 461 may form a discharge port 12 (see FIG. 3).

[0094] The block 46 may include a leg 462. The leg 462 may protrude downward from the plate 461. The leg 462 may be coupled to the panel 10.

[0095] The block 46 may include a supporter 463. A plurality of supporters 463 may be disposed to be spaced apart from each other in the extension direction of the plate 461. The supporters 463 may extend toward the stabilizer 44.

[0096] The air conditioner 1 may include an auxiliary vane 45. The auxiliary vane 45 may be disposed on the upper side of the first vane 31. The auxiliary vane 45 may be disposed on the upper side of the second vane 32.

[0097] The auxiliary vane 45 may include an auxiliary shaft 451. The auxiliary shaft 451 may extend parallel to the first and second vanes 31, 32.

[0098] The auxiliary vane 45 may include a rib 452. The rib 452 may protrude from the auxiliary shaft 451. A plurality of ribs 452 may be formed spaced apart from each other in the extension direction of the auxiliary shaft 451.

[0099] Referring to FIG. 5, an air conditioner 1 is described.

[0100] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the panel 10 to which the vane assembly 30 is coupled.

[0101] The housing 60 may include a body 61. The body 61 may be coupled with the panel 10. The motor 37, 38 may be accommodated inside the body 61.

[0102] The housing 60 may include an accommodating space 62. The accommodating space 62 may be formed inside the body 61.

[0103] The housing 60 may include a first opening 63. The first opening 63 may be formed on the upper portion of the body 61.

[0104] The housing 60 may include a second opening 64. The second opening 64 may be formed on the lateral portion of the body 61.

[0105] The housing 60 may include a first motor fixing portion 65. The first motor fixing portion 65 may protrude into the housing 60.

[0106] The housing 60 may include a second motor fixing portion 67. The second motor fixing portion 67 may protrude into the housing 60.

[0107] The housing 60 may include a rotation shaft penetration portion 66. The rotation shaft penetration portion 66 may be opened on the lateral portion of the body 61.

[0108] The housing 60 may include a housing fixing portion 68. The housing fixing portion 68 may protrude outwardly from the body 61. The air conditioner may include a fastening member (not shown) penetrating the housing fixing portion 68. The fastening member may fasten the block 46 and the housing 60.

[0109] The first motor 37 may be accommodated inside the housing 60. The first motor 37 may include a first wire 371. The first wire 371 may pass through the first opening 63.

[0110] The second motor 38 may be accommodated inside the housing 60. The second motor 38 may include a second wire 381. The second wire 381 may pass through the second opening 64.

[0111] The first vane 31 may include a vane body 311. The vane body 311 may have a plate shape.

[0112] The first vane 31 may include an outer edge 312. The outer edge 312 may be rotated in a direction away from the panel 10.

[0113] The first vane 31 may include an inner edge 313. The inner edge 313 may be rotated in a direction adjacent to the panel 10.

[0114] The inner edge 313 may be disposed closer to the panel 10 than the outer edge 312.

[0115] The first vane 31 may include a vane protrusion 314. The vane protrusion 314 may protrude from the vane body 311. The vane protrusion 314 may be formed between the outer edge 312 and the inner edge 313.

[0116] The panel 10 may include a panel lower wall 101. The panel lower wall 101 may be coupled with the housing 60. The first motor 37 and the second motor 38 may be disposed on the upper side of the panel lower wall 101.

[0117] The panel 10 may include a groove 102. The groove 102 may be formed to be convex upward from the panel lower wall 101. The groove 102 may be convex in a direction away from the first vane 31. The groove 102 may be formed to be convex toward the accommodating space 62 of the housing 60. The inner edge 313 may pass through the inner space of the groove 102. Accordingly, interference between the first vane 31 and the panel 10 may be prevented. The vane protrusion 314 may be accommodated in the inner space of the groove 102, when the driving of the vane assembly 30 is stopped.

[0118] Referring to FIG. 6, the air conditioner 1 is described.

[0119] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the vane assembly 30 when it is driven.

[0120] The first vane 31 may be rotatably disposed in the discharge port 12. The first vane 31 may be rotatably coupled to the housing 60.

[0121] The first vane 31 may be coupled to the first motor 37 (see FIG. 5) through the first rotation shaft 33. The first rotation shaft 33 may be coupled to the first link 35.

