阅读说明：本技术 空气调节器用风扇装置 (Fan device for air conditioner ) 是由 金宰贤 金厚辰 吴时荣 金容民 金起东 崔硕浩 朴亨镐 崔致英 于 2021-06-02 设计创作，主要内容包括：本发明涉及一种空气调节器用风扇装置,其包括：塔壳体,具有第一塔和第二塔,所述第一塔将吸入的空气吐出,所述第二塔与所述第一塔隔开且将吸入的空气吐出；吹风间隙,位于所述第一塔和所述第二塔之间,提供从所述第一塔和所述第二塔吐出的空气流动的空间；以及气流转换器,通过封堵所述吹风间隙的至少一部分或开放所述吹风间隙,来改变经由所述吹风间隙流动的空气的方向；所述气流转换器包括：引导马达,配置于所述塔壳体,提供驱动力；间隙板,设置于所述塔壳体,在所述吹风间隙和所述塔壳体的内部往复移动；以及板引导件,与所述间隙板连接,将所述引导马达的驱动力作为直线运动力传递给所述间隙板。(The invention relates to a fan device for air conditioner, which comprises: a tower casing having a first tower for discharging the sucked air and a second tower spaced apart from the first tower for discharging the sucked air; a blowing gap between the first tower and the second tower, providing a space in which air discharged from the first tower and the second tower flows; and an air current converter changing a direction of air flowing through the blowing gap by blocking at least a portion of the blowing gap or opening the blowing gap; the airflow converter includes: a guide motor disposed in the tower housing and configured to provide a driving force; a gap plate provided in the tower housing and reciprocating in the blowing gap and the inside of the tower housing; and a plate guide connected to the gap plate, and transmitting a driving force of the guide motor to the gap plate as a linear motion force.)

1. A fan apparatus for an air conditioner, comprising:

a tower casing having a first tower for discharging the sucked air and a second tower spaced apart from the first tower for discharging the sucked air;

a blowing gap between the first tower and the second tower, providing a space in which air discharged from the first tower and the second tower flows; and

an air flow converter changing a direction of air flowing through the blowing gap by blocking at least a portion of the blowing gap or opening the blowing gap;

the airflow converter includes:

a guide motor disposed in the tower housing and configured to provide a driving force;

a gap plate provided in the tower housing and reciprocating in the blowing gap and the inside of the tower housing; and

and a plate guide connected to the gap plate and transmitting a driving force of the guide motor to the gap plate as a linear motion force.

2. The fan apparatus for an air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein,

the airflow converter further includes:

a pinion gear coupled with a shaft of the guide motor; and

and a rack gear connected to the pinion gear to transmit a rotational force of the guide motor to the panel guide by a linear motion.

3. The fan apparatus for an air conditioner according to claim 2, wherein,

the rack is formed on the opposite side of the face of the plate guide facing the gap plate.

4. The fan apparatus for an air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein,

a first discharge port formed in the first tower extends in a second direction,

a second discharge port formed in the second tower extends in the second direction,

the plate guide moves in the second direction.

5. The fan apparatus for an air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein,

the plate guide includes a first slit guiding movement of the gap plate,

the gap plate includes a first projection, at least a portion of which is inserted into and slides along the first slit.

6. The fan apparatus for an air conditioner according to claim 5, wherein,

the first slit includes a slit inclination part inclined downward toward the direction of the blowing gap with respect to a horizontal direction.

7. The fan apparatus for an air conditioner according to claim 5, wherein,

the first slit includes a slit inclination portion in which a height of a portion close to the blowing gap is lower than a height of a portion far from the blowing gap.

8. The fan apparatus for an air conditioner according to claim 6, wherein,

the first slit further includes a vertical portion having a lower end connected with an upper end of the slit inclined portion, the vertical portion extending in a length direction of the plate guide.

9. The fan apparatus for an air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein,

the airflow converter further includes a guide body that guides movement of the plate guide.

10. The fan apparatus for an air conditioner according to claim 9, wherein,

the guide body further includes a body protrusion protruding in a direction crossing a length direction of the guide body,

the plate guide further includes a second slit into which the body protrusion is inserted to be guided.

11. The fan apparatus for an air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein,

the airflow converter further includes a friction reducing protrusion,

the friction reducing projection prevents the plate guide from coming into surface contact with the gap plate by spacing the plate guide from the gap plate.

12. The fan apparatus for an air conditioner according to claim 11, wherein,

the friction reducing projection is formed on the plate guide, and projects from a surface facing the gap plate to contact the gap plate.

13. The fan apparatus for an air conditioner according to claim 11, wherein,

the friction reducing projection is formed on the gap plate, and projects from a surface facing the plate guide to be in contact with the plate guide.

14. The fan apparatus for an air conditioner according to claim 11, wherein,

the gap plate is moved in a first direction,

the friction reducing projection extends in the first direction.

15. The fan apparatus for an air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein,

the airflow converter further includes a roller that separates the tower housing and the gap plate and is provided to one of the tower housing and the gap plate.

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a fan device for an air conditioner, which can change a path of air discharged by a coanda effect and a discharge form of the air.

Background

Generally, a blower is a mechanical device that generates a flow of air by driving a fan. A conventional blower is provided with a fan that rotates about a rotation shaft, and a motor rotates the fan to generate wind.

The conventional fan using an axial flow fan has an advantage of supplying a wide range of wind, but has a problem that the wind cannot be intensively blown to a narrow area.

Japanese laid-open patent No. 2019107643 describes a fan that blows air to a user using the coanda effect.

The conventional fan does not disclose a technique for adjusting the path of the air discharged by the coanda effect or changing the form of the discharged air. Therefore, the conventional fan has a problem that the flow rate of the discharged air is very weak or the direction of the discharged air cannot be changed, and also has a problem that the discharged air is difficult to reach a user located at a remote place.

Chinese published utility model patent No. 202392959 discloses a common air door structure of an air conditioner. Specifically, the vane or the door is rotated by the driving force of the motor, thereby opening and closing the discharge port for discharging the air. This structure has a problem that the door protrudes from the main body when the door is opened or closed due to the radius of rotation of the door, and also has a problem that various airflows cannot be formed.

Documents of the prior art

Patent document

Japanese laid-open patent No. 2019107643

Chinese published utility model patent No. 202392959

Disclosure of Invention

The present invention has been made to solve the problem of providing a fan device for an air conditioner that discharges air discharged through a discharge port in various directions and in various forms.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a fan device for an air conditioner, which reduces the load on a guide motor by reducing friction between a gap plate that moves to shield a blowing gap of discharged air and another member.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a fan device for an air conditioner, which reduces a Detent Torque (Detent Torque) of a guide motor due to the weight of a gap plate in a state where a power supply of the guide motor is turned off.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a fan device for an air conditioner, which reduces vibration and noise by stably guiding a gap plate.

Further, an object of the present invention is to provide a fan device for an air conditioner, in which a cover and a main body are closely coupled without a gap, and the main body and the cover can be easily separated from each other by applying an external force to a cover separating unit when the cover and the main body are separated from each other.

The present invention is characterized in that the gap plate selectively shields the structure of the blowing gap.

In addition, the present invention is also characterized by a friction reducing projection that reduces friction between the gap plate and other members.

The present invention also features a roller that reduces friction between the gap plate and the housing.

Specifically, the present invention is characterized by comprising: a tower casing having a first tower for discharging the sucked air and a second tower spaced apart from the first tower for discharging the sucked air; and an airflow converter that changes the direction of the air ejected from the first tower and the second tower; the airflow converter includes: a guide motor providing a driving force; a clearance plate reciprocating between the interior and exterior of the tower housing; and a plate guide connected to the gap plate, and transmitting a driving force of the guide motor to the gap plate as a linear motion force.

Further, the present invention is characterized by comprising: a tower casing having a first tower for discharging the sucked air and a second tower spaced apart from the first tower for discharging the sucked air; a blowing gap between the first tower and the second tower, providing a space in which air discharged from the first tower and the second tower flows; and an air current converter changing a direction of air flowing through the blowing gap by blocking at least a portion of the blowing gap or opening the blowing gap; the airflow converter includes: a guide motor disposed in the tower housing and configured to provide a driving force; a gap plate provided in the tower housing and reciprocating in the blowing gap and the inside of the tower housing; and a plate guide connected to the gap plate, and transmitting a driving force of the guide motor to the gap plate as a linear motion force.

The airflow converter may further include: a pinion gear coupled with a shaft of the guide motor; and a rack connected to the pinion gear to transmit a rotational force of the guide motor to the panel guide by a linear motion.

The rack gear may be formed on a rear surface that is an opposite side of a surface of the plate guide facing the gap plate.

The first discharge port formed in the first tower may extend in a second direction, the second discharge port formed in the second tower may extend in the second direction, and the plate guide may be movable in the second direction.

The plate guide may include a first slit guiding movement of the gap plate, and the gap plate may include a first protrusion, at least a portion of which is inserted into and slid along the first slit.

The first slit may include a slit inclination part inclined downward toward the blowing gap direction with respect to a horizontal direction.

The first slit may include a slit inclination part in which a height of a portion close to the blowing gap is lower than a height of a portion far from the blowing gap.

The first slit may further include a vertical portion having a lower end connected to an upper end of the slit inclined portion, the vertical portion extending in a length direction of the board guide.

The airflow converter may further include a guide body that guides movement of the plate guide.

The guide body may further include a body protrusion protruding in a direction crossing a length direction of the guide body, and the plate guide may further include a second slit into which the body protrusion is inserted to be guided.

The airflow converter may further include a friction reducing protrusion that prevents the plate guide and the gap plate from coming into surface contact by spacing the plate guide and the gap plate apart.

The friction reducing projection may be formed on the plate guide to project from a surface facing the gap plate to be in contact with the gap plate.

The friction reducing protrusion may be formed at the gap plate to protrude from a surface facing the plate guide to be in contact with the plate guide.

The gap plate may be movable in a first direction, and the friction reducing protrusion may extend in the first direction.

The first direction may be a horizontal direction.

The friction reducing protrusions may be arranged in plural at intervals in a second direction crossing the first direction.

The airflow converter may further include a roller that separates the tower housing and the gap plate and is provided to one of the tower housing and the gap plate.

The roller may be located at a lower portion of the gap plate.

The airflow converter may further include a guide pin that partitions the tower housing and the gap plate and is provided to one of the tower housing and the gap plate.

Drawings

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a fan device for an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 2 is a diagram illustrating an operation of fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is a front view of fig. 2.

Fig. 4 is a top view of fig. 3.

Fig. 5 is a right side sectional view of fig. 2.

Figure 6 is a front cross-sectional view of figure 2,

fig. 7 is a partially exploded perspective view illustrating the inside of the second tower of fig. 2.

Fig. 8 is a right side view of fig. 7.

Fig. 9 is a perspective view of the fan apparatus for an air conditioner of fig. 1, as viewed from a different direction.

Fig. 10 is a perspective view showing a state where the filter is separated from the housing of fig. 9.

Fig. 11 is a perspective view taken along line a-a' of fig. 9 and shown.

Fig. 12 is a diagram showing an operation state of fig. 11.

Fig. 13 is a diagram showing the operation of fig. 9 in a state where the cover and the housing are coupled.

FIG. 14 is a top sectional view taken along line IX-IX of FIG. 3.

FIG. 15 is a bottom sectional view taken along line IX-IX of FIG. 3.

Fig. 16 is a perspective view showing a first state of the airflow converter.

Fig. 17 is a perspective view showing a second state of the airflow converter

Fig. 18 is an exploded perspective view of the airflow converter.

Fig. 19 is a front view of the airflow converter in a state where the gap plate is omitted.

Fig. 20 is a front view of a state in which the gap plate is provided in fig. 19.

Fig. 21 is a side sectional view of the airflow converter.

Fig. 22 is a diagram showing the back surface of the gap plate of the airflow converter.

Fig. 23 is a cross-sectional plan view schematically showing the flow direction of air that changes according to the position of the gap plate.

Fig. 24 is a front cross-sectional view of fig. 2 in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 25 is a partially exploded perspective view illustrating the inside of the second tower of fig. 24.

Fig. 26 is a right side view of fig. 25.

Fig. 27 is an explanatory view showing a horizontal airflow of the fan apparatus for an air conditioner of the present invention.

Fig. 28 is an explanatory view showing an ascending air current of the fan device for an air conditioner according to the present invention.

Fig. 29 is a perspective view showing a fan of the present invention.

Fig. 30 is an enlarged view of the front edge portion of fig. 29.

FIG. 31 is a cross-sectional view taken along line C1-C1' of FIG. 30.

Fig. 32 is a diagram showing the flow direction of air passing through the cut-out portion of the leading edge in fig. 29.

Fig. 33 is experimental data showing a comparison of Sharpness (sharp) that changes according to the air volume for the comparative example and the example.

Fig. 34 is experimental data showing comparison of noise that changes according to the air volume between the comparative example and the example.

Fig. 35 is a top sectional view showing an airflow converter according to another embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 36 is a perspective view of the airflow converter shown in fig. 35.

Fig. 37 is a perspective view of the airflow converter viewed from the opposite side of fig. 36.

Fig. 38 is a top view of fig. 36.

Fig. 39 is a bottom view of fig. 36.

Fig. 40 is a front sectional view of fig. 2 for explaining an air guide according to another embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 41 is a view for explaining the air guide of fig. 40.

Fig. 42 is a right sectional view of an air conditioner according to another embodiment of the present invention.

Detailed Description

Advantages and features of the present invention and methods for accomplishing the same will become apparent from the following detailed description of embodiments of the invention with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the embodiments are not limited to the embodiments disclosed hereinafter, and may be implemented in various ways. The examples are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will serve to disclose the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. Like reference numerals may denote like elements throughout the specification.

As shown in the drawings, "lower", "upper", and the like, which are relative terms with respect to space, can be used for convenience of explaining the relationship between one component and another component. Spatially relative terms are to be understood as including terms of orientation relative to one another that are different from one another of the components when in use or action, in addition to the orientation shown in the figures. For example, in the case of inverting the constituent elements illustrated in the drawings, a constituent element described as being located "below" or "beneath" another constituent element may be located "above" another constituent element. Thus, "below" as an exemplary term may include both below and above. The constituent elements may be oriented in other directions, and the spatially relative terms may be interpreted accordingly.

The terminology used in the description presented herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. In this specification, unless otherwise specified, singular references include plural references. The use of "including" and/or "comprising" in the specification means that one or more other constituent elements, steps and/or actions are present or added in addition to the mentioned constituent elements, steps and/or actions.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein may be used with the meaning commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. In addition, unless there is an explicit special definition, terms defined in a dictionary that is generally used should not be idealized or exaggeratedly construed.

In the drawings, the thickness or size of each constituent element is exaggerated or omitted or schematically shown for convenience of description and clarity of description. In addition, the size and area of each constituent element do not completely reflect the actual size or area.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a fan device for an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention, fig. 2 is an operation example of fig. 1, fig. 3 is a front view of fig. 2, and fig. 4 is a plan view of fig. 3.

Referring to fig. 1 to 4, a fan apparatus 1 for an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: providing an external appearance of the housing 100. The housing 100 includes: a base housing 150 for the filter 200; and a tower housing 140 that spits air through the coanda effect.

Also, the tower housing 140 includes the first tower 110 and the second tower 120 separately arranged in two column shapes. In the present embodiment, the first tower 110 is disposed on the left side, and the second tower 120 is disposed on the right side.

In this specification, the up-down direction is defined as a direction parallel to the rotational axis direction of the fan 320. The upper direction (vertical direction) refers to a direction in which the tower housing 140 is located in the housing 100, and the lower direction refers to a direction in which the base housing 150 is located in the housing 100.

The first tower 110 and the second tower 120 are spaced apart from each other, with a blowing gap 105 formed between the first tower 110 and the second tower 120.

In the present embodiment, the blowing gap 105 is opened forward, rearward, and upward, and the intervals between the upper end and the lower end of the blowing gap 105 are the same.

The tower housing 140 including the first tower, the second tower and the blowing gap is formed in a circular truncated cone shape.

The discharge ports 117 and 127 disposed in the first tower 110 and the second tower 120 discharge air to the air blowing gap 105. When it is necessary to distinguish the discharge ports, the discharge port formed in the first tower 110 is referred to as a first discharge port 117, and the discharge port formed in the second tower 120 is referred to as a second discharge port 127.

The first discharge port and the second discharge port are disposed within the height of the blowing gap, and the direction passing through the blowing gap 105 is defined as the air discharge direction.

