Air conditioner
Patent Information
- Application Number
- KR1020200111201
- Authority / Receiving Office
- KR · KR
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2020-09-01
- Publication Date
- 2026-09-29
- Estimated Expiration
- 2040-09-01
Smart Images

Figure 112020092459151-PAT00002_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technology Field
[0001] The present disclosure relates to an air conditioner, and more specifically, to an air conditioner having an improved airflow control structure. Background Technology
[0002] An air conditioner is a device that uses a refrigeration cycle to maintain comfortable indoor air suitable for human activity. An air conditioner can cool an indoor space by repeatedly drawing in hot indoor air, exchanging heat with a low-temperature refrigerant, and then discharging it back into the room, or it can heat the room through the opposite process.
[0003] Meanwhile, air conditioners also provide dehumidification functions along with cooling. While the dehumidification function provided by general air conditioners is accompanied by a cooling effect, there is a need to implement a dehumidification function that does not include a cooling effect to meet the demands of users who desire pure dehumidification.
[0004] Recently, active research is being conducted on air conditioners capable of maintaining a comfortable indoor temperature while making the cooling airflow almost imperceptible by minimizing the air discharge velocity through the outlet. The problem to be solved
[0005] One aspect of the present invention provides an air conditioner that can maintain a comfortable indoor temperature or humidity without the user feeling the cooling airflow of the air conditioner.
[0006] Another aspect of the present invention provides an air conditioner that can reduce manufacturing costs by using components of a conventional air conditioner. means of solving the problem
[0007] An air conditioner according to the concept of the present invention comprises: a housing; a heat exchanger provided inside the housing; a blower that discharges air that has been heat-exchanged with the heat exchanger toward the front; and a guide panel that covers the blower from the front, forms an outlet through which air discharged by the blower is discharged together with the housing, and guides a portion of the air discharged to the outside through the outlet to flow downward, wherein the guide panel may include an outer panel; and an inner panel coupled to the outer panel and forming an intake path through which a portion of the air around the outlet is sucked in together with the outer panel.
[0008] The above guide panel may further include a suction fan positioned on the suction channel and arranged to form an airflow inside the suction channel.
[0009] The inner panel is positioned behind the outer panel, and at least a portion of the suction channel may be positioned between the outer panel and the inner panel.
[0010] The above intake channel may include an inlet that communicates with the outlet and through which some of the air around the outlet is introduced, and an outlet that discharges the air introduced from the inlet into the housing.
[0011] The above inlet may extend along the left, top, and right ends of the guide panel.
[0012] The above inlet includes a plurality of inlets, and each of the plurality of inlets may be formed at the left end, the top end, and the right end of the guide panel.
[0013] The above suction channel may be a plurality of suction channels, each suction channel corresponding to each of the plurality of inlets, and the suction fan may be a plurality of suction fans, each suction fan corresponding to each of the plurality of suction channels.
[0014] The outlet is positioned to surround the left, top, and right ends of the guide panel, and the inner panel is positioned in front of the blower to guide the air discharged by the blower toward the outlet.
[0015] The above outlet may include a first area adjacent to the left end of the guide panel, a second area adjacent to the top of the guide panel, and a third area adjacent to the right end of the guide panel.
[0016] The guide panel above can guide a portion of the air passing through the first area into the inlet so that the remainder is directed toward the right, guide a portion of the air passing through the second area into the inlet so that the remainder is directed toward the downward, and guide a portion of the air passing through the third area into the inlet so that the remainder is directed toward the left.
[0017] The outer panel may include a guide surface that is connected to one side of the inlet and guides air discharged to the outside from the outlet to the center of the outer panel.
[0018] The above outlet includes a first area adjacent to the left end of the guide panel, a second area adjacent to the top of the guide panel, and a third area adjacent to the right end of the guide panel, and the guide surface may include a first curved surface portion that guides air discharged from the first area toward the right, a second curved surface portion that guides air discharged from the second area toward the downward, and a third curved surface portion that guides air discharged from the third area toward the left.
[0019] The suction fan can be positioned at the rear of the inner panel.
[0020] The above guide panel is coupled to the rear surface of the inner panel and further includes an outlet duct in which a part of the suction channel is formed inside and an outlet is provided at one end, and the suction fan can be disposed inside the outlet duct.
[0021] The inner panel may include a coupling hook that protrudes rearward from the rear of the inner panel and is fixed to the housing.
[0022] An air conditioner according to the concept of the present invention comprises: a housing; a blower provided inside the housing; a guide panel disposed in front of the blower, which guides air discharged by the blower toward the corner of the guide panel; and a guide rib disposed to surround the corner of the guide panel to form a flow path together with the guide panel, and protruding from the housing toward the front of the guide panel; wherein the inner surface of the guide panel guides the air discharged by the blower to the guide rib, and the guide rib can guide the air guided by the guide panel toward the center of the outer surface of the guide panel.
[0023] The guide rib may include a first rib portion covering the left corner of the guide panel and protruding from the left end of the housing, a second rib portion covering the upper corner of the guide panel and protruding from the upper end of the housing, and a third rib portion covering the right corner of the guide panel and protruding from the right end of the housing.
[0024] The first rib portion guides the air guided by the guide panel toward the right, the second rib portion guides the air guided by the guide panel toward the downward, and the third rib portion guides the air guided by the guide panel toward the left.
[0025] The guide rib can be bent toward the center of the guide panel.
[0026] The outer surface of the above guide panel may be bent convexly toward the front or concavely toward the rear. Effects of the invention
[0027] Air discharged through the outlet of an air conditioner according to the concept of the present invention is guided by a guide panel and moves downwards toward the air conditioner. Accordingly, a user located at a distance from the air conditioner can control the indoor temperature or humidity without feeling the direct cooling airflow.
[0028] Since the main body frame and internal components of the main body frame of a conventional air conditioner can be utilized as they are, and only the front frame and guide panel are separately mounted, an air conditioner according to the concept of the present invention can be manufactured, thereby reducing the manufacturing cost. Brief explanation of the drawing
[0029] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view showing the air conditioner illustrated in Figure 1 disassembled. FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view showing the guide panel illustrated in FIG. 2 disassembled. Figure 4 is a drawing showing the rear side of the guide panel illustrated in Figure 2. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing the cross-section at the indicator line V-V' of the air conditioner shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing a portion of the cross-section along the indicator line VI-VI' of the air conditioner shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating a case where the air conditioner shown in FIG. 1 includes a guide panel according to another embodiment. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing the cross-section at the indicator line Ⅷ-Ⅷ' of the air conditioner shown in FIG. 7. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing a portion of the cross-section along the indicator line IX-IX' of the air conditioner shown in FIG. 7. FIG. 10 is a drawing illustrating an air conditioner according to another embodiment. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing the cross-section along the indicator line XI-XI' of the air conditioner shown in FIG. 10. FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view showing the cross-section along the indicator line XII-XII' of the air conditioner shown in FIG. 10. FIG. 13 is a perspective view of an air conditioner according to another embodiment. FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view showing the cross-section along the indicator line XIV-XIV' of the air conditioner shown in FIG. 13. FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view showing the cross-section along the indicator line XV-XV' of the air conditioner shown in FIG. 13. FIG. 16 is a drawing illustrating a case where the air conditioner shown in FIG. 13 includes a guide panel according to another embodiment. Specific details for implementing the invention
[0030] The embodiments described in this specification and the configurations illustrated in the drawings are merely preferred examples of the disclosed invention, and various modifications that may replace the embodiments and drawings of this specification may exist at the time of filing this application.
