CN114811720B - Indoor unit of air conditioner - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention provides an indoor unit of an air conditioner, comprising: a housing provided with a discharge port; a front panel disposed on a front surface of the housing; and a vane module disposed in front of the discharge port and configured to change a direction of an air flow discharged through the discharge port, the vane module being disposed inside the front panel. The housing may include a front panel disposed on the front surface, and the blade module may be configured to be coupled to an inner side surface of the front panel. The blade module may include a cover bracket, a blade drive portion, and a mounting housing.

Description

Indoor unit of air conditioner

Technical Field

The present invention relates to an indoor unit of an air conditioner, and more particularly, to an indoor unit of a floor air conditioner.

Background

The statements in this section merely provide background information related to the present disclosure and may not constitute prior art.

In general, an air conditioner is a device for cooling/heating or purifying air in a room using a refrigeration cycle of a refrigerant including a compressor, a condenser, an expansion mechanism, and an evaporator in order to provide a more comfortable indoor environment to a user.

The indoor unit of the air conditioner is disposed in an indoor space where a user mainly stays, and blows air into the room through the indoor unit. Therefore, it is important to control the variation of the wind direction, speed, and air flow of the air blown from the indoor unit so that the user can feel comfortable.

In korean laid-open patent No. 10-2017-0010293 (prior art 1), a door unit is disclosed, which includes: a door leaf for opening and closing the opening; a door operating part for moving the door blade forward or backward; and a control unit for controlling the air discharged from the opening to move straight ahead of the opening or to be discharged from the opening in a radial shape by adjusting the distance between the door blade and the opening.

In korean laid-open patent No. 10-2019-0106716 (prior art 2), an indoor unit of an air conditioner is disclosed, which comprises: a proximity sensor for measuring a distance of a user located in front of the door panel; and a rear cover having a proximity sensor hole formed at one end thereof for disposing a proximity sensor, and disposed between the front glass and the display and maintaining a space for disposing the proximity sensor.

However, in the related art 1 and the related art 2, there is no disclosure of a structure for controlling changes in the direction, speed, and flow of air discharged from the side surface of the indoor unit of the air conditioner and blown to the front of the indoor unit.

Disclosure of Invention

The present invention provides an indoor unit of an air conditioner having a structure capable of changing the direction of forward direction air flow.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an indoor unit of an air conditioner having a structure capable of forming a plurality of types of air flow directions in a room.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an indoor unit of an air conditioner having a structure in which a vane forming a flow direction of air is prevented from being inclined (tilt) during operation.

The objects of the present invention are not limited to the above-mentioned objects, and other objects and advantages of the present invention, which are not mentioned, can be understood by the following description, and can be further clearly understood by the embodiments of the present invention. Furthermore, it is readily apparent that the objects and advantages of the invention may be realized by the means of the instrumentalities and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims.

An embodiment of an indoor unit of an air conditioner may be provided with a pair of vane modules. The vane module may be disposed in front of the discharge port and may change the direction of the air flow discharged through the discharge port. The housing may include a front panel disposed on the front surface, and the blade module may be configured to be coupled to an inner side surface of the front panel.

The blade module may include a cover bracket, a blade drive portion, and a mounting housing.

The cover bracket may be coupled to the housing. The cover bracket may be coupled to an inner side surface of the front panel by, for example, bolts or the like, and the blade may be mounted to the cover bracket so as to be movable with respect to the cover bracket.

The blade is mounted to the cover bracket and may be provided to be movable laterally of the cover bracket. The vane is disposed in front of the discharge port, and the vane overlaps the discharge port in a part of the front-rear direction of the housing depending on the position of the vane in the lateral direction of the cover bracket, and the overlapping area of the vane and the discharge port can be changed.

The blade driving part may be mounted to the cover bracket, and may move the blade laterally to the cover bracket. The mounting housing may house at least a portion of the blade driving portion and may be mounted to the cover bracket.

The vanes may be provided in plural, and the movement of each vane may be independently controlled. Since the vane module is provided with a pair at both sides of the housing, the vanes may be disposed at left and right sides of the housing, respectively.

Therefore, in the case where the blades are provided two in the up-down direction of the housing, the blades may be provided four in total.

At this time, the respective blades may be provided to operate independently of each other. For example, the lateral movement positions of the four vanes in the housing may be different from each other, and thus, the overlapping areas of the vanes and the discharge port in the front-rear direction of the housing may be different from each other.

The blade driving part may include a blade motor, an extended rotation shaft, and a first pinion gear.

The vane motor may be mounted to the mounting housing and operated by receiving power from a power source, thereby being capable of providing a rotational force. The operation of the vane motor may be controlled by the control section.

The extended rotation shaft extends from the rotation shaft of the vane motor and is rotatable when the motor is operated. The first pinion gear engaged with the vane may be provided in plural in the longitudinal direction of the vane so that the vane extending long in the up-down direction smoothly operates.

The first pinion is fixedly mounted to the extension rotary shaft and is rotatable with the extension rotary shaft when the motor is in operation. The first pinion may be provided in plural. At this time, the respective first pinions may be disposed at intervals from each other in the longitudinal direction of the extension rotation shaft.

The vane may include an airflow adjusting portion and a gear engaging portion.

The air flow adjusting portion may be disposed along a vertical direction of the housing, and the air flow adjusting portion may be moved laterally of the housing in response to operation of the blade driving portion, so that a direction of the air flow discharged from the discharge port may be changed.

The air flow adjusting portion may be disposed in a longitudinal direction parallel to the discharge port, and the air flow adjusting portion may be disposed in front of the discharge port.

The gear engagement portion may be formed with a first rack protruding from the air flow adjustment portion and engaged with the first pinion. At this time, the gear engagement portion may be formed integrally with the airflow adjustment portion.

A plurality of gear engaging portions may be provided in one blade, for example, two may be provided, and the first pinion may be provided in the same number as the number of gear engaging portions. At this time, the plurality of first racks may be provided to be spaced apart from each other in the length direction of the airflow adjusting part.

In this case, the plurality of first pinions may be disposed at intervals in the longitudinal direction of the extended rotation shaft so as to correspond to the arrangement structure of the plurality of first racks.

The plurality of gear engagement portions may be disposed symmetrically to each other at a central portion of the airflow adjustment portion, respectively. For example, the two gear engaging portions may be provided symmetrically to each other on the midpoint in the length direction of the airflow adjusting portion.

The mounting housing may be provided with a first mounting hole for mounting the coupling mechanism to be coupled to the cover bracket by the coupling mechanism.

One of the mounting housings may be provided with a plurality of first mounting holes to firmly couple the mounting housings. At this time, the respective first mounting holes may be arranged at intervals along the length direction of the mounting case.

The vane may include a first bending portion formed to connect the air flow adjusting portion and the gear engaging portion to each other and to bend with respect to the air flow adjusting portion and the gear engaging portion.

The cover bracket may further include a stopper. The stopper is disposed inside the cover bracket, faces the first bending part, and contacts the first bending part to guide the movement range of the first bending part.

The indoor unit of the air conditioner of the embodiment may further include an air guide. The air guide may be disposed at a position facing the side end of the front panel, and conceal at least a portion of the side door module when viewed from the front-rear direction.

A guide hole for guiding the flow direction of the air discharged from the discharge port may be formed between the side end of the air guide and the side end of the front panel.

The side door may be disposed in contact with the air guide to close at least a portion of the discharge opening. In addition, the vane may be disposed to contact the air guide to close at least a portion of the guide hole.

According to the indoor unit of the air conditioner of the present invention, the flow direction of the air is changed according to the position movement of the vane, and the air discharged from the discharge port of the indoor unit is caused to flow in various directions, so that various comfort can be provided to the user in the room.

In addition, according to the indoor unit of an air conditioner of the present invention, the plurality of blades are individually controlled so that the lateral movement positions of the respective blades with respect to the casing are different from each other, whereby the flow direction of the air in various forms can be formed in the room.

In addition, according to the indoor unit of an air conditioner of the present invention, even if the vane moves in the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the vane, the vane can be stably supported by the plurality of first pinions and the first racks, and thus the inclination (tilt) in which the movement positions of the upper and lower portions of the vane become different due to the twisting or inclination can be effectively suppressed.

In addition, according to the indoor unit of the air conditioner of the present invention, the lower half and the upper half of the air flow regulating part can be uniformly forced and moved from the plurality of first racks. Therefore, it is possible to effectively suppress the inclination of the blade caused by the unbalance of the forces transmitted to the lower half and the upper half of the airflow adjusting portion, respectively, from becoming different in the moving positions of the upper portion and the lower portion of the blade.

In addition to the effects described above, specific effects of the present invention will be described together with the following specific matters for carrying out the invention.

Drawings

Fig. 1A is a perspective view illustrating an indoor unit of an air conditioner according to an embodiment.

Fig. 1B is a perspective view showing a state in which the side door is opened in fig. 1A.

Fig. 1C is a perspective view illustrating an indoor unit of an air conditioner according to another embodiment.

Fig. 2 is a perspective view illustrating a state in which a part of components is omitted in an indoor unit of an air conditioner according to an embodiment.

Fig. 3 is an exploded view illustrating an indoor unit of an air conditioner according to an embodiment.

Fig. 4 is a perspective view illustrating a pair of side door modules of an embodiment.

Fig. 5 is a perspective view showing one side door module in fig. 4.

Fig. 6 is a plan view of fig. 4 viewed from the AA direction.

Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view seen from the BB direction in fig. 4.

Fig. 8 is a sectional view showing a state in which the side door moves in fig. 7.

Fig. 9 is an exploded view showing a side door module of an embodiment.

