Air conditioner

Embodiments disclosed herein may provide an air conditioner having a case and a cover coupled to the case. A cover separation unit may separate the cover from the case at upper and lower sides. The cover separation unit may include a lever that slides along an outer surface of the case and a pusher rotatably coupled to the lever to rotate to push the cover. A guide may guide the pusher to rotate as the pusher is moved along an outer surface of the case.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates to an air conditioner.

A blower is a mechanical device which drives a fan to cause a flow of air. The fan may rotate about a rotation axis, and a motor may rotate the fan to generate wind or air flow. An axial fan may have an advantage in providing wind in a wide range or region, but the axial fan may not be able to provide an intense or concentrated air flow in a narrow region.

Japanese Publication Patent No. 2019-107643 discloses a fan which provides air flow to a user using the Coanda effect. In addition, a fan may be configured to cause a predetermined air flow path of a certain size or less between the fan and an air discharge port, with a certain distance or more between the fan and the air discharge port. There is a problem in that an air flow path may not have an enough space to, for example, receive a heater to heat air.

In addition, when a cover is formed to cover a filter insertion port for insertion of a filter into a main body, to easily separate the cover and the main body, a gap between the cover and the main body may be increased. A space for a user's hand to enter is formed in the cover or main body, but the space may not aesthetically pleasing. In addition, since such a space may provide resistance to the air flowing into the filter, an overall efficiency may be lowered. When the cover and the main body are coupled with magnetic force or a hook without a gap to enhance aestheticism, there is a problem in that there may not be a space for user's hand, making it very difficult to separate the cover from the main body when there is no separate handle.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring toFIGS.1to4, an air conditioner or blower1according to an embodiment may include a case100providing an outer shape. The air conditioner1may alternatively be referred to as an air purifier. The case100may include a base or lower case150in which a filter200may be located or installed, and a tower or upper case140configured to discharge air through the Coanda effect. The base case150and tower case140may alternatively be referred to as first and second cases. The tower case140may include a first tower or extension110and a second tower or extension120which are divided and provided to appear similar to two columns. For convenience of description, the first tower110may be provided on a left side, and the second tower120may be provided on a right side. The first and second towers110and120may alternatively be referred to as left and right towers.

In this specification, an up-down or vertical direction may be defined as a direction parallel to a direction of a rotation axis of a fan320. An upper direction refers to a direction from the base case150to the tower case140. A lower direction refers to a direction in from the tower case140to the base case150. The first and second towers110and120may be spaced apart from each other in a horizontal or left-right direction, while a direction substantially perpendicular to the left-right direction may be considered a horizontal or front-rear direction.

The first tower110and the second tower120may be spaced apart from each other in the left-right direction, and a blowing space105may be formed between the first tower110and the second tower120to extend in a front-rear direction. Front, rear and upper sides of the blowing space105may be open, and a left-right length of the blowing space105may be the same or similar at upper and lower ends of the blowing space105. The tower case140as a whole, which includes the first tower110, the second tower120, and the blowing space105, may be formed in a truncated cone shape.

Air may be discharged into the blowing space105through discharge ports117and127provided in the first tower110and the second tower120, respectively. The discharge ports117and127may include a first discharge port117formed in the first tower110and a second discharge port127formed in the second tower120.

The first discharge port117and the second discharge port127may extend along a height direction (which may be substantially similar to the vertical direction) of the first and second towers110and120. A direction intersecting the blowing space105may be defined as an air discharge direction. The air discharge direction may be substantially similar to the front-rear direction in certain circumstances and/or a vertical direction in other circumstances.

For example, the air discharge direction intersecting the blowing space105may include a first air discharging direction S1provided in a horizontal, front-rear direction and a second air discharging direction S2provided in the vertical direction. Air flowing in the first air discharge direction S1may be referred to as a horizontal airflow, and air flowing in the second air discharge direction S2is referred to as an ascending airflow.

It should be understood that the horizontal airflow does not mean that the air flows only in the horizontal direction, but that a flow rate of air flowing in the horizontal direction is larger. Likewise, it should be understood that the ascending airflow does not mean that the air flows only upward or vertically, but that a flow rate of air flowing upward or vertically is larger.

As previously explained, an upper end gap or distance of the blowing space105(i.e., a distance between inner upper ends of the first and second towers110and120) and a lower end gap or distance of the blowing space105(i.e., a distance between inner lower ends of the first and second towers110and120) may be equal. Alternatively, the upper end gap of the blowing space105may be formed narrower or wider than the lower end gap thereof.

By forming a right-left width of the blowing space105to be constant, a flow of air flowing in front of the blowing space105may be more uniform. When the right-left width is not constant such that the upper end gap of the blowing space105is not the same as the lower end gap of the blowing space105, a flow velocity of the wider portion of the blowing space105may be relatively lower than an air flow velocity of the narrower portion, and a deviation of air flow velocities may occur in the vertical direction. With such deviation, a distance that a concentrated air flow reaches before becoming negligeable may vary.

After the air discharged from the first discharge port117and the second discharge port127are joined with each other in the blowing space105, the joined air may flow toward a user. Discharged air of the first discharge port117and discharge air of the second discharge port127may not individually flow as separate streams to the user, but the discharged air of the first discharge port117and the discharged air of the second discharge port127may be joined in the blowing space105and provided as a combined stream to the user.

The blowing space105may be used as a space where discharged air is joined and mixed. Ambient air behind the blowing space105may also flow into the blowing space105to mix with the air discharged to the blowing space105.

Since the discharged air of the first discharge port117and the discharged air of the second discharge port127are joined, a straightness and/or concentration of the discharged air may be improved. By joining the air discharged from the first discharge port117and the second discharge port127in the blowing space, ambient air around the first tower110and second tower120may also be indirectly induced to flow in the air discharge direction.

The first air discharge direction S1may be formed from the rear to the front (i.e., forward), and the second air discharge direction S2may be formed from a lower side to an upper side (i.e., upward). An upper end111of the first tower110and an upper end121of the second tower120may be spaced apart from each other in the left-right direction to allow air to flow in the second air discharge direction S2. The air discharged in the second air discharge direction S2may not be blocked or interfered with by the tower case140, as an upper side of the blowing space105may be opened.

A front end112of the first tower110and a front end122of the second tower120may be spaced apart from each other in a left-right direction, and a rear end113of the first tower110and a rear end123of the second tower120may also be spaced apart from each other in a left-right direction. Such a configuration may allow airflow in the first air discharge direction S1. Positions of the first and second towers110and120may not interfere with or prevent airflow in the first air discharge direction S1. However, an airflow converter or guide later may selective block at least a portion of a front of the blowing space105to encourage air to flow in the second air flow direction S2.

In each of the first tower110and the second tower120, a surface facing the blowing space105may be referred to as an inner surface, and a surface not facing the blowing space105may be referred to as an outer surface. A first outer wall114of the first tower110and a second outer wall124of the second tower120may face opposite directions, and a first inner wall115of the first tower110and a second inner wall125of the second tower120may face each other.

The first outer wall114may be formed on an outer side of the first inner wall115. The first outer wall114and the first inner wall115may form a space (an inner space of the first tower110) through which air flows. The second outer wall124may be formed on an outer side of the second inner wall125. The first outer wall124and the first inner wall125form a space (an inner space of the second tower120) through which air flows.

The first tower110and the second tower120may be formed in a streamlined shape with respect to the flow direction of air. Each of the first inner wall115and the first outer wall114may be formed in a streamlined shape in the front-rear direction, and each of the second inner wall125and the second outer wall124may be formed in a streamlined shape in the front-rear direction. A streamlined shape may mean a shape configured to reduce drag or air resistance, similar to an airplane wing.

The first discharge port117may be formed in the first inner wall115, and the second discharge port127may be formed in the second inner wall125. A central or short distance between the first inner wall115and the second inner wall125may be referred to as an initial distance B0. The initial distance B0may be a shortest distance between the first and second inner walls115and125and may be provided at or around center portions. The discharge ports117and127may be located at a rear side of positions that define the initial distance B0.

A first or front distance between the front end112of the first tower110and the front end122of the second tower120may be referred to as a first separation distance B1. A second or rear distance between the rear end113of the first tower110and the rear end123of the second tower120may be referred to as a second separation distance B2.

The first and second separation distances B1and B2may be equal. Alternatively, the first and second separation distances B1and B2may not be equal such as one of the first and second separation distances B2and B2is longer than the other. The first and second separation distances B1and B2may be longer than the initial distance B0.

The first discharge port117and the second discharge port127may be positioned such that a distance between the first and second discharge ports117and127, which face each other, is greater than the initial distance B0but less than the second separation distance B2. The first and second discharge ports117and127may be positioned between centers of the first and second inner walls115and125and the rear ends113and123of the first and second towers110and120.

As an example, the first discharge port117and the second discharge port127may be provided closer to the rear ends113and123, respectively, than centers of the first and second inner walls115and125. When the discharge ports117and127are provided closer to the rear ends113and123, airflow may be easier controlled through the Coanda effect described later.

The inner wall115of the first tower110and the inner wall125of the second tower120may be configured to directly provide or induce a Coanda effect. The outer wall114of the first tower110and the outer wall124of the second tower120may be configured to indirectly provide or induce a Coanda effect.

The inner walls115and125may be configured to directly guide the air discharged from the discharge ports117and127toward the front ends112and122in the first discharge direction S1. Due to an air flow in the blowing space105, an indirect air flow may occur at or around the outer walls114and124as well. The outer walls114and124may be configured to induce a Coanda effect with respect to an indirect air flow and guide the indirect air flow toward the front ends112and122.

A left side of the blowing space may be blocked by the first inner wall115, and a right side of the blowing space may be blocked by the second inner wall125. An upper side of the blowing space105may be opened, along with front and rear sides.

An airflow converter or guide to be described later may convert a horizontal airflow in the first discharge direction S1passing through the blowing space105into an ascending airflow in the second discharge direction S2, and the ascending airflow may flow to an open upper side of the blowing space105. The ascending airflow may suppress a direct flow of discharged air to the user and may actively convect indoor air.

A width of a discharged air stream may be adjusted through a flow rate of air joined in the blowing space105. By setting or prescribing a vertical length of the first discharge port117and the second discharge port127to be longer than the right-left length of the blowing space105, the discharged air of the first discharge port117and the discharge air of the second discharge port127may be induced to be joined to each other in the blowing space105.

Referring toFIGS.1to3, the filter200may be detachably installed inside of the base case150. A tower base130may connect the first tower110and the second tower120to each other, and the tower base130may be coupled to the base case150. The tower base130may be manufactured integrally with the first tower110and the second tower120. Alternatively, the tower base130may be omitted, and the first tower110and the second tower120may be directly coupled to the base case150or may be manufactured integrally with the base case150.

The fan assembly for the air conditioner1may suction ambient air through the base case150and discharge filtered air through the tower case140. The tower case140may discharge air from a higher position than from where air is suctioned in the base case150.

The air conditioner1may have a column shape where a diameter decreases in an upward direction. The overall shape or outer outline for the air conditioner1may have a cone or a truncated cone shape.

As an alternative, the air conditioner1may not necessarily include two towers110and120, and an overall shape may not necessarily become narrower in the upward direction. However, such a configuration of the air conditioner1where a diameter recedes in the upward direction may lower a center of gravity and provide more stability against tipping over due to an external force.

For convenience of assembly, the base case150and the tower case140may be manufactured separately and later combined. Alternatively, the base case150and the tower case140may be manufactured integrally. For example, the base case150and tower case140may be manufactured in the form of a front case and a rear case which are integrally manufactured or separately manufactured and later combined.

The base case150may be formed to gradually decrease in diameter in an upward direction. The tower case140may also be formed to gradually decrease in diameter in the upward direction.

The outer surfaces of the base case150and the tower case140may be formed to appear continuous and/or seamless. A lower end of the tower base130and an upper end of the base case150may be in close contact, and outer surfaces of the tower base130and the base case150may form a continuous surface. A diameter of the lower end of the tower base130may be the same or slightly smaller than a diameter of the upper end of the base case150.

The tower base130may distribute filtered air supplied from the base case150and provide the distributed air to the first tower110and the second tower120. The tower base130may connect the first tower110and the second tower120to each other, and the blowing space105may be provided above the tower base130. The first and second discharge ports117and127may be provided above the tower base130, and ascending airflow and horizontal airflow may be formed above the tower base130.

To minimize a friction or drag with air, an upper surface131of the tower base130may be formed to be concavely curved and extend in the front-rear direction. One or a first side131aof the upper surface131may be connected to the first inner wall115, and the other or a second side131bof the upper surface131may be connected to the second inner wall125.

Referring toFIG.4, when viewed from a top view, the first tower110and the second tower120may be arranged symmetrically in the right-left direction with respect to a center line L-L′. The first discharge port117and the second discharge port127may be provided to be symmetrical across the center line L-L′.

The center line L-L′ may be an imaginary line between the first tower110and the second tower120and may extend in a front-rear direction. The center line L-L′ may pass through the upper surface131. Alternatively, the first tower110and the second tower120may be formed to have asymmetric shapes with respect to each other. However, a control of horizontal airflow and ascending airflow may be easier when the first tower110and the second tower120are provided symmetrically with respect to the center line L-L′.

Referring toFIGS.1,5, and6, the air conditioner1may include the filter200and a fan apparatus or assembly300provided inside the case100. The fan assembly may cause air to flow to the discharge ports117and127.

The filter200and the fan assembly300may be provided inside the base case150. The base case150may be formed in a truncated cone shape having an upper opening.

The base case150includes a base or bottom151which is seated on the ground, and a base outer shell or wall152which is coupled to an upper side of the base151and includes a space formed therein and a suction port155.

When viewed from a top view, the base151may be formed in a circular shape, but embodiments disclosed herein are not limited. The shape of the base151may be variously formed. For example, the shape of the base151may alternatively appear to be elliptical, oval, square, a vesica piscis or mandorla shape, etc.

The base outer wall152may be formed in a truncated cone shape having open upper and lower sides. A portion of a side surface of the base outer wall152may have an opening to form a filter insertion port154through which the filter200may be inserted into and withdrawn from.

The case100may include a cover or door153which shields the filter insertion port154and/or the suction port155. The cover153may be detachably coupled to the base outer wall152. The cover153may shield the filter insertion port154and at least a portion of the suction port155.

The user may remove the cover153and take the filter200out of the case100. A cover separation unit or assembly600may separate the cover153and will be described in detail inFIGS.9to14.

The suction port155may be formed in at least one of the base outer wall152and the cover153. The drawings illustrate an example where the suction port155is formed in both the base outer wall152and the cover153. The suction port155may include a plurality of holes or openings formed around an outer surface or circumference of the base outer wall152and cover153to suction air from all directions of (i.e., 360° around) the case100. The holes or openings of the suction port155may be arranged in various shapes. As illustrated inFIGS.10-11, the openings in the base outer wall152may be relatively large, while the holes in the cover153may be relatively small, but both openings and holes in the base outer wall152and cover153may be part of the suction port155.

The filter200may be formed in a cylindrical shape having a hollow passage extending in the vertical direction. An outer surface of the filter200may face the suction port155. Indoor and/or ambient air may pass through and flow from an outside of the filter200to an inside thereof, and in this process, foreign substances or harmful gases in the air may be removed.