Since the first tower 110 and the second tower 120 are arranged on the left and right sides, the air discharge direction can be formed in the front-rear direction and the up-down direction in this embodiment.

That is, the air discharge direction passing through the blowing gap 105 includes a first air discharge direction S1 formed in the horizontal direction and a second air discharge direction S2 formed in the up-down direction.

The air flowing in the first air ejection direction S1 is referred to as a horizontal air flow, and the air flowing in the second air ejection direction S2 is referred to as an upward air flow.

It should be understood that the amount of air flowing in the horizontal direction is greater than if the horizontal air flow were to cause air to flow only in the horizontal direction. Likewise, it should be understood that the updraft is such that air flows only in the upward direction, not so much as the amount of air flowing in the upward direction.

In the present embodiment, the upper end interval and the lower end interval of the blowing gap 105 are the same. Unlike the present embodiment, the upper end interval of the blowing gap 105 may also be smaller or larger than the lower end interval.

By forming the blowing gap 105 to have a constant left-right width, the flow of air flowing in front of the blowing gap can be made relatively uniform.

For example, when the upper width and the lower width are different from each other, the flow velocity is low on the wider side, and a velocity deviation occurs with the vertical direction as a reference. In the case where the flow velocity of the air varies in the vertical direction, the arrival distance of the air varies.

The air discharged from the first discharge port and the second discharge port may flow toward the user after the air blowing gaps 105 merge.

That is, in the present embodiment, the air discharged from the first discharge port 117 and the air discharged from the second discharge port 127 do not flow to the user separately, but the air discharged from the first discharge port 117 and the air discharged from the second discharge port 127 are supplied to the user after being merged in the blowing gap 105.

The blowing gap 105 can be used as a space for merging and mixing the discharged air. Further, the air discharged to the air discharge gap 105 can also flow to the air discharge gap from the rear of the air discharge gap.

The discharged air passing through the first discharge port 117 and the discharged air passing through the second discharge port 127 are merged at the blowing gap, and the straight-ahead traveling property of the discharged air can be improved. Further, by merging the air discharged from the first discharge port 117 and the air discharged from the second discharge port 127 at the blowing gap, the air around the first tower and the second tower can be indirectly caused to flow in the air discharge direction.

In the present embodiment, the first air discharge direction S1 is a direction from the rear to the front, and the second air discharge direction S2 is a direction from the bottom to the top.

In order to achieve the second air discharge direction S2, upper end 111 of first tower 110 and upper end 121 of second tower 120 are spaced apart. That is, the air discharged in the second air discharge direction S2 does not interfere with the casing of the air conditioner fan device 1.

Further, in order to achieve the first air discharge direction S1, front end 112 of first tower 110 is spaced apart from front end 122 of second tower 120, and rear end 113 of first tower 110 is also spaced apart from rear end 123 of second tower 120.

In the first tower 110 and the second tower 120, a surface facing the blowing gap 105 is referred to as an inner side surface, and a surface not facing the blowing gap 105 is referred to as an outer side surface.

The outer sidewall 114 of the first tower 110 and the outer sidewall 124 of the second tower 120 are configured to face opposite each other, with the inner sidewall 115 of the first tower 110 and the inner sidewall 125 of the second tower 120 facing each other.

When it is necessary to distinguish the inner walls 115 and 125, the inner surface of the first tower is referred to as a first inner wall 115, and the inner surface of the second tower is referred to as a second inner wall 125.

Similarly, when the outer sidewalls 114, 124 need to be distinguished, the outer sidewall of the first tower is referred to as the first outer sidewall 114 and the outer sidewall of the second tower is referred to as the second outer sidewall 124.

The first outer side wall 114 is formed outside the first inner side wall 115. A space for air to flow is formed inside the first outer side wall 114 and the first inner side wall 115. The second outer sidewall 124 is formed outside the second inner sidewall 125. A space for air to flow is formed inside the second outer sidewall 124 and the second inner sidewall 125.

The first tower 110 and the second tower 120 are formed to be streamlined with respect to the flow direction of the air.

Specifically, the first inner sidewall 115 and the first outer sidewall 114 are formed to be streamlined with respect to the front-rear direction, and the second inner sidewall 125 and the second outer sidewall 124 are formed to be streamlined with respect to the front-rear direction.

The first discharge port 117 is disposed on the first inner wall 115, and the second discharge port 127 is disposed on the second inner wall 125.

The shortest distance between the first inner side wall 115 and the second inner side wall 125 is defined as B0. The ejection ports 117 and 127 are located rearward of the shortest distance B0.

The spacing between the front end 112 of the first tower 110 and the front end 122 of the second tower 120 is defined as a first spacing B1, and the spacing between the rear end 113 of the first tower 110 and the rear end 123 of the second tower 120 is defined as a second spacing B2.

In this embodiment, B1 and B2 are the same. Any one of B1 and B2 may be longer unlike the present embodiment.

The first discharge port 117 and the second discharge port 127 are disposed between B0 and B2.

Preferably, the first discharge port 117 and the second discharge port 127 are disposed closer to the rear ends 113 and 123 of the first and second towers 110 and 120 than to B0.

The closer the discharge ports 117, 127 are to the rear ends 113, 123, the easier the later-described coanda effect-based airflow control becomes.

The inner sidewall 115 of the first tower 110 and the inner sidewall 125 of the second tower 120 directly provide the coanda effect and the outer sidewall 114 of the first tower 110 and the outer sidewall 124 of the second tower 120 indirectly provide the coanda effect.

The inner side walls 115, 125 directly guide the air discharged from the discharge ports 117, 127 to the leading ends 112, 122.

That is, the air discharged from the discharge ports 117, 127 directly provides a horizontal air flow.

Since the air flows in the blowing gap 105, an indirect air flow is also formed in the outer side walls 114, 124.

The outer side walls 114, 124 induce a coanda effect on the indirect air flow and direct the indirect air flow toward the front ends 112, 122.

Although the left side of the blowing gap is closed by the first inner sidewall 115 and the right side of the blowing gap is closed by the second inner sidewall 125, the upper side of the blowing gap 105 is opened.

The air flow converter described later may convert the horizontal air flow passing through the blowing gap into the ascending air flow, and the ascending air flow may flow toward the opened upper side of the blowing gap. The updraft suppresses the direct flow of the discharged air to the user, and enables the indoor air to be positively convected.

Further, the width of the discharged air can be adjusted by the air flow rate merged at the blowing gap.

The discharge air from the first discharge port and the discharge air from the second discharge port can be guided to merge in the blowing gap by making the vertical lengths of the first discharge port 117 and the second discharge port 127 much longer than the horizontal widths B0, B1, B2 of the blowing gap.

Referring to fig. 1 to 3, a casing 100 of a fan apparatus 1 for an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a base housing 150, the filter being detachably provided in the base housing 150; and a tower case 140 disposed above the base case 150 and supported by the base case 150.

The tower housing 140 includes a first tower 110 and a second tower 120.

In the present embodiment, the tower base 130 connecting the first tower 110 and the second tower 120 is first configured, and then the tower base 130 is assembled to the base housing 150. The tower base 130 may be integrally manufactured with the first tower 110 and the second tower 120.

Unlike the present embodiment, the first tower 110 and the second tower 120 may be directly assembled to the base housing 150 without the tower base 130, or may be integrally manufactured with the base housing 150.

The base case 150 forms a lower portion of the air conditioner fan device 1, and the tower case 140 forms an upper portion of the air conditioner fan device 1.

The air conditioner fan device 1 can suck ambient air from the base casing 150 and discharge filtered air from the tower casing 140. The tower housing 140 may spit air at a higher position than the base housing 150.

The fan device 1 for an air conditioner has a pillar shape with a smaller diameter as the upper portion approaches. The fan apparatus 1 for an air conditioner may be in the shape of a cone or a Truncated cone as a whole.

Unlike the present embodiment, the fan apparatus 1 for an air conditioner may include both shapes configured with two towers. Unlike the present embodiment, the cross section may not be narrower as it approaches the upper side.

However, if the cross section is narrower toward the upper side as in this embodiment, the center of gravity becomes lower, which is advantageous in that the risk of falling over by an external impact is reduced. In the present embodiment, the base housing 150 and the tower housing 140 are separately manufactured for convenience of assembly.

Unlike the present embodiment, the base housing 150 and the tower housing 140 may also be formed in one body. For example, the base housing and the tower housing may be integrally manufactured into a front housing shape and a rear housing shape and then assembled.

In the present embodiment, the base housing 150 is formed such that its diameter becomes gradually smaller as it approaches the upper end. The tower housing 140 is also formed to have a diameter that becomes gradually smaller as it approaches the upper end.

The outer side surfaces of the base housing 150 and the tower housing 140 are continuously formed. In particular, the lower end of the tower base 130 and the upper end of the base housing 150 are in close contact with each other, and the outer surface of the tower base 130 and the outer surface of the base housing 150 form a continuous surface.

To this end, the diameter of the lower end of the tower base 130 may be equal to or slightly smaller than the diameter of the upper end of the base housing 150.

The tower base 130 distributes the filtered air received from the base housing 150 and provides the distributed air to the first tower 110 and the second tower 120.

The tower base 130 connects the first tower 110 and the second tower 120, and the blowing gap 105 is disposed above the tower base 130.

The discharge ports 117 and 127 are disposed above the tower base 130, and the ascending air flow and the horizontal air flow are formed above the tower base 130.

To minimize friction with air, the upper side 131 of the tower base 130 may be formed as a curved surface. In particular, the upper side is formed as a curved surface that is concave downward, and extends in the front-rear direction. One side 131a of the upper side 131 is connected to the first inner sidewall 115, and the other side 131b of the upper side 131 is connected to the second inner sidewall 125.

Referring to fig. 4, the first tower 110 and the second tower 120 are bilaterally symmetric with respect to the center line L-L' when viewed from above. In particular, the first discharge port 117 and the second discharge port 127 are arranged symmetrically with respect to the center line L-L'.

The center line L-L' is an imaginary line between the first tower 110 and the second tower 120, and in the present embodiment, is arranged in the front-rear direction, and passes through the upper side 131.

Unlike the present embodiment, the first tower 110 and the second tower 120 may be formed in an asymmetric form. However, the first tower 110 and the second tower 120 are symmetrically arranged with respect to the center line L-L', which is more advantageous for controlling the horizontal air flow and the ascending air flow.

Fig. 5 is a right sectional view of fig. 2, and fig. 6 is a front sectional view of fig. 2.

Referring to fig. 1, 5, or 6, the fan apparatus 1 for an air conditioner includes: a filter 200 disposed inside the case 100; and a fan device 300 disposed inside the casing 100 and configured to flow air to the discharge ports 117 and 127.

In the present embodiment, the filter 200 and the fan device 300 are disposed inside the base housing 150. In the present embodiment, the base housing 150 is formed in a circular truncated cone shape, and is open on the upper side.

The base housing 150 includes: a base 151 disposed on the ground; and a base housing 152 coupled to an upper side of the base 151, wherein a space is formed inside the base housing 152, and a suction port 155 is formed.

The base 151 is circular when viewed from above. The shape of the base 151 may be variously formed.

The base housing 152 is formed in a circular truncated cone shape with upper and lower sides opened. In addition, a part of the side surface of the base housing 152 is formed as an opening. The portion of the opening of the base housing 152 is referred to as a filter insertion port 154.

The housing 100 further includes a cover 153 that shields the filter insertion port 154 or/and the suction port 155. The cover 153 may be removably assembled to the base housing 152. This embodiment has a structure in which the cover 153 and the filter insertion port 154 are shielded together.

The user may separate the cover 153 and then draw the filter 200 out of the housing 100. The present invention may further include a cover separating unit to separate the cover 153. The cover separating unit is described in detail with reference to fig. 9 to 13.

The suction port 155 may be formed in at least one of the base housing 152 and the cover 153. In the present embodiment, the suction port 155 may be formed at each of the base housing 152 and the cover 153, and air is sucked in all directions at 360 degrees at the circumference of the case 100.

In the present embodiment, the suction port 155 is formed in a hole shape, and the suction port 155 may be formed in a different shape.

The filter 200 is formed in a hollow cylindrical shape with a vertical direction formed therein. The outer surface of filter 200 may face suction port 155.

The indoor air flows through from the outside to the inside of the filter 200, and foreign materials or harmful gas in the air can be removed in the process.

The fan device 300 is disposed above the filter 200. The fan apparatus 300 can flow the air passing through the filter 200 to the first tower 110 and the second tower 120.

The fan apparatus 300 includes: a fan motor 310; and a fan 320 rotated by the fan motor 310; the fan device 300 is disposed inside the base housing 150.

The fan motor 310 is disposed above the fan 320, and a motor shaft of the fan motor 310 is coupled to the fan 320 disposed below.

A motor cover 330 for installing the fan motor 310 is disposed above the fan 320.

In the present embodiment, the motor cover 330 is formed in a shape surrounding the entire fan motor 310. Since the motor cover 330 surrounds the entire fan motor 310, the flow resistance with respect to the air flowing from the lower side to the upper side can be reduced.

Unlike the present embodiment, the motor cover 330 may be formed in a shape to surround only the lower portion of the fan motor 310.

The motor housing 330 includes a lower motor housing 332 and an upper motor housing 334. At least one of the lower motor housing 332 and the upper motor housing 334 is combined with the case 100.

In this embodiment, the lower motor cover 332 is combined with the housing 100. After the fan motor 310 is disposed at the upper side of the lower motor cover 332, the fan motor 310 is surrounded by covering the upper motor cover 334.

The motor shaft of the fan motor 310 penetrates the lower motor cover 332 and is assembled to the fan 320 disposed below.

The fan 320 may include: a hub to which a shaft of a fan motor is coupled; a shroud disposed in spaced relation to the hub; and a plurality of blades connecting the hub and the shroud.

The air having passed through the filter 200 is sucked into the shroud, and then pressurized by the rotating blades to flow. The hub is disposed above the blades, and the shroud is disposed below the blades. The hub may be formed in a BOWL (BOWL) shape recessed to a lower side, into which a portion of the lower side of the lower motor housing 332 may be inserted.

In the present embodiment, the fan 320 uses a diagonal flow fan. The diagonal flow fan is characterized in that air is sucked in along the axial center and is radially discharged, and the discharged air is inclined with respect to the axial direction.

Since the entire air flow is from the lower side to the upper side, when the air is discharged in the radial direction like a general centrifugal fan, a very large flow loss occurs due to the change of the flow direction. The diagonal flow fan can minimize flow loss of air by spouting the air toward the radially upper side.

On the other hand, a diffuser 340 may be disposed above the fan 320. The diffuser 340 guides the flow of air based on the fan 320 in an upper direction.

The diffuser 340 functions to reduce a radial component in the air flow and reinforce a flow component of the air flowing toward the upper direction. The motor housing 330 is disposed between the diffuser 340 and the fan 320. In order to minimize the up-down set height of the motor housing, the lower end of the motor housing 330 may be inserted into the fan 320 and overlap the fan 320. In addition, the upper end of the motor cover 330 may be inserted into the diffuser 340 and overlap the diffuser 340.

Here, the lower end of the motor housing 330 is disposed higher than the lower end of the fan 320, and the upper end of the motor housing 330 is disposed lower than the upper end of the diffuser 340.

In the present embodiment, in order to optimize the installation position of the motor cover 330, the upper side of the motor cover 330 is disposed inside the tower base 130, and the lower side of the motor cover 330 is disposed inside the base housing 150. Unlike the present embodiment, the motor housing 330 may be disposed inside the tower base 130 or the base housing 150.

On the other hand, a suction grill 350 may be disposed inside the base housing 150. When the filter 200 is separated, the suction grill 350 may protect the user and the fan 320 by blocking the user's fingers from entering the side of the fan 320.

Filter 200 is disposed below suction grill 350, and fan 320 is disposed above suction grill 350. The suction grill 350 is formed with a plurality of through holes in the up-down direction to allow air to flow.

A lower side space of the suction grill 350 in the interior of the housing 100 is defined as a filter disposition space 101. The space between the suction grill 350 and the discharge ports 117, 127 in the interior of the casing 100 is defined as the air supply space 102. The discharge space 103 is defined as an internal space of the first tower 110 and the second tower 120 in which the discharge ports 117 and 127 are arranged in the casing 100.

The indoor air flows into the filter installation space 101 through the intake port 155, and is then discharged from the discharge ports 117 and 127 through the blowing space 102 and the discharge space 103.

