EP2860462A1

EP2860462A1 - Indoor unit for cassette type air conditioner

Info

Publication number: EP2860462A1
Application number: EP20140187785
Authority: EP
Inventors: Changhoon Jeong
Original assignee: LG Electronics Inc
Current assignee: LG Electronics Inc
Priority date: 2013-10-08
Filing date: 2014-10-06
Publication date: 2015-04-15
Anticipated expiration: 2034-10-06
Also published as: US20150096723A1; CN104515203A; CN104515203B; EP2860462B1; KR20150041340A

Abstract

Provided is an indoor unit for a cassette type air conditioner. The indoor unit may be improved in exterior so that a vane driving assembly for operating a vane that guides discharge air is covered by the vane. Also, both ends of the vane may be rounded, and an outer surface of the vane driving assembly for operating the vane may contact the vane to improve a flow of the discharge air.

Description

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates to an indoor unit for a cassette type air conditioner.
In general, air conditioners are cooling/heating systems in which indoor air is suctioned to heat-exchange the suctioned air with a low or high-temperature refrigerant, and then the heat-exchanged air is discharged into an indoor space to cool or heat the indoor space, wherein the above-described processes are repeatedly performed. Air conditioners may generate a series of cycles using a compressor, a condenser, an expansion valve, and an evaporator.
Particularly, such an air conditioner includes an outdoor unit (that is called an "outdoor side" or "heat dissipation side") that is mainly installed in an outdoor space and an indoor unit (that is called an "indoor side" or "heat absorption side") that is mainly installed in a building. The outdoor unit includes a condenser (i.e., an outdoor heat exchanger) and a compressor, and the indoor unit (i.e., an indoor heat exchanger) includes an evaporator.
As is well known, air conditioners may be divided into spilt type air conditioners with outdoor and indoor units that are installed separately from each other and integrated type air conditioners with outdoor and indoor units that are integrally installed with each other. When considering a space to be installed or noises, the spilt type air conditioner may be preferred.
In a multi type air conditioner of such a spilt type air conditioner, a plurality of indoor units are connected to one outdoor unit. Thus, since the indoor units are respectively installed in indoor spaces for air-conditioning, an effect as if a plurality of air conditioners are installed may be achieved.
Hereinafter, an indoor unit of a cassette type air conditioner in a general multi type air conditioner will be described with reference to the accompanying drawing.
Fig. 1 is a perspective view illustrating an exterior of an indoor unit of a cassette type air conditioner according to a related art.
As illustrated in Fig. 1, an indoor unit 1 is maintained in a state where a casing body 10 defining an upper portion of the indoor unit 1 is fixed to the inside of a ceiling and hung on the ceiling, and a panel 20 and a suction grill 40, which define a bottom surface of the indoor unit 1, are exposed to a lower side of the ceiling to suction indoor air and then discharge the suctioned air into the indoor space.
Thus, In the indoor unit 1, since the casing body 10 is disposed in the ceiling, only the panel 10 and the suction grill 20 may be shown when a user look up to see the ceiling.
The panel 20 may define an exterior edge of the bottom surface of the indoor unit 1. A suction hole (not shown) that is punched in a square shape is defined in a central portion of the panel 20 to guide the introduction of the indoor air into the indoor unit 1. A plurality of ejection holes 26 that are punched to guide the air so that the air conditioned in the indoor unit 1 is discharged again into the indoor space are defined outside the suction hole (not shown).
Also, the panel 20 may be constituted by an outer frame panel 22 defining the outside thereof and an inner frame panel 24 defining the inside thereof with respect to the ejection holes 26. Thus, the ejection holes 26 may be disposed at a spaced position between the outer frame panel 22 and the inner frame panel 24. Also, a wind direction adjusting part 30 for adjusting a flow direction of air ejected from the ejection hole 26 is rotatably disposed between the inner frame panel 24 and the outer frame panel 22.
A seat space that is recessed inward is defined inside the inner frame panel 24. The seat space has a lattice shape, and the suction grill 40 in which a suction hole 42 for suctioning air is defined is mounted in the seat space. The suction grill 40 may be accommodated in the seat space that is recessed into a bottom surface of the inner frame panel 24 and be closely attached to a circumference of the seat space to provide a sense of unity.
Also, the wind direction adjusting part 30 may be disposed in a space between the inner frame panel 24 and the outer frame panel 22, and both ends of the wind direction adjusting part 30 may be rounded. Also, the wind direction adjusting part 30 may be disposed between wind direction adjusting driving parts 32 disposed on both left and right sides of the wind direction part 30. Also, both ends of the wind direction adjusting part 30 are respectively connected to the wind direction adjusting driving parts 32 to guide the air discharged by rotation of the wind direction adjusting part 30 according to the operations of the wind direction adjusting driving part 32.
However, the indoor unit 1 including the above-described constitutions according to the related art may have following limitations.
The wind direction adjusting part 30 has to be disposed between the wind direction driving parts 32 to prevent the wind direction adjusting part 30 from interfering with the wind direction driving parts 32 when the wind direction adjusting part 30 rotates. Thus, the wind direction adjusting part 30 should have a size less than a distance between the wind direction adjusting driving parts 32.
As a result, the wind direction adjusting driving parts 32 are exposed to the outside. Also, to mount the wind direction adjusting driving parts 30, a distance between the inner frame panel 24 and the outer frame panel 22 may increase.
Therefore, when the indoor unit is viewed from a lower side, gaps between the inner frame panel 24 having a relatively large size and the outer frame panel 22 and between the wind direction adjusting part 30 and the outer frame panel 22 may be exposed, and also, the wind direction adjusting driving parts 32 may be exposed as it is to deteriorate the exterior of the indoor unit 1.
Also, since the wind direction adjusting part 30 is disposed between the wind direction adjusting driving parts 32, the wind direction adjusting part 30 may be limited in size. Thus, the ejection hole 26 may also be limited in size. Thus, since the ejection hole 26 has a relatively small size, the indoor unit 1 may be deteriorated in exterior, and also, air discharge efficiency may be deteriorated.

