Air conditioner

Abstract

An air conditioner is provided. The air conditioner comprises: a housing including a first portion in which a discharge port is formed, and a second portion disposed at one side of the first portion in a first direction; a heat exchanger which is disposed in the housing and which exchanges heat with indoor air; a fan which is disposed in the housing, and which causes the air having undergone heat exchange with the heat exchanger to flow to the discharge port; a discharge panel which covers the first portion and the second portion of the housing and in which a plurality of discharge holes, each having a size smaller than that of the discharge port and allowing the air flowing from the discharge port to be discharged, are formed in each of a first region corresponding to the first portion and a second region corresponding to the second portion; and guide ribs which are arranged between the first portion and the first region, and which guide, to the second region, some of the air discharged through the discharge port.

Description

air conditioner

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an air conditioner.

[0002] An air conditioner is a device that performs functions such as air purification, ventilation, humidity control, cooling or heating in an air-conditioned space, and means a device equipped with at least one of these functions.

[0003] An air conditioner can cool or heat a space using a refrigeration cycle. An air conditioner may include a compressor, a condenser, an expansion device, an evaporator, and piping. A refrigerant may circulate through the compressor, condenser, expansion device, and evaporator along the piping.

[0004] Air conditioners can be categorized into separate air conditioners and integrated air conditioners. Separate air conditioners may include an indoor unit located indoors and an outdoor unit located outdoors. Integrated air conditioners may include both indoor and outdoor units within a single housing.

[0005] One aspect of the present disclosure provides an air conditioner having an improved structure to form a flow path through which low-velocity airflow can flow efficiently.

[0006] One aspect of the present disclosure provides an air conditioner having an improved structure capable of changing the direction of airflow discharged from an exhaust port.

[0007] One aspect of the present disclosure provides an air conditioner having an improved structure so that airflow discharged from an exhaust port can be efficiently distributed.

[0008] One aspect of the present disclosure provides an air conditioner having an improved structure to prevent dew from forming around an exhaust panel, blade, or exhaust port.

[0009] The technical problems to be achieved in this document are not limited to the technical problems mentioned above, and other technical problems not mentioned can be clearly understood by a person having ordinary skill in the technical field to which the present invention belongs from the description below.

[0010] An air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a housing including a first part in which an outlet is formed and a second part disposed on one side of the first part in a first direction, a heat exchanger disposed inside the housing and configured to exchange heat with indoor air, a fan disposed inside the housing and configured to flow air that has exchanged heat with the heat exchanger to the outlet, a discharge panel covering the first part and the second part of the housing, each having a smaller size than the outlet and configured to discharge air flowing from the outlet, in a first region corresponding to the first part and a second region corresponding to the second part, respectively, of which a plurality of discharge holes are formed, and a guide rib disposed between the first part and the first region and configured to guide a portion of air discharged through the outlet to the second region.

[0011] An air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a housing including a first portion in which an outlet is formed and a second portion located at one side of the first portion in a first direction, a heat exchanger disposed in the housing and configured to exchange heat with indoor air, a fan configured to cause air exchanged with the heat exchanger to flow to the outlet, an exhaust panel covering the first portion and the second portion and fixed to the housing, the exhaust panel having a panel opening and a plurality of exhaust holes located in an outer direction of the circumference of the panel opening and having a smaller size than the panel opening, a blade provided to be rotatable with respect to the housing between a first position covering the panel opening and a second position opening the panel opening, and a guide rib located at one side of the outlet in a second direction different from the first direction, the second portion extending in a direction in which the second portion is located with respect to the first portion in the first direction as it becomes farther away from the outlet in the second direction.

[0012] An air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a housing including an inlet and an outlet, a heat exchanger disposed in the housing and configured to exchange heat with indoor air, a fan disposed in the housing and configured to flow air that has exchanged heat with the heat exchanger to the outlet, a discharge panel disposed on one side of the outlet, the discharge panel having a plurality of discharge holes each having a size smaller than that of the outlet, the discharge panel including an outlet facing region disposed at a position corresponding to the outlet and an extension region disposed at a position further from the outlet than a distance from the outlet to the outlet facing region, and a guide rib disposed between the discharge panel and the outlet and configured to guide a portion of air discharged through the outlet toward the extension region.

[0013] FIG. 1 is a drawing illustrating an air conditioning system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0014] FIG. 2 is a drawing showing an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure from one direction.

[0015] FIG. 3 is a drawing showing an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure from another direction.

[0016] FIG. 4 is a rear view of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0017] Figure 5 is an exploded view of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0018] Figure 6 is an exploded view of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0019] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0020] FIG. 8 is a drawing showing a discharge panel separated from an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0021] FIG. 9 is a drawing showing a part of the configuration of a housing and other parts of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0022] FIG. 10 is a drawing illustrating a part of a configuration of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0023] FIG. 11 is an enlarged view of a portion of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0024] FIG. 12 is a drawing illustrating a state in which cold air is discharged from an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0025] FIG. 13 is an enlarged view of a part of a configuration of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, with the blade in the first position.

[0026] FIG. 14 is an enlarged view of a part of a configuration of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, with the blade in the second position.

[0027] FIG. 15 is an enlarged view of some components, such as blades and guide panels, of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0028] FIG. 16 is an enlarged drawing showing some components, such as blades and guide panels, of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0029] FIG. 17 is an enlarged view of a part of a configuration of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, with the blade in a second position.

[0030] FIG. 18 is a drawing showing some components of an air conditioner housing, insulation member, etc. according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0031] FIG. 19 is a drawing illustrating a part of a configuration of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0032] It should be understood that the various embodiments and terms used in this document are not intended to limit the technical features described in this document to specific embodiments, but rather to include various modifications, equivalents, or substitutes of the embodiments.

[0033] In connection with the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components.

[0034] The singular form of a noun corresponding to an item may include one or more of said items, unless the relevant context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0035] In this document, each of the phrases "A or B", "at least one of A and B", "at least one of A or B", "A, B, or C", "at least one of A, B, and C", and "at least one of A, B, or C" may include any one of the items listed together in that phrase, or all possible combinations thereof.

[0036] The term “and / or” includes any combination of a plurality of related described elements or any one of a plurality of related described elements.

[0037] The terms "part," "module," and "member" may be implemented in hardware or software. Depending on the embodiments, multiple "parts," "modules," or "members" may be implemented as a single component, or a single "part," "module," or "member" may include multiple components.

[0038] Terms such as "first," "second," or "first" or "second" may be used simply to distinguish one component from another and do not qualify the components in any other respect (e.g., importance or order).

[0039] When a component (e.g., a first component) is referred to as being "coupled" or "connected" to another component (e.g., a second component), with or without the terms "functionally" or "communicatively," it means that the component can be connected to the other component directly (e.g., wired), wirelessly, or through a third component.

[0040] The terms “include” or “have” are intended to specify the presence of a feature, number, step, operation, component, part or combination thereof described in this document, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts or combinations thereof.

[0041] When a component is said to be “connected,” “coupled,” “supported,” or “in contact with” another component, this includes not only cases where the components are directly connected, coupled, supported, or in contact, but also cases where the components are indirectly connected, coupled, supported, or in contact through a third component.

[0042] When we say that a component is "on" another component, this includes not only cases where the component is in contact with the other component, but also cases where there is another component between the two components.

[0043] An air conditioner according to various embodiments is a device that performs functions such as air purification, ventilation, humidity control, cooling or heating in an air-conditioned space (hereinafter referred to as “indoor”), and means a device equipped with at least one of these functions.

[0044] In one embodiment, an air conditioner may include a heat pump device to perform a cooling function or a heating function. The heat pump device may include a refrigeration cycle in which a refrigerant circulates along a compressor, a first heat exchanger, an expansion device, and a second heat exchanger. All components of the heat pump device may be housed in a single housing forming the exterior of the air conditioner, such as a window air conditioner or a portable air conditioner. On the other hand, some components of the heat pump device may be housed separately in multiple housings forming a single air conditioner, such as a wall-mounted air conditioner, a standing air conditioner, or a system air conditioner.

[0045] An air conditioner including a plurality of housings may include at least one outdoor unit installed outdoors and at least one indoor unit installed indoors. For example, the air conditioner may be configured such that one outdoor unit and one indoor unit are connected via a refrigerant pipe. For example, the air conditioner may be configured such that one outdoor unit is connected to two or more indoor units via refrigerant pipes. For example, the air conditioner may be configured such that two or more outdoor units and two or more indoor units are connected via a plurality of refrigerant pipes.

[0046] The outdoor unit can be electrically connected to the indoor unit. For example, information (or commands) for controlling the air conditioner can be input through an input interface provided on the outdoor or indoor unit, and the outdoor and indoor units can operate simultaneously or sequentially in response to user input.

[0047] The air conditioner may include an outdoor heat exchanger placed in an outdoor unit, an indoor heat exchanger provided in an indoor unit, and a refrigerant pipe directly or indirectly connecting the outdoor heat exchanger and the indoor heat exchanger.

[0048] An outdoor heat exchanger can utilize a phase change (e.g., evaporation or condensation) of the refrigerant to exchange heat between the refrigerant and the outdoor air. For example, while the refrigerant condenses in the outdoor heat exchanger, it releases heat to the outdoor air, and while the refrigerant flowing in the outdoor heat exchanger evaporates, it absorbs heat from the outdoor air.

[0049] Indoor units are installed indoors. For example, indoor units can be categorized into ceiling-mounted, stand-alone, and wall-mounted types depending on their placement. For example, ceiling-mounted indoor units can be categorized into four-way, two-way, one-way, and duct-type types depending on how air is discharged.

[0050] Similarly, an indoor heat exchanger can utilize the phase change of the refrigerant (e.g., evaporation or condensation) to exchange heat between the refrigerant and indoor air. For example, while the refrigerant evaporates in the indoor unit, the refrigerant can absorb heat from the indoor air, and the indoor unit can cool the room by blowing the cooled indoor air through the indoor heat exchanger. Furthermore, while the refrigerant condenses in the indoor heat exchanger, the refrigerant can release heat to the indoor air, and the indoor unit can heat the room by blowing the heated indoor air through the indoor heat exchanger.

[0051] That is, the air conditioner performs a cooling or heating function through a phase change process of the refrigerant circulating between the outdoor heat exchanger and the indoor heat exchanger. For this refrigerant circulation, the air conditioner may include a compressor that compresses the refrigerant. The compressor can suck in the gaseous refrigerant (hereinafter referred to as "refrigerant gas") through the suction port and compress the refrigerant gas. The compressor can discharge the high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant gas through the discharge port. The compressor may be placed inside the outdoor unit.

[0052] The refrigerant may circulate through the refrigerant pipes in the following order: compressor, outdoor heat exchanger, expansion device, and indoor heat exchanger, or in the following order: compressor, indoor heat exchanger, expansion device, and outdoor heat exchanger. The refrigerant circulation order may vary depending on the air conditioner's operating mode.

[0053] For example, if one outdoor unit and one indoor unit are directly connected through a refrigerant pipe, the refrigerant may be arranged to circulate between one outdoor unit and one indoor unit through the refrigerant pipe.

[0054] For example, if one outdoor unit is connected to two or more indoor units via refrigerant pipes, refrigerant may flow to multiple indoor units via refrigerant pipes branching from the outdoor unit. The refrigerant discharged from the multiple indoor units may be combined and circulated to the outdoor unit. For example, multiple indoor units may be directly connected in parallel to a single outdoor unit via separate refrigerant pipes.

[0055] Multiple indoor units can operate independently, each according to a user-defined operating mode. That is, some indoor units can operate in cooling mode, while others operate simultaneously in heating mode. In this case, the refrigerant can be selectively introduced into each indoor unit at either high or low pressure along a designated circulation path via a flow switching valve, described below, and then discharged to circulate to the outdoor unit.

[0056] For example, when two or more outdoor units and two or more indoor units are connected through multiple refrigerant pipes, the refrigerants discharged from the multiple outdoor units may merge and flow through one refrigerant pipe, then branch off again at some point and flow into multiple indoor units.

[0057] Multiple outdoor units may be operated, or at least some may not be operated, depending on the operating load of the multiple indoor units. In this case, the refrigerant may be introduced into and circulated through a selectively operated outdoor unit via a flow switching valve. The air conditioner may include an expansion device to reduce the pressure of the refrigerant introduced into the indoor heat exchanger or the outdoor heat exchanger. For example, the expansion device may be located within the indoor unit, the outdoor unit, or both.

[0058] An expansion device can, for example, utilize a throttling effect to lower the temperature and pressure of the refrigerant. For example, the expansion device may include an orifice that reduces the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path as the refrigerant moves from upstream to downstream. The refrigerant passing through the orifice may experience a decrease in temperature and pressure.

[0059] The expansion device may be implemented as, for example, an electronic expansion valve capable of controlling the opening ratio (the ratio of the cross-sectional area of ​​the valve's flow path when partially open to the cross-sectional area of ​​the valve's flow path when fully open). Depending on the opening ratio of the electronic expansion valve, the amount of refrigerant passing through the expansion device can be controlled.

[0060] The air conditioner may further include a refrigerant diverter valve positioned along the refrigerant circulation path. The refrigerant diverter valve may include, for example, a four-way valve. The refrigerant diverter valve may determine the refrigerant circulation path depending on the indoor unit's operating mode (e.g., cooling operation or heating operation). For example, the refrigerant diverter valve may be connected to the discharge port of the compressor.

[0061] The air conditioner may include an accumulator. The accumulator may be connected to the suction port of the compressor. The accumulator may receive low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant vaporized in an indoor heat exchanger or an outdoor heat exchanger.

[0062] When a mixture of liquid refrigerant (hereinafter referred to as “refrigerant liquid”) and refrigerant gas is introduced into the accumulator, the accumulator can separate the refrigerant liquid from the refrigerant gas and provide the refrigerant gas from which the refrigerant liquid has been separated to the compressor.

[0063] An outdoor fan may be placed near the outdoor heat exchanger. The outdoor fan may blow outdoor air to the outdoor heat exchanger to promote heat exchange between the refrigerant and the outdoor air.

[0064] The outdoor unit of the air conditioner may include at least one sensor (hereinafter, referred to as the "outdoor unit sensor"). For example, the outdoor unit sensor may be provided as an environmental sensor. The outdoor unit sensor may be positioned at any location inside or outside the outdoor unit. For example, the outdoor unit sensor may include, for example, a temperature sensor for detecting air temperature around the outdoor unit, a humidity sensor for detecting air humidity around the outdoor unit, a refrigerant temperature sensor for detecting refrigerant temperature in a refrigerant pipe passing through the outdoor unit, or a refrigerant pressure sensor for detecting refrigerant pressure in a refrigerant pipe passing through the outdoor unit.

