A panel assembly for an indoor unit of an air conditioner

Abstract

The present invention relates to a panel assembly (100) for an indoor unit of an air conditioner. The panel assembly (100) comprises a panel (110) covering an air inlet (120) of the indoor unit for allowing air to flow through when the air is drawn towards the air inlet (120). The panel (110) comprises a notch (112) below an air outlet (140) of the indoor unit, and at least one region adjacent to the notch (112) provided with an airflow path towards the air inlet (120), allowing air passing through the region adjacent to the notch (112) and to be channelled towards the air inlet (120) during operation of the air conditioner.

Description

[0001] A PANEL ASSEMBLY FOR AN INDOOR UNIT OF AN AIR CONDITIONER FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates to an indoor unit of an air conditioner, and more particularly, to a panel assembly for an indoor unit of an air conditioner for providing maximum air suction towards the indoor unit.

[0003] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0004] An indoor unit of a ceiling-type air conditioner generally comes with a housing including a casing accommodating a body of the indoor unit and a panel assembly covering an opening of the casing. The panel assembly normally includes a panel provided with an air intake zone for allowing ambient air to be drawn into the indoor unit, and an air discharge zone for allowing conditioned air to be discharged out from the indoor unit. The air intake zone is usually distanced apart from the air discharge zone with a separation section in between them so as to prevent air short-circuit when the air conditioner is in operation.

[0005] For instance, prior art document US11002451 B2 discloses a ceiling air conditioner which has a housing arranged to be mounted on or embedded in a ceiling and a cover panel coupled to a lower portion of the housing. The cover panel includes an air inlet provided with a grille and an air outlet provided with a blade covering thereof. Referring to Figures 1 and 2 of the prior art, the location of the air outlet and the air inlet is arranged to be separated from each other by having a separation section in between them.

[0006] There are a number of examples of a ceiling-type air conditioner available over the prior art which has a wider air inlet area on a front panel so as to improve air suction over the air inlet area and to increase intake air volume. One of them is prior art document JP3845795B2, disclosing a ceiling-embedded air conditioner with a panel assembly including a front panel with an air outlet and a suction port formed thereon and a suction grille attached to the front panel. Theair inlet is made of two suction ports that are separated by a drain pan interposed between them. The suction ports are covered by an air filter which are divided into two in the longitudinal direction. On the other hand, the air outlet is located at one longitudinal side of the front panel, in which there is a wind direction vane provided at the air outlet. Nevertheless, the air inlet is limited to the two suction ports, and there are remaining regions on the front panel which are not designated for any distinct functional role related to air flow.

[0007] Another prior art document US10386079B2 that discloses a ceiling air conditioner, in which the ceiling air conditioner is having a lower housing formed with a suction port and a discharge port. The suction port and the discharge port are disposed in longitudinal direction on the lower housing. The lower housing is provided with a grille for filtering dust contained in the air sucked via the suction port. It can be seen from Figure 1 of the prior art that the grille is almost covering the whole lower housing, except the discharge port and a longitudinal region between the grille and the discharge port. Further, referring to Figure 4 of the prior art, only certain part of the grille that is located under the suction port is utilized for drawing air into the indoor unit. The remaining part of the grille is mainly for aesthetic purpose and not contributing to a functional application related to airflow, including the part located at both lateral sides of the discharge port.

[0008] Accordingly, it can be seen in the prior art documents that there exists a need to have a panel assembly with a front panel fully utilized for functional purpose related to air flow.

[0009] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0010] An object of the present invention is to provide a panel assembly for an indoor unit of an air conditioner that is capable of maximising intake air volume by having a panel fully utilized for drawing air towards the indoor unit, thereby making use of structural elements within the panel for air flow’s functional purpose.Another object of the present invention is to provide a panel assembly for an indoor unit of an air conditioner that divides a panel into a first area for discharging air away from the indoor unit and a second area arranged around the first area for drawing ambient air towards the indoor unit, with no air short-circuit occurred between the first area and the second area.

[0011] A further object of the present invention is to provide a panel assembly for an indoor unit of an air conditioner that has a panel with an opening for discharging air away from the indoor unit and a flap covering thereof with at least a portion of the flap adapted for allowing air to pass therethrough when the air is drawn towards the indoor unit.

