Air conditioner

Abstract

Provided is an improved air conditioner capable of preventing discharged air from being suctioned again. The air conditioner includes: a frame having an inlet opening and an outlet opening formed therein; a blowing panel in which an inlet part provided to correspond to the inlet opening so that air is introduced from all directions of the frame, and an outlet part provided to correspond to the outlet opening so that air is discharged from all directions of the frame are formed; a blower fan which is provided inside the frame so that air is introduced through the inlet part and the inlet opening and the air is discharged through the outlet part and the outlet opening; and a discharge cover provided at the outlet opening disposed under the inlet opening, wherein the discharge cover includes a re-suction prevention part provided to prevent re-suction into the inlet opening.

Description

air conditioner

[0001] The present invention relates to an air conditioner, and more particularly, to an air conditioner including an exhaust cover.

[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] Air conditioners may include a device for removing airborne contaminants. The device can remove bacteria, viruses, mold, fine dust, and odor-causing chemicals present in the incoming air.

[0004] An air conditioner may include a purification device to purify polluted indoor air. Air drawn into the air conditioner may pass through the purification device to remove contaminants, resulting in purified air. The purified air may then be discharged outside the air conditioner. For example, the purification device may include a filter and / or a dust collector.

[0005] Air conditioners can be used in a variety of spaces. The air conditioner may include an exhaust device for controlling at least one of the direction, speed, and amount of exhaust of purified air.

[0006] One aspect of the present disclosure provides an air conditioner capable of discharging purified air in a variety of ways.

[0007] One aspect of the present disclosure provides an improved air conditioner capable of preventing re-intake of exhaust air.

[0008] One aspect of the present disclosure provides an improved structure of an air conditioner that discharges exhaust air from a lower module in a circumferential direction and prevents re-intake into an upper module.

[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 the invention comprises: a frame having an inlet opening and an outlet opening formed therein; a blower panel having an inlet portion provided corresponding to the inlet opening so as to allow air to be introduced from all sides of the frame, and an outlet portion provided corresponding to the outlet opening so as to allow air to be discharged to all sides of the frame; a blower fan provided inside the frame so as to allow air to be introduced through the inlet portion and the inlet opening and to be discharged through the outlet portion and the outlet opening; and a discharge cover provided at the discharge opening disposed below the inlet opening, wherein the discharge cover includes a re-intake prevention portion provided to prevent re-intake into the inlet opening.

[0011] An air conditioner according to the invention comprises a frame; a blower panel having an inlet for introducing air from all sides of the frame and an outlet for discharging air; and a blower fan provided inside the frame to introduce air through the inlet, wherein the frame comprises an inlet opening provided corresponding to the inlet opening for introducing air, an outlet opening provided corresponding to the outlet opening for discharging air, and an outlet cover detachably provided at the outlet opening and disposed below the inlet opening, wherein the outlet cover comprises a plurality of vanes; and a re-intake prevention portion provided such that a first length of a first vane adjacent to the inlet opening among the plurality of vanes is formed to be the longest.

[0012] According to the invention, the air conditioner includes an exhaust cover, so that purified air can be exhausted in various ways.

[0013] According to the invention of the present invention, the exhaust cover of the air conditioner can prevent re-intake of exhaust air.

[0014] According to the invention, an improved structure of an air conditioner can be provided that exhausts air from a lower module in a circumferential direction and prevents it from being re-inhaled into an upper module.

[0015] The effects that can be obtained from the present disclosure are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other effects that are not mentioned can be clearly understood by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure belongs from the description below.

[0016] FIG. 1 illustrates an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0017] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of a portion of a blower panel of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0018] FIG. 3 illustrates a cross-section of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0019] FIG. 4 is an exploded view of a frame having an exhaust opening of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0020] FIG. 5 illustrates an exhaust cover of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure disassembled from a housing.

[0021] Figure 6 illustrates the discharge cover illustrated in Figure 5.

[0022] Figure 7 shows the exhaust cover illustrated in Figure 6 from the rear.

[0023] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A' of FIG. 4, illustrating a re-intake prevention portion of a discharge cover according to one embodiment.

[0024] FIG. 9 illustrates a cross-section of a re-intake prevention portion of a discharge cover according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0025] FIG. 10 illustrates a re-intake prevention portion of a discharge cover according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0026] FIG. 11 illustrates a re-intake prevention portion of a discharge cover according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0027] FIG. 12 illustrates a guide rib provided in a discharge section of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0028] 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.

[0029] In connection with the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components.

[0030] 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.

[0031] 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.

[0032] The term "and / or" includes any combination of a plurality of related described elements or any one of a plurality of related described elements.

[0033] 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).

[0034] 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.

[0035] 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.

[0036] 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.

[0037] 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.

[0038] 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.

[0039] 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 stand-alone air conditioner, and a system air conditioner.

[0040] 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.

[0041] 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.

[0042] The air conditioner may include an outdoor heat exchanger provided in the outdoor unit, an indoor heat exchanger provided in the indoor unit, and a refrigerant pipe connecting the outdoor heat exchanger and the indoor heat exchanger.

[0043] 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.

[0044] 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, one-way, and duct-type indoor units depending on how air is discharged.

[0045] 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. The cooled indoor air can then be blown through the cooled indoor heat exchanger, thereby cooling the room. Furthermore, while the refrigerant condenses in the indoor heat exchanger, the refrigerant can release heat to the indoor air. By blowing the heated indoor air through the high-temperature indoor heat exchanger, the room can be heated.

[0046] 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. To circulate the refrigerant, the air conditioner may include a compressor that compresses the refrigerant. The compressor can suck in 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.

[0047] The refrigerant may circulate through the refrigerant pipe in the order of a compressor, an outdoor heat exchanger, an expansion device, and an indoor heat exchanger, or in the order of a compressor, an indoor heat exchanger, an expansion device, and an outdoor heat exchanger.

[0048] For example, if an air conditioner has one outdoor unit and one indoor unit 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.

[0049] For example, in an air conditioner, if one outdoor unit is connected to two or more indoor units via refrigerant pipes, the refrigerant can flow to multiple indoor units via refrigerant pipes branching from the outdoor unit. The refrigerant discharged from the multiple indoor units can be combined and circulated to the outdoor unit. For example, multiple indoor units can be directly connected in parallel to a single outdoor unit via separate refrigerant pipes.

[0050] 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 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-through valve, described later, and then discharged to the outdoor unit for circulation.

[0051] For example, when an air conditioner has two or more outdoor units and two or more indoor units connected through multiple refrigerant pipes, the refrigerant discharged from the multiple outdoor units may merge and flow through a single refrigerant pipe, then branch off again at some point and flow into multiple indoor units.

[0052] Multiple outdoor units may all 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 the outdoor unit, which is selectively operated, through a flow switching valve and circulated there. The air conditioner may include an expansion device to reduce the pressure of the refrigerant flowing into the heat exchanger. For example, the expansion device may be located within the indoor unit, the outdoor unit, or both.