[0065] An outdoor unit of an air conditioner may include an outdoor unit communication unit. The outdoor unit communication unit may be configured to receive a control signal generated from a control unit of an indoor unit of the air conditioner, which will be described later. The outdoor unit may control the operation of a compressor, an outdoor heat exchanger, an expansion device, a flow switching valve, an accumulator, or an outdoor fan based on the control signal received through the outdoor unit communication unit. The outdoor unit may transmit a sensing value detected from an outdoor unit sensor to the control unit of the indoor unit through the outdoor unit communication unit.

[0066] The outdoor unit communication unit may include at least one of a short-range communication module or a long-range communication module.

[0067] The indoor unit of the air conditioner may include a housing, a blower for circulating air into or out of the housing, and an indoor heat exchanger for exchanging heat with air flowing into the interior of the housing.

[0068] The housing may include an intake port through which indoor air may be drawn into the interior of the housing.

[0069] The indoor unit of the air conditioner may include a filter that is provided to filter foreign substances in the air that flows into the housing through the intake port.

[0070] The housing may include an outlet. Air flowing within the housing may be discharged to the exterior of the housing through the outlet.

[0071] The indoor unit may include an airflow guide that guides the direction of air discharged through the outlet. For example, the airflow guide may include blades positioned on the outlet. For example, the airflow guide may include an auxiliary fan to control the exhaust airflow. However, the airflow guide is not limited thereto and may be omitted.

[0072] An indoor heat exchanger and a blower may be provided inside the housing of the indoor unit, which are arranged on a path connecting the intake and outlet.

[0073] Blowers may include indoor fans and fan motors. For example, indoor fans may include axial fans, diffusion fans, crossflow fans, and centrifugal fans.

[0074] An indoor heat exchanger may be positioned between the blower and the outlet, or between the intake and the blower. The indoor heat exchanger may absorb heat from air drawn in through the intake or transfer heat to the air drawn in through the intake. The indoor heat exchanger may include heat exchange tubes through which refrigerant flows, and heat exchange fins in contact with the heat exchange tubes to increase the heat transfer surface area.

[0075] The indoor unit of the air conditioner may include a drain tray positioned below the indoor heat exchanger to collect condensate generated in the indoor heat exchanger. The condensate collected in the drain tray may be drained to the outside through a drain hose. The drain tray may be provided to support the indoor heat exchanger.

[0076] The indoor unit of the air conditioner may include an input interface. The input interface may include any type of user input means, including buttons, switches, a touch screen, and / or a touch pad. The input interface may receive user input regarding setting data (e.g., desired indoor temperature, operating mode settings for cooling / heating / dehumidification / air purification, outlet selection settings, and / or air flow settings).

[0077] The input interface may also be connected to an external input device. For example, the input interface may be electrically connected to a wired remote controller. The wired remote controller may be installed at a specific location in an indoor space (e.g., a portion of a wall). The wired remote controller may receive configuration data regarding the operation of the air conditioner as a user input. Electrical signals corresponding to the configuration data obtained through the wired remote controller may be transmitted to the input interface. The input interface may also include an infrared sensor. The wireless remote controller may receive configuration data regarding the operation of the air conditioner as a user input. The configuration data input through the wireless remote controller may be transmitted to the input interface as an infrared signal.

[0078] Additionally, the input interface may include a microphone. A user's voice command may be acquired through the microphone. The microphone may convert the user's voice command into an electrical signal and transmit the converted electrical signal to an indoor unit control unit. The indoor unit control unit may control components of the air conditioner to execute a function corresponding to the user's voice command. Setting data acquired through the input interface (e.g., desired indoor temperature, operation mode settings for cooling / heating / dehumidification / air purification, outlet selection settings, and / or air volume settings) may be transmitted to the indoor unit control unit, which will be described later. In one example, the setting data acquired through the input interface may be transmitted externally, i.e., to an outdoor unit or a server, through an indoor unit communication unit, which will be described later.

[0079] The indoor unit of the air conditioner may include a power module. The power module may be connected to an external power source to supply power to the components of the indoor unit.

[0080] An indoor unit of an air conditioner may include an indoor unit sensor. The indoor unit sensor may be an environmental sensor positioned in a space inside or outside the housing. For example, the indoor unit sensor may include one or more temperature sensors and / or humidity sensors positioned in a predetermined space inside or outside the housing of the indoor unit. For example, the indoor unit sensor may include a refrigerant temperature sensor for detecting a refrigerant temperature of a refrigerant pipe passing through the indoor unit. For example, the indoor unit sensor may include respective refrigerant temperature sensors for detecting the inlet, middle, and / or outlet temperatures of the refrigerant pipe passing through the indoor heat exchanger.

[0081] For example, each sensor information detected by an indoor unit sensor can be transmitted to the indoor unit control unit described later or transmitted externally through the indoor unit communication unit described later.

[0082] The indoor unit of the air conditioner may include an indoor unit communication unit. The indoor unit communication unit may include at least one of a short-range communication module and a long-range communication module. The indoor unit communication unit may include at least one antenna for wirelessly communicating with other devices.

[0083] The short-range wireless communication module may include, but is not limited to, a Bluetooth communication module, a BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) communication module, a near field communication module, a WLAN (Wi-Fi) communication module, a Zigbee communication module, an infrared (IrDA, infrared Data Association) communication module, a WFD (Wi-Fi Direct) communication module, an UWB (ultrawideband) communication module, an Ant+ communication module, a microwave (uWave) communication module, etc.

[0084] The long-distance communication module may include a communication module that performs various types of long-distance communication and may include a mobile communication unit. The mobile communication unit transmits and receives wireless signals with at least one of a base station, an external terminal, and a server on a mobile communication network.

[0085] The indoor unit communication unit can communicate with external devices such as servers, mobile devices, and other home appliances through a nearby access point (AP). The access point (AP) can connect a local area network (LAN) to which the air conditioner or user device is connected to a wide area network (WAN) to which the server is connected. The air conditioner or user device can be connected to the server through the wide area network (WAN). The indoor unit of the air conditioner may include an indoor unit control unit that controls components of the indoor unit, including a blower, etc. The outdoor unit of the air conditioner may include an outdoor unit control unit that controls components of the outdoor unit, including a compressor, etc. The indoor unit control unit can communicate with the outdoor unit control unit through the indoor unit communication unit and the outdoor unit communication unit. The outdoor unit communication unit can transmit control signals generated by the outdoor unit control unit to the indoor unit communication unit, or transmit control signals transmitted from the indoor unit communication unit to the outdoor unit control unit. In other words, the outdoor unit and the indoor unit can communicate bidirectionally. The outdoor unit and the indoor unit can transmit and receive various signals generated during the operation of the air conditioner.

[0086] The outdoor unit control unit can be electrically connected to the components of the outdoor unit and can control the operation of each component. For example, the outdoor unit control unit can adjust the frequency of the compressor and control the flow switching valve to change the circulation direction of the refrigerant. The outdoor unit control unit can adjust the rotation speed of the outdoor fan. In addition, the outdoor unit control unit can generate a control signal to adjust the opening degree of the expansion valve. Under the control of the outdoor unit control unit, the refrigerant can circulate along a refrigerant circulation circuit including the compressor, the flow switching valve, the outdoor heat exchanger, the expansion valve, and the indoor heat exchanger.

[0087] The various temperature sensors included in the outdoor and indoor units can transmit electrical signals corresponding to the detected temperatures to the outdoor unit control unit and / or the indoor unit control unit. For example, the humidity sensors included in the outdoor and indoor units can transmit electrical signals corresponding to the detected humidity to the outdoor unit control unit and / or the indoor unit control unit.

[0088] The indoor unit control unit can obtain user input from a user device, including a mobile device, via the indoor unit communication unit, and can obtain user input directly through the input interface or via a remote controller. The indoor unit control unit can control components of the indoor unit, including a blower, in response to the received user input. The indoor unit control unit can transmit information regarding the received user input to the outdoor unit control unit of the outdoor unit.

[0089] The outdoor unit control unit can control the components of the outdoor unit, including the compressor, based on information regarding user input received from the indoor unit. For example, when a control signal corresponding to a user input for selecting an operation mode, such as cooling operation, heating operation, ventilation operation, defrosting operation, or dehumidification operation, is received from the indoor unit, the outdoor unit control unit can control the components of the outdoor unit so that the air conditioner performs an operation corresponding to the selected operation mode.

[0090] The outdoor unit control unit and the indoor unit control unit may each include a processor and a memory. The indoor unit control unit may include at least one first processor and at least one first memory, and the outdoor unit control unit may include at least one second processor and at least one second memory.

[0091] The memory can store / remember various information necessary for the operation of the air conditioner. The memory can store instructions, applications, data, and / or programs necessary for the operation of the air conditioner. For example, the memory can store various programs for cooling, heating, dehumidifying, and / or defrosting operations of the air conditioner. The memory can include volatile memory, such as Static Random Access Memory (S-RAM) and Dynamic Random Access Memory (DRAM), for temporarily storing data. In addition, the memory can include nonvolatile memory, such as Read Only Memory (ROM), Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory (EPROM), and Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory (EEPROM), for storing data for a long period of time.

[0092] The processor can generate control signals for controlling the operation of the air conditioner based on instructions, applications, data, and / or programs stored in memory. The processor, as hardware, may include logic circuits and arithmetic circuits. The processor can process data according to programs and / or instructions provided from the memory and generate control signals based on the processing results. The memory and the processor may be implemented as a single control circuit or as multiple circuits.

[0093] An indoor unit of an air conditioner may include an output interface. The output interface is electrically connected to the indoor unit control unit and can output information related to the operation of the air conditioner under the control of the indoor unit control unit. For example, information such as an operating mode selected by a user input, wind direction, wind volume, and temperature may be output. Additionally, the output interface may output sensing information obtained from an indoor unit sensor or an outdoor unit sensor, as well as warning / error messages.

[0094] The output interface may include a display and a speaker. The speaker, as an audio device, can output various sounds. The display may display information input by the user or information provided to the user using various graphic elements. For example, operation information of an air conditioner may be displayed as at least an image or text. The display may also include an indicator that provides specific information. The display may include a liquid crystal display panel (LCD), a light emitting diode panel (LED), an organic light emitting diode panel (OLED), a micro LED panel, and / or a plurality of LEDs.

[0095] Hereinafter, embodiments according to the present disclosure will be described with reference to the attached drawings.

[0096] For convenience of explanation, the following description will exemplify a window-mounted air conditioner installed on a window and / or window frame. However, the contents of the present disclosure may also be applied to other types of air conditioners. For example, the contents of the present disclosure may also be applied to portable air conditioners, wall-mounted air conditioners, ceiling-mounted air conditioners, and floor-mounted air conditioners.

[0097] Meanwhile, the terms "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", etc. 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. For example, referring to FIGS. 1 to 19, when an air conditioner (3, 3-1) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is mounted on a mounting assembly (2), the direction facing indoors may be defined as forward (+X direction), and the direction in which the air conditioner (3) faces outdoors may be defined as rearward (-X direction). In addition, when the air conditioner (3, 3-1) is mounted on a mounting assembly (2), the direction facing vertically upward may be defined as upward (+Z direction), and the direction in which the air conditioner (3) faces vertically downward may be defined as downward (-Z direction). Additionally, when the air conditioner (3, 3-1) is mounted on the mounting assembly (2), the direction parallel to the +Y direction and -Y direction based on the drawing can be defined as the horizontal direction.

[0098] FIG. 1 is a drawing illustrating an air conditioning system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0099] Referring to FIG. 1, an air conditioning system (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a mounting assembly (2).

[0100] The mounting assembly (2) can be provided to mount an air conditioner (3) to be described later. The mounting assembly (2) can allow the air conditioner (3) to be mounted on the structure (A).

[0101] The mounting assembly (2) may be provided so as to be installable on the structure (A). The mounting assembly (2) may be provided so as to be mountable on the structure (A). The mounting assembly (2) may be provided so as to be fixed to the structure (A).

[0102] The mounting assembly (2) may be provided to seal between the air conditioner (3) and the structure (A). The mounting assembly (2) may be provided to seal between the indoor (I) and the outdoor (O).

[0103] For example, the structure (A) may include a window and / or a window frame. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The structure (A) may be provided in various ways depending on the type of air conditioner (3). For example, the structure (A) may include at least one of a wall, a ceiling, or a floor.

[0104] An air conditioning system (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include an air conditioner (3).

[0105] The air conditioner (3) may be arranged to be mounted on the mounting assembly (2). The air conditioner (3) may be arranged to be mounted on the structure (A) by being mounted on the mounting assembly (2). The air conditioner (3) may be installed on the structure (A) via the mounting assembly (2). However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, unlike as illustrated in FIG. 1, the air conditioner (3) may be mounted on the structure (A) without the mounting assembly (2). For example, unlike as illustrated in FIG. 1, the air conditioner (3) may be arranged to perform the air conditioning function without being mounted on the structure (A).

[0106] An air conditioner (3) may be provided to cool or heat a room (I). The air conditioner (3) may be provided to exchange heat between indoor air and outdoor air, respectively. Specifically, the air conditioner (3) may perform a heat exchange operation using a refrigerant cycle, and may be provided to exchange heat between indoor air and a refrigerant, or may be provided to exchange heat between outdoor air and a refrigerant. The air conditioner (3) may be provided to absorb heat from indoor air and transfer heat to outdoor air when cooling the room (I). In addition, the air conditioner (3) may be provided to transfer heat to indoor air and absorb heat from outdoor air when heating the room (I).

[0107] One part of the air conditioner (3) may be arranged to face the interior (I). Another part of the air conditioner (3) may be arranged to face the exterior (O).

[0108] The air conditioning system (1) described above with reference to FIG. 1 is merely an example of a system in which an air conditioner is installed and operates in an air conditioning system according to the concept of the present disclosure, and the concept of the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0109] FIG. 2 is a drawing showing an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure from one direction. FIG. 3 is a drawing showing an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure from another direction. FIG. 4 is a drawing showing an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure from the rear. FIG. 5 is an exploded view of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 6 is an exploded view of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0110] Referring to FIGS. 2 to 7, an air conditioner (3) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a housing (10). The housing (10) may be provided to form the overall exterior of the air conditioner (3). The housing (10) may form at least a portion of the outer surface of the air conditioner (3). The housing (10) may be provided to accommodate various components of the air conditioner (3) therein. The housing (10) may have an approximately box shape.