The fan assembly300may be provided above the filter200. The fan assembly300may cause air which has passed through the filter200to flow to the first tower110and the second tower120. The fan assembly300may include a fan motor310and a fan320rotated by the fan motor310. The fan assembly400may be provided inside the base case150.

The fan motor310may be provided above the fan320, and a motor shaft of the fan motor310may be coupled to the fan320. A motor housing330in which the fan motor310is installed or located may be provided above the fan320.

The motor housing330may have a shape surrounding an entire fan motor310to reduce a flow resistance with respect to the air flowing upward. Alternatively, the motor housing330may be formed to surround only a lower portion of the fan motor310.

The motor housing330may include a lower motor housing332and an upper motor housing334. At least one of the lower motor housing332and the upper motor housing334may be coupled to the case100. As an example, the lower motor housing332may be coupled to the case100. After the fan motor310is installed above the lower motor housing332, the upper motor housing334may be covered so that the fan motor310may be covered and surrounded.

The motor shaft of the fan motor310may pass through the lower motor housing332to be assembled to the fan320provided at a lower side of the fan motor310. The fan320may include a hub328(FIG.30) to which the shaft of the fan motor310is coupled, a shroud32spaced apart from the hub, and a plurality of blades325connecting the hub and the shroud to each other.

The air which has passed through the filter200may be suctioned into the shroud32and then pressurized and discharged or guided by the rotating blades325. The hub328may be provided above the blades325, and the shroud32may be provided below the blades325. The hub328may be formed in a bowl shape having a concave curvature, and a lower side of the lower motor housing332may be partially inserted into the hub328.

The fan320may be a mixed flow fan. The mixed flow fan may suction air into an axial center and discharge air in a radial direction. The mixed flow fan may be formed and configured such that a direction of the discharged air may be inclined with respect to the axial direction of the fan.

Since air may flow upward, when air is discharged in the radial direction like a general centrifugal fan, a large flow loss due to a change in flow direction may occur. A screw flow fan may reduce or minimize air flow loss by discharging air upward in the radial direction.

A diffuser340may be further provided above the fan320. The diffuser340may be configured to guide the flow of air caused by the fan320in the upward direction.

The diffuser330may further reduce a radial component in the air flow and reinforce an upward component in the air flow. The motor housing330may be provided between the diffuser330and the fan320. To reduce or minimize an installation height of the motor housing330, a lower end of the motor housing330may be inserted into the fan320to overlap in the vertical direction with the fan320. An upper end of the motor housing330may be inserted into the diffuser340to overlap in the vertical direction with the diffuser340. The lower end of the motor housing330may be higher than the lower end of the fan320, and an upper end of the motor housing330may be provided lower than an upper end of the diffuser340.

To configure or optimize an installation position of the motor housing330, an upper side of the motor housing330may be provided inside the tower base130, and a lower side of the motor housing330may be provided inside the base case150. Alternatively, the motor housing330may be provided inside the tower base130or the base case150. More details on the fan assembly400will be described beginning withFIG.30.

A suction grill350may be provided inside the base case150. The suction grill350may prevent a finger of the user from entering the fan320and protect the user and the fan320during removal or separation of the filter200.

The filter200may be provided below the suction grill350, and the fan320may be provided above the suction grill350. The suction grill350may have a plurality of through holes through which air flowing upward may pass.

Inside the case100, a space below the suction grill350may be defined as a filter installation space101. A space between the suction grill350and the discharge ports117and127inside the case100may be defined as a blowing space102. Inside the case100, an inner space between the first tower110and the second tower120in which the discharge ports117and127are provided may be defined as a discharge space103.

Indoor or ambient air may be introduced into the filter installation space101through the suction port155and then discharged to the discharge ports117and127through the blowing space102and the discharge space103. Referring toFIGS.5and8, the first discharge port117and the second discharge port127may be elongated in the vertical direction.

The first discharge port117may be provided between the front end112and the rear end113of the first tower110at a position closer to the rear end113. Air discharged from the first discharge port117may flow along the first inner wall115and toward the front end112due to the Coanda effect.

The first discharge port117may include a first border117aforming an edge (front edge) on an air discharge side (or front end or side), a second border117bforming an edge (rear edge) on a side opposite to the air discharge side (or rear end or side), an upper border117cforming an upper edge of the first discharge port117, and a lower border117dforming a lower edge of the first discharge port117.

The first border117aand the second border117bmay be parallel to each other. The upper border117cand the lower border117dmay be parallel to each other.

The first border117aand the second border117bmay be inclined with respect to the vertical direction, shown as V inFIG.5. The rear end113of the first tower110may also be inclined with respect to the vertical direction V.

An extension of the discharge port117may not be perfectly parallel to the rear end113and/or the front end112of the first tower110. An inclination a1of the discharge port117may be larger than an inclination of an outer surface of the first tower110. For example, an inclination a1of each of the first border117aand the second border117bwith respect to the vertical direction V may be 4°, and an inclination a2of the rear end113may be 3°.

The second discharge port127may be symmetrical in the right-left direction with the first discharge port117. The second discharge port127may include a first border127aforming an edge (front edge) on an air discharge side (front end or side), a second border127bforming an edge (rear edge) on a side opposite to the air discharge side (rear end or side), an upper border127cforming an upper edge of the second discharge port127, and a lower border127dforming a lower edge of the second discharge port127.

The first border127aand the second border127bmay be inclined with respect to the vertical direction V, and the rear end113of the first tower110may also be inclined with respect to the vertical direction V. In addition, the inclination a1of the discharge port127may be larger than the inclination a2of the outer surface of the tower.

A cover separation unit600to separate the cover153from the base case150will be described in detail. Referring toFIGS.9and10, the cover153may be coupled to the case100without a gap for an aesthetic appearance. The cover153may be magnetically coupled to the case100, and a magnet may be installed or provided on the cover153and/or the case100.

The cover153may have a shape configured to make up the entire outer or peripheral surface or wall151of the base case150. The cover153may be formed in a cylindrical shape or truncated cone shape. The cover153may be formed as two pieces (e.g., two demi-cylindrical shells) configured to couple to each other for convenience of separation and to reduce a gap or seam during coupling.

The cover153may include a front cover153aproviding a front surface of the base case150and a rear cover153bproviding a remaining surface (e.g., rear surface) of the base case150. Each of the front cover153aand the rear cover153bmay have a semi-cylindrical (e.g., demi-cylindrical if the front and rear covers153aand153bare symmetrical) shape. The cover153may shield the filter insertion port154and provide the suction port155to enhance an aestheticism.

An outer surface of the cover153may coincide with the outer surface of the tower case140. When the cover153is coupled to the base case150, the cover153may provide a sense of unity with the tower case140without or with a reduced gap or seam. However, the smoother the transition between tower case140and base case150, the more difficult it is to remove the cover153, as there may be no space for the hand of the user to enter. Hence, a cover separation unit600may be provided so that the user may more easily separate the cover153from the base case150.

The cover separation unit600may be installed or located in the case100to separate the cover153from the base case150. For example, the cover separation unit600may include a lever610and an upper cover pusher620. As another example, the cover separation unit600may include a lever610, an upper cover pusher620, a slider630, and a lower cover pusher640to simultaneously separate the top and bottom of the cover153.

Referring toFIGS.11and12, the lever610may be installed or located in the case100and be configured to slide along the outer surface of the case100. The lever610may be installed or located in the base case150or the tower case140. For example, the cover153may provide an entire outer surface of the base case150, and the lever610may be installed or located in the tower case140and configured to slide along the outer surface of the tower case140.

The lever610may transmit an external force to the upper cover pusher620or/and the lower cover pusher640. At least a portion of the lever610may be exposed to an outer side through the outer surface of the case100and/or the outer surface of the tower case140. The lever610may be provided above the cover153.

The lever610may be exposed through a surface of the tower case140and configured to be moved up and down by an external force. The user may operate the lever610without excessively bending over. The lever610may move along the outer surface of the case100. When the lever610moves, the lever610may not protrude outward of the case100, reducing a risk of damage to the lever610.

The lever610may be provided in a lever receiving groove1310formed in the case100. The lever receiving groove1310may be formed in the tower case140or may be formed in the base case150.

An outer peripheral surface of the tower case140may be to form the lever receiving groove1310. The lever receiving groove1310may communicate with a pusher receiving groove1521to be described later. A lower portion of the lever receiving groove1310may be open to communicate with the pusher receiving groove1521. The lever receiving groove1310may receive the lever610and provide a space in which the lever610moves.

A guide slit1311may be formed in the lever receiving groove1310. The guide slit1311may guide the lever610and prevent the lever610from being separated from the case100. The lever610may further include a holder611.

One or a first end of the holder611may be connected to the lever610through the guide slit1311, and the other or a second end of the holder611may be provided inside the tower case140and have a width wider than a width of the guide slit1311. Even if the lever610is moved up and down, the lever610may be prevented from being separated from the case100.

The cover separation unit600may further include a return spring660configured to provide an upward restoring force to the lever610. One or a first end of the return spring660may be connected to an inner surface of the tower case140, and the other or a second end of the return spring660may be connected to the holder611of the lever610.

The upper cover pusher620may be rotatably coupled to the lever610and guided to the outer surface of the case100to push the cover153. When an external force is applied to the lever610, the cover153may be separated from the case100by the upper cover pusher620.

The upper cover pusher620may be rotatably coupled (e.g., hinged, bendably or flexibly coupled, etc.) to the lever610. As an example, the upper cover pusher620may be formed of a flexible material, and one end of the upper cover pusher620may swing or rotate while the upper cover pusher620is being bent. In the illustrated example, the upper cover pusher620of the cover153is hinge-coupled to a lower end of the lever610.

The upper cover pusher620may be provided in a coupling region in which the cover153is coupled to the base case150. Here, the coupling region may mean an area at a position horizontally overlapping with the cover153in the base case150. The coupling region may be a portion of the base case150or may be the entire base case150.

The upper cover pusher620may be located between the cover153and the base case150. When the cover153is coupled to the base case150, the upper cover pusher620may not be exposed to the outside via the cover153. The upper cover pusher620may be located in the pusher receiving groove1521described later.

When the cover153is coupled to the base case150, the upper cover pusher620may be covered by the cover153, improving aestheticism and a sense of unity. Since there is no need for a separate space for the upper cover pusher620to rotate, the air conditioner1may have a slim appearance.

An upper rotation guide1520may guide the upper cover pusher620so that the upper cover pusher620rotates when the upper cover pusher620is moved along the outer surface of the base case150. The upper rotation guide1520may receive the upper cover pusher620.

The upper rotation guide1520may include an upper guide surface1522which extends in a direction intersecting the outer surface of the base case150and guides the upper cover pusher620. The upper guide surface1522may extend in a direction intersecting the vertical direction of the outer surface of the base case150. The upper guide surface1522may have an inclination angle greater than 0° with respect to the outer surface of the base case150. The upper guide surface1522may be inclined downward from an inside of the base case150toward an outside thereof.

A lower surface of the upper cover pusher620may be inclined downward in an outward direction to correspond to the upper guide surface1522. The lower surface of the upper cover pusher620may have a constant inclination angle in the vertical direction. When the upper cover pusher620moves downward due to interference between the lower surface of the upper cover pusher620and the upper guide surface1522, the lower end of the upper cover pusher620may protrude outward.

At least a portion of the upper guide surface1522may vertically overlap with the upper end of the upper cover pusher620when the filter200is coupled.

The upper rotation guide1520may be provided in a region horizontally overlapping the cover153in the base case150. When the cover153is coupled to the base case150, the upper rotation guide1520may not be exposed to the outside via the cover153.

The base case150may include an inner base case150aand an outer base case150bsurrounding at least a portion of the inner base case150a. The upper guide surface1522may be formed on an outer surface of the outer base case150b.

The upper pusher receiving groove1521may receive the upper cover pusher620. The upper pusher receiving groove1521may receive a portion of the lever610when the lever610moves downward.

The upper pusher receiving groove1521may receive the upper cover pusher620when the lever610is not operated and guide a movement of the upper cover pusher620when the lever610moves downward. The upper pusher receiving groove1521may be formed by the outer peripheral surface of the outer base case150bbeing recessed inward. The upper pusher receiving groove1521may be open outward in the outer base case150b. The upper pusher receiving groove1521may be open at an upper side and communicate with the lower portion of the lever receiving groove1310so as to receive and guide the lever610when the lever610moves downward. The upper pusher receiving groove1521and the lever receiving groove1310may be located so that at least a portion thereof overlap each other vertically.

The upper guide surface1522may be formed on one surface of the upper pusher receiving groove1521. The upper guide surface1522may be formed on a lower surface of the upper pusher receiving groove1521. The upper cover pusher620may be guided along the upper guide surface1522, and the upper cover pusher620may be separated from the pusher receiving groove1521to the outside.

The slider630may be spaced apart from the upper cover pusher620and installed to be slid on the case100, and may be connected to the lever610. The slider630may be moved while being constrained by the lever610. The slider630may be installed to be slid on the base case150. The slider630may transmit the external force transmitted from the lever610to the lower cover pusher640.

The slider630may be received in a lower rotation guide1530formed in the case100. As the slider630moves within the lower rotation guide1530, a movement direction of the slider630may be guided by the lower rotation guide1530.

The slider630may be located below the upper cover pusher620. The slider630may be located between the base case150and the cover153. The slider630may not be visible from the outside when the cover153is coupled to the case100.

A slide slit1534may be formed in the lower rotation guide1530. The slide slit1534may guide the slider630and prevent the slider630from being separated from the case100.

The slider630may further include a slide holder631. One or a first end of the slide holder631may be connected to the slider630through the slide slit1534, and the other or a second end of the slide holder631may be located inside the base case150and have a width wider than a width of the slide slit1534. Even when the slider630is moved up and down, the slider630may be prevented from being separated from the case100.

The slider630and the lever610may be connected to each other by a connection link650. One or a first end of the connection link650may be connected to the holder611, and the other or a second end of the connection link650may be connected to the slide holder631. The connection link650may be constrained by the movement of the lever610and move together with the lever610. The connection link650may be located inside the case100in a space between the inner base case150aand the outer base case150b, and may be guided by the inner base case150aand the outer base case150b.

The lower cover pusher640may be rotatably coupled to the slider630and guided to the outer surface of the case100to push the cover153. When an external force is applied to the slider630, the cover153may be separated from the case100by the lower cover pusher640.

The lower cover pusher640may be hinged to the slider630to be rotated. Alternatively or in addition thereto, the lower cover pusher640may be connected to one end of the slider630in a bendable manner to be rotated. For example, the lower cover pusher640may be formed of a flexible material. One end of the lower cover pusher640may be swing or rotated as the lower cover pusher640is bent. In the illustrated example, the pusher of the cover153is hinge-coupled to a lower end of the slider630.

The lower cover pusher640may be provided in a coupling region of the base case150in which the cover153is coupled to the base case150. The coupling region may mean a position horizontally overlapping with the cover153in the base case150. The coupling region may be a portion of the base case150or may be the entire base case150.

