Patent Description:
An air conditioner is a device that exchanges heat with sucked air and supplies the heat-exchanged air to the indoors.

The indoor unit of an air conditioner is equipped with a fan and a heat exchanger, which exchange heat by sucking indoor air and supply it to the indoors.

Some of these indoor units are equipped with a flat front panel, which enhances the aesthetic sensibility by using the front panel as a picture frame.

The frame-type indoor unit, described above, sucks air through a suction port which is formed at a rear side of the front panel and discharges the sucked air to the indoor space through a lateral side thereof.

However, in case of the mentioned frame-type indoor unit, as there is the suction port formed in the front thereof and the discharge port formed on the side thereof, there was a problem of the discharged air being reintroduced through the suction port.

In addition, in case of the frame-type indoor unit, there was a problem with the air being discharged through the lateral side of the indoor unit experiencing losses due to friction with the wall around the indoor unit.

<CIT> presents an air conditioner that comprises: a main body, an air intake port is formed on the front, and side air discharge ports and a lower air discharge port are formed respectively, an intake port panel is arranged on the main body in an advancing and retreating manner, and when advancing, an air intake flow path open to the upper and lower directions is formed with the above-mentioned main body, a lower discharge blade guides the air discharged from the lower air discharge port to move forward in a straight line, and a side discharge blade guides the air discharged from the side air discharge port to bend and reach the side of the above-mentioned intake port panel; it can minimize the phenomenon that the air discharged from the main body to the room directly flows back to the air intake port and is re-inhaled, and at the same time form a three-dimensional mixed airflow of the front airflow and the lower airflow.

<CIT> presents an indoor unit of air conditioner, comprising: an outer case, a front panel, at least one grill louver installed on the front panel so as to be closed/opened to suck an air of an air-conditioned space inside, louver driving unit opening/closing the at least one grill louver in accordance with an operation status of the air conditioner, and blow units installed at right, left, and lower sides of the outer case, respectively so as to blow the air to the air-conditioned space wherein the air is sucked inside to be heat-exchanged when the at least one grill louver is opened.

The present invention aims to solve above problem and other problems.

Another objective of the present invention is to provide an indoor unit that a front surface thereof is flat.

Another objective of the present invention is to discharge air laterally from the indoor unit.

Another objective of the present invention is to control an angle that an air flow is discharged.

Another objective of the present invention is to reduce a friction between the discharged air flow and a wall surface.

Another objective of the present invention is to promote diffusion of the discharged air.

Another objective of the present invention is to prevent the discharged air from being reintroduced.

Another objective of the present invention is to enhance a straightness of the discharged air.

Another objective of the present invention is to minimize formation of the vortex around the indoor unit.

The objectives of the present invention are not limited to the objectives mentioned above, and other objectives not mentioned would be clearly understood from the following description by those who skilled in the art.

One or more objects are achieved by the invention set out by the features of the independent claim. The dependent claims define preferred embodiments of the invention.

To solve above technical problems, an air conditioner according to one aspect of the present invention comprises a case having an inner space.

The air conditioner comprises a fan disposed inside the case.

The air conditioner comprises a frame that is coupled to a front portion of the case.

The air conditioner comprises a front plate that is movably coupled to the frame and that is movable in a front-rear direction.

The front plate forms a suction port between the front plate and the frame.

The air conditioner comprises a discharge flow path. Air blown by the fan flows along the discharge flow path. The discharge flow path is spaced rearward from the suction port.

The air conditioner comprises a discharge grille disposed downstream of the discharge flow path.

The air conditioner comprises a guide inclined forward as the guide goes away from the discharge flow path, thereby preventing the discharged air from being re-introduced.

The guide is configured in plural and the plurality of guides may be spaced apart from each other in the front-rear direction.

The discharge grille may be disposed to be inclined with respect to the front-rear direction.

The guide comprises a guide body that is positioned inward further than an outer surface of the discharge grille.

The guide comprises a guide end portion that is positioned outward further than the outer surface of the discharge grille.

A length of the guide body may be longer than a length of the guide end portion.

The guide may be inclined along an extending direction of the discharge grille.

An inclined angle of the guide may range from <NUM> to <NUM> degrees.

A length of the guide may range from <NUM> to <NUM>.

The discharge grille may comprise a rear end portion that is positioned at a rear of the discharge flow path.

The discharge grille may comprise a rear protruding portion that protrudes outward of the case from the rear end portion and positioned at a rear of the discharge flow path.

The discharge grille may comprise a front end portion positioned at a front of the discharge flow path.

The discharge grille may comprise a front protruding portion protruding outward of the case from the front end portion and positioned at a rear of the suction port.

The discharge grille may comprise a front protruding portion positioned at a rear of a lateral wall of the frame.

The guide may comprise a rear guide connected to the case and positioned at a rear of the discharge flow path.

The case may comprise a first body forming a boundary of the discharge flow path and arranged along extending directions of the rear guide and the discharge flow path.

The guide may comprise a front guide connected to the frame and positioned at a front of the discharge flow path.

The frame may comprise a second body forming a boundary of the discharge flow path and/or arranged along extending directions of the front guide and the discharge flow path.