Fig. 10 is an exploded view showing a side door of an embodiment.

Fig. 11 is a diagram showing a part of fig. 10 in an enlarged manner.

Fig. 12 is a perspective view of a side door module of an embodiment from a different angle than the previous figures.

Fig. 13 is a diagram showing a portion a of fig. 12 in an enlarged manner.

Fig. 14 is a view showing a cross section of a part of fig. 13.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view illustrating a pair of blade modules of an embodiment.

Fig. 16 is an exploded view illustrating one of the pair of blade modules shown in fig. 15.

Fig. 17 is a perspective view showing a blade driving section of an embodiment.

Fig. 18 is a perspective view showing a blade of an embodiment.

Fig. 19 is a perspective view showing a mounting case of an embodiment.

FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a blade module of an embodiment.

FIG. 21A is a plan cross-sectional view of a blade module of an embodiment.

Fig. 21B is a diagram showing a state in which the blade in fig. 21A moves.

Fig. 22 is a front view of another embodiment blade.

Fig. 23A is a diagram showing a state in which a part of the blade in fig. 1B is protruded laterally toward the front panel.

Fig. 23B is a view for explaining a blade of another embodiment.

Fig. 24A is a cross-sectional view illustrating an indoor unit of an air conditioner according to an embodiment.

Fig. 24B is a diagram showing a state in which the side door in fig. 24A is moved.

Fig. 24C is a diagram showing a state in which the blade in fig. 24B moves.

Fig. 25A is a cross-sectional view illustrating an indoor unit of an air conditioner according to another embodiment.

Fig. 25B is a diagram showing a state in which the side door in fig. 25A is moved.

Fig. 26A is a cross-sectional view showing an indoor unit of an air conditioner according to still another embodiment.

Fig. 26B is a diagram showing a state in which the side door and the vane in fig. 26A move.

Fig. 26C is a view showing a state in which the vane in fig. 26B moves to form a forward directional air flow of air.

Description of the reference numerals

A shell: i front panel: 14

Front discharge port: 141. front door module: 21

Side door module: 22. side door: 221

Cover plate: 2211. a first clamping part: 2211a

Reinforcing plate: 2212. a second sandwiching portion: 2212a

An attachment member: 2213. a first driving section: 222

A gear motor: 2221. pinion gear: 2222

And (3) a rack: 2223. engagement portion: 2223a

A connecting part: 2223b support frame: 223

Guide rail: 2231. and (3) supporting a base: 2231a

Discharge port: 224. side blade: 225

Guide connector: 226. a first component: 2261

A second component: 2262. third component: 2263

Guide rail guiding groove: 2263a avoidance groove: 2264

Blade module: 23. and (3) a blade: 231

An air flow adjusting section: 2311. gear engagement portion: 2312

First rack: 2312a first bending portion: 2313

Cover bracket: 232. blade driving part: 233

Vane motor: 2331. extending the rotation axis: 2332

A first pinion: 2333. and (2) mounting a shell: 234

A first mounting hole: 2341

Detailed Description

The above objects, features and advantages will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, and thus, a person skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains can easily implement the technical ideas of the present invention. In the description of the present invention, if it is determined that detailed descriptions of known technologies related to the present invention may obscure the gist of the present invention, the detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted. Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, the same reference numerals refer to the same or similar constituent elements.

Although first, second, etc. are used to describe various elements, these elements are not limited by these terms. The terms are used merely to distinguish one component from other components, and unless otherwise specifically indicated, a first component may be a second component.

Throughout the specification, unless the context requires otherwise, the elements may be in the singular or the plural.

As used in this specification, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. In the present application, terms such as "comprising …" and "including" should not be construed as necessarily including all of the respective structural elements or steps described in the specification, but may not include a part of the structural elements or steps, or may include additional structural elements or steps.

Within the scope of the present specification, when described as "a and/or B" unless specifically stated to the contrary, A, B or a and B are meant, and when described as "C to D", unless specifically stated to the contrary, C is above and D is below.

Fig. 1A is a perspective view illustrating an indoor unit of an air conditioner according to an embodiment. Fig. 1B is a perspective view showing a state in which the side door 221A is opened in fig. 1A. The side door module 22 provided in the indoor unit of the air conditioner can be operated by the control operation of the air conditioner. At this time, the side door 221a provided in the side door module 22 is movable in the front-rear direction of the indoor unit of the air conditioner.

Therefore, when the side door 221A is in the advanced state, as shown in fig. 1A, the discharge port 224a may be closed, and in the case where the side door 221A is located at the rear, as shown in fig. 1B, the discharge port 224a may be opened.

Fig. 1C is a perspective view illustrating an indoor unit of an air conditioner according to another embodiment. The indoor unit shown in fig. 1C is provided with a plurality of front door modules 21, and may be arranged at intervals in the up-down direction of the indoor unit, respectively.

Thus, the area of the discharge port 224a formed on each of the two side surfaces of the indoor unit may be reduced. The forward directed air flow of the air in the indoor unit shown in fig. 1C may be stronger and the side directed air flow may be weaker than the indoor units shown in fig. 1A and 1B.

Next, the structure of the indoor unit of the air conditioner shown in fig. 1A and 1B will be described in more detail.

Fig. 2 is a perspective view showing a state in which a part of components in an indoor unit of an air conditioner according to an embodiment is omitted. Fig. 3 is an exploded view illustrating an indoor unit of an air conditioner according to an embodiment.

The present invention will be described below with reference to drawings for explaining an indoor unit of an air conditioner by way of examples of the present invention.

First, with reference to fig. 1A to 3, the overall structure of the components constituting the indoor unit according to an embodiment of the present invention will be schematically described, and the structure of each component will be schematically described.

< integral Structure >

An indoor unit of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a housing I formed in an outer shape and provided with a discharge port; a door assembly II for opening and closing a front discharge port formed on the front surface of the housing I and discharge ports formed on both side surfaces or for changing the direction of the air flow; an air supply fan assembly III which is arranged on the inner side of the shell I and forms air flow; a heat exchange unit IV for exchanging heat between the air flowing through the blower fan unit III and the refrigerant; a filter assembly VI for filtering air flowing into the inside of the housing I; a filter cleaning assembly VII for removing foreign materials attached to the filter assembly VI; and a humidifying component V for humidifying the air discharged to the outside of the casing I.

< Shell >

The housing i of an embodiment of the present invention may include: the rear upper case 11 has a suction port 111 formed at the rear thereof and a space for disposing the heat exchanger 41 formed at the inner side thereof; a base portion 12 disposed below the rear upper case 11, and having a space for disposing a part of the structure of the humidifying module v; a rear lower case 13 covering the rear and side of the base portion 12; and a front panel 14 disposed on the front surfaces of the rear upper case 11 and the rear lower case 13 in the form of openings. The front panel 14 may be disposed on the front of the housing i.

The rear upper case 11 is formed in an open shape on the front surface and the upper surface as a whole, and is disposed on the upper side of the rear lower case 13 and the base portion 12. A front panel 14, which will be described later, is disposed on the front surface of the opening of the rear upper case 11, and a top cover 15 is disposed on the upper surface of the opening of the rear upper case 11.

A heat exchanger 41, a front air blowing module 31, and side air blowing modules 32a, 32b, 32c may be formed in the rear upper case 11. As means for supporting these structures, a heat exchanger mounting member (not shown) for mounting the heat exchanger 41, a front air-blowing module mounting member (not shown) for mounting the front air-blowing module 31, and a side air-blowing module mounting member (not shown) for mounting the side air-blowing modules 32a, 32b, 32c may be disposed inside the rear upper case 11, respectively.

A suction port 111 is formed at the rear of the rear upper case 11, and a filter assembly vi may be disposed at the suction port 111 side. The filter assembly vi may include a plurality of filter modules 62a, 62b, 62c, 62d disposed in a left-right direction behind the rear upper case 11.

Further, a guide rail-shaped movement guide 71 for guiding movement of the filter cleaner 72 in the up-down direction (U-D direction) is disposed between the plurality of filter modules 62a, 62b, 62c, 62D disposed in the left-right direction at the rear of the rear upper case 11.

The movement guide 71 may be disposed to protrude rearward from the center of the plurality of filter modules 62a, 62b, 62c, 62D disposed in the left-right direction, behind the rear upper case 11, and extend in the up-down direction (U-D direction).

On the other hand, an ionization portion (not shown) may be additionally disposed at a portion for mounting the guide 71 in the form of a rail at the rear of the rear upper case 11. The ionization section may function to receive a high voltage and discharge the high voltage, thereby ionizing the air flowing to the suction port 111.

Further, a refrigerant pipe hole 132 through which the refrigerant pipe 42 of the heat exchange unit iv penetrates may be formed in the rear lower surface of the rear lower case 13. Further, a power line hole 133 through which a power line supplied from an external power source is passed may be formed at the rear lower surface of the rear lower case 13.

On the other hand, the base portion 12 may be disposed below the rear upper case 11, and a space for disposing the components of the humidifying module v, that is, the water tank 51, the heating portion (not shown), and the like may be formed inside the base portion 12. A power supply device (not shown) for winding a power cord connected to the filter cleaning unit vii may be disposed inside the base portion 12.

As shown in fig. 3, the base portion 12 may have a box shape with an open front face. On the outer periphery of the base portion 12, a rear lower case 13 and a part of a side door module 22 of the door assembly ii may be disposed.

Further, a power line through hole (not shown) through which a power line connected to the filter cleaning module vii is passed and a humidification flow path pipe through hole (not shown) through which a humidification flow path pipe (not shown) of the humidification module v is passed and extended may be formed in the base portion 12.