The lower cover pusher640may be located between the cover153and the base case150. When the cover153is coupled to the base case150, the lower cover pusher640may not be exposed to the outside by the cover153. The lower cover pusher640may be located in a lower pusher receiving groove1531formed in the base case150to be described later.

When the cover153is coupled with the base case150, the lower cover pusher640may be covered with the cover153, improving aestheticism. Since a separate space for a rotation of the lower cover pusher640is not required, the air conditioner1may be more compact and slim.

The lower cover pusher640may be located below the upper cover pusher620. When the lever610is operated, the upper and lower portions of the cover153may be simultaneously separated by the upper cover pusher620and the lower cover pusher640, and the cover153is stably separated.

The lower rotation guide1530may guide the lower cover pusher640so that the lower cover pusher640may rotate when the lower cover pusher640is moved along the outer surface of the base case150. The lower rotation guide1530may receive the lower cover pusher640.

The lower rotation guide1530may include a lower guide surface1532which has an inclination with respect to the outer surface (outer peripheral surface) of the base case150and guides the lower cover pusher640.

The lower guide surface1532may extend in a direction intersecting the vertical direction of the outer peripheral surface of the base case150. The lower guide surface1532may have an inclination which is not parallel to the outer surface of the base case150. The lower guide surface1532may be inclined downward from the inside of the base case150toward the outside of the base case150.

A lower surface641of the lower cover pusher640may be inclined downward from the inside to the outside to correspond to the lower guide surface1532. When the lower cover pusher640moves downward due to interference between the lower surface of the lower cover pusher640and the lower guide surface1532, the lower end of the lower cover pusher640may protrude outward.

At least a portion of the lower guide surface1532may vertically overlap with the upper end of the lower cover pusher640. At least a portion of the lower guide surface1532may vertically overlap with the upper end of the lower cover pusher640in a state where the cover153is coupled.

The lower rotation guide1530may be provided in a region of the base case150that horizontally overlaps with the cover153. When the cover153is coupled to the base case150, the lower rotation guide1530may not be exposed to the outside by the cover153.

The base case150may include the inner base case150aand the outer base case150bprovided to surround at least a portion of the inner base case150a, and the lower guide surface1532may be formed on the outer surface of the outer base case150b. The lower rotation guide1530may further include a lower pusher receiving groove1531receiving the lower cover pusher640. The lower pusher receiving groove1531may receive a portion of the slider630when the slider630moves downward. The lower pusher receiving groove1531may receive the lower cover pusher640and the slider630when the slider630is not operated, and guide movements of the lower cover pusher640and the slider630when the slider630moves downward.

The lower pusher receiving groove1531may be formed by recessing the outer peripheral surface of the outer base case150bin an inner direction. The lower pusher receiving groove1531may be open outward in the outer base case150b. The lower pusher receiving groove1531may be open at a lower side and communicate with a lower portion of a slider receiving groove so as to receive and guide the slider630when the lever610moves downward. The lower pusher receiving groove1531and the slider receiving groove may be located so that at least a portion thereof overlaps each other vertically.

The lower guide surface1532may be formed on a lower side of the lower pusher receiving groove1531. The lower cover pusher640may be guided along the lower guide surface1532, and the lower cover pusher640may be separated from the pusher receiving groove1521.

The location of the cover separation unit600is not limited. Since it is common for the user to place a rear of the air conditioner1near a wall, the cover separation unit600may be provided at the rear of the air conditioner1.

The cover separation unit600may be provided at a position where the cover separation unit600overlaps at least a portion of the blowing space105vertically. The lever610may be located to vertically overlap at least a portion of the blowing space105. The lever610may be provided below the blowing space105. The upper cover pusher620, the lower cover153pusher, and the slider630may be provided at positions vertically overlapping the blowing space105.

Referring toFIGS.5,14, and15, the first discharge port117of the first tower110may face the second tower120, and the second discharge port127of the second tower120may face the first tower110. The air discharged from the first discharge port117may flow along the inner wall115of the first tower110through the Coanda effect. The air discharged from the second discharge port127may flow along the inner wall125of the second tower120through the Coanda effect.

The present embodiment further includes a first discharge case170and a second discharge case180. The first discharge port117may be formed in the first discharge case170, and the first discharge case170may be assembled or coupled to the first tower110. The second discharge port127may be formed in the second discharge case180, and the second discharge case180may be assembled or coupled to the second tower120.

The first discharge case170may be installed to penetrate the inner wall115of the first tower110, and the second discharge case180may be installed to penetrate the inner wall125of the second tower120. A first discharge opening118in which the first discharge case170may be installed or located may be formed in the first tower110, and a second discharge opening128in which the second discharge case180may be installed or located may be formed in the second tower120.

The first discharge case170may form the first discharge port117. The first discharge case170may include a first discharge guide172provided on an air discharge side of the first discharge port117and a second discharge guide174provided on a side opposite to the air discharge side of the first discharge port117. The first and second discharge guides172and174may form the first discharge port117.

Outer surfaces172aand174aof the first discharge guide172and the second discharge guide174may provide a portion of the inner wall115of the first tower110. An inside of the first discharge guide172may face toward the first discharge space103a, and an outside thereof may be face toward the blowing space105. An inside of the second discharge guide174may face toward the first discharge space103a, and an outside thereof may face toward the blowing space105.

The outer surface172amay form a curved surface continuous with the outer surface of the first inner wall115. The outer surface174aof the second discharge guide174may provide a surface continuous with the first inner wall115. The inner surface174bmay form a curved surface continuous with the inner surface of the first outer wall115, and the air in the first discharge space103amay be guided to the first discharge guide172side.

The first discharge port117may be formed between the first discharge guide172and the second discharge guide174, and air in the first discharge space103amay be discharged to the blowing space105blown through the first discharge port117. Air in the first discharge space103amay be discharged between the outer surface172aof the first discharge guide172and the inner surface174bof the second discharge guide174. A gap between the outer surface172aof the first discharge guide172and the inner surface174bof the second discharge guide174may be defined as a discharge gap175. The discharge gap175may form a predetermined channel.

The discharge gap175may be formed so that a width at an intermediate portion175bmay be narrower than widths at an inlet175aand an outlet175c. The intermediate portion175bmay be defined as the shortest distance between the second border117band the outer surface172a.

A cross-sectional area may gradually narrow from the inlet of the discharge gap175to the intermediate portion175b, and the cross-sectional area may increase again from the intermediate portion175bto the outlet175c. The intermediate portion175bmay be located inside the first tower110. When viewed from the outside, the outlet175cof the discharge gap175may be viewed as the discharge port117.

In order to induce the Coanda effect, a curvature radius of the inner surface174bof the second discharge guide174may be larger than a curvature radius of the outer surface172aof the first discharge guide172. A center of curvature of the outer surface172aof the first discharge guide172may be located in front of the outer surface172aand may be formed inside the first discharge space103a. A center of curvature of the inner surface174bof the second discharge guide174may be located on the side of the first discharge guide172and may be formed inside the first discharge space103a.

The second discharge case180may form the second discharge port127and may include a first discharge guide182provided on an air discharge side of the second discharge port127and a second discharge guide184provided on a side opposite to the air discharge of the second discharge port127. The first and second discharge guides182and184may form the second discharge port127.

A discharge gap185may be formed between the first discharge guide182and the second discharge guide184. Since the second discharge case180may be symmetrical to the first discharge case170, a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

The air conditioner1may further include an airflow guide or converter400configured to change the air flow direction in the blowing space105. The airflow converter400may include a component which protrudes to the blowing space105and changes the direction of air flowing through the blowing space105. The airflow converter400may convert the horizontal airflow flowing through the blowing space105into an ascending airflow. The air flow converter400may serve as a damper.

FIG.16illustrates an airflow converter400implementing an ascending airflow by blocking the front of the blowing space105, andFIG.17illustrates an airflow converter400implementing a front discharge airflow by opening the front of the blowing space105. InFIGS.1to6, the airflow converter400may be illustrated as a box, and the airflow converter400may be provided at an upper side of the first tower110or the second tower120.

Referring toFIG.7, the airflow converter400may include a first airflow converter401provided in the first tower110and a second airflow converter402provided in the second tower120. The first airflow converter401and the second airflow converter402may be symmetrical with respect to the left-right direction and have a same or similar configuration.

The air flow converter400may include a guide board or air flow gate410which may be provided in at least one of the first or second towers110and120and be configured to protrude to the blowing space105. The air flow gate410may be a vertically oriented board or louver, and may be referred to simply as a gate. The air flow converter400may also include a guide motor420which provides a driving force for the movement of the gate410, and a board or gate guider430which may be provided inside the first and/or second tower110and/or120to guide the movement of the gate410.

The gate410may be a component that may be provided in at least one of the first tower110or the second tower120, protrudes into the blowing space105, and selectively changes the discharge area in front of the blowing space105. The gate410may protrude into the front of the blowing space105through the board or gate slits119and129. The gate410may be concealed inside the tower110and/or120, and may protrude into the blowing space105when the guide motor420may be operated.

The gate410may include a first gate411provided in the first tower110and a second gate412provided in the second tower120. The board slit119may penetrate the inner wall115of the first tower110, and the board slit129may penetrate the inner wall125of the second tower120. The board slit119formed in the first tower110may be referred to as a first board slit119, and the board slit formed in the second tower120may be referred to as a second board slit129.

The first board slit119and the second board slit129may be arranged symmetrically in the right-left direction. The first board slit119and the second board slit129may be extended in the vertical direction. The first board slit119and the second board slit129may be provided to be inclined with respect to the vertical direction V.

As an example, the front end112of the first tower110may be formed to have an inclination of 3 degrees, and the first board slit119may be formed to have an inclination of 4 degrees. The front end122of the second tower120may be formed to have an inclination of 3 degrees, and the second board slit129may be formed to have an inclination of 4 degrees.

The gate410may be formed in a flat or curved plate shape. The gate410may be extended in the vertical direction and may be provided in the front of the blowing space105. The gate410may include a curved portion which may be convex with respect to the radial direction. The gate410may block the horizontal airflow flowing into the blowing space105and change the direction to the upward direction.

Referring toFIGS.7and16-21, an inner end411aof the first gate411and an inner end412aof the second gate412may abut each other or may be close to each other to form an ascending airflow. Alternatively, one gate410may be in close contact with the opposite tower110or120to close a front of the blowing space105and facilitate the ascending airflow.

When the airflow converter400is not operated or in an open state, the inner end411aof the first gate411may close the first board slit119, and the inner end412aof the second gate412may close the second board slit129. When the airflow converter400may be operated or moved to a closed state, the inner end411aof the first gate411may pass through the first board slit119and protrude into the blowing space105, and the inner end412aof the second gate412may pass through the second board slit129and protrude into the blowing space105.

The first gate411and the second gate412may protrude into the blowing space105by a rotating operation. Alternatively, at least one of the first gate411and the second gate412may be linearly moved in a slide manner and exposed to the blowing space105.

When viewed from a top view, each of the first gate411and the second gate412may be formed in an arc shape. Each of the first gate411and the second gate412may have a predetermined curvature radius, and a center of curvature thereof may be located in the blowing space105. When the gate410is concealed inside the tower case140, a volume inside the gate410in the radial direction may be larger than a volume outside the radial direction.

The gate410may be formed of a transparent material. A light emitting member such as a light emitting diode (LED) may be provided in the gate410, and the entire gate410may emit light through light generated from the light emitting member. The gate410may serve as a light guide. The light emitting member may be provided in the discharge space103inside the tower case140and may be provided in the outer end of the gate410.

The guide motor420may be configured to provide a driving force to the gate410. The guide motor420may be provided in at least one of the first tower110or the second tower120. The guide motor420may be provided above the gate410.

The guide motor420may include a first guide motor configured to provide a rotational force to the first gate411and a second guide motor configured to a rotational force to the second gate412. The first guide motor may be provided in each of an upper side and a lower side, and if necessary, may be divided into or provided as an upper first guide motor and a lower first guide motor. The second guide motor may also be provided in each of an upper side and a lower side, and if necessary, may be divided into or provided as an upper second guide motor and a lower second guide motor.

The guide motor420may be fastened to an air flow converter cover440. The guide motor420may be coupled to a motor support plate443of the air flow converter cover440. The motor support plate443may be provided in the upper end of the air flow converter cover440. The motor support plate443may protrude upward from the upper end of the air flow converter cover440.

The guide motor420may be fastened to the airflow converter cover440by a motor support member421. The motor support member421may be formed to protrude from one side of the guide motor420. A fastener may be laterally formed in a motor support plate443to support the guide motor420, and the motor support member421may be fastened to the fastener. A plurality of fasteners may be formed. The motor support member421may protrude upward from the upper end of the guide motor420and may protrude downward from the lower end of the guide motor420.

The guide motor420may include a shaft422provided horizontally. The shaft422of the guide motor420may be vertically provided from the first board slit119or the second board slit129.

The guide motor420may include a pinion423. The pinion423may be coupled to the shaft422. When the guide motor420is operated, the pinion423may rotate. The pinion may be vertically provided. The pinion423may be provided horizontally with respect to the first board slit119or the second board slit129.

The board guider430may be configured to transmit the driving force of the guide motor420to the gate410. The board guider430may be provided in front of the guide motor420and provided behind the gate410. The board guider430may be connected to the gate410and moves in a direction intersecting the protruding direction of the gate410. The board guider430provided in the first tower110may be defined as a first board guider, and the board guider430provided in the second tower120may be defined as a second board guider.

The board guider430may be provided horizontally with respect to the gate410. The board guider430may be provided in parallel with the first board slit119or the second board slit129.

A front surface of the board guider430may be formed in a curved surface. The front surface of the board guider430may be adjacent to a rear surface of the gate410. When the rear surface of the gate410may be formed in an arc shape, the front surface of the board guider430may be formed in a curved surface so that the gate410may slide along the front surface of the board guider430.

The rear surface of the board guider430may be formed in a flat surface. The rear surface of the board guider430may be adjacent to the front surface of a first cover441of the airflow converter cover440. The board guider430may slide along the first cover441.

The upper end of the board guider430may be provided above the gate410. When a plate shielding the guide motor420from the discharge spaces103aand103bmay be formed, the upper end of the gate410may be provided lower than the motor support plate443, and the upper end of the board guider430may be provided above the motor support plate443.

The board guider430may have a first slit432. A first protrusion4111of the gate410may be inserted into the first slit432and move the gate410when the board guider430moves. The board guider430may have a second slit434. A second protrusion444of the airflow converter cover440may be inserted into the second slit434, and the board guider430may slide along the second protrusion444.

The board guider430may have a rack436. The rack436may be mechanically connected to the guide motor420and move the board guider430when the guide motor420is operated.

A driving mechanism of the gate410will be described with reference toFIGS.16to23. Referring toFIGS.16-23, the pinion423may be coupled to the shaft422of the guide motor. The rack436may be connected to the pinion423and raise the gate410when the guide motor420is operated. When the guide motor420is operated, the pinion423may rotate, and the rack436connected to the pinion423may perform a translational motion.

