Patent ID: 12196434

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made to the exemplary embodiments illustrated in the drawings, and specific language will be used here to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended. Alterations and further modifications of the inventive features illustrated here, and additional applications of the principles of the inventions as illustrated here, which would occur to a person skilled in the relevant art and having possession of this disclosure, are to be considered within the scope of the invention.

As used herein, various singular forms “a,” “an” and “the” are intended to include various plural forms as well, unless context clearly indicates otherwise. For example, a term “a” or “an” shall mean “one or more,” even though a phrase “one or more” is also used herein. Use of the optional plural “(s),” “(es),” or “(ies)” means that one or more of the indicated feature is present.

As used herein, a term “or” is intended to mean an inclusive “or” rather than an exclusive “or.” That is, unless specified otherwise, or clear from context, “X employs A or B” is intended to mean any of the natural inclusive permutations. That is, if X employs A; X employs B; or X employs both A and B, then “X employs A or B” is satisfied under any of the foregoing instances. In addition, features described with respect to certain embodiments may be combined in or with various other embodiments in any permutational or combinatory manner. Different aspects or elements of example embodiments, as disclosed herein, may be combined in a similar manner.

Various terminology used herein can imply direct or indirect, full or partial, temporary or permanent, action or inaction. For example, when an element is referred to as being “on,” “connected” or “coupled” to another element, then the element can be directly on, connected or coupled to the other element or intervening elements can be present, including indirect or direct variants. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly connected” or “directly coupled” to another element, there are no intervening elements present.

FIG.1is a perspective view illustrating a first exemplary indoor unit of an air conditioner.FIG.2is an exploded perspective view illustrating the door assembly inFIG.1.FIG.3is a perspective view illustrating a state where a door assembly is removed fromFIG.1.FIG.4is an exploded perspective view ofFIG.1.

The exemplary air conditioner may include an indoor unit, and an outdoor unit (not illustrated) connected to the indoor unit through a refrigerant pipe and configured to allow refrigerants to circulate.

The outdoor unit may include a compressor (not illustrated) configured to compress refrigerants, an outdoor heat exchanger (not illustrated) configured to receive refrigerants from the compressor and to compress the refrigerants, an outdoor fan (not illustrated) configured to supply air to the outdoor heat exchanger, and an accumulator (not illustrated) configured to receive refrigerants discharged from the indoor unit and then to supply only gaseous refrigerants to the compressor.

The outdoor unit may further include a four-way valve (not illustrated) to operate the indoor unit in a cooling mode or in a heating mode. In the cooling mode, refrigerants are evaporated in the indoor unit to cool air in an indoor space. In the heating mode, refrigerants are condensed in the indoor unit to heat air in an indoor space.

<<Configuration of Indoor Unit>>

The indoor unit may include a cabinet assembly100, a front surface of which is open and which may be provided with a suction port101on a rear surface thereof, a door assembly200assembled to the cabinet assembly100, the door assembly200configured to cover the front surface of the cabinet assembly100and configured to open and close the front surface of the cabinet assembly100, a fan assembly300,400disposed in an inner space (S) of the cabinet assembly100and configured to discharge air in the inner space (S) to an indoor space, a heat exchange assembly500disposed between the fan assembly300,400and the cabinet assembly100and allowing heat exchange between suctioned indoor air and refrigerants, a humidification assembly2000disposed at the cabinet assembly100and configured to supply moisture to the indoor space, a filter assembly600disposed at a back surface of the cabinet assembly100and configured to filter air flowing to the suction port101, and a moving cleaner700moving in an up-down direction along the filter assembly600and configured to separate and collect foreign substances of the filter assembly600.

The indoor unit may include a suction port101disposed on a back surface with respect to the cabinet assembly100, a first discharge port301and a second discharge port302disposed on lateral surfaces with respect to the cabinet assembly100, and a front discharge port201disposed on a front surface with respect to the cabinet assembly100.

The suction port101may be disposed on the back surface of the cabinet assembly100.