[0031] Additionally, the same reference numerals or symbols presented in each drawing of this specification represent parts or components that perform substantially the same function.
[0032] Furthermore, the terms used in this specification are for describing embodiments and are not intended to limit or / or restrict the disclosed invention. Singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this specification, terms such as "comprising" or "having" are intended to indicate the existence of the features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in the specification, and do not preclude the existence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof.
[0033] Additionally, terms including ordinal numbers, such as "first," "second," etc., as used herein may be used to describe various components, but said components are not limited by said terms, and said terms are used solely for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another. For example, without departing from the scope of the present invention, the first component may be named the second component, and similarly, the second component may be named the first component. The term "and / or" includes a combination of a plurality of related described items or any one of a plurality of related described items.
[0034] Meanwhile, terms such as "front," "rear," "left," and "right" used in the following description are defined based on the drawings, and the shape and position of each component are not limited by these terms. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 2, the direction (X) in which the guide panel separates from the housing is defined as the front, and based on this, the rear, left and right directions and up and down directions are defined.
[0035] Hereinafter, embodiments according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.
[0036] The refrigeration cycle of an air conditioner consists of a compressor, a condenser, an expansion valve, and an evaporator. The refrigeration cycle repeats a series of processes consisting of compression, condensation, expansion, and evaporation, and supplies low-temperature air to the room after high-temperature air exchanges heat with low-temperature refrigerant.
[0037] The compressor compresses the refrigerant gas to a high-temperature, high-pressure state and discharges it, and the discharged refrigerant gas flows into the condenser. The condenser condenses the compressed refrigerant into a liquid state, releasing heat into the surroundings through this condensation process. The expansion valve expands the high-temperature, high-pressure liquid refrigerant condensed in the condenser into a low-pressure liquid refrigerant. The evaporator evaporates the refrigerant expanded by the expansion valve. The evaporator achieves a refrigeration effect by utilizing the latent heat of vaporization of the refrigerant to exchange heat with the object being cooled, and returns the low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant gas to the compressor. Through this cycle, the air temperature of the indoor space can be controlled.
[0038] The outdoor unit of an air conditioner refers to the part of the refrigeration cycle consisting of the compressor and the outdoor heat exchanger. The expansion valve may be located in either the indoor or outdoor unit, and the indoor heat exchanger is located in the indoor unit of the air conditioner.
[0039] The present invention relates to an air conditioner for cooling an indoor space, wherein the outdoor heat exchanger functions as a condenser and the indoor heat exchanger functions as an evaporator. For convenience, the indoor unit including the indoor heat exchanger is referred to as an air conditioner, and the indoor heat exchanger is referred to as a heat exchanger.
[0040] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing the air conditioner illustrated in FIG. 1 disassembled.
[0041] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the air conditioner (1) comprises a housing (10) having an inlet (not shown) formed on the rear and an outlet (4) formed on the front, a heat exchanger (2, see FIG. 5) disposed inside the housing (10) and exchanging heat with air introduced into the housing (10) through the inlet, and a blower (3) that discharges the air that has exchanged heat with the heat exchanger (2) toward the outlet (4). The blower (3) may be disposed in front of the heat exchanger (2). The blower (3) may suck in air located behind the blower (3) and discharge it to the front of the blower (3). The housing (10) may form the upper and lower surfaces, left and right surfaces, and the rear of the air conditioner (1), and may form a part of the front.
[0042] Specifically, the housing (10) may include a main body frame (12) in which a blower (3), a heat exchanger (2), and various electrical components are accommodated, and a front frame (11) positioned in front of the main body frame (12) to form a part of the front of the air conditioner (1). The front frame (11) may be positioned in front of the main body frame (12).
[0043] The front frame (11) corresponds to a blower (3) disposed inside the main body frame (12) and may include a blower hole (13) provided to allow air discharged by the blower (3) to pass through. An opening (14) open toward the front may be formed on the front of the front frame (11) so that a guide panel (100), described later, may be disposed inside. The front frame (11) may include a hook groove (15) to which a coupling hook (150, see FIG. 4) of the guide panel (100), described later, is coupled.
[0044] The air conditioner (1) may include a guide panel (100) that forms the front of the air conditioner (1) and is positioned in front of the blower (3) to cover the blower (3). The guide panel (100) may be positioned inside the opening (14) of the front frame (11).
[0045] The guide panel (100) can form an outlet (4) of the air conditioner (1) together with the front frame (11). Specifically, the space between the outer periphery of the opening (14) and the guide panel (100) may correspond to the outlet (4). Since the guide panel (100) is spaced forward from the blower hole (13), air discharged forward by the blower (3) can pass through the blower path (5, see FIG. 5) formed between the blower hole (13) and the guide panel (100) and be discharged to the outside of the air conditioner (1) through the outlet (4).
[0046] At this time, the guide panel (100) can control the airflow by drawing a portion of the air passing through the outlet (4) into the interior of the guide panel (100) so that the remainder flows toward the lower side of the air conditioner (1). In this way, the air discharged from the outlet (4) moves toward the lower side of the air conditioner (1) rather than toward the front, upper, or side of the air conditioner (1), so that the user does not feel the cooling wind speed of the air conditioner (1) while maintaining a comfortable indoor temperature or humidity.
[0047] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view showing the guide panel shown in FIG. 2. FIG. 4 is a drawing showing the rear view of the guide panel shown in FIG. 2. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing the section along the indicator line V-V' of the air conditioner shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing a part of the section along the indicator line VI-VI' of the air conditioner shown in FIG. 1.
[0048] The structure and operation of the guide panel will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.
[0049] Referring to FIGS. 3 to 6, the guide panel (100) may include an outer panel (110) forming the front of the air conditioner (1), and an inner panel (120) positioned at the rear of the outer panel (110) and coupled to the outer panel (110), having a coupling hook (150) formed thereon to secure the guide panel (100) to the front frame (11).