The second body may comprise a first body wall facing the discharge flow path.

The second body may comprise a second body wall bent forward from the first body wall.

The second body may comprise a third body wall extending to be bent forward from the second body wall.

The second body may have a groove that the guide is seated.

The front plate may comprise a front wall disposed to be movable in the front-rear direction from the frame.

The front plate may comprise a lateral wall protruding from the front wall. The suction port is formed between the lateral wall and the frame.

The discharge grille may comprise a first discharge grille spaced apart from one side of the fan.

The discharge grille may comprise a second discharge grille spaced apart from the other side of the fan.

The suction port may comprise a first suction port spaced forward from the first discharge grille; and/or a second suction port spaced forward from the second discharge grille.

The frame may comprise a first wall disposed between the first discharge grille and the first suction port.

The frame may comprise a second wall disposed between the second discharge grille and the second sucion port.

Outer surfaces of the first wall and the second wall are positioned outside an outer end portion of the guide.

Details of the embodiments and the like are included in the detailed description and drawings.

According to at least one embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to control a discharge angle of air by regulating a guide angle of a discharge grille.

According to at least one embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to reduce friction between the discharged air and the wall by regulating the guide angle of the discharge grille.

According to at least one embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to prevent the discharged air from being re-introduced into the suction port by inclining the guide away from the suction port.

According to at least one embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to enhance a straightness of the discharged air by regulating an angle of the guide.

According to at least one embodiment of the present invention, since the discharged air flows along the guide, it is possible to minimize formation of vortex around the indoor unit.

The effects of the present invention are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned would be clearly understood from the claims by those who skilled in the art.

Below, a detailed explanation of the exemplary embodiment described in this specification is provided with reference to the attached drawings. Regardless of reference signs, elements that are identical or similar are assigned the same reference numbers, and same descriptions regarding these elements are omitted.

The suffixes "module" and "part, portion" used for the components in the following explanation are assigned or used interchangeably solely for the convenience of specification drafting and do not inherently indicate distinct meanings or roles.

Furthermore, if a detailed explanation of related known techniques, which may obscure the essence of the exemplary embodiment described in this specification, is deemed unnecessary, such explanation will be omitted. Additionally, the attached drawings are provided solely to facilitate understanding of the exemplary embodiment described in this specification and should not restrict the technical ideas disclosed herein. It should be understood that the attached drawings encompass all modifications, equivalents, and substitutions, including uniform materials or alternative substances, that may fall within the scope of the present invention as defined in the appended claims.

Terms containing ordinal numbers such as "first," "second," etc., can be used to describe various elements, but the aforementioned terms are not limiting the elements. The aforementioned terms are used solely for the purpose of distinguishing one element from another.

When an element is mentioned to be "connected" or "joined" to another element, it should be understood that the element may be directly connected or joined to the other element, but there may also be other elements therebetween. On the other hand, when an element is mentioned to be "directly connected" or "directly joined" to another element, it should be understood that there are no other components therebetween.

The singular form includes the plural form unless explicitly stated otherwise in the context.

Referring to <FIG>, an air conditioner <NUM> is described.

<FIG> conceptually shows a connection between an outdoor unit <NUM> and an indoor unit <NUM> of the air conditioner <NUM>.

The air conditioner <NUM> may comprise the outdoor unit <NUM>. The outdoor unit <NUM> may be installed at an outdoor space. The outdoor unit <NUM> may comprise an outdoor heat exchanger (not shown), an outdoor fan (not shown), a compressor (not shown), and an expansion device (not shown). The description of the general outdoor unit of air conditioner may be applied to the description of the outdoor unit <NUM>.

The air conditioner <NUM> may comprise the indoor unit <NUM>. The indoor unit <NUM> may be installed at an indoor space.

The indoor unit <NUM> may comprise a front panel <NUM>. A front surface of the front panel <NUM> may be flat. The front panel <NUM> may be used as a picture frame. For example, a picture may be drawn on the front surface of the front panel <NUM>. For example, another picture frame may be installed at the front surface of the front panel <NUM>.

The air conditioner <NUM> may comprise a refrigerant pipe <NUM>. The refrigerant pipe <NUM> may connect the outdoor unit <NUM> and the indoor unit <NUM>. The refrigerant compressed by the compressor (not shown) inside the outdoor unit <NUM> may circulate between the outdoor unit <NUM> and the indoor unit <NUM> through the refrigerant pipe <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the indoor unit <NUM> is described.

<FIG> show a perspective view of the indoor unit <NUM>. <FIG> shows a perspective view of the indoor unit <NUM> that the front plate <NUM> is moved forward.

The indoor unit <NUM> comprises a case <NUM>. The case <NUM> has a space therein.

The case <NUM> may be installed on a wall of the indoor space. A cross section of the case <NUM> may have a rectangular shape.

The indoor unit <NUM> may comprise the front panel <NUM>. The front panel <NUM> may be coupled to the case <NUM>. A cross section of the front panel <NUM> may have a rectangular shape. The front surface of the front panel <NUM> may be flat. A user may install a picture frame at the front surface of the front panel <NUM>. In addition, a picture may be made on the front surface of the front panel <NUM>. The user may install a picture frame on a front plate <NUM>. A picture may be drawn on a front surface of the front plate <NUM>.

