AIR CONDITIONER

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

This application is a continuation application, claiming priority under § 365(c), of an International application No. PCT/KR2025/000490, filed on Jan. 9, 2025, which is based on and claims the benefit of a Korean patent application number 10-2024-0021955, filed on Feb. 15, 2024, in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, and of a Korean patent application number 10-2024-0068870, filed on May 27, 2024, in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the disclosure of each of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The disclosure relates to an air conditioner having an improved structure.

BACKGROUND ART

An air purifier is a device used to remove contaminants from the air. Air purifiers may remove foreign substances, bacteria, viruses, molds, fine dusts, and chemicals causing odors contained in intake air.

An air purifier may include an inlet for an intake of contaminated air, and a blower fan forming a flow of the air.

An air purifier may include a filter for purifying the contaminated indoor air. The air introduced into the air purifier may be purified by removing contaminants therefrom while passing through the filter and the purified air may be discharged to the outside through an outlet of the air purifier.

Air purifiers may be used in various spaces. An air conditioner may include a discharge device configured to control at least one of discharge direction, discharge rate, and discharge amount of purified air.

The above information is presented as background information only to assist with an understanding of the disclosure. No determination has been made, and no assertion is made, as to whether any of the above might be applicable as prior art with regard to the disclosure.

SUMMARY

Technical Problem

Aspects of the disclosure are to address at least the above-mentioned problems and/or disadvantages and to provide at least the advantages described below. Accordingly, an aspect of the disclosure is to provide an air conditioner capable of discharging purified air by various methods.

Another aspect of the disclosure is to provide an air conditioner preventing purified air from being mixed with and discharged with contaminated indoor air while air is discharged through a discharge device.

Additional aspects will be set forth in part in the description which follows and, in part, will be apparent from the description, or may be learned by practice of the presented embodiments.

Technical Solution

In accordance with an aspect of the disclosure, an air conditioner is provided. The air conditioner includes a housing including an inlet, an outlet, and a discharge port, a blower configured to circulate air to an inside or an outside of the housing, and a discharge device configured to guide some of the air flowing toward the outlet by the blower to the discharge port, wherein the discharge device includes a discharge cover moveable between a first position to close the discharge port and a second position to open the discharge port, and a discharge fan fixed in the housing to discharge air through the discharge port in the housing where the discharge cover is located at the second position.

Other aspects, advantages, and salient features of the disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, which, taken in conjunction with the annexed drawings, discloses various embodiments of the disclosure.

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The above and other aspects, features, and advantages of certain embodiments of the disclosure will be more apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 2 illustrates a partial exploded view of an air blow panel of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 3 illustrates a cross-section of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 4 illustrates a discharge device of an air conditioner disassembled from a housing according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 5 illustrates an exploded view of a discharge device according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 6 illustrates a partial cross-sectional view of a discharge device according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 7 illustrates a state where a discharge device closes a discharge port according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 8 illustrates coupled relationship among components associated with movement of a discharge cover in a state where a discharge device closes a discharge port according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 9 illustrates an air flow in the housing in a state where a discharge device closes a discharge port according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 10 illustrates a state where a discharge device opens a discharge port according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 11 illustrates coupled relationship between components associated with movement of the discharge cover in a state where a discharge device opens a discharge port according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 12 illustrates an air flow in the housing in a state where a discharge device opens a discharge port according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 13 illustrates an exploded view of a discharge cover according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 14 illustrates an exploded view of a discharge cover according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of a cover frame according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of a cover frame according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 17 illustrates a state where a discharge cover of a discharge device is rotated according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 18 illustrates coupled relationship among components associated with rotation of a discharge cover in a state where a discharge device opens a discharge port according to an embodiment of the disclosure; and

FIG. 19 illustrates coupled relationship among components associated with rotation of a discharge cover in a state where a discharge cover of a discharge device is rotated according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

The same reference numerals are used to represent the same elements throughout the drawings.

MODE FOR INVENTION

The following description with reference to the accompanying drawings is provided to assist in a comprehensive understanding of various embodiments of the disclosure as defined by the claims and their equivalents. It includes various specific details to assist in that understanding but these are to be regarded as merely exemplary. Accordingly, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that various changes and modifications of the various embodiments described herein can be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the disclosure. In addition, descriptions of well-known functions and constructions may be omitted for clarity and conciseness.

The terms and words used in the following description and claims are not limited to the bibliographical meanings, but, are merely used by the inventor to enable a clear and consistent understanding of the disclosure. Accordingly, it should be apparent to those skilled in the art that the following description of various embodiments of the disclosure is provided for illustration purpose only and not for the purpose of limiting the disclosure as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

It is to be understood that the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to “a component surface” includes reference to one or more of such surfaces.

In describing of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related elements.

In the disclosure, phrases, such as “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 or all possible combinations of the items listed together in the corresponding phrase among the phrases.

As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

Terms such as “1st,” “2nd,” “primary,” or “secondary” may be used simply to distinguish an element from other elements, without limiting the element in other aspects (e.g., importance or order).

When an element (e.g., a first element) is referred to as being “(functionally or communicatively) coupled” or “connected” to another element (e.g., a second element), the first element may be connected to the second element, directly (e.g., wired), wirelessly, or through a third element.

It will be understood that when the terms “includes,” “comprises,” “including,” and/or “comprising” are used in the disclosure, they specify the presence of the specified features, figures, steps, operations, components, members, or combinations thereof, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, figures, steps, operations, components, members, or combinations thereof.

When a given element is referred to as being “connected to,” “coupled to,” “supported by” or “in contact with” another element, it is to be understood that it may be directly or indirectly connected to, coupled to, supported by, or in contact with the other element. When a given element is indirectly connected to, coupled to, supported by, or in contact with another element, it is to be understood that it may be connected to, coupled to, supported by, or in contact with the other element through a third element.

It will also be understood that when an element is referred to as being “on” another element, it may be directly on the other element or intervening elements may also be present.

An air conditioner according to various embodiments is a device that performs functions such as purification, ventilation, humidity control, cooling, or heating in an air conditioning space (hereinafter referred to as “indoor space”), and in particular a device having at least one of these functions.

According to an 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 is circulated through a compressor, a first heat exchanger, and an expansion device and a second heat exchanger. All of the components of the heat pump device may be embedded in a single housing forming an exterior of an air conditioner, which includes a window-type air conditioner or a portable air conditioner. On the other hand, some components of the heat pump device may be divided and embedded in a plurality of housings forming a single air conditioner, which includes a wall-mounted air conditioner, a stand-type air conditioner, and a system air conditioner.

The air conditioner including the 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 provided such that a single outdoor unit and a single indoor unit are connected by a refrigerant pipe. Alternatively, the air conditioner may be provided such that a single outdoor unit is connected to two or more indoor units by a refrigerant pipe. Alternatively, the air conditioner may be provided such that two or more outdoor units and two or more indoor units are connected by a plurality of refrigerant pipes.

The outdoor unit may be electrically connected to the indoor unit. For example, information (or commands) for controlling the air conditioner may be received through an input interface provided in the outdoor unit or the indoor unit. The outdoor unit and the indoor unit may operate simultaneously or sequentially in response to a user input.

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.

The outdoor heat exchanger may be configured to exchange heat between a refrigerant and air from outdoor through a phase change of the refrigerant (e.g., evaporation or condensation). For example, while the refrigerant is condensed in the outdoor heat exchanger, the refrigerant may radiate heat to the outdoor air. While the refrigerant flowing in the outdoor heat exchanger evaporates, the refrigerant may absorb heat from the outdoor air.

The indoor unit is installed indoors. For example, according to the arrangement method of the indoor unit, the air conditioner may be classified into a ceiling-type indoor unit, a stand-type indoor unit, a wall-type indoor unit, and the like. For example, the ceiling-type indoor unit may be classified into a 4-way type indoor unit, a 1-way type indoor unit, a duct type indoor unit and the like according to a method of discharging air.

Similarly, the indoor heat exchanger may be configured to exchange heat between a refrigerant and outdoor air through a phase change of the refrigerant (e.g., evaporation or condensation). For example, while the refrigerant evaporates in the indoor unit, the refrigerant may absorb heat from the indoor air. The indoor space may be cooled by blowing the indoor air cooled through the cooled indoor heat exchanger. While the refrigerant is condensed in the indoor heat exchanger, the refrigerant may radiate heat to the indoor air. The indoor space may be heated by blowing the indoor air heated through the high-temperature indoor heat exchanger.