[0050] The guide panel (100) may include a coupling hook (150). The coupling hook (150) may protrude from the rear of the inner panel (120), extend toward the rear, and then be bent downward to have an L-shape. As the coupling hook (150) is inserted from top to bottom into a hook groove (15) formed in the front frame (11), the guide panel (100) can be detachably fixed to the front frame (11).
[0051] The guide panel (100) may include a suction channel (130) through which a portion of the air discharged from the outlet (4) can be sucked in. Specifically, the suction channel (130) may be formed between the outer panel (110) and the inner panel (120) as the outer panel (110) and the inner panel (120) are combined. That is, the suction channel (130) may be formed by the outer panel (110) and the inner panel (120).
[0052] Specifically, the outer panel (110) may include a front plate (111) forming the front exterior of the air conditioner (1) and a first inner wall (112) coupled to the rear of the front plate (111), and the inner panel (120) may include a rear plate (121) forming the rear of the guide panel (100) and a second inner wall (122) coupled to the front of the rear plate (121).
[0053] The first inner wall (112) and the second inner wall (122) are spaced apart from each other, and a suction channel (130) can be formed between the first inner wall (112) and the second inner wall (122) by the first inner wall (112) and the second inner wall (122).
[0054] Specifically, the first inner wall (112) may include a first duct wall (112a) and a plurality of fastening parts (112b) protruding rearward from the first duct wall (112a). The second inner wall (122) may include a second duct wall (122a) and a plurality of coupling parts (122b) corresponding to the plurality of fastening parts (112b) and protruding forward from the second duct wall (122a). The suction passage (130) may be formed between the first duct wall (112a) and the second duct wall (122a). That is, the suction passage (130) may correspond to the spaced-out space between the first duct wall (112a) and the second duct wall (122a).
[0055] Each of the plurality of connecting parts (122b) may be inserted into and connected to the corresponding connecting part (112b). However, this is not limited thereto, and each of the plurality of connecting parts (112b) may be inserted into and connected to the corresponding connecting part (122b). Since the connecting part (122b) protrudes from the front of the second duct wall (122a) or the connecting part (112b) protrudes from the rear of the first duct wall (112a), the first inner wall (112) and the second inner wall (122) may be connected to each other such that when the connecting part (122b) and the connecting part (112b) are connected, the first duct wall (112a) and the second duct wall (122a) are spaced apart from each other. In other words, the first inner wall (112) and the second inner wall (122) may be connected to each other only at the fastening part (112b) and the joining part (122b), respectively, and the remaining parts may be spaced apart from each other.
[0056] The vertical length (Z) of the first inner wall (112) may be smaller than the vertical length (Z) of the front plate (111). The vertical length (Z) of the second inner wall (122) may be smaller than the vertical length (Z) of the rear plate (121).
[0057] An outer panel (110) can be formed by combining the first inner wall (112) and the front plate (111). An inner panel (120) can be formed by combining the second inner wall (122) and the rear plate (121). However, this is not limited thereto, and the front plate (111) and the first inner wall (112) can be formed integrally, and the rear plate (121) and the second inner wall (122) can be formed integrally. Additionally, the outer panel (110) and the inner panel (120) can be formed integrally.
[0058] The guide panel (100) may include an inlet (131) corresponding to the entrance of the suction channel (130). The inlet (131) may extend along the left end, the top end, and the right end of the guide panel (100). The inlet (131) may extend along the outlet (4) to correspond to the outlet (4). The portion of the inlet (131) extending along the left end of the guide panel (100) and the portion of the inlet (131) extending along the right end of the guide panel (100) may each have an up-and-down length (Z) that is less than or equal to the up-and-down length (Z) of the guide panel (100).
[0059] Specifically, the inlet (131) may include a first gap (131a) which is a spaced-apart space between the left corner of the outer panel (110) and the left corner of the inner panel (120), a second gap (131b) which is a spaced-apart space between the upper corner of the outer panel (110) and the upper corner of the inner panel (120), and a third gap (131c) which is a spaced-apart space between the right corner of the outer panel (110) and the right corner of the inner panel (120).
[0060] The first to third gap sections (131a-c) may be provided as a single unit connected to one another. However, this is not limited thereto, and the first to third gap sections (131a-c) may be partitioned so as not to be connected to one another. In this case, each of the first to third gap sections (131a-c) may correspond to a single inlet (131), and the guide panel (100) may be seen as having a plurality of inlets (131).
[0061] The guide panel (100) may include an outlet (132) corresponding to the outlet of the intake passage (130). The outlet (132) may be positioned on the rear surface of the guide panel (100). The outlet (132) may be opened upward, downward, left, or right rather than rearward to be less affected by the blower fan (3) that discharges air forward. Air inside the intake passage (130) may be discharged into the housing (10) through the outlet (132). In other words, the intake passage (130) may be connected to the blower passage (5) at the outlet (132). The outlet (132) may include a plurality of outlets (132).
[0062] The guide panel (100) may include a suction fan (141) that forms an airflow in the suction path (130). The suction fan (141) may include a plurality of suction fans (141). When the suction fan (141) is operated, some of the air around the outlet (4) may be drawn into the interior of the suction path (130) through the inlet (131), and the air drawn in through the inlet (131) may be discharged into the interior of the housing (10) through the outlet (132) of the guide panel (100).
[0063] A suction fan (141) may be placed on the suction path (130). Specifically, the suction fan (141) may be placed inside an outflow duct (140) in which the suction path (130) is formed inside and is placed on the rear of the inner panel (120).
[0064] The guide panel (100) may include an outflow duct (140) that accommodates a suction fan (141) and forms an outflow port (132) of the guide panel (100). As the outflow port (132) of the guide panel (100) is formed at one end of the outflow duct (140), one end of the outflow duct (140) may be in communication with the space inside the housing (10), and the other end of the outflow duct (140) may be in communication with the spaced-out space between the first inner wall (112) and the second inner wall (122) corresponding to the suction path (130).
[0065] Specifically, a first through hole (122c) may be formed in the second inner wall (122), a second through hole (121a) corresponding to the first through hole (122c) may be formed in the rear plate (121), and a third through hole (140a) corresponding to the second through hole (121a) may be formed in the outflow duct (140). As the discharge duct (140) is coupled to the rear surface of the inner panel (120), the first to third through holes (122c, 121a, 140a) form a single through hole (122c, 121a, 140a) that penetrates the inner panel (120) and the discharge duct (140), and a part of the suction path (130) formed by the first inner wall (112) and the second inner wall (122) and a part of the suction path (130) formed by the discharge duct (140) are connected to each other by passing through the through holes (122c, 121a, 140a). The through holes (122c, 121a, 140a) may be provided in multiple numbers to correspond to a plurality of discharge ducts (140).
