Air conditioner

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to an air conditioner. The air conditioner disclosed herein comprises: a case including a front panel, a discharge port formed above the front panel, and a suction port formed below the front panel; a fan which is disposed below the discharge port and forms a flow of air toward the discharge port; a plurality of outer vanes which are disposed in the discharge port and adjust, in the up-down direction, the wind direction of air discharged through the discharge port; a plurality of inner vanes which are disposed behind the plurality of outer vanes and adjust, in the left-right direction, the wind direction of the air discharged through the discharge port; and a vane link which is connected to each of the plurality of inner vanes and changes the arrangement of the plurality of vanes. The vane link includes a link bar spaced apart from the inner surface of the front panel and bent downwardly rearward.

Description

air conditioner

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an air conditioner, and more specifically, to an air conditioner comprising an outer vane and an inner vane.

[0002] An air conditioner is a device that regulates indoor air temperature, humidity, and other parameters. To cool or heat indoor air, an air conditioner can supply heat-exchanged air to the indoor space. In the case of commercial air conditioners, they are used to rapidly cool or heat large spaces.

[0003] An air conditioner that supplies heat-exchanged air to a large space has a structure that uses an internal Sirocco fan to flow air upward. Accordingly, it is designed to provide heat-exchanged air forward through a discharge port formed at the top.

[0004] Published Patent No. KR 10-2021-0065688 discloses a commercial air conditioner that supplies heat-exchanged air to a large space.

[0005] However, the structure of such an air conditioner has a problem in that, due to the arrangement of the internal structure, the main airflow is formed only in the upper region of the discharge port, so the airflow in the lower region of the discharge port is not active.

[0006] The present disclosure aims to solve the aforementioned problems and other problems.

[0007] Another objective is to provide an air conditioner that creates an even airflow across the entire area of ​​the discharge port.

[0008] Another objective is to provide an air conditioner that creates airflow between the vane link and the inner surface of the case.

[0009] To achieve the above objective, an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure comprises: a case including a front panel, wherein a discharge port is formed above the front panel and an intake port is formed below the front panel; a fan positioned below the discharge port and forming an airflow toward the discharge port; a plurality of outer vanes positioned at the discharge port and controlling the direction of air discharged through the discharge port in the up-and-down direction; a plurality of inner vanes positioned behind the plurality of outer vanes and controlling the direction of air discharged through the discharge port in the left-and-right direction; and a vane link connected to each of the plurality of inner vanes and changing the arrangement of the plurality of vanes. The vane link comprises a link bar that is spaced apart from the inner surface of the front panel and is bent toward the rear and lower side.

[0010] The above link bar is connected to each of the plurality of inner vanes and is bent convexly in the upward direction.

[0011] The air conditioner includes a link motor and a rotary link connected to the link motor and rotating. The vane link includes a connecting bar disposed on one side of the link bar and connected to the rotary link.

[0012] The above connecting bar has a guide hole formed in the front-rear direction to change the rotational movement of the above rotating link into the linear movement of the above link bar.

[0013] When viewed in cross-section, the above link bar extends downward as it moves toward the rear.

[0014] The thickness of the above link bar decreases from the front to the rear.

[0015] The above front panel includes an inner surface facing the inside of the case.

[0016] The above link bar is positioned spaced apart from the inner surface.

[0017] The spaced gap between the link bar and the inner surface decreases from the bottom to the top of the link bar.

[0018] The gap between the inner surface and the lower part of the link bar is formed to be larger than the gap between the inner surface and the upper part of the link bar.

[0019] The length of the above link bar is formed to be shorter than the distance between the inner surface and the lower part of the link bar, and longer than the distance between the inner surface and the upper part of the link bar.

[0020] The top of the above link bar is positioned at the same height or lower than the top of the above inner surface.

[0021] The above case includes an upper frame to which the upper part of the inner vane is connected and which forms the upper part of the discharge port, and a lower frame to which the lower part of the inner vane is connected and which forms the lower part of the discharge port.

[0022] The top of the above link bar is positioned lower than the top of the above lower frame.

[0023] The lower part of the above link bar is positioned to face the rear lower side, and the upper part of the above link bar is positioned to face the front upper side.

[0024] The link bar is positioned below the inner vane, and the inner surface of the front panel is positioned below the discharge port. A curved portion is positioned at the top of the inner surface.

[0025] The above link bar is positioned spaced rearward from the above curved surface.

[0026] The above link bar is positioned at or below the top of the above inner surface.