The first discharge port301and the second discharge port302may be disposed respectively on the left and on the right with respect to the cabinet assembly100. In one embodiment, when seen from the front surface of the cabinet assembly100, the first discharge port301on the left is referred to as a first lateral discharge port301, and the second discharge port302on the right is referred to as a second lateral discharge port302.

The front discharge port201may be disposed at the door assembly200, and the door assembly200may further include a door cover assembly1200configured to automatically open and close the front discharge port201.

The door cover assembly1200may open the front discharge port201and then may move downwards along the door assembly200. The door cover assembly1200may move in the up-down direction with respect to the door assembly200.

After the door cover assembly1200moves downwards, a long-distance fan assembly400may pass through the door assembly200to move forwards.

The fan assembly300,400may include a short-distance fan assembly300and a long-distance fan assembly400. The heat exchanger assembly500may be disposed at a rear of the short-distance fan assembly300and the long-distance fan assembly400.

The heat exchange assembly500may be disposed inside the cabinet assembly100and may be disposed in the suction port101. The heat exchange assembly500may cover the suction port101and may be disposed perpendicularly.

The short-distance fan assembly300and the long-distance fan assembly400may be disposed at a front of the heat exchange assembly500. Air suctioned into the suction port101may pass through the heat exchange assembly500and then may flow to the short-distance fan assembly300and the long-distance fan assembly400.

The heat exchange assembly500may be manufactured to have a length corresponding to a height of the short-distance fan assembly300and the long-distance fan assembly400.

The short-distance fan assembly300and the long-distance fan assembly400may be stacked in the up-down direction. In one embodiment, the long-distance fan assembly400may be disposed at an upper side of the short-distance fan assembly300. When the long-distance fan assembly400is disposed at the upper side of the short-distance fan assembly300, discharged air may be sent to a far corner of the indoor space.

The short-distance fan assembly300may discharge air in a lateral direction with respect to the cabinet assembly100. The short-distance fan assembly300may supply indirect air movement to a user. The short-distance fan assembly300may discharge air in leftward and rightward directions of the cabinet assembly100at the same time.

The long-distance fan assembly400may be disposed at the upper side of the short-distance fan assembly300, and may be disposed at an upper side in the cabinet assembly100.

The long-distance fan assembly400may discharge air in a forward direction with respect to the cabinet assembly100. The long-distance fan assembly400may supply direct air movement to the user. Additionally, the long-distance fan assembly400may discharge air to a far corner of the indoor space to improve air circulation of the indoor space.

In one embodiment, the long-distance fan assembly400may be exposed to the user only when operating. When the long-distance fan assembly400operates, the long-distance fan assembly400may be exposed to the user by passing through the door assembly200. When the long-distance fan assembly400does not operate, the long-distance fan assembly400may be hidden in the cabinet assembly100.

The long-distance fan assembly400may control a direction in which air is discharged. The long-distance fan assembly400may discharge air upwards, downwards, leftwards, rightwards, or diagonally with respect to the front surface of the cabinet assembly100.

The door assembly200may be disposed at a front of the cabinet assembly100and may be assembled to the cabinet assembly100.

The door assembly200may slide in a left-right direction with respect to the cabinet assembly100, and may expose a part of the front surface of the cabinet assembly100outwards.

The door assembly200may move in any one of the leftward or rightward direction to open the inner space (S). Additionally, the door assembly200may move in any one of the leftward or rightward direction to open only a part of the inner space (S).

In one embodiment, the door assembly200may be opened and closed in two stages.

In the first stage opening and closing, the door assembly200may be partially opened to supply water to the humidification assembly2000, and a surface area may be exposed to the extent that a water tank2100of the humidification assembly2000is exposed.

In the second stage opening and closing, the door assembly200may be opened to a maximum level for installation and repairs. To this end, the door assembly200may include a door stopper structure to control the second stage opening.

The filter assembly600may be disposed on a rear surface of the cabinet assembly100. The filter assembly600may swivel to a lateral portion of the cabinet assembly100in a state where the filter assembly600is disposed on the rear surface of the cabinet assembly100. A user may separate only a filter from the filter assembly600moved to the lateral portion of the cabinet assembly100.

In one embodiment, the filter assembly600includes two parts, and each part may swivel to the left side or the right side.