[0053] An expansion device can, for example, utilize a throttling effect to lower the temperature and pressure of the refrigerant. The expansion device may include an orifice capable of reducing the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path. Refrigerant passing through the orifice may experience a decrease in temperature and pressure.

[0054] 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.

[0055] The air conditioner may further include a flow diverter valve positioned along the refrigerant circulation path. The flow diverter valve may include, for example, a four-way valve. The flow diverter valve may determine the refrigerant circulation path depending on the indoor unit's operating mode (e.g., cooling operation or heating operation). The flow diverter valve may be connected to the discharge port of the compressor.

[0056] 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.

[0057] The accumulator can separate the refrigerant liquid from the refrigerant gas when a refrigerant mixture of refrigerant liquid and refrigerant gas is introduced, and provide the refrigerant gas from which the refrigerant liquid has been separated to the compressor.

[0058] An outdoor fan may be installed 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.

[0059] The outdoor unit of the air conditioner may include at least one sensor. For example, the sensor of the outdoor unit 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 a temperature sensor for detecting the air temperature around the outdoor unit, a humidity sensor for detecting the air humidity around the outdoor unit, a refrigerant temperature sensor for detecting the refrigerant temperature of a refrigerant pipe passing through the outdoor unit, or a refrigerant pressure sensor for detecting the refrigerant pressure of a refrigerant pipe passing through the outdoor unit.

[0060] 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 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 by an outdoor unit sensor to the control unit of the indoor unit through the outdoor unit communication unit.

[0061] 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.

[0062] The housing may include an intake port through which indoor air may be drawn into the interior of the housing.

[0063] 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.

[0064] The housing may include an exhaust port. Air flowing within the housing may be discharged to the exterior of the housing through the exhaust port.

[0065] The housing of the indoor unit may be provided with an airflow guide that guides the direction of air discharged through the exhaust port. For example, the airflow guide may include blades positioned above the exhaust port. For example, the airflow guide may include an auxiliary fan for controlling the exhaust airflow. However, the airflow guide is not limited thereto and may be omitted.

[0066] 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 exhaust ports.

[0067] Blowers may include indoor fans and fan motors. For example, indoor fans may include axial fans, diffusion fans, crossflow fans, and centrifugal fans.

[0068] An indoor heat exchanger may be positioned between the blower and the exhaust, 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.

[0069] 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.

[0070] 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 user can directly input setting data (e.g., desired indoor temperature, operating mode settings for cooling / heating / dehumidification / air purification, outlet selection settings, and / or air flow settings) through the input interface.

[0071] 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). A user may input configuration data regarding the operation of the air conditioner by operating the wired remote controller. Electrical signals corresponding to the configuration data obtained through the wired remote controller may be transmitted to the input interface. In addition, the input interface may include an infrared sensor. A user may remotely input configuration data regarding the operation of the air conditioner using a wireless remote controller. The configuration data input through the wireless remote controller may be transmitted to the input interface as an infrared signal.

[0072] 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.

[0073] 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 components of the indoor unit.

[0074] 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.

[0075] For example, each environmental 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.

[0076] 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 wireless communication with other devices. The outdoor unit may include an outdoor unit communication unit. The outdoor unit communication unit may also include at least one of a short-range communication module and a long-range communication module.

[0077] 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.

[0078] 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.

[0079] 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.

[0080] The outdoor unit control unit can be electrically connected to 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.

[0081] 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.

[0082] 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.

[0083] 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.

[0084] 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.

[0085] 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.

[0086] 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.

[0087] 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.

[0088] 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.

[0089] Hereinafter, air conditioners according to various embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. For convenience of explanation, an air conditioner is described as an example of an air conditioner. However, the present disclosure is not limited to air conditioners and can be applied to various home appliances, including indoor units of air conditioners that include heat exchangers.

[0090] FIG. 1 illustrates an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 illustrates an exploded view of a portion of a blower panel of the air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 3 illustrates a cross-section of the air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0091] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, the air conditioner (1) may include a housing (10). The housing (10) may form the exterior of the air conditioner (1).

[0092] The housing (10) may include a frame (11) and a blower panel (12) provided on the outside of the frame (11). The frame (11) may support various components of the air conditioner (1). The frame (11) may be provided to accommodate various components of the air conditioner (1). The frame (11) may be provided so that at least a portion thereof is covered by the blower panel (12).

[0093] The blower panel (12) may be detachably mounted on the frame (11). For example, the blower panel (12) may include a first blower panel forming the front of the air conditioner (1), a second blower panel forming the rear of the air conditioner (1), a third blower panel forming the right side of the air conditioner, and a fourth blower panel forming the left side of the air conditioner (1). The first blower panel may be referred to as a front panel. The second blower panel may be referred to as a rear panel. The third blower panel may be referred to as a right side panel. The fourth blower panel may be referred to as a left side panel.

[0094] The first blower panel, the second blower panel, the third blower panel, and the fourth blower panel may be provided as separate configurations. However, at least some of the blower panels among the first blower panel, the second blower panel, the third blower panel, and the fourth blower panel may be formed integrally. At least some of the blower panels among the first blower panel, the second blower panel, the third blower panel, and the fourth blower panel may be detachable from the frame (11).

[0095] The ventilation panel (12) may include a panel portion (12a). The panel portion (12a) may include a plurality of ribs. The plurality of ribs may extend in one direction. For example, the plurality of ribs may extend in an up-down direction. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0096] The panel portion (12a) can be formed over the entire area of ​​the ventilation panel (12). For example, the panel portion (12a) can be provided in a uniform pattern over the entire area of ​​the ventilation panel (12). This increases the degree of freedom in the design of the ventilation panel (12), thereby improving aesthetics.

[0097] The housing (10) may include a vent (13). For example, the vent (13) may be formed in the ventilation panel (12). The vent (13) may extend in the vertical direction. The vent (13) may be formed in plurality. For example, the plurality of vents (13) may be arranged in a direction perpendicular to the vertical direction (Z direction). For example, the plurality of vents (13) may be arranged in the left-right direction (Y direction) or in the front-back direction (X direction).

[0098] The air vent (13) may be formed corresponding to the panel portion (12a). For example, the air vent (13) may be an opening formed between a plurality of ribs of the panel portion (12a). Air outside the housing (10) may be introduced into the housing (10) through the air vent (13) or discharged from the housing (10). The air vent (13) may include a plurality of openings.