In other words, the air conditioner may perform a cooling or heating function by a phase change process of a refrigerant circulated between the outdoor heat exchanger and the indoor heat exchanger. To circulate the refrigerant, the air conditioner may include a compressor to compress the refrigerant. The compressor may draw refrigerant gas through an inlet and compress the refrigerant gas. The compressor may discharge high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant gas through an outlet. The compressor may be disposed inside the outdoor unit.

Through the refrigerant pipe, the refrigerant may be circulated sequentially through the compressor, the outdoor heat exchanger, the expansion device, and the indoor heat exchanger or sequentially circulated through the compressor, the indoor heat exchanger, the expansion device, and the outdoor heat exchanger.

For example, in the air conditioner, when a single outdoor unit and a single indoor unit are directly connected through a refrigerant pipe, the refrigerant may be circulated between the single outdoor unit and the single indoor unit through the refrigerant pipe.

For example, in the air conditioner, when a single outdoor unit is connected to two or more indoor units through a refrigerant pipe, the refrigerant may flow from the single outdoor unit to the plurality of indoor units through branched refrigerant pipes. Refrigerant discharged from the plurality of indoor units may be combined and circulated to the outdoor unit. For example, each of the plurality of indoor units may be directly connected in parallel to the single outdoor unit through a separate refrigerant pipe.

Each of the plurality of indoor units may be operated independently according to an operation mode set by a user. In other words, some of the plurality of indoor units may be operated in a cooling mode while others of the plurality of indoor units are operated in a heating mode. At that time, the refrigerant may be selectively introduced into each indoor unit in a high-pressure state or a low-pressure state, discharged, and circulated to the outdoor unit along a circulation path that is designated through a flow path switching valve to be described later.

For example, in the air conditioner, when two or more outdoor units and two or more indoor units are connected by the plurality of refrigerant pipes, refrigerant discharged from the plurality of outdoor units may be combined and flow through one refrigerant pipe, and then diverged again at a certain point and introduced into the plurality of indoor units.

All of the plurality of outdoor units may be driven or at least some of the plurality of outdoor units may not be driven, in accordance with a driving load corresponding to an operating amount of the plurality of indoor units. At that time, the refrigerant may be provided through a flow path switching valve to be introduced into and circulated to an outdoor unit that is selectively driven. The air conditioner may include the expansion device to reduce the pressure of the refrigerant flowing into the heat exchanger. For example, the expansion device may be disposed inside the indoor unit or inside the outdoor unit, or disposed both inside the indoor unit and the outdoor unit.

The expansion device may reduce the temperature and pressure of the refrigerant by using a throttling effect. The expansion device may include an orifice configured to reduce a cross-sectional area of a flow path. A temperature and pressure of the refrigerant passing through the orifice may be lowered.

For example, the expansion device may be implemented as an electronic expansion valve configured to adjust an opening ratio (a ratio of a cross-sectional area of a flow path of a valve in a partially opened state to a cross-sectional area of the flow path of the valve in a fully opened state). According to the opening ratio of the electronic expansion valve, the amount of refrigerant passing through the expansion device may be adjusted.

The air conditioner may further include a flow path switching valve disposed on the refrigerant circulation path. The flow path switching valve may include a 4-way valve. The flow path switching valve may determine a refrigerant circulation path depending on an operation mode of the indoor unit (e.g., cooling operation or heating operation). The flow path switching valve may be connected to the outlet of the compressor.

The air conditioner may include an accumulator. The accumulator may be connected to the inlet of the compressor. A low-temperature and low-pressure refrigerant, which is evaporated in the indoor heat exchanger or the outdoor heat exchanger, may flow into the accumulator.

When a refrigerant mixture of refrigerant liquid and refrigerant gas is introduced, the accumulator may separate the refrigerant liquid from the refrigerant gas, and supply the refrigerant gas separated from the refrigerant liquid to the compressor.

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. The outdoor unit of the air conditioner may include at least one sensor. For example, the outdoor unit sensor may be provided as an environmental sensor. The outdoor unit sensor may be disposed at a given position of the inside or the outside of the outdoor unit. For example, the outdoor unit sensor may include a temperature sensor configured to detect an air temperature around the outdoor unit, an air humidity sensor configured to detect air humidity around the outdoor unit, or a refrigerant temperature sensor configured to detect a refrigerant temperature in a refrigerant pipe passing through the outdoor unit, or a refrigerant pressure sensor configured to detect a refrigerant pressure in a refrigerant pipe passing through the outdoor unit.

The outdoor unit of the air conditioner may include an outdoor unit communication circuitry. The outdoor unit communication circuitry may be configured to receive a control signal from an indoor unit controller of the air conditioner, which will be described later. Based on a control signal received through the outdoor unit communication circuitry, the outdoor unit may control the operation of the compressor, the outdoor heat exchanger, the expansion device, the flow path switching valve, the accumulator, or the outdoor fan. The outdoor unit may transmit a measurement value detected by the outdoor unit sensor to the indoor unit controller through the outdoor unit communication circuitry.

The indoor unit of the air conditioner may include a housing, a blower configured to circulate air inside or outside the housing, and the indoor heat exchanger configured to exchange heat with air introduced into the housing.

The housing may include an inlet. Indoor air may flow into the housing through the inlet.

The indoor unit of the air conditioner may include a filter configured to filter out foreign substance in air that is introduced into the inside of the housing through the inlet.

The housing may include an outlet. Air flowing inside the housing may be discharged to the outside of the housing through the outlet.

An airflow guide configured to guide a direction of air discharged through the outlet may be provided in the housing of the indoor unit. For example, the airflow guide may include a blade positioned in the outlet. For example, the airflow guide may include an auxiliary fan for regulating an exhaust airflow, but is not limited thereto. Alternatively, the airflow guide may be omitted.

The indoor heat exchanger and the blower arranged on a flow path connecting the inlet and the outlet may be disposed inside the housing of the indoor unit.

The blower may include an indoor fan and a fan motor. For example, the indoor fan may include an axial fan, a mixed-flow fan, a cross-flow fan, and a centrifugal fan.

The indoor heat exchanger may be arranged between the blower and the outlet or between the inlet and the blower. The indoor heat exchanger may absorb heat from air introduced through the inlet or transfer heat to air introduced through the inlet. The indoor heat exchanger may include a heat exchange tube through which refrigerant flows, and heat exchange fins in contact with the heat exchange tube to increase a heat transfer area.

The indoor unit of the air conditioner may include a drain tray disposed below the indoor heat exchanger to collect condensed water generated in the indoor heat exchanger. The condensed water contained in the drain tray may be drained to the outside through a drain hose. The drain tray may be arranged to support the indoor heat exchanger.

The indoor unit of the air conditioner may include an input interface. The input interface may include any type of user input means including a button, a switch, a touch screen and/or a touch pad. A user can directly input setting data (e.g., desired indoor temperature, cooling/heating/dehumidifying/air cleaning operation mode setting, outlet selection setting, and/or air volume setting) through the input interface.

The input interface may 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 (e.g., a part of a wall) in an indoor space. A user may input setting data related to the operation of the air conditioner by manipulating the wired remote controller. An electrical signal corresponding to the setting data obtained by 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 the setting data for operating the air conditioner by using a wireless remote controller. The setting data received by the wireless remote controller may be transmitted to the input interface as an infrared signal.

In addition, the input interface may include a microphone. A user's voice command may be obtained through the microphone. The microphone may convert a user's voice command into an electrical signal and transmit the converted electrical signal to the indoor unit controller. The indoor unit controller may control components of the air conditioner to perform a function corresponding to the user's voice command. The setting data obtained through the input interface (e.g., desired indoor temperature, cooling/heating/dehumidifying/air cleaning operation mode setting, outlet selection setting, and/or air volume setting) may be transmitted to the indoor unit controller to be described later. For example, the setting data obtained through the input interface may be transmitted to the outside, that is, to the outdoor unit or a server through an indoor unit communication circuitry to be described later.

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.

The indoor unit of the air conditioner may include an indoor unit sensor. The indoor unit sensor may be an environmental sensor disposed inside or outside the housing. For example, the indoor unit sensor may include one or more temperature sensors and/or humidity sensors disposed 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 configured to detect a refrigerant temperature of a refrigerant pipe passing through the indoor unit. For example, the indoor unit sensor may include a refrigerant temperature sensor each configured to detect a temperature of an entrance, a middle portion and/or an exit of the refrigerant pipe passing through the indoor heat exchanger.