[0122] The first link 35 may include a first joint 351. The first joint 351 may be rotatably coupled to the link coupling portion 315.

[0123] The second link 36 may be rotatably coupled to the first vane 31. The second link 36 may include a second joint 361. The second joint 361 may be rotatably coupled to the link coupling portion 315.

[0124] The vane assembly 30 may include a link rotation shaft 39. The link rotation shaft 39 may be rotatably disposed in the housing 60. The second link 36 may be coupled to the link rotation shaft 39.

[0125] The air conditioner 1 may include a first discharge space 121. The first discharge space 121 may be formed between the first vane 31 and the panel 10.

[0126] The air conditioner 1 may include a second discharge space 122. The second discharge space 122 may be formed between the first vane 31 and the second vane 32.

[0127] The air conditioner 1 may include a third discharge space 123. The third discharge space 123 may be formed between the second vane 32 and the drain pan 43.

[0128] The vane protrusion 314 may face the first discharge space 121. The air discharged to the first discharge space 121 may flow along the vane protrusion 314.

[0129] The vane protrusion 314 may be disposed closer to the outer edge 312 than the link coupling portion 315.

[0130] The second vane 32 may be disposed between the first vane 31 and the drain pan 43. The second vane 32 may be positioned lower than the drain pan outer wall 432.

[0131] The drain pan outer wall 432 may include an outer wall upper portion 4321. The outer wall upper portion 4321 may face the second vane 32 vertically.

[0132] The drain pan outer wall 432 may include a recessed portion 4322. The recessed portion 4322 may be curved in a direction away from the third discharge space 123.

[0133] The drain pan outer wall 32 may include an outer wall lower portion 4323. The outer wall lower portion 4323 may protrude from the recessed portion 4322 in a direction closer to the second vane 32. The outer wall lower portion 4323 may protrude toward the third discharge space 123.

[0134] Referring to FIG. 7, the air conditioner 1 is described.

[0135] FIG. 7 is a diagram explaining an example of an operation of the vane assembly 30.

[0136] The vane assembly 30 may be driven in a "swing mode". The vane assembly 30 may be driven in the same order as FIG. 7, in the swing mode. In addition, the vane assembly 30 may be driven in the reverse order of FIG. 7, in the swing mode.

[0137] The swing mode may include a plurality of steps S1 to S6. The plurality of steps S1 to S6 may be sequentially performed from a first step S1 to a sixth step S6. In addition, the plurality of steps S1 to S6 may be sequentially performed from the sixth step S6 to the first step S1.

[0138] The swing mode may be a driving mode in which the first vane 31 and the second vane 32 rotate in the same direction. However, the rotation speeds of the first vane 31 and the second vane 32 may be different from each other.

[0139] In the first step S1 of the swing mode, the first vane 31 and the second vane 32 may be inclined downward. At this time, the inclination angle θ11 of the first vane 31 with respect to the vertical direction may be smaller than the inclination angle θ21 of the second vane 32 with respect to the vertical direction.

[0140] In the second step S2 of the swing mode, the first vane 31 and the second vane 32 may be inclined downward. At this time, the inclination angle θ21 of the first vane 31 with respect to the vertical direction may be substantially the same as the inclination angle θ22 of the second vane 32 with respect to the vertical direction. When changing from the first step S1 to the second step S2, the angular displacement of the first rotation shaft 33 may be larger than the angular displacement of the second rotation shaft 34.

[0141] In the third step S3 of the swing mode, the first vane 31 and the second vane 32 may be inclined downward. At this time, the inclination angle θ31 of the first vane 31 with respect to the vertical direction may be substantially the same as the inclination angle θ32 of the second vane 32 with respect to the vertical direction. When changing from the second step S2 to the third step S3, the angular displacement of the first rotation shaft 33 may be substantially the same as the angular displacement of the second rotation shaft 34.

[0142] In a fourth step S4 of the swing mode, the first vane 31 and the second vane 32 may be inclined downward. At this time, the inclination angle θ41 of the first vane 31 with respect to the vertical direction may be larger than the inclination angle θ42 of the second vane 32 with respect to the vertical direction. When changing from the third step S3 to the fourth step S4, the angular displacement of the first rotation shaft 33 may be smaller than the angular displacement of the second rotation shaft 34.