In addition, a rear upper case 11 may be mounted on an upper side of the base portion 12, and an additional support member for supporting other structures including the rear upper case 11 may be additionally mounted.

In a state where the base portion 12 and the rear upper case 11 arranged vertically are coupled, a front panel 14 is arranged on the front surfaces of the base portion 12 and the rear upper case 11.

The front panel 14 forms the front surface of the indoor unit, and as shown in the figure, a front discharge port 141 is formed at an upper position of the front panel 14, that is, at a position corresponding to the front air blowing module 31, and air having undergone heat exchange by the heat exchange unit iv is pressurized by the front air blowing module 31 and discharged from the front discharge port 141.

In addition, a camera sensor 142 for detecting a condition of the indoor space may be provided at the front panel 14. As shown by way of example, a camera sensor 142 may be provided at the upper end of the front panel 14.

The conditions of the indoor space may include, among others, the size of the indoor space, the number of persons in the indoor space, the positions of the indoor persons, and the like.

< door Assembly >

The door assembly II includes: the front door module 21 opens and closes the front discharge port 141 formed in the front panel 14, and changes the direction of the air flow discharged through the front discharge port 141; side door modules 22 for opening and closing discharge ports 224a, 224b formed on both side surfaces, respectively; and a vane module 23 for converting the direction of the air flow discharged through the discharge ports 224a, 224 b. The vane module 23 may be disposed in front of the discharge ports 224a and 224 b. In addition, the blade module 23 may be disposed inside the front panel 14.

The front door module 21 is provided to reciprocate in the front-rear direction between a rearmost position where a flow path of air discharged through the front discharge port 141 is closed and a frontmost position where a frontmost directed air flow is formed.

The operation mode in which the forward-directed airflow is generated in a state in which the front door module 21 protrudes to the forefront position may be defined as a direct wind operation mode to be distinguished from an indirect wind operation mode described later.

Further, the front door module 21 may stop at a coplanar position corresponding to an intermediate position between the rearmost position and the frontmost position. The coplanar position corresponds to a position where the front face of the front face panel 14 and the outer panel 211 disposed on the forefront side of the front door module 21 are substantially parallel.

When the front door module 21 is stopped at the coplanar position, the air discharged to the front discharge port 141 is directed to the air flow from the front discharge port 141 to the side of the radially outer portion due to the shape of the outer surface of the front door module 21, and is not discharged to the front. This mode of operation may be defined as an indirect wind mode of operation.

On the other hand, the outer panel 211 disposed on the forefront side of the door module 21 may be formed of a translucent material, and light generated by a display unit (not shown) provided inside the outer panel 211 may be irradiated to the outside through the outer panel 211. Accordingly, the outer panel 211 according to an embodiment of the present invention functions as a display that provides information to the user regarding the operation state of the indoor unit, the air quality state around the indoor unit, and the like.

The side door module 22 functions to open and close the discharge ports 224a and 224b formed on both side surfaces of the housing i.

That is, the side door module 22 functions to close the discharge ports 224a and 224b in a state where the operation of the entire indoor unit is interrupted, and in a state where only the front air blowing module 31 of the indoor unit is operated and the side air blowing modules 32a, 32b, and 32c are not operated.

As described above, in a state in which the side air blowing modules 32a, 32b, and 32c are not operating, the discharge ports 224a and 224b are closed by the side door module 22, and thus, it is possible to effectively prevent the inflow of dust and the like into the interior through the discharge ports 224a and 224b and fixation, or the inflow of foreign matter and the like that may cause a failure.

The side door module 22 may include: a pair of side doors 221a and 221b that open and close the discharge ports 224a and 224b while moving in the front-rear direction (F-R direction); first driving portions 222a, 222b that provide driving forces to the respective side doors 221a, 221 b; and a pair of support frames 223a, 223b supporting the respective side doors 221a, 221b and the first driving portions 222a, 222b.

The side doors 221a and 221b are supported so as to be movable from a foremost position where the discharge ports 224a and 224b are completely closed to a rearmost position where the discharge ports 224a and 224b are completely opened. As shown in fig. 1A to 3, the side doors 221A, 221b extend from the upper end to the lower end of the housing i so as to entirely cover a predetermined width, thereby giving a sense of beauty to the user, and the side doors 221A, 221b are integrally formed with the front panel 14 and the rear upper case 11, and the outer surfaces of the side doors 221A, 221b may have a material and shape that can form the same texture as the rear upper case 11 and the front panel 14.

In order to movably support the side doors 221a, 221b, a guide connector may be further provided, one end of which is attached to the side doors 221a, 221b and the other end of which is slidably supported to the support frames 223a, 223b.

As an example, the first driving units 222a and 222b may include: a gear motor; a pinion gear connected to an output shaft of the gear motor; and a rack that converts the rotational force of the pinion gear into linear reciprocating motion, so that the side doors 221a, 221b can be driven electrically.

The gear motor may be firmly fixed to the support frames 223a, 223b corresponding to the fixing members, and the rack engaged with the pinion gear may be firmly fixed to the inner side surfaces of the side doors 221a, 221b.

On the other hand, as described above, the side doors 221a and 221b are provided so as to extend from the upper end to the lower end of the housing i. Therefore, the height of the side doors 221a, 221b is formed very large with respect to the width thereof, so that it is difficult to efficiently drive each side door 221a, 221b with only a single driving portion.

Accordingly, two first driving portions 222a, 222b are provided for each side door 221a, 221b, respectively, and are preferably disposed adjacent to the upper and lower ends of each side door 221a, 221b, respectively, as shown in the drawing.

The support frames 223a, 223b rotatably support the side doors 221a, 221b while forming a part of both side surfaces of the outer case i together with the rear upper case 11 and the rear lower case 13. In more detail, the support frames 223a, 223b may be disposed between the rear upper case 11 and the front panel 14.

Further, the support frames 223a and 223b are formed with discharge ports 224a and 224b extending in the up-down direction (U-D direction).

As shown in the drawing, a plurality of side blades 225a and 225b for guiding the flow direction of the discharged air may be disposed at the discharge ports 224a and 224b.

The plurality of side blades 225a, 225b may be integrally formed with the support frames 223a, 223b. The plurality of side blades 225a, 225b according to an embodiment of the present invention are disposed and fixed obliquely forward, so that air discharged to the outside of the housing can be directed forward. Accordingly, in a state where the blade module 23 described later does not function, the air discharged through the discharge ports 224a, 224b is directed forward by the plurality of side blades 225a, 225b.

On the other hand, the blades that perform the same function as the side blades 225a, 225b provided on the support frames 223a, 223b may be formed on other members instead of the support frames 223a, 223b. As an example, the side blades may be formed integrally with the side surfaces of the discharge guides 326 of the side air blowing modules 32a, 32b, and 32c described later.

Of course, as shown in fig. 3, the side blades 225a and 225b may be provided to the support frames 223a and 223b, and the side blade 3261 may be provided to the discharge guide 326.

The vane module 23 functions to convert the forward-directed airflow discharged through the discharge ports 224a and 224b into the side-directed airflow.

As described above, the air discharged to the discharge ports 224a and 224b is formed to be directed forward to the air flow by the side blades 225a and 225b of the support frames 223a and 223b or the side blade 3261 of the discharge guide 326.

As described above, the blade module 23 functions as a blade for converting the direction of the front-pointing airflow. As shown in fig. 3, the front direction airflow is changed by the plate-shaped blades 231a and 231b disposed adjacent to the front side of the discharge ports 224a and 224 b.

More specifically, when the side air blowing modules 32a, 32b, and 32c are operated in the direct wind mode in which the air flow is directed forward, the blades 231a and 231b of the blade module 23 are kept in the stored position on the rear surface side of the front panel 14. Therefore, the vanes 231a, 231b do not affect the air flow of the air discharged through the discharge ports 224a, 224b, and the discharged air keeps the front direction of the air flow.

When the blade driving unit (not shown) is operated to switch from the direct wind mode to the indirect wind mode, the blades 231a and 231b start to horizontally move from the storage position to the direction of exposure to the outside.

After the start of the horizontal movement, the blades 231a, 231b stop after moving to the final deployment position.

When the blades 231a and 231b are moved to the final extended position, the air discharged through the discharge ports 224a and 224b receives the resistance of the blades 231a and 231b, and in particular, the air passing through the front end portions of the discharge ports 224a and 224b directly collides with the blades 231a and 231b and changes the moving direction.

At this time, the flow velocity of the air passing through the front end portion side is the fastest among the air discharged through the discharge ports 224a and 224b, and therefore, the air having shifted the moving direction while colliding with the blades 231a and 231b affects the moving direction of the air discharged from the rear side. Under this influence, the air passing through the discharge ports 224a and 224b is converted in moving direction as a whole to form a laterally directed air flow.

Fig. 3 shows an embodiment in which one left blade 231a and one right blade 231b are provided corresponding to the left discharge port 224a and the right discharge port 224b, respectively. The present invention is not limited to this, and modifications may be made in which the left blade 231a and the right blade 231b are each divided into a plurality of pieces. Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, the explanation will be made with reference to an embodiment in which one blade 231a, 231b is provided on each of the left and right sides, and the specific configuration of the blades 231a, 231b will be described below with reference to fig. 4.

The blade driving unit (not shown) may include: a gear motor; a pinion (not shown) connected to an output shaft of the gear motor; a rack (not shown) converts the rotational force of the pinion gear into linear reciprocating motion, and thereby can electrically drive the blades 231a, 231b.