The indoor unit <NUM> comprises a discharge grille <NUM>. The discharge grille <NUM> may be disposed at a lateral side of the case <NUM>. The discharge grille <NUM> may be disposed at a lower portion of the case <NUM>. Air sucked into the case <NUM> may be supplied to the indoor space through the discharge grille <NUM>.

The front panel <NUM> may move against the case <NUM> in forward and backward directions. The front panel <NUM> may be coupled to the case <NUM> to be movable in the forward and backward directions. The front plate <NUM> of the front panel <NUM> is adapted to be moved in the forward and backward directions.

The indoor unit <NUM> may comprise a connector <NUM>. The connector <NUM> may connect the case <NUM> and the front panel <NUM>. A length of the connector <NUM> may be variable. The connector <NUM> may connect the front plate <NUM> and a main body <NUM> of the front panel <NUM>.

A main body <NUM> of the front panel <NUM> may be named as a frame.

The connector <NUM> may comprise a first connector <NUM> coupled to the front plate <NUM>. The connector <NUM> may comprise a second connector <NUM> coupled to the main body <NUM> of the front panel <NUM>. The connector <NUM> may comprise a joint <NUM> connecting the first connector <NUM> and the second connector <NUM>. The joint <NUM> may be rotatable. When the front plate <NUM> moves forward and backward, the first and second connectors <NUM>, <NUM> can move forward and backward, and the joint <NUM> can rotate.

The indoor unit <NUM> may comprise a filter <NUM>. The filter <NUM> may be disposed between the front plate <NUM> and the body <NUM> of the front panel <NUM>. The filter <NUM> may remove foreign substances contained in air introduced into the case <NUM>.

The indoor unit <NUM> may comprise a suction port <NUM>. The suction port <NUM> may be between the front plate <NUM> and the main body <NUM> of the front panel <NUM>. The filter <NUM> may be disposed at the suction port <NUM>. An indoor air may be introduced into the case <NUM> through the suction port <NUM>.

The front plate <NUM> may move forward, thereby opening the suction port <NUM>. The front plate <NUM> may move backward, thereby closing the suction port <NUM>. When the air conditioner <NUM> operates, the front plate <NUM> may move forward to open the suction port <NUM>. When the air conditioner <NUM> is stopped, the front plate <NUM> may move backward to close the suction port <NUM>. The suction port <NUM> may mean a space between the main body <NUM> of the front panel <NUM> and the front plate <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the indoor unit <NUM> is described.

<FIG> shows an exploded view of the indoor unit <NUM>.

The indoor unit <NUM> may comprise the front panel <NUM>. The front panel <NUM> may be coupled to a front of the case <NUM>.

The indoor unit <NUM> may comprise the filter <NUM>. The filter <NUM> may be disposed at the front panel <NUM>.

The indoor unit <NUM> may copmrise the front plate <NUM>. The front plate <NUM> may be a part of the front panel <NUM>. The front plate <NUM> may move against the case <NUM> in forward and backward directions. The front plate <NUM> may be disposed at the front panel <NUM> to be movable in the forward and backward directions. The connector <NUM> (refer to <FIG>) may connect the front plate <NUM> and the body <NUM> of the front panel <NUM>. The front plate <NUM> may be a flat plate.

The indoor unit <NUM> may comprise a control box <NUM>. The control box <NUM> may control driving of a fan <NUM>. A PCB (Printed Circuit Board) may be disposed inside the control box <NUM>. The control box <NUM> may be disposed inside the case <NUM>.

The indoor unit <NUM> may comprise a control panel <NUM>. The control panel <NUM> may be connected to the control box <NUM>. A user may control driving of the fan <NUM> by controlling the control panel <NUM>.

The indoor unit <NUM> may comprise a heat exchanger <NUM>. The heat exchanger <NUM> may be connected to the refrigerant pipe <NUM> (see <FIG>). Air sucked into the case <NUM> may exchange heat with the heat exchanger <NUM>. The heat exchanger <NUM> may be disposed inside the case <NUM>.

The indoor unit <NUM> may comprise a drain pan <NUM>. The drain pan <NUM> may be disposed under the heat exchanger <NUM>. Condensed water generated at the heat exchanger <NUM> may fall to the drain pan <NUM>.

The indoor unit <NUM> comprises the fan <NUM>. The fan <NUM> may be disposed inside the case <NUM>. The fan <NUM> may suck air outside the case <NUM>. The fan <NUM> may be a turbo fan.

The indoor unit <NUM> may comprise a fan motor <NUM>. The fan motor <NUM> may rotate the fan <NUM>. The fan motor <NUM> may be fixed to the case <NUM>.

The indoor unit <NUM> may comprise a fan housing <NUM>. The fan housing <NUM> may be coupled to the case <NUM>. The fan <NUM> may be disposed inside the fan housing <NUM>. The fan housing <NUM> may be named as an "orifice".

The indoor unit <NUM> may comprise discharge grilles <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>. A plurality of discharge grilles <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may be disposed.