The shaft422of the guide motor420may be provided horizontally. When the pinion423coupled to the shaft422rotates, the rack436connected to the pinion423may move upward and downward. For example, when viewed from the left side, when the first guide motor of the guide motor420is operated in a clockwise direction, the first board guider430may move downward. When the first guide motor of the guide motor420is operated in a counterclockwise direction, the first board guider430may move upward. When viewed from the right side, when the second guide motor of the guide motor420is operated counterclockwise, the second board guider430may move downward. When the second guide motor of the guide motor420is operated in a clockwise direction, the second board guider430may move upward.

The rack436may be provided above the first slit432. The board guider430may be provided in front of the guide motor420, and the rack436may be formed on the rear surface of the board guider430. The board guider430may penetrate a plate separating the guide motor420from the discharge spaces103aandband further protrude upward. The pinion423may mesh with the rack436formed on the rear side of the board guider430.

The board guider430may move in a first direction that intersects with the air discharge direction when the guide motor420is operated. The gate410may protrudes in a second direction that intersects with both the air discharge direction and the movement direction of the board guider430when the board guider430moves.

The air discharged from the first discharge port117or the second discharge port may flow forward. The board guider430may move upward or downward to intersect with this horizontal or forward air discharge direction. When the board guider430may be provided parallel to the first board slit119or the second board slit129, the board guider430may move upward or downward along a length direction of the first board slit119.

When the board guider430moves, the gate410may move laterally so as to intersect with both the air discharge direction and the moving direction of the board guider430and protrudes to the outside of the tower case140through the first board slit119or the second board slit129. When the gate410is provided parallel to the first board slit119or the second board slit129, the gate410may traverse vertically with respect to the length direction of the second board slit129. When the gate410protrudes to the outside of the tower case140, the gate410may protrude while moving upward, and when the gate410is introduced into the tower case140, the gate410may be introduced while moving downward.

The first tower110, the second tower120, and the blowing space105may be entirely formed in a truncated cone shape. The gate410may move in a circumferential direction of the truncated cone shape provided by the first tower110, the second tower120, and the blowing space105. The outer wall114of the first tower110and the outer wall124of the second tower120may be formed in a truncated cone shape. The first gate411may move in a circumferential direction along the inner surface of the outer wall114of the first tower110, and the second gate412may move in a circumferential direction along the inner surface of the outer wall124of the second tower120.

The gate410may be provided parallel to the board slit119and129and perpendicular to the ground. When the gate410is provided parallel to the board slit119and129, the gate410may protrude while moving upward from the ground when protruding. The gate410may protrude while moving downward from the ground when being introduced. When the board slit119and129may be formed with an inclination of 4 degrees from the ground, the gate410may be also provided to have an inclination of 4 degrees from the ground.

The board guider430may be provided parallel to the board slit119or129and perpendicular to the ground. When the gate410is parallel to the board slit119or129, the gate410may prevent a gap from occurring when the gate410protrudes, so that the gate410and the board slit119and129may be more closely connected. When the board slits119and129are formed with an inclination of 4 degrees from the ground, the board guider430may be also provided to have an inclination of 4 degrees from the ground.

The gate410may include a curved surface that may be convex in the radial direction. The gate410may be formed in an arc shape such that a center of curvature may be provided inside. The outer wall114of the first tower110or the inner surface of the inner wall125of the second tower120may include a curved surface. The gate410may form a curved surface that may be convex in the radial direction to correspond to the curved surface of the outer wall114or the inner wall125. The front surface of the board guider430may form a curved surface to correspond to a curved surface of the rear surface of the gate410.

The curved front surface of the board guider430may be formed to be symmetrical in the left-right direction as shown inFIG.16. As shown inFIG.24, one side of the board guider420may form a curved surface which is thicker than the other side. An inside of the front end of the board guider430, a front end of a second cover442of the air flow converter cover440, and a rear end of the first slit432may be provided along a same extension line. The inside of the front end of the board guider430, the front end of the second cover442, and the rear end of the first slit432may come in contact with the rear surface of the gate410at a same time. The protruding gate410may be stably guided.

The first slit432may be formed to penetrate through one side of the board guider430and guide the movement of the gate410. The first protrusion4111may be formed to protrude from one side of the gate410, and at least a part of the first protrusion4111may be inserted into the first slit432and slide along the first slit432.

The first slit432may be formed in the board guider430. The left end of the first slit432may be provided close to the left end of the board guider430, and the right end of the first slit432may be provided in the right end of the board guider430.

The lower end of the first slit432may be provided at an inner side, or alternatively an outer side, of an upper end of the first slit432. For example, referring toFIG.16, the lower end of the first slit432formed in the first board guider430may be provided at a left side of the upper end of the first slit432. Similarly, although not shown, the lower end of the second slit434formed in the second board guider430may be provided at a right side of the upper end of the second slit434.

The first slit432may include an inclined portion4321in which one end of the gate410in the protruding direction may be formed higher than the other end. The inclined portion4321may include an inclined surface that may be inclined inwardly upward. For example, referring toFIG.16, the lower end of the first slit432formed in the first board guider430may be provided at a left side of the board guider430to correspond to the other end of the gate410in the protruding direction. The upper end of the first slit432formed in the first board guider430may be provided at a right side of the board guider430to correspond to one end of the gate410in the protruding direction.

Similarly, although not shown, the lower end of the first slit432formed in the second board guider430may be provided at the right side of the board guider430to correspond to the other end of the gate410in the protruding direction. The upper end of the first slit432formed in the second board guider430may be provided at the left side of the board guider430to correspond to one end of the gate410in the protruding direction.

A vertical position of the inclined portion4321may change as the board guider430moves upward and downward. When the board guider430moves upward, the first protrusion4111may protrude from a lower end of the inclined portion4321. When the board guider430moves downward, the first protrusion4111may protrude from the upper end of the inclined portion4321.

Referring toFIGS.16and21, the inclined portion4321may form a projection. The inclined portion4321may have a front width smaller than a rear width. The first protrusion4111may form a locking projection4111bso as to correspond to the projection of the inclined portion4321. The locking projection4111bof the first protrusion4111may be provided in the rear end of the inclined portion4321. The first protrusion4111may be not separated from the inclined portion4321of the first slit.

The first slit432may include a vertical portion4322which has a lower end provided at the upper end of the inclined portion4321and extends vertically upward. A bent portion may be formed between the lower end of the vertical portion4322of the first slit and the upper end of the inclined portion4321.

The vertical portion4322may serve as a stopper. The first protrusion4111may have a maximum upward movement distance that ranges up to the upper end of the inclined portion4321and does not slide along the vertical portion4322.

Referring toFIGS.16and21, the vertical portion4322may form a projection. The vertical portion4322may have a front width smaller than a rear width. The first protrusion4111may form the locking projection4111bto correspond to the projection of the vertical portion4322. The locking projection4111bof the first protrusion4111may be provided in the rear end of the vertical portion4322. The first protrusion4111may be not separated from the inclined portion4321of the first slit. The first protrusion4111may also have an initial protrusion or stem4111aconnected to the locking projection4111b.

The first slit431may include a first protrusion insertion part or end4323which may be provided in the upper end of the vertical portion4322and in which the first protrusion4111is inserted into the first slit432. The first protrusion insertion part4323may be formed in a shape corresponding to the cross-sectional shape of the first protrusion4111.

A diameter of the first protrusion insertion part4323may be formed larger than a diameter of the locking projection4111bof the first protrusion. The first protrusion4111may be inserted into the first protrusion insertion part4323. The first protrusion4111may move downward along the vertical portion4322so that the gate410may be fastened to the board guider430. The first protrusion4111may slide down or slide upward along the inclined portion4321and the gate410may move.

Referring toFIG.18, a plurality of slits (e.g., three) may be formed in the board guider430. A second slit434may be formed between two first slits432. The number of the first slits432may be not limited to the number shown inFIG.18, and may be changed within a range that can be easily adopted by a person skilled in the art.

The first protrusion4111may be formed in the left side of the gate410. However, the present disclosure may be not limited to such an arrangement, and a position of the first protrusion4111may be changed within a range that can be easily adopted by a person skilled in the art.

Referring toFIG.21, the locking projection4111bof the first protrusion may be formed to protrude radially outward from the end of the first protrusion4111. The locking projection4111bmay be caught by the projection (or difference in front and rear width) of the inclined portion4321or the vertical portion4322and may be not separated.

When the board guider430and the first slit432move upward or downward, the first protrusion4111and the gate410may be introduced or protrude. When the board guider430moves upward, the first protrusion4111may be located in the lower end of the inclined portion4321. When the first protrusion4111is located in the lower end of the inclined portion4321, the gate410may move in a circumferential direction and may be introduced into the tower case140through the first board slit119. When the board guider430moves downward, the first protrusion4111may be located in the upper end of the inclined portion4321. When the first protrusion4111is located in the upper end of the inclined portion4321, the gate410may move in the circumferential direction and protrude to the outside of the tower case140through the first board slit119.

The board guider430may include a second slit434formed to penetrate through one side. The airflow converter cover440may include the second protrusion444, which may be formed to protrude from one side and may be at least partially inserted into the second slit434.

The second slit434may be formed in the board guider430. The second slit434may extend in the length direction of the first tower110or the second tower120. The second slit434may extend in the vertical direction.

Referring toFIG.18, the second slit434may be provided between one first slit432and another first slit432. The second slit434and the first slit432may be provided to intersect with each other to disperse a force and reduce or counteract a bending stress of the board guider430.

The board guider430may slide along the second protrusion444. The inner surface of the second slit434and the outer surface of the second protrusion444may be in contact with each other, and when the board guider430moves upward or downward, the board guider430may slide along the outer surface of the second protrusion444.

Referring toFIGS.18and23, a second slit bar435may be formed in the second slit434. The second slit bar435may be provided between the inner side surfaces of the second slit434. The second slit bar435may extend to one sidewall and the other sidewall of the second slit434. The second slit bar435may be formed to extend horizontally from the middle of the second slit434. The second slit bar435may be inserted into a second protrusion groove4441. The second slit bar435may slide along the second protrusion groove4441, and the inner surface of the second slit434may slide along the outer surface of the second protrusion444so that the board guider430may move upward and downward more stably by the second protrusion444.

The second protrusion444may be formed on the front surface of the first cover441and be formed to protrude from the front surface of the first cover441. A side surface of the second protrusion444may extend in the length direction of the first tower110or the second tower120. Referring toFIG.18, the second protrusion444may extend in the vertical direction.

Referring toFIG.23, the second protrusion444may be inserted into the second slit434. A vertical length of the second protrusion444may be shorter than a distance between the second slit bar435and the lower end of the second slit434. A protrusion length of the second protrusion444may be shorter than a width of the second slit434. A front end of the second protrusion444may be provided behind the front end of the board guider430.

Referring toFIG.22, the second protrusion groove4441may be recessed so that at least a part of the outer circumferential surface of the second slit bar435may be inserted. The second protrusion groove4441may have an upper opening and may be recessed downward. The second protrusion groove4441may be formed in a U-shape. The second protrusion groove4441may have an open upper portion and be open at both sides. A recessed depth of the second protrusion groove4441may be shorter than a distance between the second slit bar435and the upper end of the second slit434. The second slit bar435may move downward to the lower end of the second protrusion groove4441, which may be a maximum or lowermost position to which the board guider430moves downward. The second protrusion groove4441may serve as a stopper.

Referring toFIG.16, the airflow converter cover440may be provided behind the board guider430. The airflow converter cover440may include the first cover441, the second cover442, and the motor support plate443. Hereinafter, the airflow converter cover440provided in the first tower110will be described with reference toFIG.16, and a same description may be applied to the airflow converter400provided in the second tower120.

The first cover441may support the rear surface of the board guider430and guide the sliding of the board guider430. A left or outer end of the first cover441may be provided in the outer wall of the first tower110. The right or inner end of the first cover441may be provided in the inner wall of the first tower110.

Referring toFIG.24, the thickness of the outer end of the first cover441may be formed to be narrower than the thickness of the inner end of the first cover441. The outer end of the first cover441may be provided behind the inner end of the first cover441.

The second cover442may support one side of the board guider430and guide the sliding of the board guider430. The second cover442may be provided inside the front surface of the first cover441. The second cover442may be formed to protrude forward from the inner end of the first cover441. The second cover442may extend along the first outer wall114of the first tower110or the inner surface of the second inner wall125of the second tower120.

Referring toFIGS.18,20, and24, the front end of the second cover442may coincide with the rear end of the first board slit119or the second board slit129. The rear surface of the gate410may be in contact with the front end of the second cover442and the rear ends of the first and second board slits119and129. The second cover442may guide the gate410together with the board slits119and129.

The inner end of the second cover442may be in contact with the inner surface of the first inner wall115or the inner surface of the second inner wall125. The outer end of the second cover442may be in contact with the inner surface of the board guider430. The board guider430may slide along the outer surface of the second cover442. A third protrusion4411may be in contact with the outer surface of the board guider430opposite to the outer end of the second cover442.

The motor support plate443may be provided in the upper end of the first cover441. One or a first surface of the motor support plate443may support the guide motor420, and the other or a second surface may support the board guider430. The motor support plate443may be formed to protrude upward from the upper end of the first cover441. The motor support plate443may be provided outside the second cover442. An upper end of the motor support plate443may be provided above the pinion423.

The first surface of the motor support plate443supporting the guide motor420may be formed such that a coupling portion to which the guide motor420is coupled may be protruded. The motor support member421of the guide motor420may be coupled to the coupling portion.

The second surface of the motor support plate443supporting the board guider430may be provided along a same line as the front surface of the first cover441. The rear surface of the board guider430may be in contact with the front surface of the first cover441and the second surface of the motor support plate443at the same time. The upper portion of the board guider430may be supported by the second surface of the motor support plate443and mesh with the pinion423.

A third protrusion4411may be formed on the first cover441. The third protrusion4411may be provided outside the first cover441. A side surface of the third protrusion4411and the outside of the board guider430may face each other. The board guider430may slide along the third protrusion4411. A coupling hole to fasten to the first outer wall114or the second outer wall124may be formed on the front surface of the third protrusion4411.

The rear surface of the board guider430may be supported by the first cover441and the motor support plate443. A first side surface of the board guider430may be supported by the second cover442. A second side surface of the board guider430may be supported by the third protrusion4411formed in the first cover441. Since the board guider430may be supported by three surfaces, the board guider430may move upward and downward stably.

The airflow converter400may be provided in front of the first discharge port117or the second discharge port based on the air discharge direction. Air may be discharged forward from the first discharge port117or the second discharge port. As air passes through the first inner wall115or the second inner wall125, the Coanda effect occurs. The airflow converter400may be provided in the first inner wall115or the second inner wall125to selectively change the direction of air flow. The airflow converter400may generate wide-area wind or air flow, concentrated wind or air flow, or ascending wind or airflow according to a degree of protrusion.

A driving method of the airflow converter400will be described as follows. Referring toFIGS.16and17, when the guide motor420is operated, the pinion423may rotate, the rack436meshing with the pinion423may move, and the board guider430may move upward and downward. Referring toFIG.21, when the guide motor420is operated in a clockwise direction, the board guider430may move downward, and when the guide motor420is operated in a counterclockwise direction, the board guider430may move upward.