SUMMARY

Embodiments provide an indoor unit for a cassette type air conditioner, in which a vane driving assembly for operating a vane guiding discharge air is covered by a vane to improve an exterior.
Embodiments also provide an indoor unit for a cassette type air conditioner, in which both side ends of a vane are rounded, and an outer surface of a vane driving assembly for operating the vane contacts the vane to improve a flow of discharge air.
In one embodiment, an indoor unit of a cassette type air conditioner including a cabinet on which a heat exchanger and a blower are mounted, the cabinet being installed in a ceiling in an indoor space, a panel defining a bottom surface of the cabinet, a suction hole opened at a center of the panel to suction indoor air, a discharge hole opened in the panel outside the suction hole to discharge conditioned air, a vane having a shape corresponding to that of the discharge hole, the vane opening or closing the discharge hole to guide discharge air, a vane driving assembly disposed on an inner surface of the panel, the vane driving assembly being coupled to both sides of the vane to rotate the vane, and a suction grill mounted on an outer surface of the panel to cover the suction hole is characterized in that the discharge hole has a shape in which two curves of which both ends are rounded cross each other, and a stopper that is inclined or rounded to prevent an end of the vane from interfering therewith when the vane rotates is further disposed on an outer surface of the vane driving assembly.
The vane driving assembly may be disposed on each of both sides of the discharge hole, and when the vane is closed, the vane driving assembly may be covered by the vane.
At least one portion of the vane driving assembly may be disposed at a position that overlaps the vane.
The stopper may be folded along a line of an end of the vane in a state where the vane fully rotates, and the discharge air may flow toward the discharge hole along the vane and the stopper.
The vane driving assembly may include: a case defining an exterior thereof, the case being fixed and mounted on the panel; and a driving motor accommodated in the case, the driving motor being coupled to a rotation shaft of the vane to rotate.
The vane driving assembly may include: a case defining an exterior thereof, the case being fixed and mounted on the panel; and a support plate accommodated in the case and having a bent plate-shaped structure, the support plate elastically supporting a rotation shaft of the vane.
The vane may include: a plate having a plate shape corresponding to that of the discharge hole; an extension part extending downward from a bottom surface of the plate; and a rotation shaft protruding laterally from the extension part, the rotation shaft being rotatably shaft-coupled to the vane driving assembly.
A plurality of vane grooves that are received in a longitudinal direction may be defined in the bottom surface of the plate.
An insulation member that is rounded toward the discharge hole may be further disposed on the panel.
A concave part extending to match an inner line of the discharge hole may be defined in an outer end of the suction grill.
A protrusion extending between the plurality of discharge holes may be further disposed on an edge of the suction grill.
An outer end of the protrusion may be connected to an outer line of the vane.
A round groove having a close loop shape that connects an outer line of the discharge hole, an outer line of the vane, and an outer line of the protrusion to each other may be defined in the panel.
The details of one or more embodiments are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims.
The details of one or more embodiments are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Fig. 1 is a perspective view illustrating an indoor unit of a cassette type air conditioner according to a related art.
Fig. 2 is a schematic cutoff perspective view illustrating an indoor unit of a cassette type air conditioner according to an embodiment.
Fig. 3 is a bottom view illustrating the indoor unit of the cassette type air conditioner.
Fig. 4 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a main part of the indoor unit of the cassette type air conditioner.
Fig. 5 is a view illustrating a state in which a panel and suction grill of the indoor unit of the cassette type air conditioner are coupled to each other when viewed from an upper side.
Fig. 6 is a partial perspective view of a state in which a vane of the indoor unit of the cassette type air conditioner.
Fig. 7 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a coupling structure of the vane and a vane driving assembly.
Fig. 8 is a bottom view illustrating the coupling structure of the vane and the vane directing assembly.
Fig. 9 is a perspective view of the suction grill when viewed from an upper side.
Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a grill part of the suction grill.
Fig. 11 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a structure of a connection member of the cassette type air conditioner.
Fig. 12 is a perspective view of a state in which the suction grill is opened.
Fig. 13 is a cross-sectional view of a state in which the vane is closed.
Fig. 14 is a cross-sectional view of a state in which the vane is opened.
Fig. 15 is a schematic perspective view illustrating an air flow in the panel and the suction grill.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Reference will now be made in detail to the embodiments of the present disclosure, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, that alternate embodiments included in other retrogressive inventions or falling within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure will fully convey the concept of the invention to those skilled in the art.
Fig. 2 is a schematic cutoff perspective view illustrating an indoor unit of a cassette type air conditioner according to an embodiment.
Referring to Fig. 2, an indoor unit 100 of an air conditioner (hereinafter, referred to as an "indoor unit") according to an embodiment may include a cabinet 110 inserted into a ceiling in an indoor space and a panel 200 and suction grill 300, which are disposed on a lower end of the cabinet 110 to define an exterior of a bottom surface of the indoor unit 100 and are exposed to a lower side of the ceiling when the indoor unit 100 is installed.
A heat exchanger 140 that is heat-exchanged with suctioned air, a blower fan 120 for forcibly suctioning and discharging indoor air, and an air guide having a bellmouth shape to guide the suctioned air toward the blower fan 120 may be provided in the cabinet 110.
The panel 200 may be mounted on a lower end of the cabinet 110 and have an approximately rectangular shape when viewed from a lower side. Also, the panel 200 may protrude outward from the lower end of the cabinet 110 so that a circumferential portion of the panel 200 is in contact with a bottom surface of the ceiling.
Also, a discharge hole 210 that serves as an outlet for air discharged through the cabinet 110 may be punched in the panel 200. The discharge hole 210 may be defined at a position corresponding to each of sides of the panel 200. Also, the discharge hole 210 may be lengthily defined along a length direction of each side of the panel 200. In addition, the discharge hole 210 may be opened or closed by a vane 220 mounted on the panel 200.
A suction grill 300 is mounted on a central portion of the panel 200. The suction grill 300 may define an exterior of a bottom surface of the indoor unit 100. Also, the suction grill 300 may provide a passage of air introduced into the indoor unit 100. At least one portion of the suction grill 300 may have a grill or lattice shape so that the indoor air is smoothly introduced.
Hereinafter, structures of the panel 200 and the suction grill 300 will be described in detail.