The indoor unit <NUM> comprises a first discharge grille <NUM>. The first discharge grille <NUM> may be disposed on one side of the indoor unit <NUM>.

The indoor unit <NUM> may comprise a second discharge grille <NUM>. The second discharge grille <NUM> may be disposed on the other side of the indoor unit <NUM>.

The indoor unit <NUM> may comprise a third discharge grille <NUM>. The third discharge grille <NUM> may be disposed below the indoor unit <NUM>.

Air sucked into the indoor unit <NUM> by the fan <NUM> may be discharged to an outside of the indoor unit <NUM> through the first to third discharge grills <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>. The air sucked in by the fan <NUM> may be discharged to both lateral sides and to a bottom side of the indoor unit <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the indoor unit <NUM> is described hereinafter.

<FIG> shows a sectional view of the indoor unit that is cut horizontally.

The indoor unit <NUM> may be installed on a wall W. The indoor unit <NUM> may be installed such that it faces inward of the indoor space.

The fan <NUM> may blow air introduced through the suction port <NUM> outward of the indoor unit <NUM>.

The indoor unit <NUM> comprises a first discharge flow path <NUM>. The first discharge flow path <NUM> may be formed between the fan <NUM> and the first discharged grille <NUM>.

The indoor unit <NUM> may comprise a second discharge flow path <NUM>. The second discharge flow path <NUM> may be formed between the fan <NUM> and the second discharge grille <NUM>.

The first discharge flow path <NUM> and the second discharge flow path <NUM> may be positioned symmetrically with respect to the fan <NUM>.

Air blown from the fan <NUM> may be discharged along the first discharge flow path <NUM> and the second discharge flow path <NUM>.

The first discharge flow path <NUM> and the second discharge flow path <NUM> may be named as a discharge flow path.

The first discharge grille <NUM> may be coupled to the case <NUM>. The first discharge grille <NUM> may be disposed to face one side of the indoor unit <NUM>. The first discharge grille is disposed outside the first discharge flow path <NUM>.

The first discharge grille <NUM> may have an inclination angle θ defined with respect to the front-rear direction. The first discharge grille <NUM> may be inclined to be away from the fan as it goes forward.

The indoor unit <NUM> comprises a first guide <NUM>. The first guide <NUM> may be disposed on the first discharge grille <NUM>. The first guide <NUM> may be coupled to the first discharge grille <NUM> and may be one body.

The first guide <NUM> extends outward of the indoor unit <NUM>. A plurality of first guides <NUM> is disposed to be spaced apart in the front-rear direction. The plurality of first guides <NUM> are spaced apart in an extending direction of the first discharge grille <NUM>.

The first guide <NUM> is inclined with respect to the horizontal direction. The first guide <NUM> extends to be inclined forward.

The second discharge grille <NUM> may be coupled to the case <NUM>. The second discharge grille <NUM> may be disposed to face one side of the indoor unit. The second discharge grille <NUM> may be disposed outside the second discharge grille <NUM>.

The second discharge grille <NUM> may have an inclination angle θ defined with respect to the front-rear direction. The second discharge grille <NUM> may be inclined to be away from the fan <NUM> as it goes forward.

The indoor unit <NUM> may comprise a second guide <NUM>. The second guide <NUM> may be disposed on the second discharge grille <NUM>. The second guide <NUM> may be coupled to the second discharge grille <NUM> and may form one body with the second discharge grille <NUM>.

The second guide <NUM> may extend outward of the indoor unit <NUM>. A plurality of second guides <NUM> may be disposed to be spaced apart in the front-rear direction. The plurality of second guides <NUM> may be spaced apart in an extending direction of the second discharge grille <NUM>.

The second guide <NUM> may be inclined with respect to the horizontal direction. The second guide <NUM> may be inclined forward.

The first discharge grille <NUM> and the second discharge grille <NUM> may be positioned symmetrically with respect to the fan <NUM>. Referring to <FIG>, the first discharge grille <NUM> may be disposed at a left side and the second discharge grille <NUM> may be disposed at a right side. The first discharge grille <NUM> may be inclined leftward as it goes forward. The second discharge grille <NUM> may be inclined rightward as it goes forward.

The first guide <NUM> and the second guide <NUM> may be positioned symmetrically with respect to the fan <NUM>. Referring to <FIG>, the first guide <NUM> may be disposed at a left side and the second guide <NUM> may be disposed at a right side. The first guide <NUM> may be inclined leftward as it goes forward. The second guide <NUM> may be inclined rightward as it goes forward.

The front plate <NUM> may open the suction port <NUM> by moving forward. Air outside the indoor unit <NUM> may flow to the fan <NUM> through the suction port <NUM>.

The front panel <NUM> may comprise a first wall <NUM>. The first wall <NUM> may be disposed at a front of the first discharge grille <NUM>. The first discharge grille <NUM> may be coupled to the first wall <NUM>. The first wall <NUM> may be fixed to the case <NUM>.

The front panel <NUM> may comprise a second wall <NUM>. The second wall <NUM> may be disposed at a front of the second discharge grille <NUM>. The second discharge grille may be coupled to the second wall <NUM>. The second wall <NUM> may be fixed to the case <NUM>.