For example, each environmental information detected by the indoor unit sensor may be transmitted to the indoor unit controller to be described later or transmitted to the outside through the indoor unit communication circuitry to be described later.

The indoor unit of the air conditioner may include the indoor unit communication circuitry. The indoor unit communication circuitry may include at least one of a short-range wireless communication module and a long-range wireless communication module. The indoor unit communication circuitry may include at least one antenna for wirelessly communicating with other devices. The outdoor unit may include the outdoor unit communication circuitry. The outdoor unit communication circuitry may also include at least one of a short-range wireless communication module and a long-range wireless communication module.

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

The long-range wireless communication module may include a communication module that performs various types of long-range wireless communication, and may include a mobile communication circuitry. The mobile communication circuitry transmits and receives radio signals with at least one of a base station, an external terminal, and a server in a mobile communication network.

The indoor unit communication circuitry may communicate with an external device such as a server, a mobile device and other home appliances through an access point (AP). The AP may connect a local area network (LAN), to which an air conditioner or a user device is connected, to a wide area network (WAN) to which a server is connected. The air conditioner or the user device may be connected to the server through the WAN. The indoor unit of the air conditioner may include the indoor unit controller configured to control components of the indoor unit including the blower. The outdoor unit of the air conditioner may include an outdoor unit controller configured to control components of the outdoor unit including the compressor. The indoor unit controller may communicate with the outdoor unit controller through the indoor unit communication circuitry and the outdoor unit communication circuitry. The outdoor unit communication circuitry may transmit a control signal generated by the outdoor unit controller to the indoor unit communication circuitry, or transmit a control signal, which is transmitted from the indoor unit communication circuitry, to the outdoor unit controller. In other words, the outdoor unit and the indoor unit may perform bi-directional communication. The outdoor unit and the indoor unit may transmit and receive various signals generated during the operation of the air conditioner.

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

Various temperature sensors included in the outdoor unit and the indoor unit may transmit electrical signals corresponding to detected temperatures to the outdoor unit controller and/or the indoor unit controller. For example, the humidity sensors included in the outdoor unit and the indoor unit may respectively transmit electrical signals corresponding to the detected humidity to the outdoor unit controller and/or the indoor unit controller.

The indoor unit controller may obtain a user input from a user device including a mobile device through the indoor unit communication circuitry, or directly obtain a user input through the input interface or the remote controller. The indoor unit controller may control components of the indoor unit including the blower in response to the received user input. The indoor unit controller may transmit information related to the received user input to the outdoor unit controller of the outdoor unit.

The outdoor unit controller may control components of the outdoor unit including the compressor based on the information related to the 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 a cooling operation, a heating operation, a fan operation, a defrosting operation, or a dehumidifying operation is received from the indoor unit, the outdoor unit controller may control components of the outdoor unit to perform an operation of the air conditioner corresponding to the selected operation mode.

The outdoor unit controller and the indoor unit controller may include a processor and a memory, respectively. The indoor unit controller may include at least one a first processor and at least one a first memory, and the outdoor unit controller may include at least one a second processor and at least one a second memory.

The memory may record/store various types of information necessary for the operation of the air conditioner. The memory may store instructions, applications, data and/or programs necessary for the operation of the air conditioner. For example, the memory may store various programs for the cooling operation, the heating operation, the dehumidifying operation, and/or the defrosting operation of the air conditioner. The memory may include volatile memory, such as a static random access memory (S-RAM) and a dynamic random access memory (D-RAM) for temporarily storing data. In addition, the memory may include a non-volatile memory, such as a read only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read only memory (EPROM), and an electrically erasable programmable read only memory (EEPROM) for long-term storage of data.

The processor may generate a control signal for controlling an operation of the air conditioner based on instructions, applications, data, and/or programs stored in the memory. The processor may be hardware and may include a logic circuit and an arithmetic circuit. The processor may process data according to a program and/or instructions provided from the memory, and may generate a control signal according to a processing result. The memory and the processor may be implemented as one control circuit or as a plurality of circuits.

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

The output interface may include a display and a speaker. The speaker may be a sound device and configured to output various sounds. The display may display information, which is input by a user or provided to a user, as various graphic elements. For example, operational information of the air conditioner may be displayed as at least one of an image and text. In addition, the display may include an indicator that provides specific information. The display may include a liquid crystal display (LCD) panel, a light emitting diode (LED) panel, an organic light emitting diode (OLED) panel, a micro-LED panel, and/or a plurality of LEDs.

It should be appreciated that the blocks in each flowchart and combinations of the flowcharts may be performed by one or more computer programs which include instructions. The entirety of the one or more computer programs may be stored in a single memory device or the one or more computer programs may be divided with different portions stored in different multiple memory devices.

Any of the functions or operations described herein can be processed by one processor or a combination of processors. The one processor or the combination of processors is circuitry performing processing and includes circuitry like an application processor (AP, e.g. a central processing unit (CPU)), a communication processor (CP, e.g., a modem), a graphics processing unit (GPU), a neural processing unit (NPU) (e.g., an artificial intelligence (AI) chip), a Wi-Fi chip, a Bluetooth® chip, a global positioning system (GPS) chip, a near field communication (NFC) chip, connectivity chips, a sensor controller, a touch controller, a finger-print sensor controller, a display driver integrated circuit (IC), an audio CODEC chip, a universal serial bus (USB) controller, a camera controller, an image processing IC, a microprocessor unit (MPU), a system on chip (SoC), an IC, or the like.

Hereinafter, an air conditioner according to various embodiments will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in detail. Although an air purifier is described as an example of an air conditioner for the convenience of description, the disclosure is not limited to the air purifier and may be applied to various home appliances including an indoor unit of an air conditioner including a heat exchanger.

FIG. 1 illustrates an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the disclosure. FIG. 2 illustrates a partial exploded view of an air blow panel of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the disclosure. FIG. 3 illustrates a cross-section of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

A housing 10 may include a frame body 11 and air blow panel 12 provided outside the frame body 11. The frame body 11 may support various components of the air conditioner 1. The frame body 11 may be provided to accommodate various components of the air conditioner 1. At least a part of the frame body 11 may be covered with the air blow panel 12.

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

The first air blow panel, the second air blow panel, the third air blow panel, and the fourth air blow panel may be provided as separate components. However, at least some of the first air blow panel, the second air blow panel, the third air blow panel, and the fourth air blow panel may be formed integrally. At least some of the first air blow panel, the second air blow panel, the third air blow panel, and the fourth air blow panel may be detached from the frame body 11.

The air blow panel 12 may include a panel unit 12a. The panel unit 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 the vertical direction. However, the disclosure is not limited thereto.

The panel unit 12a may be formed over the entire area of the air blow panel 12. For example, the panel unit 12a may be provided in a uniform pattern formed over the entire area of the air blow panel 12. Thus, the exterior appearance of the air blow panel 12 may be improved by increasing the freedom of design.

The housing 10 may have an air blow vent 13. For example, the air blow vent 13 may be formed at the air blow panel 12. The air blow vent 13 may extend along the vertical direction. The air blow vent 13 may be provided in plural. For example, the plurality of air blow vents 13 may be arranged in a direction perpendicular to the vertical direction (Z direction). For example, the plurality of air blow vents 13 may be arranged along a left-right direction (Y direction) or along a front-rear direction (X direction).

The air blow vent 13 may be formed to correspond to the panel unit 12a. For example, the air blow vents 13 may be openings formed between the plurality of ribs of the panel unit 12a. Air outside the housing 10 may flow into or discharged out of the housing 10 through the air blow vent 13. The air blow vent 13 may include a plurality of openings.

The housing 10 may include an inlet 13a and an outlet 13b. The inlet 13a may be provided for the intake of air outside the housing 10 into the housing 10. The outlet 13b may be provided for the discharge of air inside the housing 10 out of the housing 10. The inlet 13a and the outlet 13b may be formed at the air blow panel 12. The air blow vent 13 may include the inlet 13a and the outlet 13b. The inlet 13a may be provided as a part of the air blow vent 13, and the outlet 13b may be provided as another part of the air blow vent 13. A part of the air blow vent 13 may serve as the inlet 13a, and another part of the air blow vent 13 may serve as the outlet 13b.

The housing 10 may include an inlet opening 14 and an outlet opening 15. The inlet opening 14 and the outlet opening 15 may be formed at the frame body 11. The inlet opening 14 may be provided to correspond to the inlet 13a of the air blow vent 13. The outlet opening 15 may be provided to correspond to the outlet 13b of the air blow vent 13.