[0099] The housing (10) may include an inlet portion (13a) and an outlet portion (13b). For example, the inlet portion (13a) and the outlet portion (13b) may be formed in a panel portion (12a). The panel portion (12a) may include an inlet portion (13a) and an outlet portion (13b). The inlet portion (13a) may be provided so that air from outside the housing (10) may be introduced into the interior of the housing (10). The outlet portion (13b) may be provided so that air from inside the housing (10) may be discharged to the exterior of the housing (10). For example, the inlet portion (13a) and the outlet portion (13b) may be formed in a blower panel (12). The blower port (13) may include an inlet portion (13a) and an outlet portion (13b). The inlet (13a) may be provided as a part of the air vent (13), and the outlet (13b) may be provided as another part of the air vent (13). One part of the air vent (13) may be the inlet (13a), and another part of the air vent (13) may be the outlet (13b).

[0100] The housing (10) may include an inlet opening (14) and an outlet opening (15). For example, the inlet opening (14) and the outlet opening (15) may be formed in the frame (11). For example, the inlet opening (14) may be provided to correspond to the inlet portion (13a) of the air vent (13). For example, the outlet opening (15) may be provided to correspond to the outlet portion (13b) of the air vent (13).

[0101] An air conditioner (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may be arranged so that air is introduced into the interior of a housing (10) through an inlet (13a) of a blower panel (12) and an inlet opening (14) of a frame (11), and purified air is discharged to the exterior of the housing (10) through an outlet opening (15) of the frame (11) and an outlet (13b) of the blower panel (12).

[0102] For example, the inlet (13a) may include a first inlet (13aa) and a second inlet (13ab) spaced apart from the first inlet (13aa), and the inlet opening (14) may include a first inlet opening (14a) corresponding to the first inlet (13aa) and a second inlet opening (14b) corresponding to the second inlet (13ab). The first inlet (13aa) and the second inlet (13ab) may be arranged in the vertical direction of the blower panel (12), and correspondingly, the first inlet opening (14a) and the second inlet opening (14b) may be arranged in the vertical direction of the housing (10). For example, the discharge portion (13b) may include a first discharge portion (13ba) and a second discharge portion (13bb) spaced apart from the first discharge portion (13ba), and the discharge opening (15) may include a first discharge opening (15a) corresponding to the first discharge portion (13ba) and a second discharge opening (15b) corresponding to the second discharge portion (13bb). The first discharge portion (13ba) and the second discharge portion (13bb) may be arranged in the vertical direction of the blower panel (12), and correspondingly, the first discharge opening (15a) and the second discharge opening (15b) may be arranged in the vertical direction of the housing (10).

[0103] For example, the inlet (13a) and the outlet (13b) may be formed on the first blower panel, the second blower panel, the third blower panel, and the fourth blower panel, respectively. Correspondingly, the first inlet opening (14) and the second outlet opening (15) may be formed on the front, rear, right side, and left side of the frame (11), respectively.

[0104] For example, air outside the housing (10) can flow into the housing (10) from all directions through the inlet (13a) and the inlet opening (14). For example, air outside the housing (10) can flow into the housing (10) from all directions through the inlet (13a) and the inlet opening (14).

[0105] Additionally, for example, air inside the housing (10) can flow from the housing (10) in all directions toward the outside of the housing (10) through the exhaust port (13b) and the exhaust opening (15). For example, air inside the housing (10) can flow in all directions toward the outside of the housing (10) through the exhaust port (13b) and the exhaust opening (15).

[0106] For example, air outside the housing (10) can flow into the interior of the housing (10) from all directions of the housing (10) through the first inlet (13bb) and the first inlet opening (14b). For example, air outside the housing (10) can flow into the interior of the housing (10) from all directions through the first inlet (13bb) and the first inlet opening (14b).

[0107] Additionally, for example, air inside the housing (10) can flow from the housing (10) in all directions of the housing (10) toward the outside of the housing (10) through the first discharge portion (13ba) and the first discharge opening (15a). For example, air inside the housing (10) can flow in all directions toward the outside of the housing (10) through the first discharge portion (13ba) and the first discharge opening (15a).

[0108] For example, air outside the housing (10) can flow into the interior of the housing (10) from all directions of the housing (10) through the second inlet (13ab) and the second inlet opening (14b). For example, air outside the housing (10) can flow into the interior of the housing (10) from all directions through the second inlet (13ab) and the second inlet opening (14b).

[0109] For example, air inside the housing (10) can flow from the housing (10) in all directions toward the outside of the housing (10) through the second discharge portion (13bb) and the first discharge opening (15a). For example, air inside the housing (10) can flow in all directions toward the outside of the housing (10) through the first discharge portion (13ba) and the first discharge opening (15a).

[0110] For example, the air conditioner (1) may include an exhaust device (60) mounted on a housing (10). The exhaust device (60) may be mounted on a frame (11) of the housing (10). The air conditioner (1) may include an exhaust port (16a) formed on an upper frame (16). The exhaust port (16a) may be provided to face a different direction from the direction in which the exhaust portion (13b) faces. For example, the exhaust port (16a) may be provided to face upward. The exhaust port (16a) may be provided at an end of a flow path branched from a flow path formed between the blower (30) and the exhaust portion (13b). The exhaust device (60) may be provided to open and close the exhaust port (16a).

[0111] The air conditioner (1) allows air to be drawn in and / or discharged from all directions, thereby ensuring smooth air circulation within the housing (10). The air conditioner (1) can achieve high dust collection efficiency.

[0112] The housing (10) may include an upper frame (16). The upper frame (16) may be provided at the upper end of the housing (10). The upper frame (16) may be arranged on the upper side of the frame (11).

[0113] The upper frame (16) may be provided with a user interface. For example, the user interface may include an operating unit. The user interface may receive user input or output operating information of the air conditioner (1) to the user.

[0114] The housing (10) may include a support (19). The support (19) may be arranged at the lower end of the housing (10) to support elements constituting the housing (10) and the air conditioner (1).

[0115] The air conditioner (1) may include a blower (30). The blower (30) may generate blowing force. The blower (30) may move air. The blower (30) may force air to flow. The blower (30) may rotate to create an air flow that flows inside the housing (10). The blower (30) may cause air to flow in through the inlet (13a) and the inlet opening (14) and to be discharged through the outlet (13b) and the outlet opening (15). For example, the blower (30) may move air upward. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and when the inlet (13a) is provided above the outlet (13b), the blower (30) may move air downward.

[0116] The air conditioner (1) may include a plurality of blowers (30). The plurality of blowers (30) may be arranged along a substantially vertical direction (Z direction). The plurality of blowers (30) may be spaced apart from each other along the substantially vertical direction (Z direction). For example, the air conditioner (1) may include a first blower (30a) and a second blower (30b). However, there is no limitation on the number of blowers (30).

[0117] For example, the blower (30) may include a first blower (30a). The first blower (30a) may allow air to be introduced through a first inlet (13aa) and a first inlet opening (14a) and discharged through a first discharge opening (13ba) and a first discharge opening (15a).

[0118] For example, the blower (30) may include a second blower (30b). The first blower (30a) may allow air to be introduced through the second inlet (13ab) and the second inlet opening (14b) and discharged through the second discharge opening (13bb) and the second discharge opening (15b). The second blower (30b) may be provided above the first blower (30a). The second blower (30b) may be arranged to be spaced apart from the first blower (30a) in the vertical direction (Z direction).