[0066] The outflow duct (140) can be positioned at the rear of the rear plate (121) and can be fixed to the rear of the rear plate (121). Specifically, the rear plate (121) may include a duct fixing groove (121b) into which the outflow duct (140) can be inserted and fixed, and the outflow duct (140) can be inserted into and coupled to the duct fixing groove (121b). A through hole (122c, 121a, 140a) may be formed on one side of the duct fixing groove (121b).
[0067] However, it is not limited to this. The outflow duct (140) may be omitted, in which case the suction fan (141) may be provided between the front plate (111) and the rear plate (121). Specifically, the suction fan (141) may be placed on the suction path (130) formed by the first inner wall (112) and the second inner wall (122), and the through hole (122c, 121a) formed by combining the first through hole (122c) and the second through hole (121a) may correspond to the outlet (132).
[0068] The front plate (111) may include a guide surface (113) formed on the front of the front plate (111) to guide the exhaust airflow, which has been diverted by the suction force of the suction fan (141) as described below, in a preset direction by the Coanda effect. One side of the guide surface (113) may be connected to the inlet (131) and may be positioned adjacent to the outlet (4). The guide surface (113) may extend along the inlet (131). The guide surface (113) may extend along the outlet (4).
[0069] The guide surface (113) may include a first curved surface portion (113a) connected to a first gap portion (131a), a second curved surface portion (113b) connected to a second gap portion (131b), and a third curved surface portion (113c) connected to a third gap portion (131c).
[0070] The rear plate (121) is positioned in front of the blower (3) to block the progress of air moving forward by the blower (3), and the rear of the rear plate (111) can guide air to the upper corner, left corner, and right corner of the guide panel (100) so that the air blown by the blower (3) can move toward the outlet (4) surrounding the guide panel (100).
[0071] The air that has been heat-exchanged with the heat exchanger (2) can be discharged to the outlet (4) by the blower (3). At this time, the guide panel (100) can draw in a portion of the air around the outlet (4) to change the direction of the air being discharged through the outlet (4). In other words, the direction of the exhaust airflow discharged to the outside of the housing (10) through the outlet (4) can be changed to a different direction from the direction of the exhaust airflow when the suction fan (141) is not operating, by the suction force of the suction fan (141) acting on the air passing through the outlet (4) via the suction path (130).
[0072] Specifically, the outlet (4) may include a first area (4a) adjacent to the left end of the guide panel (100), a second area (4b) adjacent to the top of the guide panel (100), and a third area (4c) adjacent to the right end of the guide panel (100), and the guide panel (100) may guide the airflow discharged through the first area (4a), the airflow discharged through the second area (4b), and the airflow discharged through the third area (4c) in different directions.
[0073] The first region (4a) may be positioned to the left of the guide panel (100) and may extend in the vertical direction (Z) parallel to the guide panel (100), the second region (4b) may be positioned to the upper part of the guide panel (100) and may extend in the horizontal direction (Y) parallel to the guide panel (100), and the third region (4c) may be positioned to the right of the guide panel (100) and may extend in the vertical direction (Z) parallel to the guide panel (100). One end of the first region (4a) may be connected to one end of the second region (4b), and one end of the third region (4c) may be connected to the other end of the second region (4b). However, this is not limited thereto, and the first to third regions (4a-c) may be partitioned so as not to be connected to each other.
[0074] As shown in FIG. 5, when the guide panel (100) is not operating, if the direction of the exhaust airflow discharged from the first area (4a) is A1, the guide panel (100) can operate to draw air into the intake passage (130) from the right side of the A1 direction, thereby allowing the guide panel (100) to change the direction of the exhaust airflow of the first area (4a) to A2. In other words, some of the air discharged through the first area (4a) can be drawn into the intake passage (130) through the first gap (131a), and the direction of the exhaust airflow discharged forward from the first area (4a) can be changed to face to the right. At the same time, the first curved surface (113a) can also guide the exhaust airflow discharged from the first area (4a) to face to the right.
[0075] Additionally, if the direction of the exhaust airflow discharged from the third area (4c) is B1 when the guide panel (100) is not operating, the guide panel (100) can operate to draw air into the intake passage (130) from the left side of the B1 direction, thereby allowing the guide panel (100) to change the direction of the exhaust airflow of the third area (4c) to B2. In other words, some of the air discharged through the third area (4c) can be drawn into the intake passage (130) through the third gap (131c), and the direction of the exhaust airflow discharged forward from the third area (4c) can be changed to face left. At the same time, the third curved section (113c) can also guide the exhaust airflow discharged from the third area (4c) to face left.
[0076] As shown in FIG. 6, when the guide panel (100) is not operating, if the direction of the exhaust airflow discharged from the second region (4b) is C1, the guide panel (100) can operate to draw air into the intake passage (130) from the lower side of the C1 direction, thereby allowing the guide panel (100) to change the direction of the exhaust airflow of the second region (4b) to C2. In other words, some of the air discharged through the second region (4b) can be drawn into the intake passage (130) through the second gap (131b), and the direction of the exhaust airflow discharged forward from the second region (4b) can be changed to face downward. At the same time, the second curved section (113b) can also guide the exhaust airflow discharged from the second region (4b) to face downward.
[0077] Air introduced into the intake passage (130) through the first to third gap sections (131a-c) can be discharged into the housing (10) through the outlet (132), then move through the blower passage (5) and be discharged to the outside through the outlet (4).
[0078] In this way, the air discharged through the outlet (4) is guided by the guide panel (100) and moved to the outer center of the guide panel (100), and the entire air is moved downwards by the air discharged from the second area (4b) and guided downwards. Accordingly, a user located at a distance from the air conditioner can control the indoor temperature or humidity without feeling the direct cooling wind speed.
[0079] In addition, the air conditioner (1) shown in FIG. 1 can be manufactured by using the main body frame (12) and the internal components of the main body frame (12) as they are in a conventional air conditioner, and separately mounting only the front frame (11) and guide panel (100), thereby reducing the manufacturing cost.
[0080] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating a case where the air conditioner shown in FIG. 1 includes a guide panel according to another embodiment. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing a section along the indicator line Ⅷ-Ⅷ' of the air conditioner shown in FIG. 7. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing a part of the section along the indicator line Ⅸ-Ⅸ' of the air conditioner shown in FIG. 7.
[0081] As illustrated in FIGS. 7 to 9, the guide panel (200) may include a plurality of suction channels (130a-c). The plurality of suction channels (130a-c) may include a first suction channel (130a) connected to a first gap (131a), a second suction channel (130b) connected to a second gap (131b), and a third suction channel (130c) connected to a third gap (131c).
[0082] As a blocking plate (200a) is disposed between the first suction channel (130a) and the second suction channel (130b), and between the second suction channel (130b) and the third suction channel (130c), the first to third suction channels (130a-c) can be partitioned so as not to be connected to each other. The blocking plate (200a) can be disposed between the first inner wall (112) and the second inner wall (122).