[0143] In a fifth step S5 of the swing mode, the first vane 31 and the second vane 32 may be inclined downward. At this time, the inclination angle θ51 of the first vane 31 with respect to the vertical direction may be larger than the inclination angle θ52 of the second vane 32 with respect to the vertical direction. When changing from the fourth step S4 to the fifth step S5, the angular displacement of the first rotation shaft 33 may be smaller than the angular displacement of the second rotation shaft 34.

[0144] In a sixth step S6 of the swing mode, the first vane 31 and the second vane 32 may be inclined downward. At this time, the inclination angle θ61 of the first vane 31 with respect to the vertical direction may be substantially the same as the inclination angle θ62 of the second vane 32 with respect to the vertical direction. When changing from the fifth step S5 to the sixth step S6, the angular displacement of the first rotation shaft 33 may be larger than the angular displacement of the second rotation shaft 34.

[0145] Referring to FIG. 8, the air conditioner 1 is described.

[0146] FIG. 8 is a diagram explaining an example of an operation of the vane assembly 30.

[0147] The vane assembly 30 may be driven in an "on-off mode". The vane assembly 30 may be driven in the order of FIG. 8 in the on-off mode. In addition, the vane assembly 30 may be driven in the reverse order of FIG. 8 in the on-off mode.

[0148] The on-off mode may include a plurality of steps T1 to T4. The plurality of steps T1 to T4 may be sequentially performed from the first step T1 to the fourth step T4. In addition, the plurality of steps T1 to T4 may be sequentially performed from the fourth step T4 to the first step T1.

[0149] The on-off mode may be a driving mode in which the first vane 31 and the second vane 32 rotate in the same direction. However, the rotation speeds of the first vane 31 and the second vane 32 may be different from each other.

[0150] In the first step T1 of the on-off mode, the indoor unit 1 may be in a state where the driving is stopped. At this time, the fan 41 (see FIG. 3) may be in a stopped state. In the stopped state of the indoor unit 1, the first vane 31 may cover the discharge port 12. The first vane 31 may be disposed parallel to the panel lower wall 101. The vane protrusion 314 may be accommodated in the inner space of the groove 102. The link coupling portion 315 may face the outer wall lower end 4323. The second vane 32 may be disposed above the first vane 31. The second vane 32 may be positioned lower than the first link shaft 33. The first link 35 and the second link 36 may be inclined in the same direction. The second vane 32 may be inclined in the opposite direction to the first and second links 35, 36.

[0151] In the second step T2 of the on / off mode, the indoor unit 1 may be driven. At this time, the fan 41 (see FIG. 3) may start driving. When the indoor unit 1 starts driving, the first vane 31 may be rotated downward. The first vane 31 may open the discharge port 12. The first vane 31 may have an inclination angle θ23 with respect to the vertical direction. The second vane 32 may be extended along the horizontal direction. The angle at which the first vane 31 is inclined with respect to the vertical direction may be smaller than the angle at which the second vane 32 is inclined with respect to the vertical direction. When changing from the first step T1 to the second step T2, the angular displacement of the first rotation shaft 33 may be larger than the angular displacement of the second rotation shaft 34.

[0152] In the third step T3 of the on / off mode, the indoor unit 1 may be driven. The first vane 31 and the second vane 32 may be rotated downward. The angle θ33 at which the first vane 31 is inclined with respect to the vertical direction may be smaller than the angle θ34 at which the second vane 32 is inclined with respect to the vertical direction. When changing from the second step T2 to the third step T3, the angular displacement of the first rotation shaft 33 may be smaller than the angular displacement of the second rotation shaft 34.

[0153] In the fourth step T4 of the on-off mode, the indoor unit 1 may be driven. The first vane 31 and the second vane 32 may be rotated downward. The angle θ43 at which the first vane 31 is inclined with respect to the vertical direction may be larger than the angle θ44 at which the second vane 32 is inclined with respect to the vertical direction. When changing from the third step T3 to the fourth step T4, the angular displacement of the first rotation shaft 33 may be smaller than the angular displacement of the second rotation shaft 34.

[0154] Referring to FIGS. 9 and 10, the air conditioner 1 will be described.