The moving cleaner700is a device for cleaning the filter assembly600. The moving cleaner700may clean the filter assembly600while moving in the up-down direction. The moving cleaner700may suction air and may separate foreign substances attached to the filter assembly600while moving, and the separated foreign substances may be stored in the moving cleaner700.

The moving cleaner700may be installed as a structure that does not interfere with the filter assembly600when the filter assembly600swivels.

The humidification assembly2000may supply moisture to the inner space (S) of the cabinet assembly100, and the supplied moisture may be discharged to the indoor space through the short-distance fan assembly. The humidification assembly2000may include a detachable water tank2100.

In one embodiment, the humidification assembly2000may be disposed at a lower side in the cabinet assembly100. A space in which the humidification assembly2000is disposed, and a space in which the heat exchange assembly500is disposed may be divided.

The humidification assembly2000may perform humidification using air filtered and steam sterilized through the filter assembly600, and by doing so, may prevent harmful substances such as germs or fungi from contacting the water tank.

<<Configuration of Cabinet Assembly>>

The cabinet assembly100may include a base130mounted onto the ground, a lower cabinet120disposed at an upper side of the base130, having a front surface121, an upper surface125, and a lower surface126that are open, and having a left surface123, a right surface124, and a back surface122that are closed, and an upper cabinet110disposed at an upper side of the lower cabinet120, having a back surface112, provided with a suction port101, a front surface111, and a lower surface116that are open, and having a left surface113, a right surface114, and an upper surface115that are closed.

An inside of the upper cabinet110is referred to as a first inner space (S1), and an inside the lower cabinet120is referred to as a second inner space (S2). The first inner space (S1) and the second inner space (S2) may constitute an inner space (S) of the cabinet assembly100.

A short-distance fan assembly300, a long-distance fan assembly400, and a heat exchange assembly500may be disposed inside the upper cabinet110.

A humidification assembly2000may be disposed inside the lower cabinet120.

A drain pan140configured to support the heat exchange assembly500may be disposed between the upper cabinet110and the lower cabinet120. In one embodiment, the drain pan140may close a part of the lower surface116of the upper cabinet110.

When the cabinet assembly100is assembled, the bottom surface116of the upper cabinet110may be shielded by the humidification assembly2000and the drain pan140, and air in the upper cabinet110may be blocked from flowing to the lower cabinet side120.

The door assembly200may be disposed at a front of the cabinet assembly100, and may slide in a left-right direction with respect to the cabinet assembly100.

When the door assembly200moves, a part of the left or the right of the cabinet assembly100may be exposed outwards.

A side grille150may be disposed at an edge of a front of the upper cabinet110. The side grille150may be disposed at a rear of the door assembly200.

The side grille150and the upper cabinet110may be integrally formed. In one embodiment, the side grille150may be separately manufactured through an injection molding process and then may be assembled to the upper cabinet110.

A discharge grille disposed at a front of the left surface113is referred to as a left side grille151, and a discharge grille disposed at a front of the right surface114is referred to as a right side grille152.

From a top view perspective, the left side grille151and the right side grille152may be symmetrical in the left-right direction with respect to a central axis (C1).

The left side grille151and the right side grille152may be respectively provided with lateral discharge ports301,302. The lateral discharge ports301,302may be formed by penetrating the left side grille151and the right side grille152respectively.

For each of the side grilles151,152, a plurality of vanes155may be disposed in an up-down direction. Each of the vanes155may be long and extended in the up-down direction.

The plurality of vanes155may be disposed in a front-rear direction at regular intervals. A vane gap (BG) may be respectively formed between the vanes155.

In one embodiment, a cover160may be disposed at a front of the upper cabinet110and the lower cabinet120, and may prevent air in the cabinet100from contacting the door assembly200directly.

When cold air directly contacts the door assembly200, condensation may be formed, and may adversely affect an electric circuit within the door assembly200.

Accordingly, the cover160may be disposed at the front of the upper cabinet110and at a front of the lower cabinet120, and may allow air in the cabinet100to flow only to a front discharge port201or the lateral discharge ports301,302.