[0027] Specific details of other embodiments are included in the detailed description and drawings.

[0028] According to the air conditioner of the present disclosure, one or more of the following effects are provided.

[0029] First, there is an advantage in that the air discharged through the outlet can be discharged evenly in the vertical direction of the outlet.

[0030] Second, there is also the advantage of being able to create airflow toward the bottom of the discharge port by securing space between the vane link and the inner surface of the case.

[0031] Third, through the bending structure of the link bar, there is also the advantage of being able to increase the flow rate of air flowing to the lower part of the discharge port.

[0032] The effects of the present disclosure are not limited to those mentioned above, and other unmentioned effects will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description in the claims.

[0033] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0034] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0035] FIG. 3 is a drawing for explaining the inner surface of a front panel and an inner vane according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0036] FIG. 4 is an exploded view for explaining a plurality of inner vanes, link modules, and motors according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0037] FIG. 5 is a drawing for explaining a link module according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0038] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the arrangement of inner vanes and link modules according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0039] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a prior art that is a comparison subject to the structure of FIG. 6.

[0040] FIG. 8(a) is a drawing showing the amount of air flowing into the discharge port in the form of an air conditioner with the structure of FIG. 7. FIG. 8(b) is a drawing showing the amount of air flowing into the discharge port in a structure having the link bar form of the air conditioner with the structure of FIG. 7, but with the upper part of the inner surface having a curved shape. FIG. 8(c) is a drawing showing the amount of air flowing into the discharge port in the form of an air conditioner with the structure of FIG. 6, which is the structure of the present invention.

[0041] The advantages and features of the present disclosure and the methods for achieving them will become clear by referring to the embodiments described below in detail together with the accompanying drawings. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments below but may be implemented in various different forms. The embodiments provided are merely to make the present disclosure complete and to fully inform those skilled in the art of the scope of the disclosure. The present disclosure is defined only by the scope of the claims. Throughout the specification, like reference numerals refer to like components.

[0042] Hereinafter, the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings for explaining an air conditioner according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0043] Referring to Fig. 1, the external appearance of the air conditioner will be described.

[0044] The air conditioner includes a case (10) that forms the exterior shape.

[0045] The case (10) includes a front panel (20) having an intake port (12) and an exhaust port (14) formed therein, and a rear cover (30) positioned at the rear of the front panel (20) and forming an internal space.

[0046] The case (10) may have an overall shape that is rectangular.

[0047] A rear cover (30) forming five sides excluding the front panel (20) can be manufactured as a single unit. The rear cover (30) may be structured to be attached to the front panel (20).

[0048] The intake port (12) may be positioned at the bottom of the front panel (20). The discharge port (14) may be positioned at the top of the front panel (20).

[0049] The suction port (12) may have multiple openings that are open in the left-right direction and spaced apart in the up-down direction.

[0050] An outer vane (32) is disposed in the discharge port (14) to guide the discharged air in the vertical direction. Multiple outer vanes (32) may be formed to be spaced apart in the vertical direction.

[0051] Referring to Fig. 2, the internal configuration of the air conditioner will be explained.

[0052] A fan (70) is placed inside the case (10). The fan (70) flows air through the discharge port (14). The fan (70) is placed at the bottom of the case (10). Thus, the fan (70) flows the air inside the case (10) upward. The fan (70) may be a Sirocco fan, which has an intake port formed parallel to the rotation axis and a discharge port formed radially.

[0053] The fan (70) is positioned behind the intake port (12). Thus, it draws air into the intake port (12) and flows air upward where the discharge port (14) is located.

[0054] A heat exchanger (72) is disposed inside the case (10) to heat exchange the air flowing through the fan (70). The heat exchanger (72) is placed above the fan (70). The heat exchanger (72) is arranged diagonally. The heat exchanger (72) is arranged in a shape that slopes downward as it moves from the rear to the front.

[0055] The front panel (20) includes an inner surface (24) facing the inside of the case (10). The inner surface (24) is positioned between the intake port (12) and the discharge port (14).

[0056] The inner surface (24) can guide air flowing upward by the fan (70).

[0057] A plurality of outer vanes (32) are arranged on the front panel (20) to control the flow of air discharged through the discharge port (14) vertically. Each of the plurality of outer vanes (32) is arranged vertically spaced apart.

[0058] Each of the multiple outer vanes (32) can open or close the discharge port (14) or control the direction of air flow through the discharge port (14).