[0083] The first intake channel (130a) and the third intake channel (130c) can be extended in the vertical direction (Z), and the second intake channel (130b) can be extended in the horizontal direction (Y).
[0084] The guide panel (200) may include a first suction fan (141a) disposed on a first suction path (130a), a second suction fan (141b) disposed on a second suction path (130b), and a third suction fan (141c) disposed on a third suction path (130c).
[0085] Specifically, the guide panel (200) may include a first outlet duct (240a) in which a first suction path (130a) is formed inside, a second outlet duct (240b) in which a second suction path (130b) is formed inside, and a third outlet duct (240c) in which a third suction path (130c) is formed inside, and a first suction fan (141a) is disposed inside the first outlet duct (240a), a second suction fan (141b) is disposed inside the second outlet duct (240b), and a third suction fan (141c) is disposed inside the third outlet duct (240c). An outlet (132) may be formed in each of the outflow ducts (240a-c), and each of the outflow ducts (240a-c) may be inserted into and fixed in a duct fixing groove (221b) corresponding to each of the outflow ducts (240a-c).
[0086] The guide panel (200) may include a channel wall (223) disposed between the first inner wall (212) and the second inner wall (222) to form a first suction channel (130a), a second suction channel (130b), and a third suction channel (130c). Specifically, the channel wall (223) may include a first channel wall (223a) that forms the first suction channel (130a) together with the first inner wall (212) and the second inner wall (222), a second channel wall (223b) that forms the second suction channel (130b) together with the first inner wall (212) and the second inner wall (222), and a third channel wall (223c) that forms the third suction channel (130c) together with the first inner wall (212) and the second inner wall (222).
[0087] The first flow channel wall (223a) and the third flow channel wall (223c) may be extended in the vertical direction (Z). The second flow channel wall (223b) may be extended in the horizontal direction (Y). At least one of the first flow channel wall (223a), the second flow channel wall (223b), and the third flow channel wall (223c) may be formed integrally with the first inner wall (212) or the second inner wall (222). At least two of the first flow channel wall (223a), the second flow channel wall (223b), and the third flow channel wall (223c) may be formed integrally. The flow channel wall (223) and the blocking plate (200a) may be formed integrally.
[0088] In this way, a suction fan (141a-c) is placed in each of the plurality of suction channels (130a-c) and each of the suction channels (130a-c) is separated from one another, so that the user can operate only the desired suction fan among the plurality of suction fans (141a-c) and can independently control the exhaust airflow discharged from the first area (4a), the exhaust airflow discharged from the second area (4b), and the exhaust airflow discharged from the third area (4c).
[0089] However, it is not limited thereto. The blocking plate (200a) between the first suction path (130a) and the second suction path (130b) may be omitted so that the first suction path (130a) and the second suction path (130b) are connected as a single unit, or the blocking plate (200a) between the second suction path (130b) and the third suction path (130c) may be omitted so that the second suction path (130a) and the third suction path (130b) are connected as a single unit, or all of the blocking plates (200a) may be omitted so that the first to third suction paths (130a-c) are connected as a single unit.
[0090] FIG. 10 is a drawing illustrating an air conditioner according to another embodiment. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a cross-section along the indicator line XI-XI' of the air conditioner illustrated in FIG. 10. FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a cross-section along the indicator line XII-XII' of the air conditioner illustrated in FIG. 10.
[0091] Referring to FIGS. 10 to 12, the air conditioner may include an auxiliary outlet (7) formed on the front of the housing (10) and may include a second blower (6) that discharges an exhaust airflow to the outside of the air conditioner through the auxiliary outlet (7). The second blower (6) may be positioned below the first blower (3).
[0092] The auxiliary outlet (7) may include a first auxiliary outlet (7a) formed at the left end of the housing (10) and a second auxiliary outlet (7b) formed at the right end of the housing (10). The housing (10) may include a partition wall (10a), and the partition wall (10a) may partition the first auxiliary outlet (7a) and the first area (4a) of the outlet (4), and partition the second auxiliary outlet (7b) and the third area (4c) of the outlet (4). Accordingly, the auxiliary outlet (7) may be separated from the outlet (4). In other words, the partition wall (10a) may form the first auxiliary outlet (7a) and the second auxiliary outlet (7b). The partition wall (10a) may form a part of the first auxiliary flow path (8a) and a part of the second auxiliary flow path (9a).
[0093] However, this is not limited thereto, and the partition wall (10a) may be omitted. Accordingly, the outlet (4) and the auxiliary discharge port (7) may be formed integrally. In this case, the air blown by the second blower (6) may be discharged to the outside of the housing (10) through the outlet (4). Specifically, the air blown by the second blower (6) may reach the first area (4a) along the first auxiliary flow path (8a) and be discharged to the outside of the housing (10), and may reach the third area (4c) along the second auxiliary flow path (9a) and be discharged to the outside of the housing (10).
[0094] The second blower (6) may include a blower fan (6a), a fan drive unit (6b), and a fan body case (6c).
[0095] The blower fan (6a) may be a centrifugal fan, but is not limited thereto, and is satisfied if it is configured to allow air flowing from the outside of the housing (10) into the inside of the housing (10) through an intake port (not shown) formed in the housing (10) to be discharged back to the outside of the housing (10). For example, the blower fan (6a) may be a cross fan, a turbo fan, or a sirocco fan. The description of the blower fan (6a) of the second blower (6) may also be applied to the blower fan of the first blower (3).
[0096] The fan drive unit (6b) can drive the blower fan (6a) and may include a motor.
[0097] The fan body case (6c) can be fixed inside the housing (10) and can cover the blower fan (6a). The fan body case (6c) may include a fan inlet (not shown) through which air enters and a fan outlet (6ca) through which air exits.
[0098] The air conditioner may be positioned inside the housing (10) and may include a first duct (8) that partitions the first auxiliary flow path (8a) and the blower flow path (5). The first duct (8) may be positioned to the left of the first blower (3), may extend in the vertical direction, and may have a cross-section of approximately the same shape along the vertical direction. The first auxiliary flow path (8a) may be formed inside the first duct (8).
[0099] One end of the first duct (8) may be connected to the fan outlet (6ca) of the second blower (6), and the other end may be connected to the first auxiliary outlet (7a). Accordingly, the first auxiliary flow path (8a) may include a flow path connecting the second blower (6) and the first auxiliary outlet (7a). The first duct (8) may guide at least a portion of the air blown by the second blower (6) to the first auxiliary outlet (7a). In other words, a portion of the air discharged from the second blower (6) may flow along the first auxiliary flow path (8a) and be discharged to the outside of the air conditioner through the first auxiliary outlet (7a).