The cover160may include an upper cover162configured to cover the front surface of the upper cabinet110, a lower cover164configured to cover the front surface of the lower cabinet120, and a long-distance fan cover166configured to cover a front surface of the long-distance fan assembly400.

The long-distance fan cover166and the upper cover162may be integrally formed. In one embodiment, the long-distance fan cover166and the upper cover166may be separately manufactured and then may be assembled to each other.

The long-distance fan cover166may be disposed at a front of the long-distance fan assembly400, and may be disposed at an upper side of the upper cover162. Front surfaces of the long-distance fan cover166and the upper cover162may form a continuous flat surface.

The long-distance fan cover166may be provided with a fan cover discharge port161that is open in a front-rear direction. The fan cover discharge port161may communicate with the front discharge port201and may be disposed at a rear of the front discharge port201. A discharge grille450of the long-distance fan assembly400may pass through the fan cover discharge port161and the front discharge port201to move to a front of the door assembly200.

The door assembly200may be disposed at the front of the fan cover discharge port161, and the fan cover discharge port161may be disposed at a rear of a below-described panel discharge port1101. When the long-distance fan assembly moves forwards, the discharge grille450may consecutively pass through the fan cover discharge port161, the panel discharge port1101and the front discharge port201.

That is, the panel discharge port1101may be disposed at the rear of the front discharge port201, and the fan cover discharge port161may be disposed at the rear of panel discharge port1101.

The long-distance fan cover166may be coupled to an upper side of the front of the upper cabinet110, and the upper cover162may be coupled to a lower side of the front of the upper cabinet110.

The lower cover164may be disposed at a lower side of the upper cover162and may be assembled to the lower cabinet120or the humidification assembly2000. After the lower cover164is assembled, front surfaces of the lower cover164and the upper cover162may form a continuous surface.

The lower cover164may be provided with a water tank opening167that is open in the front-rear direction. A water tank2100may be separated or installed through the water tank opening167.

The lower cover164may be disposed at a lower side of a front of the drain pan140. Although a front surface of the lower cabinet120is not entirely covered, air in the upper cabinet110may not leak. Accordingly, the front surface of the lower cabinet120may not be entirely covered.

For repairs, services and replacements of the humidification assembly2000, a part of the front surface of the lower cabinet120may be opened. In one embodiment, a part of the front surface of the lower cabinet120may be provided with an open surface169that is not shielded by the lower cover164.

When the door assembly200is opened to a first stage, the lower cover164, where the water tank opening167is formed, is only exposed to a user, and when the door assembly200is opened to a second stage, the open surface169may also be exposed to the user.

The door assembly200may slide in the left-right direction as a door slide module1300operates. A state in which the water tank opening167is entirely exposed as the door assembly200slides is referred to as a first stage opening, and a state in which the open surface169is exposed is referred to as a second stage opening.

A front surface of the cabinet assembly100, which is exposed at the time of the first stage opening, is referred to as a first open surface (OP1), and a front surface of the cabinet assembly, which is exposed at the time of the second stage opening, is referred to as a second open surface (OP2).

<<Configuration of Short-Distance Fan Assembly>>

The short-distance fan assembly300is a component for discharging air laterally with respect to a cabinet assembly100. The short-distance fan assembly300may supply indirect air movement to a user.

The short-distance fan assembly300may be disposed at a front of the heat exchange assembly500.

For the short-distance fan assembly300, a plurality of fans310may be stacked in an up-down direction. In one embodiment, three fans310may be provided and stacked in the up-down direction.

In one embodiment, a mixed-flow centrifugal fan may be used as the fan310. The fan310may suction air in an axial direction and may discharge air in a circumferential direction.

The fan310may suction air from a rear thereof and then may discharge the air circumferentially and forwards. The fan310may discharge air currents having directionality towards a front, while discharging air circumferentially.

The short-distance fan assembly300may have an open front and an open rear, and may include a fan casing320coupled to the cabinet assembly100, a plurality of fans310coupled to the fan casing320and disposed in the fan casing320, and a fan guide330coupled to the fan casing320and configured to guide air, discharged from the fan310, laterally with respect to the cabinet assembly100.