The gear motor is firmly supported by an additional bracket (not shown), and a rack engaged with the pinion may be formed integrally with the blades 231a, 231b or separately formed and attached to the blades 231a, 231b. As described later, a plurality of fastening holes 231h may be formed in the blades 231a, 231b so that racks can be attached to the blades 231a, 231b using fastening mechanisms such as bolts.

< air supply Fan Assembly >

The air supply fan assembly III includes: a front air supply module 31 that discharges air to a front discharge port 141 of the indoor unit; the side air blowing modules 32a, 32b, 32c discharge air to the discharge ports 224a, 224b on both sides of the indoor unit.

As an example, the blower fan assembly iii according to an embodiment of the present invention may include one front blower module 31 and three side blower modules 32a, 32b, 32c. The front air blowing module 31 and the side air blowing modules 32a, 32b, 32c are arranged in front of the heat exchange unit iv.

The front air blowing module 31 is disposed above the side air blowing modules 32a, 32b, 32 c. The front blower module 31 discharges air to a front discharge port 141 formed in the front panel 14.

The front air supply module 31 may include a front air supply fan 311, a front Fang Songfeng motor 312, and a fan housing 313. The front air blowing module 31 according to an embodiment of the present invention may be operated in a direct air mode in which the discharged air is discharged forward a long distance by the front air blowing housing 313, the structural shape of the front door module 21, and the position of the front door module 21 described above, or in an indirect air mode in which the air is discharged radially outward from the front discharge port 141.

The side air blowing modules 32a, 32b, 32c are disposed below the front air blowing module 31. The side air supply modules 32a, 32b, 32c according to an embodiment of the present invention may be arranged in plural. The side air blowing modules 32a, 32b, 32c can discharge the discharged air through the discharge ports 224a, 224b, respectively.

Each of the side air blowing modules 32a, 32b, 32c may include side air blowing fans 321a, 321b, 321c, side air blowing motors 322a, 322b, 322c, side air blowing fan housings 323a, 323b, 323c, suction guides 325a, 325b, 325c, and discharge guides 326.

The side air blowing modules 32a, 32b, 32c may be disposed in front of the heat exchanger 41, and the heat-exchanged air may be sucked through the side suction guides 324 and may be discharged to the discharge ports 224a, 224b via the discharge guides 326.

The direction of the discharge air flow can be determined by the side blades 225a, 225b of the discharge ports 224a, 224b or the side blade 3261 of the discharge guide 326 by the air flowing through the side air blowing modules 32a, 32b, 32 c. As described above, the air flow defined by the side blades 225a, 225b of the discharge ports 224a, 224b or the side blade 3261 of the discharge guide 326 is set to be directed forward.

< Heat exchange Assembly >

The heat exchange assembly iv serves to exchange heat between indoor air sucked into the rear upper case 11 and the refrigerant.

The heat exchange assembly iv may include: a heat exchanger 41 through which a refrigerant that exchanges heat with indoor air flows; and a refrigerant pipe (not shown) forming a refrigerant flow path so that the refrigerant can flow into the heat exchanger 41 or be discharged from the heat exchanger 41.

The refrigerant pipe may include: a refrigerant inflow pipe 42 through which the refrigerant flowing into the heat exchanger 41 flows; and a refrigerant discharge pipe (not shown) through which the refrigerant discharged from the heat exchanger 41 flows.

The heat exchanger 41 is disposed behind the blower fan assembly iii. The heat exchanger 41 may be disposed between the inlet 111 and the outlets 22 and 141, thereby exchanging heat with air flowing inside the indoor unit. The heat exchanger 41 is disposed between the filter unit vi and the blower fan unit iii.

As shown in fig. 3, the heat exchanger 41 may have a length corresponding to the height of the side air blowing modules 32a, 32b, 32c and the front air blowing module 31 arranged up and down.

The heat exchanger 41 may be disposed inside the rear upper case 11. The heat exchanger 41 may be fastened to a heat exchanger fastening portion (not shown) formed inside the rear upper case 11.

< humidifying Assembly >

The humidifying unit v can discharge humidified air to the outside of the indoor unit. The humidifying assembly v may include: a water tank 51 for storing water; a heating unit (not shown) for receiving and heating water in the water tank 51; a humidification discharge nozzle (not shown) having a humidification discharge port (not shown) for discharging heated humidification air; and a humidification flow path pipe (not shown) for guiding the humidified air heated by the heating unit to the humidification discharge nozzle.

< Filter Assembly >

The filter assembly vi serves to remove foreign matter contained in the air flowing into the suction port 111.

The filter assembly vi is movably disposed behind the rear upper case 11. The filter assembly vi is disposed at the suction port 111 formed at the rear of the rear upper case 11, and can filter the indoor air flowing into the suction port 111. The filter assembly vi is movably disposed at the rear upper case 11.

Referring to fig. 2, a filter assembly vi according to an embodiment of the present invention includes filter modules 62a, 62b, 62c, 62d for removing foreign substances from air sucked into a suction port 111. The filter modules 62a, 62b, 62c, 62d of the filter assembly vi may be disposed at the suction port 111, or may be disposed outside of the rear upper case 11 in terms of side.

The filter assembly vi of one embodiment of the present invention comprises: filter modules 62a, 62b, 62c, 62d for removing foreign substances in flowing air; a filter mounting member (not shown) for mounting the filter modules 62a, 62b, 62c, 62d; and a moving member (not shown) for changing the position of the filter mounting member.

The filter modules 62a, 62b, 62c, 62d may be of the following construction: when the filter module is disposed at the suction port, the filter module may be introduced into or withdrawn from the filter mounting member in the width direction of the filter module formed in the left-right direction.

The filter modules 62a, 62b, 62c, 62d of an embodiment of the present invention may include: first filter modules 62a, 62b for covering left sides of the suction ports 111 of the rear upper case 11; and second filter modules 62c, 62d for covering the right side of the suction port 111 of the rear upper case 11.

The first filter modules 62a, 62b may be disposed to cover the left side of the suction port 111, or may be disposed to the left side of the left side surface of the rear upper case 11. The second filter modules 62c, 62d may be disposed to cover the right side of the suction port 111, or may be disposed right of the right side surface of the rear upper case 11.

When the first filter modules 62a and 62b and the second filter modules 62c and 62d are disposed at the suction port 111, a surface is formed to which the filter cleaner 72 can be moved.

The filter modules 62a, 62b, 62c, 62d are detachably disposed on the filter mounting member. The filter modules 62a, 62b, 62c, 62d can filter foreign substances in the air flowing to the suction port 111.

The filter modules 62a, 62b, 62c, 62d of an embodiment of the present invention may include: a pre-filter 621 for filtering larger dust in the air flowing to the suction port 111; a dust-collecting filter unit (not shown) for collecting dust from the air particles ionized by the ionization unit and filtering the air; and a deodorizing filter unit (not shown) for removing the odor in the air.

The filter modules 62a, 62b, 62c, 62d of an embodiment of the present invention may further include a filter housing 622, a pre-filter 621 being mounted to the filter housing 622, the filter housing 622 being mounted to the filter mounting member. A plurality of suction holes are formed in the filter housing 622 along the direction in which the pre-filter 621 is mounted. The face of the filter housing 622 for mounting the pre-filter 621 may include vertical ribs 6221 and horizontal ribs 6222.

The vertical ribs 6221 and the horizontal ribs 6222 form a lattice shape with each other, and can strengthen the rigidity of the filter case 622. The pre-filter 621 is formed in a mesh screen shape, and can filter large-sized foreign matters in the air flowing into the filter modules 62a, 62b, 62c, 62 d.

The lower end 60a of the filter assembly vi may be disposed at an upper side of the rear lower case 13. When the filter cleaner 72 of the filter cleaning unit vii described later is disposed at the lowermost end in the movement range in which the filter cleaner 72 can move along the movement guide 71, the lower end 60a of the filter unit vi is disposed above the upper end of the filter cleaner 72.

< Filter cleaning Assembly >

The filter cleaning unit vii is movable in the up-down direction behind the filter unit vi, and can remove foreign matter outside the filter unit vi. The filter cleaning assembly vii can remove foreign substances trapped in the pre-filters 621 of the filter modules 62a, 62b, 62c, 62 d.

The filter cleaning assembly vii comprises: a filter cleaner 72 that moves in the up-down direction (U-D direction) behind the filter assembly vi to remove foreign materials trapped in the filter assembly vi; a movement guide 71 guiding movement of the filter cleaner 72; and a power supply device 73 that supplies power to the filter cleaner 72.

Fig. 4 is a perspective view illustrating a pair of side door modules 22 of an embodiment. Fig. 5 is a perspective view showing one side door module 22 in fig. 4.

The side door modules 22 may be provided in pairs and one on each side of the indoor unit. In the previous drawings, the respective components of the pair of side door modules 22 are distinguished by reference numerals such as "a", "b", etc., but in the following, the same reference numerals may be given to the components of the same names for the sake of clear explanation.

Fig. 6 is a plan view of fig. 4 viewed from the AA direction. Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view seen from the BB direction in fig. 4. Fig. 8 is a sectional view showing a state in which the side door 221 moves in fig. 7.

The indoor unit of the air conditioner of the embodiment may include: a shell I, which forms an outline; a front door module 21 for opening and closing a front discharge port 141 formed in the front surface of the housing i or for changing the direction of the air flow; and a side door module 22 for opening and closing a discharge port 224 formed in a side surface of the housing I or for turning the direction of the air flow.

At this time, the side door module 22 may be coupled to the housing i by a coupling mechanism such as a bolt, and may be formed with the discharge port 224. As described above, the discharge port 224 may be formed with a plurality of side blades 225 for guiding the flow direction of the discharged air. At this time, the side blade 225 may be formed integrally with the support frame 223.