[0059] An inner vane (40) is arranged inside the case (10) to guide the air flowing through the discharge port (14) in the left and right directions. A plurality of inner vanes (40) are arranged on the front panel (20) to control the flow of air discharged through the discharge port (14) in the left and right directions.

[0060] The inner vanes (40) are extended vertically, and a plurality of them are spaced apart in the left and right directions.

[0061] A vane link (50) that moves the other side of an inner vane (40) is disposed on the front panel (20). The vane link (50) is connected to each of the plurality of inner vanes (40). As the vane link (50) moves in the left and right directions, the arrangement of the inner vanes (40) can be changed.

[0062] The vane link (50) is positioned spaced apart from the inner surface (24) of the front panel (20). The vane link (50) is formed in a shape that is bent downward toward the rear.

[0063] One side of the inner vane (40) is rotatably positioned on the front panel (20). The other side of the inner vane (40) is connected to the vane link (50).

[0064] Referring to FIG. 3, the arrangement of the inner vane, vane link, and inner surface is explained.

[0065] An inner surface (24) is positioned at the rear of the front panel (20). An inner surface (24) is positioned below the discharge port (14). The front panel (20) includes a discharge port perimeter wall (16) that forms the perimeter of the discharge port (14). A plurality of inner vanes (40) are rotatably positioned on the discharge port perimeter wall (16).

[0066] Each of the multiple inner vanes (40) is connected to the discharge perimeter wall (16) at the upper and lower ends of the front section.

[0067] The vane link (50) is positioned below the discharge port (14). The vane link (50) is connected to each of the plurality of inner vanes (40). The vane link (50) changes the arrangement of the plurality of inner vanes (40) by moving in the left and right directions.

[0068] With reference to FIG. 4, the inner vane, vane link, and link motor are described.

[0069] Each of the multiple inner vanes (40) is formed in a plate shape that extends vertically.

[0070] At the upper end of each of the multiple inner vanes (40), an upper projection (42) protruding upward is arranged to be connected to the front panel (20).

[0071] At the lower end of each of the multiple inner vanes (40), a lower projection (44) protruding downward is arranged to be connected to the front panel (20).

[0072] Each of the upper projection (42) and the lower projection (44) can be placed on the same extension line.

[0073] Each of the upper projection (42) and the lower projection (44) is positioned at the front end of the inner vane (40).

[0074] At the lower end of each of the multiple inner vanes (40), a connecting projection (46) protruding downward is disposed to be connected to a vane link (50). The connecting projection (46) is disposed behind the lower projection (44). The connecting projection (46) is disposed behind the inner surface (24).

[0075] The vane link (50) extends in the left and right directions and includes a link bar (52) connected to each of the plurality of inner vanes (40), and a connecting bar (56) disposed on one side of the link bar (52) and connected to a link motor (64).

[0076] The link bar (52) is connected to each of the plurality of inner vanes (40) and changes the arrangement of each of the plurality of inner vanes (40). The link bar (52) is connected to the rear end of the plurality of inner vanes (40).

[0077] Each link bar (52) has a projection groove (54) into which the connecting projection (46) of the inner vane (40) is inserted.

[0078] The connecting bar (56) is fixedly positioned on one side of the link bar (52). The connecting bar (56) has a structure that extends in the forward and backward directions. The connecting bar (56) extends forward from the link bar (52).

[0079] A guide hole (58) is formed in the connecting bar (56) that is open in the vertical direction and extends in the front-rear direction. A part of the rotating link (60), which will be described below, is placed in the guide hole (58). The guide hole (58) extends in the front-rear direction.

[0080] Accordingly, the rotating link (60) can move the link bar (52) in the left and right directions while moving in the forward and backward directions where the guide hole (58) is formed.

[0081] When the link motor (64) operates, the vane link (50) moves left and right.

[0082] The air conditioner includes a rotary link (60) that rotates by being connected to a link motor (64). One end of the rotary link (60) is connected to the link motor (64). The other end of the rotary link (60) is connected to a connecting bar (56).

[0083] The rotary link (60) includes a connecting tip (62) protruding upward from an end spaced apart from the link motor (64). The connecting tip (62) is positioned in a guide hole (58) formed in the connecting bar (56).

[0084] The connecting bar (56) converts the rotational motion of the rotating link (60) into linear motion.

[0085] Accordingly, as the link motor (64) operates, the arrangement of the multiple inner vanes (40) can be changed in the left and right directions.

[0086] With reference to Fig. 5, the configuration of the vein link will be explained in detail.