[0012] There is an object of the present invention to provide a panel assembly for an indoor unit of an air conditioner that is spaced from a body of the indoor unit to form a cavity for containing intake air so that more intake air is able to pass through the panel assembly before entering the indoor unit.

[0013] Accordingly, these objects are achievable by following the disclosure and teachings of the present invention. The present invention relates to a panel assembly for an indoor unit of an air conditioner, in which the panel assembly comprising a panel covering an air inlet of the indoor unit for allowing air to flow through when the air is drawn towards the air inlet. The panel is having a notch that is disposed below an air outlet of the indoor unit. The panel is also having at least one region adjacent to the notch that is provided with an airflow path leading towards the air inlet, allowing air passing therethrough and to be channelled towards the air inlet during operation of the air conditioner.

[0014] Preferably, the region is a non-notch region on the panel directly adjacent to the notch. The region is extending throughout the whole panel, allowing the air to pass through the whole panel. In one embodiment of the present invention, the region is disposed adjacent to a longitudinal side of the notch. In another embodiment of the present invention, the region is disposed adjacent to at leastone lateral side of the notch. The region could be disposed adjacent to both lateral sides of the notch that are opposed to each other. On the other hand, the notch is preferably having any of a substantially rectangular shape, a substantially semi-oval shape, a substantially semi-circular shape, a substantially triangular shape, or a substantially U-shape.

[0015] Preferably, the panel is having a substantially U-shape, a substantially rectangular shape or a substantially T-shape for allowing air to flow through. The panel further comprising a plurality of openings that is distributed over the whole panel including the region adjacent to the notch for allowing the air passing therethrough. The plurality of openings is preferably a plurality of throughgoing holes through which the air flows towards the air inlet.

[0016] The panel assembly further comprising a flap for covering the notch. The flap is rotatably attached to a driving assembly. The flap is further provided with an internal air passageway in communication with the airflow path of the panel for allowing air passing therethrough when the air is drawn towards the air inlet. In addition, the flap is comprising a plurality of openings for allowing the air passing therethrough.

[0017] In a further embodiment of the present invention, the flap and the panel may be forming a substantially flat surface when the flap is in a closed position. In another embodiment of the present invention, the flap may be disposed to extend until one edge of the notch in a manner such that the flap is having one edge in the same line with the edge of the notch.

[0018] In another embodiment of the present invention, the flap may have a different configuration, in which there may be no internal air passageway provided. In this embodiment, the notch is preferably provided with a channel connecting the notch and the air outlet for allowing air passing therethrough when the air is discharged from the indoor unit. In a further embodiment of the present invention, the channel may be provided with a movable damper at an inner endof the channel so that the air is allowed to exit through the notch when the channel is opened by the movable damper and the flap is in an opened position.

[0019] In addition, the panel is preferably spaced from a body of the indoor unit by having a chassis interposed between the panel and the body of the indoor unit, resulting the panel assembly to be protruded from a surface of any one of a ceiling, a wall and a floor when the indoor unit is installed. In another embodiment of the present invention, the chassis is provided with a plurality of openings for allowing intake of air. Furthermore, the panel assembly is comprising a top panel attached to a lower end of the body of the indoor unit with the chassis interposed between the top panel and the panel at a lower level. The top panel comprising a first opening at which the air inlet is located and a second opening at which the air outlet is located.

[0020] The present invention also relates to an air conditioner comprising an aforedescribed panel assembly for an indoor unit of the air conditioner. Preferably, the air conditioner is a ceiling air conditioner.

[0021] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS

[0022] The features of the invention will be more readily understood and appreciated from the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings of the preferred embodiment of the present invention, in which:

[0023] Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of a panel of a panel assembly for an indoor unit of an air conditioner according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 2 illustrates a perspective view of a panel and a flap of a panel assembly for an indoor unit of an air conditioner according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.Figure 3 illustrates a perspective view of an indoor unit of an air conditioner with a panel assembly at a closed state according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 4 illustrates a perspective view of an indoor unit of an air conditioner with a panel assembly at an opened state according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 5 illustrates a perspective view of an assembly of a flap to be coupled to a panel assembly for an indoor unit of an air conditioner according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 6 illustrates a top perspective partial view of a panel assembly for an indoor unit of an air conditioner according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 7 illustrates a cross-sectional view of an indoor unit of an air conditioner according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] Figure 8 illustrates a top perspective view of an indoor unit of an air conditioner according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] Figure 9 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a panel assembly for an indoor unit of an air conditioner with indication on direction of intake air and discharged air according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] Figure 10 is a diagram showing a simulated airflow distribution on a crosssection of a panel assembly for an indoor unit of an air conditioner at a closed state according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] Figure 11 is a diagram showing a simulated airflow distribution on a crosssection of a panel assembly for an indoor unit of an air conditioner at an opened state according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.Figure 12 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a panel assembly for an indoor unit of an air conditioner with indication of direction of intake air and discharged air according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0034] The abovementioned and other features and objects of this invention will become more apparent and better understood by reference to the following detailed description. It should be understood that the detailed description made known below is not intended to be exhaustive or limit the invention to the precise form disclosed as the invention may assume various alternative forms. All the relevant modifications and alterations made to the present invention as covered in the detailed description should be construed to fall within the scope of the appended claims. Therefore, the configuration of the invention is not limited to the configuration mentioned in the following description.

[0035] The present invention relates to a panel assembly (100) for an indoor unit of an air conditioner, in which the panel assembly (100) comprises a panel (110) covering an air inlet (120) of the indoor unit for allowing air to flow through when the air is drawn towards the air inlet (120). The panel (110) comprises a notch (112) below an air outlet (140) of the indoor unit, and at least one region adjacent to the notch (112) provided with an airflow path leading towards the air inlet (120), allowing air to pass through the region adjacent to the notch (112) and to be channelled towards the air inlet (120) during operation of the air conditioner.

[0036] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the region is a nonnotch region on the panel (110) adjacent to the notch (112), more preferably, directly adjacent to the notch (112). The region is preferably extending throughout the whole panel (110), allowing the air to pass through the whole panel (110). Furthermore, the region is disposed adjacent to any one or any combination of a longitudinal side of the notch (112), a first lateral side of the notch (112) and a second lateral side of the notch (112) opposing the first lateral side. In a morepreferred embodiment of the present invention, the region is disposed along or around the notch (112) when the notch (112) is an open-sided notch located at an outer end of the panel (110). In a further embodiment of the present invention, the region is disposed to surround the notch (112) when the notch (112) is located within the panel (110).

[0037] With reference to Figure 1, the panel (110) is preferably comprising a plurality of openings for allowing the air passing therethrough. The plurality of openings is distributed over the whole panel (110) including the region adjacent to the notch (112) for allowing the air passing therethrough. The plurality of openings is preferably a plurality of throughgoing holes through which the air flows into the air inlet (120), in which the plurality of throughgoing holes could be oriented vertically or inclined. It is not only limited to this embodiment as the plurality of openings could have different configuration apart from the aforementioned configuration. For example, the plurality of openings may be in the form of a plurality of ribs throughout the panel (110), or a combination of throughgoing holes and ribs on the panel (110).

[0038] Further, the panel (110) is having the notch (112) that is preferably an inwardly cut-out formed at an outer end of the panel (110). The notch (112) is preferably having any of a substantially rectangular shape, a substantially semioval shape, a substantially semi-circular shape, a substantially triangular shape or a substantially U-shape. As shown in Figure 1, the notch (112) is more preferably formed with a substantially rectangular configuration and the panel (110) is having a substantially U-shape in the presence of the notch (112) for allowing air to flow through. In particular, the panel (110) is having a recessed side between two lateral flanges that extend outwardly to form a substantially U-shape profile. The region of the panel (110) with the airflow path is preferably disposed adjacent to a longitudinal side of the notch (112), a first lateral side of the notch (112) and a second lateral side of the notch (112) opposing the first lateral side. In another embodiment of the present invention, the panel (110) may be having a substantially rectangular shape with a rectangular notch extending across one longitudinal side of the panel (110). In a possible embodiment of thepresent invention, the panel (110) may be having a substantially T-shape with a substantially U-shaped notch extending along the protruded side of the panel (110). In particular, the panel (110) may be having a protruding side between two lateral concave portions that are inwardly recessed to form a substantially T-shape profile, while the notch (112) may be formed in a substantially U-shape by surrounding the protruded side and the two lateral concave portions of the panel (110).