FIGS.16and20illustrate that the gate410protrudes. InFIG.21, when the guide motor420is operated in a clockwise direction, the board guider430may move downward. When the board guider430moves downward, the positions of the first slit432and the second slit434may be also lowered. The second slit434may slide down along the second protrusion444, and the second slit bar435may slide down along the second protrusion groove4441. As the position of the first slit432may be lowered, the first protrusion4111may gradually move to the right, and the gate410may pass through the board slit and protrudes into the blowing space105.

FIGS.17and19illustrate that the gate410may be introduced. InFIG.21, when the guide motor420may be operated counterclockwise, the board guider430may move upward. When the board guider430moves upward, the positions of the first slit432and the second slit434may be also raised. The second slit434may slide to move upward along the second protrusion444, and the second slit bar435may slide to move upward along the groove4441of the second protrusion. As the position of the first slit432is raised, the first protrusion4111may gradually move to the left, and the gate410may be introduced into the inside the tower case140through the board slit.

Hereinafter, a heater500installed in the air conditioner will be described.

The heater500may be provided in the first discharge space103aor the second discharge space103bto heat flowing air. The heater500may heat the flowing air and discharges the heated air to an outside of the fan apparatus for air conditioner.

Referring toFIGS.1and2, the heater500may be provided in the first tower110or the second tower120of the air conditioner1.

The heater500may be extended in the vertical direction. The heater500may be provided in a length direction of the first tower110or the second tower120. The heater500may be provided below the airflow converter400.

Referring toFIG.3, the heater500may include a first heater501provided in the first tower110and a second heater502provided in the second tower120. The first tower110and the second tower120may be formed symmetrically with respect to a central axis, and the first tower110and the second tower120may be provided symmetrically with respect to the central axis.

An upper end of the heater500may be provided below an upper end of the gate410. A lower end of the heater500may be provided above a lower end of the gate410.

Referring toFIG.4, when viewed from the top, upper ends of the first and second heaters501and502may be provided at centers of the first and second towers110and120, respectively, in the front-rear direction. Referring toFIG.5, the upper end of the heater500(e.g., first heater501and/or second heater502) may be provided in front of a lower end of the heater500. The heater500may be inclined so that the lower end may be provided behind the upper end.

The heater500may be provided inside the tower case140and may be provided upstream, with respect to the air flow direction, of the first discharge port117or the second discharge port127. As shown inFIG.5, the heater500may be provided in front of the first discharge port117or the second discharge port.

The heater500may include a heating tube520that emits heat and a fin530that transfers heat from the heating tube520. The heating tube520may be configured to receive energy and convert the received energy into thermal energy to generate heat. The heating tube520may be connected to an electric device to receive electrical energy and may be configured of a resistor to convert electrical energy into thermal energy. Alternatively, the heating tube520may be formed as a pipe through which refrigerant flows and heat the air by exchanging heat between the refrigerant flowing inside the heating tube520and the air flowing outside the heating tube520. The heating tube520may include any type of heating element having a configuration that can be easily changed based on a person skilled in the art.

The heating tube520may be formed to have an inclination. An upper end of the heating tube520may be provided in front of the lower end. The heating tube520may be formed in a U-shape. The fin530may be connected to the heating tube520and transfer heat from the heating tube520. Since the fin530may have a relatively large surface area, the heat transferred from the heating tube520may be effectively transferred to the flowing air.

The fin530may change the air flow direction and guide air to the first discharge port117or the second discharge port. Referring toFIG.5, the suction port155may be provided at a lower side, and the first discharge port117and the second discharge port127may be provided at an upper side. Inside the first tower110and the second tower120, air may form a flow or stream that rises upward. The fin530may convert the rising flow into a flow moving from a front to a rear toward the first and second discharge ports117and127.

The heater500may include a support member510. The support member510may support the heating tube520and the heater500. The support member510may include an upper horizontal plate511, a vertical plate512, and a lower horizontal plate513. The vertical plate512may extend vertically.

A plurality of fins530may be fixed to the vertical plate512. The plurality of fins530may extend in a direction intersecting the vertical direction (e.g., in the front-rear and/or left-right direction).

The heating tube520may be provided to extend along an extension direction of the vertical plate512. The heating tube520may be provided parallel to the vertical plate512. Alternatively or in addition thereto, the heating tube520may come in contact with the vertical plate512.

The vertical plate512may be formed to have an inclination. An upper end of the vertical plate512may be provided in front of a lower end of the vertical plate512.

The upper horizontal plate511may be provided at the upper end of the vertical plate512. A plate shielding the guide motor420may be formed above the first tower110and the second tower120, and the upper horizontal plate511may be fixed to the plate to support the heater500. The upper horizontal plate511may be provided parallel to the ground like a plate, and the plate shielding the guide motor420may be horizontal to the ground. Referring toFIG.5, when viewed from the side, the upper horizontal plate511may be not perpendicular to the vertical plate512and be slightly inclined. Referring toFIG.6, when viewed from the front or rear, the upper horizontal plate511may appear to be perpendicular to the vertical plate512.

The lower horizontal plate513may be provided at the lower end of the vertical plate512. A vertical plate512may be connected to an upper surface of the lower horizontal plate513, and a flow path shielding member540may be provided on the lower surface of the lower horizontal plate513. Unlike the upper horizontal plate511, the lower horizontal plate513may be perpendicular to the vertical plate512. Referring toFIG.5, when viewed from the side, the lower horizontal plate513may be perpendicular to the vertical plate512and may be provided not to be horizontal with respect to the ground. Referring toFIG.6, the lower horizontal plate513may be perpendicular to the vertical plate512even when viewed from the front.

Referring toFIG.5, the plurality of fins530may be provided along the length direction of the first discharge port117or the second discharge port so that air may be evenly discharged to the first discharge port117and the second discharge port127. The fin530may extend in a direction intersecting the length direction of the first discharge port117or the second discharge port127.

The first discharge port117and the second discharge port127may extend from an upper center to a lower right. The plurality of fins530may extend from the center to the upper right. The length directions of the first discharge port117and the second discharge port127and the extension direction of the plurality of fins530may intersect with each other. The fins530may extend perpendicular to the length direction of the first discharge port117or the second discharge port127. The flow direction of the air may be changed toward the first discharge port117and the second discharge port127according to a guide of the fin530, and the air may be distributed and flow with an equal amount to the first discharge port117and the second discharge port127.

The heating tube520may extend along the length directions of the first discharge port117and/or the second discharge port127, and the fins530may extend vertically in the extension direction of the heating tube520. The heating tube520may be provided in an upper portion of the heater500. The heating tube520may extend downward from the upper portion of the heater500. The heating tube520may be provided in parallel with and spaced apart from the vertical plate512and/or may extend while being in contact with the vertical plate512. The heating tube520may extend along the length direction of the first discharge port117and the second discharge port127.

The fins530may extend perpendicular to the extension direction of the heating tube520. For example, when the heating tube520forms an angle of about 4 degrees with respect to the vertical axis V, each fin among the plurality of fins530may form an angle of about 4 degrees with respect to the ground.

When viewed from the side, the heating tube520may be provided to be inclined with a prescribed inclination with respect to the vertical axis. The vertical plate512may be also provided to be inclined with the prescribed inclination with respect to the vertical axis. The heating tube520and the vertical plate512may be provided in parallel. The upper horizontal plate511may be provided parallel to a horizontal plane. The lower horizontal plate513may be provided to be inclined with a prescribed inclination with respect to the horizontal plane. The fins530may be provided to be inclined with a prescribed inclination with respect to the horizontal plane and provided parallel to a lower horizontal plane.

The heater500may be provided to be inclined with respect to the vertical direction and parallel to the first discharge port117or the second discharge port127. The heater500may be provided to be inclined to have an inclination angle of a3with respect to the vertical direction. For example, the heater500may be provided to be inclined within a certain error range based on an angle of 4 degrees with respect to the vertical direction.

The second discharge port127may be provided to be inclined to have an inclination of a1with respect to the vertical direction. For example, the second discharge port may be provided to be inclined within a certain error range based on an angle of 4 degrees with respect to the vertical direction. Although not shown inFIG.5, the first discharge port117may also be provided to be inclined to have an inclination of a1with respect to the vertical direction. The inclination a3of the heater500with respect to the ground and the vertical axis V may correspond or be set in consideration of the inclinations of the vertical plate512, the heating tube520, the upper horizontal plate511, the fin530, and the lower horizontal plate513.

The heater500may be provided parallel to the first discharge port117or the second discharge port127with respect to the vertical direction. The inclination a3of the heater500in the vertical direction and the inclination a1of the first discharge port117and second discharge port127in the vertical direction may be the same. An equal amount of air guided by the fins530may flow to the first discharge port117or the second discharge port127.

Referring toFIGS.14and15, the first and second heaters501and502may be provided to be spaced apart from inner surfaces of the first and second inner walls115and125, respectively. A space through which air may flow may be formed between the first and second heaters501and502and the first and second inner walls115and125, and air flowing through the space may form a wall or stream of air. Heat emitted from the first and second heaters501and502may not convectively flow to the first and second inner walls115and125, and the first and second inner walls115and125may be prevented from being overheated.

The first and second heaters501and502may be provided to be spaced apart from the inner surfaces of the first and second outer walls114and wall124. Similarly, a space through which air may flow may be formed between the first and second heaters501and502and the first and second outer walls114and124, and air flowing in the space may form a wall or stream of air. Heat emitted from the first and second heaters501and502may not convectively flow to the first and second outer walls114and124, and the first and second outer walls114and124may be prevented from being overheated.

The first heater501may be provided closer to the first inner wall115than to the first outer wall114, and the second heater502may be provided closer to the second inner wall125than to the second outer wall124. The air discharged from the first discharge port117may flow at a high speed along the first inner wall115, and the air discharged from the second discharge port127may flow at a high speed along the second inner wall125. Since air may flow at a high speed along the first inner wall115and the second inner wall125, forced convection may occur, thereby cooling the first inner wall115and the second inner wall125more quickly. However, air may flow along the first outer wall114and the second outer wall124at a slower speed due to an indirect Coanda effect. A cooling rate of the first outer wall114may be slower than that of the first inner wall115, and a cooling rate of the second outer wall124may be slower than that of the second inner wall125. By providing the first and second heaters501and502closer to the first and second inner walls115and124, overheating of the tower case140may be more efficiently prevented or reduced.

Referring toFIG.5, the lower end of the heater500may be provided closer to a rear lower end of the first tower110or the second tower120than a front lower end. A cross-sectional area of the discharge space103may be larger in a lower portion than in an upper portion.

An amount of air flowing in the lower end or portion of the tower case140may be larger or maximal, and as the air rises, the air may pass through the heater500and may be discharged to the blowing space105. An amount of air flowing in the upper end or portion of the tower case140may be lower or minimal. The lower end of the heater500may be provided closer to the rear lower end than the front lower end of the tower case140to form a discharge space103suitable for a prescribed or certain air flow rate, reducing or preventing pressure loss and improving efficiency by compensating a pressure difference.

The heater500further may include a flow path shielding member540that shields air from flowing between the fin530and the first discharge port117or the second discharge port127. The flow path shielding member540may be provided in the lower end of the heater500and extend toward the lower end of the first discharge port117or the second discharge port127.

The flow path shielding member540may be provided inside the tower case140. The lower end of the flow path shielding member540may be provided above the suction grill350. The flow path shielding member540may have an inclination so that the rear end may be provided above the front end.

The flow path shielding member540may extend to the rear end of the first tower110or the second tower120. The lower end of the first discharge port117or the second discharge port may be provided above the flow path shielding member540.

As shown inFIG.7, the flow path shielding member540may extend to the left or right from the front end of the lower horizontal plate513, and extend to the rear of the tower case140. The flow path shielding member540may be formed in a semicircular shape. Alternatively, the flow path shielding member540may be formed to have a same width as that of the lower horizontal plate513, as shown inFIG.5, and may extend to the rear end of the tower case140.

The flow path shielding member540may prevent the air flowing through the first discharge space103aor the second discharge space103bfrom being directly discharged to the first discharge port117or the second discharge port127without passing through the heater500. The flow path shielding member540may shield the right and/or left lower end of the heater500and the inner surface of the first tower110, and shields the right and/or left lower end of the heater500and the inner surface of the second tower120. The flow path shielding member540may block a bypass path through which air discharged out of the suction grill350may avoid the heater500while flowing to the first and second discharge ports117and127, thereby improving efficiency.

Referring toFIGS.25to27, an air conditioner according to another embodiment may further include an air guide160that guides the air whose direction has been changed to the first discharge port117or the second discharge port, in addition to the heater500. The air guide160may be configured to convert a flow direction of rising air into a horizontal direction in the discharge space103toward the first and second discharge ports117and127. A plurality of air guides160may be provided.

The air guide160may include a first air guide161provided in the first tower110and a second air guide162provided inside the second tower120. The first and second air guides161and162may alternatively be referred to as vanes or dampers.

An outer end of the first air guide161may be coupled to the outer wall114of the first tower110. An inner end of the first air guide may be adjacent to the first heater501.

The first air guide161may have a front end adjacent to the first discharge port117. The front end of the first air guide161may be coupled to an inner wall adjacent to the first discharge port117. A rear end of the first air guide161may be spaced apart from the rear end of the first tower110.

To guide the air flowing from the lower side to the first discharge port117, the first air guide161may have a convex surface curved from the lower side to the upper side, and the rear end may be provided lower than the front end. The first air guide161may have a curved portion161fand a flat portion161e.

A rear end of the flat portion161eof the first air guide161may be adjacent to a first discharge guide172described later. The flat portion160eof the first air guide161may extend forward and horizontally with respect to the ground.

A rear end of the curved portion161fof the first air guide161may be provided in the flat portion161eof the first air guide161. The curved portion160fof the first air guide161may extend to a front lower side while forming a curved surface. A front end of the curved portion160fof the first air guide161may be provided lower than a rear end. The front and rear ends of the curved portion160fof the first air guide161may have a horizontal distance ranging from 10 mm to 20 mm from the ground. The horizontal distance between the front and rear ends of the curved portion160fof the first air guide161from the ground may be defined as a curvature length. The curvature length of the curved portion161fof the first air guide161may be formed between 10 mm and 20 mm.

An entrance angle a4of the front end of the curved portion160fof the first air guide161may be formed to be 10 degrees. The entrance angle a4may be defined as the angle between the vertical line with respect to the ground and a tangent line of the front end of the curved portion160fof the first air guide161.

At least portion of the right end of the first air guide161may be adjacent to an outside of the heater500, and a remaining portion may be coupled to the inner wall115of the first tower110. The left end of the first air guide161may be in close contact with or coupled to the outer wall114of the first tower110.

Air moving upward along the discharge space103may flow from the rear end of the first air guide161to the front end. Air that has passed through the fan assembly300may rise and flow to the rear of the discharge space103by being guided by the first air guide161.

The second air guide162may be symmetrical with the first air guide161in the right-left direction. An outer end of the second air guide162may be coupled to the outer wall124of the second tower120. An inner end of the second air guide162may be adjacent to the second heater502.

The second air guide162may have a front end adjacent to the second discharge port127. The front end of the second air guide162may be coupled to an inner wall adjacent to the second discharge port127. The rear end of the second air guide162may be spaced apart from the rear end of the second tower120.

To guide the air flowing from the lower side to the second discharge port127, the second air guide162may have a convex surface curved from the lower side to the upper side, and the rear end of the second air guide162may be provided lower than the front end of the second air guide162.