The air conditioner 1 according to an embodiment of the disclosure may be provided to introduce air into the housing 10 through the inlet 13a and the inlet opening 14 and to discharge purified air out of the housing 10 through the outlet opening 15 and the outlet 13b.

For example, the inlet 13a may include a first inlet and a second inlet spaced apart from the first inlet, and the inlet opening 14 may have a first inlet opening corresponding to the first inlet and a second inlet opening corresponding to the second inlet. The first inlet and the second inlet may be aligned in the vertical direction, and the first inlet opening and the second inlet opening may be aligned in the vertical direction to correspond thereto.

For example, the outlet 13b may include a first outlet and a second outlet spaced apart from the first outlet, and the outlet opening 15 may include a first outlet opening corresponding to the first outlet and a second outlet opening corresponding to the second outlet. The first outlet and the second outlet may be aligned in the vertical direction, and the first outlet opening and the second outlet opening may be aligned in the vertical direction to correspond thereto.

The inlet 13a and the outlet 13b may be formed at the first air blow panel, the second air blow panel, the third air blow panel, and the fourth air blow panel, respectively. To correspond thereto, the first inlet opening 14 and the second outlet opening 15 may be formed at the front side, the rear side, the right side, and the left side of the frame body 11.

For example, air outside the housing 10 may flow into the housing 10 from all sides of the housing 10 through the inlet 13a and the inlet opening 14. For example, air outside the housing 10 may flow into the housing 10 in all directions through the inlet 13a and the inlet opening 14.

Also, for example, air inside the housing 10 may flow out of the housing 10 to all sides of the housing 10 through the outlet 13b and the outlet opening 15. For example, air inside the housing 10 may flow out of the housing 10 in all directions through the outlet 13b and the outlet opening 15.

Because air is introduced and/or discharged in all directions, air smoothly circulates inside the housing 10. The air conditioner 1 may achieve high dust collection efficiency.

The housing 10 may include an upper frame 16. The upper frame 16 may be provided at the top of the housing 10. The upper frame 16 may be disposed on the frame body 11.

The upper frame 16 may be provided with a user interface. For example, the user interface may include a controller. The user interface may receive an input from a user or output operation information of the air conditioner 1 to the user.

The housing 10 may include a support 19. The support 19 may be disposed at the bottom of the housing 10 to support the housing 10 and components constituting the air conditioner 1.

The air conditioner 1 may include a blower 30. The blower 30 may generate an air-blowing force. The blower 30 may move air. The blower 30 may force air to flow. The blower 30 may create an air flow that flows in the housing 10 by rotating. The blower 30 may circulate air into or out of the housing 10. The blower 30 may force air to be introduced 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 disclosure is not limited thereto, and the blower 30 may move air downward in the case where the inlet 13a is located above the outlet 13b.

The blower 30 may be disposed in the housing 10. The blower 30 may be located at a downstream area of the inlet 13a. The blower 30 may be located at an upstream area of the outlet 13b. The blower 30 may be located between the inlet 13a and the outlet 13b.

The air conditioner 1 may include a plurality of blowers 30. The plurality of blowers 30 may be aligned along an approximately vertical direction (Z direction). The plurality of blowers 30 may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other along the approximately vertical direction (Z direction). For example, the air conditioner 1 may include a first blower and a second blower. However, the number of the blowers 30 is not limited.

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. Air passing through the air guide 17 may flow inside a blower case 18 and the blower 30.

The air conditioner 1 may include the blower case 18. The blower 30 may be disposed in the blower case 18. The blower case 18 may guide the flow of air flowing in the housing 10. The blower case 18 may communicate with the air guide 17.

The air conditioner 1 may include a dust collector 50. The dust collector 50 may be provided to filter air. The dust collector 50 may collect 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 the charged aerosols.

The dust collector 50 may be disposed in the housing 10. The dust collector 50 may be located to allow air introduced through the inlet 13a and inlet opening 14 to pass through. The dust collector 50 may be located such that air passes therethrough before being discharged through the outlet opening 15 and the outlet 13b. The dust collector 50 may be disposed between the inlet 13a and the outlet 13b. The dust collector 50 may be disposed between the inlet opening 14 and the outlet 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 out of the housing 10 through the outlet 13b.

For example, the dust collector 50 may be disposed below the blower 30. For example, the blower 30 may be disposed above the dust collector 50. For example, the dust collector 50 and the blower 30 may be disposed with the deodorizer 40 disposed therebetween. However, the positions of the deodorizer 40, the dust collector 50, and the blower 30 are not limited to these examples described above.

The air conditioner 1 may include a plurality of dust collectors 50. The plurality of dust collectors 50 may be arranged along an approximately vertical direction (Z direction). The plurality of dust collectors 50 may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other along the approximately vertical direction (Z direction). For example, the air conditioner 1 may include a first dust collector and a second dust collector. However, the number of the dust collectors 50 is not limited.

The air conditioner 1 may include a deodorizer 40. The deodorizer 40 may be configured to remove odors from the air. The deodorizer 40 may be configured to remove odorous substances contained in the air. The deodorizer 40 may be configured to sterilize the air. For example, the deodorizer 40 may sterilize the air by decomposing organic substances contained in the air. Odors may be removed from air flowing in the housing 10 while passing through the deodorizer 40.

The deodorizer 40 may include a light source 41 and a photocatalyst filter 42. The photocatalyst filter 42 reacts with light emitted by the light source 41 to produce a reactant product, and the reaction product may decompose odorous substances to deodorize the air.

The deodorizer 40 may be disposed in the housing 10. The deodorizer 40 may be located to allow air introduced through the inlet 13a and the inlet opening 14 to pass through. The deodorizer 40 may be located such that air passes therethrough before being discharged through the outlet opening 15 and the outlet 13b. The deodorizer 40 may be disposed between the inlet 13a and the outlet 13b. The deodorizer 40 may be disposed between the inlet opening 14 and the outlet opening 15.

The deodorizer 40 may be configured to deodorize the air that passed through the dust collector 50. The deodorizer 40 may be located at a downstream area of the dust collector 50 in the air flow direction. The deodorizer 40 may be located between the dust collector 50 and the outlet 13b. The deodorizer 40 may be located between the dust collector 50 and the outlet opening 15. However, the disclosure is not limited thereto, and the deodorizer 40 may also be located at an upstream area of the dust collector 50 in the air flow direction. In this regard, the dust collector 50 may be configured to collect aerosols contained in the air that passed through the deodorizer 40.

For example, the deodorizer 40 may be disposed above the dust collector 50. For example, the dust collector 50 may be disposed below the deodorizer 40. For example, the deodorizer 40 may be disposed between the dust collector 50 and the blower 30. However, the positions of the deodorizer 40, the dust collector 50, and the blower 30 are not limited to those described above.

The air conditioner 1 may include a plurality of deodorizers 40. The plurality of deodorizers 40 may be aligned along an approximately vertical direction (Z direction). The plurality of deodorizers 40 may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other along the approximately vertical direction (Z direction). For example, the air conditioner 1 may include a first deodorizer and a second deodorizer. However, the number of the deodorizers 40 is not limited.

For example, the first deodorizer may be provided above the first dust collector. For example, the second deodorizer may be provided above the second dust collector. For example, the first blower may be disposed between the first dust collector and the second dust collector. For example, the second dust collector may be upwardly spaced apart from the first dust collector with the first blower located therebetween. For example, the first blower may be provided between the first deodorizer and the second dust collector. For example, the second blower may be provided above the second dust collector. For example, the second blower may be disposed above the second dust collector to move air that passed through the second dust collector toward the outlet 13b. For example, the second blower may be provided above the second deodorizer. For example, the second blower may be disposed above the second deodorizer to move air that passed through the second deodorizer toward the outlet 13b. However, the disclosure is not limited to the examples described above, and the positions of the dust collector 50, the deodorizer 40, and the blower 30 are not limited to the examples described above.

For example, the blower 30, the deodorizer 40, the dust collector 50, and components related thereto located at lower areas may be omitted in the air conditioner 1.

FIG. 4 illustrates a discharge device of an air conditioner disassembled from a housing according to an embodiment of the disclosure. FIG. 5 illustrates an exploded view of a discharge device according to an embodiment of the disclosure. FIG. 6 illustrates a partial cross-sectional view of a discharge device according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring to FIGS. 4 to 6, the air conditioner 1 according to an embodiment of the disclosure may include a discharge device 100. The discharge device 100 may be installed at the housing 10. The discharge device 100 may be installed at the frame body 11 of the housing 10. The discharge device 100 may be installed at an upper part 11a of the frame body 11. The discharge device 100 may be located between the upper part 11a of the frame body 11 and the upper frame 16.