[0087] The vane link (50) includes a link bar (52) extending in the left and right directions, and a connecting bar (56) positioned on one side of the link bar (52) and extending forward from the link bar (52).

[0088] A projection groove (54) into which one side of the inner vane (40) is inserted is formed in the link bar (52). A plurality of projection grooves (54) are spaced apart in the left and right directions.

[0089] The link bar (52) is formed to be bent convexly in the upward direction. Specifically, the link bar (52) is formed to be bent convexly in the rearward upward direction. When viewed in cross-section, the link bar (52) is formed to extend downward as it goes towards the rear.

[0090] The thickness of the link bar (52) may have a shape that decreases from the front to the rear. That is, the thickness of the link bar (52) is formed to decrease as it extends from the front end toward the rear and downward.

[0091] The connecting bar (56) extends forward from the link bar (52). A guide hole (58) extending in the forward and backward directions is formed in the connecting bar (56). A connecting tip (62) of the rotating link (60) is placed inside the guide hole (58). The guide hole (58) converts the rotational movement of the rotating link (60) into the linear movement of the vane link (50) in the left and right directions.

[0092] The connecting bar (56) can move the link bar (52) left and right according to the movement of the rotating link (60) which rotates by the operation of the link motor (64).

[0093] Referring to Fig. 6, the arrangement of the outer vane, inner vane, and link bar is described.

[0094] An outlet (14) is formed on the upper part of the front panel (20). An outer vane (32) is positioned in the outlet (14). The outer vane (32) can adjust the direction of the air discharged through the outlet (14) in the up and down direction.

[0095] An inner vane (40) is positioned behind the outer vane (32). The inner vane (40) can adjust the direction of the air discharged through the discharge port (14) to the left and right.

[0096] An upper frame (18) may be placed at the top of the discharge port (14). A lower frame (28) may be placed at the bottom of the discharge port (14).

[0097] The upper projection (42) of the inner vane (40) can be connected to the upper frame (18). The lower projection (44) of the inner vane (40) can be connected to the lower frame (28).

[0098] A link bar (52) is positioned below the inner vane (40). An inner surface (24) of the front panel (20) is positioned below the discharge port (14). The inner surface (24) may be positioned below the lower frame (28). Here, the inner surface (24) may be an inner surface of an inner panel (22) that is combined with the lower frame (28) and is a component included in the front panel (20).

[0099] The inner surface (24) may have a curved portion (26) positioned at the top. Accordingly, air rising along the inner surface (24) can flow through the curved portion (26) to the discharge port (14) positioned at the upper front.

[0100] The link bar (52) is positioned spaced apart from the inner surface (24). The link bar (52) is positioned spaced rearward from the inner surface (24).

[0101] The gap between the link bar (52) and the inner surface (24) decreases as it goes from the bottom to the top of the link bar (52). The gap (D1) between the inner surface (24) and the bottom part of the link bar (52) is formed to be larger than the gap (D2) between the inner surface (24) and the top part of the link bar (52).

[0102] The gap (D1) spaced apart from the inner surface (24) at the bottom of the link bar (52) is formed to be longer than the length (L1) between the top and bottom of the link bar (52). The gap (D2) spaced apart from the inner surface (24) at the top of the link bar (52) is formed to be shorter than the length (L1) between the top and bottom of the link bar (52).

[0103] The top of the link bar (52) is positioned at the same height or lower height as the top of the inner surface (24). The top of the link bar (52) is positioned lower than the top of the lower frame (28).

[0104] The lower part of the link bar (52) is positioned to face the rear lower side. The upper part of the link bar (52) is positioned to face the front upper side.

[0105] Referring to Fig. 7, the structure of the existing inner surface, lower frame, and link bar is briefly explained.

[0106] In the existing structure, the link bar (52) has a structure that extends in the front-rear direction. Also, in the existing structure, the inner surface has a straight surface shape up to the top. In the existing structure, the lower frame (28) has a structure that protrudes to the rear of the inner surface (24).

[0107] Therefore, air flow between the connecting bar (56) and the inner surface (24) can be restricted. Additionally, air flow between the connecting bar (56) and the lower frame (28) can be restricted.

[0108] With reference to FIG. 8, the structure of the present invention and the air flow pattern in the existing structure will be explained.

[0109] FIG. 8(a) is a drawing showing the amount of air flowing into the discharge port in the form of an air conditioner with the structure of FIG. 7. FIG. 8(a) is a drawing showing the amount of air flowing into the discharge port in a structure that has the link bar form of the air conditioner with the structure of FIG. 7, but has a curved upper surface on the inner side. FIG. 8(c) is a drawing showing the amount of air flowing into the discharge port in the form of an air conditioner with the structure of FIG. 6, which is the structure of the present invention.