[0111] For example, the housing (10) may include a front case (11). For example, the housing (10) may include a rear case (12). The front case (11) may be provided to be detachably coupleable to the rear case (12).

[0112] The front case (11) may be arranged to face the interior (see I, Fig. 1). For example, the front case (11) may be arranged to form at least a portion of the front portion of the exterior of the air conditioner (3).

[0113] The rear case (12) may be arranged to face the outside (O, see FIG. 1). For example, the rear case (12) may be arranged to form at least a portion of the rear exterior of the air conditioner (3).

[0114] For example, the housing (10) may include a front panel (14). The front panel (14) may form at least a portion of the front surface of the housing (10). A second discharge port (11b) described below may be formed in the front panel (14).

[0115] The front panel (14) may be covered at least in part by the discharge panel (50) described below. For example, as illustrated in FIGS. 2 to 7, the front panel (14) may be substantially entirely covered by the discharge panel (50), thereby preventing the front panel (14) from being exposed to the front exterior of the air conditioner (3). However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the front panel (14) may have a part thereof covered by the discharge panel (50), while another part thereof is not covered by the discharge panel (50) and is exposed to the outside, thereby forming a part of the front exterior of the air conditioner (3).

[0116] For example, the housing (10) may include a top panel (15). The top panel (15) may form the upper surface of the air conditioner (3).

[0117] For example, the housing (10) may include a first side panel (16). The first side panel (16) may form the right side among the two horizontal sides (Y direction) of the air conditioner (3).

[0118] For example, the housing (10) may include a second side panel (17). The second side panel (17) may form a left side among the two horizontal sides (Y direction) of the air conditioner (3). The second side panel (17) may be provided on the opposite side of the first side panel (16).

[0119] For example, the housing (10) may include a rear panel (18). The rear panel (18) may form the rear of the air conditioner (3).

[0120] For example, the housing (10) may include a base (13). The base (13) may form a lower surface of the air conditioner (3). The base (13) may be arranged to support at least a portion of a component arranged inside the air conditioner (3).

[0121] For example, the housing (10) may include a top cover (19). For example, the top cover (19) may be provided to form a portion of the upper surface and / or a portion of the rear surface of the air conditioner (3). However, the housing (10) may not include a separate top cover (19). For example, the top cover (19) may be provided as a component of the top panel (15) or as a component of the rear panel (18). For example, a portion of the top cover (19) may be provided as a component of the top panel (15), and another portion of the top cover (19) may be provided as a component of the rear panel (18).

[0122] For example, referring to FIGS. 2 to 7, the front case (11) is illustrated as including a front panel (14), a top panel (15), a first side panel (16), and a second side panel (17), but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the front case (11) may be formed to include only the front panel (14) and the top panel (15). For example, the front case (11) may further include other configurations in addition to the front panel (14), the top panel (15), the first side panel (16), and the second side panel (17).

[0123] For example, referring to FIGS. 2 to 7, the rear case (12) is illustrated as including a rear panel (18), a base (13), and a top cover (19), but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the rear case (12) may be formed to include only the rear panel (18). For example, the rear case (12) may further include other configurations in addition to the rear panel (18), the base (13), and the top cover (19).

[0124] The housing (10) of the air conditioner (3) described above is merely an example of a housing provided in an air conditioner according to the concept of the present disclosure, and the concept of the present disclosure is not limited thereto. An air conditioner according to the concept of the present disclosure may include a housing having various structures and shapes.

[0125] The housing (10) may include a first inlet (12a) formed to allow outdoor air to flow in. Outdoor air may flow into the interior of the housing (10) through the first inlet (12a).

[0126] The first inlet (12a) may be arranged to face the outdoors (O, see FIG. 1). The first inlet (12a) may be in communication with the outdoors (O). For example, the first inlet (12a) may be formed in the rear case (12) to allow outdoor air to flow in. For example, the first inlet (12a) may be formed in the rear panel (18). However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the first inlet (12a) may be formed in various parts of the housing (10) facing the outdoors (O).

[0127] The housing (10) may include a first outlet (12b) formed so that air that has exchanged heat with the first heat exchanger (40) is discharged to the outdoors (O). Outdoor air that has entered the housing (10) through the first inlet (12a) may be discharged to the outdoors (O) through the first outlet (12b) after heat exchange with the first heat exchanger (40).

[0128] The first exhaust port (12b) may be arranged to face the outdoors (O, see FIG. 1). The first exhaust port (12b) may be in communication with the outdoors (O). For example, the first exhaust port (12b) may be formed in the rear case (12). For example, the first exhaust port (12b) may be formed in the rear panel (18). However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the first exhaust port (12b) may be formed in various parts of the housing (10) facing the outdoors (O).

[0129] The first outlet (12b) can be distinguished from the first inlet (12a). The first outlet (12b) can be formed spaced apart from the first inlet (12a).

[0130] A first flow path (P1) may be formed inside the housing (10). The first flow path (P1) may be formed such that air introduced from the outside can flow therethrough. The first flow path (P1) may be formed between the first inlet (12a) and the first outlet (12b). For example, the first heat exchanger (40) may be provided on the first flow path (P1). For example, the first fan assembly (100) may be provided on the first flow path (P1).

[0131] The housing (10) may include a second inlet (11a) formed to allow indoor air to flow in. Indoor air may flow into the interior of the housing (10) through the second inlet (11a).

[0132] The second inlet (11a) may be arranged to face the interior (I, see FIG. 1). The second inlet (11a) may be in communication with the interior (I). For example, the second inlet (11a) may be formed in the front case (11) to allow interior air to flow in. For example, the second inlet (11a) may be formed in the second side panel (17). However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the second inlet (11a) may be formed in various parts of the housing (10) facing the interior (I).

[0133] The housing (10) may include a second outlet (11b) formed so that air that has exchanged heat with the second heat exchanger (60) is discharged to the outside of the housing (10). Indoor air that has been introduced into the housing (10) through the second inlet (11a) may be discharged to the outside of the housing (10) through the second outlet (11b) after heat exchange with the second heat exchanger (60). As described below, the air discharged to the outside of the housing (10) through the second outlet (11b) may be discharged to the inside of the room (I, see FIG. 1) through a plurality of outlet holes (50h) or panel openings (55, see FIG. 8, etc.) formed in the exhaust panel (50).

[0134] The second exhaust port (11b) may be arranged to face the interior (I, see FIG. 1). The second exhaust port (11b) may be in communication with the interior (I). For example, the second exhaust port (11b) may be formed in the front case (11). For example, the second exhaust port (11b) may be formed in the front panel (14) and may be covered by the exhaust panel (50). However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the second exhaust port (11b) may be formed in various parts of the housing (10) facing the interior (I).

[0135] The second outlet (11b) can be distinguished from the second inlet (11a). The second outlet (11b) can be formed spaced apart from the second inlet (11a).

[0136] A second flow path (P2) may be formed inside the housing (10). The second flow path (P2) may be formed to allow air introduced from the room to flow. The second flow path (P2) may be formed between the second inlet (11a) and the second outlet (11b). For example, the second heat exchanger (60) may be provided on the second flow path (P2). For example, the second fan assembly (200) may be provided on the second flow path (P2).

[0137] The first flow path (P1) and the second flow path (P2) may be arranged to be separated from each other. Outdoor air flowing through the first flow path (P1) and indoor air flowing through the second flow path (P2) may not mix inside the housing (10).

[0138] The air conditioner (3) may include a discharge panel (50). The discharge panel (50) may cover at least a portion of the housing (10). Specifically, the discharge panel (50) may cover a portion of the housing (10) where a second discharge port (11b) is formed. The discharge panel (50) may be arranged on one side of the second discharge port (11b). The discharge panel (50) may be arranged to be spaced apart from the second discharge port (11b).

[0139] For example, the discharge panel (50) may cover the front panel (14) in which the second discharge port (11b) is formed. The discharge panel (50) may form at least a portion of the front exterior of the air conditioner (3).

[0140] The exhaust panel (50) may be arranged to discharge at least a portion of the air discharged through the second exhaust port (11b). That is, indoor air that flows into the housing (10) through the second inlet port (11a) from the indoor space (I, see FIG. 1) is heat-exchanged with the second heat exchanger (60), and then at least a portion of the heat-exchanged air may sequentially pass through the second exhaust port (11b) and the exhaust panel (50) and be discharged back into the indoor space (I).

[0141] For example, the discharge panel (50) may include a plurality of discharge holes (50h) provided to discharge air flowing from the second discharge port (11b). The plurality of discharge holes (50h) formed in the discharge panel (50) may be formed such that each discharge hole (50h) has a smaller size than the second discharge port (11b).

[0142] Alternatively, as an example, the exhaust panel (50) may include a panel opening (55, see FIG. 8, etc.) provided to allow air exhausted through the second exhaust port (11b) to be exhausted. The panel opening (55) may be formed to have a size larger than each of the plurality of exhaust holes (50h) described above. As illustrated in FIG. 8, etc., the panel opening (55) may have a size larger than the second exhaust port (11b), but alternatively, it may have a size approximately corresponding to the second exhaust port (11b), or it may have a size larger than each of the plurality of exhaust holes (50h) but smaller than the second exhaust port (11b).

[0143] The discharge panel (50) can be coupled to the housing (10). Specifically, the discharge panel (50) can be coupled to the front case (11). The discharge panel (50) can maintain a fixed position with respect to the housing (10).

[0144] The discharge panel (50) may be formed in a substantially flat plate shape. However, this is not limited to the shape, and the discharge panel (50) may be formed in various shapes.

[0145] A detailed description of the structure of the discharge panel (50) will be described later.

[0146] The air conditioner (3) may include a blade (20). The blade (20) may be arranged to open or cover a panel opening (55, see FIG. 8). The blade (20) may have a shape that roughly corresponds to the panel opening (55).

[0147] The blade (20) may be arranged to cover the panel opening (55) at a position spaced apart from the second discharge port (11b). When covering the panel opening (55), the blade (20) may be arranged to be approximately parallel to the discharge panel (50).

[0148] The blade (20) may be provided to be rotatable relative to the housing (10). In addition, the blade (20) may be provided to be rotatable relative to the discharge panel (50). The blade (20) may be coupled to the housing (10).

[0149] The blade (20) may be provided to guide indoor air discharged through the panel opening (55). The blade (20) may be provided to control the discharge direction of air discharged into the room through the panel opening (55).

[0150] The blade (20) may be arranged to discharge a portion of the air discharged from the second discharge port (11b) while covering the second discharge port (11b) or the panel opening (55). That is, after the indoor air (I, see FIG. 1) flows into the housing (10) through the second inlet port (11a) and exchanges heat with the second heat exchanger (60), a portion of the heat-exchanged air may sequentially pass through the second discharge port (11b) and the blade (20) and be discharged back into the indoor space (I).

[0151] For example, the blade (20) may include a plurality of exhaust holes (20h) provided to exhaust air flowing from the second exhaust port (11b). The plurality of exhaust holes (20h) formed in the blade (20) may be formed so that each exhaust hole (20h) has a smaller size than the second exhaust port (11b). In a state where the blade (20) covers the second exhaust port (11b) or the panel opening (55), a portion of the air exhausted from the second exhaust port (11b) may be exhausted through the plurality of exhaust holes (20h) of the blade (20).

[0152] A detailed description of the structure of the blade (20) will be described later.

[0153] The air conditioner (3) may include a first heat exchanger (40). The first heat exchanger (40) may be provided to exchange heat with outdoor air introduced through the first inlet (12a). The first heat exchanger (40) may be disposed inside the housing (10). The first heat exchanger (40) may be disposed on the first flow path (P1). The first heat exchanger (40) may be disposed to face the first inlet (12a). The first heat exchanger (40) may also be referred to as an 'outdoor heat exchanger' in that it exchanges heat with outdoor air.

[0154] The air conditioner (3) may include a second heat exchanger (60). The second heat exchanger (60) may be provided to exchange heat with indoor air introduced through the second inlet (11a). The second heat exchanger (60) may be disposed inside the housing (10). The second heat exchanger (60) may be disposed on the second flow path (P2). At least a portion of the second heat exchanger (60) may be disposed to face the second inlet (11a). For example, the second heat exchanger (60) may be provided to surround at least a portion of the second fan assembly (200). For example, the second heat exchanger (60) may be provided to cover at least a portion of the second fan assembly (200). The second heat exchanger (60) may also be referred to as an 'indoor heat exchanger' in that it exchanges heat with indoor air.

[0155] For example, the first heat exchanger (40) may be provided as a condenser, and the second heat exchanger (60) may be provided as an evaporator. In this case, the air conditioner (3) may be provided to cool the interior. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the first heat exchanger (40) may be provided as an evaporator, and the second heat exchanger (60) may be provided as a condenser. In this case, the air conditioner (3) may be provided to heat the interior.

[0156] The air conditioner (3) may include a drain pan (80). The drain pan (80) may be provided to collect condensate generated in the second heat exchanger (60). The drain pan (80) may be provided to support the second heat exchanger (60). The drain pan (80) may be provided to support the second fan assembly (200). For example, the drain pan (80) may include a mounting portion (81) on which the base (230) of the second fan assembly (200) is mounted.

[0157] The air conditioner (3) may include a compressor (70). The compressor (70) may be configured to compress refrigerant to a high temperature and high pressure state. The refrigerant compressed in the compressor (70) may be introduced into the first heat exchanger (40) or the second heat exchanger (60).

[0158] For example, the compressor (70) may be positioned below the second fan assembly (200). For example, the compressor (70) may be positioned below the drain pan (80).

[0159] The air conditioner (3) may include a compressor cover (71). The compressor cover (71) may be provided to cover the compressor (70). The compressor cover (71) may prevent the compressor (70) from being exposed to the outside. The compressor cover (71) may be provided to protect the compressor (70).

[0160] The air conditioner (3) may include an expansion device. The expansion device may be provided to expand the refrigerant discharged from the first heat exchanger (40) or the refrigerant discharged from the second heat exchanger (60).

[0161] The air conditioner (3) may include a control box (90). The control box (90) may accommodate a printed circuit board on which various electronic components are mounted.

[0162] The air conditioner (3) may include a control panel (30). The control panel (30) may be configured to acquire user input. Alternatively, the control panel (30) may be configured to display information regarding the operation, status, various settings, indoor temperature, humidity, etc. of the air conditioner (3). The control panel (30) may be electrically connected to the control unit of the air conditioner (3). For example, the control panel (30) may be positioned at the front of the front case (11).