The side door module 22 may include a side door 221, a first driving part 222, and a support frame 223. The side door 221 is movable in the front-rear direction along the casing i of the indoor unit, and opens and closes the discharge port 224.

The side door 221 may be disposed to move in the front-rear direction with respect to the support frame 223. Therefore, as shown in fig. 6, when the side door 221 moves forward of the housing i with respect to the support frame 223, the discharge port 224 can be closed. As shown in fig. 7, when the side door 221 moves rearward of the housing i with respect to the support frame 223, the discharge port 224 can be opened.

The first driving part 222 may be mounted on a support frame 223, connected to the side door 221, and supplying driving force to the side door 221.

The support frame 223 is coupled to the housing i, has the discharge port 224 formed therein, and is capable of supporting the side door 221 and the first driving portion 222. The support frame 223 may be coupled to the housing i by a coupling mechanism such as a bolt, and may be provided so as not to move itself.

Accordingly, the side door 221 can open and close the discharge port 224 formed in the support frame 223 by moving in the front-rear direction of the housing i with respect to the support frame 223. Referring to fig. 12, the discharge port 224 may be formed in the support frame 223 so that its longitudinal direction is aligned along the longitudinal direction of the support frame 223, i.e., the up-down direction of the housing i.

The discharge port 224 may be formed in all or a part of the support frame 223 in the up-down direction of the support frame 223, and the position and length of the discharge port 224 in the support frame 223 may be appropriately selected in consideration of performance and operation characteristics of the indoor unit.

The number of the side blades 225 provided at the discharge port 224, the inclination angle with respect to the front of the casing i, and the like may be appropriately selected in consideration of the performance and the operation characteristics of the indoor unit.

The first driving part 222 may include a gear motor 2221, a pinion gear 2222, and a rack bar 2223.

The first driving part 222 may include a housing coupled to the support frame 223. The gear motor 2221 is mounted inside the housing, receives electric power from a power source, and rotates the output shaft, whereby a rotational force can be provided to the pinion gear 2222. At this time, the rotation and stop operation of the gear motor 2221 may be controlled by a control unit provided in the air conditioner.

The pinion gear 2222 is connected to the output shaft of the gear motor 2221, and can rotate together with the rotation of the output shaft of the gear motor 2221.

The rack 2223 is engaged with the pinion gear 2222, and may convert a rotational force of the pinion gear 2222 into a linear reciprocating motion, and the rack 2223 may include an engagement portion 2223a and a connection portion 2223b.

The engagement portion 2223a may be engaged with the pinion gear 2222. Referring to fig. 7 and 8, the pinion 2222 is radially arranged in the front-rear direction of the housing i and has a linear shape, and gear teeth engaged with the pinion 2222 may be linearly arranged along the length direction thereof. Accordingly, the engagement portion 2223a can linearly reciprocate in the front-rear direction with the rotation of the pinion gear 2222.

One end of the connection portion 2223b is connected to the engagement portion 2223a, and the other end thereof may be coupled to the side door 221. At this time, the connection portion 2223b may be integrally formed with the engagement portion 2223 a.

The connection portion 2223b may be formed to be bent from one end portion of the engagement portion 2223 a. The connection portion 2223b may be arranged in the longitudinal direction of the module. Accordingly, the connection portion 2223b can linearly reciprocate in the front-rear direction with the rotation of the pinion 2222.

The other end portion of the connection portion 2223b may be coupled to the side door 221. For example, the connecting portion 2223b may be coupled to the first sandwiching portion 2211a, which is a thicker portion of the cover plate 2211 constituting the side door 221, and the second sandwiching portion 2212a, which is a thicker portion of the reinforcing plate 2212, by a coupling mechanism such as a bolt.

Accordingly, as shown in fig. 7 and 8, the side door 221 coupled to the connection portion 2223b can linearly reciprocate in the front-rear direction of the housing i together with the engagement portion 2223a and the connection portion 2223b as the motor and pinion 2222 rotate, so that the discharge port 224 can be opened and closed.

The first driving part 222 may be provided in plural to smoothly move the side door 221 in the front-rear direction. Since the side door 221 is disposed very long in the up-down direction of the indoor unit, it may be difficult to smoothly move the side door 221 in the front-rear direction using one first driving portion 222.

Accordingly, the plurality of first driving portions 222 may be provided, and each of the first driving portions 222 may be disposed at intervals in the vertical direction of the housing i along the longitudinal direction of the side door 221.

Referring to fig. 5, in the embodiment, two first driving portions 222 are provided, which are disposed at the upper end portion and the lower end portion of the side door module 22, respectively. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the first driving unit 222 may be provided with three or more.

In the embodiment, the first driving portion 222 is provided to move the side door 221 in the front-rear direction by operating the gear motor 2221, so that the side door 221 can effectively control the change in the direction and the air flow of the air discharged from the discharge port 224 by opening and closing the discharge port 224 provided to the support frame 223.

Fig. 9 is an exploded view showing a side door module 22 of an embodiment. Fig. 10 is an exploded view showing a side door 221 of an embodiment. Fig. 11 is a diagram showing a part of fig. 10 in an enlarged manner.

The side door 221 moves in the front-rear direction with respect to the support frame 223 as the first driving part 222 operates, so that the discharge port 224 formed in the support frame 223 may be closed, and the side door 221 may include a cover plate 2211 and a reinforcing plate 2212.

The cover 2211 may extend from an upper end to a lower end of the housing i by a prescribed width, and may be formed as one body. The cover plate 2211 may be formed to have a length corresponding to the length of the support frame 223.

For example, the cover plate 2211 may be manufactured by an extrusion process that can easily form a long plate. The cover 2211 may be formed to be thin in thickness to reduce manufacturing costs, manufacturing time, weight, etc.

A first sandwiching portion 2211a for interference fit and shape fit with the reinforcing plate 2212 may be formed at one end of the cover plate 2211. The first sandwiching portion 2211a may have a recess portion formed therein for coupling with the second sandwiching portion 2212a formed in the reinforcing plate 2212, and the first sandwiching portion 2211a may have a thicker shape as a whole due to such a recess portion.

The cover 2211 is movable in the front-rear direction of the housing i by operation of the first driving portion 222, and is capable of opening and closing the discharge port 224 formed in the support frame 223.

The reinforcement plate 2212 may be attached to one side of the cover plate 2211, may be provided in plurality, and may reinforce the rigidity of the cover plate 2211. For example, the reinforcement plate 2212 may be manufactured by injection molding.

The reinforcement plate 2212 is attached to the cover plate 2211 and suppresses bending or bending (bonding) of the cover plate 2211, so that the rigidity of the cover plate 2211 can be reinforced, the side door 221 can be smoothly operated, and the durability of the side door 221 can be improved.

A second sandwiching portion 2212a for interference fit, form fit with the cap plate 2211 may be formed at one end of the reinforcing plate 2212. The second sandwiching portion 2212a may be formed in a shape corresponding to the first sandwiching portion 2211a to be coupled to the first sandwiching portion 2211a by being mounted in a recess formed in the first sandwiching portion 2211a of the cover plate 2211, and the second sandwiching portion 2212a has a thicker shape as a whole.

The weight of the entire side door 221 is preferably reduced so that the side door 221 can operate smoothly and the manufacturing cost of the side door 221 can be reduced. Accordingly, as described above, the cover plate 2211 in the side door 221 can be made thinner as a whole.

However, if the cover 2211 is made thinner, the cover 2211 may be bent or curved during the operation of the side door 221, so that the side door 221 is difficult to operate and the durability is reduced.

Therefore, by forming the side door 221 such that the reinforcing plate 2212 is attached to the cover plate 2211, the reinforcing plate 2212 can increase the rigidity of the entire side door 221, and the side door 221 can operate smoothly and can have improved durability.

The side door 221 may further include an attachment member 2213. The attaching member 2213 is provided between the cover plate 2211 and the reinforcing plate 2212, and can attach the reinforcing plate 2212 to the cover plate 2211. The attachment member 2213 may be provided in plural, and the attachment member 2213 may be, for example, a double-sided adhesive tape.

The attaching member 2213 is not an essential structure of the side door 221. In another embodiment, the cover plate 2211 and the reinforcement plate 2212 may also be joined by an interference fit, a form fit, or the reinforcement plate 2212 may be attached to the cover plate 2211 by an adhesive without the attachment member 2213.

The plurality of the reinforcement plates 2212 may be arranged along a length direction thereof, and a total length thereof has a length corresponding to the cover plate 2211. At this time, the total number of the reinforcing plates 2212, the length of each may be appropriately selected.

The reinforcing plate 2212 is provided in plural, and when the reinforcing plate 2212 is integrally manufactured with a length corresponding to the cover plate 2211, the reinforcing plate 2212 may be deformed during the manufacturing process and the cost may be increased.

Accordingly, in the embodiment, the reinforcing plate 2212 is made in plural, and the reinforcing plate 2212 is attached to the cover plate 2211 in such a manner that the total length of the reinforcing plate 2212 corresponds to the length of the cover plate 2211, whereby the cost of the side door 221 can be reduced while the side door 221 is made sufficiently rigid.

A reinforcing plate 2212 may be attached to a surface of the cover plate 2211 facing the spouting port 224. With this structure, the reinforcement plate 2212 may have a structure attached to the inner side surface of the side door 221.

Therefore, the reinforcing plate 2212 is not easily found when the user observes the outside of the indoor unit, and the neat outer side surface of the cover plate 2211 can be mainly found when the user observes the side door 221. When observing the indoor unit, the user can see the clean side door 221 due to this structure, and thus can improve the aesthetic feeling.