The first wall <NUM> and the second wall <NUM> may be spaced apart in the horizontal direction. The suction port <NUM> may be formed between the first wall <NUM> and the second wall <NUM>.

The front plate <NUM> may move forward and rearward with respect to the first wall <NUM> and the second wall <NUM>. The front plate <NUM> may open the suction port <NUM> by moving forward from the first wall <NUM>. The front plate <NUM> may open the suction port <NUM> by moving forward from the second wall <NUM>.

The front plate <NUM> may comprise a front wall <NUM>. The front wall <NUM> may form a front surface of the indoor unit <NUM>. User may install a picture frame on the front wall <NUM>. A picture may be made on a front surface of the fron wall <NUM>.

The front wall <NUM> may open the suction port by moving forward from the main body <NUM> of the front panel <NUM>. The suction port <NUM> may be formed between the front wall <NUM> and the main body <NUM> of the front panel <NUM>.

The front plate <NUM> may comprise a first lateral wall <NUM>. The first lateral wall <NUM> may extend rearward from the front wall <NUM>. The first lateral wall <NUM> may be disposed at a front of the first wall <NUM>. The first lateral wall <NUM> may be coupled to the first wall <NUM>. The first lateral wall <NUM> may face the first wall <NUM> in the front-rear direction. The first lateral wall <NUM> may move in the front-rear direction with respect to the first wall <NUM>.

The front plate <NUM> may comprise a second lateral wall <NUM>. The second lateral wall <NUM> may extend rearward from the front wall <NUM>. The second lateral wall <NUM> may be disposed at a front of the second wall <NUM>. The second lateral wall <NUM> may be coupled to the second wall <NUM>. The second lateral wall <NUM> may face the second wall <NUM> in the front-rear direction. The second lateral wall <NUM> may move in the front-rear direction with respect to the second wall <NUM>.

The indoor unit <NUM> may comprise a first suction port <NUM>. The first suction port <NUM> may be a part of the suction port <NUM>. The first lateral wall <NUM> may be spaced forward from the first wall <NUM>. The first suction port <NUM> may be formed between the first lateral wall <NUM> and the first wall <NUM>.

The indoor unit <NUM> may comprise a second suction port <NUM>. The second suction port <NUM> may be a part of the suction port <NUM>. The second lateral wall <NUM> may be spaced forward from the second wall <NUM>. The second suction port <NUM> may be formed between the second lateral wall <NUM> and the second wall <NUM>.

Air outside the indoor unit <NUM> may flow to the fan <NUM> through the suction port <NUM>. A portion of the air introduced into the indoor unit <NUM> may be introduced into the indoor unit <NUM> through the first suction port <NUM> or the second suction port <NUM>.

The first suction port <NUM> may be positioned at a front of the first discharge grille <NUM>.

The second suction port <NUM> may be positioned at a front of the second discharge grille <NUM>.

In this case, when the discharge grille is designed to the conventional way, air discharged from the discharge grille can be re-introduced into the suction port.

<FIG> shows an enlarged view of a left portion of a cross-sectional view of the indoor unit <NUM>.

The first discharge grille <NUM> comprises a plurality of first guides <NUM>. The plurality of first guides <NUM> are spaced apart in the front-rear direction.

The first discharge grille <NUM> may comprise a first rear guide <NUM>. The first rear guide <NUM> may be one of the plurality of first guides <NUM>.

The first rear guide <NUM> may extend outward of the case <NUM>. The first rear guide <NUM> may be inclined with respect to the front-rear direction.

The case <NUM> may comprise a first body <NUM>. The first body <NUM> may be disposed at a rear side of the case <NUM>. The first body <NUM> may be disposed at a rear of the discharge flow path <NUM>. The first discharge grille <NUM> may be coupled to the first body <NUM>.

The first rear guide <NUM> may be aligned with the first body <NUM> in the horizontal direction. The first rear guide <NUM> may form an inclination angle with respect to a front surface of the firs body <NUM>. The first rear guide <NUM> may extend to be inclined forward with respect to the front surface of the first body <NUM>. The first rear guide <NUM> and the front surface of the first body <NUM> may form a continuous surface.

The first discharge grille <NUM> may comprise a first rear end portion <NUM>. The first rear end portion <NUM> may extend rearward from the first rear guide <NUM>. The first rear end portion <NUM> may be disposed at one side of the first body <NUM>. The first rear end portion <NUM> may be coupled to the first body <NUM>. The first rear end portion <NUM> may extend to be bent as it goes forward.

The first discharge grille <NUM> may comprise a first rear protruding portion <NUM>. The first rear protruding portion <NUM> may protrude outward of the indoor unit <NUM> from the first rear end portion <NUM>. The first rear protruding portion <NUM> may be spaced rearward from the first rear guide <NUM>. The first rear protruding portion <NUM> may be positioned at a rear of the discharge flow path <NUM>. The first rear protruding portion <NUM> may be adjacent more to the wall W than the discharge flow path <NUM>. In this case, the first rear protruding portion <NUM> may prevent the air discharged through the discharge flow path <NUM> from directing toward the wall W.