[0100] The air conditioner may be positioned inside the housing (10) and may include a second duct (9) that partitions the second auxiliary flow path (9a) and the blower flow path (5). The second duct (9) may be positioned to the right of the first blower (3), may extend in the vertical direction, and may have a cross-section of approximately the same shape along the vertical direction. The second auxiliary flow path (9a) may be formed inside the second duct (9).
[0101] One end of the second duct (9) may be connected to the fan outlet (6ca) of the second blower (6), and the other end may be connected to the second auxiliary outlet (7b). Accordingly, the second auxiliary flow path (9a) may include a flow path connecting the second blower (6) and the second auxiliary outlet (7b). The second duct (9) may guide at least a portion of the air blown by the second blower (6) to the second auxiliary outlet (7b). In other words, a portion of the air discharged from the second blower (6) may flow along the second auxiliary flow path (9a) and be discharged to the outside of the air conditioner through the second auxiliary outlet (7b).
[0102] The air conditioner can discharge air that has been heat-exchanged with the heat exchanger (2) through the outlet (4) as the first blower (3) discharges air that has been heat-exchanged with the heat exchanger (2), and discharge air that has not passed through the heat exchanger (2) through the auxiliary outlet (7) as the second blower (6) discharges air that has not been heat-exchanged with the heat exchanger (2). However, it is not limited thereto, and as the second blower (6) discharges air that has been heat-exchanged with the heat exchanger (2), air that has been heat-exchanged with the heat exchanger (2) can be discharged through the auxiliary outlet (7).
[0103] The first blower (3) and the second blower (6) may be configured to be driven independently of each other. The rotational speeds of the first blower (3) and the second blower (6) may be configured to be different from each other.
[0104] The air conditioner may include a distribution device (20) positioned inside the housing (10) and capable of controlling the flow rate of air discharged through the first auxiliary outlet (7a) and the second auxiliary outlet (7b). The distribution device (20) may be positioned adjacent to the fan outlet (6ca). The distribution device (20) may be positioned between the first auxiliary flow path (8a) and the second auxiliary flow path (9a).
[0105] The distribution device (20) may include a damper (21), a damper driving source (22), and a power transmission member (23) to regulate the amount of air discharged into the first duct (8) and the second duct (9). The damper driving source (22) may include a motor. The damper (21) may include a rack, and the power transmission member (23) may include a pinion. However, it is not limited thereto, and the distribution device (20) may include various driving mechanisms capable of moving the damper (21) left and right.
[0106] The damper (21) can move in the left and right directions by receiving power from the damper driving source (22) through the power transmission member (23). The damper (21) can move to the left to block at least a portion of the first auxiliary flow path (8a) so that more air flows into the second duct (9) than into the first duct (8), and the damper (21) can move to the right to block at least a portion of the second auxiliary flow path (9a) so that more air flows into the first duct (8) than into the second duct (9).
[0107] The operation of the air conditioner illustrated in Fig. 10 will be explained in detail.
[0108] The air conditioner can be driven to discharge air that has been heat-exchanged with the heat exchanger (2) only through the outlet (4). Driving in this way can be called the first mode. As the exhaust airflow discharged through the outlet (4) can be guided by the guide panel (100) as described above, the indoor air can be air-conditioned slowly throughout. That is, the exhaust airflow discharged to the outside of the housing (10) through the outlet (4) is affected by the suction force of the suction fan (141) provided in the guide panel (100), so that the wind speed in the forward direction is reduced and the airflow can proceed downwards of the housing (10). With this configuration, the user can avoid direct contact with the exhaust airflow, and the user can cool or heat the indoor space while feeling comfortable.
[0109] When the air conditioner is operated in the first mode, the first blower (3) and the suction fan (141) of the guide panel (100) are operated, and the second blower (6) is not operated. The first blower (3) sucks in air from outside the housing (10) through an inlet (not shown) formed at the rear of the housing (10), and the air sucked into the housing (10) passes through a heat exchanger (2) placed inside the housing (10) and undergoes heat exchange. The first blower (3) can discharge air from the rear of the first blower (3) toward the front of the first blower (3) so that the air that has undergone heat exchange with the heat exchanger (2) can flow through the blower path (5) and be discharged to the outside of the housing (10) through the outlet (4).
[0110] Air flowing inside the blower channel (5) can reach the outlet (4), and some of the air discharged outside the housing (10) through the outlet (4) can be sucked into the suction channel (130) of the guide panel (100) by the suction fan (141) of the guide panel (100), and the remainder can be discharged outside the housing (10) with its direction of travel guided by the guide panel (100).
[0111] In the first mode, the second blower (6) is not driven, so air is not discharged through the auxiliary outlet (7).
[0112] Meanwhile, as the driving force of the first blower (3) and / or suction fan (141) is changed in the first mode, the cold or warm air discharged from the air conditioner can be provided at various distances and / or directions. For example, when the driving force of the first blower (3) is constant, the degree to which the direction of the discharge airflow discharged through the outlet (4) changes as the driving force of the suction fan (141) becomes weaker can be reduced, and when the driving force of the suction fan (141) is constant, the degree to which the direction of the discharge airflow discharged through the outlet (4) changes as the driving force of the first blower (3) becomes stronger can be reduced. At this time, the fact that the degree to which the direction of the discharge airflow discharged through the outlet (4) changes becomes smaller may mean that the tendency of the discharge airflow to proceed toward the front of the air conditioner increases. Accordingly, the user can control the air conditioner so that the exhaust airflow is directed downward by adjusting the driving force of the first blower (3) and / or suction fan (141), or control the air conditioner so that the exhaust airflow is directed in one direction between the vertical downward and horizontal forward directions.
[0113] The air conditioner can be driven to discharge air through the outlet (4) and the auxiliary outlet (7). This operation can be referred to as the second mode. In the second mode, the operation of the guide panel (100) can be stopped. Accordingly, the straightness of the exhaust airflow discharged through the outlet (4) and the auxiliary outlet (7) increases, and the air conditioner can discharge cold or warm air further when driven in the second mode than when driven in the first mode. The user can come into direct contact with the exhaust airflow and can cool or heat the room faster than in the first mode.
[0114] When the air conditioner is operated in the second mode, the first blower (3) and the second blower (6) are operated, and the suction fan (141) of the guide panel (100) is not operated. The first blower (3) draws air from outside the housing (10) into the housing (10) through an inlet (not shown), as in the first mode, and discharges the air that has been heat-exchanged with the heat exchanger (2) inside the housing (10) toward the outlet (4). Since the suction fan (141) is not operated, the exhaust airflow discharged through the outlet (4) can proceed approximately toward the front of the air conditioner without its direction of travel being changed by the guide panel (100).