The air conditioner 1 according to an embodiment of the disclosure may include a discharge port 16a formed at the upper frame 16. The discharge port 16a may be provided to face a direction different from that of the outlet 13b. For example, the discharge port 16a may be provided to face upward. The discharge port 16a may be provided at the end of a flow path branched from a flow path formed between the blower 30 and the outlet 13b. Air blown from the blower 30 may be discharged out of the housing 10 through the outlet 13b or the discharge port 16a.

The discharge device 100 may be provided to open and close the discharge port 16a. The discharge device 100 may be provided to guide some of the air, which has been blown by the air blower 30 toward the outlet 13b, to the discharge port 16a.

The discharge device 100 may include a base part 101. The base part 101 may be fixed to the housing 10. The base part 101 may be mounted on the frame body 11 to be fixed thereto. The base part 101 may support various components of the discharge device 100. For example, the base part 101 may include a drive source case 104 to mount a movement drive source 102 and a rotation drive source 103.

The discharge device 100 may include a movement drive source 102 mounted on the base part 101. The movement drive source 102 may be provided to provide power for moving a discharge cover 110. For example, the movement drive source 102 may be located at a right rear corner area of the base part 101. The movement drive source 102 may include a motor.

For example, the discharge device 100 may include a movement gear 102a to transmit power of the movement drive source 102 to a rotating member 120. The movement drive source 102 may include a movement gear 102a. The movement drive source 102 may be connected to the rotating member 120 via the movement gear 102a. For example, the movement gear 102a may include a plurality of gears.

The discharge device 100 may include a rotation drive source 103 mounted on the base part 101. The rotation drive source 103 may be configured to provide power for rotating the discharge cover 110. For example, the rotation drive source 103 may be disposed at a left rear corner area of the base part 101. The rotation drive source 103 may include a motor.

For example, the discharge device 100 may include a rotation gear 103a to transmit the power of the rotation drive source 103 to a rotation transmission part 140. The rotation drive source 103 may include the rotation gear 103a. The rotation drive source 103 may be connected to the rotation transmission part 140 via the rotation gear 103a. For example, the rotation gear 103a may include a plurality of gears.

The discharge device 100 may include a discharge cover 110. The discharge cover 110 may be provided to open and close the discharge port 16a. The discharge cover 110 may be provided to move and rotate. Specifically, the discharge cover 110 may be provided to move and rotate with respect to the housing 10. Specifically, the discharge cover 110 may be provided to move and rotate with respect to the base part 101. For example, the discharge cover 110 may have a cylindrical shape with an open bottom. For example, a movable distance of the discharge cover 110 with respect to the base part 101 may be 40 mm or less. However, the movable distance of the discharge cover 110 with respect to the base part 101 is not limited thereto.

The discharge cover 110 may be provided to be rotatable about a virtual shaft (L) extending in same direction as the moving direction of the discharge cover 110. For example, the discharge cover 110 may be provided to be movable in the vertical direction (Z direction) with respect to the base part 101, and the virtual shaft (L) may extend in the Z-axial direction.

The discharge cover 110 may have a cover opening 117 formed at an area of the outer peripheral surface of the discharge cover 110. The cover opening 117 may be located inside the housing 10 in the case where the discharge cover 110 closes the discharge port 16a. At least a part of the cover opening 117 may be located outside the housing 10 in the case where the discharge cover 110 opens the discharge port 16a.

The discharge cover 110 may be coupled to a switching member 130. The discharge cover 110 may be rotatably coupled to the switching member 130. The discharge cover 110 may be coupled to the switching member 130 to be movable in the vertical direction together with the switching member 130. The discharge cover 110 may be coupled to the switching member 130 to be rotatable about the switching member 130 and movable in the vertical direction together with the switching member 130.

Specifically, the discharge cover 110 may include a rotation support 111 provided along the periphery of the discharge cover 110. The rotation support 111 may be coupled to a rotation coupler 131 of the switching member 130. For example, the rotation support 111 of the discharge cover 110 may have a groove shape, and the rotation coupler 131 of the switching member 130 may have a shape protruding inward from an inner peripheral surface of the switching member 130.

The discharge cover 110 may be coupled to the rotation transmission part 140 to be rotatable together with the rotation transmission part 140. The discharge cover 110 may be coupled to the rotation transmission part 140 to be movable with respect to the rotation transmission part 140. For example, the discharge cover 110 may be coupled to the rotation transmission part 140 to be movable in the vertical direction with respect to the rotation transmission part 140 although rotation with respect to the rotation transmission part 140 is limited.

The discharge cover 110 may include a cover frame 112, a top cover 113, and a side cover 114 (See FIGS. 13 to 16), which will be described below in detail.

The discharge device 100 may include movement transmitting parts 120, 130, and 106 configured to move the discharge cover 110 upon receiving power from the movement drive source 102. For example, the movement transmitting parts 120, 130, and 106 may include the rotating member 120, the switching member 130, and a movement supporter 106.

The discharge device 100 may include the rotating member 120. The rotating member 120 may be provided to be rotatable with respect to the base part 101. The rotating member 120 may be rotatably accommodated in the base part 101. The rotating member 120 may be rotatably mounted on the base part 101. The rotating member 120 may be connected to the movement drive source 102. The rotating member 120 may be connected to the movement gear 102a of the movement drive source 102.

The rotating member 120 may include a movement gear connector 121 for connection with the movement drive source 102. The movement gear connector 121 may be provided at one or more areas along an outer peripheral surface of rotating member 120. The movement gear connector 121 may have a gear shape. For example, as the movement gear 102a of the movement drive source 102 is connected to the movement gear connector 121 of the rotating member 120, the rotating member 120 may rotate upon receiving a rotational force from the movement drive source 102.

The rotating member 120 may include a movement guide 123 to guide the movement of the switching member 130. The movement guide 123 may extend in the moving direction of the discharge cover 110. For example, the movement guide 123 may extend in the vertical direction. The movement guide 123 may be provided to be coupled to the movement coupler 133 of the switching member 130. For example, the movement coupler 133 of the switching member 130 may have a protruding shape, and the movement guide 123 may have a slit shape into which the movement coupler 133 is slidably inserted. For example, the movement guides 123 may be provided in singular or plural numbers to correspond to the number of the movement coupler 133.

The discharge device 100 may include the switching member 130. The switching member 130 may be coupled to the rotating member 120 to be rotatable together with the rotating member 120. The switching member 130 may be coupled to the rotating member 120 to be movable with respect to the rotating member 120. For example, the switching member 130 may have a ring shape.

Specifically, the switching member 130 may include a movement coupler 133 movably coupled to the movement guide 123 of the rotating member 120. For example, the movement coupler 133 may have a shape protruding outwardly from the outer peripheral surface of the switching member 130, and the movement guide 123 may have a slit shape into which the movement coupler 133 is slidably inserted. For example, the movement coupler 133 may be provided in singular or plural numbers to correspond to the number of the movement guide 123. As the movement coupler 133 moves in the vertical direction along the movement guide 123, the switching member 130 may move in the vertical direction with respect to the rotating member 120.

The switching member 130 may include a rotation coupler 131 rotatably coupled to the rotation support 111 of the discharge cover 110. In response to coupling of the rotation support 111 to the rotation coupler 131, movement of the switching member 130 may be limited with respect to the discharge cover 110. For example, the rotation coupler 131 may have a shape protruding inward from the inner peripheral surface the switching member 130, and the rotation support 111 of the discharge cover 110 may have a groove shape formed at the outer peripheral surface of the discharge cover 110.

The switching member 130 may be coupled to the discharge cover 110 to be movable together with the discharge cover 110. The switching member 130 may be coupled to the discharge cover 110 to be rotatable with respect to the discharge cover 110.

The discharge device 100 may include the movement supporter 106. While the rotating member 120 rotates, the movement supporter 106 may guide movement of the switching member 130. The movement supporter 106 may guide movement of the switching member 130 in the vertical direction. For example, the movement supporter 106 may be integrated with the base part 101.

The movement supporter 106 may have an inclined shape to move the movement coupler 133 of the switching member 130 in the vertical direction while the switching member 130 rotates. The movement supporter 106 may extend along the outer periphery of the switching member 130. For example, the movement supporter 106 may be provided such that upward slopes and downward slopes are repeated along the outer periphery of the switching member 130. The movement supporter 106 may support the movement coupler 133 of the switching member 130. The movement coupler 133 of the switching member 130 may slidably move along the movement supporter 106.