[0110] Referring to FIG. 8(a), in the conventional air conditioner type, it can be seen that the air flow is concentrated at the upper part of the discharge port (14). Since no air flow is formed between the link bar (52) and the inner surface (24), the air flow to the lower part of the discharge port (14) is formed to be smaller than the upper part of the discharge port (14).

[0111] In Fig. 8(b) as well, the amount of air flow is formed below the discharge port compared to Fig. 8(a), but it can still be seen that the air flow is significantly reduced at the bottom of the discharge port.

[0112] Referring to FIG. 8(c), it can be seen that in the structure of the air conditioner of the present invention, air flow is formed evenly across the entire upper and lower portions of the discharge port (14). Additionally, it can be seen that air flow is formed around the link bar (52) through the structure of the link bar (52) which has a bent shape and is spaced apart from the inner surface (24).

[0113] In addition, it can be seen that air flow is also formed through the curved portion formed at the top of the inner surface (24).

[0114] Although preferred embodiments of the present disclosure have been illustrated and described above, the present disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments described above. Various modifications are possible by those skilled in the art without departing from the essence of the present disclosure as claimed in the claims, and such modifications should not be understood individually from the technical spirit or perspective of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A case including a front panel, wherein a discharge port is formed on the front panel and a suction port is formed on the bottom of the front panel; A fan positioned below the discharge port and forming an airflow into the discharge port; A plurality of outer vanes disposed at the discharge port and controlling the direction of air discharged through the discharge port in the up and down direction; A plurality of inner vanes disposed at the rear of the plurality of outer vanes and controlling the wind direction of the air discharged through the discharge port in the left and right directions; and It includes a vane link connected to each of the plurality of inner vanes and changing the arrangement of the plurality of vanes, The above vane link is an air conditioner comprising a link bar that is spaced apart from the inner surface of the front panel and bent downward toward the rear.

2. In Paragraph 1, The above link bar is connected to each of the above plurality of inner vanes and is an air conditioner that is bent convexly in the upward direction.

3. In Paragraph 2, It includes a link motor and a rotary link connected to the link motor to perform rotational motion, The above vane link is an air conditioner comprising a connecting bar disposed on one side of the link bar and connected to the rotary link.

4. In Paragraph 3, An air conditioner having a guide hole formed in the front-rear direction in the above connecting bar to change the rotational motion of the above rotating link into the linear motion of the above link bar.

5. In Paragraph 1, The above link bar is an air conditioner that extends downward toward the rear when viewed in cross-section.

6. In Paragraph 1, An air conditioner in which the thickness of the above link bar decreases from the front to the rear.

7. In Paragraph 1, The above front panel includes an inner surface facing the inside of the case, and The above link bar is an air conditioner positioned spaced apart from the above inner surface.

8. In Paragraph 7, An air conditioner in which the gap between the above link bar and the above inner surface decreases from the bottom to the top of the above link bar.

9. In Paragraph 7, An air conditioner in which the gap between the inner surface and the lower part of the link bar is formed to be larger than the gap between the inner surface and the upper part of the link bar.

10. In Paragraph 7, An air conditioner in which the length of the above link bar is shorter than the distance between the inner surface at the lower end of the link bar and the distance between the inner surface at the upper end of the link bar and the distance between the inner surface.

11. In Paragraph 7, An air conditioner in which the top of the above link bar is positioned at the same height or lower height as the top of the above inner surface.

12. In Paragraph 1, The above case is, It includes an upper frame to which the upper portion of the inner vane is connected and which forms the upper portion of the discharge port, and a lower frame to which the lower portion of the inner vane is connected and which forms the lower portion of the discharge port. An air conditioner in which the upper part of the above link bar is positioned lower than the upper part of the above lower frame.

13. In Paragraph 1, An air conditioner in which the lower portion of the above link bar is positioned to face the rear lower side, and the upper portion of the above link bar is positioned to face the front upper side.

14. In Paragraph 1, The link bar is positioned below the inner vane, and the inner surface of the front panel is positioned below the discharge port. The above inner surface is an air conditioner in which a curved surface is positioned at the top.

15. In Paragraph 14, The above link bar is an air conditioner positioned rearwardly spaced from the above curved surface.

16. In Paragraph 14, The above link bar is an air conditioner positioned at or below the top of the above inner surface.

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