The second air guide162may have a curved portion162fand a flat portion162e. A rear end of the flat portion162emay be adjacent to the second discharge guide127. The flat portion162emay extend forward and horizontal with respect to the ground.

A rear end of the curved portion162fmay be provided in the front end of the flat portion162e. The curved portion162fmay extend to the front lower side of the discharge space103while forming a curved surface. The front end of the curved portion162fmay be provided lower than the rear end of the curved portion162f. The front and rear ends of the curved portion162fmay have a horizontal distance ranging from 10 mm to 20 mm from the ground. The horizontal distance between the front and rear ends of the curved portion162ffrom the ground may be defined as a curvature length. The curvature length of the curved portion162fmay be between 10 mm and 20 mm.

An entrance angle a4of the front end of the curved portion162fmay be formed to be 10 degrees. The entrance angle a4may be defined as an angle between the vertical line with respect to the ground and a tangent line of the front end of the curved portion162f.

At least a part of the left end of the second air guide162may be adjacent to an outside of the second heater502, and a remaining part may be coupled to the inner wall125of the second tower120. The right end of the second air guide162may be in close contact with or coupled to the outer wall124of the second tower120.

The air moving upward along the discharge space103may flow from the rear end of the second air guide162to the front end of the second air guide162. Air that has passed through the fan assembly300may rise and flow to the rear by being guided by the second air guide162.

When the air guide160is installed, the direction of air rising in the vertical direction may be changed into the horizontal direction. Discharged air having a uniform flow rate and a horizontal direction may be discharged from the first and second discharge ports117and127, which extend vertically.

When the entrance angle a4of the air guide160is relatively large or the curvature length is relatively long, the air guide160may resist the air rising in the vertical direction, thereby increasing noise. When a curvature length of the air guide160is relatively short, air may not be efficiently guided in a horizontal direction. When the entrance angle a4and/or curvature length is formed according to the present disclosure, air volume may be increased, and noise may be reduced.

Referring back toFIGS.5-10, the airflow converter400may be provided above the heater500. The gate410and the board guider430may be provided in front of the heater500, but the guide motor420may be provided above the heater500. A space inside the tower case140may be efficiently utilized, and the guide motor420may be prevented from interfering with the air flow inside the discharge space103.

The guide motor420may be emit heat and may be vulnerable to heat. The guide motor420may be provided above the heater500so that the guide motor420may be not provided in an air flow path and so that the heat of the heater500may be prevented from convectively flowing to the guide motor420.

Hereinafter, the air flow flowing around the heater500as viewed from above will be described with reference toFIG.24. Referring toFIG.24, the air that has passed through the fan assembly300rises in front of the heater500. An upward flow direction of air rising from the front of the heater500may be changed to flow rearward. Most of the air may be heated through the heater500, and warm air may be discharged to the blowing space105.

Some air may flow through the space between the heater500and the outer walls114and124. This air may form an air curtain between the heater500and the outer walls114and124to prevent the heat of the heater500from convectively flowing to the outer wall114and124. Some other air may flow into the space between the heater500and the inner walls114and124. This air may also form an air curtain between the heater500and the inner wall114and124to prevent the heat of the heater500from convectively flowing to the inner walls114and124.

Referring toFIG.28, to facilitate a horizontal airflow, the first gate411may be concealed inside the first tower110, and the second gate412may be concealed inside the second tower120. The front of the blowing space105may be opened to allow air to pass therethrough.

The discharged air of the first discharge port117and the second discharge port127may be joined in the blowing space105and may pass through the front ends112and122to flow forward. Ambient air behind the blowing space105may be guided into the blowing space105and then flow forward. Ambient air around the first tower110may flow forward along the first outer wall114, and ambient air around the second tower120may flow forward along the second outer wall124.

Since the first discharge port117and the second discharge port127may be formed to extend in the vertical direction and be provided symmetrically in the right-left direction, the air flowing from the upper side of the first discharge port117and the second discharge port127and the air flowing from the lower side may be formed more uniformly. The air discharged from the first discharge port117and the second discharge port127may be joined to each other in the blowing space105, thereby improving a straightness or concentration of the discharged air and allowing the air to flow to a farther place.

Referring toFIG.29, to facilitate an ascending airflow, the first gate411and the second gate412may protrude into the blowing space105to at least partially close or block the front of the blowing space105. The air discharged from the discharge ports117and127may rise along rear surfaces of the first gate411and the second gate412, and may be discharged to the upper side of the blowing space105.

By forming an ascending airflow for air conditioner1, it may be possible to suppress discharged air from flowing directly to a user. To circulate indoor air, the air conditioner1and/or the fan assembly300may be operated in an ascending airflow mode where the first and second gates411and412are moved to protrude into the blowing space105. The ascending airflow mode may promote convection of indoor air, and the indoor air can be cooled or heated more quickly.

Referring toFIG.30, the fan320may include a hub328connected to a rotation axis Ax, a plurality of blades325installed or located at a given interval on the outer circumferential surface of the hub328, and a shroud32which may be spaced apart from the hub328and provided to surround the hub328and connected to one end of the plurality of blades325.

The fan320may further include a back plate324provided with the hub328for coupling. In some embodiments, the back plate324and the shroud32may be omitted. The hub328may have a cylindrical shape whose outer circumferential surface may be parallel to the rotation axis Ax.

The plurality of blades325may extend from the back plate324. The blades325may extend so that an outline of each blade among the plurality of blades325forms a curved line.

Each blade325may constitute a rotating blade of the fan320and serve to transfer kinetic energy of the fan320to a fluid (e.g., air). A plurality of blades325may be provided at given intervals and may be provided in a radial shape on the back plate324. One or a first end of each of the plurality of blades325may be connected to the outer circumferential surface of the hub328.

The shroud32may be connected to another or a second end of the blade325. The shroud32may be formed at a position facing the back plate324and may be formed in a circular ring shape. The shroud32and the hub328may share the rotation axis Ax as a center.

The shroud32may have a suction end321through which a fluid may be introduced and a discharge end323through which the fluid may be discharged. The shroud32may be formed to be curved so that a diameter decreases from the discharge end323toward the suction end321.

The should32may include a connection part322that connects the suction end321and the discharge end323. The connection part322may be rounded with a curvature so that an inner cross-sectional area of the shroud32may be widened.

The shroud32may form a movement passage for fluid together with the back plate324and the blade325. Regarding the moving direction of the fluid, the fluid introduced in the central axis direction may flow in the circumferential direction of the fan320by rotation of the blade325. The fan320may discharge the fluid in the radial direction of the fan320by increasing a flow velocity by centrifugal force.

The shroud32may be formed to be spaced apart from the back plate324by a certain distance. The shroud32may be provided to have a surface facing parallel to the back plate324.

Hereinafter, the blade325and a notch40formed in the blade325will be described in detail. Referring toFIGS.31and32, each blade325may include a leading edge33defining one or a first surface in the direction in which the hub328may be rotated, a trailing edge37defining another or a second surface in the direction opposite to the leading edge33, a negative pressure surface34which connects an upper end of the leading edge33and an upper end of the trailing edge37and has a larger area than the leading edge33and the trailing edge37, and a pressure surface36which connects a lower end of the leading edge33and a lower end of the trailing edge37and faces the negative pressure surface34.

In each blade325, the negative pressure surface34and the pressure surface36may define a widest upper and lower surface of the blade325in the shape of a plate or curved plate. Ends in a length direction form both side surfaces of the blade325, and ends in a width direction (left-right direction inFIG.32) intersecting the length direction may form the leading edge33and the trailing edge37. An area of the trailing edge37and the leading edge33may be smaller than that of the negative pressure surface34and the pressure surface36. The leading edge33may be located above the trailing edge37.

Each blade325may be formed with a plurality of notches40to reduce noise generated in the fan assembly300and a sharpness of the noise. Each notch40may be formed over a portion of the leading edge33and a portion of the negative pressure surface34. Each notch40may be formed in such a manner that a corner35where the leading edge33and the negative pressure surface34meet with each other may be depressed downward. Each notch40may be formed over an upper middle portion of the leading edge33and a portion of the negative pressure surface34adjacent to the leading edge33.

A cross-sectional shape of the notch40may be not limited and may have various shapes. However, to reduce noise of the fan while maintaining efficiency, the cross-sectional shape of the notch40may have a U-shape or a V-shape. The shape of the notch40will be described later.

A width W of the notch40may be expanded from a lower portion of the notch40toward an upper portion of the notch40. The width W of the notch40may be expanded gradually or expanded in a stepwise manner toward the upper portion of the notch40.

An extension or length direction of the notch40may be a tangential direction of an arbitrary circumference centered on the rotation axis Ax. Here, the extension direction of the notch40may mean a direction of a length L11of the notch40. A same cross-sectional shape of the notch40extends in the tangential direction.

The notch40may be formed along an arc of an arbitrary circumference centered on the rotation axis Ax of the fan320. The notch40may have a curved shape. A same cross-sectional shape of the notch40may be formed along the circumference.

The depth H11of the notch40may become smaller as the distance from the point where the leading edge33and the negative pressure surface34meet increases. The depth H11of the notch40may be high in a center and decrease toward both ends in the extension direction.

The cross-sectional shape of the notch40may be a V-shape. The notch40may include a first inclined surface42, a second inclined surface43which faces the first inclined surface42and may be connected to the lower end of the first inclined surface42, and a bottom line41defined by connecting the first inclined surface42and the second inclined surface43.

A separation distance between the first inclined surface42and the second inclined surface43may increase as the separation distance progresses upward. The separation distance between the first inclined surface42and the second inclined surface43may gradually increase or may increase in a stepwise manner. The first inclined surface42and the second inclined surface43may be flat or curved. The first inclined surface42and the second inclined surface43may have a triangular shape.

The bottom line41may extend in a tangential direction of an arbitrary circumference centered on the rotation axis Ax. As another example, the bottom line41may extend along an arbitrary circumference centered on the rotation axis Ax. The bottom line41may form an arc centered on the rotation axis Ax.

A length of bottom line41may be the same as the length L11of the notch40. A direction of the bottom line41may mean the direction of the notch40. The direction of the bottom line41may be a direction configured to reduce flow separation occurring in the leading edge33and the negative pressure surface34and reducing air resistance.

The bottom line41may have an inclination of 0 degrees to 10 degrees with respect to a horizontal plane perpendicular to the rotation axis Ax. The bottom line41may be parallel to a horizontal plane perpendicular to the rotation axis Ax. As the blade325rotates, a resistance by the notch40may be reduced.

The length L11of the bottom line41may be longer than the height H22of the leading edge33. If the length L11of the bottom line41is too short, the flow separation occurring on the negative pressure surface34may not be effectively reduced, and if the length L11of the bottom line41is too long, efficiency of the fan320may decrease.

The length L11of the notch40and the bottom line41may be larger than the depth H11of the notch40and the width W of the notch40. For example, the length L11of the notch40may be 5 mm to 6.5 mm, the depth H11of the notch40may be 1.5 mm to 2.0 mm, and the width W of the notch40may be 2.0 mm to 2.2 mm. The length L11of the notch40may be 2.5 to 4.33 times the depth H11of the notch40, and the length L11of the notch40may be 2.272 to 3.25 times the width W of the notch40.

One or a first end of the bottom line41may be located in the leading edge33and the other or a second end of the bottom line41may be located in the negative pressure surface34. A position of a point where one end of the bottom line41may be located in the leading edge33may be an intermediate height of the leading edge33.

A separation distance between the corner35and a point where the first end of the bottom line41is located may be smaller than a separation distance between the corner35and a point where the second end of the bottom line41may be located. A position of the point where the second end of the bottom line41is located may be between ⅕ point and 1/10 point in the width of the negative pressure surface34.

The angle A11formed by the bottom line41and the negative pressure surface34and the angle A12formed by the bottom line41and the leading edge33may be not limited. For example, the angle A11formed by the bottom line41and the negative pressure surface34may be smaller than the angle A12formed by the bottom line41and the leading edge33.

A plurality (e.g., three) notches40may be provided. The notch40may include a first notch40, a second notch40located farther from the hub328than the first notch40, and a third notch40located farther from the hub328than the second notch40. A separation distance between respective notches40may be 6 mm to 10 mm. The separation distance between respective notches40may be greater than the depth H11of the notch40and the width W of the notch40.

The leading edge33may be divided into a first area S1adjacent to the hub328based on the center and a second area S2adjacent to the shroud32. Two of the three notches40may be located in the first area S1, and the remaining notch40may be located in the second area S2.

The first notch40and the second notch40may be located in the first area S1, and the third notch40may be located in the second area S2. The separation distance from the hub328of the first notch40may be 19% to 23% of the length of the leading edge33, the separation distance from the hub328of the second notch40may be 40% to 44% of the length of the leading edge33, and the separation distance from the hub328of the first notch40may be 65% to 69% of the length of the leading edge33.

Among the plurality of notches40, the notch40spaced farthest from the hub328may have the longest length. The length L11of the third notch40may be greater than the length L11of the second notch40, and the length L11of the second notch40may be greater than the length L11of the first notch40. The flow separation occurring in the blade325of the fan may be reduced through the shape, disposition, and number of the notch40, and as a result, noise generated in the fan320may be reduced.

Referring toFIG.33, some of the fluid passing through the leading edge33may cause turbulent flow due to a flow that passed through the notch40and flow along the surface of the blade325, and then may be mixed with the fluid that has passed through the leading edge33. Flow separation may not occur on the surface of the blade325, and noise may be reduced by a flow flowing along the surface. Referring toFIGS.34and35, noise and sharpness may be significantly reduced when the noise and sharpness of a general fan (comparative example) and the embodiment are tested in the same environment. Sharpness may correspond to a high frequency amount in the noise.

An airflow guide or converter700of another embodiment capable of facilitating an ascending airflow will be described with reference toFIGS.36to40. In the present embodiment, the airflow converter700may be mainly described based on differences from the air flow converter400ofFIGS.16to22, and configurations having no special description may be regarded as the same as those of the embodiment ofFIGS.16to22.

Referring toFIGS.36-40, the airflow converter700may convert a horizontal airflow flowing through the blowing space105into an ascending airflow. The airflow converter700may include a first airflow converter701provided in the first tower110and a second airflow converter702provided in the second tower120. The first airflow converter701and the second airflow converter702may be symmetrical in the left-right direction and have a same or similar configuration.

The airflow converter700may include a gate710provided in the tower case740and configured to protrude to the blowing space105, a guide motor720which provides a driving force for the movement of the gate710, a power transmission member730which provides a driving force of the guide motor720to the gate710, and a board guider740which may be provided inside the tower case140and guide the movement of the gate710.

The gate710may be concealed inside the tower case140and may protrude to the blowing space105when the guide motor720is operated. The gate710may include a first gate711provided in the first tower110and a second gate712provided in the second tower120.

The first gate711may be provided inside the first tower110and may selectively protrude to the blowing space105. The second gate712may be provided inside the second tower120and may selectively protrude to the blowing space105.

A board slit119penetrating the inner wall115of the first tower110may be formed, and a board slit129penetrating the inner wall125of the second tower120may be formed. The board slit119formed in the first tower110may be referred to as a first board slit119, and the board slit formed in the second tower120may be referred to as a second board slit129.