Fig. 12 is a perspective view of the side door module 22 of an embodiment from a different angle than the previous figures. Fig. 13 is a diagram showing a portion a of fig. 12 in an enlarged manner. Fig. 14 is a view showing a cross section of a part of fig. 13.

The side door module 22 may further include a guide connector 226, and the guide connector 226 is coupled to the side door 221 and slidably supported by the support frame 223.

In response, a rail 2231 may be formed in the support frame 223, and the rail 2231 may be disposed in a longitudinal direction along a front-rear direction and at a position corresponding to the guide connector 226.

The guide connector 226 coupled to the side door 221 is smoothly movable in the front-rear direction of the support frame 223 along a guide rail 2231 provided to the support frame 223, and opens and closes the discharge port 224 formed in the support frame 223.

The guide connector 226 may include a first member 2261, a second member 2262, and a third member 2263. The guide connector 226 is fixedly coupled to the side door 221, and is movable along the front-rear direction of the housing i together with the side door 221.

The first member 2261 may be coupled to the side door 221. The first member 2261 may be fixedly coupled to the side door 221 by a coupling mechanism such as a bolt. The first member 2261, the second member 2262, and the third member 2263 may be integrally formed.

The second member 2262 is formed to extend in the front-rear direction from the first member 2261, and may be provided with a bent portion. The third member 2263 may be formed to be bent from an end of the second member 2262, and the third member 2263 may be disposed in a longitudinal direction thereof and may be formed with a rail guide groove 2263a for mounting the rail 2231.

The second member 2262 is provided with a bent portion, and thus, the second member 2262 and the third member 2263 may form an avoidance groove 2264 so that interference with the side portion of the support frame 223 may be avoided when moving in the front-rear direction. By the avoidance grooves 2264, the guide connector 226 can avoid interference with the support frame 223, and can smoothly move in the front-rear direction.

On the other hand, a portion of the guide rail 2231 may be formed to protrude from a side surface of the support frame 223, and a support base 2231a supporting a lower side of the guide connector 226 may be formed at a protruding portion of the guide rail 2231. The support base 2231a may be integrally formed with the rail 2231.

The support base 2231a may function together with the guide rail 2231 to support the side door 221 such that the side door 221 smoothly moves in the front-rear direction with respect to the support frame 223.

The longitudinal direction of the rail guide groove 2263a may be disposed along the front-rear direction of the housing i.

Accordingly, the rail guide groove 2263a is slidably attached to the rail 2231 disposed in the longitudinal direction along the front-rear direction of the housing i, and the third member 2263 is guided by the rail 2231 so as to be smoothly movable in the front-rear direction. Therefore, the side door 221 can also move smoothly in the front-rear direction of the housing i.

The guide connectors 226 may be provided in plural, and each of the guide connectors 226 may be disposed at a distance from each other in the up-down direction of the housing i along the longitudinal direction of the side door 221.

Thus, a plurality of guide rails 2231 may be provided, and each guide rail 2231 may be disposed at a position corresponding to each guide connector 226 along the longitudinal direction of the support frame 223.

Since the guide connector 226 and the guide rail 2231 are arranged in plural along the length direction of the side door module 22, the side door 221 can move more smoothly in the front-rear direction of the side assembly. The number of guide connectors 226 and guide tracks 2231 may be appropriately selected.

Referring to fig. 14, the rail guide grooves 2263a are provided in a pair, and each of the rail guide grooves 2263a may be disposed to be symmetrical to each other in the up-down direction. With this structure, the guide connector 226 can be manufactured and used without distinction between left and right.

Accordingly, as shown in fig. 4, the guide connector 226 may be installed at a pair of side door modules 22 respectively provided at the left and right sides of the indoor unit without distinguishing between the left and right sides.

With this configuration, the guide connector 226 can be manufactured and used without distinction between the left side and the right side, so that the manufacturing time and cost of the guide connector 226 can be saved, and the working time for installing the guide connector 226 in the indoor unit can be reduced.

Fig. 15 is a perspective view showing a pair of blade modules 23 of an embodiment. Fig. 16 is an exploded view showing one of the pair of blade modules 23 shown in fig. 15.

The vane module 23 may be disposed in front of the discharge port 224 and may change the direction of the air flow discharged through the discharge port 224. The housing i includes a front panel 14 disposed on a front surface, and the blade module 23 may be configured to be coupled to an inner side surface of the front panel 14.

At this time, the blade module 23 may be provided with a pair and coupled to the left and right end portions of the front panel 14, respectively. As shown in fig. 15, since the pair of blade modules 23 are identical in structure except that they are disposed symmetrically to each other, one blade module 23 is illustrated and described below.

The vane module 23 may be disposed in front of the discharge port 224 and may change the direction of the air flow discharged through the discharge port 224. The air exiting the discharge port 224 may form a forwardly directed air flow.

At this time, the vane 231 provided in the vane module 23 moves laterally to the housing i, and blocks a part of the forward direction airflow discharged from the discharge port 224, so that at least a part of the air blocked by the vane 231 can change the flow direction.

Accordingly, the direction of the air flow is changed as the position of the vane 231 is moved, and the air discharged from the discharge port 224 of the indoor unit is caused to flow in various directions, so that various comfort can be provided to the user in the room.

Referring to fig. 16, the blade module 23 may include a cover bracket 232, a blade 231, a blade driving part 233, and a mounting housing 234.

A cover bracket 232 may be coupled to the housing i. The cover bracket 232 may be coupled to the inner side surface of the front panel 14 by, for example, bolts, and the vane 231 may be mounted to the cover bracket 232 so as to be movable with respect to the cover bracket 232.

The vane 231 is mounted to the cover bracket 232, and may be provided to be movable laterally toward the cover bracket 232. The vane 231 is disposed in front of the discharge port 224, and the vane 231 and the discharge port 224 may overlap in a part in the front-rear direction of the housing i depending on the position where the vane 231 moves laterally of the cover bracket 232, and the overlapping area of the vanes may vary.

Accordingly, as the overlapping area of the discharge port 224 and the vane 231 is changed, the flow direction of the air directed to the airflow from the front side discharged from the discharge port 224 may be changed to a plurality of types.

The blade driving part 233 may be mounted to the cover bracket 232, and may move the blade 231 laterally to the cover bracket 232. The mounting housing 234 may house at least a portion of the blade driving part 233 and may be mounted to the cover bracket 232.

The vane 231 may be provided in plural, and the movement of each of the vanes 231 may be independently controlled. As shown in fig. 16, a plurality of blades 231 may be provided along the up-down direction of the housing i.

For example, two blades 231 may be provided along the up-down direction of the housing i. However, the number of the blades 231 is not limited thereto, and three or more blades may be provided. At this time, the blade driving part 233 and the mounting housing 234 may be provided in the same number as the blades 231.

Since the vane module 23 is provided with a pair at both sides of the housing i, the vanes 231 may be disposed at left and right sides of the housing i, respectively. Therefore, in the case where the blades 231 are provided two in the up-down direction of the housing i, the blades 231 may be provided four in total.

At this time, the respective blades 231 may be provided to operate independently of each other. The operation of each vane 231 can be independently controlled by a control unit provided in the air conditioner.

In the embodiment shown in fig. 16, a total of four vanes 231 operate independently of each other, for example, the lateral movement positions of the four vanes 231 in the housing i may be different from each other, and thus, the overlapping areas of the vanes 231 and the discharge port 224 in the front-rear direction of the housing i may be different from each other.

With this configuration, the indoor unit of the air conditioner can form the flow direction of the air in various forms in the room by individually controlling the plurality of blades 231 such that the respective blades 231 are arranged at different lateral movement positions of the casing i.

Fig. 17 is a perspective view showing a blade driving section 233 of an embodiment. Fig. 18 is a perspective view showing a vane 231 of an embodiment. Fig. 19 is a perspective view showing the mounting housing 234 of an embodiment.

As shown in fig. 17, the blade driving part 233 may include a blade motor 2331, an extended rotation shaft 2332, and a first pinion gear 2333.

The vane motor 2331 may be mounted to the mounting case 234 and operated by receiving power from a power source, thereby being capable of providing a rotational force. The operation of the vane motor 2331 may be controlled by the control unit.

An extended rotation shaft 2332 is extended from the rotation shaft of the vane motor 2331 to be rotatable when the motor is operated. The first pinion 2333 engaged with the vane 231 may be provided in plural in the longitudinal direction of the vane 231 so that the vane 231 extending long in the up-down direction smoothly operates.

Accordingly, in order to mount the plurality of first pinions 2333 arranged at intervals in the longitudinal direction of the blade 231 on the rotation shaft of the blade motor 2331, an extension rotation shaft 2332 may be provided, and the longitudinal direction of the extension rotation shaft 2332 may be arranged long in a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction of the blade 231 and connected to the rotation shaft of the blade motor 2331.

The first pinion 2333 is fixedly mounted to the extension rotation shaft 2332 and is rotatable with the extension rotation shaft 2332 when the motor is operated. As shown in fig. 17, the first pinion 2333 may be provided in plural. At this time, the first pinions 2333 may be disposed at intervals in the longitudinal direction of the extension rotation shaft 2332.

Referring to fig. 18, the vane 231 may include an air flow adjusting portion 2311 and a gear engaging portion 2312.

The air flow adjusting portion 2311 may be disposed along the up-down direction of the housing i, and the air flow adjusting portion 2311 may be moved in the lateral direction of the housing i as the blade driving portion 233 is operated, thereby changing the direction of the air flow discharged from the discharge port 224.