Fig. 3 is a bottom view illustrating the indoor unit of the cassette type air conditioner. Fig. 4 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a main part of the indoor unit of the cassette type air conditioner. Fig. 5 is a view illustrating a state in which a panel and suction grill of the indoor unit of the cassette type air conditioner are coupled to each other when viewed from an upper side.
As illustrated in Fig. 2, the panel 200 may have an approximately rectangular plate shape. A suction hole 230 is punched in the central portion of the panel 200. The suction hole 230 may be configured to suction the indoor air. The suction hole 230 may have a square shape and a size slightly less than that of the suction grill 300.
The discharge hole 210 is defined outside the suction hole 230. The discharge hole 210 may be provided in four at up/down/left/right sides and have a long shape. Here, both ends of the discharge hole 210 may have a curve shape having a width that gradually decreases outward.
Also, a grill seat part 232 is disposed outside the suction hole 230. The grill seat part 232 may be stepped to support the suction grill 300. Also, a panel-side mount part 260 on which a connection member 400 that will be described below is mounted is disposed on the grill seat part 232.
A circumference of the grill seat part 232 may have a close loop shape that generally defines an outer line of the discharge hole 210. Also, a round groove 234 is defined around the grill seat part 232 in a state where the suction grill 300 is mounted. The round groove 234 may have a square shape having four rounded edges. Also, each of the edges of the round groove 234 may define a line corresponding to an end of a production of the suction grill 300 so that the vane 220 of the discharge hole 210, the suction grill 300, and the panel 200 may provide a sense of unity on the whole.
Also, the round groove 234 may have a predetermined rounded or inclined section so that the discharged air does not flow along the panel 200, thereby preventing the ceiling from being wet or contaminated by the air discharged from the discharge hole 210.
An inspection hole 240 may be punched in each of the four edges of the panel 200. The inspection hole 240 may provide a space for fixing and installing the panel 200. Also, the inspection hole 240 may be opened or closed by a corner cover 242 so as to receive service of electric components mounted on a back surface of the panel 200 or confirm an operation of the indoor unit 100. Here, the inspection hole 240 and the corner cover 242 may be disposed on the four edges of the panel 200 or be disposed on at least one of the four edges as necessary.
Also, an end of the corner cover 242 may be disposed to face an end of the protrusion 320 of the suction grill 300 with respect to a boundary of the round groove 234. Here, the corner cover 242 and the protrusion 320 may have lines corresponding to the round groove 234 to provide a sense of unity on the whole.
A separate panel bracket 236 may be mounted on the grill seat part 232 of the panel 200 as necessary. The panel bracket 236 may be configured to reinforce the grill seat part 232 and stably support components for mounting or opening/closing the suction grill 300 mounted on the grill seat part 232. As occasion demands, the panel bracket 236 may not be provided, but the grill seat part 232 and the panel bracket 236 may be integrated with each other to allow the grill seat part 232 to perform a function of the panel bracket 236.
The panel bracket 236 may have the square frame shape. Also, a central portion of the panel bracket 236 may be opened in a shape corresponding to that of the suction hole 230. Also, the panel bracket 235 may be fixed so that a switching member 340 and a fixing member, which will be described below, are hooked in a state where the panel bracket 235 is mounted on the panel 200 to maintain the closed state of the suction grill 300.
Thus, the panel bracket 236 may be formed of a material having high strength to prevent the panel bracket 236 from being deformed or damaged. Here, the panel bracket 236 may be formed of a material different from that of the panel 200. For example, the panel bracket 236 may be formed of a metal material and mounted on an inner side surface of the panel 200.
Also, a coupling part 237 to which the suction grill member 390 is coupled may be disposed on each of both sides of the panel bracket 236. When the switching member 340 and the fixing member 330 are restricted on the front and rear ends of the panel 200, the coupling part 237 and the grill restriction member 390 may be disposed on both left and right sides of the panel bracket 236 so that the suction grill 300 is fixed in four directions by the switching member 340, the fixing member 330, the grill restriction member 390.
Furthermore, the grill restriction member 390 may be disposed at a center of the suction grill 300 in front and rear directions so that both ends of the suction grill 300 do not droop down, but are fixed in the state where the grill restriction member 390 is coupled to the panel bracket 236. That is, the front and rear ends of the suction grill 300 may be maintained in the fixed state by the switching member 340 and the fixing member 330, and both ends of the suction grill 300 may be fixed by the grill restriction member 390.
When the panel bracket 236 is not provided as a separate member, but is integrated while the panel 200 is manufactured, each of the switching member 340, the fixing member 330, and the grill restriction member 390 may be coupled to the panel to correspond to the panel 200.
Also, as some cases, at least one of the switching member 340, the fixing member 330, and the grill restriction member 390 may be restricted with respect to the panel bracket 236, and the rest may be restricted with respect to the panel 200.
The suction grill 300 may be mounted on the grill seat part 232. In the state where the suction grill 300 is mounted, the bottom surface of the panel 200 and the bottom surface of the suction grill 300 may be disposed on the same plane to provide a sense of unity.
Also, the concave part 310 is defined in each of the sides of the suction grill 300. The concave part 310 may be disposed on the same position as the inner line of the discharge hole 210. Also, in the state where the suction grill 300 is mounted, the inner line of the discharge hole 210 and the concave part 310 may have the same shape. That is, the concave part 310 may have both rounded ends. Here, the concave part 310 may have a curvature corresponding to the shapes of the discharge hole 210 and the vane 220.
Thus, in the suction grill 300 is closed, the inner line of the vane 220 and the end of the suction grill 300 may be adjacent to each other at the same distance. Thus, the suction grill 300 and the panel 200 may provide a sense of unity.
Furthermore, the protrusion 320 may be disposed on the four edges of the suction grill 300. The protrusions 320 may further protrude from the concave part 310 to define a region between the concave parts 310. Here, the protrusion 320 may be disposed between the discharge holes 210 when the suction grill 300 is mounted. The protrusion 320 may have an end that is rounded at the same curvature as that of the round groove 234. Thus, in the state where the suction grill 300 is mounted, the circumference defined by the suction grill 300 and the vane 220 may have the same shape as the round groove 234.
The protrusion 320 may have the same width as the corner cover 242. A side groove 238 defined along the protrusion 320 may extend up to the end of the panel 200 along both sides of the corner cover 242. Also, the side groove 238 may be connected to the concave part 310 of the suction grill 300 and the inner line of the vane 220.
Thus, in the state where the indoor unit 100 is installed, when viewed from a lower side of the indoor unit 100, the round groove 234 may be defined in a center, and the side groove 238 may be defined in each of four sides. Also, the shapes of the suction grill 300, the discharge hole 210, and the vane 220 may be defined by the round groove 234 and the side groove 238.