[0155] FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of operation of the vane assembly 30. FIG. 10 is a contour showing the airflow in the driving mode of FIG. 9.

[0156] The vane assembly 30 may be driven in a "multidirectional mode." The multi-directional mode may be defined as a case where the difference in the inclination angles of the first vane 31 and the second vane 32 is greater than or equal to a preset limit value. Alternatively, the multi-directional mode may be defined as a case where the angular difference between the direction of the airflow flowing along the first vane 31 and the direction of the airflow flowing along the second vane 32 is greater than or equal to a preset limit value.

[0157] In the multi-directional mode, the first vane 31 and the second vane 32 may be rotated downward. In the multidirectional mode, the angle θ71 at which the first vane 31 is inclined with respect to the vertical direction may be greater than the angle θ72 at which the second vane 32 is inclined with respect to the vertical direction. The second vane 32 may be inclined more downwardly than the first vane 31.

[0158] In the multidirectional mode, the air discharged through the discharge port 12 may flow horizontally along the first vane 31. The air flowing along the first vane 31 may flow horizontally within the first discharge space 121.

[0159] In the multidirectional mode, the air discharged through the discharge port 12 may flow downwardly along the second vane 32. The air flowing along the second vane 32 may flow downwardly within the second discharge space 122.

[0160] In the multi-directional mode, the gap of the third discharge space 123 may be minimized. In the multidirectional mode, the flow rate of air flowing into the third discharge space 123 may be minimized.

[0161] The multi-directional mode may be implemented by rotating the second vane 32 at the first step S1 of the swing mode of FIG. 7. The multi-directional mode may be implemented by rotating the second rotation shaft 34 at the first step S1.

[0162] Referring to FIG. 11, the air conditioner 1 is described.

[0163] FIG. 11 is a diagram explaining an example of an operation of the vane assembly 30.

[0164] The vane assembly 30 may be driven in a "concentrated airflow mode". The concentrated airflow mode may be defined as a state in which the difference in the inclined angles between the first vane 31 and the second vane 32 is less than a preset lower limit value. Alternatively, the concentrated airflow mode may be defined as a state in which the angle difference between the direction of the airflow flowing along the first vane 31 and the direction of the airflow flowing along the second vane 32 is less than a preset lower limit value.

[0165] In the concentrated airflow mode, the angle θ81 at which the first vane 31 is inclined with respect to the vertical direction may be substantially the same as the angle θ82 at which the second vane 32 is inclined with respect to the vertical direction.

[0166] In addition, in the concentrated airflow mode, even when the first and second vanes 31, 32 are rotated, the angle θ83 at which the first vane 31 is inclined with respect to the vertical direction may be substantially the same as the angle θ84 at which the second vane 32 is inclined with respect to the vertical direction.

[0167] In the concentrated airflow mode, the angular displacement of the first rotation shaft 33 may be larger than the angular displacement of the second rotation shaft 34. This may be because, since the first vane 31 is connected to the first rotation shaft 33 through the link 35, 36, even if each rotation shaft 33, 34 is rotated at the same angle, the angular change is not large in comparison with the second vane 32.

[0168] In the concentrated airflow mode, the air discharged through the discharge port 12 may flow to the first to third discharge spaces 121, 122, 123. In the concentrated airflow mode, the air discharged through the discharge port 12 may flow along the first and second vanes 31, 32.

[0169] The concentrated airflow mode may be implemented by rotating the second vane 32 toward the first vane 31, at respective steps S1 to S6 of the swing mode of FIG. 7. The concentrated airflow mode may be implemented by rotating the second rotation shaft 34 toward the first vane 31, at respective steps S1 to S6 of the swing mode.

[0170] Although the present invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments shown in the drawings, it is apparent to those skilled in the art that the present description is not limited to those exemplary embodiments and is embodied in many forms without departing from the scope of the present invention, which is described in the following claims. These modifications should not be individually understood from the technical spirit or scope of the present invention.

[0171] The present disclosure may be implemented in various modified forms, and the scope of the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above. Therefore, if a modified embodiment includes an element of the claims of the present disclosure, it should be considered to fall within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0172] Certain embodiments or other embodiments of the disclosure described above are not mutually exclusive or distinct from each other. Any or all elements of the embodiments of the disclosure described above may be combined with another or combined with each other in configuration or function.