The air flow adjustment portion 2311 may be disposed in a longitudinal direction parallel to the discharge port 224, and the air flow adjustment portion 2311 may be disposed in front of the discharge port 224. When the vane 231 is operated, the airflow adjustment portion 2311 may overlap with all or a part of the discharge port 224 in the front-rear direction of the housing i.

The gear engagement portion 2312 may be formed with a first rack 2312a protruding from the air flow-adjusting portion 2311 and engaged with the first pinion 2333. At this time, the gear engagement portion 2312 may be integrally formed with the airflow regulation portion 2311.

Since the first rack 2312a needs to have a predetermined length in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the vane 231, that is, in the left-right direction of the housing i, the gear engagement portion 2312 may have a structure in which a part thereof extends in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the vane 231 in order to secure the length of the first rack 2312a.

A plurality of the gear engagement portions 2312 may be provided at one of the blades 231, for example, two may be provided, and the first pinion 2333 may be provided in the same number as the gear engagement portions 2312. At this time, the plurality of first racks 2312a may be disposed to be spaced apart from each other in the length direction of the airflow regulating part 2311.

At this time, the plurality of first pinion gears 2333 may be disposed at intervals in the longitudinal direction of the extension rotation shaft 2332 to correspond to the arrangement structure of the plurality of first racks 2312a. With this structure, even if the vane 231 disposed long in the up-down direction of the housing i moves laterally of the housing i, it can be stably supported by the first pinion 2333 and the first rack 2312a.

Therefore, even if the vane 231 moves in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the vane 231, the plurality of first pinions 2333 and the first racks 2312a can be stably supported, and thus it is possible to effectively suppress the upper and lower moving positions of the vane 231 from becoming different inclinations (tilt) due to twisting or inclination.

Referring to fig. 18, the plurality of gear engagement portions 2312 may be respectively configured to be symmetrical to each other with respect to the central portion of the airflow regulating portion 2311. For example, the two gear engagement portions 2312 may be disposed to be symmetrical to each other at the midpoint in the length direction of the airflow regulating portion 2311.

With this structure, the lower and upper halves of the airflow regulating portion 2311 can be uniformly forced and moved from the plurality of first racks 2312 a. Therefore, it is possible to effectively suppress the inclination of the upper and lower portions of the vane 231, which is caused by the inclination of the vane 231 due to the unbalance of the forces transmitted to the lower and upper portions of the airflow adjusting portion 2311, respectively, from becoming different in the moving position.

The mounting housing 234 may itself be coupled to the cover bracket 232 to mount the blade driving part 233 to the cover bracket 232. Accordingly, the mounting case 234 may be coupled to the cover bracket 232 such that a longitudinal direction thereof is parallel to a longitudinal direction of the vane 231.

Referring to fig. 19, the mounting housing 234 may be provided with a first mounting hole 2341 for mounting the coupling mechanism 5000 to be coupled to the cover bracket 232 by the coupling mechanism 5000.

One of the mounting housings 234 may be provided with a plurality of first mounting holes 2341 to firmly couple the mounting housing 234. At this time, the respective first mounting holes 2341 may be disposed at intervals along the length direction of the mounting case 234.

With this configuration, when the coupling mechanism 5000 is inserted into the plurality of first mounting holes 2341 spaced apart from each other along the longitudinal direction of the mounting case 234 and the mounting case 234 is coupled to the cover bracket 232, the blade driving portion 233 arranged to have a predetermined length along the longitudinal direction of the blade 231 can be stably mounted to the blade module 23.

Fig. 20 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a blade module 23 of an embodiment. Fig. 21A is a plan sectional view of a blade module 23 of an embodiment. Fig. 21B is a diagram illustrating a state in which the vane 231 in fig. 21A moves.

The blade 231 may include a first bending portion 2313, and the first bending portion 2313 is formed to connect the air flow-adjusting portion 2311 and the gear engagement portion 2312 to each other and to bend with respect to the air flow-adjusting portion 2311 and the gear engagement portion 2312.

Referring to fig. 21A and 21B, as the blade driving section 233 operates, the blade 231 can be moved to the right in the drawing from the state shown in fig. 21A and arranged at the position shown in fig. 21B.

The cover bracket 232 may further include a stopper 232a. The stopper 232a is provided inside the cover bracket 232 to face the first bending portion 2313, and contacts the first bending portion 2313 to guide a movement range of the first bending portion 2313. At this time, the right-side direction maximum movement position of the blade 231 may be determined by a position where the first bending portion 2313 contacts the stopper 232a provided inside the cover bracket 232.

Fig. 22 is a front view of another embodiment of a vane 231. A slit hole 2311a may be formed in the airflow regulating portion 2311 of the vane 231. The slit holes 2311a may be provided in plural in the up-down direction of the blade 231, and the slit holes 2311a may be arranged at a fixed interval in the up-down direction of the blade 231. The slit hole 2311a may be provided in plural in the left-right direction of the vane 231.

A portion of the air flow to the vane 231 may pass through the slit hole 2311a. Since a part of the air flow passes through the slit hole 2311a, a temperature difference between the front and rear surfaces of the vane 231 can be reduced.

Therefore, by forming the slit holes 2311a in the vane 231, condensation of water vapor generated on the surface of the vane 231 due to a temperature difference between the front surface portion and the rear surface portion generated by the cooled air flow passing the vane 231 can be suppressed.

Fig. 23A is a diagram showing a state in which a part of the vane 231 in fig. 1B protrudes laterally toward the front panel 14. The two-sided directional arrow shown in fig. 23A and 23B indicates the moving direction of the blade 231.

The plurality of blades 231 may be provided, and the plurality of blades 231 may be disposed at intervals in the up-down direction of the housing i, and each of the blades 231 may be provided to operate independently of each other.

In the embodiment shown in fig. 23A, a structure in which two blades 231 are installed in the up-down direction of the housing i is disclosed. Fig. 23B is a view for explaining a blade 231 of another embodiment. In the embodiment shown in fig. 23B, a structure in which three blades 231 are installed in the up-down direction of the housing i is disclosed.

By independently controlling the respective blades 231 arranged in the up-down direction of the casing i and controlling such that, for example, a forward-directed air flow is formed at the upper side of the indoor unit and a side-directed air flow is formed at the lower side of the indoor unit, it is possible to flow air in various directions in the room where the indoor unit is disposed, and thus it is possible to provide convenience to the user.

Fig. 24A is a cross-sectional view illustrating an indoor unit of an air conditioner according to an embodiment. Arrows shown in fig. 24A to 26B indicate the flow direction of the air discharged from the discharge ports 224A and 224B.

Fig. 24A shows a state in which the side doors 221a and 221b close the discharge ports 224A and 224 b. Fig. 24B is a diagram showing a state in which the side doors 221a, 221B in fig. 24A are moved. Fig. 24C is a diagram showing a state in which the blades 231a, 231B in fig. 24B are moved.

Referring to fig. 24B, the side doors 221a and 221B move rearward, and the discharge ports 224a and 224B are opened. In a state where the blades 231a, 231b are stored in the storage position on the rear surface of the front panel 14, the blades 231a, 231b do not affect the air flow of the air passing through the discharge ports 224a, 224 b.

When the side doors 221a and 221b are moved rearward to open the discharge ports 224a and 224b, the heat exchange by the heat exchanger 41 is completed, and the air flow Fm of the air discharged by the side air supply motor 322a and the side air supply fan 321a being pressed and pressed can be directed forward by the side blades 225a and 225 b. That is, the state shown in fig. 24B may be a state of operating in the direct wind mode.

When it is necessary to convert the air flow of the air from the direct wind mode to the side-directed air flow, the blades 231a, 231b can be horizontally moved from the storage position to the deployed position.

That is, the left side blade 231a may be horizontally moved to the deployed position in the left side direction (Le direction), and the right side blade 231b may be horizontally moved in the right side direction (Ri direction).

As described above, when the left blade 231a and the right blade 231b are moved to the respective deployed positions, as shown in fig. 24C, the air flow direction of the air flow Fm of the air discharged from the left discharge port 224a can be switched to the left side by the left blade 231a, and the air flow direction of the air flow Fm of the air discharged from the right discharge port 224b can be switched to the right side by the right blade 231 b.

That is, the air discharged through the discharge ports 224a and 224b receives the resistance of the respective blades 231a and 231b, and in particular, the air passing through the front end portions of the discharge ports 224a and 224b is converted in moving direction while directly colliding with the blades 231a and 231b, whereby the flow of the discharged air is converted as a whole, and the operation state of the indoor unit can be converted from the direct wind mode to the indirect wind mode.

In fig. 24C, the left blade 231a and the right blade 231b are each horizontally moved to the extended position, but alternatively, only one of the left blade 231a and the right blade 231b may be moved to the extended position. That is, it is also possible to control that either side forms a front-directed air flow and the other side forms a side-directed air flow by driving the left and right blades 231a and 231b, respectively, independently.

Fig. 25A is a cross-sectional view illustrating an indoor unit of an air conditioner according to another embodiment. Fig. 25B is a diagram showing a state in which the side doors 221a, 221B in fig. 25A are moved.

In the indoor unit of the embodiment, the front panel 14 may be provided in a shape in which both sides thereof extend so as to block the entire side doors 221a, 221b when viewed from the front-rear direction of the indoor unit. In this case, since the front panel 14 may replace the blade, in the embodiment shown in fig. 25A and 25B, the blade may not be provided.

As shown in fig. 25A, when the side doors 221a and 221b are completely moved rearward and the discharge ports 224a and 224b are completely opened, the air discharged from the discharge ports 224a and 224b collides with the front panel 14 and the movement direction is changed, so that the air flow of the discharged air is changed to be directed laterally, and the indoor unit can be operated in the indirect air mode.