[0163] The air conditioner (3) may include a first fan assembly (100). The first fan assembly (100) may be configured to cause outdoor air to flow within the housing (10). The first fan assembly (100) may be configured to cause outdoor air to flow between a first inlet (12a) and a first outlet (12b).

[0164] For example, the suction side (101) of the first fan assembly (100) may be arranged to face the first inlet (12a). For example, the discharge side (102) of the first fan assembly (100) may be arranged to face the first discharge port (12b).

[0165] The first fan assembly (100) may include a first fan (110). For example, the first fan (110) may be positioned to face at least a portion of the first heat exchanger (40).

[0166] The first fan assembly (100) may include a first fan motor (120) for driving the first fan (110).

[0167] The first fan assembly (100) may include a first frame (130) configured to guide outdoor air. For example, the first frame (130) may extend along the extension direction of the first fan (110). For example, the first frame (130) may have a shape extending approximately vertically (Z direction).

[0168] The air conditioner (3) may include a second fan assembly (200). The second fan assembly (200) may be arranged to circulate indoor air within the housing (10). The second fan assembly (200) may be arranged to circulate indoor air between the second inlet (11a) and the second outlet (11b).

[0169] For example, the intake side (201) of the second fan assembly (200) may be arranged to face the second inlet (11a). For example, the discharge side (202) of the second fan assembly (200) may be arranged to face the second outlet (11b). For example, the discharge side (202) of the second fan assembly (200) may be arranged to face the blade (20).

[0170] The second fan assembly (200) may include a second fan (210). For example, the second fan (210) may be positioned to face at least a portion of the second heat exchanger (60).

[0171] The second fan assembly (200) may include a second fan motor (220) for driving the second fan (210).

[0172] The second fan assembly (200) may include a second frame (240) configured to guide indoor air. For example, the second frame (240) may extend along the extension direction of the second fan (210). For example, the second frame (240) may have a shape extending approximately vertically (Z direction).

[0173] Referring to FIG. 7, the first frame (130) and the second frame (240) may be arranged to be in contact. For example, the first frame (130) and the second frame (240) may be arranged to partition the first fan (110) and the second fan (210). For example, the partition portion (132) of the first frame (130) and the second frame (240) may be arranged to partition the first fan (110) and the second fan (210) by being coupled to each other. For example, the first frame (130) and the second frame (240) may be arranged to partition the first flow path (P1) and the second flow path (P2). As a result, indoor air and outdoor air may not be mixed inside the housing (10).

[0174] The configurations of the air conditioner (3) described above with reference to FIGS. 2 to 7 are merely examples of the configurations provided in the air conditioner according to the concept of the present disclosure, and the air conditioner according to the concept of the present disclosure may include various configurations.

[0175] Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 8 to 18, the structural and functional features of the air conditioner (3) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, in which air that has exchanged heat with the second heat exchanger (60) is discharged through the second discharge port (11b), discharge panel (50) and blade (20), will be described in detail. Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, the second discharge port (11b) and the second inlet port (11a) may be referred to as an 'inlet port (11a)'. In addition, the second discharge port (11b) may be referred to as an 'outlet port (11b)'. In addition, the second heat exchanger (60) may be referred to as a 'heat exchanger (60)'. In addition, the second fan assembly (200) and the second fan (210) may be referred to as a 'fan assembly (200)' and a 'fan (210)', respectively.

[0176] FIG. 8 is a drawing showing a discharge panel separated from an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0177] Referring to FIG. 8, the discharge panel (50) of the air conditioner (3) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may cover a portion of the housing (10). The discharge panel (50) may cover a portion of the housing (10) where the discharge port (11b) is formed on one side.

[0178] The discharge panel (50) can be coupled to the housing (10). For example, the discharge panel (50) can be coupled to the front surface of the housing (10) in the X direction. Specifically, the discharge panel (50) can be coupled to the front case (11). The discharge panel (50) can be coupled to the front panel (14) to cover the front side of the front panel (14). The discharge panel (50) can maintain a fixed position with respect to the housing (10).

[0179] For example, the housing (10) may include a panel mounting portion (11c) on which a discharge panel (50) is mounted, and the discharge panel (50) may include a coupling hook (56) provided to be coupled to the panel mounting portion (11c). The panel mounting portion (11c) may be provided on the front side of the front panel (14), and the coupling hook (56) may be provided on the back side of the discharge panel (50) facing the front side of the front panel (14). As the coupling hook (56) is coupled to the panel mounting portion (11c), the discharge panel (50) may be mounted to the housing (10).

[0180] For example, the exhaust panel (50) can be detachably mounted to the front case (11).

[0181] However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the discharge panel (50) may be coupled to the housing (10) by various structures. Alternatively, the discharge panel (50) may be configured to be formed integrally with the housing (10).

[0182] As described above, the discharge panel (50) may include a plurality of discharge holes (50h) provided to discharge air flowing from the discharge port (11b). The plurality of discharge holes (50h) may be formed such that each size is smaller than the size of the discharge port (11h).

[0183] Additionally, as described above, the discharge panel (50) may include a panel opening (55) provided to discharge air flowing from the discharge port (11b). The plurality of discharge holes (50h) of the discharge panel (50) may have a size smaller than the panel opening (55).

[0184] A plurality of discharge holes (50h) of the discharge panel (50) may be located on the outer side of the periphery of the panel opening (55). In other words, the panel opening (55) may be formed on the inner side of the outer edge of the discharge panel (50).

[0185] For example, the panel opening (55) may be formed approximately at the center of the discharge panel (50) in the horizontal direction (Y direction). However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the panel opening (55) may be formed at a position that is biased to one side in the horizontal direction (Y direction) of the discharge panel (50), or at a position that is biased to one side in the vertical direction (Z direction) of the discharge panel (50).

[0186] The panel opening (55) may have a shape that extends long in one direction (e.g., the Z direction as shown in the drawing), but is not limited thereto.

[0187] The blade (20) of the air conditioner (3) may be arranged to be movable between a first position (20A, see FIG. 13) covering the panel opening (55) and a second position (20B, see FIGS. 14 and 17) opening the panel opening (55). Specifically, the blade (20) may be arranged to be rotatable relative to the housing (10) between the first position (20A, see FIG. 13) and the second position (20B, see FIGS. 14 and 17).

[0188] Here, the expression "the blade (20) covers the panel opening (55)" means that the blade (20) is arranged to almost completely cover the panel opening (55) in the width direction (approximately in the Y direction based on the drawing). When the blade (20) covers the panel opening (55), the blade (20) may be arranged so that its back surface faces inward from the panel opening (55). Furthermore, when the blade (20) covers the panel opening (55), the blade (20) may be arranged so that its back surface faces the discharge port (11b).

[0189] Additionally, the expression "the blade (20) opens the panel opening (55)" here means that the blade (20) is positioned to open the panel opening (55) by a wider width than the first position (20A) where it covers the panel opening (55). That is, the air flow path of air discharged from the exhaust port (11b) through the panel opening (55) can be wider when the blade (20) opens the panel opening (55) than when the blade (20) covers the panel opening (55).

[0190] The blade (20) may be rotatably coupled to the housing (10). The discharge panel (50) and the blade (20) may be separated from each other. However, this is not limited thereto, and in an air conditioner according to one embodiment, the blade may be rotatably coupled to the discharge panel.

[0191] An air conditioner (3) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may operate in a windless operation mode to implement windless airflow. The windless operation mode may refer to a low-wind volume operation mode in which air is discharged at a certain speed or less without blowing air directly to a user. When the air conditioner (3) operates in the windless operation mode, air that has exchanged heat with the heat exchanger (60) may be discharged through a plurality of discharge holes (50h) of the discharge panel (50) and / or a plurality of discharge holes (20h) of the blades (20). In this case, for example, the blades (20) may be arranged to cover the panel opening (55).

[0192] Conversely, when the blade (20) is positioned to open the panel opening (55), most of the air that has exchanged heat with the heat exchanger (60) can be discharged through the panel opening (55).

[0193] Meanwhile, in one embodiment with reference to FIG. 8, a portion of the discharge panel (50) in which a plurality of discharge holes (50h) are formed has a shape that surrounds the periphery of the panel opening (55), and correspondingly, the blade (20) is surrounded by the discharge panel (50) in an example described. However, in contrast to this, in an air conditioner according to one embodiment, the blade may be provided on one side of the discharge panel, such as between the discharge panel and the housing. In this case, the panel opening that the blade opens or covers may be defined as a space that is formed on one side of the discharge panel so as to be opened or covered by the blade.

[0194] However, for convenience of explanation, the present disclosure will be described below on the premise that the panel opening (55) is surrounded by a portion of a discharge panel (50) in which a plurality of discharge holes (50h) are formed, as shown in FIG. 8, and correspondingly, the blade (20) is also arranged so that its periphery is surrounded by the discharge panel (50).

[0195] Fig. 9 is a drawing illustrating a part of the configuration of a housing and other parts of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 10 is a drawing illustrating a part of the configuration of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0196] Referring to FIGS. 9 and 10, a housing (10) of an air conditioner (3) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a first portion (10a) in which an exhaust port (11b) is formed and a second portion (10b) disposed on one side of the first portion (10a). The first portion (10a) and the second portion (10b) of the housing (10) may be portions each defined on one side of a front panel (14) facing the exhaust panel (50).

[0197] The second part (10b) of the housing (10) may be positioned on one side of the first part (10a) in the first direction (Z). That is, the first part (10a) and the second part (10b) of the housing (10) may be positioned relative to each other in the first direction (Z). The first part (10a) and the second part (10b) of the housing (10) may be provided so that their positions on the Z-axis extending in the first direction (Z) are different from each other.

[0198] For example, the first direction (Z) may be parallel to the vertical direction (up-down direction) of the air conditioner (3). More specifically, the first part (10a) of the housing (10) may be positioned higher than the second part (10b).

[0199] As described above with reference to FIGS. 2 to 7, etc., the compressor (70) may be placed at the bottom of the air conditioner (3). At this time, the heat exchanger (60) may be positioned above the compressor (70). In addition, the fan assembly (200) may be positioned above the compressor (70). Correspondingly, the second flow path (P2) extending from the inlet (11a) to the outlet (11b) may be positioned above the compressor (70).

[0200] The outlet (11b) can be formed at a position corresponding to the position where the second flow path (P2) is formed. That is, the outlet (11b) can be formed in a range of positions (heights) corresponding to the second flow path (P2) in the first direction (Z).

[0201] The first part (10a) of the housing (10) can be positioned at a position corresponding to the heat exchanger (60), the fan assembly (200), and the second flow path (P2) in the first direction (Z). That is, the first part (10a) of the housing (10) can cover the heat exchanger (60), the fan assembly (200), and the second flow path (P2) from the front (+X direction). In addition, the second part (10b) of the housing (10) can be positioned at a position corresponding to the compressor (70) and the compressor cover (71) in the first direction (Z). That is, the second part (10b) of the housing (10) can cover the compressor (70) and the compressor cover (71) from the front (+X direction).

[0202] Accordingly, the discharge port (11b) may be formed in the first part (10a) of the housing (10) as shown in FIG. 9, and may not be formed to extend to the second part (10b) due to structural constraints.

[0203] Meanwhile, although the first part (10a) of the housing (10) was previously defined as the part where the outlet (11b) is formed, this does not mean a part of the housing (10) that is exactly in the same position as the outlet (11b). As illustrated in FIG. 9, the first part (10a) of the housing (10) may be defined as a part that includes even a part of the housing (10) that is in a different position in the second direction (Y) from the outlet (11b), assuming that the position in the first direction (Z) corresponds to that of the outlet (11b).

[0204] The outlet (11b) may extend in the first direction (Z). As illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 10, the outlet (11b) may have a shape in which the length in the first direction (Z) is longer than the length in the second direction (Y) perpendicular to the first direction, but the ratio between the length of the outlet (11b) in the first direction (Z) and the length in the second direction (Y) is not limited to that illustrated.

[0205] The discharge panel (50) can cover the first part (10a) and the second part (10b) of the housing (10). A part of the first part (10a) of the housing (10) that corresponds to the panel opening (55) of the discharge panel (50) and a part of the second part (10b) of the housing (10) that corresponds to the panel opening (55) of the discharge panel (50) can be covered by the blade (20) at a position covering the panel opening (55).

[0206] Corresponding to the housing (10) being partitioned into a first part (10a) and a second part (10b), the discharge panel (50) may include a plurality of regions partitioned as follows.

[0207] The discharge panel (50) may include a first area (51) corresponding to a first portion (10a) of the housing (10) and a second area (52) corresponding to a second portion (10b) of the housing (10).

[0208] The first area (51) of the discharge panel (50) can cover the first part (10a) of the housing (10). The first area (51) of the discharge panel (50) can be positioned so that the position in the first direction (Z) (i.e., the position on the Z axis) of the first part (10a) of the housing (10) almost corresponds.

[0209] The second area (52) of the discharge panel (50) can cover the second part (10b) of the housing (10). The second area (52) of the discharge panel (50) can be positioned so that the position in the first direction (Z) (i.e., the position on the Z axis) substantially corresponds to the position of the second part (10b) of the housing (10).

[0210] The second region (52) of the discharge panel (50) may be positioned on one side of the first region (51) in the first direction (Z). That is, the first region (51) and the second region (52) of the discharge panel (50) may be positioned relative to each other in the first direction (Z). The first region (51) and the second region (52) of the discharge panel (50) may be provided so that their positions on the Z-axis extending in the first direction (Z) are different from each other.

[0211] For example, the first region (51) and the second region (52) of the discharge panel (50) may be positioned in the vertical direction of the air conditioner (3). More specifically, when the first part (10a) of the housing (10) is positioned higher than the second part (10b), the first region (51) of the discharge panel (50) may be positioned higher than the second region (52).

[0212] A plurality of exhaust holes (50h) may be formed in each of the first region (51) and the second region (52) of the exhaust panel (50). Accordingly, when the air conditioner (3) operates in a windless operation mode, air discharged from the exhaust port (11b) may be discharged through a plurality of exhaust holes (50h) formed in each of the first region (51) and the second region (52).

[0213] However, since the exhaust port (11b) is formed in the first part (10a) of the housing (10), if there is no separate structure for guiding or controlling the airflow, the airflow discharged from the exhaust port (11b) may flow relatively lower in the second area (52) of the exhaust panel (50) than in the first area (51). In this case, a problem may arise in that the flow rate of the airflow discharged from the exhaust panel (50) is not uniform throughout the entire area of ​​the exhaust panel (50). In addition, when the air conditioner (3) is in cooling operation, the cold air discharged from the exhaust port (11b) may flow intensively in the first area (51) of the exhaust panel (50), and thus, problems such as dew forming in the first area (51) of the exhaust panel (50) may arise.