The discharge device 100 may include a movement cover 150 for forming a movement rail 107 (See FIG. 8) for the movement coupler 133 of the switching member 130 together with the movement supporter 106. The movement cover 150 may be mounted on the base part 101. The movement cover 150 may be supported by at least a part of the movement supporter 106 of the base part 101. The movement cover 150 may include a cover slope 151 corresponding to a slope of the movement supporter 106. The movement coupler 133 of the switching member 130 may move along the movement rail 107 formed by the movement supporter 106 and the movement cover 150. For example, the movement rail 107 may be formed in 3 or more parts along the periphery of the switching member 130.

The discharge device 100 may include a rotation transmission part 140. The rotation transmission part 140 may be configured to rotate the discharge cover 110 upon receiving power from the rotation drive source 103.

The rotation transmission part 140 may include a rotation gear connector 141 for connection with the rotation drive source 103. The rotation gear connector 141 may be provided at one or more areas along the outer peripheral surface of the rotation transmission part 140. The rotation gear connector 141 may have a gear shape. For example, as the rotation gear 103a of the rotation drive source 103 is connected to the rotation gear connector 141 of the rotation transmission part 140, the rotation transmission part 140 may rotate upon receiving the rotational force of the rotation drive source 103.

The discharge device 100 may be configured such that the rotation transmission part 140 rotates by the operation of the rotation drive source 103, and the discharge cover 110 rotates without moving by the rotation of the rotation transmission part 140. Although the rotation of the discharge cover 110 with respect to the rotation transmission part 140 is limited, the movement with respect to the rotation transmission part 140 may be possible. In addition, the rotation transmission part 140 may be configured to be movable with respect to the rotation transmission part 140 while movement of the rotation transmission part 140 in the moving direction of the discharge cover 110 is limited.

The rotation transmission part 140 may include a grill 142. The grill 142 may have a plurality of openings provided to allow air to pass through. While the discharge cover 110 opens the discharge port 16a, the grill 142 may allow air flowing toward the discharge port 16a to pass through. In other words, in the case where the discharge cover 110 is located at a second position P2 (See FIG. 10) to be described below, the grill 142 may be provided to allow air flowing toward the discharge port 16a to pass through.

The discharge device 100 may include a fan device 160. The fan device 160 may include a discharge fan 161 operable to discharge some of the air blown by the blower 30 through the discharge port 16a while the discharge cover 110 opens the discharge port 16a. The fan device 160 may include a fan case 162 in which the discharge fan 161 is mounted.

Referring to FIG. 6, in the discharge device 100 of the air conditioner 1 according to an embodiment of the disclosure, the discharge cover 110 and the switching member 130 may be disposed outside the rotation transmission part 140 around a rotary shaft of the discharge fan 161, the movement supporter 106 and the movement cover 150 may be disposed outside the discharge cover 110 and the switching member 130, and the rotating member 120 may be disposed outside the movement supporter 106 and the movement cover 150.

FIG. 7 illustrates a state where a discharge device closes a discharge port according to an embodiment of the disclosure. FIG. 8 illustrates coupled relationship among components associated with movement of the discharge cover in a state where a discharge device closes a discharge port according to an embodiment of the disclosure. FIG. 9 illustrates an air flow in the housing in a state where a discharge device closes a discharge port according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, a state where the discharge device 100 according to an embodiment of the disclosure closes the discharge port 16a will be described.

Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, the discharge device 100 may be provided to close the discharge port 16a. In this regard, the discharge cover 110 may be located at a first position P1 to close the discharge port 16a. That is, in the case where the discharge cover 110 is located at the first position P1, the discharge cover 110 may close the discharge port 16a. In the case where the discharge cover 110 is located at the first position P1, the cover opening 117 may be located inside the housing 10.

In the case where the discharge cover 110 is located at the first position P1, the movement coupler 133 of the switching member 130 may be located under the movement guide 123 of the rotating member 120. The movement coupler 133 of the switching member 130 may be located below the movement supporter 106.

Referring to FIG. 9, the air flow inside the housing 10 in a state where the discharge device 100 according to an embodiment of the disclosure closes the discharge port 16a (i.e., the discharge cover 110 is located at the first position P1) will be described.

In the case where the discharge cover 110 is located at the first position P1, the blower 30 may operate but the discharge fan 161 may not operate. Accordingly, the air flow in the housing 10 may be formed only by the blower 30.

In the housing 10, a first flow path F1 may be formed by the blower 30. Air blown by the blower 30 may flow in the first flow path F1. The first flow path F1 may extend to the outlet 13b from the inlet 13a. Specifically, the first flow path F1 may be a flow path through which the air introduced into the housing 10 via the inlet 13a and the inlet opening 14 passes sequentially through the dust collector 50, the deodorizer 40, and the blower 30 and is discharged through the outlet 13b and the outlet opening 15. The air flowing in the first flow path F1 may be filtered by the dust collector 50 and deodorized by the deodorizer 40. That is, contaminated air introduced into the housing 10 through the inlet 13a may be discharged through the outlet 13b in a purified state by the dust collector 50 and the deodorizer 40.

Air flowing in the first flow path F1 may flow along a first direction D1 in the housing 10. For example, the first direction D1 in the housing 10 may include the vertical direction (Z direction).

The first direction D1 may be a direction in which air introduced into the housing 10 through the inlet 13a and the inlet opening 14 flows toward the outlet opening 15 and outlet 13b. For example, the first direction D1 may be a direction in which air, after being 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, the first direction D1 may be upward direction. For example, the air introduced from the front side, the rear side, the left side, and the right side through the inlet 13a of the housing 10 by the blower 30 may flow along the first direction D1 in the housing 10 and then be discharged out of the front side, the rear side, the left side, and the right side through the outlet 13b of the housing 10.

FIG. 10 illustrates a state where a discharge device opens a discharge port according to an embodiment of the disclosure. FIG. 11 illustrates coupled relationship between components associated with movement of the discharge cover in a state where a discharge device opens a discharge port according to an embodiment of the disclosure. FIG. 12 illustrates an air flow in the housing in a state where a discharge device opens a discharge port according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring to FIGS. 10 to 12, a state where the discharge device 100 according to an embodiment of the disclosure opens the discharge port 16a will be described.

Referring to FIGS. 10 to 12, the discharge device 100 may be provided to open the discharge port 16a. In this regard, the discharge cover 110 may be located at a second position P2 to open the discharge port 16a. That is, in the case where the discharge cover 110 is located at the second position P2, the discharge cover 110 may open the discharge port 16a. In the case where the discharge cover 110 is located at the second position P2, at least a part of the cover opening 117 may be located outside the housing 10.

In the case where the discharge cover 110 is located at the second position P2, the movement coupler 133 of the switching member 130 may be located above the movement guide 123 of the rotating member 120. The movement coupler 133 of the switching member 130 may be located above the movement supporter 106.

Specifically, the discharge device 100 according to an embodiment of the disclosure may be provided such that the rotating member 120 rotates in response to the operation of the movement drive source 102, the switching member 130 moves upward while rotating in response to the rotation of the rotating member 120, and the discharge cover 110 moves upward without rotating in response to the rotating upward movement of the switching member 130 so as to open the discharge port 16a.

In response to the rotation of the rotating member 120, the movement coupler 133 inserted into the movement guide 123 of the rotating member 120 moves in a direction rotating the switching member 130. While the movement coupler 133 moves in the direction rotating the switching member 130, the movement coupler 133 moves on the movement supporter 106. Because the movement supporter 106 has an upwardly inclined shape, the movement coupler 133 moves upward. As the movement coupler 133 moves upward, the discharge cover 110 coupled to move in the vertical direction together with the switching member 130 moves upward. In this case, the discharge cover 110 moves upward without rotating.

The discharge cover 110 according to an embodiment of the disclosure may move to the first position P1 and the second position P2.

For example, the discharge cover 110 may move in the vertical direction (Z direction) with respect to the base part 101 to be located at the first position P1 or the second position P2. For example, in the case where the discharge cover 110 is located at the first position P1, the discharge cover 110 may be provided to be movable upward to the second position P2. For example, in the case where the discharge cover 110 is located at the second position P2, the discharge cover 110 may be provided to be movable downward to the first position P1.