Next, referring to fig. 5 or 8, the first discharge port 117 and the second discharge port 127 of the present embodiment are arranged to extend long in the vertical direction. The first discharge opening 117 is disposed between the front end 112 and the rear end 113 of the first tower 110, and is proximate the rear end 113. The air discharged from the first discharge opening 117 may flow along the first inner sidewall 115 and toward the front end 112 due to the coanda effect.

The first discharge port 117 includes: a first boundary 117a forming an edge on the air discharge side (front end in the present embodiment); a second boundary 117b forming an edge on the opposite side (rear end in the present embodiment) from the air discharge; an upper boundary 117c forming an upper edge of the first discharge port 117; and a lower boundary 117d forming a lower edge of the first discharge opening 117.

In the present embodiment, the first boundary 117a and the second boundary 117b are arranged in parallel with each other. The upper side boundary 117c and the lower side boundary 117d are arranged parallel to each other.

The first boundary 117a and the second boundary 117b are arranged to be inclined with respect to the vertical direction V. In addition, the rear end 113 of the first tower 110 is also arranged inclined with respect to the vertical direction V.

In the present embodiment, the inclination a1 of the first boundary 117a and the second boundary 117b is 4 degrees and the inclination a2 of the rear end 113 is 3 degrees with respect to the vertical direction V. That is, the inclination a1 of the discharge opening 117 is greater than the inclination of the outer surface of the tower.

The second discharge port 127 and the first discharge port 117 are bilaterally symmetrical.

The second discharge port 127 includes: a first boundary 127a forming an edge on the air discharge side (front end in the present embodiment); a second boundary 127b forming an edge on the opposite side (rear end in the present embodiment) from the air discharge; an upper boundary 127c forming an upper edge of the second discharge port 127; and a lower boundary 127d forming a lower edge of the second discharge opening 127.

The first and second boundaries 127a, 127b are arranged inclined with respect to the vertical direction V, and the rear end 113 of the first tower 110 is also arranged inclined with respect to the vertical direction V. The inclination a1 of the discharge opening 127 is greater than the inclination a2 of the outer surface of the tower.

Hereinafter, the cover separating unit 600 for separating the cover 153 from the base housing 150 will be described in detail.

Referring to fig. 9 and 10, the cover 153 of the present invention is seamlessly combined with the case 100 in order to provide the user with an aesthetic sense. Specifically, the cover 153 and the housing 100 may be magnetically coupled, and a magnet (not shown) may be provided on the cover 153 and the housing 100. Unless otherwise specified, the direction explained below refers to a direction in a state where the cover 153 is coupled to the housing 100.

The cover 153 has a shape surrounding the entire outer surface (specifically, the outer peripheral surface) of the base housing 150. Therefore, the cover 153 has a cylindrical shape corresponding to the outer peripheral surface of the base housing 150. In addition, the cover 153 may be separated into two pieces for convenience of separation and reduction of a gap generated at the time of coupling.

Specifically, the cover 153 may include: a front cover 153a covering the front of the base housing 150; and a rear cover 153b covering the remaining surfaces except the front surface of the base housing 150. The front cover 153a and the rear cover 153b are semi-cylindrical in shape. Accordingly, the cover 153 shields both the filter insertion port 154 and the suction port 155 formed at the base housing 150, thereby providing excellent aesthetic sense to the user.

In addition, the outer surface of the cover 153 conforms to a plane or line extending the outer surface of the tower housing 140. Therefore, when the cover 153 is coupled to the base housing 150, it is visually integrated with the tower housing 140 without a gap. In this case, although providing an aesthetic sense to the user, there is no space for the user's hand to be inserted, and thus it is difficult for the user to separate the cover 153 from the base housing 150.

The present invention provides the cover separating unit 600 so that the user can easily separate the cover 153 from the base housing 150.

The cover separating unit 600 is provided to the housing 100 and separates the cover 153 from the base housing 150. As an example, the cap separating unit 600 may include a lever 610 and an upper cap pusher 620. As another example, the cap separating unit 600 may include a lever 610, an upper cap pusher 620, a slider 630, and a lower cap pusher 640 to simultaneously separate the upper and lower portions of the cap 153.

Referring to fig. 11 and 12, the rod 610 is provided to the housing 100 and slides along the outer surface of the housing 100. The stem 610 may be disposed in the base housing 150 or the tower housing 140. In this embodiment, the cover 153 covers the entire base housing 150, and the rod 610 is disposed on the tower housing 140 and slides along the outer surface of the tower housing 140.

The lever 610 transmits an external force to the upper cap pusher 620 or/and the lower cap pusher 640. At least a portion of the rod 610 is exposed to an outer surface of the housing 100. In this embodiment, at least a portion of the rod 610 is exposed to an outer surface of the tower housing 140. The lever 610 may be disposed at a position higher than the cover 153.

The rod 610 is exposed to one surface of the tower case 140 and moves up and down by an external force. Therefore, the user can operate the lever 610 without excessively bending down, and since the lever 610 moves along the outer surface of the housing 100, the lever 610 does not protrude to the outside of the housing 100 when moving. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the lever 610 is damaged due to the lever 610 protruding to the outside of the housing 100 when the lever 610 is used.

The lever 610 may be received in a lever receiving groove 1310 formed at the housing 100. The lever receiving groove 1310 may be formed in the tower housing 140 or the base housing 150.

In the present embodiment, the lever receiving groove 1310 is formed by recessing the outer circumferential surface of the tower housing 140 toward the center direction. In addition, the lever receiving groove 1310 may communicate with a pusher receiving groove 1521 described later. That is, the lower portion of the lever receiving groove 1310 is open and communicates with the pusher-receiving groove 1521. The lever receiving groove 1310 receives the lever 610 and provides a space for the lever 610 to move.

A guide slit 1311 is formed at the lever receiving groove 1310. The guide slit 1311 guides the rod 610 and prevents the rod 610 from being detached from the housing 100. A holder 611 may also be formed at the rod 610.

One end of the holder 611 is connected to the rod 610 through the guide slit 1311, the other end of the holder 611 is located inside the tower housing 140, and the width of the holder 611 is greater than the width of the guide slit 1311. Therefore, even if the lever 610 moves up and down, the lever 610 is prevented from being detached from the housing 100.

The cover separating unit 600 further includes a return spring 660, the return spring 660 providing a restoring force to the lever 610. The return spring 660 provides an upper directional restoring force to the rod 610. Specifically, one end of the return spring 660 is connected to the housing 100, and the other end is connected to the lever 610. In more detail, one end of the return spring 660 is connected to the inner side surface of the tower housing 140, and the other end is connected to the holder 611.

The upper cap pusher 620 is rotatably combined with the rod 610 and pushes the cap 153 by being guided by the outer surface of the case 100. Therefore, when an external force is applied to the lever 610, the cap 153 is separated from the case 100 by the upper cap pusher 620.

The situation in which the upper cap pusher 620 is rotatably coupled to the rod 610 includes: a case where the upper cover pusher 620 is hinge-coupled to the lever 610 to rotate; and the upper cap pusher 620 is bendably coupled to one end of the rod 610 to rotate. In addition, the case where the upper cap pusher 620 is rotatably coupled to the rod 610 further includes: when the upper cap pushing member 620 is bent as a whole as a soft material, one end of the upper cap pushing member 620 moves in the direction of the outer surface. In this embodiment, the upper lid pusher 620 is hingedly coupled to the lower end of the rod 610.

The upper cover pusher 620 may be disposed at a coupling region where the cover 153 is coupled with the base housing 150 in the base housing 150. Here, the bonding area refers to a position horizontally overlapped with the cover 153 in the base housing 150. The bonding area may be a portion of the base housing 150 or may be the entire base housing 150.

The upper cover pusher 620 is located between the cover 153 and the base housing 150. When the cover 153 is coupled to the base housing 150, the upper cover pusher 620 is not exposed to the outside due to the cover 153. The upper cover pusher 620 is located in a pusher receiving groove 1521 formed in the base housing 150 described later.

Therefore, in a state where the cover 153 is coupled to the base housing 150, the upper cover pusher 620 is shielded by the cover 153, so that the aesthetic appearance of the user can be improved. In addition, since an additional space for the rotation of the upper cap pusher 620 is not required, there is an advantage in that a compact product can be realized.

The upper rotation guide 1520 guides the upper cover pusher 620 to rotate in one direction as the upper cover pusher 620 moves along the outer surface of the base housing 150. In addition, the upper rotational guide 1520 houses the upper cover pusher 620.

The upper rotation guide 1520 may include an upper guide surface 1522, the upper guide surface 1522 extending in a direction crossing an outer surface (outer circumferential surface) of the base housing 150 and guiding the upper cover pusher 620. The upper guide surface 1522 may extend in a direction intersecting the vertical direction of the outer peripheral surface of the base housing 150. The upper guide surface 1522 may extend in a direction intersecting the vertical direction. Specifically, the upper guide surface 1522 may have an inclination angle greater than zero degrees from the outer surface of the base housing 150. The upper guide surface 1522 may be inclined downward as approaching the outer side from the inner side of the base housing 150.

At this time, the bottom surface of the upper cover pusher 620 may be formed to be inclined downward as approaching the outer side from the inner side, corresponding to the upper guide surface 1522. The bottom surface of the upper cap pusher 620 may have an inclination angle forming a predetermined angle with the up-down direction. Therefore, when the upper cap pusher 620 is moved downward by interference of the bottom surface of the upper cap pusher 620 and the upper guide surface 1522, the lower end of the upper cap pusher 620 protrudes outward.

At least a portion of the upper guide surface 1522 and the upper end of the upper cap pusher 620 overlap in the vertical direction. In the filter-incorporated state, at least a portion of the upper guide surface 1522 vertically overlaps with the upper end of the upper cover pusher 620.

An upper rotation guide 1520 is formed at the base housing 150. Specifically, the cover is disposed in a region of the base housing 150 that horizontally overlaps the cover 153. Therefore, when the cover 153 is coupled to the base housing 150, the upper rotation guide 1520 is not exposed to the outside by the cover 153.

More specifically, the base housing 150 includes an inner base housing 150a and an outer base housing 150b configured to surround at least a portion of the inner base housing 150a, and the upper guide surface 1522 is formed on an outer surface of the outer base housing 150 b.

The upper rotational guide 1520 may also include an upper pusher-receiving slot 1521 that receives the upper cover pusher 620. The upper pusher-receiving slot 1521 can receive a portion of the rod 610 as the rod 610 moves downward.

The upper pusher-receiving slot 1521 receives the upper cover pusher 620 when the lever 610 is not actuated, and when the lever 610 moves downward, the upper pusher-receiving slot 1521 guides the movement of the upper cover pusher 620 while guiding the movement of the lever 610.

In this embodiment, the upper pusher-receiving groove 1521 is formed by the outer peripheral surface of the outer base housing 150b being recessed in the inward direction. That is, the upper pusher-receiving groove 1521 opens in the outward direction from the outer pedestal shell 150 b. In addition, in order to receive and guide the lever 610 when the lever 610 moves downward, the upper pusher-receiving groove 1521 is formed to be open in the upper direction thereof and to communicate with the lower portion of the lever-receiving groove 1310. The upper pusher-receiving slot 1521 and the lever-receiving slot 1310 overlap at least partially in the vertical direction.

An upper guide surface 1522 is formed on one surface of the upper pusher receiving groove 1521. An upper guide surface 1522 is formed on the underside of the upper pusher-receiving groove 1521. Guided along the upper guide surface 1522, the upper cover pusher 620 is disengaged from the pusher-receiving groove 1521 to the outside.

The slide 630 is spaced from the upper cap pusher 620 and slidably disposed to the housing 100 and is connected to the rod 610. The movement of the slider 630 is restricted by the lever 610. The slider 630 is slidably disposed on the base housing 150. The slider 630 transfers the external force received from the lever 610 to the lower cap pusher 640.

The slider 630 may be received in a lower rotation guide 1530 formed at the case 100. The slider 630 moves within the lower rotary guide 1530, and the moving direction thereof is guided by the lower rotary guide 1530.

The slide 630 may be located at a lower position than the upper cap pusher 620. The slide 630 may be located between the base housing 150 and the cover 153. Therefore, there is an advantage that the slider 630 cannot be seen from the outside in a state where the cover 153 is coupled to the housing 100.

A slide slit 1534 is formed in the lower rotary guide 1530. The slide slit 1534 guides the slider 630 and prevents the slider 630 from being detached from the housing 100.

A slide holder 631 may be further formed at the slide 630. One end of the slide holder 631 is connected to the slider 630 through a slide slit 1534, the other end of the slide holder 631 is located inside the base housing 150, and the width of the slide holder 631 is greater than the width of the slide slit 1534. Therefore, even if the slider 630 moves up and down, the slider 630 is prevented from being detached from the housing 100.

The slider 630 and the rod 610 are connected by a link 650. One end of the connector 650 is connected to the holder 611 and the other end of the connector 650 is connected to the sliding holder 631. The link 650 moves together with the rod 610 as the rod 610 moves.

The connector 650 may be located inside the housing 100. In this embodiment, the link 650 may be located in a space between the inner and outer chassis housings 150a and 150b and guided by the inner and outer chassis housings 150a and 150 b.

The lower cover pusher 640 is rotatably coupled with the slider 630 and pushes the cover 153 by being guided by the outer surface of the case 100. Therefore, when an external force is applied to the slider 630, the cover 153 is separated from the housing 100 by the lower cover pusher 640.

The case where the lower cover pusher 640 is rotatably engaged with the slider 630 includes: a case where the lower cover pusher 640 is hinge-coupled to the slider 630 to rotate; and the case where the lower cover pusher 640 is bendably connected to one end of the slider 630 to rotate. In addition, the case where the lower cover pusher 640 is rotatably engaged with the slider 630 further includes: when the lower cap pusher 640 is bent as a whole as a soft material, one end of the lower cap pusher 640 moves in the direction of the outer surface. In this embodiment, the lower cover pusher 640 is hinge-coupled to the lower end of the slider 630.

The lower cover push member 640 may be disposed at a coupling region where the cover 153 is coupled to the base housing 150 in the base housing 150. Here, the bonding area refers to a position horizontally overlapped with the cover 153 in the base housing 150. The bonding area may be a portion of the base housing 150 or may be the entire base housing 150.

The lower cover pusher 640 is located between the cover 153 and the base housing 150. When the cover 153 is coupled to the base housing 150, the lower cover pusher 640 is not exposed to the outside by the cover 153. The lower cover pusher 640 is positioned in a lower pusher accommodating groove 1531 formed in the base housing 150 described later.

Therefore, in a state where the cover 153 is coupled to the base housing 150, the lower cover pusher 640 is shielded by the cover 153, so that the aesthetic appearance of the user can be improved. In addition, since an additional space for the rotation of the lower cap pusher 640 is not required, there is an advantage in that a compact product can be realized.

The lower cap pusher 640 may be located lower than the upper cap pusher 620. When the lever 610 is operated, the upper and lower portions of the cover 153 are simultaneously separated by the upper cover pusher 620 and the lower cover pusher 640, and the cover 153 is stably separated.

The lower rotation guide 1530 guides the lower cover pusher 640 to rotate in one direction as the lower cover pusher 640 moves along the outer surface of the base housing 150. In addition, the lower rotary guide 1530 receives the lower cover pusher 640.

The lower rotation guide 1530 may include a lower guide surface 1532, the lower guide surface 1532 being inclined with respect to an outer surface (outer circumferential surface) of the base housing 150 and guiding the lower cover pusher 640.

The lower guide surface 1532 may extend in a direction intersecting the vertical direction of the outer peripheral surface of the base housing 150. The lower guide surface 1532 may extend in a direction crossing the vertical direction. Specifically, the lower guide surface 1532 may have an inclination that is not parallel to the outer surface of the base housing 150. The lower guide surface 1532 may be inclined downward as approaching the outer side from the inner side of the base housing 150.

At this time, the bottom surface 641 of the lower cover pusher 640 may be gradually inclined downward as approaching the outer side from the inner side, corresponding to the lower guide surface 1532. Therefore, when the lower cap pusher 640 is moved downward by interference of the bottom surface 641 and the lower guide surface 1532 of the lower cap pusher 640, the lower end of the lower cap pusher 640 protrudes outward.

At least a portion of the lower guide surface 1532 vertically overlaps the upper end of the lower cap pusher 640. In the state where the cover 153 is coupled, at least a portion of the lower guide surface 1532 overlaps the upper end of the lower cover pusher 640 in the vertical direction.