[0214] The discharge panel (50) may include a plurality of areas divided by criteria other than those described above.

[0215] The discharge panel (50) may include a discharge facing region (53) and an extension region (54). The discharge facing region (53) and the extension region (54) may be defined as being separate from each other.

[0216] The outlet facing region (53) may be provided at a position corresponding to the outlet (11b). Specifically, the outlet facing region (53) may be provided at a position corresponding to the outlet (11b) in the first direction (Z) (i.e., a position on the Z axis) and at a position corresponding to the outlet (11b) in the second direction (Y) (i.e., a position on the Y axis). The outlet facing region (53) may be formed to be opposite to the outlet (11b). The outlet facing region (53) may be located in front (in the +X direction) of the outlet (11b). The outlet facing region (53) does not necessarily have to be located at exactly the same position as the outlet (11b) in the first direction (Z) and the second direction (Y), and may be defined at a position approximately corresponding to the outlet (11b).

[0217] The extension region (54) may be provided at a position further from the discharge port (11b) than the distance from the discharge port (11b) to the discharge port-facing region (53). Specifically, the extension region (54) may be provided in the outer direction of the edge of the discharge port-facing region (53). The extension region (54) may be defined as a region extending outward from the discharge port-facing region (53).

[0218] For example, at least a portion of the panel opening (55) may be formed in the discharge port facing region (53). As illustrated in FIG. 10, the discharge port facing region (53) may be defined as being entirely a portion of the panel opening (55). However, this is not limited thereto, and for example, the discharge port facing region (53) may be defined as an area in which a plurality of discharge holes (50h) are formed in at least a portion thereof.

[0219] Meanwhile, when the blade (20) is in a position to cover the panel opening (55), the area facing the outlet (53) can be covered by the blade (20). Since a plurality of exhaust holes (20h) are formed in the blade (20), when the air conditioner (3) operates in a windless operation mode, some of the air discharged from the exhaust port (11b) can be guided to the area facing the outlet (53) and discharged through the plurality of exhaust holes (20h) formed in the blade (20).

[0220] A plurality of exhaust holes (50h) may be formed in at least a portion of the extended area (54). However, as illustrated in FIG. 10, a portion of the panel opening (55) may be provided in a portion of the extended area (54) (a portion of the second extended area (54b) described later), so that a plurality of exhaust holes (50h) may not be formed. Alternatively, in one embodiment, a plurality of exhaust holes (50h) may be formed in almost the entire extended area, which is distinct from the area facing the exhaust port (53). Accordingly, when the air conditioner (3) operates in the wind-free operation mode, a portion of the air exhausted from the exhaust port (11b) may be exhausted through the plurality of exhaust holes (50h) formed in the extended area (54).

[0221] The extension region (54) may include a plurality of regions extending in different directions from the outlet facing region (53).

[0222] In detail, the extension region (54) may include a first extension region (54a) extending in the second direction (Y) from the discharge port facing region (53). The first extension region (54a) may be located at a different position in the second direction (Y) from the discharge port facing region (53) (i.e., a position different in the Y-axis) and a corresponding position in the first direction (Z) (i.e., a position identical in the Z-axis).

[0223] For example, the first extension region (54a) may be defined as a region extending horizontally from the discharge facing region (53). The first extension region (54a) may be positioned in the horizontal direction of the air conditioner (3) with respect to the discharge facing region (53), and may be positioned at a height corresponding to the discharge facing region (53) in the vertical direction.

[0224] Additionally, the extension region (54) may include a second extension region (54b) extending in the first direction (Z) from the outlet facing region (53) and the first extension region (54a). The second extension region (54b) may be positioned at a different position in the first direction (Z) with respect to each of the first extension region (54a) and the outlet facing region (53) (i.e., at the same position on the Z axis).

[0225] For example, the second extension region (54b) can be defined as a region extending vertically from the discharge port facing region (53) and the first extension region (54a). More specifically, the second extension region (54b) can extend downward from the discharge port facing region (53) and the first extension region (54a).

[0226] A plurality of exhaust holes (50h) may be formed in each of the first extension region (54a) and the second extension region (54b) of the exhaust panel (50). Accordingly, when the air conditioner (3) operates in a windless operation mode, air discharged from the exhaust port (11b) may be discharged through a plurality of exhaust holes (50h) formed in each of the first extension region (54a) and the second extension region (54b).

[0227] In a part of the second extension area (54b), a part of the panel opening (55) may be formed as shown in Fig. 10. When the blade (20) is in a position covering the panel opening (55), air discharged from the discharge port (11b) may be discharged not only through the plurality of discharge holes (50h) formed in the second extension area (54b) flowing into the second extension area (54b), but also through the plurality of discharge holes (20h) formed in a part of the blade (20) covering a part of the second extension area (54b) corresponding to the panel opening (55).

[0228] The discharge port facing area (53) of the discharge panel (50) may correspond to a part of the first area (51) of the discharge panel (50) described above. The first extended area (54a) of the extended area (54) of the discharge panel (50) may correspond to another part of the first area (51) of the discharge panel (50) described above. The combined area of ​​the discharge port facing area (53) of the discharge panel (50) and the first extended area (54a) may correspond to the first area (51).

[0229] Among the extension regions (54) of the discharge panel (50), the second extension region (54b) may correspond to the second region (52) of the discharge panel (50) described above.

[0230] However, due to the difference in distance from the exhaust port (11b), if there is no separate structure for guiding or controlling the airflow, the airflow discharged from the exhaust port (11b) may flow to the extension area (54) at a rate relatively lower than the rate at which it flows to the area opposite the exhaust port (53). Furthermore, the airflow discharged from the exhaust port (11b) may flow to the second extension area (54b) at a rate lower than the rate at which it flows to the first extension area (54a). In this case, a problem may arise in which the flow rate of the airflow discharged from the exhaust panel (50) becomes uneven over the entire area of ​​the exhaust panel (50). In addition, when the air conditioner (3) performs cooling operation, the cold air discharged from the exhaust port (11b) may flow intensively to the area opposite the exhaust port (53) of the exhaust panel (50), and thus problems such as dew forming in the area opposite the exhaust port (53) of the exhaust panel (50) and its surrounding areas may arise.

[0231] Although it is possible to improve to some extent the air flowing from the discharge port (11b) to be guided to the first extension area (54a) of the discharge panel (50) by the inclined surface (11s) of the housing (10) described later, there is still a possibility that the air flow from the discharge port (11b) may not be sufficiently guided to the second extension area (54b).

[0232] In this way, since the exhaust port (11b) is provided at a biased position on one side of the housing (10), a problem may arise in which the airflow discharged from the exhaust port (11b) is not efficiently distributed over the entire area of ​​the exhaust panel (50), and in particular, when the air conditioner (3) is in cooling operation, cold air may be concentrated in the first area (51) of the exhaust panel (50) (or the area opposite the exhaust port (53)), which may cause dew to form in some areas of the exhaust panel (50) or the blades (20). In addition, even if the air conditioner (3) is in heating operation and there is almost no possibility of dew forming on the exhaust panel (50), if the warm air is not distributed and is concentrated only in the first area (51) (or the area opposite the exhaust port (53)), a problem in which the blowing efficiency of the air conditioner (3) is reduced may arise.

[0233] Fig. 11 is an enlarged view of a portion of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 12 is a view illustrating a cold air discharged from an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0234] Referring to FIGS. 11 and 12, an air conditioner (3) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a guide rib (300). The guide rib (300) may be provided to guide a portion of the air discharged through the discharge port (11b) to the second region (52) of the discharge panel (50). The guide rib (300) may be provided to guide a portion of the air discharged through the discharge port (11b) toward the extension region (54). The guide rib (300) may be provided to guide a portion of the air discharged through the discharge port (11b) to the second portion (10b) of the housing (10).

[0235] The guide rib (300) can be arranged between the discharge port (11b) of the housing (10) and the discharge panel (50). Specifically, the guide rib (300) can be arranged between the first part (10a) of the housing (10) and the first area (51) of the discharge panel (50).

[0236] For example, the guide rib (300) may be positioned forward (in the +X direction) of the discharge port (11b). The guide rib (300) may be positioned rearward (in the -X direction) of the discharge panel (50).

[0237] However, it is not limited thereto, and the guide rib (300) may be arranged between the first part (10a) of the housing (10) and the first area (51) of the discharge panel (50), and may also be arranged between the second part (10b) and the second area (52).

[0238] The guide rib (300) may be arranged to guide a portion of the air discharged through the exhaust port (11b) to the second region (52) when the blade (20) is positioned at the first position (20A, see FIG. 13) covering the panel opening (55). In the air conditioner (3), most of the air discharged through the exhaust port (11b) may be discharged through the panel opening (55) when the blade (20) is positioned at the second position (20B, see FIG. 14) opening the panel opening (55). Therefore, in this case, the flow rate ratio of the air guided to the second region (52) by the guide rib (300) may be relatively very small.

[0239] As illustrated in FIGS. 11 and 12, the air conditioner (3) according to one embodiment may include a plurality of guide ribs (300). In other words, the guide rib (300) may include a plurality of guide ribs (300).

[0240] Each of the plurality of guide ribs (300) may be arranged to guide a portion of the air discharged through the discharge port (11b) to the second region (52) of the discharge panel (50). Each of the plurality of guide ribs (300) may be arranged to guide a portion of the air discharged through the discharge port (11b) toward the extension region (54).

[0241] For example, at least some of the plurality of guide ribs (300) may be arranged spaced apart from each other along the first direction (Z). As illustrated in FIGS. 11 and 12, at least some of the plurality of guide ribs (300) may be arranged spaced apart from each other along the vertical direction (up-down direction) of the housing (10).

[0242] In detail, the plurality of guide ribs (300) may include guide ribs (300a) of the first row and guide ribs (300b) of the second row.

[0243] The guide rib (300a) of the first row may be arranged to guide a portion of the air discharged through the discharge port (11b) to the second region (52) of the discharge panel (50). In addition, the guide rib (300a) of the first row may be arranged to guide a portion of the air discharged through the discharge port (11b) toward a portion of the first extension region (54a) located on one side of the discharge port (11b) and the second extension region (54b).

[0244] The guide rib (300b) of the second row may be arranged to guide a portion of the air discharged through the discharge port (11b) to the second region (52) of the discharge panel (50). In addition, the guide rib (300b) of the second row may be arranged to guide a portion of the air discharged through the discharge port (11b) toward a portion of the first extension region (54a) located on the other side of the discharge port (11b) and the second extension region (54b).

[0245] Each of the guide ribs (300a) included in the guide ribs (300a) of the first row can be arranged along the first direction (Z) with respect to each other. For example, each of the guide ribs (300a) included in the guide ribs (300a) of the first row can be arranged along the vertical direction of the housing (10).

[0246] Each of the guide ribs (300b) included in the guide ribs (300b) of the second row can be arranged along the first direction (Z) with respect to each other. For example, each of the guide ribs (300b) included in the guide ribs (300b) of the second row can be arranged along the vertical direction of the housing (10).

[0247] The guide ribs (300a) of the first row and the guide ribs (300b) of the second row may be arranged spaced apart from each other. For example, the guide ribs (300a) of the first row and the guide ribs (300b) of the second row may be arranged spaced apart from each other in the horizontal direction (Y) of the housing (10).

[0248] In detail, the guide rib (300a) of the first row can be arranged on one side of the discharge port (11b) in the second direction (Y). The guide rib (300b) of the second row can be arranged on the other side of the discharge port (11b) in the second direction (Y).

[0249] For example, the guide rib (300a) of the first row may be arranged on one side in the horizontal direction with respect to the discharge port (11b), and the guide rib (300b) of the second row may be arranged on the other side in the horizontal direction with respect to the discharge port (11b).

[0250] The exhaust port (11b) can be placed between the guide rib (300a) of the first row and the guide rib (300b) of the second row.

[0251] The guide ribs (300a) of the first row may be arranged in the first part (10a) of the housing (10). Each guide rib (300a) included in the guide ribs (300a) of the first row may be arranged along the longitudinal direction of the discharge port (11b) in the first part (10a) of the housing (10). However, this is not limited thereto, and some of the guide ribs (300a) of the first row may also be arranged in the second part (10b) of the housing (10).

[0252] The guide ribs (300b) of the second row may be arranged in the first part (10a) of the housing (10). Each guide rib (300b) included in the guide ribs (300b) of the second row may be arranged along the longitudinal direction of the discharge port (11b) in the first part (10a) of the housing (10). However, this is not limited thereto, and some of the guide ribs (300b) of the second row may also be arranged in the second part (10b) of the housing (10).

[0253] As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the guide ribs (300a) of the first row and the guide ribs (300b) of the second row may be arranged symmetrically with respect to the discharge port (11b), but are not limited thereto.

[0254] In FIGS. 11 and 12, only a plurality of guide ribs (300) arranged along two distinct rows are illustrated, but in an air conditioner according to one embodiment, a plurality of guide ribs may be arranged along three or more distinct rows, or may be arranged along only one row.

[0255] Below, the structure of one guide rib (300) is described in detail.

[0256] The guide rib (300) may be extended so that the distance from the first end (301) adjacent to the discharge port (11b) in the second direction (Y) becomes closer to the second part (10b) of the housing (10) in the first direction (Z). In other words, the guide rib (300) may be extended so that the distance from the discharge port (11b) in the second direction (Y) becomes closer to the second part (10b) of the housing (10) in the first direction (Z). That is, the guide rib (300) may be arranged so that the distance from the second end (302) opposite to the first end (301) to the second part (10b) of the housing (10) is closer than the distance from the first end (301) to the second part (10b) of the housing (10).

[0257] The guide rib (300) may extend in a direction that becomes closer to the second region (52) of the discharge panel (50) in the first direction (Z) as the distance in the second direction (Y) from the first end (301) adjacent to the discharge port (11b) increases. That is, the guide rib (300) may be arranged so that the distance from the second end (302) opposite to the first end (301) to the second region (52) of the discharge panel (50) is shorter than the distance from the first end (301) to the second region (52) of the discharge panel (50).

[0258] The guide rib (300) may be extended so that the distance from the first end (301) adjacent to the discharge port (11b) in the second direction (Y) becomes longer, and the distance from the second extension region (54b) in the first direction (Z) becomes shorter. That is, the guide rib (300) may be arranged so that the distance from the second end (302) opposite to the first end (301) to the second extension region (54b) is shorter than the distance from the first end (301) to the second extension region (54b).