Fig. 6 is a partial perspective view of a state in which a vane of the indoor unit of the cassette type air conditioner. Fig. 7 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a coupling structure of the vane and a vane driving assembly. Fig. 8 is a bottom view illustrating the coupling structure of the vane and the vane directing assembly. As illustrated in the drawings, the discharge hole may be opened or closed by the vane 220. A driving motor 277 may be disposed on one end of the vane 220 to rotate the vane 220, thereby opening or closing the vane 220, or to adjust a flow direction of discharge air.
The vane 220 may have a shape corresponding to that of the discharge hole 210 to cover the discharge hole 210. Also, the vane 220 may have both ends having a width that gradually decreases outward, like the discharge hole 210. Thus, when the vane 220 is closed, the vane 220 may cover the discharge hole 210. Also, the vane 220 may have the same line as an outer line of the discharge hole 210, i.e., the round groove 234.
In detail, when the vane 220 is closed, an outer end of the vane 220 may extend along the ground groove 234 to contact the panel 200, and an inner end of the vane 220 may contact a concave part 310 of the suction grill 360.
Also, the vane 220 includes a plate 221 having a plate shape corresponding to that of the discharge hole 210 and a coupling part 223 disposed on a bottom surface of the plate-shaped plate 221 and coupled to a vane driving assembly that will be described below.
The plate 221 may have a curved surface to smoothly guide the discharge air. That is, the plate 221 may have a curved surface that has the same surface as the outer surfaces of the panel 200 and the suction grill 300. Here, the plate 221 may have the same curvature on the whole. Alternatively, top and bottom surfaces of the plate 221 may have curvatures different from each other.
Also, a plurality of vane grooves 222 extending in a transverse direction are defined in the bottom surface of the plate 221. The vane groove 222 may collect water drops therein when a surface of the vane 220 is frozen while air is discharged to prevent the water drops from dropping into the indoor space.
The coupling part 223 may be disposed on each of both left and right sides of a bottom surface of the vane 220 so that the vane 220 is rotatably coupled to the vane driving assembly 270. In detail, the coupling part 223 may include an extension part 224 vertically extending downward from the bottom surface of the vane 220 and a rotation shaft 225 protruding outward from the extension part 224.
The extension part 224 may be coupled to the vane driving assembly 270 in a state where the rotation shaft 225 is spaced a predetermined distance from the plate 221. Thus, when the vane 220 rotates, interference between the plate 221 and the vane driving assembly 270 may be prevented.
Also, a reinforcement support part 226 may be disposed between an inner surface of the extension part 224 and the plate 221. The reinforcement support part 226 may be disposed on an edge that is adjacent to the extension part 224 and the plate 221 so that the extension part 224 is not damaged when the vane is mounted.
Also, the rotation shaft 225 may extend outward by a predetermined length, and then both left and right sides of the rotation shaft 225 may be rotatably coupled to the vane driving assembly 270. Also, a plurality of reinforcing protrusions 227 may be further disposed along a circumference of the rotation shaft 225.
The vane driving assembly 270 is mounted on each of both left and right sides of the discharge hole 210. The vane driving assembly 270 may be configured to support the vane 220 at both left and right sides thereof and be fixed and mounted on the top surface of the panel 200.
The vane driving assembly 270 may be defined in exterior by the case 271. The case 271 has a space in which the driving motor 277 or a support plate 278 is accommodated.
The vane driving assembly 270 may be disposed on each of both left and right sides of the vane 220. The driving motor may be disposed in the vane driving assembly provided on one side of both left and right sides to provide a power for rotating the vane 220, and the support plate 278 may be disposed in the vane driving assembly provided on the other side so that the vane 220 is easily assembled.
The cases 271 defining exteriors of the vane driving assembles 270 disposed on both left and right sides of the vane 220 may have the same shape and structure. However, the driving motor 277 may be provided in the case disposed in one side direction, and the support plate 278 may be provided in the case disposed in the other side direction.
The case 271 may have an opened bottom surface and be mounted on the top surface of the panel 200 so that the opened surface of the case 271 faces a lower side. Also, a case fixing part 272 protruding outward is disposed on one side end of the case 271. A coupling member such as a screw may be coupled to the case fixing part 272 to fix and mount the case 271 on the top surface of the panel 200.
Also, a stopper 273 may be disposed on a top surface of the case 271. A portion of the top surface of the case 271 may be inclined or rounded to form the stopper 273. Also, the stopper 273 may have a structure in which the stopper 273 is gradually lowered toward an end thereof so that the vane 220 does not interfere therewith when the vane 220 rotates. That is, a left side (when viewed in Fig. 6) of the top surface of the case 271 is lowered than a right side of the top surface of the case 271 to prevent the end of the vane 220 from interfering while the vane 220 rotates.
The stopper 273 may contact the end of the vane 220 when the vane 220 fully rotates to prevent the vane 220 from further rotating. Thus, the stopper 273 may be inclined downward or have a curvature so that the stopper 273 does not interfere with the plate 221 of the vane 220 until the stopper 273 fully rotates (In Fig. 6, an angle of about 70° to about 90° in a counterclockwise direction) to open the discharge hole 210.
Also, in the state where the vane 220 is fully opened, the end of the plate 221 may be closely attached to the stopper 273 to prevent the discharge air from laterally leaking by the plate 221 and the stopper 273 and discharge the air into the indoor space along a curved surface of an insulation member 280 that forms a curved surface of the inside of the discharge hole 210. That is, the discharge hole 210 may be partitioned into a front surface and a rear surface of the vane 220 by the vane 220. In this state, the air may be discharged along the front and rear surfaces of the vane 220.
A through hole 274 is defined in a side surface of the case 271. The through hole 274 may be a hole in which the rotation shaft 225 of the vane 220 is inserted. That is, when the vane 220 is mounted, the rotation shaft 225 may be inserted into the through hole 274, or a link or bushing connected to the rotation shaft 225 may pass through the through hole 274.
Also, a mount part for mounting the driving motor 277 or the support plate 278 may be disposed inside the case 271.
A motor mount part 275 is disposed inside the case 271 on which the driving motor 277 is mounted. The motor mount part 275 may be coupled to motor brackets 277a disposed on both sides of the driving motor 277 by a screw. The motor mount part 275 may extend from a side surface in which the through hole 274 is defined and be provided in a pair. Thus, the motor brackets 277a may be fixed to the pair of motor mount parts 275.
A plate mount part 276 is disposed inside the case 271 on which the support plate 278 is mounted. The plate mount part 276 may extend downward from the top surface of the case 271 and provided in a pair. Thus, the pair of plate mount parts 276 may support the support plate 278 at a rear side.
The plate mount part 276 is configured to support the support plate 278 without using a separate coupling member. The support plate 278 may be inserted and mounted into a space between the plate mount part 276 and the side surface of the case 271.