A lower rotation guide 1530 is formed at the base housing 150. Specifically, the cover is disposed in a region of the base housing 150 that horizontally overlaps the cover 153. Therefore, when the cover 153 is coupled to the base housing 150, the lower rotation guide 1530 is not exposed to the outside due to the cover 153.

More specifically, the base housing 150 includes an inner base housing 150a and an outer base housing 150b configured to surround at least a portion of the inner base housing 150a, and the lower guide surface 1532 is formed on an outer surface of the outer base housing 150 b.

The lower rotary guide 1530 may also include a lower pusher-receiving slot 1531 that receives the lower cover pusher 640. The lower pusher-receiving slot 1531 may also receive a portion of the slider 630 as the slider 630 moves downward.

The lower pusher-receiving groove 1531 receives the lower cover pusher 640 and the slider 630 in the case where the slider 630 is not actuated, and the lower pusher-receiving groove 1531 guides the movement of the lower cover pusher 640 and the slider 630 in the case where the slider 630 is moved downward.

In this embodiment, the lower pusher-receiving groove 1531 is formed by the outer peripheral surface of the outer base housing 150b being recessed in the inward direction. That is, lower pusher-receiving groove 1531 opens in the outward direction from outer chassis housing 150 b. In addition, in order to receive and guide the slider 630 when the slider 630 moves downward, the lower pusher-receiving groove 1531 is formed to be open in an upper direction thereof and to communicate with a lower portion of the slider-receiving groove. The lower pusher-receiving groove 1531 and the slider-receiving groove overlap at least partially in the vertical direction.

A lower guide surface 1532 is formed on one surface of the lower pusher receiving groove 1531. A lower guide surface 1532 is formed on a lower side of the lower pusher-receiving groove 1531. The lower cover pusher 640 is disengaged from the lower pusher-receiving groove 1531 to the outside, guided along the lower guide surface 1532.

The position of the cover separating unit 600 is not limited. Preferably, since a user generally places the rear of the air conditioner fan apparatus 1 close to a wall, the cover separation unit 600 is placed on the rear surface of the air conditioner fan apparatus 1.

Specifically, the cover separating unit 600 is disposed at a position where at least a portion thereof overlaps the blowing gap 105 in the vertical direction. At least a portion of the rod 610 vertically overlaps with the blowing gap 105. The rod 610 is disposed at a lower portion of the blowing gap 105. In addition, the upper cover push member 620, the lower cover push member 640, and the slider 630 may be disposed at positions that vertically overlap the blowing gap 105.

FIG. 14 is a top sectional view taken along line IX-IX of FIG. 3, and FIG. 15 is a bottom sectional view taken along line IX-IX of FIG. 3.

Referring to fig. 5, 14 or 15, the first discharge port 117 of the first tower 110 is disposed toward the second tower 120, and the second discharge port 127 of the second tower 120 is disposed toward the first tower 110.

The air discharged from the first discharge port 117 flows along the inner wall 115 of the first tower 110 due to the coanda effect. The air discharged from the second discharge port 127 flows along the inner wall 125 of the second tower 120 due to the coanda effect.

In the present embodiment, the present invention further includes a first ejection housing 170 and a second ejection housing 180.

The first discharge port 117 is formed in the first discharge casing 170, and the first discharge casing 170 is assembled to the first tower 110. The second discharge port 127 is formed in the second discharge casing 180, and the second discharge casing 180 is assembled to the second tower 120.

The first discharge casing 170 is provided to penetrate the inner wall 115 of the first tower 110, and the second discharge casing 180 is provided to penetrate the inner wall 125 of the second tower 120.

The first column 110 is provided with a first discharge opening 118 for the first discharge casing 170, and the second column 120 is provided with a second discharge opening 128 for the second discharge casing 180.

The first discharge case 170 includes: a first discharge guide 172 that forms the first discharge port 117 and is disposed on the air discharge side of the first discharge port 117; and a second discharge guide 174 forming the first discharge port 117 and disposed on the opposite side of the first discharge port 117 from the air discharge.

Outer side faces 172a, 174a of first and second discharge guides 172, 174 provide a portion of inner side wall 115 of first tower 110.

The first discharge guide 172 is disposed so that the inner side thereof faces the first discharge space 103a and the outer side thereof faces the air blowing gap 105. The second discharge guide 174 is disposed so that the inner side thereof faces the first discharge space 103a and the outer side thereof faces the air blowing gap 105.

The outer side surface 172a of the first ejection guide 172 may be formed in a curved surface. The outer side surface 172a may provide a continuous surface with the first inner side wall 115. In particular, the outer side surface 172a forms a curved surface continuous with the outer side surface of the first inner side wall 115.

The outer side surface 174a of the second ejection guide 174 may provide a surface continuous with the first inner side wall 115. The inner surface 174b of the second ejection guide 174 may be formed in a curved surface. In particular, the inner surface 174b is formed as a curved surface continuous with the inner surface of the first outer wall 115, and thus the air in the first discharge space 103a can be guided to the first discharge guide 172.

A first discharge port 117 is formed between the first discharge guide 172 and the second discharge guide 174, and the air in the first discharge space 103a is discharged to the air blowing gap 105 through the first discharge port 117.

Specifically, the air in the first discharge space 103a is discharged from between the outer surface 172a of the first discharge guide 172 and the inner surface 174b of the second discharge guide 174, and a discharge gap 175 is defined between the outer surface 172a of the first discharge guide 172 and the inner surface 174b of the second discharge guide 174. The discharge space 175 forms a predetermined passage.

The discharge space 175 is formed such that the width of the intermediate portion 175b is narrower than the inlet 175a and the outlet 175 c. Medial portion 175b may be defined as the shortest distance between second boundary 117b and lateral side 172 a.

The sectional area gradually narrows from the inlet of the discharge space 175 to the intermediate portion 175b, and the sectional area widens again from the intermediate portion 175b to the outlet 175 c. The middle portion 175b is located inside the first tower 110. When viewed from the outside, the outlet 175c of the discharge space 175 may be regarded as the discharge port 117.

In order to cause the coanda effect, the radius of curvature of the inner surface 174b of the second discharge guide 174 is larger than the radius of curvature of the outer surface 172a of the first discharge guide 172.

The center of curvature of the outer surface 172a of the first discharge guide 172 is located forward of the outer surface 172a, and is formed inside the first discharge space 103 a. The center of curvature of the inner surface 174b of the second discharge guide 174 is located on the first discharge guide 172 side and is formed inside the first discharge space 103 a.

The second discharge housing 180 includes: a first discharge guide 182 forming a second discharge port 127 and disposed on the air discharge side of the second discharge port 127; and a second discharge guide 184 forming the second discharge port 127 and disposed on the opposite side of the second discharge port 127 from the air discharge.

A discharge gap 185 is formed between the first discharge guide 182 and the second discharge guide 184. Since the second discharge casing 180 is bilaterally symmetrical to the first discharge casing 170, detailed description thereof will be omitted.

On the other hand, the fan apparatus 1 for an air conditioner may further include an air flow converter 400(air flow converter) that changes the air flow direction of the blowing gap 105. The airflow converter 400 is a component for changing the direction of the air flowing through the blowing gap 105 by opening the blowing gap 105 or closing the blowing gap 105.

Of course, the airflow converter 400 may also change the direction of the air flowing through the blowing gap 105 by opening or closing a portion of the blowing gap 105. In the present embodiment, the airflow converter 400 may convert the horizontal airflow flowing through the blowing gap 105 into the ascending airflow.

Fig. 16 and 17 are perspective views of the airflow converter 400. More specifically, fig. 16 is a diagram showing an airflow converter 400 that opens the front of the blowing gap 105 to realize front discharge airflow. Fig. 1 to 6 illustrate the gas flow converter 400 in a box (box) form, and illustrate a case where the gas flow converter 400 is disposed on the upper portion of the first tower 110 or the upper portion of the second tower 120.

Fig. 17 is a diagram showing an airflow converter 400 that realizes ascending airflow by closing the front of the blowing gap 105, and referring to fig. 6, the airflow converter 400 includes: a first air flow converter 401 disposed in the first tower 110; and a second airflow converter 402 disposed in the second tower 120. The first airflow converter 401 and the second airflow converter 402 are bilaterally symmetrical and have the same configuration. Next, the first airflow converter 401 will be mainly described, and a description of the second airflow converter 402 having the same configuration as the first airflow converter 401 will be omitted.

The airflow converter 400 includes: a gap plate 410 disposed in the tower case 140 and reciprocating inside the blowing gap 105 and the tower case 140; a guide motor 420 providing a driving force for movement of the gap plate 410; and a plate guide 430 provided to the tower housing 140 to guide the movement of the gap plate 410.

Referring to fig. 15 to 17, the gap plate 410 is disposed in at least one of the first tower 110 and the second tower 120, and is a component that selectively changes the discharge area in front of the blowing gap 105 by moving between the inside of the tower and the blowing gap 105. The gap plate 410 is exposed to the front of the air blowing gap 105 through the plate slits 119 and 129.

The gap plate 410 may be hidden inside the tower and may protrude from the tower to shield the blowing gap 105 when guiding the motion of the motor 420. In the present embodiment, the gap plate 410 includes: a first gap plate 411 disposed on the first tower 110; and a second gap plate 412 disposed on the second tower 120.

To this end, referring to fig. 15, a plate slit 119 penetrating the inner sidewall 115 of the first tower 110 and a plate slit 129 penetrating the inner sidewall 125 of the second tower 120 are formed, respectively.

The plate slots formed in the first tower 110 are referred to as first plate slots 119, and the plate slots formed in the second tower 120 are referred to as second plate slots 129. The first plate slit 119 and the second plate slit 129 are arranged to be bilaterally symmetrical. The first plate slit 119 and the second plate slit 129 are formed to extend long in the vertical direction (second direction). The first plate slit 119 and the second plate slit 129 may be configured to be inclined with respect to the vertical direction V.

The front end 112 of the first tower 110 is formed with an inclination of 3 degrees, and the first plate slit 119 is formed with an inclination of 4 degrees. The front end 122 of the second tower 120 is formed with an inclination of 3 degrees, and the second plate slit 129 is formed with an inclination of 4 degrees.

The gap plate 410 may be formed in a plate shape of a plane or a curved surface. The gap plate 410 may be formed to extend long in the vertical direction, and may be disposed at a position offset forward with respect to the center of the blowing gap 105. The gap plate 410 may include a curved surface portion protruding in a radial direction. The gap plate 410 may convert the direction into an upper direction by horizontal air flow of the crosspiece to the blowing gap 105.

In the present embodiment, the ascending air current may be generated by contacting or approaching the inside end 411a of the first gap plate 411 and the inside end 412a of the second gap plate 412. Unlike the present embodiment, the ascending air current can also be generated by a gap plate 410 closely attached to the tower on the opposite side.

When the airflow converter 400 forms an ascending airflow, the inner side end 411a of the first gap plate 411 may block the first plate slit 119, and the inner side end 412a of the second gap plate 412 may block the second plate slit 129.

When the airflow converter 400 forms a horizontal airflow, an inner side end 411a of the first gap plate 411 may protrude toward the blowing gap 105 through the first plate slit 119, and an inner side end 412a of the second gap plate 412 may protrude toward the blowing gap 105 through the second plate slit 129.

In the present embodiment, the first gap plate 411 and the second gap plate 412 protrude toward the blowing gap 105 by a rotating action. Unlike the present embodiment, at least one of the first gap plate 411 and the second gap plate 412 may be linearly moved in a sliding manner to be exposed to the blowing gap 105. The first gap plate 411 and the second gap plate 412 move in the first direction (horizontal direction).

The first gap plate 411 and the second gap plate 412 are formed in an arc shape when viewed from above. The first gap plate 411 and the second gap plate 412 are formed to have a prescribed radius of curvature with the center of curvature located at the blowing gap 105.

Preferably, when the gap plate 410 is hidden inside the tower, the volume of the radially inner side of the gap plate 410 is larger than the volume of the radially outer side.

The gap plate 410 may be formed of a transparent material.

The guide motor 420 is a component for providing a driving force to the gap plate 410. The guide motor 420 is disposed on at least one of the first tower 110 and the second tower 120. The guide motor 420 is disposed above the gap plate 410.

The guide motor 420 includes: a first guide motor 421 providing a rotational force to the first gap plate 411; and a second guide motor 422 that provides a rotational force to the second gap plate 412.

The first guide motor 421 may be disposed at the upper side and the lower side, respectively, and when it is necessary to distinguish, it may be divided into the upper first guide motor 421 and the lower first guide motor 421.

The second guide motor 422 may be disposed at the upper side and the lower side, and when it is necessary to distinguish between them, it is possible to distinguish between the upper side second guide motor 422 and the lower side second guide motor 422.

In particular, referring to fig. 18, the guide motor 420 may be secured to the tower housing 140. The tower housing 140 may include a guide body 440 in which the guide motor 420 is disposed. In the present embodiment, the guide motor 420 is fastened to the guide body 440. The guide body 440 may be integrally formed with the tower housing 140, or may be separately configured for assembly convenience.

A pinion gear 423 is connected to the guide motor 420 through a shaft. The pinion gear 423 is coupled to a shaft (not shown) of the guide motor 420. The pinion gear 423 rotates when the guide motor 420 operates.

The rotation shaft of the pinion gear 423 may be arranged in a direction intersecting the longitudinal direction of the gap plate 410. Preferably, the rotation axis of the pinion gear 423 may be arranged parallel to the horizontal direction.

The pinion gear 423 is engaged with a rack gear 436 formed at the plate guide 430. When the pinion gear 423 rotates about the horizontal direction, the rack 436 moves up and down, and the plate guide 430 connected to the rack 436 moves up and down.

The plate guide 430 is a component for transmitting the driving force of the guide motor 420 to the gap plate 410. The plate guide 430 is disposed in front of the guide motor 420 and behind the gap plate 410. The plate guide 430 is connected to the gap plate 410 and moves in a direction crossing a moving direction of the gap plate 410. The board guide 430 ascends and descends in the up-and-down direction.

The board guide 430 disposed at the first tower 110 is defined as a first board guide 430a, and the board guide 430 disposed at the second tower 120 is defined as a second board guide 430 b.

The plate guide 430 may be configured to be parallel to the gap plate 410. The plate guide 430 may be configured to be parallel to the first plate slit 119 or the second plate slit 129.

The front surface of the board guide 430 may be formed in a curved surface. The front surface of the plate guide 430 is adjacent to the back surface of the gap plate 410. In the case where the rear surface of the gap plate 410 is formed in an arc shape, the front surface of the plate guide 430 is formed in a curved surface, whereby the gap plate 410 can slide along the front surface of the plate guide 430.

The rear surface of the board guide 430 may be formed to be flat. The rear surface of the board guide 430 is adjacent to the front surface of the airflow converter first cover 441. The plate guide 430 may slide along the airflow converter first cover 441.

The upper end of the plate guide 430 is disposed above the gap plate 410. In the case where a plate that partitions the discharge spaces 103a, 103b and the guide motor 420 is formed, the upper end of the gap plate 410 may be disposed lower than the plate, and the upper end of the plate guide 430 may be disposed higher than the plate.

The plate guide 430 may be formed with a first slit 432. The first protrusion 4111 of the gap plate 410 is inserted into the first slit 432, and moves the gap plate 410 when the plate guide 430 moves.

Referring to fig. 19 and 20, a first slit 432 is formed by the opening of the plate guide 430 and guides the movement of the gap plate 410. The first protrusion 4111 is formed protruding at one side of the gap plate 410, and at least a portion thereof is inserted into the first slit 432 and slides along the first slit 432.

A left side end (reference in fig. 19) of the first slit 432 is disposed near a left side end of the board guide 430, and a right side end of the first slit 432 is disposed near a right side end of the board guide 430.

The first slit 432 may be formed such that a portion thereof relatively close to the blowing gap 105 is lower than a portion thereof relatively far from the blowing gap 105. Specifically, the lower end of the first slit 432 is disposed closer to the air blowing gap 105 than the upper end of the first slit 432. For example, referring to fig. 19, the lower end of the first slit 432 formed in the first plate guide 430a is disposed on the right side of the upper end of the first slit 432. Similarly, although not shown, the lower end of the second slit 434 formed in the second plate guide 430b is disposed on the left side of the upper end of the second slit 434.