On the other hand, as shown in fig. 25B, when the side doors 221a and 221B slightly move forward from the state of fig. 25A and shield a part of the discharge ports 224a and 224B, a part of the air discharged from the discharge ports 224a and 224B changes the moving direction while colliding with the side doors 221a and 221B, and therefore the air flow of the air can be formed relatively forward as compared with the case shown in fig. 25A.

Fig. 26A is a cross-sectional view showing an indoor unit of an air conditioner according to still another embodiment. Fig. 26B is a diagram showing a state in which the side doors 221a and 221B and the vanes 231a and 231B in fig. 26A are moved.

The indoor unit of the air conditioner of the embodiment shown in fig. 26A and 26B may further include an air guide 14a. The air guide 14a may be disposed at a position facing the side end of the front panel 14, and may block at least a portion of the side doors 221a, 221b when viewed from the front-rear direction. The air guides 14a may be disposed on both sides of the front panel 14 at positions spaced apart from both ends of the front panel 14.

A guide hole 14b for guiding the flow direction of the air discharged from the discharge ports 224a and 224b may be formed between the side end of the air guide 14a and the side end of the front panel 14. The guide hole 14b may be formed at a position corresponding to the discharge ports 224a and 224b, and may jet the air discharged from the discharge ports 224a and 224b forward.

For example, the air guide 14a may be formed integrally with the front panel 14, and the guide hole 14b may be formed on an integrated structure of the air guide 14a and the front panel 14. The air guide 14a and the front panel 14 may be manufactured separately and combined with each other.

The side doors 221a, 221b may be disposed in contact with the air guide 14a and close at least a portion of the discharge ports 224a, 224 b. In addition, the vane 231a, 231b may be disposed to contact the air guide 14a and close at least a portion of the guide hole 14 b.

In the state shown in fig. 26A, the side doors 221a and 221b move forward and the tips thereof come into contact with the air guide 14a, so that the discharge ports 224a and 224b are closed, and the vanes 231a and 231b are hidden in the storage position on the rear surface side of the front panel 14, so that air passing through the guide hole 14b is not affected.

Accordingly, in the state shown in fig. 26A, the air discharged from the discharge ports 224a and 224b moves forward of the indoor unit through the guide hole 14b, and the air flow can be directed forward as a whole. That is, in the state shown in fig. 26A, the indoor unit can be operated in the direct wind mode.

In the state shown in fig. 26B, the side doors 221a and 221B are moved rearward, so that the discharge ports 224a and 224B are opened, and the vanes 231a and 231B can be horizontally moved from the storage position to the deployed position. When the blades 231a, 231b are located at the deployed position, the blades 231a, 231b may be in contact with the air guide 14a, whereby the guide hole 14b is closed by the blades 231a, 231 b.

Therefore, in the state shown in fig. 26B, the air discharged from the discharge ports 224a, 224B can collide with the vanes 231a, 231B and change the air flow without passing through the closed guide hole 14B. Accordingly, the air flow of the air discharged from the discharge ports 224a and 224b is entirely changed to be directed laterally, and the indoor unit can be operated in the indirect air mode.

Fig. 26C is a diagram showing a state in which the blades 231a and 231B in fig. 26B move to form a forward directional air flow of air. Fig. 26C shows the blades 231a and 231B horizontally moved from the state of fig. 26B to the storage position. In the state of fig. 26C, the air flow Fm of the air discharged from the indoor unit may be formed to be both forward-directed air flow and side-directed air flow.

Since the flow path of the side-directed air flow needs to be changed by collision with the air guide 14a, the discharge amount of the side-directed air flow may be smaller than that of the front-directed air flow. Thus, in the state of fig. 26C, the front-directed airflow may be more dominant than the side-directed airflow.

As described above, the present invention is described with reference to the drawings, but the present invention is not limited to the embodiments and drawings disclosed in the present specification, and it is obvious that various modifications can be made by one skilled in the art within the scope of the technical idea of the present invention. Even when the embodiments of the present invention are described above, the operational effects of the configuration according to the present invention are not clearly described, and effects that can be predicted by the corresponding configuration should be recognized.

Claims (19)

1. An indoor unit of an air conditioner, comprising:

a housing provided with a discharge port;

a front panel disposed on a front surface of the housing; and

a vane module disposed in front of the discharge port and configured to change a direction of an air flow discharged through the discharge port,

the blade module is arranged on the inner side of the front panel,

the blade module includes:

a cover bracket;

a blade disposed on the cover bracket and movable in a lateral direction of the cover bracket; and

a blade driving unit disposed on the cover bracket and configured to move the blade laterally of the cover bracket,

the blade includes:

an air flow adjusting portion which is disposed along a vertical direction of the housing, and which moves laterally of the housing and changes a direction of an air flow discharged from the discharge port as the blade driving portion operates; and

and a gear engagement portion protruding from the air flow adjustment portion and formed with a first rack.

2. The indoor unit of an air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein,

the vanes are provided in plural and are arranged such that movement of each of the vanes is independently controlled.

3. The indoor unit of an air conditioner according to claim 2, wherein,

The blade module is configured to be coupled to an inner side of the front panel.

4. The indoor unit of an air conditioner according to claim 2, wherein,

the blade module further includes a mounting housing that houses at least a portion of the blade drive and couples the blade drive to the cover bracket.

5. The indoor unit of an air conditioner according to claim 4, wherein,

the blade driving section includes:

a vane motor coupled to the mounting housing and providing a rotational force;

an extension rotation shaft extending from the rotation shaft of the vane motor and rotating; and

a first pinion gear coupled to the extended rotation shaft and engaged with the first rack gear.

6. The indoor unit of an air conditioner according to claim 5, wherein,

a plurality of the gear engaging portions are provided on one of the blades, the first pinion gears are provided in the same number as the gear engaging portions,

the first pinions are disposed at intervals in a longitudinal direction of the extended rotation shaft.

7. The indoor unit of an air conditioner according to claim 6, wherein,

the plurality of gear engagement portions are respectively arranged symmetrically with respect to a central portion of the air flow adjustment portion.

8. The indoor unit of an air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein,

the blade includes a first bending portion formed to connect the air flow adjusting portion and the gear engaging portion to each other and to bend with respect to the air flow adjusting portion and the gear engaging portion.

9. The indoor unit of an air conditioner according to claim 2, wherein,

the blades are respectively arranged at the left side and the right side of the shell, and a plurality of blades are arranged along the up-down direction of the shell,

each of the vanes is configured to operate independently of the other.

10. The indoor unit of an air conditioner according to claim 4, wherein,

the mounting housing is provided with a first mounting hole for coupling of a coupling mechanism to be coupled to the cover bracket by the coupling mechanism.

11. The indoor unit of an air conditioner according to claim 10, wherein,

the mounting case is coupled to the cover bracket in such a manner that a length direction thereof is parallel to a length direction of the blade,

the first mounting holes are provided in plural numbers and are arranged at intervals along the longitudinal direction of the mounting case, respectively.

12. The indoor unit of an air conditioner according to claim 2, wherein,

The plurality of blades are arranged at intervals along the up-down direction of the housing, and each of the blades is arranged to operate independently of the other.

13. The indoor unit of an air conditioner according to claim 8, wherein,

the cover bracket further includes a stopper disposed opposite to the first bending portion and contacting the first bending portion to guide a movement range of the first bending portion.

14. The indoor unit of an air conditioner according to claim 3, wherein,

the vane module includes a side door for opening and closing the discharge port,

the indoor unit of the air conditioner further includes an air guide provided to be located at a position facing the side end of the front panel and shielding at least a portion of the side door when viewed from the front-rear direction.

15. The indoor unit of an air conditioner according to claim 14, wherein,

a guide hole is formed between a side end of the air guide and a side end of the front panel, and guides a flow direction of air discharged from the discharge port.

16. The indoor unit of an air conditioner according to claim 15, wherein,

the side door is disposed in contact with the air guide to close at least a portion of the discharge opening,

The vane is disposed in contact with the air guide to close at least a portion of the guide hole.

17. An indoor unit of an air conditioner, comprising:

a housing provided with a discharge port;

a front door module for opening and closing a front discharge port formed at the front surface of the housing or for converting the direction of the air flow;

a side door module for opening and closing the discharge port formed on a side surface of the housing or for changing a direction of an air flow; and

a vane module arranged in front of the discharge port for changing the direction of the air flow discharged through the discharge port,

the housing includes a front panel disposed on a front side,

the blade module is arranged to be coupled to the inner side of the front panel,

the blade module includes:

a cover bracket;

a blade disposed on the cover bracket and movable in a lateral direction of the cover bracket;

a blade driving unit disposed on the cover bracket and configured to move the blade in a lateral direction of the cover bracket; and

a mounting case which accommodates at least a part of the blade driving portion and mounts the blade driving portion to the cover bracket,

the blade includes:

an air flow adjusting portion which is disposed along a vertical direction of the housing, and which moves laterally of the housing and changes a direction of an air flow discharged from the discharge port as the blade driving portion operates; and

And a gear engagement portion protruding from the air flow adjustment portion and formed with a first rack.

18. The indoor unit of an air conditioner according to claim 17, wherein,

the vanes are provided in plural and are arranged such that movement of each of the vanes is independently controlled.

19. The indoor unit of an air conditioner according to claim 18, wherein,

the blade driving section includes:

a vane motor coupled to the mounting housing and providing a rotational force;

an extension rotation shaft extending from the rotation shaft of the vane motor and rotating; and

a first pinion gear coupled to the extended rotation shaft and engaged with the first rack gear.