The support plate 278 may be configured to mount the vane 220, i.e., to support the rotation shaft 225 of the vane 220. Here, the support plate 278 has predetermined elasticity. When the vane 220 is mounted, the support plate 278 and the rotation shaft 225 disposed at one side with respect to the both rotation shafts 225 may be coupled first to each other, and then the support plate 278 may be pushed to couple the driving motor 277 to the rotation shaft disposed at the other side.
For this, the support plate 278 may have a plate shape having elasticity and be formed of an elastically deformable metal or synthetic resin material. The support plate 278 includes a bent part 278a of which both left and right sides are bent and a connection part 278b between the bent parts 278a. The connection part 278b may include a connection boss 278c passing through the through hole 274 of the case 271 to extend.
The bent parts 278a may contact the plate mount part 276 to support both ends of the support plate 278. Also, the connection boss 278c may pass through the through hole 274 and then be exposed to the outside of the case 271. The rotation shaft 225 of the vane 220 may be inserted into and rotatably mounted on the connection boss 278c. Alternatively, the support plate 278 may be provided so that the rotation shaft 225 of the vane 220 passes through the through hole 274 to contact the connection part 278b without being provided with the connection boss 278c.
In the above-described structure, in the state where the rotation shaft 225 is mounted, when the vane 220 is pushed in a direction of the rotation shaft 225, the support plate 278 may be elastically deformed to laterally move by a predetermined distance. Thus, the rotation shaft 225 disposed on the other side of the vane 220 may be mounted on the driving motor 277.
Fig. 9 is a perspective view of the suction grill when viewed from an upper side.
As illustrated in Fig. 8, a grill-side mount part 370 on which the connection member 400 is mounted is disposed on each of both left and right sides of a top surface of the suction grill 300. The grill-side mount part 370 is disposed outside a suction part 350 that will be described below. That is, a pair of ribs extends upward from the grill-side mount part 370 to allow the connection member 400 to be rotatably fixed thereto.
Also, a fixing member 330 for fixing the suction grill 300 and a switching member 340 for selectively restricting the suction grill 300 may be disposed on front and rear ends of the top surface of the suction grill 300, respectively.
The fixing member 330 may be mounted on a rear side of the suction grill 300 as a separate member. The fixing member 330 includes a pair of protruding fixed pieces 332 to be fixed to the panel 200 or the panel bracket 236 and a coupling plate 334 connecting the fixed pieces 332 to each other and coupled to the suction grill 300.
Here, the pair of fixed pieces 332 may be inclined upward. Thus, when the suction grill 300 is pushed backward to move, the fixed pieces 332 may be inserted into one side of the panel 200 to fix a rear end of the suction grill 300 to the panel 200. On the other hand, when the suction grill 300 is pulled forward, the rear end of the suction grill may be separated from the panel 200.
The fixing member 330 may be provided in a pair at both left and right sides of the suction grill 300. As necessary, the fixing member 330 may be integrated with the suction grill 300. Also, a fixing member insertion part in which the fixing member 330 is inserted may be defined in the panel 200 or the panel bracket 236 that corresponds to the fixing member 330.
The switching member 340 may be restricted against the panel 200 or the panel bracket 236 so that the front end of the suction grill 300 is fixed in the state where the fixing member 330 is inserted into the panel 200 or the panel bracket 236. That is, the switching member 340 may be selectively restricted according to user's manipulation.
In detail, the switching member 340 may be disposed on a front portion of the suction grill 300. Also, the switching member 340 may be provided in a pair with a distance that corresponds to the fixing member 330. Also, the switching member 340 may be configured to selectively restrict the panel 200 and the suction grill 300 by elasticity when manipulated by the user. The switching member 340 may be configured to be manipulated by the user when the suction grill 300 is separated or mounted. A manipulation part 341 of the switching member 340 may be exposed to the bottom surface of the suction grill 300 and thus be manipulated.
Also, a pair of insertion pieces 343 protrude from the switching member 340. Here, the insertion pieces 343 may move outward from the suction grill 300 according to the manipulation of the switching member 340. When a user manipulates the switching member 340, the insertion pieces 343 may be hooked with one side of the suction grill 300 to restrain the suction grill 300.
An air filter (not shown) for purifying air may be disposed above the suction grill 300. The air filter may be detachably mounted on the filter case 250.
The air filter for filtering foreign substances and physically or chemically purifying suctioned air may be disposed within the filter case 250. The air filter may be separated from the filter case 250 and then replaced after a predetermined time or usable time elapses.
A suction part 350 having a lattice shape may be disposed on the center of the suction grill 300. The suction part 350 may be disposed inside the suction hole 230 of the panel 200 to allow the suctioned air to fully flow into the cabinet 111 through the panel 200.
Hereinafter, a specific shape of the suction part 350 will be described with reference to the drawings.
Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a grill part of the suction grill. Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 10-10' of Fig. 9.
As illustrated in Fig. 9, the suction part 350 of the suction grill 300 may have a lattice shape by the plurality of grills 360 that are disposed to cross each other in horizontal and vertical directions. Also, suction holes 352 through which air is suctioned may be successively defined between the grills 360 crossing each other.
As illustrated in the drawings, each of the grills 360 may have a cross-section having a shape that gradually decreases in width downward. Thus, air suctioned through the suction holes 352 may smoothly flow upward without colliding with each other just after passing through the grills 360.
Also, each of the grills 360 has a downwardly recessed shape with an opened top surface. Also, the grill 360 may have a predetermined space therein. Thus, dusts or foreign substances generated above the suction grill 300 may drop and then be collected into the space.
The structure of the grill will be described below in detail. The grill 360 may include an inclination part 361 at a lower portion thereof and a vertical art 362 that vertically extend upward from an upper end of the inclination part 361. The inclination part 361 may be tapered downward to form both inclined side surfaces. Thus, the suction hole 230 may have a wide lower end and a width that gradually decreases upward.
Also, the vertical part 362 may extend upward in a direction perpendicular to a bottom surface of the suction grill 300 from an upper end of the inclination part 361. Here, the vertical part 362 may have a length D2 less than a vertical length D1 of the inclination part 361. Also, the inclination part 361 may have an angle so that the vertical part 361 has an upper distance D3 greater by at least two times than the length D2 of the vertical part 362 when comparing the upper end of the inclination part 361, i.e., a horizontal distance D3 of the vertical part 362 to the horizontal length D2 of the vertical part 361. Thus, the air passing through the suction hole 352 may be suctioned in a state where the air divided at the upper end of the suction hole 352. Thus, the air suctioned through the suction hole 352 may not cause noises due to collision when the air passes through the suction hole 352.