[0259] The guide rib (300) may be positioned on one side of the discharge port (11b) in the second direction (Y). The guide rib (300) may be arranged to guide a portion of the air discharged from the discharge port (11b) and flowing in the second direction (Y) in a direction inclined in the first direction (Z) with respect to the second direction (Y).

[0260] For example, as illustrated in FIGS. 11 and 12, the guide rib (300) may be extended so that the distance in the horizontal direction perpendicular to the vertical direction of the housing (10) from the first end (301) adjacent to the discharge port (11b) becomes farther away, and the vertical distance from the second portion (10b) of the housing (10) becomes closer. More specifically, when the first portion (10a) of the housing (10) is positioned higher than the second portion (10b), the guide rib (300) may be formed to be inclined so as to face downward of the housing (10) as the distance from the discharge port (11b) in the horizontal direction of the housing (10) becomes farther away.

[0261] As illustrated in FIGS. 11 and 12, each guide rib (300a) included in the guide rib (300a) of the first row may extend in the -Z direction as it gets farther away from the discharge port (11b) in the -Y direction. In addition, each guide rib (300b) included in the guide rib (300b) of the second row may extend in the -Z direction as it gets farther away from the discharge port (11b) in the +Y direction.

[0262] The guide rib (300) may be formed to protrude from the first part (10a) of the housing (10) toward the discharge panel (50). For example, the guide rib (300) may be formed to protrude forward (in the +X direction) from the first part (10a) of the housing (10).

[0263] In this way, when the guide rib (300) protrudes from the first part (10a) of the housing (10), there is a space between the first part (10a) and the discharge panel (50), so that the airflow discharged from the discharge port (11b) can change its flow direction at a position adjacent to the first part (10a) and then flow toward the discharge panel (50). Therefore, the airflow flowing from the discharge port (11b) can be more efficiently distributed over the entire area of ​​the discharge panel (50).

[0264] An inclined surface (11s) may be provided on one side of the housing (10) facing the discharge panel (50). That is, the front panel (14) may be provided with an inclined surface (11s) facing the discharge panel (50). The inclined surface (11s) may be provided on at least the first part (10a) of the housing (10), and may also be provided on the second part (10b) of the housing (10).

[0265] The inclined surface (11s) may extend in a direction that gets closer to the discharge panel (50) as it gets farther away from the discharge port (11b) (see FIG. 13). The inclined surface (11s) may extend so that it gets closer to the discharge panel (50) in a third direction (X) as it gets farther away from the discharge port (11b) in the second direction (Y). For example, the inclined surface (11s) may be formed to extend forward as it gets farther away from the discharge port (11b) in the horizontal direction.

[0266] By this configuration, a portion of the air discharged from the discharge port (11b) can flow in the second direction (Y) along the inclined surface (11s) and be guided toward the first extension area (54a) of the discharge panel (50).

[0267] The guide rib (300) may be arranged on the inclined surface (11s). The guide rib (300) may protrude from the inclined surface (11s) toward the discharge panel (50). The guide rib (300) may provide an effect of more efficiently guiding the air flowing along the inclined surface (11s) in the second direction (Y), and may also provide an effect of guiding the air flowing along the inclined surface (11s) in the first direction (Z). That is, the guide rib (300) may be arranged to efficiently guide the air flowing along the inclined surface (11s) to the first extension region (54a), and also guide a portion of the air to the second extension region (54b) (or the second region (52)).

[0268] The guide rib (300) may be formed integrally with the housing (10). Specifically, the guide rib (300) may be formed integrally with the front panel (14). However, this is not limited thereto, and the guide rib (300) may be provided as a separate configuration distinct from the housing (10).

[0269] The guide rib (300) may be spaced apart from the back surface of the discharge panel (50). In this case, it is possible to prevent dew from forming when the guide rib (300) and the discharge panel (50) come into contact without blocking the air flow between the guide rib (300) and the discharge panel (50). However, this is not limited thereto, and the guide rib (300) and the discharge panel (50) may also come into contact with each other.

[0270] By the configuration described above, the guide rib (300) can be arranged to change the direction of the airflow discharged from the discharge port (11b), and the airflow discharged from the discharge port (11b) can be efficiently distributed over the entire area of ​​the discharge panel (50). In addition, when the air conditioner (3) is in cooling operation, the guide rib (300) can prevent cold air from being concentrated and flowing in a specific area of ​​the discharge panel (50) and the blade (20), and can prevent dew from forming. Furthermore, the air conditioner (3) can form a path through which airflow with a low wind speed can efficiently flow by appropriately changing the direction of the airflow using the guide rib (300).

[0271] The description of the structure of the guide rib (300) described above with reference to FIGS. 11 and 12 is merely an example of a guide rib that guides the airflow from the exhaust port in an air conditioner according to the concept of the present disclosure so that the airflow can be distributed to the entire area of ​​the exhaust panel, and the concept of the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The air conditioner according to the concept of the present disclosure may include guide ribs of various structures that can provide the above-described effect.

[0272] For example, the number of guide ribs included in an air conditioner according to the invention is not limited to that shown in FIGS. 11 and 12.

[0273] In addition, the guide ribs included in the air conditioner according to the invention of the present disclosure may be arranged in various positions depending on the position where the outlet is formed. For example, if the outlet (11b) is provided at a position biased toward one side in the second direction (Y) among the first part (10a) of the housing (10), it may be required that only a portion of the air flow be guided toward the other side in the second direction (Y) and the first direction (Z) so that the air flow discharged from the outlet (11b) is evenly distributed over the entire area of ​​the discharge panel (50). In this case, the air conditioner (3) may include only a single row of guide ribs (300) arranged on the other side among the two sides of the outlet (11b) in the second direction (Y). Alternatively, the air conditioner (3) may include multiple rows of guide ribs (300) arranged on all of the other sides among the two sides of the outlet (11b) in the second direction (Y).

[0274] Additionally, in an air conditioner according to one embodiment, a panel opening may not be formed in the exhaust panel. In this case, unlike the case described with reference to FIG. 10, etc., a portion of the panel opening may not be formed in the area of ​​the exhaust panel opposite the exhaust port, and a plurality of exhaust holes may be formed. In this embodiment, as described with reference to FIGS. 8 to 12, the air conditioner may include a guide rib provided to guide a portion of the air exhausted from the exhaust port.

[0275] Additionally, in an air conditioner according to one embodiment, a guide rib may be provided on the rear surface of the discharge panel. In this case, the guide rib may be formed to protrude from the rear surface of the discharge panel toward the first portion of the housing.

[0276] Additionally, in an air conditioner according to one embodiment, the guide rib may be provided with power by a driving source and may be rotatable by the housing. The control unit of the air conditioner can more efficiently control the direction of the airflow discharged from the outlet by rotating the guide rib based on preset conditions.

[0277] Fig. 13 is an enlarged view of a portion of a configuration of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, with the blade in the first position. Fig. 14 is an enlarged view of a portion of a configuration of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, with the blade in the second position.

[0278] Referring to FIGS. 13 and 14, a blade (20) of an air conditioner (3) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may be provided to be movable between a first position (20A) covering a panel opening (55) and a second position (20B) opening the panel opening (55).

[0279] The blade (20) may be provided to be able to move relative to the housing (10). In addition, the blade (20) may be provided to be able to move relative to the discharge panel (50).

[0280] More specifically, the blade (20) may be provided to be rotatably connected to the housing (10) between a first position (20A) and a second position (20B). For example, the blade (20) may be rotatably connected to the housing (10).

[0281] When the blade (20) is positioned at the first position (20A), the panel opening (55) is covered by the blade (20), and the airflow from the discharge port (11b) can be discharged through the entire area of ​​the discharge panel (50) and the blade (20).

[0282] The air flowing by the fan (210) may have a tendency to flow so as to be discharged forward (in the +X direction) through the exhaust port (11b). In other words, the air discharged through the exhaust port (11b) may have a tendency to flow toward the blade (20). As described above, in one embodiment of the present disclosure, the air discharged through the exhaust port (11b) may be dispersed by using a structure such as a guide rib (300) or an inclined surface (11s).

[0283] Furthermore, in order to enable the air discharged through the discharge port (11b) to be more efficiently distributed, the air conditioner (3) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may further include a guide panel (400). The guide panel (400) may be provided to guide a portion of the airflow discharged through the discharge port (11b) to the discharge panel (50) when the blade (20) is positioned at the first position (20A). The guide panel (400) may be provided to guide a portion of the airflow discharged through the discharge port (11b) to a plurality of discharge holes (50h) formed in the discharge panel (50) when the blade (20) is positioned at the first position (20A).

[0284] The guide panel (400) may be positioned between the exhaust port (11b) and the blade (20) when the blade (20) is positioned at the first position (20A). When the blade (20) is positioned at the first position (20A), a portion of the air discharged from the exhaust port (11b) may first reach the guide panel (400) before reaching the blade (20).

[0285] The guide panel (400) can be arranged parallel to the blade (20) when the blade (20) is positioned at the first position (20A). The guide panel (400) can block a portion of the airflow flowing from the exhaust port (11b) toward the blade (20) when the blade (20) is positioned at the first position (20A).

[0286] As illustrated in Fig. 13, when the blade (20) is positioned at the first position (20A), the guide panel (400) may be arranged to block and disperse a portion of the airflow flowing from the discharge port (11b) toward the blade (20). For example, the guide panel (400) may guide a portion of the airflow in the second direction (Y) to flow into a plurality of discharge holes (50h) formed in the discharge panel (50). Specifically, the guide panel (400) may guide a portion of the airflow to flow in the horizontal direction of the housing (10).

[0287] In addition, as illustrated in FIG. 13, even if the blade (20) is positioned at the first position (20A) and the guide panel (400) blocks a portion of the airflow flowing from the discharge port (11b) toward the blade (20), a portion of the blocked airflow may flow into the space beyond the guide panel (400) and be discharged through the discharge hole (20h) of the blade (20).

[0288] In this way, the guide panel (400) can guide the airflow discharged from the discharge port (11b) and efficiently distribute it over the entire area of ​​the discharge panel (50) and the blade (20).

[0289] The guide panel (400) may be provided to be rotatable with respect to the housing (10). The guide panel (400) may be arranged to cover the discharge port (11b) to the maximum extent when the blade (20) is positioned at the first position (20A) and to block the airflow from the discharge port (11b) to the blade (20) to the maximum extent (see FIG. 13). The guide panel (400) may cover the discharge port (11b) to a narrower width than the above case when the blade (20) is positioned at the second position (20B) (FIG. 14). The guide panel (400) may be provided to be rotatable with respect to the housing (10) as the blade (20) rotates between the first position (20A) and the second position (20B).

[0290] For example, the guide panel (400) can rotate in conjunction with the blade (20). The guide panel (400) can rotate to be positioned approximately parallel with the blade (20) as the blade (20) rotates between the first position (20A) and the second position (20B). Specifically, the guide panel (400) can be connected to the blade (20) by a rotation link (610) and can rotate together in conjunction with the rotation of the blade (20).

[0291] A detailed description of the rotation link (610) will be provided later.

[0292] As illustrated in Fig. 14, the blade (20) can adjust the direction in which air is discharged through the panel opening (55) depending on the degree to which the panel opening (55) is opened, while the panel opening (55) is open. That is, the direction in which air is discharged through the panel opening (55) can vary depending on the angle at which the blade (20) is rotated from the first position (20A) to the second position (20B).

[0293] At this time, the guide panel (400) is arranged parallel to the blade (20) at the second position (20B), so that the direction of the airflow from the exhaust port (11b) can be guided parallel to the blade (20).

[0294] As the guide panel (400) is rotatable in conjunction with the blade (20) in this way, when the blade (20) opens the panel opening (55), airflow can be efficiently discharged through the panel opening (55). In addition, the direction of the airflow discharged through the panel opening (55) can be guided not only by the blade (20) but also by the guide panel (400).

[0295] A portion of the guide panel (400) may be positioned between the first portion (10a) of the housing (10) and the first area (51) of the discharge panel (50). Another portion of the guide panel (400) may be positioned between the second portion (10b) of the housing (10) and the second area (52) of the discharge panel (50).

[0296] The guide panel (400) may be formed to have a roughly flat plate shape. The guide panel (400) may extend in a direction parallel to the direction in which the blade (20) and the panel opening (55) extend (e.g., the first direction (Z)).

[0297] As described above, the guide panel (400) can be provided to change the direction of the airflow discharged from the discharge port (11b), and the airflow discharged from the discharge port (11b) can be efficiently distributed over the entire area of ​​the discharge panel (50) and the blade (20). In addition, when the air conditioner (3) is in cooling operation, the guide panel (400) can prevent cold air from being concentrated and flowing in a specific area of ​​the discharge panel (50) and the blade (20), and can prevent dew from forming. Furthermore, the air conditioner (3) can form a path through which airflow with a low wind speed can efficiently flow by appropriately changing the direction of the airflow using the guide panel (400).

[0298] Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 15 and 16, a structure that allows the blade (20) and the guide panel (400) to rotate in a mutually linked state will be described in detail with an example.

[0299] Fig. 15 is an enlarged view of some components, such as blades and guide panels, of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 16 is an enlarged view of some components, such as blades and guide panels, of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0300] Referring to FIGS. 15 and 16, an air conditioner (3) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a rotation link (610) connecting a blade (20) and a guide panel (400). The rotation link (610) may be provided so that the blade (20) and the guide panel (400) rotate in conjunction with each other.

[0301] As illustrated in FIG. 15, the blade (20) may be provided to receive rotational power from a blade motor (M) provided in the housing (10). The blade (20) may include a first housing coupling portion (21) that is rotatably coupled to the housing (10). The first housing coupling portion (21) may be connected to the blade motor (M). The blade (20) may receive power from the blade motor (M) through the first housing coupling portion (21). With this configuration, the blade (20) may be provided to be rotatable about a first rotational axis (R1) with respect to the housing (10). For example, the first rotational axis (R1) may be parallel to the first direction (Z).

[0302] The blade (20) may include a first rotation link coupling portion (23) rotatably coupled to a rotation link (610). The rotation link (610) may be rotatably coupled to the blade (20) by the first rotation link coupling portion (23). When the blade (20) rotates with respect to the housing (10), the rotation link (610) may rotate together with the rotation of the blade (20). For example, the rotation link (610) may rotate about a rotation axis parallel to the first rotation axis (R1) with respect to the blade (20), which may be a rotation axis parallel to the first direction (Z).