The fan casing320may be formed into a box shape with an open front surface and an open rear surface. The fan casing320may be coupled to the cabinet assembly100.

The front surface of the fan casing320may be disposed to face a door assembly200, and the rear surface of the fan casing320may be disposed to face a heat exchanger assembly500.

The front surface of the fan casing320may be closed by closely contacting the door assembly200.

In one embodiment, a part of a lateral surface of the fan casing320may be exposed outwards. Lateral discharge ports301,302may be formed at the part of the fan casing320, which is exposed outwards. Side grilles151,152, capable of controlling a direction of discharge of air, may be disposed at the lateral discharge ports301,302. The lateral discharge ports301,302may be disposed respectively on a left and right of the fan casing320.

The fan310may be disposed in the fan casing320. The plurality of fans310may be disposed on the same flat surface, and may be stacked in line with respect to the up-down direction.

As a centrifugal fan is used as the fan310, the fan310may suction air from the rear surface of the fan casing320and then may discharge the air circumferentially.

The fan guide330may guide the air, discharged from the fan310, to the lateral discharge ports301,302. As a centrifugal fan is used as the fan310, air discharged to an upper side and a lower side may be guided to the lateral discharge ports301,302by the fan guide330.

<Configuration of Fan>

The fan310may include a hub312, a center of which is coupled to a rotational shaft133, a shroud314spaced apart from the hub312and provided with a suction port311, through which air is suctioned, at a central portion thereof, and a plurality of blades316disposed between the hub312and the shroud314.

The plurality of blades316may be provided between the hub312and the shroud314. A front end of the blade316may be coupled to a rear surface of the hub312, and a rear end of the blade316may be coupled to a front surface of the shroud314. The plurality of blades316may be spaced apart from each other circumferentially. A cross section of the blade316may be formed into an airfoil shape, for example.

In terms of the blade316, a lateral end into which air is suctioned is referred to as a leading edge316a, and a lateral end from which air is discharged is referred to as a trailing edge316b.

The trailing edge316bof the blade316may be formed to incline with respect to a front-rear direction such that discharged air faces a front at a slant in a radial direction. The leading edge316aof the blade316may be shorter than the trailing edge316b-2of the blade316such that the discharged air faces the front at a slant in the radial direction.

The hub312may be formed into a circular cone which protrudes downwards further towards the center thereof. A rear of a motor cover318may be inserted into a front of the hub312, and at least part of a fan motor340may be disposed in the hub312. With the structure, thicknesses of the fan motor340and the fan310in the front-rear direction may be minimized.

The rotational shaft313of the fan motor340disposed at an upper side of the hub312may be coupled to the center of the hub312. The hub312may be disposed at a front of the shroud314, and the hub312and the shroud314may be spaced apart from each other. The plurality of blades316may be coupled to a back surface of the hub312.

From a top view perspective, the rotational shaft313may be disposed at a center between a left and right of a cabinet assembly100, for example. From a top view perspective, the rotational shaft313may be disposed on a central axis (C1) line that passes through a center of a front discharge port in the front-rear direction.

An outer circumferential end of the hub312may be formed to face and incline in a direction opposite to a direction of the suction port311. The outer circumferential end of the hub312may denote a circumference of a front end of the hub312. The direction (A) faced by the outer circumferential end of the hub312may be at about 45 degrees from a left-right direction, for example. The outer circumferential end of the hub312may be formed to incline forwards such that air is discharged forwards at a slant.

For the hub312, a flat cross section may be formed into a straight line (Ah) that inclines in a direction opposite to the direction of the suction port311from a central portion to the outer circumferential end of the hub312. For example, for the hub312, a longitudinal cross section may be formed into a straight line (Ah) which inclines from a portion, where the leading edges316aof the plurality of blades316are connected, to the outer circumferential end. For the hub312, a diameter may be formed to increase on a regular basis from the central portion to the outer circumferential end. For example, for the hub312, the diameter may increase on a regular basis from the portion, where the leading edges316aof the plurality of blades316are connected, to the outer circumferential end.