The first slit 432 includes a slit inclined portion 4321. The slit inclined part 4321 may have an inclination inclined downward toward the blowing gap 105. For example, referring to fig. 19, the first slit 432 formed at the first plate guide 430a is inclined downward toward the right direction. Similarly, although not shown, the first slit 432 formed at the second plate guide 430b may be inclined downward in the left direction. Preferably, the slit inclined part 4321 may have an inclination angle of 40 to 60 degrees with respect to a vertical direction.

If the slit inclined portion 4321 is inclined downward toward the blowing gap 105, the positioning Torque (Detent Torque) of the guide motor 420 due to the self weight of the gap plate 410 can be reduced in a state where the power supply of the guide motor 420 is turned off.

The position of the slit inclined portion 4321 of the first slit 432 moves up and down as the board guide 430 ascends and descends. When the board guide 430 ascends, the first protrusion 4111 moves toward the lower end of the slit inclined portion 4321 of the first slit 432. In contrast, if the board guide 430 descends, the first protrusion 4111 moves toward the upper end of the slit inclined portion 4321 of the first slit 432.

Referring to fig. 19 and 21, the slit inclined part 4321 of the first slit 432 may form a step. The slit inclined part 4321 of the first slit 432 may have a width of the front end smaller than that of the rear end.

If the slit inclined part 4321 of the first slit 432 is formed such that the width of the front end is smaller than the width of the rear end, the first protrusion 4111 is prevented from being disengaged when the first protrusion 4111 moves along the slit inclined part 4321.

The first protrusion 4111 has a locking step 4111b formed corresponding to the step of the slit inclined portion 4321 of the first slit 432. That is, the locking step 4111b of the first protrusion 4111 is disposed at the rear end of the slit inclined portion 4321 of the first slit 432. Therefore, the first protrusion 4111 does not escape from the slit inclined portion 4321 of the first slit 432.

The first slit 432 includes a vertical portion 4322. The lower end of the vertical portion 4322 is connected to the upper end of the slit inclined portion 4321. The vertical portion 4322 extends in the length direction (vertical direction) of the board guide 430.

The vertical portion 4322 of the first slit 432 functions as a stopper. That is, the maximum distance of movement above the first projection 4111 is the upper end of the slit inclined part 4321, and does not slide along the vertical part 4322.

The vertical portion 4322 of the first slit 432 may form a step. The vertical portion 4322 of the first slit 432 may be formed such that the width of the front end thereof is smaller than the width of the rear end thereof. The first protrusion 4111 is formed with a catching step 4111b corresponding to a step of the vertical portion 4322 of the first slit 432. That is, the locking step 4111b of the first protrusion 4111 is disposed at the rear end of the vertical portion 4322 of the first slit 432. Therefore, the first protrusion 4111 does not escape from the slit inclined portion 4321 of the first slit 432.

The first slit 432 includes a first protrusion inserting portion 4323, and the first protrusion inserting portion 4323 is disposed at the upper end of the vertical portion 4322, and allows the first protrusion 4111 to be inserted into the first slit 432.

The first protrusion insertion part 4323 may be formed in a shape corresponding to the sectional shape of the first protrusion 4111. The diameter of the first protrusion insertion part 4323 may be larger than the diameter of the first protrusion 4111. In more detail, the diameter of the first protrusion insertion part 4323 is larger than the diameter of the first protrusion latching step 4111 b.

The first protrusion 4111 is inserted into the first protrusion insertion part 4323. The gap plate 410 is fastened to the plate guide 430 by the first protrusion 4111 descending along the vertical portion 4322. The gap plate 410 is moved by the first protrusion 4111 sliding down or up along the slit inclined part 4321.

The first slit 432 may be formed in plural. Three first slits 432 are formed in the plate guide 430. Second slits 434 are formed between the first slits 432. The number of the first slits 432 is not limited, and a person of ordinary skill can easily modify the number within an acceptable range.

Referring to fig. 18, a second slit 434 may be formed at the plate guide 430. The second slit 434 extends in a length direction (vertical direction) of the board guide 430. The second slit 434 is formed by the plate guide 430 opening in the horizontal direction.

The second slit 434 is disposed between one first slit 432 and the other first slit 432. The second slit 434 and the first slit 432 are arranged to intersect. By arranging the second slit 434 and the first slit 432 to intersect, it is possible to disperse the force and cancel out the bending stress of the board guide 430.

The body protrusion 444 of the guide body 440 is inserted into the second slit 434, and the plate guide 430 slides along the body protrusion 444.

The body protrusion 444 of the guide body 440 protrudes in a direction crossing the lengthwise direction of the guide body 440. Specifically, the body protrusion 444 protrudes in a horizontal direction from the guide body 440.

In more detail, the body protrusion 444 is formed on the front surface of the first cover 441. The body protrusion 444 is formed to protrude from the first cover 441 toward the front surface. The side of the body protrusion 444 extends toward the length direction of the first tower 110 or the second tower 120. Referring to fig. 18, the body protrusion 444 extends in an up-down direction.

The plate guide 430 may be formed with a rack 436. The rack 436 is connected to the pinion 423, and when the guide motor 420 operates, the rack 436 moves the board guide 430. The rack 436 transmits the rotational force of the guide motor 420 to the plate guide 430 by a linear motion. The rack 436 is disposed on a surface 439 of the plate guide 430 opposite to the surface facing the gap plate 410. Specifically, the rack 436 may be disposed on the rear surface 439 of the upper portion of the plate guide 430.

The airflow converter 400 includes a guide body 440 in which the guide motor 420 and the plate guide 430 are disposed. The guide body 440 is disposed rearward of the plate guide 430. The guide body 440 is composed of a first cover 441, a second cover 442, and a motor support plate 443.

The first cover 441 supports the rear surface of the plate guide 430 and guides the sliding of the plate guide 430. The left end of the first cover 441, in other words, the outer end of the first cover 441 is disposed on the outer sidewall of the first tower 110. The right end of the first cover 441, in other words, the inner end of the first cover 441, is disposed on the inner sidewall of the first tower 110.

The outer end of the second cover 442 is in contact with the inner side surface of the plate guide 430. Accordingly, the plate guide 430 may slide along the outer side surface of the second cover 442. The motor support plate 443 is disposed at the upper end of the first cover 441, and one surface of the motor support plate 443 supports the guide motor 420 and the other surface supports the plate guide 430.

The motor support plate 443 may be formed to protrude upward from the upper end of the first cover 441. The motor support plate 443 is disposed outside the second cover 442. The upper end of the motor support plate 443 is disposed above the motor. More specifically, the upper end of the motor support plate 443 is disposed above the pinion gear 423.

As shown in fig. 22, the guide body 440 may also include a track 445 that guides a roller 412, described below.

The first protrusion 4111 is formed at the gap plate 410. In more detail, the first protrusion 4111 is formed on the rear surface of the gap plate 410. Referring to fig. 22, a first protrusion 4111 is formed adjacent to one end of the gap plate 410 in the width direction. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and a person having ordinary skill can change the position of the first protrusion 4111 within a range that is easy to adopt.

The first protrusion 4111 may be formed with a catching step 4111 b. Referring to fig. 21, a first protrusion locking step 4111b is formed to protrude radially outward from an end of the first protrusion 4111. The catching step 4111b of the first protrusion catches the step of the slit inclined portion 4321 or the vertical portion 4322 of the first slit 432, so as not to be disengaged.

In the case where the board guide 430 and the first slit 432 are raised or lowered, the first protrusion 4111 and the gap plate 410 are retreated or protruded. In the case where the board guide 430 ascends, the first protrusion 4111 is located at the lower end of the slit inclined portion 4321 of the first slit 432. With the first projection 4111 located at the lower end of the slit inclined portion 4321, the gap plate 410 moves in the circumferential direction, and is withdrawn into the inside of the tower housing 140 through the first plate slit 119. In the case where the board guide 430 descends, the first protrusion 4111 is located at the upper end of the slit inclined portion 4321 of the first slit 432. In the case where the first projection 4111 is located at the upper end of the slit inclined part 4321, the gap plate 410 moves in the circumferential direction, and protrudes outside the tower housing 140 through the first plate slit 119.

The board guide 430 includes a second slit 434 formed therethrough at one side. The guide body 440 includes a body protrusion 444 formed to protrude at one side, and at least a portion of the body protrusion 444 is inserted into the second slit 434.

Referring to fig. 18, the airflow converter 400 includes friction reducing protrusions 437, and the friction reducing protrusions 437 prevent the plate guide 430 and the gap plate 410 from being in surface contact by spacing the plate guide 430 and the gap plate 410 apart. The friction reducing protrusions 437 space the gap plate 410 and the plate guide 430 in a horizontal direction.

The friction reducing protrusions 437 may be formed on at least one of the plate guide 430 and the gap plate 410. The friction reducing protrusions 437 may protrude from the plate guide 430 and the gap plate 410 in a horizontal direction. Hereinafter, a description will be given with reference to a case where the friction reducing protrusions 437 are formed on the plate guide 430, and such a description can be similarly applied to a case where the friction reducing protrusions 437 are formed on the gap plate 410.

The friction reducing protrusion 437 may be formed on the plate guide 430, may protrude from a surface facing the gap plate 410, and may contact the gap plate 410. Specifically, the friction reducing projection 437 is formed to project forward from a front surface 438 of the plate guide 430, which is a surface facing the gap plate 410.

As another example, the friction reducing protrusion 437 may be formed at the gap plate 410, may protrude from a surface facing the plate guide 430, and may contact the plate guide 430. Specifically, the friction reducing protrusion 437 is formed to protrude rearward from the back surface of the gap plate 410 facing the plate guide 430.

Since the gap plate 410 reciprocates in the horizontal direction (first direction), the friction reducing protrusions 437 extend in the first direction. That is, the friction reducing protrusions 437 have a shape having the longest length in the first direction. The second-direction (vertical-direction) width of the friction reducing protrusions 437 is smaller than the first-direction length of the friction reducing protrusions 437 and is smaller than the width of the board guide 430. If the width of the friction reducing projection 437 is too wide, the expected friction reducing effect cannot be obtained, and therefore, it is preferably 5mm or less.

Accordingly, the friction reducing protrusions 437 reduce friction between the gap plate 410 and the plate guide 430 moving in the first direction. However, when only one friction reducing protrusion 437 is provided, the movement of the gap plate 410 may be unstable, and thus it is preferable that the friction reducing protrusions 437 be arranged in a plurality spaced apart in a second direction intersecting the first direction. More preferably, a total of three friction reducing protrusions 437 may be provided on the upper, middle, and lower portions of the board guide 430.

Referring to fig. 18 and 22, the airflow converter 400 may further include a roller 412, and the roller 412 prevents the tower housing 140 and the gap plate 410 from being in surface contact by separating the tower housing 140 and the gap plate 410.

A roller 412 may be provided to one of the tower housing 140 and the clearance plate 410. In the present embodiment, the roller 412 is disposed on the gap plate 410. The roller 412 may be located at a lower portion of the gap plate 410. The rotational axis of the roller 412 may extend in a horizontal direction. More specifically, the rotational axis of the roller 412 extends in the front-rear direction.

The rollers 412 are provided at the lower rear portion of the gap plate 410, and the rollers 412 are supported on the top surface of the tower housing 140. The rollers 412 support the weight of the clearance plate 410 while sliding friction occurs with the tower housing 140. Specifically, the rollers 412 are supported by the guide body 440 of the tower housing 140. The rollers 412 may be guided by the tracks 445 of the guide body 440.

If the rollers 412 move in the tower housing 140 while supporting the gap plate 410 in the vertical direction, not only the weight of the gap plate 410 is supported, but also friction between the tower housing 140 and the gap plate 410 is reduced. In addition, the rollers 412 stabilize the gap plate 410 as the gap plate 410 moves.

In particular, the roller 412 may be disposed at a position offset to one side in the width direction of the gap plate 410, so that the roller 412 is supported by the tower housing 140 even in the case where the gap plate 410 protrudes toward the air blowing gap 105 side. Specifically, the roller 412 may be located at one end of both ends in the width direction of the gap plate 410 away from the air blowing gap 105 side.

Although not shown, the airflow converter 400 may further include a guide pin, which separates the tower housing 140 and the gap plate 410, provided to one of the tower housing 140 and the gap plate 410.

The guide pin may be disposed at one of the tower housing 140 and the gap plate 410. In the present embodiment, the guide pin is disposed on the gap plate 410. The guide pin may be located at a lower portion of the gap plate 410. The guide pin is a cylindrical shape extending in the horizontal direction. The guide pin extends in the front-rear direction.

If the guide pins slide on the tower case 140 while supporting the gap plate 410 in the vertical direction, not only the weight of the gap plate 410 is supported, but also friction between the tower case 140 and the gap plate 410 is reduced. The guide pins may be located at one end of both ends of the gap plate 410 in the width direction away from the blowing gap 105.

The airflow converter 400 is disposed in front of the first discharge port 117 or the second discharge port with respect to the air discharge direction. The air is discharged forward from the first discharge port 117 or the second discharge port. The coanda effect is created when air passes through the first inner sidewall 115 or the second inner sidewall 125. The airflow converter 400 is disposed on the first inner sidewall 115 or the second inner sidewall 125 and selectively changes the wind direction. The airflow converter 400 may realize a wide area wind, a concentrated wind, or an updraft according to the degree of protrusion.

Next, a method of driving the airflow converter 400 will be described.

Referring to fig. 16 and 17, when the guide motor 420 is operated, the pinion gear 423 rotates, the rack 436 engaged with the pinion gear 423 moves, and the plate guide 430 moves up and down.

When the board guide 430 is raised, the positions of the first and second slits 432 and 434 also become high. The second slot 434 slides down along the body protrusion 444. As the position of the first slit 432 becomes higher, the first protrusion 4111 gradually moves to the right side, and the gap plate 410 protrudes toward the blowing gap 105 through the plate slit.

That is, the blowing gap 105 is closed by the gap plate 410. The air ejected through the blowing gap 105 forms an updraft.

When the board guide 430 descends, the positions of the first and second slits 432 and 434 also become low. The second slot 434 slides up along the body protrusion 444. As the position of the first slit 432 becomes lower, the first protrusion 4111 gradually moves to the left, and the gap plate 410 retreats to the inside of the tower housing 140 through the plate slit. That is, the blowing gap 105 is opened by the gap plate 410. The air discharged through the blowing gap 105 is discharged forward and spread to the left and right to form a wide wind.

When the board guide 430 ascends or descends to be positioned in the middle, the gap plate 410 penetrates the board slit and shields a portion of the blowing gap 105. That is, a part of the blowing gap 105 is opened by the gap plate 410. The air discharged through the blowing gap 105 is discharged forward in a concentrated manner, thereby forming a concentrated stream.

Next, the heater 500 provided in the fan device for an air conditioner will be described.

The heater 500 is provided in the first discharge space 103a or the second discharge space 103b, and is a component for heating the flowing air. The heater 500 heats the flowing air and discharges the heated air to the outside of the air conditioner fan device.

Referring to fig. 1 and 2, the heater 500 may be disposed at the first tower 110 or the second tower 120 of the fan apparatus for an air conditioner.

The heater 500 is disposed long in the vertical direction. The heater 500 is disposed along the longitudinal direction of the first tower 110 or the second tower 120. The heater 500 is disposed below the airflow converter 400.

Referring to fig. 3, the heaters 500 may be respectively disposed at the first tower 110 and the second tower 120. The heater 500 disposed in the first tower 110 may be referred to as a first heater 501, and the heater 500 disposed in the second tower 120 may be referred to as a second heater 502. The first tower 110 and the second tower 120 may be symmetrically formed with respect to the central axis, and the first tower 110 and the second tower 120 may be symmetrically disposed with respect to the central axis.

The upper end of the heater 500 may be disposed below the upper end of the gap plate 410. The lower end of the heater 500 may be disposed above the lower end of the gap plate 410.

Referring to fig. 4, the upper end of the heater 500 may be disposed at the center in the front-rear direction of the first tower 110 or the second tower 120 when viewed from above.

Referring to fig. 5, the upper end of the heater 500 is disposed forward of the lower end of the heater 500. In other words, the heater 500 is obliquely disposed such that the lower end thereof is located more rearward than the upper end.

The heater 500 is disposed inside the tower casing 140 and upstream of the first discharge port 117 or the second discharge port. The upstream is disposed on the air inflow side with reference to the air flow direction. That is, the heater 500 is disposed on the air inflow side of the first discharge port 117 or the second discharge port. More specifically, the heater 500 is disposed in front of the first discharge port 117 or the second discharge port.

The heater 500 includes a heat generating pipe 520 generating heat and a Fin (Fin)530 transferring the heat from the heat generating pipe 520.