The first board slit119and the second board slit129may be symmetrical with each other in the left-right direction. The first board slit119and the second board slit129may extend in the vertical direction and be inclined with respect to the vertical direction V.

The inner end711aof the first gate711may be exposed to the first board slit119, and the inner end712aof the second gate712may be exposed to the second board slit129. The inner ends711aand712amay not protrude from the inner walls115and125. When the inner ends711aand712aprotrude from the inner walls115and125, an additional Coanda effect may be induced.

Assuming that the vertical direction may be 0 degrees, the front end112of the first tower110may be formed with a first inclination, and the first board slit119may be formed with a second inclination. The front end122of the second tower120may be also formed with a first inclination, and the second board slit129may be formed with a second inclination.

The first inclination may be formed between the vertical direction and the second inclination, and the second inclination may be greater than the horizontal direction. The first inclination and the second inclination may be the same, or the second inclination may be greater than the first inclination.

The board slits119and129may be provided to be more inclined than the front ends112and122based on the vertical direction. The first gate711may be provided parallel to the first board slit119, and the second gate712may be provided parallel to the second board slit129.

The gate710may be formed in a flat or curved plate or board shape. The gate710may be formed to extend in the vertical direction and may be provided in front of the blowing space105. The gate710may block horizontal airflow flowing into the blowing space105and change the airflow direction to an upward direction.

The inner end711aof the first gate711and the inner end712aof the second gate712may be in contact with each other or close to each other to form an ascending airflow. Alternatively, one gate710may be in close contact with the opposite tower110or120to form an ascending airflow.

When the airflow converter700is not operated, the inner end711aof the first gate711may close the first board slit119, and the inner end712aof the second gate712may close the second board slit129. When the airflow converter700is operated, the inner end711aof the first gate711may penetrate through the first board slit119and protrude into the blowing space105, and the inner end712aof the second gate712may penetrate through the second board slit129and protrude into the blowing space105.

As the first gate711closes the first board slit119, air in the first discharge space103amay not escape to an outside. As the second gate712closes the second board slit129, in the second discharge space103bmay not escape to an outside.

The first gate711and the second gate712may protrude into the blowing space105due to a rotating operation. Alternatively, at least one of the first gate711and the second gate712may be linearly moved in a slide manner to protrude into the blowing space105.

When viewed from a top view, the first gate711and the second gate712may be formed in an arc shape. The first gate711and the second gate712may have a certain curvature radius, and a center of curvature may be located in the blowing space105.

When the gate710is concealed inside the tower case140an inside volume of the gate710in the radial direction may be larger than an outside volume of the gate710in the radial direction. The gate710may be formed of a transparent material. A light emitting member750such as a light emitting diode (LED) may be provided in the gate710, and the entire gate710may emit light through light generated from the light emitting member750. The light emitting member750may be provided in the discharge space103inside the tower case140and may be provided in the outer end712bof the gate710. A plurality of light emitting members750may be provided along the length direction of the gate710.

The guide motor720may include a first guide motor721providing rotational force to the first gate711and a second guide motor722providing rotational force to the second gate712. The first guide motor721may be provided in the upper side and the lower side of the first tower110. The first guide motor721may be divided into or provided as an upper first guide motor and a lower first guide motor. The upper first guide motor may be provided lower than the upper end111of the first tower110, and the lower first guide motor may be provided higher than the fan320.

The second guide motor722may also be provided in the upper side and the lower side of the second tower. The second guide motor722may be divided into or provided as an upper second guide motor722aand a lower second guide motor722b. The upper second guide motor722amay be provided lower than the upper end121of the second tower120, and the lower second guide motor722bmay be provided higher than the fan320.

Rotation shafts of the first guide motor721and the second guide motor722may be provided in a vertical direction, and a rack-pinion structure may be used to transmit a driving force. The power transmission member730may include a driving gear731coupled to the shaft of the guide motor720and a rack732coupled to the gate710.

The driving gear731may be a pinion gear and may be rotated in the horizontal direction. The rack732may be coupled to the inner surface of the gate710. The rack732may be formed in a shape corresponding to the gate710. The rack732may be formed in an arc shape. The teeth of the rack732may extend toward the inner wall of the tower case140. The rack732may be provided in the discharge space103and may turn together with the gate710.

The board guider740may guide a turning movement of the gate710and support the gate710as the gate710turns. The board guider740may be provided in the opposite side of the rack732based on the gate710. The board guider740may support a force applied from the rack732. Alternatively, a groove corresponding to a turning radius of the gate710may be formed in the board guide740, and the gate710may be moved along the groove.

The board guider740may be assembled to the outer walls114and124of the first and second towers710and720. The board guider740may be provided outside a radial direction based on the gate710, reducing or minimizing contact with air flowing through the discharge space103.

The board guider740may include a movement guider742, a fixed guider744, and a friction reducing member746. The movement guider742may be coupled to a structure that may be moved together with the gate. The movement guider742may be coupled to and rotated together with the rack732or the gate710.

The movement guider742may be provided on the outer surface710bof the gate710. When viewed from a top view, the movement guider742may be formed in an arc shape and have a same curvature as the gate710.

A length of the movement guider742may be shorter than a length of the gate710. The movement guider742may be provided between the gate710and the fixed guider744. A radius of the movement guider742may be larger than a radius of the gate710and smaller than a radius of the fixed guider744.

When the movement guider742is moved, a movement may be restricted due to mutual locking with the fixed guider744. The fixed guider744may be provided radially outside the movement guider742and may support the movement guider742.

The fixed guider744may be provided with a guide groove745into which the movement guider742may be inserted, and the movement guider742may move in the guide groove745. The guide groove745may be formed to correspond to a rotation radius and curvature of the movement guider742.

The guide groove745may be formed in an arc shape, and at least a part of the movement guider742may be inserted into the guide groove745. The guide groove745may be formed to be concave in the downward direction. The movement guider742may be inserted into the guide groove745, and the guide groove745may support the movement guider742.

When the movement guider742rotates, the movement guider742may be supported by a front end745aof the guide groove745so that the rotation of the movement guider742in a first or closing direction guiding the gate710into the blowing space105may be limited. When the movement guider742rotates, the movement guider742may be supported by a rear end745bof the guide groove745so that the rotation of the movement guider742in a second or opening direction guiding the gate710into the tower case140may be limited.

The friction reducing member746may reduce friction between the movement guider742and the fixed guider744when the movement guider742moves. A roller may be used as the friction reducing member746, and rolling friction may be provided between the movement guider742and the fixed guider744. The shaft of the roller may be formed in the vertical direction and may be coupled to the movement guider742.

Friction and operating noise may be reduced through the friction reducing member746. At least a part of the friction reducing member746may protrude outward in the radial direction of the movement guider742.

The friction reducing member746may be formed of an elastic material and may be elastically supported by the fixed guider744in the radial direction. Instead of the movement guider742, the friction reducing member746may elastically support the fixed guider744and may reduce friction and operating noise when the gate710rotates. The friction reducing member746may be in contact with the front end745aand the rear end745bof the guide groove745.

A motor mount760to support the guide motor720and to fix the guide motor720to the first and/or second tower110and120may be further provided. The motor mount760may be provided below the guide motor720and support the guide motor720. The guide motor720may be assembled to the motor mount760.

The motor mount760may be coupled to the inner walls114and125of the first and second towers110and120. The motor mount760may be manufactured integrally with the inner walls114and124.

Referring toFIGS.41and42, an air guide160according to another embodiment to convert a flow direction of air into a horizontal direction may be provided in the discharge space103. A plurality of air guides160may be provided. The air guide160may convert or change the direction of the air flowing upward inside of the tower case140to flow in a horizontal direction, and the direction-converted air may flow to the discharge ports117and127. Similar to the previous embodiment, the air guide160may include a first air guide161provided in the first tower110and a second air guide162provided in the second tower120.

A plurality of first air guides161may be provided in the vertical direction. A plurality of second air guides162may also be provided in the vertical direction.

When viewed from the front, the first air guide161may be coupled to the inner wall115and/or the outer wall114of the first tower110. When viewed from the side, the rear end161aof the first air guide161may be adjacent to the first discharge port117, and the front end161bmay be spaced apart from the front end of the first tower110.

To guide the air flowing in the lower side to the first discharge port117, at least one of the plurality of first air guides161may be formed in a curved surface that may be convex from the lower side to the upper side. At least one of the plurality of first air guides161may have a front end161bprovided lower than a rear end161ato guide air to the first discharge port117while reducing or minimizing resistance to air flowing in the lower side.

At least a portion of a left end161cof the first air guide161may be in close contact with or coupled to a left wall of the first tower110. At least a portion of a right end161dof the first air guide161may be in close contact with or coupled to a right wall of the first tower110.

Air moving upward along the discharge space103may flow from the front end to the rear end of the first air guide161. The second air guide162may be symmetrical with the first air guide161with respect to the left-right direction.

When viewed from the front, the second air guide162may be coupled to an inner wall125and/or an outer wall124of the second tower110. When viewed from the side, a rear end162aof the second air guide162may be adjacent to the second discharge port127, and a front end162bmay be spaced apart from the front end of the second tower120.

To guide the air flowing in the lower side to the second discharge port127, at least one of the plurality of second air guides162may have a curved surface that may be convex from the lower side to the upper side. At least one of the plurality of second air guides162may have a front end162bprovided lower than a rear end162ato guide air to the second discharge port127while reducing or minimizing resistance to the air flowed in the lower side.

At least a portion of a left end162cof the second air guide162may be in close contact with or coupled to a left wall of the second tower120. At least a portion of a right end162dof the second air guide162may be in close contact with or coupled to a right wall of the first tower110.

As an example, four second air guides162may be provided and referred to as a second-first air guide162-1, a second-second air guide162-2, a second-third air guide162-3, and a second-fourth air guide162-4. The second-first air guide162-1and the second-second air guide162-2may have a front end162bprovided lower than a rear end162ato guide air toward the rear-upper side. The second-third air guide162-3and the second-fourth air guide162-4may have a rear end162aprovided lower than a front end162bto guide the air toward the rear-lower side. Such a disposition of the air guides160may be configured to allow the discharged air to converge to a middle, height-wise, of the blowing space105to increase a reach of the discharged air.

The second-first air guide162-1and the second-second air guide162-2may be formed respectively in an upwardly convex curved surface. The second-first air guide162-1may be lower than and formed to be more convex than the second-second air guide162-2. The second-third air guide162-3, which may be provided lower than the second-fourth air guide162-4, may have an upwardly convex shape. The second-fourth air guide162-4may be formed in a flat plate shape.

The second-second air guide162-2may be provided lower than and have a more convex curved surface than the second-third air guide162-3. The curved surface of the air guides160may be progressively and gradually flattened in the upward direction.

The second-fourth air guide162-4may be the highest among the second air guides162and have a rear end162awhich is lower than a front end162b. The second-fourth air guide162-4may have a relatively flat shape. A configuration of the first air guides161may be symmetrical to the configuration of the second air guides162, so a detailed description of the first air guides161will be omitted.

FIG.43shows an air conditioner according to another embodiment. Referring toFIG.43, a third discharge port132penetrating the upper side surface131of the tower base130in the vertical direction may be formed. A third air guide133to guide the filtered air may be further provided in the third discharge port132.

The third air guide133may be provided to be inclined with respect to the vertical direction. An upper end133aof the third air guide144may be provided in front of a lower end133b. The third air guide133may include a plurality of vanes provided in the front-rear direction.

The third air guide133may be provided between the first tower110and the second tower120and below the blowing space105to discharge air toward the blowing space105. An inclination of the third air guide133with respect to the vertical direction may be defined as an air guide angle C.

Referring to Figured44-47, the suction grill350may be configured to be provided in a flow path through which air flows. The suction grill350may include a bell mouth353to assist air suction from a suction end of the fan320, a bell mouth support member351to support the bell mouth353, and a grill wire355which may be provided in the opening of the bell mouth353and prevent an inflow of foreign substances.

The bell mouth353and the bell mouth support member351may be integrally formed or alternatively may be manufactured separately and then later combined. Referring toFIG.44, the bell mouth353and the bell mouth support member351may be integrally formed.

The bell mouth353and the bell mouth support member351may be an injection product formed integrally by an injection process. For example, the bell mouth353and the bell mouth support member351may be formed of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) resin. The ABS resin may facilitate easy processing and have high impact resistance and good heat resistance. A material of the bell mouth support member351may be not limited to the above description, and may be made of other material that can be easily adopted by a person skilled in the art. The bell mouth353may be manufactured by an injection process integrally with the bell mouth support member351to be easily manufactured by reducing or minimizing the space occupancy by reducing or minimizing the vertical height.

The grill wire355may be formed separately from the bell mouth353or the bell mouth support member351. The grill wire355may be formed of a metal material, whereas the bell mouth353or the bell mouth support member351may be made of a plastic material such as ABS resin. Since the grill wire355may be formed of a metal material, a thickness of the grill wire355may be made thinner than in the case where the grill wire355is manufactured by an injection process.

For example, when the grill wire355is injection-formed with ABS resin, the grill wire355may require a thickness of at least 2 mm or more to prevent a defect. On the other hand, a metal grill wire355may have a diameter of 1.5 mm. A thinner diameter of the grill wire355may reduce air resistance during air flow and reduce noise that may be generated when the flowing air collides with the grill wire355.

The grill wire355may be provided upstream of the bell mouth353with respect to an air flow direction during operation of the fan assembly300. The suction port155may be provided below the grill wire355, and the grill wire355may be provided in a lower portion of the bell mouth353.

When the grill wire355is provided in the lower portion of the bell mouth353, there may be a risk of interfering with the filter installation space101and/or the filter200may be provided. The bell mouth353may have a wire groove3533formed in a portion overlapping with the grill wire355, and the wires of the grill wire355may be inserted into the wire groove3533to lower a height of the suction grill350. Since the suction grill350may not penetrate the filter installation space101, space may be used more efficiently.

The wire groove3533may be formed in a lower end of the bell mouth353. The wire groove3533may be formed by recessing the bell mouth353upward in a position vertically overlapping the grill wire355. The wire groove3533may be formed by recessing a position where a vertical wire3552and the bell mouth353overlap vertically. The wire groove3533may be formed recessing the bell mouth353in a direction in which the vertical wire3552extends so that the vertical wire3552may be inserted.

The wire groove3533may be recessed by a diameter of the grill wire355. The grill wire355may be formed to have a diameter of 1.5 mm, and the wire groove3533may be formed by recessing at least 1.5 mm or more of the bell mouth353Even when the bell mouth353and the grill wire355are separately manufactured, the vertical height of the suction grill350may be not changed, and the filter installation space101may be secured and protected from interference.

The grill wire355may be provided in an opening of the bell mouth353to prevent the user's finger from penetrating into the fan320and being injured when the filter200is attached or detached. The grill wire355may be provided upstream of the bell mouth353and may be fastened to the bell mouth support member351.

Referring toFIG.48, the grill wire355may be composed of a plurality of wires. The grill wire355may include a horizontal or first wire3551extending in a first direction and a vertical or second wire3552extending in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. At least one of the horizontal wire3551or the vertical wire3552may be formed of a metal material. The vertical wire3552may be vertically overlapped with the bell mouth353.