[0119] A blower (30) may be placed inside the housing (10). The blower (30) may be placed between the inlet (13a) and the outlet (13b). The first blower (30a) may be placed between the first inlet (13aa) and the first outlet (13ba). The second blower (30b) may be placed between the second inlet (13ab) and the second outlet (13bb).

[0120] A flow path (20) may be formed within the housing (10). The flow path (20) may extend from the inlet (13a) to the outlet (13b). Air blown by the blower (30) may flow into the flow path (20).

[0121] Air can pass through the housing (10) along the air flow direction. For example, the air flow direction within the housing (10) can include a vertical direction (Z direction). The air flow direction can be a direction in which air introduced into the housing (10) through the inlet (13a) and the inlet opening (14) heads toward the exhaust opening (15) and the exhaust opening (13b). For example, the air flow direction can be a direction in which air introduced into the housing (10) through the inlet (13a) and the inlet opening (14) passes through the dust collector (50), the deodorizer (40), and the blower (30). For example, air introduced into the front, rear, left, and right sides of the housing (10) by the blower (30) can flow upward and then be discharged again to the front, rear, left, and right sides of the housing (10). However, the air flow direction is not limited to the above-described example.

[0122] The flow path (20) may include a first flow path (20a) that may extend from a first inlet (13aa) to a first outlet (13ba). Air blown by a first blower (30a) may flow into the first flow path (20a).

[0123] The flow path (20) may include a second flow path (20b) that may extend from the second inlet (13ab) to the second outlet (13bb). Air blown by the second blower (30b) may flow into the second flow path (20b).

[0124] The air conditioner (1) may include an air guide (17). Air flowing into the housing (10) through the inlet (13a) and the inlet opening (14) may be guided toward the blower (30) through the air guide (17). The air guide (17) may form a part of a flow path (20) therein. The air guide (17) may guide air inside the housing (10) and / or in the flow path (20) to the blower (30). Air passing through the interior of the air guide (17) may flow into the interior of the blower housing (18) and to the blower (30).

[0125] An air conditioner (1) may include a blower housing (18). A blower (30) may be disposed within the blower housing (18). The blower housing (18) may form a portion of a flow path (20) therein. The blower housing (18) may guide the flow of air flowing within the housing (10). The blower housing (18) may be in communication with an air guide (17).

[0126] The air conditioner (1) may include a dust collector (50). The dust collector (50) may be configured to filter air. The dust collector (50) may capture aerosols in the air. For example, the dust collector (50) may include a first assembly (51) configured to charge aerosols in the air, and a second assembly (52) configured to collect aerosols charged by the first assembly (51).

[0127] A dust collector (50) may be placed inside the housing (10). The dust collector (50) may be positioned so that air introduced through the inlet (13a) and the inlet opening (14) may pass therethrough. The dust collector (50) may be positioned so that air may pass therethrough before being discharged through the discharge opening (15) and the discharge opening (13b). The dust collector (50) may be placed between the inlet (13a) and the discharge opening (13b). The dust collector (50) may be placed between the inlet opening (14) and the discharge opening (15). The dust collector (50) may filter air introduced into the housing (10) through the inlet (13a) by the blower (30). The filtered air may be discharged to the outside of the housing (10) through the discharge opening (13b).

[0128] For example, the dust collector (50) may be positioned below the blower (30). For example, the blower (30) may be positioned above the dust collector (50). For example, the dust collector (50) and the blower (30) may be positioned so that the deodorizing device (40) is interposed therebetween. However, the positions of the deodorizing device (40), the dust collector (50), and the blower (30) are not limited to the examples described above.

[0129] The air conditioner (1) may include a plurality of dust collectors (50). The plurality of dust collectors (50) may be arranged along a substantially vertical direction (Z direction). The plurality of dust collectors (50) may be spaced apart from each other along the substantially vertical direction (Z direction). For example, the air conditioner (1) may include a first dust collector and a second dust collector. However, there is no limitation on the number of dust collectors (50).

[0130] The air conditioner (1) may include a deodorizing device (40). The deodorizing device (40) may be configured to deodorize air. The deodorizing device (40) may be configured to remove odorous substances in the air. The deodorizing device (40) may be configured to sterilize air. For example, the deodorizing device (40) may sterilize air by decomposing organic substances in the air. Air flowing inside the housing (10) may have its odor removed as it passes through the deodorizing device (40).

[0131] The deodorizing device (40) may include a light source device (41) and a photocatalytic filter (42). The photocatalytic filter (42) reacts with light irradiated from the light source of the light source device (41) to generate a reactant, and the reactant can decompose odorous substances to deodorize the air.

[0132] A deodorizing device (40) may be placed inside the housing (10). The deodorizing device (40) may be positioned so that air introduced through the inlet (13a) and the inlet opening (14) may pass therethrough. The deodorizing device (40) may be positioned so that air may pass therethrough before being discharged through the discharge opening (15) and the discharge opening (13b). The deodorizing device (40) may be placed between the inlet (13a) and the discharge opening (13b). The deodorizing device (40) may be placed between the inlet opening (14) and the discharge opening (15).

[0133] The deodorizing device (40) may be provided to deodorize air that has passed through the dust collecting device (50). The deodorizing device (40) may be positioned downstream of the dust collecting device (50) in the air flow direction. The deodorizing device (40) may be arranged between the dust collecting device (50) and the discharge portion (13b). The deodorizing device (40) may be arranged between the dust collecting device (50) and the discharge opening (15). However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the deodorizing device (40) may also be positioned upstream of the dust collecting device (50) in the air flow direction. In this case, the dust collecting device (50) may be provided to capture aerosols in the air that has passed through the deodorizing device (40).

[0134] For example, the deodorizing device (40) may be positioned above the dust collecting device (50). For example, the dust collecting device (50) may be positioned below the deodorizing device (40). For example, the deodorizing device (40) may be positioned between the dust collecting device (50) and the blower (30). However, the positions of the deodorizing device (40), the dust collecting device (50), and the blower (30) are not limited to the examples described above.

[0135] The air conditioner (1) may include a plurality of deodorizing devices (40). The plurality of deodorizing devices (40) may be arranged along a substantially vertical direction (Z direction). The plurality of deodorizing devices (40) may be spaced apart from each other along the substantially vertical direction (Z direction). For example, the air conditioner (1) may include a first deodorizing device and a second deodorizing device. However, there is no limitation on the number of deodorizing devices (40).