[0115] The second blower (6) draws air from outside the housing (10) into the housing (10) through an inlet (not shown) formed on the rear of the housing (10), and the air introduced into the housing (10) passes through the second blower (6) and can be discharged to the first auxiliary passage (8a) and the second auxiliary passage (9a), respectively formed on both sides of the blower passage (5) by the second blower (6). At this time, the inlet communicating with the first blower (3) and the inlet communicating with the second blower (6) may be the same or different. The air moved to the first auxiliary passage (8a) and the second auxiliary passage (9a) can be discharged to the outside of the housing (10) through the first auxiliary outlet (7a) and the second auxiliary outlet (7b) after moving upward along each of the auxiliary passages (8a, 9a). The exhaust airflow discharged through the auxiliary outlet (7) can proceed approximately toward the front of the air conditioner and can be mixed with and move together with the exhaust airflow discharged through the outlet (4).
[0116] According to this configuration, in the second mode, the air conditioner can provide the user with pleasant cold or warm air mixed with heat-exchanged air and indoor air. Additionally, the air conditioner can be configured to provide cold or warm air at various distances by changing the driving force of the first blower (3) and / or the second blower (6). That is, the first blower (3) can be configured to adjust the volume and / or speed of the air discharged through the outlet (4), and the second blower (6) can be configured to adjust the volume and / or speed of the air discharged through the auxiliary outlet (7).
[0117] The air conditioner can be driven to discharge air only through the auxiliary outlet (7). Driving in this way can be called the third mode. A heat exchanger may not be placed on the auxiliary flow path (8a, 9a) or behind the second blower (6), and the air conditioner can circulate indoor air.
[0118] When the air conditioner is operated in the third mode, the second blower (6) is operated, and the first blower (3) and the suction fan (141) of the guide panel (100) are not operated. The second blower (6) draws air from outside the housing (10) into the housing (10) through an inlet formed on the rear of the housing (10), and the air introduced into the housing (10) can be discharged into the first auxiliary passage (8a) and the second auxiliary passage (9a), respectively formed on both sides of the blower passage (5) by the second blower (6) after passing through the second blower (6). The air moved into the first auxiliary passage (8a) and the second auxiliary passage (9a) can be discharged to the outside of the housing (10) through the first auxiliary outlet (7a) and the second auxiliary outlet (7b) after moving upward along each auxiliary passage (8a, 9a). The exhaust airflow discharged through the auxiliary exhaust port (7) can proceed approximately toward the front of the air conditioner.
[0119] In the third mode, the first blower (3) is not operated, so air is not discharged through the outlet (4). In the third mode, the air conditioner can blow air that has not been heat-exchanged, so it can simply perform the function of circulating indoor air or provide a strong wind to the user.
[0120] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of an air conditioner according to another embodiment. FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view showing a section along the indicator line XIV-XIV' of the air conditioner shown in FIG. 13. FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view showing a section along the indicator line XV-XV' of FIG. 13. FIG. 16 is a drawing showing the case where the air conditioner shown in FIG. 13 includes a guide panel according to another embodiment.
[0121] Referring to FIGS. 13 to 16, the air conditioner may include a guide rib (310) that protrudes forward from the front of the front frame (11) and guides the exhaust airflow discharged through the outlet (4).
[0122] The guide rib (310) may be formed integrally with the front frame (11) or may be formed as a separate part and detachably coupled to the front frame (11). The guide rib (310) is spaced apart from the guide panel (300) and can cover the left corner, top corner, and right corner of the guide panel (300).
[0123] The guide rib (310) may be retracted into the housing (10) so as not to protrude from the front of the housing (10) or only partially protrude, and may be withdrawn from the inside of the housing (10) and protrude from the front of the housing (10) when necessary. Specifically, the guide rib (310) may be retracted into a recessed groove (11a) formed in the front frame (11) corresponding to the guide rib (310), and may be withdrawn from the recessed groove (11a) and protrude from the front of the front frame (11) when necessary. The retraction and retraction of the guide rib (310) may be performed manually or automatically by a separate power device.
[0124] The guide rib (310) may include a first rib portion (310a) protruding from the left end of the front frame (11) and covering the left corner of the guide panel (300), a second rib portion (310b) protruding from the top of the front frame (11) and covering the top corner of the guide panel (300), and a third rib portion (310c) protruding from the right end of the front frame (11) and covering the right corner of the guide panel (300). At least two of the first to third rib portions (310a-c) may be formed integrally. However, this is not limited thereto, and the first to third rib portions (310a-c) may all be provided to be separated.
[0125] The first rib portion (310a) may be formed to be bent toward the right so as to cover the left corner portion of the outer surface (300a) of the guide panel (300) after protruding from the front frame (11), the second rib portion (310b) may be formed to be bent toward the downward so as to cover the upper corner portion of the outer surface (300a) of the guide panel (300) after protruding from the front frame (11), and the third rib portion (310c) may be formed to be bent toward the left so as to cover the right corner portion of the outer surface (300a) of the guide panel (300) after protruding from the front frame (11).
[0126] In other words, the guide rib (310) can be formed to be bent toward the center of the guide panel (300). At this time, the outer surface (300a) of the guide panel (300) corresponds to the front surface (300a) of the guide panel (300) based on FIG. 11, and the inner surface (300b) of the guide panel (300) corresponds to the rear surface (300b) of the guide panel (300) based on FIG. 11. Additionally, the inner surface (310aa, 310ba, 310ca) of the guide rib (310) below may refer to the rear surface of the guide rib (310) based on FIG. 14.
[0127] The inner surface (300b) of the guide panel (300) is positioned in front of the blower (3) to guide the air discharged by the blower (3) toward the corner of the guide panel (300), and the outer surface (300a) of the guide panel (300) can guide the movement of air discharged from the outlet (4).
[0128] As shown in FIG. 14, the outer surface (300a) and the inner surface (300b) of the guide panel (300) may be bent convexly toward the front. However, this is not limited thereto. For example, as shown in FIG. 16, the outer surface (400a) and the inner surface (400b) of the guide panel (400) may be bent concavely toward the rear. As another example, the outer surface (300a) of the guide panel (300) may be bent convexly toward the front while the inner surface (300b) may be bent concavely toward the rear, or the outer surface (300a) may be bent concavely toward the rear while the inner surface (300b) may be bent convexly toward the front.
[0129] The outlet (4) may include a space between the inner surface (310aa, 310ba, 310ca) of the guide rib (310) and the outer surface (300a) of the guide panel (300). Specifically, the first region (4a) of the outlet (4) may include a space between the inner surface (310aa) of the first guide rib (310a) and the outer surface (300a) of the guide panel (300), the second region (4b) of the outlet (4) may include a space between the inner surface (310ba) of the second guide rib (310b) and the outer surface (300a) of the guide panel (300), and the third region (4c) of the outlet (4) may include a space between the inner surface (310ca) of the third guide rib (310c) and the outer surface (300a) of the guide panel (300).