The horizontal wire3551may extend in the left-right direction. The horizontal wire3551may intersect the vertical wire3552at least once. At least one of the horizontal wires3551may be provided at both ends of the vertical wire3552. At least one of the horizontal wires3551may be provided in the middle of the vertical wire3552.

The vertical wire3552may extend in the front-rear direction. The vertical wire3552may intersect the horizontal wire3551at least once. A number of vertical wires3552may be greater than a number of horizontal wires3551. At least one of the vertical wires3552may extend to be longer than the other vertical wires3552to form a bridge wire3553.

Referring toFIG.47, a wire groove3533may be formed in the bell mouth353provided to overlap the vertical wire3552. The vertical wire3552of the grill wire355may be inserted into the wire groove3533.

The bridge wire3553may be formed to further extend from a part of the vertical wires3552. The bridge wire3553may be bent upward from the end of the vertical wire3552. In the bent portion, the bridge wire3553may extend upward. A ring may be formed at an upper end of the bridge wire3553, and the ring may be located in a fastening part3511of the bell mouth support member351and may be installed in the bell mouth support member351.

The grill wire355may be provided above the lower end3534of the bell mouth353. Referring toFIG.45, the grill wire355may be provided in a lower portion of the bell mouth353. The wire groove3533may be formed in the lower end3534of the bell mouth353to receive the grill wire355. The wire groove3533may be formed by being recessed upward from the lower end3534of the bell mouth.

The grill wire355may be inserted into the wire groove3533from the lower portion of the bell mouth353. The grill wire355may be provided above the lower end3534of the bell mouth353. The lower end3555of the grill wire355may be provided at least at the same height as or higher than the lower end3534of the bell mouth353.

The bell mouth353may assist air suction at a suction end of the fan320. Referring toFIG.46, the bell mouth353may have an opening formed at a center thereof, and a downstream diameter of the opening may be formed smaller than the upstream diameter.

Referring toFIGS.45and46, the bell mouth353may be formed in a ring shape having an opening formed at a center thereof. An opening formed in the center of the bell mouth353may be provided in the airflow path, and air may flow through the opening. The bell mouth353may have a diameter that becomes smaller as it progresses from the upstream to the downstream. Air may easily flow into the fan320.

The bell mouth353may be connected to the bell mouth support member351. The bell mouth353may be formed in a ring shape, and the bell mouth support member351may be connected to the outer circumferential surface of the bell mouth353. The bell mouth support member351may extend radially outward from the outer circumferential surface of the bell mouth353. The bell mouth support member351may extend to an inner circumferential surface of the tower case140.

The bell mouth353may include a first extension or section3531and a second extension or section3532. The bell mouth353may extend upward based on the lower end353. The first extension3531may extend from the lower end of the bell mouth353to an inner upper side, and the second extension3532may extend from the lower end of the bell mouth353to an outer upper side.

Referring toFIG.44, a cross section of the bell mouth353may have a U-shape having an open upper portion. Since air may be introduced from a lower side and be discharged upward, the bell mouth353may be formed in a U-shape that may be convex in the air inflow direction.

Referring toFIGS.44-47, an upper end of the bell mouth353may be provided radially inside the lower end of the shroud32of the fan320. An upper end of the first extension3531may be provided radially inside the lower end of the shroud of the fan320. The fan320may be a four-flow fan. In the case of a four-flow fan, the shroud32may be formed in a lower or airflow end along an outer circumferential surface of the air flow path. The shroud32may have a surface that has a uniform diameter and extends vertical, and an inclined surface having an increasing diameter. The lower end of the bell mouth353may be provided in an extension line of the horizontal shroud32, and an upper end of the first extension3531of the bell mouth353may be provided radially inside the lower end of the shroud32of the fan320.

The upper end of the first extension3531may be provided radially inside the lower end of the fan320, and the upper end of the second extension3532may be provided radially outside the lower end of the fan320. Based on the lower end of the bell mouth353, the first extension3531may extend to the inner upper side of the lower end of the shroud32, and the second extension3532may extend to the outer upper side of the shroud32. The first extension3531and the second extension3532may be provided to surround the lower end of the shroud of the fan320.

Since the upper end of the first extension3531may be provided radially inside the lower end of the fan320, and the first extension3531may extend radially inside the fan320, inflow air may be introduced into the fan320. The second extension3532may extend outward in the radial direction of the fan320. The first extension3531, the shroud32of the fan320, and the second extension3532may form a labyrinth seal to prevent air from scattering to a gap between the fan320and the bell mouth353.

Since the upper end of the first extension3531and the upper end of the second extension3532may be provided above the lower end of the shroud32of the fan320, the flow path formed in a gap between the fan320and the bell mouth353may be bent more rapidly. A scattering of air to the gap between the fan320and the bell mouth353may be reduced or prevented.

The suction grill350may be provided between the fan320and the filter200. The lower end of the bell mouth353may be provided outside the inner end of the filter200. Assuming an imaginary vertical line formed by the inner surface of the filter200, the lower end of the bell mouth353may be provided radially outside the imaginary vertical line. Air that passed through the filter200may pass through the lower end of the bell mouth353and may be introduced into the fan a320long the first extension part3531.

A cross-sectional shape of the wire groove3533may coincide with the cross-sectional shape of the grill wire355. For example, when the cross-sectional shape of the grill wire355is circular, the cross-sectional shape of the wire groove3533may be formed in a U shape.

As the vertical wire3552may be coupled to the wire groove3533, the lower end of the grill wire355may not protrude below the lower end of the bell mouth353. A total height of the suction grill350may be not changed, thereby securing the filter installation space101.

The bell mouth support member351may support the bell mouth353. Referring toFIG.45, the bell mouth support member351may be coupled to the outer circumferential surface of the bell mouth353and extend outside in the radial direction. The bell mouth support member351may extend to the tower case140.

The bell mouth support member351may form a coupling portion at the outer end so as to be coupled to the tower case140or the base case150. The bell mouth support member351may have a groove formed at the upper end of the outer circumferential surface so as to load the tower case140. Referring toFIG.46, the bell mouth support member351may have a fastening hole or groove for coupling with the base case150at the lower end of the outer circumferential surface.

The bell mouth support member351may be connected to an upper part or portion of the bell mouth353. The bell mouth support member351may be provided above an imaginary horizontal line passing through the center of the bell mouth353. The bell mouth support member351may be provided to be biased above the bell mouth353. Since a gap between the bell mouth support member351and the upper end of the filter200may be much larger than a gap between the bell mouth353and the upper end of the filter200, a space may be formed between the bell mouth support member351and the upper end of the filter200. The formed space may form a trap and prevent air from escaping through the gap between the suction grill350and the filter200.

The bell mouth support member351may be connected to the outer circumferential surface of the second extension3532of the bell mouth353. The bell mouth support member351may be integrally formed with the bell mouth353, and the bell mouth support member351may extend radially outward from the outer circumferential surface of the second extension3532.

The distance between the bell mouth support member351and the lower end of the bell mouth353may be equal to or longer than a length of the bridge wire3553of the grill wire355. The bell mouth support member351may form a sufficient distance between the lower end of the bell mouth353and may secure a sufficient space for fastening the grill wire355.

The connection part between the bell mouth support member351and the second extension3532may be provided below the upper end of the second extension3532. Referring toFIG.44, the bell mouth support member351may extend radially outward below the upper end of the second extension part3532. A protrusion protruding upward in an annular shape may be formed in the inner end of the bell mouth support member351. The protrusion formed in the upper end of the second extension3532may be discharged from the fan320, but may block air returned due to negative pressure from the outside of the fan320. The upper end of the second extension35323532may improve efficiency by blocking the feed-back air, together with the labyrinth seal structure.

The bell mouth support member351may include a fastening part3511formed on a lower surface to which the grill wire355may be fastened. Referring to FIG.47, the fastening part3511may fasten with a fastening ring3554of the grill wire355. The fastening part3511may form a hole and may be fastened by a screw together with the fastening ring3554of the grill wire355.

The upper graph ofFIG.49illustrates a discharged air volume compared to a rotation speed of fan according to a shape of suction grill. There may be no significant difference between the present disclosure and the related art when a rotation speed of fan is relatively low, but when the rotation speed of the fan320increases, there may be a difference in the discharged air volume. For example, when the rotation speed of fan is 2500 RPM, the flow rate discharged from the air purifier or conditioner according to the related art may be about 13 CMM, but the flow rate discharged from the air conditioner1having the suction grill350according to the present disclosure may be about 13.97 CMM. When the fan has the same RPM, according to the present disclosure, air volume may be increased by about 7.5% in comparison with the related art.

The lower graph ofFIG.49illustrates generated noise compared to the air volume of a fan according to a type of the suction grill. When the discharged air volume is relatively low, there may be no significant difference between the present disclosure and the related art, but when the air volume increases, there may be a difference in the generated noise. For example, when the air volume is 13 CMM, the noise generated in the air purifier or conditioner according to the related art may be about 48 dB, but the noise generated in the air conditioner1having the suction grill350according to the present disclosure may be about 45.2 dB. Based on the same air volume, generated noise may be reduced by about 2.8 dB in comparison with the related art.

Embodiments disclosed herein may allow a cover and a main body to be tightly coupled without gap so that an esthetic sense may be satisfied when the cover and the main body are coupled. Embodiments disclosed herein may apply an external force to a cover separation unit so that the main body and the cover may be easily separated when the cover and the main body may be separated.

Embodiments disclosed herein may provide a cover with two pieces and separate one of the two covers of one cover separation unit when separating the cover from the main body. Embodiments disclosed herein may allow a user to separate the other cover through a gap that may be revealed as one of the two covers may be separated so that a cylindrical cover may be easily separated and the user may separate the cover using only one hand.

To separate one cover by a lever and separate the cover through a gap of the other cover, the cylindrical cover may be manufactured in two pieces, and it may be easy to manufacture the cover. Only the lever may be exposed to an outer surface of the main body and slide along the outer surface of the main body, so that even when the lever may be moved, it does not protrude to the outside of the main body. A pusher connected to the lever may be guided to the main body and push the cover between the main body and the cover. Hence, the pusher may be hidden by the cover and may be invisible. Two pushers to separate the cover from the main body may be provided vertically so that the cover can be stably separated from the main body. Since the lever to operate the pusher may be located only on a rear surface of a case, the pusher may be located inside the main body, and may be covered by the cover, improving aesthetics.

Since a lower end of the heater may be provided with an inclination biased toward arear air discharge port, ae flow rate of the discharged air may be increased or maximized, and air having a uniform flow rate may flow to the air discharge port. Each fin provided in the heater may serve as a guide to horizontally guide an ascending air flow, thereby miniaturizing or reducing the product by efficiently utilizing the space. A flow path shielding member may be provided in the lower end of the heater to shield the air flow directly discharged without passing through the heater, thereby improving the efficiency.

Embodiments disclosed herein may suction indoor air, filter it through a filter provided therein, and then discharge filtered air to a user using the Coanda effect. Embodiments disclosed herein may induce a Coanda effect for the air discharged from a first tower and the air discharged from a second tower, and then join the discharged air in the blowing space, thereby increasing a straightness or concentration and reach of the discharged air.

Since a suction grill according to the present disclosure may include a wire made of a metal material, the thickness may be reduced, thereby reducing or minimizing air resistance and reducing or minimizing noise generation. The suction grill may have an advantage of efficiently utilizing the space by securing a space in which the grill wire may be installed and reducing or minimizing a vertical dimension of the suction grill, as a support member may be provided in the upper end of the bell mouth. The suction grill may prevent or reduce noise from being generated and efficiently utilize space by forming a groove in the bell mouth in which the grill wire may be installed.

Embodiments disclosed herein may provide a fan apparatus or assembly for air an conditioner capable of providing air to a user through the Coanda effect. The fan apparatus may provide a heating mode by providing a heater in an air flow path. A cover separation unit may be installed in a base case, moved by an external force, and guided by the base case to push the cover.

Embodiments disclosed herein may include a base case in which an air suction part or port through which air may be suctioned may be formed, a tower case which may be provided above the base case, and has an air flow path therein and discharges air to the outside, a cover which may be coupled to an outer surface of the base case and cover at least a portion of the suction part, and a cover separation unit which separates the cover from the base case. The cover separation unit may include a lever which may be installed in the tower case and slides along an outer surface of the tower case, an upper cover pusher which may be rotatably coupled to the lever, and rotates to push the cover, and an upper rotation guide which guides the upper cover pusher to rotate in one direction when the upper cover pusher may be moved along the outer surface of the base case.

Embodiments disclosed herein may include a case in which a suction part or port through which air may be suctioned and a discharge port through which the suctioned air may be discharged may be formed, a cover which may be coupled to an outer surface of the case and covers at least a portion of the suction part, and a cover separation unit which may be installed in the case and separates the cover. The cover separation unit may include a lever which may be installed in the case and slides along the outer surface of the case and an upper cover pusher which may be rotatably coupled to the lever and guided to the outer surface of the case to push the cover.

The cover separation unit may include a slider which may be spaced apart from the upper cover pusher and installed in the base case to be slid, a connection link which connects the slider and the lever, a lower cover pusher which may be rotatably coupled to the slider and rotates to push the cover, and a lower rotation guide which guides the lower cover pusher to rotate in one direction when the lower cover pusher may be moved along the outer surface of the base case.

At least a portion of the lever may be exposed on the outer surface of the tower case. The lever may be provided above the cover. The upper cover pusher may be provided in a coupling region of the base case in which the cover may be coupled to the base case.

The upper cover pusher may be located between the cover and the base case. The upper cover pusher may be hinged to a lower end of the lever. The upper rotation guide may include an upper guide surface which has an inclination with respect to the outer surface of the base case and guides the upper cover pusher.

The upper rotation guide further may include an upper pusher receiving groove to receive the upper cover pusher. The upper rotation guide may be formed in the base case. The lower cover pusher and the slider may be located below the upper cover pusher.

The lower cover pusher and the slider may be located between the base case and the cover. The lower rotation guide may include a lower pusher receiving groove to receive the slider and the lower cover pusher. The lower rotation guide may include a lower guide surface which has an inclination with respect to the outer surface of the base case and guides the lower cover pusher.

The tower case may include a first tower and a second tower that have an airflow path therein, and further may include a blowing space formed between the first tower and the second tower, a first discharge port which may be formed in the first tower and discharges the suctioned air into the blowing space, and a second discharge port which may be formed in the second tower and discharges the sucked air to the blowing space.

Embodiments disclosed herein may further include a fan which may be provided inside the base case and forms an air flow and a filter which may be provided inside the base case and filters the air sucked by the fan.

The cover separation unit further may include a return spring to provide a restoring force to the lever. The cover separation unit further may include a slider which may be spaced apart from the upper cover pusher, installed in the case to be slid, and connected to the lever, and a lower cover pusher which may be rotatably coupled to the slider and guided to the outer surface of the case to push the cover.

In the drawings, the thickness or size of each layer may be exaggerated, omitted, or schematically illustrated for convenience of description and clarity. Also, the size or area of each constituent element may not entirely reflect the actual size thereof.