[0136] For example, a first deodorizing device may be provided above a first dust collector. For example, a second deodorizing device may be provided above a second dust collector. For example, a first blower may be provided between the first dust collector and the second dust collector. For example, the second dust collector may be spaced upward from the first dust collector with a first blower (30a) therebetween. For example, the first blower (30a) may be provided between the first deodorizing device and the second dust collector. For example, a second blower (30b) may be provided above the second dust collector. For example, the second blower (30b) may be disposed above the second dust collector and may move air that has passed through the second dust collector toward an exhaust port (13b). For example, the second blower (30b) may be provided above the second deodorizing device. For example, the second blower (30b) may be positioned above the second deodorizing device to move air passing through the second deodorizing device toward the exhaust port (13b). However, the present disclosure is not limited to the examples described above, and the positions of the dust collector (50), the deodorizing device (40), and the blower (30) are not limited to the examples described above.

[0137] For example, the air conditioner (1) may omit the blower (30), deodorizing device (40), and dust collecting device (50) arranged below, and the components related thereto.

[0138] A dust collector (50) may be positioned on the flow path (20). A deodorizing device (40) may be positioned on the flow path (20). A blower (30) may be positioned on the flow path (20). For example, air introduced into the flow path (20) through the inlet (13a) may flow to the discharge portion (13b) after passing through the dust collector (50), the deodorizing device (40), and the blower fan (30). The air that has flowed to the discharge portion (13b) may exit from the flow path (20).

[0139] For example, air that has entered the first flow path (20a) through the first inlet (13aa) can flow to the first discharge port (13ba) after passing through the dust collector (50), the deodorizing device (40), and the first blower fan (30a). The air that has flowed to the first discharge port (13ba) can exit from the first flow path (20a).

[0140] For example, air that has entered the second flow path (20b) through the second inlet (13ab) can flow to the second discharge port (13bb) after passing through the dust collector (50), the deodorizing device (40), and the second blower fan (30b). The air that has flowed to the second discharge port (13bb) can exit from the second flow path (20b).

[0141] FIG. 4 is an exploded view of a frame having a discharge opening of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, and FIG. 5 is an exploded view of a discharge cover of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure from a housing.

[0142] Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, a housing (10) of an air conditioner (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a frame (11). The frame (11) may include a first frame body (11a), a second frame body (11b), and a third frame body (11c).

[0143] For example, the housing (10) may include a first frame body (11a), a second frame body (11b), and a third frame body (11c). The first frame body (11a), the second frame body (11b), and the third frame body (11c) may be provided as separate components. However, at least some of the frame bodies may be formed integrally.

[0144] The first frame body (11a) is disposed at the lower portion of the housing (10), the second frame body (11b) is disposed at the upper portion of the housing (10), and the third frame body (11c) can be positioned between and in the middle of the first frame body (11a) and the second frame body (11b). The third frame body (11c) can be disposed between the first frame body (11a) and the second frame body (11b).

[0145] The first frame body (11a) may be arranged at the lower portion of the housing (10). The first frame body (11a) may be provided in an approximately rectangular parallelepiped shape. The first frame body (11a) may be arranged at the upper portion of the support (19). A first inlet opening (14a) of the air conditioner (1) may be formed at the first frame body (11a). The first inlet opening (14a) may be formed at each of the four sides of the first frame body (11a). The first inlet opening (14a) may be formed at the lower portion of the first frame body (11a). A first blower (30a) may be provided inside the first frame body (11a). The first blower (30a) may move air upward. External air flowing in through the first inlet opening (14a) formed at the lower portion of the first frame body (11a) can be moved upward by the first blower (30a).

[0146] A circular exhaust port (18a) may be provided on the upper surface of the first frame body (11a) for the movement of air blown from the first blower (30a). The air blown from the first blower (30a) through the circular exhaust port (18a) moves to the upper side of the housing (10) through the circular exhaust port (18a).

[0147] The third frame body (11c) may be arranged in the middle of the housing (10). The third frame body (11c) may be provided in a hexahedral shape with an upper surface and a lower surface open. The third frame body (11c) may be provided to be coupled to the upper end of the first frame body (11a). The third frame body (11c) may be arranged on the upper side of the first frame body (11a). A first exhaust opening (15a) may be formed in the third frame body (11c). The first exhaust openings (15a) may be formed on each of the four sides of the third frame body (11c). Air moved upward by the first blower (30a) may be moved to the outside of the housing (10) through the first exhaust openings (15a) of the third frame body (11c). For example, air that is introduced into the housing (10) through the first inlet opening (14a) of the first frame body (11a) can be moved upward through the first blower (30a) and the circular exhaust port (18a) and discharged to the outside of the housing (10) through the first exhaust opening (15a) of the third frame body (11c).

[0148] A discharge cover (70) may be provided at the first discharge opening (15a) of the third frame body (11c). The discharge cover (70) may be provided so as to guide the flow of air discharged through the first discharge opening (15a). The discharge cover (70) may be provided in a size corresponding to the first discharge opening (15a). The discharge cover (70) may be detachably mounted to the first discharge opening (15a). The discharge cover (70) may be provided with a re-intake prevention part (100) to prevent air discharged through the first discharge opening (15a) from being re-intaken into the second inlet opening (14b). The discharge cover (70) including the re-intake prevention part (100) will be described later.

[0149] The second frame body (11b) may be arranged on the upper part of the housing (10). The second frame body (11b) may be provided in an approximately rectangular parallelepiped shape. The second frame body (11b) may be arranged on the upper side of the third frame body (11c). A second inlet opening (14b) of the air conditioner (1) may be formed in the second frame body (11b). The second inlet openings (14b) may be formed on each of the four sides of the second frame body (11b). The second inlet openings (14b) may be arranged on the lower part of the second frame body (11b). A second blower (30b) may be provided inside the second frame body (11b). The second blower (30b) may move air upward. External air flowing in through the second inlet opening (14b) formed at the lower portion of the second frame body (11b) can be moved upward by the second blower (30b).

[0150] An exhaust port (16a) may be provided on the upper surface of the second frame body (11b) for the movement of air blown from the second blower (30b). The air blown from the second blower (30b) through the exhaust port (16a) may be discharged to the outside of the housing (10) through the exhaust portion (13b) or the exhaust port (16a).

[0151] A first frame body (11a), a third frame body (11c), and a second frame body (11b) can be stacked in a vertical direction (Z direction) to form a housing (10). According to this configuration, a first discharge opening (15a) and a second inlet opening (14b) formed in the third frame body (11c) can be positioned adjacent to each other. For example, the first discharge opening (15a) disposed in the third frame body (11c) can be positioned adjacent to a second inlet opening (14b) provided in a lower portion of a second frame body (11b) stacked on an upper side of the third frame body (11c). The first discharge opening (15a) and the second inlet opening (14b) can be formed at positions adjacent to each other. Since the second inlet opening (14b) is positioned adjacent to the upper side of the first discharge opening (15a), some of the air discharged through the first discharge opening (15a) can be re-inhaled through the second inlet opening (14b).