[0303] The guide panel (400) may include a second housing coupling portion (410) that is rotatably coupled to the housing (10). The guide panel (400) may be provided to be rotatable about a second rotation axis (R2) with respect to the housing (10). At this time, the second rotation axis (R2) may be parallel to the first rotation axis (R1). For example, the second rotation axis (R2) may be parallel to the first direction (Z).

[0304] The guide panel (400) may include a second rotation link coupling portion (420) rotatably coupled to the rotation link (610). The rotation link (620) may be rotatably coupled to the guide panel (400) by the second rotation link coupling portion (420). For example, the rotation link (610) may rotate about a rotation axis parallel to the second rotation axis (R2) with respect to the guide panel (400), which may be a rotation axis parallel to the first direction (Z).

[0305] By this configuration, when the blade (20) receiving driving force from the blade motor (M) rotates around the first rotation axis (R1), the rotation link (610) rotates together with the blade (20), and the guide panel (400) connected to the rotation link (610) can also rotate together with the rotation link (610).

[0306] In Fig. 15, an embodiment in which the blade motor (M) is placed at the bottom of the housing (10) is illustrated, but this is not limited thereto, and the blade motor (M) may be placed at various locations, such as the top of the housing (10).

[0307] The blade (20) can be rotatably coupled to the upper and lower parts of the housing (10), respectively. In addition, the guide panel (400) can be rotatably coupled to the upper and lower parts of the housing (10), respectively. Correspondingly, the rotation link (610) can be disposed at the upper and lower parts of the housing (10), respectively. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the rotation link (610) can be disposed only at the lower part of the housing (10), only at the upper part of the housing (10), or at any other location, thereby providing the effect of linking the rotation of the blade (20) and the guide panel (400).

[0308] The structure of the rotary link (610) described above is merely an example of a structure in which the blades and the guide panel are provided to be rotatable in conjunction with each other in an air conditioner according to the concept of the present disclosure, and the concept of the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0309] The air conditioner (3) may include a fixed link (620) connecting the blade (20) and the guide panel (400). The fixed link (620) may rotatably support the blade (20) and the guide panel (400) relative to the housing (10).

[0310] The fixed link (620) can maintain a fixed position with respect to the housing (10). The fixed link (620) can be fixed to the front panel (14) of the housing (10). For example, the fixed link (620) can be formed integrally with the front panel (14). The fixed link (620) can be connected to the front panel (14) at the edge portion of the outlet (11b).

[0311] The blade (20) may be provided to be rotatable relative to the fixed link (620). The blade (20) may include a first fixed link coupling portion (24) that is rotatably coupled to the fixed link (620). For example, the blade (20) may be rotatable relative to the fixed link (620) about a rotation axis parallel to the first rotation axis (R1) described above, which may be a rotation axis parallel to the first direction (Z).

[0312] The guide panel (400) may be provided to be rotatable relative to the fixed link (620). The guide panel (400) may include a second fixed link coupling portion (430) that is rotatably coupled to the fixed link (620). For example, the guide panel (400) may be rotatable relative to the fixed link (620) about a rotation axis parallel to the second rotation axis (R2) described above, which may be a rotation axis parallel to the first direction (Z).

[0313] By this configuration, the blade (20) and the guide panel (400) can be stably supported with respect to the housing (10).

[0314] For example, a plurality of fixed links (620) may be provided. Each of the plurality of fixed links (620) may be provided in the first portion (10a) and the second portion (10b) of the housing (10). However, the number and arrangement of the fixed links (620) are not limited thereto.

[0315] The structure of the fixed link (620) described above is merely an example of a structure in which the blades and the guide panel are each provided to be rotatably supported with respect to the housing in an air conditioner according to the concept of the present disclosure, and the concept of the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0316] Unlike the above, in an air conditioner according to one embodiment, the guide panel may be configured to rotate by directly receiving driving force from the motor, and the blade may be configured to rotate in conjunction with the rotation of the guide panel by receiving driving force through a rotation link connecting the guide panel and the blade. Alternatively, unlike the above, in an air conditioner according to one embodiment, the blade and the guide panel may be independently transmitted driving force to rotate. In this case, the same effect as when the blade and the guide panel rotate in conjunction with each other can be provided by appropriately controlling the respective driving sources of the blade and the guide panel.

[0317] Fig. 17 is an enlarged view of a portion of a configuration of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, with the blade in the second position. Fig. 18 is a view illustrating a portion of a housing, an insulating member, and the like of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0318] Referring to FIGS. 17 and 18, an air conditioner (3) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include an insulating member (500).

[0319] When the air conditioner (3) is in cooling operation, the edge of the discharge port (11b) of the housing (10) may be continuously exposed to cold air. In this case, problems such as dew forming on the edge of the discharge port (11b) may occur.

[0320] In order to reduce the thermal conductivity between the edge portion of the discharge port (11b) and the cold air discharged through the discharge port (11b), an insulating member (500) may be attached to the housing (10) along the edge portion of the discharge port (11b).

[0321] The insulating member (500) may be composed of a material having a lower thermal conductivity than the material constituting the housing (10). The material constituting the insulating member (500) may have a lower thermal conductivity than at least the material constituting the edge portion of the exhaust port (11b) among the housing (10).

[0322] For example, the housing (10) may be configured to include various plastic materials having a predetermined rigidity. For example, the insulating member (500) may be configured to include expanded polypropylene (EPP) material. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the housing (10) and the insulating member (500) may be configured to include various materials, provided that the insulating member (500) has a lower thermal conductivity than the housing (10).

[0323] To allow airflow to be discharged outside the housing (10) through the exhaust port (11b), the insulating member (500) may include an opening (510) provided corresponding to the exhaust port (11b). The insulating member (500) may be formed in the shape of a closed loop having the opening (510).

[0324] As the insulating member (500) is attached to the edge of the discharge port (11b) in this way, it is possible to insulate the area between the edge of the discharge port (11b) and the cold air, and to prevent dew from forming on the surrounding area of ​​the discharge port (11b).

[0325] Meanwhile, when the blade (20) is in the second position (20B) that opens the panel opening (55) as shown in FIG. 17, a portion of the airflow flowing from the exhaust port (11b) toward the panel opening (55) may be interfered with by a portion of the exhaust panel (50) (50e, hereinafter referred to as “panel opening edge portion (50e)”) provided on one side of the edge of the panel opening (55) of the exhaust panel (50). In this case, when the air conditioner (3) is in cooling operation, there is a possibility that cold air may continuously interfere with the panel opening edge portion (50e), causing dew to form.

[0326] In particular, as illustrated in Fig. 7, the air flowing from the inlet (11a) to the outlet (11b) due to the structure of the fan assembly (200) may be subjected to centrifugal force and flow while being deflected to one side (the +Y direction side based on the drawing). If the cold air flows while being deflected to one side in this way, the degree of interference with the panel opening edge portion (50e) may further increase, which is problematic.

[0327] To solve this problem, the air conditioner (3) may include an exhaust guide (520) provided to guide the airflow discharged through the exhaust port (11b). The exhaust guide (520) may guide the airflow flowing from the exhaust port (11b) toward the panel opening (55) when the blade (20) is positioned at the second position (20B) so as to prevent it from interfering with the panel opening edge portion (50e) of the exhaust panel (50).

[0328] For example, the exhaust guide (520) may be provided at the edge of the exhaust port (11b).

[0329] For example, the exhaust guide (520) may extend toward the central axis of the panel opening (55) as it gets closer to the exhaust panel (50). As illustrated in FIG. 17, the exhaust guide (520) may extend in a direction inclined at a predetermined angle (a1) with respect to the front-rear direction (X) of the housing (10).

[0330] For example, the exhaust guide (520) may be provided on one side of the edge of the opening (510) of the insulating member (500). That is, the exhaust guide (520) may be a configuration included in the insulating member (500). In this case, the exhaust guide (520) may extend in a direction that gets closer to the center of the opening (510) of the insulating member (500) as it gets closer to the exhaust panel (50).

[0331] By this configuration, the exhaust guide (520) can guide the airflow flowing toward the panel opening (55) in a direction away from the panel opening (55). Therefore, it is possible to prevent dew from forming on the panel opening edge portion (50e) of the exhaust panel (50) due to interference of cold air.

[0332] However, this is not limited thereto, and the exhaust guide (520) may be configured separately from the insulating member (500).

[0333] FIG. 19 is a drawing illustrating a part of a configuration of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0334] When describing the configuration of an air conditioner (3-1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure with reference to FIG. 19, the same configuration as that of the air conditioner (3) described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 18 may be given the same drawing reference numerals and the description thereof may be omitted.

[0335] Referring to FIG. 19, an air conditioner (3-1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a housing (10-1). Although not shown in FIG. 19, the air conditioner (3-1) may include a discharge panel covering one side of the housing (10-1), and the structure and characteristics of the discharge panel of the air conditioner (3-1) correspond to the discharge panel (50) described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 18, and thus a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0336] The housing (10-1) may include an exhaust port (11b) formed so that air that has been introduced from the room and exchanged heat with the heat exchanger is discharged from the housing (10-1).

[0337] The housing (10-1) may include a first portion (10a-1) in which a discharge port (11b) is formed and a second portion (10b-1) disposed on one side of the first portion (10a-1). The first portion (10a-1) and the second portion (10b-1) of the housing (10) may be portions each defined on one side of the housing (10-1) facing the discharge panel.

[0338] The second part (10b-1) of the housing (10-1) may be positioned on one side in the first direction (Z) with respect to the first part (10a-1). That is, the first part (10a-1) and the second part (10b-1) of the housing (10-1) may be positioned relative to each other in the first direction (Z). The first part (10a-1) and the second part (10b-1) of the housing (10-1) may be provided so as to be partitioned so that their positions on the Z-axis extending in the first direction (Z) are different from each other.

[0339] In detail, as illustrated in FIG. 19, the second part (10b-1) of the housing (10-1) may be positioned higher than the first part (10a-1).

[0340] For example, unlike the embodiments described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 18, in the air conditioner (3-1) according to the embodiment of FIG. 19, the compressor may be placed at the top of the air conditioner (3-1), and the heat exchanger may be located below the compressor. In addition, the fan assembly may be located below the compressor. Correspondingly, the flow path extending from the inlet to the outlet (11b-1) may be located above the compressor.

[0341] Accordingly, in the air conditioner (3-1) according to the embodiment of Fig. 19, the outlet (11b-1) may be positioned adjacent to the lower portion of the air conditioner (3-1) rather than the upper portion, and correspondingly, the second portion (10b-1) of the housing (10-1) may be positioned higher than the first portion (10a-1).

[0342] As described in the embodiments according to FIGS. 1 to 18, since the exhaust port (11b-1) is formed in a biased manner at the lower part of the housing (10-1), a problem may arise in which the airflow discharged from the exhaust port (11b-1) does not flow evenly over the entire area of ​​the exhaust panel.

[0343] To solve this problem, the air conditioner (3-1) may include a guide rib (300-1) provided to guide a portion of the airflow discharged through the discharge port (11b-1). The guide rib (300-1) may be provided to guide a portion of the air discharged through the discharge port (11b-1) to the second portion (10b) of the housing (10).

[0344] The guide rib (300-1) can guide a portion of the air discharged through the outlet (11b-1) to flow upward (in the +Z direction). The guide rib (300-1) can guide a portion of the air discharged through the outlet (11b-1) to flow in the horizontal direction (in the +Y direction, in the -Y direction).

[0345] The guide rib (300-1) may be extended so that the distance from the first end (301-1) adjacent to the discharge port (11b-1) in the second direction (Y) becomes closer to the second portion (10b-1) of the housing (10-1) in the first direction (Z). In other words, the guide rib (300-1) may be extended so that the distance from the discharge port (11b-1) in the second direction (Y) becomes closer to the second portion (10b-1) of the housing (10-1) in the first direction (Z). That is, the guide rib (300-1) may be arranged so that the distance from the second end (302-1) opposite to the first end (301-1) to the second part (10b-1) of the housing (10-1) is shorter than the distance from the first end (301-1) to the second part (10b-1) of the housing (10-1).

[0346] The guide rib (300-1) may be provided to guide a portion of the air discharged from the discharge port (11b-1) and flowing in the second direction (Y) in a direction inclined upward (+Z direction) in the first direction with respect to the second direction (Y).

[0347] More specifically, the guide rib (300-1) may be formed to be inclined so as to face upward (+Z direction) of the housing (10-1) as it moves away from the discharge port (11b-1) in the horizontal direction of the housing (10-1).

[0348] An inclined surface (11s-1) may be provided on one side of the housing (10-1) facing the discharge panel. The inclined surface (11s-1) may be provided on at least a first portion (10a-1) of the housing (10-1), and may also be provided on a second portion (10b-1) of the housing (10-1).

[0349] The inclined surface (11s-1) may extend in a direction closer to the discharge panel as it moves away from the discharge port (11b-1). For example, the inclined surface (11s-1) may be formed to extend forward as it moves away from the discharge port (11b-1) in the horizontal direction.

[0350] By this configuration, a portion of the air discharged from the outlet (11b-1) can be guided to flow in the second direction (Y) along the inclined surface (11s).

[0351] The guide rib (300-1) may be arranged on the inclined surface (11s-1). The guide rib (300-1) may protrude from the inclined surface (11s-1) toward the discharge panel (50-1). The guide rib (300-1) may provide an effect of more efficiently guiding air flowing along the inclined surface (11s-1) in the second direction (Y), and may also provide an effect of guiding air flowing along the inclined surface (11s-1) upward in the first direction (Z).

[0352] The description of the structure of the guide rib (300-1) and the effect provided therefrom corresponds to the description of the structure and effect of the guide rib (300) described in FIGS. 1 to 18, so a detailed description is omitted.

[0353] Although the second part (10b, 10b-1) of the housing (10, 10-1) is positioned on one side in the Z direction (vertical direction of the air conditioner (3, 3-1)) with respect to the first part (10a, 10a-1) in FIGS. 9 to 19, the concept of the present disclosure is not limited thereto. In the air conditioner according to the concept of the present disclosure, the second part of the housing may be positioned on one side in various directions, such as on the Y direction (horizontal direction of the air conditioner) with respect to the first part, and the position or shape of the guide rib may vary accordingly.

[0354] In the above, with reference to FIGS. 1 to 19, an integrated type air conditioner (3, 3-1) in which components for exchanging heat with indoor air and components for exchanging heat with outdoor air are accommodated in one housing (10, 10-1) has been described as an example, but the idea of ​​the present disclosure can also be applied to the indoor unit of a split type air conditioner in which the indoor unit and the outdoor unit are configured separately.