The first discharge grille <NUM> may comprise a first front guide <NUM>. The first front guide <NUM> may be one of the plurality of first guides <NUM>.

The first front guide <NUM> may extend toward an outside of the case <NUM>. The first front guide <NUM> may be inclined with respect to the front-rear direction.

The front panel <NUM> may comprise a second body <NUM>. The second body <NUM> may be a part of the front panel <NUM>. The second body <NUM> may be disposed at a front of the discharge flow path <NUM>. The first discharge grille <NUM> may be coupled to the second body <NUM>. The discharge flow path <NUM> may be formed between the first body <NUM> and the second body <NUM>.

The first front guide <NUM> may be aligned with the second body <NUM> in the horizontal direction. The first front guide <NUM> may form an inclination angle with respect to a rear surface of the second body <NUM>. The first front guide <NUM> may extend to be inclined forward with respect to the rear surface of the second body <NUM>. The first front guide <NUM> and the rear surface of the second body <NUM> may form a continuous surface.

The first discharge grille <NUM> may comprise a first front end portion <NUM>. The first front end portion <NUM> may extend forward from the first front guide <NUM>. The first front end portion <NUM> may be disposed at one side of the second body <NUM>. The first front end portion <NUM> may be coupled to the second body <NUM>. The first front end portion <NUM> may extend to be bent as it goes forward.

The first discharge grille <NUM> may comprise a first front protruding portion <NUM>. The first front protruding portion <NUM> may protrude toward the outside of the indoor unit <NUM> from the first front end portion <NUM>. The first front protruding portion <NUM> may be spaced forward from the first front guide <NUM>. The first front protruding portion <NUM> may be positioned at a front of the discharge flow path <NUM>. The first front protruding portion <NUM> may be adjacent further to the suction port <NUM> (Refer to <FIG>) than the discharge flow path <NUM>. In this case, the first front protruding portion <NUM> may prevent the air discharged through the discharge flow path <NUM> from flowing toward the suction port <NUM>.

The first wall <NUM> may be positioned at a front of the first front guide <NUM> and may be positioned at a front of the first protruding portion <NUM>. The first front guide <NUM> and the first front protruding portion <NUM> may be positioned at a rear of the first suction port <NUM>(Refer to <FIG>).

The second body <NUM> may form an inner space. The control box <NUM> may be disposed inside the second body <NUM>.

The second body <NUM> may comprise a first body wall 128a. The first body wall 128a may extend in the horizontal direction. The first body wall 128a may face the discharge flow path <NUM>.

The second body <NUM> may comprise a second body wall 128b. The second body wall 128b may be bent forward from the first body wall 128a. the second body wall 128b may extend to be inclined toward the first front guide <NUM>. The second body wall 128b may face the discharge flow path <NUM>.

The first front guide <NUM> and the second body wall 128b may be aligned. The first front guide <NUM> and the second body wall 128b may be positioned on a same line C1. The first front guide <NUM> and the second body wall 128b may form a continuous surface. Inclination angles of the first front guide <NUM> and the second body wall 128b may be identical.

The second body <NUM> may comprise a third body wall 128c. The third body wall 128c may extend to be bent forward from the second body wall 128b. The third body wall 128c may be inserted into a front side of the first front guide <NUM>. The third body wall 128c may be positioned at a front of the first front guide <NUM>. The third body wall 128c may be coupled to the first front end portion <NUM>. The first front guide <NUM> may be hooked to the third body wall 128c.

<FIG> shows an enlarged view of a right portion of the cross-sectional view of the indoor unit <NUM>.

The second discharge grille <NUM> may comprise a plurality of second guides <NUM>. The plurality of second guides <NUM> may be spaced apart in the front-rear direction.

The second discharge grille <NUM> may comprise a second rear guide <NUM>. The second rear guide <NUM> may be one of the plurality of second guides <NUM>.

The second rear guide <NUM> may extend outward of the case <NUM>. The second rear guide <NUM> may be inclined with respect to the front-rear direction.

The second discharge grille <NUM> may be coupled to the first body <NUM>.

The second rear guide <NUM> may be aligned with the first body <NUM> in the horizontal direction. The second rear guide <NUM> may form an inclination angle with respect to the front surface of the firs body <NUM>. The second rear guide <NUM> may extend to be inclined forward with respect to the front surface of the first body <NUM>. The second rear guide <NUM> and the front surface of the first body <NUM> may form a continuous surface.

The second discharge grille <NUM> may comprise a second rear end portion <NUM>. The second rear end portion <NUM> may extend rearward from the second rear guide <NUM>. The second rear end portion <NUM> may be disposed at one side of the first body <NUM>. The second rear end portion <NUM> may be coupled to the first body <NUM>. The second rear end portion <NUM> may extend to be bent as it goes forward.

The second discharge grille <NUM> may comprise a second rear protruding portion <NUM>. The second rear protruding portion <NUM> may protrude outward of the indoor unit <NUM> from the second rear end portion <NUM>. The second rear protruding portion <NUM> may be spaced rearward from the second rear guide <NUM>. The second rear protruding portion <NUM> may be positioned at a rear of the discharge flow path <NUM>. The second rear protruding portion <NUM> may be adjacent more to the wall W than the discharge flow path <NUM>. In this case, the second protruding portion <NUM> may prevent the air discharged through the discharge flow path <NUM> from directing toward the wall W.