[0152] In this way, when an exhaust opening (15) for exhausting air is arranged adjacent to an inlet opening (14) for introducing air into an air conditioner (1), air exhausted from the exhaust opening (15) and the exhaust section (13b) can be re-inhaled into the inlet opening (14) and the inlet section (13a).

[0153] The discharge cover (70) mounted on the first discharge opening (15a) of the third frame body (11c) may include a re-intake prevention part (100) provided to prevent air from being re-intaken through the inlet opening (14).

[0154] FIG. 6 illustrates the discharge cover illustrated in FIG. 5, FIG. 7 illustrates the discharge cover illustrated in FIG. 6 from the rear, FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A' of FIG. 4, illustrating a re-intake prevention portion of the discharge cover according to one embodiment, and FIG. 9 illustrates a cross-section of a re-intake prevention portion of the discharge cover according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0155] Referring to FIGS. 6 to 9, a discharge cover (70) may be provided in the discharge opening (15) of the air conditioner (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The discharge cover (70) may be provided in the discharge opening (15) of the housing (10).

[0156] For example, the exhaust cover (70) may be provided in an exhaust opening (15) adjacent to an inlet opening (14) provided for air to be introduced into the housing (10) of the air conditioner (1). For example, the exhaust cover (70) may be provided in an exhaust opening (15) located below the inlet opening (14).

[0157] A discharge cover (70) may be provided in a first discharge opening (15a) adjacent to a second inlet opening (14b). For example, the discharge cover (70) may be provided in a first discharge opening (15a) located below a second inlet opening (14b).

[0158] Hereinafter, the second inlet opening (14b) is referred to as the inlet opening (14), and the first discharge opening (15a) is referred to as the discharge opening (15).

[0159] The discharge cover (70) may include a discharge cover frame (71). The discharge cover frame (71) may be provided in a size and shape corresponding to the discharge opening (15).

[0160] The discharge cover (70) can be detachably installed in the discharge opening (15) of the housing (10). The discharge cover frame (71) can be provided so that it can be inserted and mounted from the front to the rear of the discharge opening (15). For example, the discharge cover (70) can be provided so that the lower part of the discharge cover frame (71) is inserted into the discharge opening (15) and the upper part is fixed by rotating the lower part around the lower part.

[0161] The discharge cover frame (71) may be formed in a roughly rectangular shape. The discharge cover frame (71) may form a border of the discharge cover (70). A holder (73) may be provided on the upper and lower outer peripheral surfaces of the discharge cover frame (71) to couple the discharge cover (70) to the discharge opening (15). The holder (73) may be configured to protrude. The holder (73) may include a first holder (73a) formed on one side of the discharge cover frame (71). The holder (73) may include a second holder (73b) arranged on the other side of the discharge cover frame (71).

[0162] A holder groove (74) corresponding to the holder (73) may be formed in the housing (10). A holder groove (74) corresponding to the holder (73) may be formed in the discharge opening (15). A holder groove (74) corresponding to the holder (73) may be formed in the third frame body (11c) in which the discharge port (15) is formed so that the discharge cover frame (71) is coupled. The holder groove (74) may be formed in the discharge opening (15) to correspond to the holder (73). The holder grooves (74) may be formed on one side and the other side of the discharge opening (15) to correspond to the first holder (73a) and the second holder (73b), respectively.

[0163] The discharge cover (70) may include a re-intake prevention part (100). For example, the discharge cover (70) may be provided with a re-intake prevention part (100) to prevent re-intake into the inlet opening (14). The discharge cover (70) may be provided with a plurality of vanes (111). The discharge cover frame (71) may be provided with a plurality of vanes (111).

[0164] The re-intake prevention unit (100) may include a plurality of vanes (111). For example, the re-intake prevention unit (100) may be composed of a plurality of vanes (111). The plurality of vanes (111) may be provided so that air may be discharged in the horizontal direction of the discharge opening (15). The plurality of vanes (111) may be arranged in the horizontal direction of the discharge cover (70). The plurality of vanes (111) may be provided inside the discharge cover frame (71). The plurality of vanes (111) may be arranged in the horizontal direction inside the discharge cover frame (71).

[0165] The re-intake prevention unit (100) may be configured such that the first length (l1) of the uppermost first vane (110) among the plurality of vanes (111) is formed to be the longest among the plurality of vanes (111). For example, the re-intake prevention unit (100) may be configured such that the first length (l1) of the uppermost first vane (110) among the plurality of vanes (111) is formed to be longer than the remaining plurality of vanes (1111). For example, the lengths of the plurality of vanes (111) may be in the front-back direction (X direction) and / or the left-right direction (Y direction). For example, the first length (l1) of the first vane (110) may be in the front-back direction (X direction) and / or the left-right direction (Y direction). For example, the length of the plurality of vanes (111) provided on the exhaust cover (70) coupled to the exhaust opening (15) of the frame (11) covered by the first blower panel forming the front of the air conditioner (1) may be the length in the front-back direction (X direction) of the air conditioner (1). For example, the length of the plurality of vanes (111) provided on the exhaust cover (70) coupled to the exhaust opening (15) of the frame (11) covered by the second blower panel forming the rear of the air conditioner (1) may be the length in the front-back direction (X direction) of the air conditioner (1). For example, the length of the plurality of vanes (111) provided on the exhaust cover (70) coupled to the exhaust opening (15) of the frame (11) covered by the third blower panel forming the right side of the air conditioner (1) may be the length in the left-right direction (Y direction) of the air conditioner (1). For example, the length of a plurality of vanes (111) provided on a discharge cover (70) coupled to a discharge opening (15) of a frame (11) covered by a fourth blower panel forming the left side of the air conditioner (1) may be the length in the left-right direction (Y direction) of the air conditioner (1).

[0166] The re-intake prevention unit (100) is configured to have the longest first length (l1) of the first vane (110) adjacent to the inlet opening (14) among the plurality of vanes (111), thereby guiding the air discharged to the outside of the housing (10) through the discharge opening (15) in a straight direction, thereby preventing it from being re-intake through the inlet opening (14).

[0167] A plurality of vanes (111) may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other in the horizontal direction. For example, the plurality of vanes (111) may include a first vane (110) arranged at the uppermost side. The first vane (110) may be arranged on the upper side of the discharge cover (70). The first vane (110) may be arranged at the uppermost side of the discharge cover frame (71). The first vane (110) may be positioned at the uppermost side among the plurality of vanes (111). The first vane (110) may be positioned closest to the inlet opening (14) among the plurality of vanes (111). The first vane (110) may be formed to have a first length (l1). The first length (l1) of the first vane (110) may be provided to be the longest among the plurality of vanes (111).

[0168] In this way, the re-intake prevention unit (100) composed of a plurality of vanes (111) can guide the air discharged to the outside of the housing (10) through the discharge opening (15) in a straight direction by maximizing the straightness of the air, thereby preventing it from being re-intaken into the adjacent inlet opening (14).