[0355] An air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure comprises a housing (10) including a first part (10a) in which an outlet (11b) is formed and a second part (10b) disposed on one side of the first part in a first direction (Z), a heat exchanger (60) disposed inside the housing and provided to exchange heat with indoor air, a fan (210) disposed inside the housing and provided to flow air that has exchanged heat with the heat exchanger to the outlet, a discharge panel (50) covering the first part (10a) and the second part (10b) of the housing, each having a smaller size than the outlet and provided to discharge air flowing from the outlet, wherein a plurality of discharge holes (50h) are formed in a first region (51) corresponding to the first part and a second region (52) corresponding to the second part, respectively, and a guide disposed between the first part and the first region and provided to guide a portion of the air discharged through the outlet to the second region. It may include a rib (300). According to the present disclosure, the air conditioner may be provided to change the direction of the airflow discharged from the discharge port (11b) by including a guide rib (300). The airflow discharged from the discharge port (11b) can be efficiently distributed over the entire area of ​​the discharge panel (50) by the guide rib (300). In addition, when the air conditioner (3) is in cooling operation, the guide rib (300) can prevent cold air from being concentrated and flowing in a specific area of ​​the discharge panel (50) and the blade (20), and can prevent dew from forming. In addition, the air conditioner (3) can form a path through which airflow with a low wind speed can efficiently flow by appropriately changing the direction of the airflow using the guide rib (300).

[0356] The above guide rib (300) can be extended so that as the distance in the second direction (Y) orthogonal to the first direction increases from the end (301) adjacent to the discharge port (11b), the distance between the second part (10b) and the first direction (Z) becomes closer.

[0357] The first portion (10a) may be positioned higher than the second portion (10b). The guide rib (300) may be formed to be inclined downward as it moves away from the discharge port in the horizontal direction of the housing.

[0358] The above guide rib may include a plurality of guide ribs. At least some of the plurality of guide ribs may be arranged spaced apart from each other along the first direction (Z).

[0359] The plurality of guide ribs may include a first row of guide ribs (300a) arranged along the first direction, and a second row of guide ribs (300b) arranged spaced apart from the first row of guide ribs and arranged along the first direction. The discharge port (11b) may be arranged between the first row of guide ribs (300a) and the second row of guide ribs (300b).

[0360] The guide rib (300a) of the first row may be arranged on one side of the discharge port (11b) in the second direction (Y) orthogonal to the first direction. The guide rib (300b) of the second row may be arranged on the other side of the discharge port (11b) in the second direction (Y).

[0361] The above guide rib (300) can protrude from the first part (10a) of the housing toward the discharge panel (50).

[0362] The first portion (10a) of the housing may be provided with an inclined surface (11s) that faces the discharge panel and extends in a direction that gets closer to the discharge panel as it gets farther away from the discharge port. The guide rib may be arranged on the inclined surface.

[0363] The above discharge panel may further include a panel opening (55) having a size larger than each of the plurality of discharge holes (50h). The air conditioner may further include a blade (20) that is provided to be rotatable relative to the housing between a first position (20A) that covers the panel opening and a second position (20B) that opens the panel opening. The guide rib (300) may guide a portion of the air discharged through the discharge port to the second region (52) when the blade is positioned at the first position (20A).

[0364] The air conditioner may further include a guide panel (400) that is provided to be rotatable with respect to the housing (10). The guide panel (400) may be provided to be arranged parallel to the blade (20) between the discharge port (11b) and the blade (20) when the blade is positioned at the first position (20A), and to guide a portion of the airflow discharged through the discharge port to the discharge panel (50). According to the present disclosure, the air conditioner may be provided to change the direction of the airflow discharged from the discharge port (11b) by including the guide panel (400). By the guide panel (400), the airflow discharged from the discharge port (11b) can be efficiently distributed over the entire area of ​​the discharge panel (50) and the blade (20). In addition, when the air conditioner (3) is in cooling operation, the guide panel (400) can prevent cold air from concentrating and flowing in a specific area of ​​the exhaust panel (50) and blade (20), and can prevent dew from forming. In addition, the air conditioner (3) can form a path through which low-velocity air can flow efficiently by appropriately changing the direction of the airflow using the guide panel (400).

[0365] A part of the guide panel (400) may be disposed between the first part (10a) of the housing and the first area (51) of the discharge panel. Another part of the guide panel (400) may be disposed between the second part (10b) of the housing and the second area (52) of the discharge panel.

[0366] The blade (20) may be provided to be rotatable about a first rotation axis (R1) with respect to the housing. The guide panel (400) may be provided to be rotatable about a second rotation axis (R2) parallel to the first rotation axis with respect to the housing in conjunction with the rotation of the blade. The air conditioner may further include links (610, 620) that connect the blade (20) and the guide panel (400) and are rotatably coupled to the blade and the guide panel, respectively.

[0367] The air conditioner may further include an exhaust guide (520) provided at the edge portion of the exhaust port (11b) and configured to guide airflow discharged through the exhaust port. The exhaust guide (520) may extend toward the central axis of the panel opening (55) as it gets closer to the exhaust panel (50) so as to prevent airflow flowing from the exhaust port (11b) toward the panel opening (55) from interfering with the edge portion (50e) of the panel opening (55) of the exhaust panel (50) when the blade is positioned at the second position (20B). According to the present disclosure, the air conditioner may include the exhaust guide (520) to prevent dew from forming on the exhaust panel (50) as the cold air flowing toward the panel opening (55) interferes with the edge portion (50e) of the panel opening (55) of the exhaust panel (50).

[0368] The air conditioner may further include an insulating member (500) attached to the housing along the edge portion of the outlet and configured to include a material having a lower thermal conductivity than the material constituting the housing. According to the present disclosure, by attaching the insulating member (500) to the edge portion of the outlet (11b), it is possible to insulate the area between the edge portion of the outlet (11b) and cold air, and to prevent dew from forming on the area surrounding the outlet (11b).

[0369] The above insulating member (500) may include an opening (510) provided to correspond to the discharge port, and an exhaust port guide (520) provided on one side of the edge of the opening and extending in a direction closer to the center of the opening as it gets closer to the discharge panel, and provided to guide airflow discharged through the discharge port.

[0370] An air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure comprises a housing (10) including a first part (10a) in which an outlet (11b) is formed and a second part (10b) located on one side of the first part in a first direction (Z), a heat exchanger (60) disposed in the housing and provided to exchange heat with indoor air, a fan (210) provided to flow air exchanged with the heat exchanger to the outlet, a discharge panel (50) covering the first part and the second part and fixed to the housing, and having a panel opening (55) and a plurality of discharge holes (50h) located in an outer peripheral direction of the panel opening and having a smaller size than the panel opening, a blade (20) provided to be rotatable relative to the housing between a first position (20A) covering the panel opening and a second position (20B) opening the panel opening, and located on one side of the outlet (11b) in a second direction (Y) different from the first direction, The second part (10b) may include a guide rib (300) extending in a direction in which the second part (10b) is positioned in the first direction (Z) with respect to the first part (10a) as it moves away from the discharge port in the second direction (Y).

[0371] The above guide rib may include a plurality of guide ribs (300) arranged along the first direction (Z) in the first portion (10a).

[0372] The air conditioner may further include a guide panel (400) that is provided to be rotatable relative to the housing as the blade rotates between the first position and the second position. The guide panel may be provided to be arranged parallel to the blade between the discharge port and the blade when the blade is positioned at the first position (20A), and to guide a portion of the airflow discharged through the discharge port to the plurality of discharge holes (50h).

[0373] An air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a housing (10) including an inlet (11a) and an outlet (11b), a heat exchanger (60) disposed in the housing and configured to exchange heat with indoor air, a fan (210) disposed in the housing and configured to cause air that has exchanged heat with the heat exchanger to flow to the outlet, a discharge panel (50) disposed on one side of the outlet, the discharge panel having a plurality of discharge holes (50h) each having a size smaller than that of the outlet, the discharge panel including an outlet-facing region (53) disposed at a position corresponding to the outlet and an extension region (54) disposed at a position further from the outlet than a distance from the outlet to the outlet-facing region, and a guide rib (300) disposed between the discharge panel (50) and the outlet (11b) and configured to guide a portion of air discharged through the outlet (11b) toward the extension region (54).

[0374] The above extension region (54) may include a first extension region (54a) extending in a first direction (Y) from the discharge port facing region (53), and a second extension region (54b) extending in a second direction (Z) orthogonal to the first direction from the discharge port facing region (53) and the first extension region (54a). The guide rib (300) may be extended so that as the distance from one end (301) adjacent to the discharge port in the first direction (Y) increases, the distance between the second extension region (54b) and the second direction (Z) becomes closer.

[0375] According to the invention of the present invention, an air conditioner can form a path through which low-velocity airflow can flow efficiently by appropriately changing the direction of the airflow including a guide rib.

[0376] According to the invention of the present disclosure, an air conditioner can form a path through which low-velocity airflow can flow efficiently by appropriately changing the direction of the airflow by including a guide panel.

[0377] According to the invention of the present invention, an air conditioner can be provided with a guide rib to efficiently change the direction of airflow discharged from an outlet.

[0378] According to the present disclosure, an air conditioner can be provided such that the direction of airflow discharged from an outlet is efficiently changed by including a guide panel.

[0379] According to the invention of the present invention, an air conditioner can be provided so that airflow discharged from an outlet is efficiently distributed, including guide ribs.

[0380] According to the invention of the present invention, an air conditioner may be provided with a guide panel to efficiently distribute airflow discharged from an outlet.

[0381] According to the idea of ​​the present disclosure, when the air conditioner is in cooling operation, the guide ribs can prevent cold air from flowing and concentrating in a specific area of ​​the discharge panel and blades, and can prevent dew from forming.

[0382] According to the invention of the present disclosure, when the air conditioner is in cooling operation, the guide panel can prevent cold air from flowing and concentrating in a specific area of ​​the exhaust panel and blades, and can prevent dew from forming.

[0383] According to the invention, the air conditioner can prevent condensation on the exhaust panel by cold air flowing toward the panel opening, including an exhaust guide.

[0384] According to the invention, the air conditioner can prevent dew from forming around the exhaust port by including an insulating member.

[0385] The effects according to the idea of ​​the present disclosure are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains from the description below.

[0386] The above illustrates and describes specific embodiments. However, the invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that various modifications and implementations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the claims below.

Claims

1. A housing including a first part in which an outlet is formed and a second part arranged on one side of the first part in a first direction; A heat exchanger arranged inside the housing and configured to exchange heat with indoor air; A fan disposed inside the housing and configured to flow air that has exchanged heat with the heat exchanger to the exhaust port; A discharge panel covering the first part and the second part of the housing, each having a size smaller than the discharge port and having a plurality of discharge holes formed in a first region corresponding to the first part and a second region corresponding to the second part so that air flowing from the discharge port is discharged; and An air conditioner comprising a guide rib arranged between the first section and the first region and configured to guide a portion of air discharged through the discharge port to the second region.

2. In paragraph 1, An air conditioner in which the guide rib extends so that the distance from the end adjacent to the discharge port in the second direction orthogonal to the first direction increases, and the distance from the second part in the first direction becomes closer.

3. In paragraph 2, The above first part is located above the above second part, An air conditioner in which the above guide rib is formed to be inclined downward as it moves away from the discharge port in the horizontal direction of the housing.

4. In paragraph 1, The above guide rib comprises a plurality of guide ribs, An air conditioner wherein at least some of the plurality of guide ribs are arranged spaced apart from each other along the first direction.

5. In paragraph 4, The above multiple guide ribs are, A first row of guide ribs arranged along the first direction, It includes a second row of guide ribs arranged spaced apart from the first row of guide ribs and arranged along the first direction. An air conditioner in which the above exhaust port is positioned between the guide ribs of the first row and the guide ribs of the second row.

6. In paragraph 5, The guide rib of the first row is arranged on one side of the discharge port in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction, An air conditioner in which the guide ribs of the second row are arranged on the other side of the discharge port in the second direction.

7. In paragraph 1, An air conditioner in which the above guide rib protrudes from the first part of the housing toward the discharge panel.

8. In paragraph 1, The first part of the housing is provided with an inclined surface facing the discharge panel and extending in a direction closer to the discharge panel as it gets farther away from the discharge port, An air conditioner in which the above guide ribs are arranged on the above inclined surface.

9. In paragraph 1, The above discharge panel further includes a panel opening having a size larger than each of the plurality of discharge holes, The air conditioner further comprises a blade which is rotatable relative to the housing between a first position covering the panel opening and a second position opening the panel opening; An air conditioner in which the above guide rib guides a portion of air discharged through the exhaust port to the second region when the above blade is positioned at the first position.

10. In paragraph 9, Further comprising a guide panel that is rotatable relative to the housing; An air conditioner in which the guide panel is arranged parallel to the blade between the discharge port and the blade when the blade is positioned at the first position, and guides a portion of the airflow discharged through the discharge port to the discharge panel.

11. In paragraph 10, A portion of said guide panel is disposed between said first portion of said housing and said first area of ​​said discharge panel, An air conditioner wherein another part of said guide panel is disposed between said second part of said housing and said second area of ​​said discharge panel.

12. In paragraph 10, The above blade is provided to be rotatable about a first rotation axis with respect to the housing, The above guide panel is provided so as to be rotatable about a second rotation axis parallel to the first rotation axis with respect to the housing in conjunction with the rotation of the blade, An air conditioner further comprising a link connecting the blade and the guide panel and rotatably coupled to the blade and the guide panel, respectively.

13. In paragraph 9, It further includes an exhaust guide provided on the edge of the above exhaust port and provided to guide the airflow discharged through the above exhaust port; An air conditioner in which the above exhaust guide extends toward the central axis of the panel opening as it gets closer to the exhaust panel, so as to prevent airflow from the exhaust port toward the panel opening when the blade is positioned at the second position from interfering with the edge portion of the panel opening of the exhaust panel.

14. In paragraph 1, An air conditioner further comprising an insulating member attached to the housing along the edge of the outlet and comprising a material having lower thermal conductivity than the material forming the housing.

15. In paragraph 14, The above insulating material is, An opening provided to correspond to the above outlet, An air conditioner including an exhaust guide provided on one side of the edge of the opening and extending in a direction closer to the center of the opening as it approaches the exhaust panel and provided to guide airflow discharged through the exhaust guide.

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