The second discharge grille <NUM> may comprise a second front guide <NUM>. The second front guide <NUM> may be one of the plurality of second guides <NUM>.

The second front guide <NUM> may extend toward an outside of the case <NUM>. The second front guide <NUM> may be inclined with respect to the front-rear direction.

The second discharge grille <NUM> may be coupled to the second body <NUM>. The discharge flow path <NUM> may be formed between the first body <NUM> and the second body <NUM>.

The second front guide <NUM> may be aligned with the second body <NUM> in the horizontal direction. The second front guide <NUM> may form an inclination angle with respect to the rear surface of the second body <NUM>. The second front guide <NUM> may extend to be inclined forward with respect to the rear surface of the second body <NUM>. The second front guide <NUM> and the rear surface of the second body <NUM> may form a continuous surface.

The second discharge grille <NUM> may comprise a second front end portion <NUM>. The second front end portion <NUM> may extend forward from the second front guide <NUM>. The second front end portion <NUM> may be disposed at one side of the second body <NUM>. The second front end portion <NUM> may be coupled to the second body <NUM>. The second front end portion <NUM> may extend to be bent as it goes forward.

The second discharge grille <NUM> may comprise a second front protruding portion <NUM>. The second front protruding portion <NUM> may protrude toward the outside of the indoor unit <NUM> from the second front end portion <NUM>. The second front protruding portion <NUM> may be spaced forward from the second front guide <NUM>. The second front protruding portion <NUM> may be positioned at a front of the discharge flow path <NUM>. The second front protruding portion <NUM> may be adjacent further to the suction port <NUM> (Refer to <FIG>) than the discharge flow path <NUM>. In this case, the second front protruding portion <NUM> may prevent the air discharged through the discharge flow path <NUM> from flowing toward the suction port <NUM>.

The second wall <NUM> may be positioned at a front of the second front guide <NUM> and may be positioned at a front of the second protruding portion <NUM>. The second guide <NUM> and the second front protruding portion <NUM> may be positioned at a rear of the second suction port <NUM> (Refer to <FIG>).

The first body wall 128a may face the discharge flow path <NUM>.

The second body wall 128b may extend to be inclined toward the second front guide <NUM>. The second body wall 128b may face the discharge flow path <NUM>.

The second front guide <NUM> and the second body wall 128b may be aligned. The second front guide <NUM> and the second body wall 128b may be positioned on a same line C2. The second front guide <NUM> and the second body wall 128b may form a continuous surface. Inclination angles of the second front guide <NUM> and the second body wall 128b may be i denti cal.

The third body wall 128c may be inserted into a front side of the second front guide <NUM>. The third body wall 128c may be positioned at a front of the second front guide <NUM>. The third body wall 128c may be coupled to the second front end portion <NUM>. The second front guide <NUM> may be hooked to the third body wall 128c.

<FIG> shows an enlarged view of a part of <FIG>.

Hereinafter, the first discharge grille <NUM> and the first guide <NUM> are described as one example, and descriptions pertaining to <FIG> can be applied equally to the second discharge grille <NUM> and the second guide <NUM>.

The first discharge grille <NUM> comprises an outer surface 201a. The outer surface 201a may face the indoor space.

The first guide <NUM> protrudes outwardly further than the outer surface 201a of the first discharge grille <NUM>.

The first guide <NUM> comprises a guide body 210a. The guide body 210a may extend toward an outside of the indoor unit <NUM>.

The first guide <NUM> comprises a first guide end portion 210b. The first guide end portion 210b and the guide body 210a may be formed of one body. The first guide end portion 210b is positioned outside the outer surface 201a of the first discharge grille <NUM>.

The first guide <NUM> may comprise a second guide end portion 210c. The second guide end portion 210c and the guide body 210a may be formed of one body. The second guide end portion 210c may be positioned inside the outer surface 201a of the first discharge grille <NUM>.

With respect to the outer surface 201a of the first discharge grille <NUM>, the first guide end portion 210b is positioned outside the outer surface 201a and the second guide end portion 210c may be positioned inside the outer surface 201a.

The first guide <NUM> may be inclined rearward as it goes from the first guide end portion 210b to the second guide end portion 210c.

The first front guide <NUM> may be seated on the second body <NUM>. The first front guide <NUM> may be seated on the third body wall 128c of the second body <NUM>.

The third body wall 128c may comprise a first extending portion 128c1. The first extending portion 128c1 may extend to be bent forward from the second body wall 128b.

The third body wall 128c may comprise a second extending portion 128c2. The second extending portion 128c2 may extend forward from the first extending portion 128c1.

The third body wall 128c may have a concave shape toward an inside of the indoor unit <NUM>. The third body wall 128c may comprise a groove 128c3 that is concave toward the inside of the indoor unit <NUM>. The first front guide <NUM> may be seated on the groove 128c3.

The second guide end portion 210c of the first front guide <NUM> may be aligned with the second body wall 128b. The second guide end portion 210c of the first front guide <NUM> may face to the second body wall 128b.