[0169] The plurality of vanes (111) may include a plurality of second vanes (120) that are spaced apart from the first vane (110) downwardly. The plurality of second vanes (120) may be spaced apart from each other downwardly from the first vane (110). For example, the plurality of second vanes (120) may be spaced apart from each other by a constant interval. The plurality of second vanes (120) may each be provided with a second length (l2). The second length (l2) may be provided shorter than the first length (l1). Each of the plurality of second vanes (120) may be provided shorter than the vane arranged above it. For example, the first second vane (120a) of the plurality of second vanes (120) may be provided with a second length (l2) that is shorter than the first vane (110) above it. For example, the second second vane (120b) positioned second among the plurality of second vanes (120) may be provided with a second length (l2') shorter than the first second vane (120a) positioned above it. For example, the third second vane (120c) positioned third among the plurality of second vanes (120) may be provided with a second length (l2") shorter than the second second vane (120b) positioned above it. For example, the fourth second vane (120d) positioned fourth among the plurality of second vanes (120) may be provided with a second length (l2'') shorter than the third second vane (120c) positioned above it. In the present embodiment, the plurality of second vanes (120) are illustrated as having four vanes spaced apart from each other, but are not limited thereto. The number of second vanes may vary depending on the size and shape of the exhaust cover.

[0170] In this way, the re-intake prevention unit (100) configured by shortening the length of the lower vane and lengthening the length of the upper vane among the plurality of vanes (111) can guide the air discharged to the outside of the housing (10) through the discharge opening (15) in a straight direction, thereby preventing it from being re-intake through the inlet opening (14).

[0171] The plurality of vanes (111) may include a third vane (130) arranged below the plurality of second vanes (120). The third vane (130) may be arranged furthest from the inlet opening (14) among the plurality of vanes (111). The third vane (130) may be provided with a third length (l3). The third length (l3) of the third vane (130) may be formed shorter than the second length (l2) of the second vane (120). The third vane (130) may be provided with the shortest length among the plurality of vanes (111).

[0172] A plurality of vanes (111) may be arranged based on a first position (P1), which is a front end of the discharge cover (70). A plurality of vanes (111) may be arranged based on a first position (P1), which is a front end of the discharge cover frame (71). For example, a plurality of vanes (111) may be arranged with a first vane (110) at the top, a plurality of second vanes (120) below the first vane, and a third vane (130) at the bottom, based on the first position (P1).

[0173] In this way, the re-intake prevention unit (100) configured such that the third vane (130) at the bottom among the plurality of vanes (111) is provided as the shortest with a third length (l3), and the first vane (110) at the top among the plurality of vanes (111) is provided as the longest with a first length (l1) can form an inverted triangle shape whose cross-section narrows toward the bottom. By forming a flow path in the shape of an inverted triangle, the straightness of the air discharged through the discharge opening (15) can be improved, and accordingly, the air discharged through the discharge opening (15) can be prevented from being re-intaken into the adjacent inlet opening (14).

[0174] The discharge cover (70) may include a curved portion (150) formed by at least a portion being cut off. The curved portion (150) may be provided so as not to obstruct the flow of air discharged in a vertical direction from a circular discharge port (18a) located at the lower portion of the discharge cover (70). The curved portion (150) may be provided in a shape corresponding to the circular discharge port (18a).

[0175] The curved portion (150) may be provided on the discharge cover (70). For example, the curved portion (150) may be provided on a plurality of vanes (111) of the discharge cover (70). For example, the curved portion (150) may be provided on the first vane (110), the second vane (120), and the third vane (130) among the plurality of vanes (111). The curved portions (150) formed on the first vane (110), the second vane (120), and the third vane (130) may be formed with different sizes. The curved portions (150) formed on the first vane (110), the second vane (120), and the third vane (130) may be formed with different diameters. For example, the curved portion (150) formed in the first vane (110) may be formed to have a smaller size than the curved portions (150) formed in the second vane (120) and the third vane (130).

[0176] The discharge cover (70) may include a frame curved portion (160) formed by at least a portion being cut out. The discharge cover frame (71) may include a frame curved portion (160) formed by at least a portion being cut out. For example, the frame curved portion (160) may be provided at the lower portion of the discharge cover (70). For example, the frame curved portion (160) may be formed by at least a portion of the lower end of the discharge cover frame (71) being cut out. For example, the frame curved portion (160) may be provided in a size corresponding to the circular discharge port (18a) arranged at the lower side. The frame curved portion (160) may be provided to be larger than the circular discharge port (18a) so as not to interfere with the flow of air discharged vertically from the circular discharge port (18a).

[0177] FIG. 10 illustrates a re-intake prevention portion of a discharge cover according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0178] As illustrated in Fig. 10, the re-intake prevention unit (100) of the discharge cover (70) may include a plurality of vanes (111). The plurality of vanes (111) constituting the re-intake prevention unit (100) may be arranged to form an incline at a predetermined angle (θ) with respect to the ground. For example, the plurality of vanes (111) may be arranged to form an incline with respect to the axial direction of the blower fan (30). For example, among the plurality of vanes (111), the first vane (110A), the second vane (120A), and the third vane (130A) may be arranged to form an incline such that the rear end is directed upward toward the ground. The air discharged through the first vane (110A), second vane (120A), and third vane (130A) to the exhaust opening (15) has a straight line toward the ground, so it can be prevented from being re-inhaled through the inlet portion (13a) and inlet opening (14) located on the upper side.

[0179] A plurality of vanes (111) can direct the air discharged to the outside of the housing (10) through the discharge opening (15) toward the ground, thereby preventing the air from being re-inhaled into the inlet opening (14) formed adjacent to the discharge opening (15).

[0180] FIG. 11 illustrates a re-intake prevention portion of a discharge cover according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0181] As illustrated in Fig. 11, the re-intake prevention unit (100B) of the discharge cover (70) may include a plurality of vanes (111). At least some of the plurality of vanes (111) constituting the re-intake prevention unit (100B) may be arranged to form an incline at an angle (θ1) relative to the ground. For example, the first vane (110B) among the plurality of vanes (111) may be arranged to form an incline such that the rear end is directed upward toward the ground.

[0182] Since the air discharged through the first vane (110B) to the discharge opening (15) has a straight line toward the ground, it can be prevented from being re-inhaled into the inlet (13a) and inlet opening (14) located adjacent to the upper side of the discharge portion (13b) and the discharge opening (15).

[0183] FIG. 12 illustrates a guide rib provided in a discharge section of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0184] As illustrated in Fig. 12, the housing (10) of the air conditioner (1) may include a discharge opening (15) through which purified air is discharged. A discharge cover (70) may be mounted on the discharge opening (15). A discharge cover (70) having a re-intake prevention member (100) may be mounted on the discharge opening (15).