[0039] With reference to Figure 2, the panel assembly (100) further comprises a flap (130) for covering the notch (112). The flap (130) and the panel (110) are made to form a substantially flat surface when the flap (130) is in a closed position. Further, the flap (130) is disposed to extend until one edge of the notch (112) in a manner such that the flap (130) is having one edge in the same line with the edge of the notch (112). The flap (130) is preferably having a similar shape that corresponds to the shape of the notch (112) so that the flap (130) could be fitted into the notch (112) with each of the edge of the flap (130) in the same line with corresponding edge of the notch (112).

[0040] Figures 3 and 4 show a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The panel (110) is preferably adapted to be protruded by having a chassis (150) disposed above the panel (110). The panel assembly (100) further comprises a top panel (160) that is disposed on top of the chassis (150) so that chassis (150) is interposed between the top panel (160) and the panel (110). Preferably, the flap (130) is having an inner end rotatably attached to a driving assembly coupled to the chassis (150) so that the flap (130) is rotatable at a predetermined angle. Figure 3 shows that the flap (130) is moved to a horizontal position and aligned with the panel (110) when the flap (130) is in a closed position, while Figure 4 shows that the flap (130) is moved to a tilted position when the flap (130) is opened. With such configuration, the conditioned air is able to be discharged in a sideway manner when the flap (130) is closed, and to be discharged in a substantially downward manner when the flap (130) is in the opened position.Figure 5 shows an example on an assembly of the flap (130) to be coupled to the panel assembly (100) in the present invention. Preferably, the assembly of the flap includes an air guiding member (142) that is rotatably coupled to an outer end of the flap (130) with the air guiding member (142) disposed on top of the flap (130). The flap (130) and the air guiding member (142) may stay apart from each other when the flap (130) is in the closed position, while they may move closer towards each other when the flap (130) is in the opened position. Further, the flap (130) is provided with an internal air passageway in communication with the airflow path of the panel (110) by having the air guiding member (142) to be disposed in an inclined position, forming an internal cavity between the air guiding member (142) and the flap (130). Also, the flap (130) is having a plurality of openings distributed over the whole front surface for allowing the air to pass therethrough. As a result, ambient air will pass through the flap (130) and to be directed towards the air inlet (120) via the internal air passageway.

[0041] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the flap (130) is having the inner end rotatably attached to the driving assembly via engagement of a protrusion formed at the inner end of the flap (130) and a corresponding receiving means provided by the driving assembly. The receiving means could be in a form of groove, slit, recess, slot and other receiving structures. Also, the driving assembly is connected to at least a motor for driving movement of the flap (130). Furthermore, the air guiding member (142) is also preferably rotatably attached to the driving assembly by having a protrusion formed at an inner end of the air guiding member (142) to be received within a corresponding receiving means provided by the driving assembly.

[0042] Figure 6 shows an example on the configuration of the chassis (150) and the top panel (160) according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The top panel (160) is adapted to be attached to a lower end of a body (200) of the indoor unit, and it is preferably provided with a first opening that serves as the air inlet (120) for the indoor unit, and a second opening that serves as the air outlet (140) for the indoor unit. The chassis (150) is further provided with at least two different-sized openings that correspond to the first opening and the secondopening of the top panel (160) respectively. The two openings of the chassis (150) are disposed to align and fit into the first opening and the second opening respectively. Further, the chassis (150) preferably comprises a sidewall enclosing the airflow path of the region on the panel (110) which is used for channelling the air towards the air inlet (120). In addition, the chassis (150) is provided with at least an opening (151) at each lateral side of the sidewall closer to the air inlet (120), allowing ambient air to pass therethrough when being drawn towards the air inlet (120). The chassis (150) further comprises a longitudinal opening (152) at a front side of the sidewall closer to the air outlet (140), allowing discharged air to exit from the indoor unit.