The first front guide <NUM> and the guide body 210a may be disposed at the groove 128c3. The first front guide <NUM> may be supported by the third body wall 128c.

The first wall <NUM> may comprise a wall surface 123a. The wall surface 123a may be an outer surface of the front panel <NUM>.

The wall surface 123a of the first wall <NUM> may be positioned outside the first guide <NUM>. The wall surface 123a of the first wall <NUM> may be positioned outside the first front guide <NUM> and the first front protruding portion <NUM>.

The wall surface 123a of the first wall <NUM> may be spaced further apart from the discharge flow path <NUM> than the first guide <NUM>. The wall surface 123a of the first wall <NUM> may be spaced further apart from the discharge flow path141 than the first guide end portion 210a.

Through a structure of the wall surface 123a of the first wall <NUM>, described above, it is possible to prevent air passing through the discharge flow path <NUM> and the discharge grille <NUM> from being reintroduced to the suction port <NUM> (refer to <FIG>).

A distance L1 between the first guide end portion 210b and the outer surface 201a may be shorter than a distance L2 between the second guide end portion 210c and the outer surface 201a. Therefore, it is possible to minimize formation of vortex at an end portion of the first guide <NUM>.

A length L3 of the first guide <NUM> may range from <NUM> to <NUM>. If a length of the first guide <NUM> is too large, manufacturing costs and flow resistance might increase. If the length of the first guide <NUM> is too small, a possibility of the discharged air being reintroducec into the suction port <NUM>. Therefore, the length L3 of the first guide <NUM> may range from <NUM> to <NUM> to solve the above problem.

One surface of the first guide end portion 210b may be flat. One surface of the second guide end portion 210c may be curved.

A rear side of the second guide end portion 210c may have a first radius of curvature. A front side of the second guide end portion 210c may have a second radius of curvature. The first radius of curvature R1 may be smaller than the second radius of curvature R2.

The first guide <NUM> may have an inclination angle A with respect to a left-right direction. The first guide <NUM> may have the inclination angle A with respect to a direction perpendicular to the front-rear direction. The first guide <NUM> may have the inclination angle A with respect to a direction that the discharge flow path <NUM> extends.

The inclination angle A may range from <NUM> to <NUM> degrees. If the inclination angle A is too large, a difference of angle between the first guide <NUM> and a direction of air flow becomes large, leading to a higher air resistance. If the inclination angle A is too small, a possibility of the discharged air being reintroducec into the suction port <NUM>. Therefore, to solve the above problem, the inclination angle A of the first guide <NUM> may have a range from <NUM> to <NUM> degrees.

Referring to <FIG>, an effect of the air conditioner of the present invention is described.

<FIG> shows a contour of the air flow discharged from the indoor unit <NUM> of the present invention.

The indoor unit <NUM> of the present invention can prevent air discharged outward from the indoor unit <NUM> from being reintroduced into the suction port <NUM> by the discharge grilles <NUM>, <NUM> described with reference to <FIG>.

The air discharged outward of the indoor unit <NUM> may be guided by the discharge grilles <NUM>, <NUM>. An angle of air flow discharged outward of the indoor unit may about <NUM> degrees.

Referring to <FIG>, a conventional indoor unit <NUM>' is described. (a) of <FIG> shows a structure of the conventional indoor unit <NUM>'. (b) of <FIG> shows a contour of a discharged air flow in case of the conventional indoor unit <NUM>'.

In case of the conventional indoor unit <NUM>', air blown toward a discharge flow path <NUM>' blown by a fan <NUM>' is guided by a guide <NUM>'. In this case, air discharged to an outside of the indoor unit <NUM>' through the discharge flow path <NUM>' is reintroduced into a suction port <NUM>' like an arrow F. In this case, air blown by the fan <NUM>' toward an outside of the indoor unit' can not diffuse to the indoor space and circulate in the indoor unit <NUM>'.

Claim 1:
An air conditioner comprising:
a case (<NUM>) having an inner space;
a fan (<NUM>) disposed inside the case (<NUM>);
a frame (<NUM>) coupled to a front portion of the case (<NUM>);
a front plate (<NUM>) coupled to the frame (<NUM>) to be movable in a front-rear direction, wherein a suction port (<NUM>) is formed between the front plate (<NUM>) and the frame (<NUM>);
a discharge flow path (<NUM>, <NUM>) that air blown by the fan (<NUM>) flows and that is spaced rearward from the suction port (<NUM>);
a discharge grille (<NUM>, <NUM>) disposed downstream of the discharge flow path (<NUM>, <NUM>) and comprising a guide (<NUM>, <NUM>) inclined forward as the guide goes away from the discharge flow path (<NUM>, <NUM>),
wherein the guide (<NUM>, <NUM>) is configured in plural and the plurality of guides are spaced apart from each other in the front-rear direction, and
wherein the guide (<NUM>, <NUM>) comprises:
a guide body (210a, 220a) positioned inward further than an outer surface of the discharge grille (<NUM>, <NUM>); and
a guide end portion (210b, 220b) positioned outward further than the outer surface of the discharge grille (<NUM>, <NUM>).