For example, the discharge cover 110 may be located at the first position P1 or the second position P2 by moving in the first direction D1 or in a direction opposite to the first direction D1 with respect to the base part 101. For example, in the case where the discharge cover 110 is located at the first position P1, the discharge cover 110 may be provided to be movable along the first direction D1 toward the second position P2. For example, in the case where the discharge cover 110 is located at the second position P2, the discharge cover 110 may be provided to be movable along the direction opposite to the first direction D1 toward the first position P1.

In the case where the discharge cover 110 according to an embodiment of the disclosure moves from the second position P2 to the first position P1, the above-described processes may be performed in the reverse order. Specifically, as the movement drive source 102 generates a rotational force in a direction opposite to the direction moving the discharge cover 110 upward, the rotating member 120 rotates. In response to the rotation of the rotating member 120, the switching member 130 moves downward while rotating, and in response to the downward movement of the switching member 130 while rotating, the discharge cover 110 moves downward without rotating so as to close the discharge port 16a

Referring to FIG. 12, the air flow in the housing 10 in the case where the discharge device 100 according to an embodiment of the disclosure is in the state of opening the discharge port 16a (i.e., the discharge cover 110 is at the second position P2).

In the case where the discharge cover 110 is located at the second position P2, both the blower 30 and the discharge fan 161 may operate. Accordingly, the air flow in the housing 10 may be formed by the blower 30 and the discharge fan 161.

In the case where the discharge cover 110 is located at the second position P2, some of the air flowing toward the outlet 13b by the blower 30 may be discharged through the discharge port 16a by the discharge fan 161. In addition, some of the rest of the air flowing toward the outlet 13b by the blower 30 may be discharged though the outlet 13b.

Specifically, a separation space 60 may be formed between the blower 30 and the discharge fan 161. The blower 30 may be configured to blow air toward the separation space 60. The discharge fan 161 may be located above the separation space 60. The outlet 13b may be provided at one side of the separation space 60. Based on this configuration, some of the air blown toward the separation space 60 by the blower 30 may be introduced into the discharge device 100 by the discharge fan 161 to be discharged through the discharge port 16a, and some of the rest of the air blown toward the separation space 60 by the blower 30 may be discharged through the outlet 13b.

In the housing 10, the first flow path F1 may be formed by the blower 30, and the second flow path F2 may be formed by the discharge fan 161. Air blown by the discharge fan 161 may flow in the second flow path F2. The second flow path F2 may extend from the separation space 60 to the cover opening 117. Specifically, the second flow path F2 may be a flow path through which the air introduced into the discharge device 100 from the separation space 60 through the discharge fan 161 passes through the grill 142 of the rotation transmission part 140 and the discharge port 16a and is discharged through the cover opening 117 of the discharge cover 110.

The second flow path F2 may be branched from the first flow path F1. The second flow path F2 may be branched from the first flow path F1 in the separation space 60. That is, air introduced into the housing 10 through the inlet 13a and flowing in the first flow path F1 may be branched into the second flow path F2 in the separation space 60. Because the air flowing in the first flow path F1 may be purified by the dust collector 50 and the deodorizer 40, the air branched into the second flow path F2 and introduced into the discharge device 100 may be purified air.

The discharge fan 161 according to an embodiment of the disclosure may be fixed in the housing 10. Specifically, the discharge fan 161 may be fixed between the blower 30 and the discharge port 16a. Based on this configuration, in the case where the discharge cover 110 is located at the second position P2, the discharge fan 161 may be provided to discharge air through the discharge port 16a. In addition, while the discharge cover 110 moves from the first position P1 to the second position P2, the discharge fan 161 is fixed in the housing 10, and thus introduction of contaminated air outside the housing 10 into the discharge device 100 by the discharge fan 161 may be limited or prevented. That is, during discharging air through the discharge device 100, contaminated indoor air may be limited or prevented from being mixed with air purified by the dust collector 50 and the deodorizer 40 and discharged.

A flow rate of the discharge fan 161 according to an embodiment of the disclosure may be 50% or less than a flow rate of the blower 30. For example, a diameter of the discharge fan 161 may be 0.8 to 0.9 times as a diameter of the blower 30. Based on this configuration, in the case of operating the discharge fan 161, introduction of contaminated indoor air into the discharge device 100 after passing through the outlet 13b by the air-blowing force of the discharge fan 161 may be limited or prevented.

Air flowing in the second flow path F2 may flow in the first direction D1 or the second direction D2 in the discharge device 100. The second direction D2 may be a direction intersecting the first direction D1. For example, in the discharge device 100, the first direction D1 may include the vertical direction (Z direction, and the second direction D2 may include the horizontal direction (direction on the XY plane).

The first direction D1 may be a direction in which air introduced into the discharge device 100 through the discharge fan 161 flows toward the discharge cover 110. For example, the first direction D1 may be a direction in which air passes through the grill 142 of the rotation transmission part 140 and the discharge port 16a after the air is introduced into the discharge device 100 through the discharge fan 161. For example, the first direction D1 may be an upward direction. Air flowing in the first direction D1 in the discharge device 100 may enter the discharge cover 110.

The second direction D2 may be a direction in which air introduced into the discharge cover 110 flows toward the cover opening 117. A flow direction of air flowing along the first direction D1 may be converted in the discharge cover 110. After the flow direction is converted in the discharge cover 110, the air may be discharged through the cover opening 117. In this case, air discharged through the cover opening 117 may flow along the second direction D2.

The cover opening 117 according to an embodiment of the disclosure may be provided to be open in one direction intersecting a moving direction of the discharge cover 110.

For example, the discharge cover 110 may move in the vertical direction (Z direction), and the cover opening 117 may be open toward the horizontal direction (direction on the XY plane). Accordingly, air discharged through the cover opening 117 may flow toward the horizontal direction.

For example, the discharge cover 110 may flow in the first direction D1 or a direction opposite to the first direction D1, and the cover opening 117 may open toward the second direction D2. Accordingly, air discharged through the cover opening 117 may flow toward the second direction D2.

FIG. 13 illustrates an exploded view of a discharge cover according to an embodiment of the disclosure. FIG. 14 illustrates an exploded view of a discharge cover according to an embodiment of the disclosure. FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of a cover frame according to an embodiment of the disclosure. FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of a cover frame according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring to FIGS. 12 to 16, the configuration of the discharge cover 110 according to an embodiment of the disclosure will be described in more detail.

Referring to FIGS. 12 to 16, the discharge fan 161 may blow air in the first direction D1 toward to the discharge port 16a. The flow direction of air introduced into the discharge cover 110 may be converted, and the air is blown in the second direction D2. Specifically, air inside the discharge cover 110 may be discharged through the cover opening 117 and flow in the second direction D2.

The discharge cover 110 may include an airflow diverting part 115. The airflow diverting part 115 may be provided to convert the direction of air blown by the discharge fan 161. For example, the flow direction of the air flowing in the first direction D1 may be converted by the discharge fan 161.

The airflow diverting part 115 may include an extension 115a extending in the first direction D1. That is, the extension 115a may extend in the same direction as the moving direction of the discharge cover 110. The extension 115a may be located at the center of the airflow diverting part 115. The extension 115a may guide the air flowing in the first direction D1 by the discharge fan 161.

The airflow diverting part 115 may include a top surface 115b extending in the radial direction from the top of the extension 115a. The top surface 115b may be formed by bending from the top of the extension 115a. The flow direction of the air guided by the extension 115a may be converted upon arriving at the top surface 115b.

The discharge cover 110 may include a side wall part 116. The side wall part 116 may extend from the edge of the airflow diverting part 115 along the first direction D1. That is, the side wall part 116 may extend in the same direction as the moving direction of the discharge cover 110 from the edge of the airflow diverting part 115.

The cover opening 117 may be formed at one area of the side wall part 116. For example, a size of the cover opening 117 may be 30% or less of the total size of the side wall part 116. However, the size of the cover opening 117 is not limited thereto.

The side wall part 116 may guide air in the discharge cover 110 toward the cover opening 117. That is, after air arrives at the top surface 115b of the airflow diverting part 115, the flow direction of the air is converted, and the air is guided by the side wall part 116 to flow toward the cover opening 117. Air flowing toward the cover opening 117 may be discharged through the cover opening 117.

The airflow diverting part 115 may include a first guide part 115c extending in the second direction D2 to guide air discharged through the cover opening 117. That is, the first guide part 115c may extend in a direction intersecting the moving direction of the discharge cover 110. The first guide part 115c may be formed at an area of the outer peripheral surface of the top surface 115b. Specifically, the first guide part 115c may be formed at an upper area of the cover opening 117.