The heat pipe 520 receives energy and converts the energy into heat energy to generate heat. The heat generating pipe 520 may receive electric energy by being connected to an electric device and convert the electric energy into heat energy by being composed of a resistor. Alternatively, a pipe through which the refrigerant flows may be formed inside the heat generating pipe 520, and the air may be heated by exchanging heat between the refrigerant flowing inside and the air flowing outside. In addition, the heat generating tube 520 includes a heat generating element within a range that a person of ordinary skill can easily make a change.

The heat generating pipe 520 may be formed obliquely. More specifically, the upper end of the heat pipe 520 may be disposed forward of the lower end.

The heat generating pipe 520 may be in a "U" shape. The fin 530 is connected to the heat pipe 520, and is a component for transmitting heat from the heat pipe 520. The fin 530 has a wide surface area so that heat received from the heat generating pipe 520 can be effectively transferred to the flowing air.

The fin 530 switches the direction of air flow and directs the air to either the first discharge opening 117 or the second discharge opening. Referring to fig. 5, the suction port is disposed below, and the first discharge port 117 and the second discharge port are disposed above. Inside the first tower 110 and the second tower 120, air forms a flow rising from the lower portion to the upper portion. The fin 530 converts a flow rising from the lower portion to the upper portion into a flow moving from the front direction to the rear.

The heater 500 includes a support member 510. The support member 510 is a constituent element that supports the heater 500. The support member 510 includes an upper horizontal plate 511, a vertical plate 512, and a lower horizontal plate 513.

The vertical plate 512 extends long in the up-down direction.

A plurality of fins 530 are fixed to the vertical plate 512. The plurality of fins 530 extend in a direction crossing the extending direction of the vertical plate 512. For example, the vertical plate 512 may extend long in the up-down direction, and the plurality of fins 530 may extend in the front-rear-left-right direction.

The heat pipe 520 is arranged long in the extending direction of the vertical plate 512. The heat generating pipe 520 may be disposed in parallel with the vertical plate 512. Alternatively, the heat generating pipe 520 may be in contact with the vertical plate 512.

The vertical plate 512 may be formed obliquely. More specifically, the upper end of the vertical plate 512 may be disposed forward of the lower end.

The upper horizontal plate 511 is disposed at the upper end of the vertical plate 512. A plate shielding the guide motor 420 may be formed at the upper portions of the first and second towers 110 and 120, and an upper horizontal plate 511 may be fixed to the plate and support the heater 500. In the case where the plate of the shield guide motor 420 is parallel to the ground, the upper horizontal plate 511 may be configured to be parallel to the ground together with this plate. Referring to fig. 5, the upper horizontal plate 511 is not perpendicular to the vertical plate 512 when viewed from the side. Referring to fig. 6, the upper horizontal plate 511 is perpendicular to the vertical plate 512 when viewed from the front or rear.

The lower horizontal plate 513 is disposed at a lower end of the vertical plate 512. A vertical plate 512 is connected to an upper surface of the lower horizontal plate 513, and a flow path blocking member 540 is disposed on a lower surface of the lower horizontal plate 513. Unlike the upper horizontal plate 511, the lower horizontal plate 513 is perpendicular to the vertical plate 512. Referring to fig. 5, the lower horizontal plate 513 is perpendicular to the vertical plate 512, not parallel to the ground, when viewed from the side. Referring to fig. 6, the lower horizontal plate 513 is also perpendicular to the vertical plate 512 when viewed from the front.

Referring to fig. 5, the first discharge port 117 extends long in the longitudinal direction of the first tower 110, and the second discharge port extends long in the longitudinal direction of the second tower 120. The fins 530 are arranged in plural along the longitudinal direction of the first discharge port 117 or the second discharge port. The first discharge port 117 and the second discharge port may be formed to be vertically long in the longitudinal direction of the first tower 110 and the second tower 120. The heater 500 may be disposed along the first discharge port 117, or disposed along the second discharge port. Since the heater 500 is disposed along the first and second discharge ports 117, air can be uniformly discharged to the first and second discharge ports 117, 117.

Referring to fig. 5, the fin 530 extends in a direction intersecting the longitudinal direction of the first discharge port 117 or the second discharge port. Referring to fig. 5, the first discharge port 117 and the second discharge port extend long from the center of the upper end to the right and lower ends. A plurality of fins 530 extend from the center to the upper right end. The longitudinal directions of the first and second discharge ports 117 and 530 may cross each other. In more detail, the fin 530 may extend in a direction perpendicular to a length direction of the first or second discharge opening 117 or 117.

The fin 530 may be disposed in plural along the longitudinal direction of the first discharge port 117 and the second discharge port, and extend in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the first discharge port 117 and the second discharge port. Therefore, the flow direction of the air is switched to the first discharge port 117 and the second discharge port by the guide of the fin 530, and the air is distributed by a uniform amount to flow to the first discharge port 117 and the second discharge port formed long in the vertical direction.

The heat pipe 520 may extend long in the longitudinal direction of the first or second discharge port 117 or 530, and the fin may extend in a direction perpendicular to the extending direction of the heat pipe 520.

Referring to fig. 5, the heat generating pipe 520 may be disposed at an upper portion of the heater 500. The heat pipe 520 extends downward from the upper portion of the heater 500. The heat pipe 520 may be disposed in parallel with the vertical plate 512 in a state of being spaced apart from the vertical plate 512, or may extend in a state of being in contact with the vertical plate 512. The heating pipe 520 extends long in the longitudinal direction of the first discharge port 117 and the second discharge port.

Referring to fig. 5, the fin 530 extends in a direction perpendicular to the extending direction of the heat generating tube 520. For example, in the case where the heat generating pipe 520 forms an angle of about 4 degrees with the vertical axis V, the fin 530 may form an angle of about 4 degrees with the ground. At this time, the fin 530 extends in a direction perpendicular to the extending direction of the heat generating tube 520.

Referring to fig. 5, the heating tube 520 is obliquely arranged to have a prescribed inclination between the heating tube 520 and the vertical axis, the vertical plate 512 is also obliquely arranged to have a prescribed inclination between the vertical plate 512 and the vertical axis, and the heating tube 520 and the vertical plate 512 are arranged in parallel, as viewed from the side. The upper horizontal plate 511 is disposed parallel to the ground plane. The lower horizontal plate 513 is disposed to be inclined with a predetermined inclination between the lower horizontal plate 513 and the ground level. The fin 530 is obliquely arranged to have a prescribed inclination between the fin 530 and the ground plane, and is arranged in parallel with the lower horizontal plate.

Referring to fig. 5, the heater 500 is disposed to be inclined with respect to a vertical direction. The heater 500 is disposed in parallel with the first ejection port 117 or the second ejection port 127.

The heater 500 may be obliquely disposed to have an inclination (angle) of about a3 with respect to the vertical direction. For example, the heater 500 may be disposed to be inclined with respect to the vertical direction by an angle of 4 degrees within a predetermined error range. Referring to fig. 5, the second discharge port may be arranged to be inclined with respect to the vertical direction to have an inclination of about a 1. For example, the second discharge port may be disposed to be inclined with respect to the vertical direction by an angle of 4 degrees within a predetermined error range. Although not shown in fig. 5, the first discharge port 117 may be arranged to be inclined with respect to the vertical direction at an inclination of a 1.

The inclination a3 of the heater 500 may correspond to the following value: the inclination formed by the vertical axis V and the vertical plate 512 with respect to the ground; the inclination formed by the vertical axis V with respect to the ground and the heat generating tube 520; the inclination formed by the upper horizontal plate 511 and the vertical plate 512; the inclination formed by fin 530 and upper horizontal plate 511; the inclination formed by the fin 530 and the ground; the inclination formed by the lower horizontal plate 513 and the ground.

The heater 500 is disposed in parallel with the first discharge port 117 or the second discharge port with respect to the vertical direction. In other words, the inclination a3 formed by the heater 500 with respect to the vertical direction and the inclination a1 formed by the first ejection opening 117/the second ejection opening 127 with respect to the vertical direction may be the same. Since the heater 500 is disposed in parallel with the first or second discharge port 117 or 530, the air guided by the fin 530 can flow to the first or second discharge port 117 or 530 in an even amount.

Referring to fig. 14 and 15, the first tower 110 comprises a first inner side wall 115, said first inner side wall 115 facing the blowing gap 105 and being formed with a first discharge opening 117. The second tower 120 comprises a second inner side wall 125, said second inner side wall 125 facing the blowing gap 105 and being formed with a second discharge opening. The heater 500 is disposed to be spaced apart from an inner side surface of at least one of the first inner sidewall 115 and the second inner sidewall 125. A space in which air flows is formed between the heater 500 and the first inner sidewall 115. A space in which air flows is formed between the heater 500 and the second inner sidewall 125. Since air flows between the heater 500 and the inner side surface, an air wall is formed. Therefore, heat emitted from the heater 500 cannot be convected to the first inner sidewall 115 or the second inner sidewall 125, preventing the first inner sidewall 115 and the second inner sidewall 125 from being overheated.

Referring to fig. 14 and 15, the first tower 110 includes a first outer sidewall 114 formed outboard of a first inner sidewall 115. Second tower 120 includes a second exterior sidewall 124 formed outboard of a second interior sidewall 125. The heater 500 is configured to be spaced apart from the inner side of the first outer sidewall 114 or the second outer sidewall 124. A space through which air flows is formed between the heater 500 and the inner side surface of the first outer sidewall 114. A space through which air flows is formed between the heater 500 and the inner side of the second outer sidewall 124. The air wall is formed as air flows between the heater 500 and the inner side of the outer sidewall. Therefore, heat emitted from the heater 500 cannot be convected to the first outer sidewall 114 or the second outer sidewall 124, preventing the first outer sidewall 114 and the second outer sidewall 124 from being overheated.

Referring to fig. 14 and 15, the heater 500 is disposed closer to the first inner sidewall 115 than the first outer sidewall 114. The heater 500 is disposed closer to the second inner sidewall 125 than the second outer sidewall 124. The air discharged from the first discharge port 117 flows rapidly through the first inner wall 115, and the air discharged from the second discharge port flows rapidly through the second inner wall 125. Since air flows rapidly in the first and second inner sidewalls 115 and 125 to generate forced convection, the first and second inner sidewalls 115 and 125 can be cooled more rapidly. However, due to the indirect coanda effect, the air flows at a slow speed between the first outer sidewall 114 and the second outer sidewall 124. Therefore, the first outer sidewall 114 is cooled at a slower rate than the first inner sidewall 115, and the second outer sidewall 124 is cooled at a slower rate than the second inner sidewall 125. Therefore, by disposing the heater 500 at a position closer to the first inner sidewall 115 or the second inner sidewall 125, overheating of the tower casing 140 can be prevented relatively effectively.

Referring to fig. 5, the lower end of heater 500 is disposed at a position closer to the rear lower end than the front lower end of first tower 110 or second tower 120. Therefore, the lower portion of the cross-sectional area of the discharge space 103 is larger than the upper portion.

The amount of air flowing at the lower end of first tower or second tower 120 is the largest, and the amount of air flowing at the upper end of first tower 110 or second tower 120 is the smallest as it is discharged to blowing gap 105 via heater 500 toward the upper portion. The lower end of heater 500 is disposed at a position closer to the rear lower end than the front lower end of first tower 110 or second tower 120, and thereby discharge space 103 according to the air flow rate can be formed. Therefore, the pressure difference can be compensated, the pressure loss can be prevented, and the efficiency can be improved.

The heater 500 further includes a flow path blocking member 540, the flow path blocking member 540 blocking air from flowing between the fin 530 and the first or second discharge opening 117. Referring to fig. 5, the flow path blocking member 540 is disposed at the lower end of the heater 500 and extends toward the lower end of the first discharge port 117 or the second discharge port.

The flow path blocking member 540 is disposed inside the tower case 140. The lower end of the flow path blocking member 540 is disposed above the suction grill.

The flow path blocking member 540 is inclined such that the rear end thereof is located above the front end thereof.

The flow path blocking member 540 extends toward the rear end of the first tower 110 or the second tower 120.

The lower end of the first discharge port 117 or the second discharge port is disposed above the flow path blocking member 540.

As shown in fig. 7, the flow path blocking member 540 extends leftward or rightward from the front end of the lower horizontal plate 513 and also extends rearward. Therefore, the shape may be semicircular. Alternatively, as shown in fig. 5, the flow path blocking member 540 may have the same width as the lower horizontal plate 513 and may also extend toward the rear end.

The flow path blocking member 540 prevents the air flowing through the first discharge space 103a or the second discharge space 103b from being discharged directly from the first discharge port 117 or the second discharge port without passing through the heater 500. More specifically, the flow path blocking member 540 blocks the rear lower end, the left lower end, and the right lower end of the heater 500 and the inner surface of the first tower 110, and blocks the rear lower end, the left lower end, and the right lower end of the heater 500 and the inner surface of the second tower 120. Therefore, the efficiency is improved by blocking the air from being discharged directly from the rear lower end, the left lower end, and the right lower end of the heater 500 to the first discharge port 117 or the second discharge port.

Referring to fig. 24 to 26, the fan apparatus for an air conditioner according to another embodiment of the present invention may further include an air guide 160 in addition to the heater 500, the air guide 160 guiding the air whose direction is switched to the first discharge port 117 or the second discharge port.

The air guide 160 is a component for converting the flow direction of the air into the horizontal direction in the discharge space 103. The air guide 160 may be provided in plural.

The air guide 160 converts the flow direction of the air flowing from the lower side to the upper side into the horizontal direction, and the converted air flows to the discharge ports 117 and 127.

When it is necessary to distinguish the air guides 160, the air guides are referred to as a first air guide 161 disposed inside the first tower 110 and a second air guide 162 disposed inside the second tower 120.

The outer side end of the first air guide 161 is combined with the outer side wall of the first tower 110. The inner end of the first air guide is adjacent to the first heater 501.

The front side end of the first air guide 161 is close to the first discharge port 117. The front side end of the first air guide may be combined with the inner side wall near the first ejection port 117. The rear side end of the first air guide is spaced apart from the rear end of the first tower 110.

In order to guide the air flowing on the lower side to the first discharge port 117, the first air guide 161 is formed as a curved surface protruding from the lower side to the upper side, and is disposed such that the rear side end is lower than the front side end.

The first air guide 161 may be divided into a curved surface portion 161f and a flat surface portion 161 e.

The rear end of the flat surface portion 161e of the first air guide 161 is close to the first ejection guide. The flat surface 161e of the first air guide may extend forward, or more specifically, may extend parallel to the floor surface.

The rear end of the curved portion 161f of the first air guide is disposed on the flat surface portion of the first air guide. The curved portion 161f of the first air guide is curved and extends toward the front lower portion. The front end of the curved surface portion 161f of the first air guide is arranged lower than the rear end. The horizontal distance of the front and rear ends of the curved portion 161f of the first air guide with reference to the ground may be 10mm to 20 mm. The horizontal distance with respect to the ground of the front end and the rear end of the curved surface portion 161f of the first air guide is defined as a curvature length. That is, the curved surface portion of the first air guide may have a curvature length of 10mm to 20 mm.

The inlet angle a4 of the front end of the curved portion 161f of the first air guide may be 10 degrees. The inlet angle a4 is defined as the angle between a vertical line with respect to the ground and a tangent to the front end of the curved portion 161f of the first air guide.

At least a portion of the right side end of the first air guide 161 is adjacent to the outside of the heater 500, and the remaining portion is combined with the inner sidewall of the first tower 110. The left end of the first air guide 161 may be closely attached or coupled to the outer sidewall of the first tower 110.

Therefore, the air moving upward along the discharge space 103 flows from the rear end to the front end of the first air guide 161. In other words, the air having passed through the fan device 300 rises and flows rearward under the guidance of the first air guide 161.

The second air guide 162 is bilaterally symmetrical to the first air guide 161.

The outboard end of the second air guide 162 is joined to the outboard wall of the second tower 120. The inner end of the second air guide 162 is adjacent to the second heater 502.

The front side end of the second air guide 162 is close to the second discharge port 127. The front side end of the second air guide 162 may be combined with the inner sidewall near the second ejection outlet. The rear side end of the second air guide 162 is spaced apart from the rear end of the second tower 120.

The second air guide 162 is formed in a curved surface protruding upward from the lower side so as to guide the air flowing on the lower side to the second discharge port 127, and is disposed such that the rear side end is lower than the front side end.

The second air guide 162 may be divided into a curved surface portion 162f and a flat surface portion 162 e.