[0130] Accordingly, the first region (4a) of the outlet (4) is open toward the right to discharge air toward the right, the second region (4b) of the outlet (4) is open toward the downward to discharge air toward the downward, and the third region (4c) of the outlet (4) is open toward the left to discharge air toward the left. In other words, the first guide rib (310a) guides the discharge airflow of the first region (4a) toward the left, the second guide rib (310b) guides the discharge airflow of the second region (4b) toward the downward, and the third guide rib (310c) guides the discharge airflow of the third region (4c) toward the left.
[0131] By using a guide panel (300) and a guide rib (310) that do not require separate power, the direction of air discharged from the outlet (4) can be entirely diverted downwards toward the air conditioner, and accordingly, a user located at a distance from the air conditioner can control the indoor temperature or humidity without feeling the direct cooling wind speed.
[0132] Meanwhile, an air conditioner (1) including the guide panel (100) shown in FIG. 1 or the guide panel (200) shown in FIG. 7 may also include the guide rib (310) shown in FIG. 13 to FIG. 16.
[0133] Specific embodiments have been illustrated and described above. However, the invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and those skilled in the art may make various modifications without departing from the essence of the technical concept of the invention as described in the following claims. Explanation of the symbols
[0134] 1; Air conditioner 2; heat exchanger 3; Blower 4; outlet 10; Housing 11; Front frame 100,200,300,400; Guide Panel 110; outer panel 111; front plate 112; First inner wall 113; Guide surface 120; inner panel 121; rear plate 122; Second inner wall 130; intake duct 131; Inlet 132; Outlet 140; outflow duct 141; Suction pan 310; Guide Rib
Claims
Claim 1 An air conditioner comprising: a housing; a heat exchanger provided inside the housing; a blower that discharges air that has been heat-exchanged with the heat exchanger toward the front; and a guide panel that covers the blower from the front, forms an outlet through which air discharged by the blower is discharged together with the housing, and guides the air discharged to the outside through the outlet to suck in a portion of the air and guide the remainder to flow downward; wherein the guide panel comprises: an outer panel; and an inner panel coupled to the outer panel and, together with the outer panel, forms an intake passage through which a portion of the air around the outlet is sucked in; wherein the intake passage includes an inlet that communicates with the outlet and through which a portion of the air around the outlet is introduced, and an outlet that discharges the air introduced from the inlet into the housing; wherein the outlet is arranged to surround the left end, the top end, and the right end of the guide panel, and the inlet extends along the left end, the top end, and the right end of the guide panel. Claim 2 An air conditioner according to claim 1, further comprising: a suction fan disposed on the suction path and arranged to form an airflow inside the suction path. Claim 3 An air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein the inner panel is positioned behind the outer panel, and at least a portion of the intake passage is positioned between the outer panel and the inner panel. Claim 4 delete Claim 5 delete Claim 6 In claim 1, the inlet comprises a plurality of inlets, and each of the plurality of inlets is an air conditioner formed at the left end, the top end, and the right end of the guide panel. Claim 7 In paragraph 2, the suction passage includes a plurality of inlets that are in communication with the outlet and into which a portion of the air surrounding the outlet is introduced, the suction passage is a plurality of suction passages, each suction passage corresponds to each of the plurality of inlets, and the suction fan is a plurality of suction fans, each suction fan corresponds to each of the plurality of suction passages, an air conditioner. Claim 8 In claim 1, the inner panel is positioned in front of the blower and guides the air discharged by the blower toward the outlet. Claim 9 An air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein the outlet comprises a first area adjacent to the left end of the guide panel, a second area adjacent to the top of the guide panel, and a third area adjacent to the right end of the guide panel. Claim 10 In claim 9, the intake path is connected to the outlet and includes an inlet extending along the left end, top end, and right end of the guide panel to receive a portion of the air around the outlet, and an outlet for discharging the air received from the inlet into the housing, wherein the guide panel guides a portion of the air passing through the first region to flow into the inlet so that the remainder is directed to the right, a portion of the air passing through the second region to flow into the inlet so that the remainder is directed to the bottom, and a portion of the air passing through the third region to flow into the inlet so that the remainder is directed to the left. Claim 11 An air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein the intake path is in communication with the outlet and includes an inlet extending along the left end, top end, and right end of the guide panel to receive a portion of the air around the outlet, and an outlet for discharging the air received from the inlet into the housing, and the outer panel is connected to the inlet on one side and includes a guide curved surface that guides the air discharged from the outlet to the center of the outer panel. Claim 12 In claim 11, the outlet comprises a first area adjacent to the left end of the guide panel, a second area adjacent to the top of the guide panel, and a third area adjacent to the right end of the guide panel, and the guide surface comprises a first curved surface portion that guides air discharged from the first area toward the right, a second curved surface portion that guides air discharged from the second area toward the downward, and a third curved surface portion that guides air discharged from the third area toward the left. Claim 13 In paragraph 2, the suction fan is an air conditioner positioned at the rear of the inner panel. Claim 14 In paragraph 13, the suction path is in communication with the outlet and includes an inlet extending along the left end, top end, and right end of the guide panel to receive a portion of the air around the outlet, and an outlet for discharging the air received from the inlet into the housing, the guide panel further includes an outlet duct coupled to the rear of the inner panel, having a portion of the suction path formed inside and having the outlet provided at one end, and the suction fan is an air conditioner disposed inside the outlet duct. Claim 15 An air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein the inner panel includes a coupling hook that protrudes rearward from the rear of the inner panel and is fixed to the housing. Claim 16 An air conditioner comprising: a housing; a blower provided inside the housing; a guide panel disposed in front of the blower, which guides air discharged by the blower toward the corner of the guide panel; and a guide rib disposed to surround the corner of the guide panel to form a flow path together with the guide panel and protruding from the housing toward the front of the guide panel; wherein the inner surface of the guide panel guides air discharged by the blower to the guide rib, and the guide rib guides the air guided by the guide panel toward the center of the outer surface of the guide panel, and the guide rib includes a first rib portion covering the left corner of the guide panel and protruding from the left end of the housing, a second rib portion covering the upper corner of the guide panel and protruding from the upper end of the housing, and a third rib portion covering the right corner of the guide panel and protruding from the right end of the housing. Claim 17 delete Claim 18 An air conditioner according to claim 16, wherein the first rib portion guides the air guided by the guide panel toward the right, the second rib portion guides the air guided by the guide panel toward the downward, and the third rib portion guides the air guided by the guide panel toward the left. Claim 19 In Clause 16, the guide rib is an air conditioner bent toward the center of the guide panel. Claim 20 In Clause 16, the outer surface of the above guide panel is curved convexly toward the front or concavely toward the rear of the air conditioner.
Citation Information
Patent Citations
Indoor unit of air conditioner
KR1020160131841A
Air conditioner
KR1020180055156A