The suction grill 300 may be configured to open or close the panel 200 according to the user's manipulation. When the suction grill 300 is opened or closed, the suction grill 300 may be connected to the panel 200 by a connection member 400 connecting the suction grill 300 to the panel 200. Also, when the suction grill 300 is opened or closed by the connection member 400, the suction grill may be slidably movable or rotatable.
Hereinafter, the connection member 400 and constitutions for mounting the connection member 400 will be described in detail.
Fig. 11 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a structure of a connection member of the cassette type air conditioner. Also, Fig. 12 is a perspective view of a state in which the suction grill is opened.
As illustrated in the drawings, the connection member 400 may have both ends which are respectively mounted on the panel 200 and the suction grill 300. Also, the connection member 400 may be provided in a pair on both left and right sides to connect the suction grill 300 to the panel 200. For this, the grill-side mount part 370 may be disposed on each of both left and right sides of the suction grill 300, and the panel-side mount part 260 may be disposed on the panel 200.
The grill-side mount part 370 may be coupled to a rotation coupling part 422 disposed on a lower end of the connection member 400. The grill-side mount part 370 may be provided in a pair of protruding plates so that the rotation coupling part 422 is rotatably coupled thereto. That is, the rotation coupling part 422 may be inserted between the grill-side mount parts 370. Here, both sides of the rotation coupling part 422 may be rotatably coupled to the grill-side mount part 370.
The panel-side mount part 260 may be disposed on each of both sides of the panel 200 so that the upper end of the connection member 400 is mounted thereon. The panel-side mount part 260 may be provided in plurality so that the panel-side mount part 260 is mounted regardless of a mounting direction of the suction grill 300. That is, the panel-side mount part 260 may be disposed on a position that is spaced apart from each of both left and right sides of the panel. For example, four panel-side mount parts 260 may be provided.
Thus, the mounting direction of the suction grill 300 may be selected to determine an opening direction of the suction grill 300. That is, when the connection member 400 is mounted on the panel-side mount part 260 disposed on a front portion of the panel 200, the suction grill 300 may be opened while rotating by using the front portion of the panel 200 as an axis. On the other hand, when the connection member 400 is mounted on the panel-side mount part 250 disposed on a rear portion of the panel 200, the suction grill 300 may be opened while rotating by using the rear portion of the panel 200 as an axis.
The panel-side mount parts 260 disposed on the panel 200 may have the same fundamental structure and shape except for their directions positions.
The panel-side mount part 260 may include an edge for defining a space in which the connection member 400 is accommodated, a slot 262 lengthily defined in forward and backward directions inside the edge 261, and restriction parts 265 and 266 protruding from both left and right sides of the slot 262 to selectively restrict sliding movement of the connection member 400.
The edge 261 may extend upward to define a space in which the end of the connection member 400 is accommodated and slidable. The edge may have a square shape that is long in forward and backward directions. That is, the edge 261 may extend from one side of the grill seat part 232.
The slot 262 may be defined in the space defined by the edge 261 and opened from one end from the slot 262 up to the other end of the slot 262. The slot 262 may have a width less than that of the upper end of the connection member. Thus, in a state where the connection member is inserted through the slot 262, the upper end of the connection member may protrude from both sides of the slot 262.
A lower end of the slot 262 may have a width corresponding to an upper end of the connection member 400 or be opened to have an inner diameter greater than the width of the connection member 400 so that the connection member 400 is inserted in the slot 262. Thus, when the connection member 400 is mounted, the upper end of the connection member 400 is inserted through the lower end of the slot 262. In the state where the connection member 400 is inserted into the slot 262, the connection member 400 may be movable along the slot 262.
Also, a bottom surface 263 may be disposed on both left and right sides of the slot 262 to contact a contact part 412 disposed on each of both left and right sides of the upper end of the connection member 400. The contact part 412 may move along the bottom surface when the connection 400 moves. Here, the bottom 263 may be inclined downward so that the contact part 412 is smoothly slidable in contact with the bottom surface 263.
A first restriction part 265 is disposed on an end of the slot 262. The first restriction part 265 may protrude upward to prevent the connection member 400 moving along the slot 262 from being inserted into the end of the slot 262. That is, the first restriction part 262 may protrude upward to prevent the contact part 412 from moving toward the lower end of the slot 262.
Also, a second restriction part 266 may be further disposed on one side of the bottom surface 263. The second restriction part 266 may protrude upward from the bottom surface 263 corresponding to the contact part 412 in the state where the suction grill 300 is closed. Thus, in the state where the suction grill 300 is closed, the movement of the contact part 412 in a direction in which the suction grill 300 is opened may be restricted.
The second restriction part 266 may have an inclined surface 267 so that the second restriction part 266 has a height that gradually increases away from the first restriction part 265. A vertical surface 268 perpendicular to the bottom surface 263 may be disposed on the highest end of the inclined surface 267.
Thus, when the suction grill 300 is closed, the contact part 412 of the connection member 400 may move away from the first restriction part 265. Here, the contact part 412 of the connection member 400 may slidably move over the inclined surface 267 of the second restriction part 266 with no holds barred. Also, in a state where the suction grill 300 is fully closed, the contact part 412 of the connection member 400 may contact the vertical surface 268 of the second restriction part 266 to restrict randomly slidable movement of the connection member 40. Here, the inclined surface 267 and the vertical surface 268 may be disposed so that they have surfaces crossing each other to more effectively perform the slidable movement of the contact part 412 and the restriction by the contact part 412.
The connection member 400 may have a bar shape having a predetermined length. The connection member 400 may have a long length to maintain a sufficient distance so that the end of the suction grill 300 does not interfere with the panel 200 when the suction grill 300 is fully opened.
In detail, the connection member may include an upper bent part 410, a lower bent part 420, and an intermediate connection part 430 on the whole. The upper bent part 410 may be bent upward (when viewed in Fig. 10) with respect to the intermediate connection part 430, the lower bent part 420 may be bent downward in a direction opposite to the upper bent part 410, and the intermediate connection part 430 may connect the upper bent part 410 to the lower bent part 420. Here, the upper bent part 410 and the lower bent part 420 may inclinedly extend. Here, the upper bent part 410 may have an inclination greater than that of the lower bent part 420.