[0043] Figure 7 and 8 show a cross-sectional view and a top perspective view on the indoor unit equipped with the panel assembly (100) according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Figure 7, the panel (110) is preferably spaced from the body (200) of the indoor unit by having the chassis (150) interposed between the panel (110) and the body (200) of the indoor unit. The body (200) of the indoor unit is preferably installed above a ceiling (300) with the top panel (160) attached to a lower end of the body (200). With such configuration, the body (200) of the indoor unit will be concealed and hidden inside the space above the ceiling (300) while the panel assembly (100) and chassis (150) will be protruded from the ceiling (300). The body (200) of the indoor unit is occupied by all components of the indoor unit, including a blower disposed above the air inlet (120) and a heat exchanger disposed after the blower and before the air outlet (140). With reference to Figure 8, the chassis (150) is further provided with a plurality of openings (151) at a rear side of the sidewall that allows ambient air to pass through and enter the air inlet (120) in order to achieve a sufficient or higher intake air volume. In a different embodiment of the present invention, the body (200) of the indoor unit may be exposed when the indoor unit is directly attached to an exposed concrete ceiling without the need for a secondary ceiling structure. In this case, the top panel does not necessarily need to be mounted onto the ceiling surface; instead, it is preferably suspended from the concrete ceiling.Figure 9 shows a cross-sectional view of the panel assembly (100) with indication on direction of intake air and discharged air in the panel assembly (100). It can be seen that the whole panel (110) is fully utilized to take in ambient air and direct the air towards the air inlet (120) via the airflow path within the chassis (150) in presence of negative pressure created by the blower of the indoor unit. Also, the flap (130) covering the notch (112) is capable of taking in ambient air in and directing the air towards the air inlet (120) via the internal air passageway connected to the airflow path of the panel (110). Such configuration is different from conventional panel assemblies and it is beneficial in securing a sufficient or even a higher intake air volume for the indoor unit.

[0044] A simulation airflow study is further conducted to determine simulated airflow pattern and direction around and within the panel assembly (100) according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention as shown in Figures 10 and 11. It can be seen from Figure 10 that there is movement of intake air passing through the whole panel (110) and the flap (130) as well when the flap (130) is in the closed position. On the other hand, it can be observed from Figure 11 that the movement of intake air is maintained over the whole panel (110), except the flap (130). The flap (130) is opened for directing discharged air in a substantially downward direction, and the internal air passageway of the flap (130) is reduced in size when the flap (130) is in the opened position. Nevertheless, the flap (130) is still able to allow a smaller volume of ambient air to pass therethrough and direct the air towards the air inlet (120) as shown in Figure 11.

[0045] Figure 12 shows an alternative embodiment of the panel assembly (100) for the indoor unit having the aforementioned configuration according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, except the flap (130) and the notch (112). In this case, the flap (130) is having a different configuration, in which there is no internal air passageway provided for allowing air to pass through. The flap (130) is mainly used for covering and uncovering the notch (112) of the panel (110). On the other hand, the notch (112) is provided with a channel (114) connecting the notch (112) and the air outlet (140) for allowing air passingtherethrough when the air is discharged. The channel (114) is further provided with a movable damper (116) at an inner end closer to the air outlet (140) so that discharged air is allowed to exit through the notch (112) when the channel (114) is opened for access via the movable damper (116) and the flap (130) is in the opened position.

[0046] Based on the aforedescribed description and illustrations, the panel assembly (100) of the present invention is preferably implemented in a ceilingtype air conditioner, and more preferably, a single-flow ceiling cassette air conditioner. It is possible that the panel assembly (100) could be applicable to the other types of air conditioner such as a wall-mounted air conditioner as it is not just limited to this embodiment. The panel assembly (100) is also possibly made to be protruded from other surfaces such as a wall and a floor when being installed, apart from the ceiling.

[0047] The exemplary implementation described above is illustrated with specific shapes, dimensions, and other characteristics, but the scope of the invention also includes various other shapes, dimensions, arrangements and characteristics. For example, the dimension and the shape of any component in the panel assembly (100) could be modified to adapt to any appropriate particular combination of various parts in an indoor unit of an air conditioner.

[0048] Various modifications to these embodiments are apparent to those skilled in the art from the description and the accompanying drawings. The principles associated with the various embodiments described herein may be applied to other embodiments. Therefore, the description is not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown along with the accompanying drawings but is to be providing broadest scope of consistent with the principles and the novel features disclosed or suggested herein. Accordingly, the invention is anticipated to hold on to all other such alternatives, modifications, and variations that fall within the scope of the present invention and appended claims.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A panel assembly (100) for an indoor unit of an air conditioner, comprising:a panel (110) covering an air inlet (120) of the indoor unit for allowing air to flow through when the air is drawn towards the air inlet (120);wherein the panel (110) comprising a notch (112) below an air outlet (140) of the indoor unit; andwherein the panel (110) comprising at least one region adjacent to the notch (112) provided with an airflow path towards the air inlet (120), allowing air passing through the region adjacent to the notch (112) and to be channelled towards the air inlet (120) during operation of the air conditioner.