The side wall part 116 may include a second guide part 116a extending in the second direction D2 to guide air discharged through the cover opening 117. That is, the second guide part 116a may extend in a direction intersecting the moving direction of the discharge cover 110. The second guide part 116a may be formed at an area of the side wall part 116. Specifically, the second guide part 116a may be formed at both sides of the cover opening 117.

The first guide part 115c and the second guide part 116a according to an embodiment of the disclosure may be formed along the edges of the cover opening 117. Because each of the first guide part 115c and the second guide part 116a extends along the second direction D2, air discharged through the cover opening 117 may flow in the second direction D2. That is, since air discharged through the cover opening 117 flows in the same direction, the air is blown accurately to a desired position and a distance of the air flow may also increase.

The airflow diverting part 115 and the side wall part 116 according to an embodiment of the disclosure may be integrated with each other. For example, the discharge cover 110 may include the cover frame 112 including the airflow diverting part 115 and the side wall part 116.

The discharge cover 110 may include the top cover 113. The top cover 113 may be coupled to the top surface of the cover frame 112 to cover the top surface of the cover frame 112. Specifically, the top cover 113 may be coupled to the top surface of the cover frame 112 by coupling a top cover coupler 113a provided on the bottom surface of the top cover 113 with a first cover frame coupler 112a provided on the top surface of the cover frame 112.

The discharge cover 110 may include a side cover 114. The side cover 114 may be coupled to a side surface of the cover frame 112 to cover the side surface of the cover frame 112. Specifically, the side cover 114 may be coupled to the side surface of the cover frame 112 by coupling a side cover coupler 114a provided on the bottom surface of the side cover 114 with a second cover frame coupler 112b provided on the bottom surface of the cover frame 112.

FIG. 17 illustrates a state where a discharge cover of a discharge device is rotated according to an embodiment of the disclosure. FIG. 18 illustrates coupled relationship among components associated with rotation of a discharge cover in a state where a discharge device opens a discharge port according to an embodiment of the disclosure. FIG. 19 illustrates coupled relationship among components associated with rotation of a discharge cover in a state where a discharge cover of a discharge device is rotated according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring to FIGS. 14 and 17 to 19, an operation of rotating the discharge cover 110 of the discharge device 100 according to an embodiment of the disclosure will be described.

The discharge cover 110 of the discharge device 100 according to an embodiment of the disclosure may rotate to states illustrated in FIGS. 17 and 19 from states illustrated in FIGS. 14 and 18.

Specifically, in response to operation of the rotation drive source 103, the rotation transmission part 140 rotates, and in response to rotation of the rotation transmission part 140, the discharge cover 110 rotates without moving. Because the switching member 130 is provided to rotate with respect to the discharge cover 110, the switching member 130 may not rotate although the discharge cover 110 rotates.

The above-described processes may be performed in the reverse order to rotate the discharge cover 110 of the discharge device 100 according to an embodiment of the disclosure from the states illustrated in FIGS. 17 and 19 to the states illustrated in FIGS. 14 and 18. Specifically, the rotation drive source 103 may generate a rotational force in a direction opposite to the above-descried direction, and accordingly the rotation transmission part 140 and the discharge cover 110 may rotate in the opposite direction.

As the discharge cover 110 according to an embodiment of the disclosure rotates, the flow direction of air discharged through the cover opening 117 of the discharge cover 110 may be changed. That is, in order to blow purified air in a desired direction, the user of the air conditioner 1 may rotate the discharge cover 110.

Based on this configuration, the air conditioner 1 according to an embodiment of the disclosure may discharge air by various methods by guiding some of the air blown by the blower 30 toward the outlet 13b to the discharge port 16a.

The air conditioner 1 according to an embodiment may include a housing including an inlet 13a, an outlet 13b, and a discharge port 16a, a blower 30 configured to circulate air between the inside and the outside of the housing 10, and a discharge device 100 configured to guide some of the air flowing toward the outlet 13b by the blower 30 to the discharge port 16a. The discharge device 100 may further include a discharge cover 110 configured to move between the first position P1 for closing the discharge port 16a and the second position P2 for opening the discharge port 16a and a discharge fan 161 fixed in the housing 10 to discharge air through the discharge port 16a in the case where the discharge cover 110 is located at the second position P2.

In the case where the discharge cover 110 is located at the second position P2, some of the air flowing toward the outlet 13b by the blower 30 may be discharged through the discharge port 16a by the discharge fan 161, and some of the rest of the air flowing toward the outlet 13b by the blower 30 may be discharged though the outlet 13b.

A separation space 60 may be formed between the blower 30 and the discharge fan 161. The blower 30 may be configured to blow air toward the separation space 60. The outlet 13b may be formed at one side of the separation space 60.

The discharge cover 110 may include a cover opening 117 that is open in a direction intersecting the moving direction of the discharge cover 110 in the case where the discharge cover 110 is located at the second position P2.

The cover opening 117 may be located in the housing 10 in the case where the discharge cover 110 is located at the first position P1. In the case where the discharge cover 110 is located at the second position P2, at least a part thereof may be located outside the housing 10.

The discharge cover 110 may further include an airflow diverting part 115 provided to convert the direction of air blown by the discharge fan 161 and a side wall part 116 extending from the edge of the airflow diverting part 115 in the same direction as the moving direction of the discharge cover 110. The cover opening 117 may be formed at one area of the side wall part 116.

The airflow diverting part 115 may include a first guide part 115c extending in one direction to guide air discharged through the cover opening 117. The side wall part 116 may include a second guide part 116a extending in the direction to guide air discharged through the cover opening 117. The first guide part 115c and the second guide part 116a may be formed along the edges of the cover opening 117.

The discharge cover 110 may be provided to be rotatable.

The discharge cover 110 may be provided to be rotatable about a virtual shaft (L) extending in the same direction as the moving direction of the discharge cover 110.

The discharge device 100 may include a base part 101 fixed to the housing 10. The discharge cover 110 may be movable and rotatable with respect to the base part 101.

The discharge device 100 may further include a rotation transmission part 140 rotatable with respect to the base part 101. The discharge cover 110 may be coupled to the rotation transmission part 140 to be rotatable together with the rotation transmission part 140.

The movement of the rotation transmission part 140 in the moving direction of the discharge cover 110 may be limited. The discharge cover 110 may be movably coupled to the rotation transmission part 140.

The rotation transmission part 140 may further include a grill 142 provided to allow air flowing toward the discharge port 16a to pass through in the case where the discharge cover 110 is located at the second position P2.

The discharge cover 110 may be movable in the vertical direction.

The discharge cover 110 may move upward to the second position P2 in the case of being located at the first position P1 and may move downward to the first position P1 in the case of being located at the second position P2.

The air conditioner 1 according to an embodiment may include a housing including an inlet 13a, an outlet 13b, and a discharge port 16a, a blower 30 configured to circulate air between the inside and the outside of the housing 10, and a discharge device 100 configured to guide some of the air flowing toward the outlet 13b by the blower 30 to the discharge port 16a. The discharge device 100 includes a discharge fan 161 operable to blow air toward the discharge port 16a in the first direction D1 and a discharge cover 110 movable with respect to the housing 10 to open and close the discharge port 16a, wherein the discharge cover 110 has a cover opening 117 that is open toward the second direction D2 to discharge air toward the second direction D2 intersecting the first direction D1 while the discharge cover 110 opens the discharge port 16a.

The cover opening 117 may be located in the housing 10 while the discharge cover 110 closes the discharge port 16a.

The discharge device 100 may further include a base part 101 fixed in the housing 10, and the discharge cover 110 may be movable in the first direction D1 or a direction opposite to the first direction D1 with respect to the base part 101.

The discharge cover 110 may be rotatable with respect to the base part 101.

The cover opening 117 may be formed at one area of the outer peripheral surface of the discharge cover 110.

According to the disclosure, the air conditioner including the discharge device may discharge purified air be various methods.

According to the disclosure, the discharge fan of the discharge device is fixedly disposed inside the housing. That is, the discharge fan of the discharge device is fixedly disposed inside the housing regardless of movement of the discharge cover. Based on this configuration, intake of contaminated indoor air by the discharge fan of the discharge device may be prevented. Therefore, while air is discharged through the discharge device, mixing of contaminated indoor air with air purified by the dust collector and discharge thereof may be limited or prevented.

The effects of the disclosure are not limited to the aforementioned effects, and other effects, which are not mentioned above, will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the claims.

While the disclosure has been shown and described with reference to various embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.