A contact part 412 may be disposed on an upper end of the upper bent part 410. The contact part 412 may be disposed on both left and right sides of the upper end of the upper bent part 410 to contact the bottom surface 263 of the panel-side mount part 260. Also, the contact part 412 may have a roller shape that is easily slidable. Also, the contact part 412 may be rotatably mounted on the upper bent part 410.
The contact part 412 may be mounted to protrude from both sides of the upper bent part 410 and have a width greater than that of each of the upper bent part 410, the intermediate connection part 430, and the lower bent part 420. Thus, when the connection member 400 slidably moves along the slot 262, the contact part 412 may contact the bottom surface 263 of each of both sides of the slot 262.
The lower bent part 420 may extend to a lower end of the intermediate connection part 430. That is, a pair of left and right sides of the lower bent part 420 may extend so that central portions of the lower bent part 420 may away from each other. Also, the rotation coupling part 422 may be disposed on each of both sides of a lower end of the lower bent part 420. The rotation coupling part 422 may be rotatably shaft-coupled to the grill-side mount part 370 disposed on the suction grill 300. Thus, when the suction grill 300 is opened, the suction grill 300 may be rotatable by using the rotation coupling part 422 as an axis.
Hereinafter, the suction and discharge states of air into/from the indoor unit of the cassette type air conditioner including the above-described structure according to an embodiment will be described.
Fig. 13 is a cross-sectional view of a state in which the vane is closed. Also, Fig. 14 is a cross-sectional view of a state in which the vane is opened. Also, Fig. 15 is a schematic perspective view illustrating an air flow in the panel and the suction grill.
As illustrated in the drawings, in the state where the indoor unit 100 does not operate, the vane 220 may close the discharge hole 210 as illustrated in Fig. 13. In this state, the indoor air may not be suctioned or discharged, and the discharge hole 210 may be covered by the vane 220 having a shape corresponding to that of the discharge hole 210. Here, the round groove 234 defined by the suction grill 300, the vane 220, and the panel 200 may be defined, and also, the suction grill 300, the vane 220, and the panel 200 may not generate the other gap.
In this state, if the indoor unit 100 operates, the vane 220 may rotate as illustrated in Fig. 14 by the rotation of the driving motor 277 of the vane driving assembly 270. Here, both ends of the vane 220 may rotate in a space above the stopper 273 of the case 271 to smoothly rotate without interfering with the case 271.
Fig. 14 illustrates a state in which the vane 220 rotates at a maximum angle. The rotation angle of the vane 220 may be adjusted between an angle corresponding to the state of Fig. 13 and an angle corresponding to the state of Fig. 14 according to the manipulation of the user.
In the state where the vane 220 is opened, both ends of the vane 220 may move into the space above the stopper 273. Then, when the vane 220 fully rotates, both ends of the vane 220 contact the stopper 273, and thus, the rotation of the vane 200 may be stopped.
Also, in the state where the vane 220 is fully opened, both ends of the vane 220 may contact the stopper 273. Thus, the air discharged through the discharge hole 210 may flow along the vane 220 and then be discharged to the inside of the vane 220 without lacking to the outside of the case 271. Also, the cold air discharged through the discharge hole 210 may be divided by the vane 220 and discharged. Here, the cold air may be discharged into the indoor space in a direction in which the cold air contacts the top and bottom surfaces of the vane 220.
Also, a portion of the cold air discharged through the discharge hole 210 may not flow along the outer surface of the panel 200 by the round groove 234, but be guided by the round groove 234 and thus be discharged toward the indoor space. Thus, the discharged air may be supplied into the indoor space without contaminating the panel 200 outside the discharge hole 210 or the ceiling surface.
If the overall air suction and discharge states in the indoor unit are described with reference to Fig. 15, when the indoor unit 100 operates, the indoor air may be suctioned into the indoor unit 100 through the suction grill 300. Also, the air may be heat-exchanged within the indoor unit 100, and then discharged to the outside through the plurality of discharge holes 210.
When the vane 220 disposed inside the discharge holes 210 rotates, the discharged air may be decided in flow direction according to the rotating direction of the vane 220. Thus, the air may be discharged outward from each of the discharge holes 210.
Both ends of the discharge hole 210 of the panel may gradually decrease in width outward and be rounded to forma a tapered end of the panel 200. Also, the insulation member 280 defining the inner surface of the discharge hole 210 may be inclined or rounded. Particularly, the stopper 273 of the case 271 and the vane 220 may contact each other within both side ends of the discharge hole to guide the discharge air into the vane 220 without flowing into the outside of the vane 220. Also, the insulation member 280 corresponding to both ends of the discharge hole 210 may also be rounded to guide the discharge air, thereby guiding the discharge air in a central direction.
Thus, the discharged air may concentrate a flow of air discharged from both ends of the discharge hole 210 in a central direction to prevent dew from being formed on both ends of the discharge hole 210 and the end of the vane 220.
According to the embodiment, the suction grill may be mounted to cover the panel. Particularly, the suction grill may extend up to the discharge hole of the panel to form the inner line of the discharge hole, thereby providing an elegant exterior.
Also, the outer line of the discharge hole and the protrusion of the suction grill may form one close loop by the round groove to minimize lines generated by connected portions between components, thereby realizing the more clean and neat exterior.
For this, the discharge hole and the vane may have both ends that have shapes in which two rounded curves cross each other. Also, the vane driving assembly may be mounted on the inner surface of the panel. When the vane is closed, the vane driving assembly may be covered by the vane and thus may not be exposed to the outside.
Also, the stopper that is inclined or rounded may be disposed on the top surface of the vane driving assembly to prevent the end of the vane from interfering while the vane rotates.
Thus, while the vane driving assembly is not exposed to the outside, the vane may smoothly rotate to open or close the discharge hole.
Also, in the state where the vane fully rotates, the end of the vane may be closely attached to the stopper to prevent the discharge air from leaking to the outside and to guide the discharge air in the central direction along the outer surfaces of the vane and the stopper, thereby allowing the cold air to be effectively discharged into the indoor space.
Also, the discharge air may not be accumulated into the end of the discharge hole, but be smoothly discharged along the vane and the stopper to prevent the end of the discharge hole or the end of the vane from being frozen or contaminated.
Although embodiments have been described with reference to a number of illustrative embodiments thereof, it should be understood that numerous other modifications and embodiments can be devised by those skilled in the art that will fall within the spirit and scope of the principles of this disclosure. More particularly, various variations and modifications are possible in the component parts and/or arrangements of the subject combination arrangement within the scope of the disclosure, the drawings and the appended claims. In addition to variations and modifications in the component parts and/or arrangements, alternative uses will also be apparent to those skilled in the art.