[0173] For example, a configuration "A" described in one embodiment of the disclosure and the drawings and a configuration "B" described in another embodiment of the disclosure and the drawings may be combined with each other. Namely, although the combination between the configurations is not directly described, the combination is possible except in the case where it is described that the combination is impossible.

[0174] Although embodiments have been described with reference to a number of illustrative embodiments thereof, it should be understood that numerous other modifications and embodiments can be devised by those skilled in the art that will fall within the scope of the principles of this disclosure. More particularly, various variations and modifications are possible in the component parts and / or arrangements of the subject combination arrangement within the scope of the disclosure, the drawings and the appended claims. In addition to variations and modifications in the component parts and / or arrangements, alternative uses will also be apparent to those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. An air conditioner comprising: a case having a fan disposed therein; a panel which is disposed at a lower side of the case, and has a discharge port formed thereon; and a vane assembly disposed at the discharge port, wherein the vane assembly comprises: a first vane rotatably disposed at the discharge port; a second vane which is rotatably disposed at the discharge port, and spaced apart from the first vane; a first motor coupled to the first vane; and a second motor which is coupled to the second vane, and disposed separately from the first motor.

2. The air conditioner of claim 1, wherein the first vane and the second vane are driven independently of each other.

3. The air conditioner of claim 1, wherein the vane assembly comprises: a first rotation shaft connecting the first motor and the first vane; and a second rotation shaft connecting the second motor and the second vane.

4. The air conditioner of claim 1, wherein the vane assembly comprises: a first link connecting the first motor and the first vane; and a second link which is spaced from the first link, and connected to the first vane.

5. The air conditioner of claim 4, wherein the vane assembly comprises a link coupling portion which is connected to the first link and the second link, and protrudes from the first vane.

6. The air conditioner of claim 1, further comprising a housing which accommodates the first motor and the second motor are, and is coupled to the panel.

7. The air conditioner of claim 6, wherein the housing comprises: a first opening through which a wire of the first motor passes; and a second opening through which a wire of the second motor passes.

8. The air conditioner of claim 1, wherein the panel comprises: a panel lower wall disposed at a lower side of the fan; and a groove recessed upward from the panel lower wall, wherein the first vane comprises: a vane body which rotates at a lower side of the panel lower wall; and a vane protrusion which protrudes from the vane body, and is accommodated in an inner space of the groove.

9. The air conditioner of claim 1, wherein the panel comprises: a panel lower wall disposed at a lower side of the fan; and a groove recessed upward from the panel lower wall, wherein the first vane comprises an inner edge which rotates in an inner space of the groove.

10. The air conditioner of claim 1, further comprising: a heat exchanger disposed inside the case; and a drain pan disposed at a lower side of the heat exchanger, wherein the drain pan comprises a drain pan upper portion which is spaced apart from an upper side of the second vane, and faces the second vane.

11. The air conditioner of claim 1, further comprising: a heat exchanger disposed inside the case; and a drain pan disposed at a lower side of the heat exchanger, wherein the drain pan comprises a drain pan lower portion which is spaced apart from a lateral side of the second vane, and protrudes toward the second vane.

12. The air conditioner of claim 1, wherein the vane assembly is driven in a swing mode in which the first vane and the second vane rotate in the same direction.

13. The air conditioner of claim 12, wherein in the swing mode, a difference between inclination angles of the first vane and the second vane with respect to a vertical direction is variable.

14. The air conditioner of claim 1, wherein, when the fan starts to drive, a speed at which the first vane rotates is faster than a speed at which the second vane rotates.

15. The air conditioner of claim 1, wherein, after the fan starts to drive, an amount of change in the speed at which the second vane rotates is greater than an amount of change in the speed at which the first vane rotates.

16. The air conditioner of claim 1, wherein the vane assembly is driven in a multi-directional mode in which a difference between an inclination angle of the first vane and an inclination angle of the second vane with respect to a vertical direction is greater than a preset limit value.

17. The air conditioner of claim 1, wherein the vane assembly is driven in a concentrated airflow mode in which a difference between an inclination angle of the first vane and an inclination angle of the second vane with respect to a vertical direction is smaller than a preset lower limit value.

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