The rear end of the flat surface portion 162e of the second air guide is close to the second ejection guide. The flat surface portion of the second air guide may extend forward, and more specifically, may extend parallel to the floor surface.

The rear end of the curved surface portion 162f of the second air guide is disposed at the front end of the flat surface portion 162e of the second air guide. The curved surface portion 162f of the second air guide is curved and extends toward the front lower portion. The front end of the curved surface portion 162f of the second air guide is arranged lower than the rear end. The horizontal distance between the front end and the rear end of the curved surface 162f of the second air guide with respect to the ground is 10mm to 20 mm. The horizontal distance with respect to the ground of the front and rear ends of the curved surface portion 162f of the second air guide is defined as a curvature length. That is, the curved surface portion 162f of the second air guide may have a curvature length of 10mm to 20 mm.

The inlet angle a4 of the front end of the curved surface portion 162f of the second air guide may be 10 degrees. The inlet angle a4 is defined as the angle between a vertical line relative to the ground and a tangent to the front end of the curved surface portion of the second air guide.

At least a portion of the left side end of the second air guide 162 is adjacent to the outside of the second heater 502, and the remaining portion is combined with the inner sidewall of the second tower 120. The right side end of the second air guide 162 may be closely attached or coupled to the outer sidewall of the second tower 120.

Therefore, the air moving upward along the discharge space 103 flows from the rear end to the front end of the second air guide 162. In other words, the air having passed through the fan device 300 rises and flows rearward under the guidance of the second air guide 162.

In the case where the air guide 160 is provided, the flow direction of the air rising in the vertical direction is converted into the horizontal direction. Therefore, there is an advantage that air can be discharged at a uniform flow rate from the air discharge port formed long in the vertical direction. In addition, the air can be discharged in the horizontal direction.

In the case where the inlet angle a4 of the air guide 160 is large or the curvature length is long, the air guide functions as resistance to air rising in the vertical direction, resulting in an increase in noise. On the contrary, when the curvature length of the air guide is small, the air guide does not function to guide air, and horizontal discharge is impossible. Therefore, when the inlet angle a4 according to the present invention is set or formed with the curvature length of the present invention, there is an effect of increasing the air volume and reducing noise.

The airflow converter 400 may be disposed above the heater 500. In more detail, the guide motor 420 may be disposed above the heater 500. The guide motor 420 generates a driving force, the gap plate 410 changes the discharged air, and the plate guide 430 transmits the driving force of the guide motor 420 to the gap plate 410. Although the gap plate 410 and the plate guide 430 may be disposed in front of the heater 500, the guide motor 420 is disposed above the heater 500. This makes it possible to effectively use the space and prevent the guide motor 420 from interfering with the air flow inside the discharge space 103. The guide motor 420 is a component that generates heat, and thus has a disadvantage of being weak against heat. Therefore, the guide motor 420 is disposed above the heater 500, not in the air flow path, and thus the heat of the heater 500 can be prevented from being convected to the guide motor 420.

Next, the flow of air flowing around the heater as viewed from above will be described with reference to fig. 24. The air having passed through the fan unit 300 rises in front of the heater. The air rising in front of the heater changes its flow direction to the backward direction. Most of the air is heated when passing through the heater, and thus warm air is discharged to the blowing gap. A portion of the air flows in the space between the heater and the outer side walls 114, 124. The air forms an air curtain between the heater and the outer sidewall, thereby preventing heat from the heater from convecting toward the outer sidewall. Another portion of the air flows in the space between the heater and the inner sidewall. The air forms an air curtain between the heater and the inner sidewall, thereby preventing convection of heat from the heater to the inner sidewall.

Fig. 27 is a view showing an example of horizontal air flow of the fan apparatus for an air conditioner according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to fig. 27, in the case of providing a horizontal air flow, the first gap plate 411 is hidden inside the first tower 110, and the second gap plate 412 is hidden inside the second tower 120.

The air discharged from the first discharge port 117 and the air discharged from the second discharge port 127 merge in the blowing gap 105, and flow forward through the leading ends 112 and 122.

Also, the air behind the blowing gap 105 may flow to the front after being guided to the inside of the blowing gap 105.

In addition, air around the first tower 110 may flow forward along the first outer sidewall 114, and air around the second tower 120 may flow forward along the second outer sidewall 124.

Since the first discharge port 117 and the second discharge port 127 are formed to extend long in the vertical direction and are arranged symmetrically with respect to each other, the air flowing above the first discharge port 117 and the second discharge port 127 and the air flowing below the first discharge port 117 and the second discharge port 127 can be formed relatively uniformly.

Further, since the air discharged from the first discharge port and the second discharge port merge in the blowing gap 105, the straight-ahead movement of the discharged air can be improved and the air can be made to flow to a distant position.

Fig. 28 is a view showing an example of the ascending air current of the fan apparatus for an air conditioner according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to fig. 28, in the case where the updraft is provided, the first and second gap plates 411 and 412 protrude toward the blowing gap 105, closing the front of the blowing gap 105.

As the front of the blowing gap 105 is closed by the first gap plate 411 and the second gap plate 412, the air discharged from the discharge ports 117, 127 rises along the back surfaces of the first gap plate 411 and the second gap plate 412, and is discharged from the upper portion of the blowing gap 105.

By forming the updraft in the air conditioner fan device 1, the discharged air can be prevented from flowing directly to the user. In order to circulate the indoor air, the air conditioner fan device 1 may be operated with an updraft.

For example, when an air conditioner and an air conditioner fan device are used together, the air conditioner fan device 1 can be operated in an updraft to promote convection of indoor air, thereby cooling or heating the indoor air relatively quickly.

Next, the air conditioner fan 320 for reducing noise and noise sharpness will be described in detail.

Referring to fig. 29, the fan 320 of the present invention includes: a hub 328 connected to the rotary shaft Ax; a plurality of blades 325 provided at predetermined intervals on the outer circumferential surface of the hub 328; and a shroud 32 disposed to be spaced apart from the hub 328 and to surround the hub 328, connected to one end of the plurality of blades 325.

The fan 320 may further include a back plate 324, the back plate 324 being provided with a hub 328 for coupling with a rotating center shaft. According to an embodiment, the back plate 324 and the shroud 32 may be omitted. The outer peripheral surface of the hub 328 has a cylindrical shape parallel to the rotation axis Ax.

A plurality of vanes 325 may be provided extending from the back plate 324. The blade 325 may extend such that the outer profile of the blade 325 is curvilinear.

The blades 325 constitute a rotating arm of the fan 320 and perform a function of transferring kinetic energy of the fan 320 to fluid. The plurality of blades 325 may be provided at predetermined intervals, and may be radially arranged on the back plate 324. One end of the plurality of blades 325 is connected to the outer circumferential surface of the hub 328.

In addition, the shroud 32 is connected (coupled) to one end of the vane 325. The shroud 32 is formed at a position opposite to the back plate 324, and may be in the shape of a circular ring. The shroud 32 and the hub 328 share the rotational axis Ax as a center.

The shroud 32 has a suction end 321 into which the fluid flows and a discharge end 323 from which the fluid is discharged. The shroud 32 may be curved so that its diameter decreases from the discharge end 323 toward the suction end 321.

That is, a connection portion 322 connecting the suction end portion 321 and the discharge end portion 323 with a curved line may be included. The connection portion may be bent with a curvature that enlarges the inner sectional area of the shroud 32.

Such a shroud 32 may form a moving path for fluid along with the back plate 324 and the vanes 325. When the moving direction of the fluid is observed, it can be known that the fluid flowing in the central axis direction flows in the circumferential direction of the fan 320 by the rotation of the blades 325.

That is, the fan 320 may increase the flow velocity by centrifugal force and eject the fluid in the radial direction of the fan 320.

The shroud 32 coupled to the end of the blade 325 may be formed to be spaced apart from the back plate 324 by a predetermined interval. The shroud 32 may be provided to have a face facing in parallel with the back plate 324.

Next, the blade 325 and the notch 40 formed in the blade 325 will be described in detail.

Referring to fig. 30 and 31, each blade 325 includes: a leading edge 33, defining one face of the direction of rotation of the hub 328; a trailing edge 37 defining a face opposite the leading edge 33; a negative pressure surface 34 connecting an upper end of the front edge 33 and an upper end of the rear edge 37 and having a larger area than the front edge 33 and the rear edge 37; and a pressure surface 36 connecting the lower end of the leading edge 33 and the lower end of the trailing edge 37, facing the negative pressure surface 34.

That is, each blade 325 has a plate shape, the suction surface 34 and the pressure surface 36 are the widest upper and lower surfaces of the blade 325, both ends in the longitudinal direction form both side surfaces of the blade 325, and both ends in the width direction (the left-right direction in fig. 31) intersecting the longitudinal direction form the leading edge 33 and the trailing edge 37. The areas of the trailing edge 37 and the leading edge 33 are smaller than the areas of the suction surface 34 and the pressure surface 36.

The leading edge 33 is located above (reference in fig. 31) the trailing edge 37.

A plurality of slits 40 are formed at each blade 325 to reduce noise generated at the fan and sharpness of the noise.

Each cutout 40 may be formed in a portion of the leading edge 33 and a portion of the suction surface 34. In addition, each notch 40 may be formed by recessing the corner 35 where the front edge 33 and the negative pressure surface 34 meet in the downward direction. That is, each cutout 40 may be formed in the middle upper end portion of the leading edge 33 and a partial region of the negative pressure surface 34 adjacent to the leading edge 33.

The cross-sectional shape of the slit 40 is not limited, and may be various shapes. However, for the efficiency of the fan and the reduction of noise, it is preferable that the sectional shape of the cutout 40 is a "U" shape or a "V" shape. The shape of the notch 40 will be described later.

The width W of the slit 40 may expand as the upper portion is approached from the lower portion. The width W of the slit 40 may be gradually or stepwise expanded as approaching the upper portion.

The direction of the notch 40 may be a tangential direction of an arbitrary circumference centering on the rotation axis Ax. Here, the direction of the slit 40 may refer to a length L11 direction of the slit 40. That is, the same cross-sectional shape of the notches 40 extends in the tangential direction of the circumference.

The cutout 40 may be formed along an arc of an arbitrary circumference centered on the rotational axis Ax of the fan 320. That is, the cut 40 may be a curved shape. Specifically, the same section of the slit 40 is formed along the circumference.

The depth H11 of the notch 40 may decrease away from the intersection of the leading edge 33 and the suction surface 34. The depth H11 of the notch 40 is high at the center and becomes lower as it approaches both ends in the longitudinal direction.

Next, the shape of each slit 40 will be described in detail. In the present embodiment, the cross-sectional shape of the slit 40 is a "V" shape.

Specifically, the incision 40 may include: the first inclined surface 42; a second inclined surface 43 facing the first inclined surface 42 and connected to a lower end of the first inclined surface 42; and a bottom line 41 connecting the first inclined surface 42 and the second inclined surface 43.

The distance between the first inclined surface 42 and the second inclined surface 43 becomes gradually larger as it approaches the upper portion. The interval distance between the first inclined surface 42 and the second inclined surface 43 may be gradually or stepwise increased. The first and second inclined surfaces 42 and 43 may be flat or curved. The first and second inclined surfaces 42 and 43 may be triangular.

The bobbin thread 41 may extend in a tangential direction of an arbitrary circumference centering on the rotation axis Ax. As another example, the rotation axis Ax may be a circular axis extending in a circle. That is, the bobbin wire 41 may form an arc centered on the rotation axis Ax.

The length of the bobbin thread 41 is the same as the length L11 of the slit 40. The direction of the bottom line 41 refers to the direction of the incision 40. The direction of the base line 41 may be a direction for reducing flow separation at the leading edge 33 and the suction surface 34, reducing air resistance.

Specifically, the bobbin thread 41 may have an inclination of 0 to 10 degrees from a horizontal plane perpendicular to the rotation axis Ax. Preferably, the bottom line 41 may be parallel to a horizontal plane perpendicular to the rotation axis Ax. Accordingly, the resistance may be reduced by the slits 40 as the vanes 325 rotate.

The length L11 of the bobbin thread 41 may be greater than the height H22 of the leading edge 33. This is because if the length L11 of the bobbin thread 41 is too small, the flow separation generated on the negative pressure surface 34 cannot be reduced, and if the length L11 of the bobbin thread 41 is too large, the efficiency of the fan is lowered.

The length L11 of the slit 40 (the length L11 of the bottom line 41) may be greater than the depth H11 of the slit 40 and the width W of the slit 40. Preferably, the length L11 of the slits 40 may be 5mm to 6.5mm, the depth H11 of the slits 40 may be 1.5mm to 2.0mm, and the width W of the slits 40 may be 2.0mm to 2.2 mm.

The length L11 of the slit 40 may be 2.5 to 4.33 times the depth H11 of the slit 40, and the length L11 of the slit 40 may be 2.272 to 3.25 times the width W of the slit 40.

One end of the bobbin thread 41 is positioned at the leading edge 33, and the other end of the bobbin thread 41 is positioned at the negative pressure surface 34. Preferably, one end of the bobbin thread 41 is located in the leading edge 33 at a position intermediate the height of the leading edge 33.

The spacing between the position of one end of the bobbin thread 41 in the leading edge 33 and the corner 35 may be smaller than the spacing between the position of the other end of the bobbin thread 41 in the negative pressure surface 34 and the corner 35.

Preferably, the other end of the bobbin thread 41 is located in the negative pressure surface 34 at a position between 1/5 and 1/10 of the width of the negative pressure surface 34.

The angle a11 formed by the bobbin thread 41 and the suction surface 34 and the angle a12 formed by the bobbin thread 41 and the leading edge 33 are not limited. Preferably, the angle A11 formed by the bobbin thread 41 and the suction surface 34 is smaller than the angle A12 formed by the bobbin thread 41 and the leading edge 33.

Preferably, three cutouts 40 are provided. The incision 40 may include: a first cutout 40; a second cutout 40 located farther from the hub 328 than the first cutout 40; and a third cutout 40 located farther from the hub 328 than the second cutout 40. Preferably, the spacing between the individual cuts 40 is 6mm to 10 mm. The spacing between the various cuts 40 may be greater than the depth H11 of the cuts 40 and the width W of the cuts 40.

The leading edge 33 may be divided on a center basis into a first region S1 adjacent the hub 328 and a second region S2 adjacent the shroud 32, with two of the three cutouts 40 located in the first region S1 and the remaining cutouts 40 located in the second region S2.

Specifically, the first cutout 40 and the second cutout 40 may be located at the first region S1, and the third cutout 40 may be located at the second region S2. More specifically, the first cutout 40 is spaced from the hub 328 by 19% to 23% of the length of the leading edge 33, the second cutout 40 is spaced from the hub 328 by 40% to 44% of the length of the leading edge 33, and the first cutout 40 is spaced from the hub 328 by 65% to 69% of the length of the leading edge 33.

The cut 40 of the plurality of cuts 40 that is spaced the greatest distance from the hub 328 may have the longest length. Specifically, the length L11 of the third slit 40 may be greater than the length L11 of the second slit 40, and the length L11 of the second slit 40 may be greater than the length L11 of the first slit 40.

The shape, arrangement, and number of the notches 40 can reduce flow separation occurring in the fan blades 325, and as a result, noise generated in the fan can be reduced.

Referring to fig. 32, since a part of the fluid passing through the leading edge 33 causes turbulence after passing through the slit 40, a flow is formed along the arm surface, and is mixed with the fluid passing through the leading edge 33, flow separation does not occur at the arm surface, but a flow is formed along the surface, and thus noise is improved.

Referring to fig. 33 and 34, the reduction of noise and sharpness can be clearly seen as a result of an experiment conducted on noise and sharpness of a general fan (comparative column) and the example under the same environment.

With reference to fig. 35 to 39, an airflow converter 700 according to another embodiment that can form an ascending airflow will be described. In the present embodiment, differences between the airflow converter 700 and the embodiment of fig. 16 to 22 will be mainly described, and the configuration not described in particular will be the same as that of the embodiment of fig. 16 to 22.

In the present embodiment, the airflow converter 700 may convert the horizontal airflow flowing through the blowing gap 105 into the ascending airflow.

The airflow converter 700 includes: a first air flow converter 701 disposed in the first tower 110; and a second airflow converter 702 disposed in the second tower 120. The first airflow converter 701 and the second airflow converter 702 are bilaterally symmetrical and have the same configuration.