[0185] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, an air conditioner (1) may be provided with a guide rib (90) for guiding air toward the discharge opening (15) in a housing (10) forming a discharge opening (15). For example, the guide rib (90) may be provided to guide air moving vertically from the bottom inside the housing (10) toward the discharge opening (15). For example, the guide rib (15) may be provided in the housing (10) so that air is guided toward the first vane (110) of the discharge cover (70). Air moved toward the first vane (110) of the discharge cover (70) through the guide rib (90) may be discharged to the outside of the housing (10) by the first vane (110).

[0186] A frame (11) having an inlet opening (14) and an outlet opening (15) formed according to one embodiment; a blower panel (12) having an inlet portion (13a) provided corresponding to the inlet opening (14) so ​​that air can be introduced from all sides of the frame (11) and an outlet portion (13b) provided corresponding to the outlet opening (15) so that air can be discharged in all sides of the frame (11); a blower fan (30) provided inside the frame (11) so that air can be introduced through the inlet portion (13a) and the inlet opening (14) and discharged through the outlet portion (13b) and the outlet opening (15); and a discharge cover (70) provided in the discharge opening (15) disposed below the inlet opening (14), wherein the discharge cover (70) includes a re-intake prevention portion (100) provided to prevent re-intake into the inlet opening (14). According to the present disclosure, the exhaust cover can prevent re-intake of exhaust air. That is, an air conditioner having an improved structure can be provided that discharges exhaust air from the lower module in a circumferential direction and prevents re-intake into the upper module.

[0187] The above-described re-intake prevention unit (100) includes a plurality of vanes (111) arranged to guide straight, and the first length (l1) of the first vane (110) adjacent to the inlet opening (14) among the plurality of vanes (111) may be formed to be the longest among the plurality of vanes (111).

[0188] The plurality of vanes (111) are arranged spaced apart from the lower side of the first vane (110), and include a plurality of second vanes (120) formed shorter than the first length (l1) of the first vane (110), and a third vane (130) arranged farthest from the inlet opening (14) among the plurality of vanes (111).

[0189] The above-described re-intake prevention unit (100) may be formed such that the cross-sections of the plurality of vanes (111) become narrower as they go downward. The plurality of vanes (111) may be arranged based on the first position (P1) of one end of the discharge opening (15), and may be configured such that their lengths gradually become shorter as they are positioned lower than the first vane (110).

[0190] The above first vane (110) may be arranged to form a slope with respect to the ground.

[0191] The above discharge cover (70) may include a curved portion (150) formed by at least a portion being cut off. The discharge cover (70) may include a discharge cover frame (71) and the plurality of vanes (111) provided on the discharge cover frame (71). The curved portion (150) may be provided on the plurality of vanes (111). The curved portions (150) formed on the plurality of vanes (111) may be formed to have different sizes. The size of the curved portion (150) may be configured to become smaller as it goes upward.

[0192] The above discharge cover frame (71) may include a holder (73) for attaching and detaching the discharge cover (70) to the discharge opening (15).

[0193] The above frame (11) may include a guide rib (90) extended toward the first vane (110) to guide air toward the discharge opening (15).

[0194] An air conditioner (1) according to one embodiment comprises: a frame (11); a blower panel (12) formed with an inlet (13a) for introducing air from all sides of the frame (11) and an outlet (13b) for discharging air; and a blower fan (30) provided inside the frame (11) so that air is introduced through the inlet (13a); wherein the frame (11) comprises: an inlet opening (14) provided corresponding to the inlet opening (13a) so that air is introduced; an outlet opening (15) provided corresponding to the outlet (13b) so that air is discharged; and a discharge cover (70) detachably provided in the outlet opening (15) disposed below the inlet opening (14); wherein the discharge cover (70) comprises: a plurality of vanes (111); And it includes a re-intake prevention part (100) which is arranged so that the first length (l1) of the first vane (110) adjacent to the inlet opening (14) among the plurality of vanes (111) is formed to be the longest.

[0195] The above-described re-intake prevention unit (100) may be provided so that the cross-sections of the plurality of vanes (111) become narrower as they go downward. The plurality of vanes (111) may include a plurality of second vanes (120) that are spaced apart from the lower side of the first vane (110) and formed to be shorter than the first length (l1) of the first vane (110), and a third vane (130) that is spaced farthest from the inlet opening (14) among the plurality of vanes (111). The plurality of vanes (111) may be arranged based on the first position (P1) of one end of the discharge opening (15) and configured to become gradually shorter as they go downward than the first length (l1) of the first vane (110).

[0196] The above first vane (110) may be arranged to form a slope with respect to the ground.

[0197] The above discharge cover (70) may include a curved portion (150) formed by at least a portion being cut.

[0198] 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 frame in which an inlet opening and an outlet opening are formed; A ventilation panel having an inlet provided corresponding to the inlet opening so that air can be introduced from all sides of the frame, and an outlet provided corresponding to the outlet opening so that air can be discharged to all sides of the frame; A blower fan provided inside the frame so that air is introduced through the inlet and the inlet opening and air is discharged through the outlet and the outlet opening; and An air conditioner comprising a discharge cover provided in the discharge opening disposed below the inlet opening, wherein the discharge cover includes a re-intake prevention part provided to prevent re-intake into the inlet opening.

2. In paragraph 1, The above re-absorption prevention unit is, It includes a plurality of vanes arranged to guide the air in a straight line, An air conditioner in which the first length of the first vane adjacent to the inlet opening among the plurality of vanes is formed to be the longest among the plurality of vanes.

3. In paragraph 2, The above plurality of vanes are, A plurality of second vanes arranged spaced apart from the lower side of the first vane and having a first length shorter than that of the first vane, and An air conditioner including a third vane that is positioned furthest from the inlet opening among the plurality of vanes.

4. In paragraph 3, The above re-absorption prevention unit is, An air conditioner in which the cross-section of the plurality of vanes forms a shape that becomes narrower toward the bottom.

5. In paragraph 3, The above plurality of vanes are arranged based on the first position of the discharge opening, An air conditioner in which the length of the first vane gradually becomes shorter as it is positioned lower than the first vane.

6. In paragraph 5, An air conditioner in which the first vane is arranged to form an incline with respect to the ground.

7. In paragraph 1, An air conditioner wherein the above exhaust cover includes a curved portion formed by at least a portion being cut.

8. In paragraph 7, The above discharge cover, Exhaust cover frame and, An air conditioner including the plurality of vanes provided on the above exhaust cover frame.

9. In paragraph 8, An air conditioner in which the above curved portion is provided on the plurality of vanes.

10. In paragraph 9, An air conditioner in which the curved portions formed on the plurality of vanes are formed with different sizes.

11. In paragraph 10, An air conditioner in which the size of the curved portion decreases as it goes upward.

12. In paragraph 8, An air conditioner in which the above exhaust cover frame includes a holder for attaching and detaching the exhaust cover to the exhaust opening.

13. In paragraph 2, The above frame is, An air conditioner including a guide rib extending toward the first vane to guide air in the direction of the discharge opening.

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