2. The panel assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the region is a nonnotch region on the panel (110) directly adjacent to the notch (112).

3. The panel assembly (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the region extending throughout the whole panel (110), allowing the air to pass through the whole panel (110).

4. The panel assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the region is disposed adjacent to a longitudinal side of the notch (112).

5. The panel assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the region is disposed adjacent to a first lateral side of the notch (112).

6. The panel assembly (100) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the region is disposed adjacent to a second lateral side of the notch (112) opposing the first lateral side.

7. The panel assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the panel (110) comprising a plurality of openings for allowing the air passing therethrough.

8. The panel assembly (100) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the plurality of openings distributed over the whole panel (110) including the region adjacent to the notch (112) for allowing the air passing therethrough.

9. The panel assembly (100) as claimed in claim 8, wherein the plurality of openings is a plurality of throughgoing holes through which the air flows into the air inlet (120).

10. The panel assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the panel (110) is having a substantially U-shape, a substantially rectangular shape or a substantially T-shape for allowing air to flow through.

11. The panel assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the notch (112) is having any of a substantially rectangular shape, a substantially semi-oval shape, a substantially semi-circular shape, a substantially triangular shape, or a substantially U-shape.

12. The panel assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the panel assembly (100) further comprising a flap (130) for covering the notch (112).

13. The panel assembly (100) as claimed in claim 12, wherein the flap (130) is rotatably attached to a driving assembly.

14. The panel assembly (100) as claimed in claim 12, wherein the flap (130) comprising a plurality of openings for allowing the air passing therethrough.

15. The panel assembly (100) as claimed in claim 14, wherein the flap (130) is provided with an internal air passageway in communication with the airflow path of the panel (110) for allowing air passing therethrough when the air is drawn towards the air inlet (120).

16. The panel assembly (100) as claimed in claim 12, wherein the flap (130) and the panel (110) formed a substantially flat surface when the flap (130) is in a closed position.

17. The panel assembly (100) as claimed in claim 12, wherein the flap (130) is disposed to extend until one edge of the notch (112) in a manner such that the flap (130) is having one edge in the same line with the edge of the notch (112).

18. The panel assembly (100) as claimed in claim 12, wherein the notch (112) is provided with a channel (114) connecting the notch (112) and the air outlet (140) for allowing air passing therethrough when the air is discharged from the indoor unit.

19. The panel assembly (100) as claimed in claim 18, wherein the channel (114) is provided with a movable damper (116) at an inner end so that the air is allowed to exit through the notch (112) when the channel (114) is opened for access via the movable damper (116) and the flap (130) is in an opened position.

20. The panel assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the panel (110) is spaced from a body (200) of the indoor unit.

21. The panel assembly (100) as claimed in claim 20, wherein the panel (110) is spaced from the body (200) of the indoor unit by having a chassis (150) interposed between the panel (110) and the body (200) of the indoor unit.

22. The panel assembly (100) as claimed in claim 21, wherein the chassis (150) is provided with a plurality of openings (151) for allowing intake of air.

23. The panel assembly (100) as claimed in claim 21 , wherein the panel assembly (100) further comprising a top panel (160) attached to a lower end of the body (200) of the indoor unit with the chassis (150) interposed between the top panel (160) and the panel (110) at a lower level.

24. The panel assembly (100) as claimed in claim 23, wherein the top panel (160) comprising a first opening at which the air inlet (120) is located and a second opening at which the air outlet (140) is located.

25. The panel assembly (100) as claimed in claim 20, wherein the panel assembly (100) is protruded from a surface of any one of a ceiling (300), a wall and a floor when installed.

26. An air conditioner comprising a panel assembly (100) according to any one of the preceding claims.

27. The air conditioner as claimed in claim 26, wherein the air conditioner is a ceiling air conditioner.

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