The airflow converter 700 includes: a gap plate 710 disposed on the tower and protruding toward the blowing gap 105; a guide motor 720 for providing a driving force for the movement of the gap plate 710; a power transmission member 730 for supplying the driving force of the guide motor 720 to the gap plate 710; and a plate guide 740 disposed inside the tower and guiding the movement of the gap plate 710.

The gap plate 710 may be hidden inside the tower and may protrude towards the blowing gap 105 when the guiding motor 720 is activated. The gap plate 710 includes: a first gap plate 711 disposed in the first tower 110; and a second gap plate 712 disposed on second tower 120.

In the present embodiment, the first gap plate 711 is disposed inside the first tower 110, and may be selectively protruded toward the blowing gap 105. Likewise, second gap plate 712 is disposed inside second tower 120 and may optionally project toward blow gap 105.

To this end, a plate slit 119 is formed to penetrate the inner wall 115 of the first tower 110, and a plate slit 129 is formed to penetrate the inner wall 125 of the second tower 120.

The plate slits 119 formed in the first tower 110 are referred to as first plate slits 119, and the plate slits formed in the second tower 120 are referred to as second plate slits 129.

The first plate slit 119 and the second plate slit 129 are arranged to be bilaterally symmetrical. The first plate slit 119 and the second plate slit 129 are formed to extend long in the vertical direction. The first plate slit 119 and the second plate slit 129 may be configured to be inclined with respect to the vertical direction V.

An inner end 711a of the first gap plate 711 may be exposed to the first plate slit 119, and an inner end 712a of the second gap plate 712 may be exposed to the second plate slit 129.

Preferably, the inboard ends 711a, 712a do not protrude from the inboard walls 115, 125. Additional coanda effect may be caused where the inboard ends 711a, 712a protrude from the inboard walls 115, 125.

When the vertical direction is set to 0 degree, the front end 112 of the first tower 110 is formed at a first inclination, and the first plate slit 119 is formed at a second inclination. The front end 122 of the second tower 120 is also formed at a first inclination and the second plate slit 129 is formed at a second inclination.

The first inclination may be between a vertical direction and a second inclination, which needs to be greater than the horizontal direction. The first inclination may be the same as the second inclination, or the second inclination may be greater than the first inclination.

The plate slits 119, 129 may be arranged to be more inclined than the front ends 112, 122 with respect to the vertical direction.

The first gap plate 711 is disposed parallel to the first plate slit 119, and the second gap plate 712 is disposed parallel to the second plate slit 129.

The gap plate 710 may be formed in a plate shape of a plane or a curved surface. The gap plate 710 may be formed to extend long in the vertical direction, and may be disposed in front of the blowing gap 105.

The gap plate 710 may convert the flow direction into an upward direction by crossing the horizontal air flow flowing in the blowing gap 105.

In the present embodiment, the updraft may be formed by contacting or approaching the inside end 711a of the first gap plate 711 and the inside end 712a of the second gap plate 712. Unlike the present embodiment, the ascending air current may also be formed by a gap plate 710 closely attached to the tower on the opposite side.

When the airflow converter 700 is not operating, the inner end 711a of the first gap plate 711 may close the first plate slit 119, and the inner end 712a of the second gap plate 712 may close the second plate slit 129.

When the airflow converter 700 operates, the inner end 711a of the first gap plate 711 may protrude toward the blowing gap 105 through the first plate slit 119, and the inner end 712a of the second gap plate 712 may protrude toward the blowing gap 105 through the second plate slit 129.

The first gap plate 711 closes the first plate slit 119, thereby blocking air leakage from the first discharge space 103 a. The second gap plate 712 closes the second plate slit 129, thereby blocking air leakage from the second discharge space 103 b.

In the present embodiment, the first gap plate 711 and the second gap plate 712 protrude toward the blowing gap 105 by a rotating action. Unlike the present embodiment, it is also possible to protrude toward the blowing gap 105 by at least one of the first gap plate 711 and the second gap plate 712 linearly moving in a sliding manner.

The first and second gap plates 711 and 712 may have an arc shape when viewed from above. The first gap plate 711 and the second gap plate 712 have a prescribed radius of curvature, and the center of curvature is located in the blowing gap 105.

Preferably, when the gap plate 710 is in a state of being hidden inside the tower, the volume of the radially inner side of the gap plate 710 is larger than the volume of the radially outer side.

The gap plate 710 may be formed of a transparent material. A light emitting member 750 such as an LED may be provided at the gap plate 710, and the entire gap plate 710 may be made to emit light by means of light emitted from the light emitting member 750. The light emitting member 750 may be disposed in the discharge space 103 inside the tower and may be disposed at the outer end 712b of the gap plate 710.

The light emitting members 750 may be disposed in plural along the longitudinal direction of the gap plate 710.

The guide motor 720 includes: a first guide motor 721 that provides a rotational force to the first gap plate 711; and a second guide motor 722 that provides a rotational force to the second gap plate 712.

The first guide motor 721 may be disposed at the upper side and the lower side of the inside of the first tower, respectively, and when it is necessary to distinguish, it may be distinguished as the upper first guide motor 721 and the lower first guide motor 721. The upper first guide motor is disposed at a position lower than the upper end 111 of the first tower 110, and the lower first guide motor is disposed at a position higher than the fan 320.

The second guide motor 722 may be disposed at the upper side and the lower side of the second tower, and when it is necessary to distinguish between them, it may be divided into an upper second guide motor 722a and a lower second guide motor 722 b. The upper second guide motor is disposed at a position lower than the upper end 121 of the second tower 120, and the lower second guide motor is disposed at a position higher than the fan 320.

In the present embodiment, the rotation shafts of the first guide motor 721 and the second guide motor 722 are arranged in the vertical direction, and a rack-and-pinion structure is used in order to transmit the driving force. The power transmission member 730 includes a driving gear 731 coupled to a motor shaft of the guide motor 720 and a rack gear 732 coupled to the gap plate 710.

The drive gear 731 uses a pinion gear, and rotates in the horizontal direction. The rack 732 is coupled to the inner side surface of the gap plate 710. The rack 732 may be formed in a shape corresponding to the gap plate 710. In the present embodiment, the rack 732 is formed in an arc shape. The teeth of the rack 732 are configured to face the inner side wall of the tower.

The rack 732 is disposed in the discharge space 103 and can rotate together with the gap plate 710.

The plate guide 740 may guide the swiveling motion of the gap plate 710. The plate guide 740 may support the gap plate 710 while the gap plate 710 performs a gyratory motion.

In the present embodiment, the plate guide 740 is disposed on the opposite side of the rack 732 with respect to the gap plate 710. The plate guide 740 may support the force from the rack 732. Unlike the present embodiment, it is also possible to form a groove corresponding to the turning radius of the gap plate in the plate guide 740 and move the gap plate along the groove.

The plate guides 740 may be assembled to the outer side walls 114, 124 of the tower. The plate guide 740 may be disposed radially outward with respect to the gap plate 710, thereby minimizing contact with air flowing through the discharge space 103.

The plate guide 740 includes a moving guide 742, a fixed guide 744, and a friction reducing member 746. The moving guide 742 may be combined with a structure that moves together with the gap plate. In the present embodiment, the moving guide 742 may be combined with the rack 732 or the gap plate 710 and may rotate together with the rack 732 or the gap plate 710.

In the present embodiment, the moving guide 742 is disposed on the outer side surface 710b of the gap plate 710. The moving guide 742 has an arc shape when viewed from above, and is formed with the same curvature as the gap plate 710.

The length of the moving guide 742 is smaller than the length of the gap plate 710. The moving guide 742 is disposed between the gap plate 710 and the fixed guide 744. The radius of the moving guide 742 is greater than that of the gap plate 710 and less than that of the fixed guide 744.

The movement of the moving guide 742 may be restricted by forming a detent with the fixed guide 744. The fixed guide 744 is disposed radially outward of the moving guide 742, and can support the moving guide 742.

A guide groove 745 is formed in the fixed guide 744, and the movable guide 742 is inserted into the guide groove 745 and moves. The guide groove 745 may be formed corresponding to the rotation radius and curvature of the moving guide 742.

The guide groove 745 is formed in an arc shape, and at least a portion of the moving guide 742 is inserted into the guide groove 745. The guide groove 745 is formed to be recessed in the lower direction. The moving guide 742 is inserted into the guide groove 745, and the guide groove 745 may support the moving guide 742.

When the moving guide 742 rotates, the moving guide 742 is supported at the front side end 745a of the guide groove 745, and thereby the rotation of the moving guide 742 in one direction (in a direction in which the air blowing gap protrudes) can be restricted.

When the moving guide 742 rotates, the moving guide 742 is supported at the rear side end 745b of the guide groove 745, whereby the rotation of the moving guide 742 in the other side direction (the direction for storing the moving guide inside the tower) can be restricted.

Also, the friction reducing member 746 may reduce friction generated between the moving guide 742 and the fixed guide 744 when the moving guide 742 moves.

In the present embodiment, the friction reducing member 746 uses rollers that provide rolling friction between the moving guide 742 and the fixed guide 744. The shaft of the roller is formed in the up-down direction and is coupled with the moving guide 742.

The friction and the operating noise can be reduced by the friction reducing member 746. At least a portion of the friction reducing member 746 protrudes radially outward of the moving guide 742.

The friction reducing member 746 may be formed of an elastic material and elastically supported by the fixing guide 744 in a radial direction.

That is, the friction reducing member 746 may elastically support the fixed guide 744 instead of the moving guide 742, and reduce friction and operational noise when the gap plate 710 rotates.

In the present embodiment, the friction reducing member 746 is in contact with the front side end 745a and the rear side end 745b of the guide groove 745.

On the other hand, a motor mount 760 may be further provided, the motor mount 760 supporting the guide motor 720 for mounting the guide motor 720 to the tower.

The motor frame 760 is disposed at a lower portion of the guide motor 720, and supports the guide motor 720. The guide motor 720 is assembled to the motor frame 760.

In this embodiment, the motor housing 760 is coupled to the tower inner side walls 114, 125. The motor housing 760 may be integrally manufactured with the inner side walls 114, 124.

Another embodiment of the air guide

Referring to fig. 40 and 41, an air guide 160 for converting the flow direction of air into a horizontal direction is disposed in the discharge space 103. The air guide 160 may be provided in plural.

The air guide 160 converts the air flow from the lower side to the upper side into a horizontal direction, and the air having the converted direction flows to the discharge ports 117 and 127.

When it is necessary to distinguish the air guides, the air guide disposed inside the first tower 110 is referred to as a first air guide 161, and the air guide disposed inside the second tower 120 is referred to as a second air guide 162.

The first air guides 161 are arranged in plural, and the plural first air guides 161 are arranged in the vertical direction. The second air guides 162 are disposed in plural, and the plural second air guides 162 are arranged in the vertical direction.

When viewed in elevation, first air guide 161 may be combined with the inner and/or outer sidewalls of first tower 110. When viewed from the side, a rear side end 161a of the first air guide 161 is close to the first discharge port 117, and a front side end 161b is spaced apart from the front end of the first tower 110.

At least one of the plurality of first air guides 161 may be formed as a curved surface protruding from a lower side to an upper side to guide the air flowing at the lower side toward the first discharge port 117.

The front side end 161b of at least one of the plurality of first air guides 161 may be disposed at a lower position than the rear side end 161a, thereby minimizing resistance to air flowing downward and guiding the air to the first discharge port 117.

At least a portion of the left side end 161c of the first air guide 161 may be abutted or coupled to the left side wall of the first tower 110. At least a portion of the right side end 161d of the first air guide 161 may be abutted or coupled to the right side wall of the first tower 110.

Therefore, the air moving upward along the discharge space 103 flows from the front end to the rear end of the first air guide 161. The second air guide 162 and the first air guide 161 are bilaterally symmetrical.

When viewed in elevation, the second air guide 162 may be combined with the inner and/or outer sidewalls of the second tower 110. When viewed from the side, the rear side end 162a of the second air guide 162 is close to the second discharge port 127, and the front side end 162b is spaced apart from the front end of the second tower 120.

In order to guide the air flowing at the lower side to the second discharge port 127, at least one of the plurality of second air guides 162 may be formed in a curved surface protruding upward from the lower side.

The front side end 162b of at least one of the second air guides 162 may be disposed at a lower position than the rear side end 162a, so that air can be guided to the second discharge port 127 while minimizing resistance to air flowing downward.

At least a portion of the left side end 162c of the second air guide 162 may be abutted or coupled to the left side wall of the second tower 120. At least a portion of the right side end 162d of the second air guide 162 may be abutted or bonded to the right side wall of the first tower 110.

In the present embodiment, the second air guide 162 is configured with four, and may be referred to as a 2-1 st air guide 162-1, a 2-2 nd air guide 162-2, a 2-3 rd air guide 162-3, and a 2-4 th air guide 162-4 from a lower side to an upper side.

The 2-1 st and 2-2 nd air guides 162-1 and 162-2 are disposed such that the front end 162b is disposed at a lower position than the rear end 162a, and guide the air to flow upward and rearward.

In contrast, the 2 nd to 3 rd air guide 162-3 and the 2 nd to 4 th air guide 162-4 are configured such that the rear end 162a thereof is located at a lower position than the front end 162b, and guides the air to flow toward the rear lower side.

The air guide is disposed so that the discharged air converges toward the middle height of the blowing gap 105, thereby increasing the reaching distance of the discharged air.

The 2-1 st air guide 162-1 and the 2-2 nd air guide 162-2 may be respectively formed as curved surfaces protruding to the upper side, and the 2-1 nd air guide 162-1 disposed at the lower side may be formed to be more protruding than the 2-2 nd air guide 162-2.

The 2-3 air guide 162-3 disposed at the lower side among the 2-3 air guide 162-3 and the 2-4 air guide 162-4 has a shape of being protruded toward the upper side, and the 2-4 air guide 162-4 is formed in a flat plate shape.

The 2 nd-2 nd air guide 162-2 disposed at the lower side is formed as a curved surface that is more convex than the 2 nd-3 rd air guide 162-3. That is, the curved surface of the air guide may be gradually flattened as going from the lower side to the upper side.

The 2 nd to 4 th air guide 162-4 disposed at the uppermost side is formed in a flat shape having a rear end 162a lower than a front end 162 b. Since the configuration of the first air guide 161 and the configuration of the second air guide 162 are bilaterally symmetric, a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

Referring to fig. 42, fig. 42 shows an air conditioner according to still another embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to fig. 42, a third discharge port 132 may be formed to vertically penetrate the upper surface 131 of the tower base 130. A third air guide 133 for guiding the filtered air is further disposed at the third discharge port 132.

The third air guide 133 is disposed to be inclined with respect to the up-down direction. The upper end 133a of the third air guide 133 is disposed at the front, and the lower end 133b is disposed at the rear. That is, the upper end 133a is disposed forward of the lower end 133 b.

The third air guide 133 includes a plurality of blades arranged in the front-rear direction.

The third air guide 133 is disposed between the first tower 110 and the second tower 120, is disposed below the air blowing gap 105, and discharges air into the air blowing gap 105. The inclination of the third air guide 133 with respect to the vertical direction is defined as an air guide angle C.

According to the present invention, the air blowing gap can be selectively blocked by the gap plate, and the air discharged through the discharge port can be discharged in various directions and forms.

Further, according to the present invention, the friction reducing projection parallel to the moving direction of the gap plate is formed on the surface where the gap plate and the plate guide contact each other, whereby the friction between the gap plate and the plate guide can be reduced, the load on the guide motor can be reduced, and the size of the guide motor can be reduced.

Further, according to the present invention, since the roller is provided in the gap plate, friction generated between the gap plate and the housing can be reduced, the load on the guide motor can be reduced, and the size of the guide motor can be reduced.

Further, according to the present invention, the slit of the plate guide that guides the gap plate is formed to be inclined downward in the direction of the air blowing gap, thereby having an advantage that the positioning Torque (dwell Torque) of the guide motor due to the self weight of the gap plate can be reduced in a state where the power supply of the guide motor is turned off.

In addition, the present invention closely couples the cover and the main body without a gap, thereby having advantages that it is possible to improve an aesthetic sense brought to a user in a state where the cover and the main body are coupled, and it is possible to easily separate the main body and the cover by applying an external force to the cover separating unit when separating the cover and the main body.

Further, according to the present invention, the coanda effect is caused to the air discharged from the first tower and the air discharged from the second tower, respectively, and then the air is merged at the air blowing gap and discharged, thereby providing an advantage that the straight advancement and the reach of the discharged air can be improved.

Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the drawings, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described above, and various modifications can be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the technical spirit of the present invention claimed in the claims.