Claims

An indoor unit of a cassette type air conditioner, the indoor unit (100) comprising
a cabinet (110) on which a heat exchanger and a blower are mounted, the cabinet (110) being installable in a ceiling in an indoor space,
a panel (200) defining a bottom surface of the cabinet (110), the bottom surface facing the indoor space,
a suction hole opened at a center of the panel (200) to suck indoor air,
a discharge hole (210) opened in the panel (200) outside the suction hole to discharge conditioned air, the discharge hole (210) having an oblong shape,
a vane (220) having an oblong shape corresponding to that of the discharge hole (210), the vane (220) selectively opening or closing the discharge hole (210) to guide discharge air,
a vane driving assembly (270) disposed on an inner surface of the panel (200), the vane driving assembly (270) being coupled to the opposite ends of the vane (220) to rotate the vane around its longitudinal axis, and
characterized in that
the opposite ends of the discharge hole (210) and of the vane (220) have shapes in which two rounded curves cross each other, and
the vane driving assembly (270) comprises a stopper (273) that provides a stop to the vane (220) defining a rotational end position, wherein the stopper (273) is inclined or rounded to prevent an end of the vane (220) from interfering therewith until the vane (220) has reached its rotational end position.
The indoor unit according to claim 1, wherein when the vane (220) is in its closed position, the vane driving assembly (270) is covered by the vane (220).
The indoor unit according to claim 1, wherein at least one portion of the vane driving assembly (270) is disposed at a position that overlaps the vane (220) when seen in a direction perpendicular to the panel (200).
The indoor unit according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, in the fully open position of the vane (220), the surface of the stopper (273) abuts against the vane (220), and
wherein along the vane (220) and the stopper (273) provide a guide for the discharge air towards the discharge hole (210).
The indoor unit according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the vane driving assembly (270) a first unit comprising:
a case (271) defining an exterior thereof, the case (271) being fixed and mounted on the panel (200); and

a driving motor accommodated in the case (271), the driving motor being coupled to a rotation shaft (225) at one longitudinal end of the vane (220).
The indoor unit according to claim 5, wherein the vane driving assembly (270) further comprises a second unit comprisinf:
a case (271) defining an exterior thereof, the case being fixed and mounted on the panel (200); and

a support plate (278) accommodated in the case (271) and having a bent plate-shaped structure, the support plate (278) elastically supporting a rotation shaft (225) at the other longitudinal end of the vane (220).
The indoor unit according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the vane (220) comprises:
a plate (221) having a shape corresponding to that of the discharge hole (210);

an extension part (224) extending from a bottom surface of the plate (221) to an inside of the indoor unit (100); and

a rotation shaft (225) protruding laterally from the extension part (224), the rotation shaft (225) being rotatably shaft-coupled to the vane driving assembly (270).
The indoor unit according to claim 7, wherein a plurality of vane grooves (220) are defined in longitudinal direction in the inside surface of the plate (221).
The indoor unit according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein an insulation member (280) that is rounded toward the discharge hole (210) is further disposed on the panel adjacent to the inner edge of the discharge hole (210).
The indoor unit according to any one of claims 1 to 9, further comprising a suction grill (300) mounted on the panel (200) to cover the suction hole,
wherein the outer edge of the suction grill (300) comprises a concave part (310) that matches the inner edge of the discharge hole (210).
The indoor unit according to claim 10, wherein the indoor unit (100) has a square or rectangular shape, and comprises two, three or four discharge holes (210) along edges of the indoor unit (100).
The indoor unit according to claim 11, wherein the suction grill (300) comprises a protrusion (320) extending at the corner of the indoor unit (100) between two neighboring discharge holes (210).
The indoor unit according to claim 12, wherein an outer edge of the protrusion (320) is connected to an outer line of the vane (220).
The indoor unit according to claim 12 or 13, wherein a round groove (234) having a closed loop shape formed by an outer line of the discharge hole (210), an outer line of the vane (220), and an outer line of the protrusion (320) is defined in the panel (200).