The shroud314may be formed into a bowl provided with a circular suction port311through which air is suctioned, at a central portion thereof. The suction port311of the shroud314may be disposed towards the suction port101of the cabinet assembly100.

That is, an inlet322of a fan casing320may be formed at a position corresponding to a position of the suction port311of the shroud314. For example, a diameter of the suction port311may be larger than a diameter of the inlet322of the fan casing320. The suction port311of the shroud314may be provided with a suction guide314aprotruding rearwards perpendicularly and may be formed around thereof.

The shroud314may be spaced apart from the hub312at a rear of the hub312. A plurality of blades316may be coupled to a front surface of the shroud314.

An outer circumferential end of the shroud314may be formed to face and incline in a direction opposite to the direction of the suction port311. The outer circumferential end of the shroud314may denote a circumference of a front end of the shroud314. The direction (Sh) faced by the outer circumferential end of the shroud314may be at about 45 degrees from a horizontal direction. The outer circumferential end of the shroud314may be formed to incline forwards such that air is discharged forwards at a slant. The direction faced by the outer circumferential end of the shroud314may be substantially in parallel with the direction faced by the outer circumferential end of the hub312, for example.

For the shroud314, a longitudinal cross section may be formed into a straight line (Ch) that inclines in a direction opposite to the direction of the suction port311from an upper end of the suction guide314ato the outer circumferential end of the shroud314. For example, for the shroud314, a longitudinal cross section may be formed into a straight line (Ch) which inclines from a portion, where leading edges24b-1of the plurality of blades316are connected to the outer circumferential end. For the shroud314, a diameter from the upper end of the suction guide314ato the outer circumferential end may be formed to increase on a regular basis. For example, for the shroud314, the diameter may increase on a regular basis from the portion where the leading edges24b-1of the plurality of blades316are connected, to the outer circumferential end.

For example, the direction (Sh) faced by the outer circumferential end of the shroud314may be substantially in parallel with the direction (A) faced by the outer circumferential end of the hub312. The inclined straight line (Ch) portion of the longitudinal cross section of the shroud314may be substantially in parallel with the inclined straight line (Ah) portion of the longitudinal cross section of the hub312, for example.

In one embodiment, a gap between the shroud314and the hub312may be gradually widened towards the outer circumferential ends thereof.

<<Configuration of Long-Distance Fan Assembly>>

The long-distance fan assembly400is a component for discharging air forwards with respect to the cabinet assembly100. The long-distance fan assembly400may supply direct air movement to a user.

The long-distance fan assembly400may be disposed at a front of the heat exchange assembly500. The long-distance fan assembly400may be stacked at an upper side of the short-distance fan assembly300.

The long-distance fan assembly400may discharge air through a front discharge port201formed at the door assembly200. The long-distance fan assembly400may provide a structure that may rotate upwards, downwards, leftwards, rightwards, or diagonally. The long-distance fan assembly400may discharge air to a far corner of an indoor space to improve air circulation in the indoor space.

The long-distance fan assembly400may further include a tilt assembly that allows a discharge grille450to make relative movements freely in all directions including an upper side, a lower side, a leftward side, a rightward side, an orthogonal direction and the like with respect to a fan housing assembly.

<<<Configuration of Door Assembly>>>

The door assembly200may include a front panel210where a front discharge port201is formed, a panel module1100coupled to a back surface of the front panel210and provided with a panel discharge port1101communicating with the front discharge port201, a door cover assembly1200disposed at the panel module1100and configured to open and close the panel discharge port1101and the front discharge port201, a door slide module1300disposed at the panel module1100and configured to move the panel module1100in a left-right direction with respect to a cabinet assembly100, a camera module1900disposed at an upper side of the panel module1100and configured to capture an image of an indoor space, and a cable guide1800, an upper end of which is assembled to the door cover assembly1200to move relative to the door cover assembly1200, a lower end of which is assembled to the panel module assembly1100to move relative to the panel module assembly1100, and in which a cable connected to the door cover assembly1200is stored.

The door assembly200may move in the left-right direction with respect to the cabinet assembly.

The front discharge port201may be disposed on the front panel210, and may be open in a front-rear direction. The panel discharge port1101may be disposed at the panel module1100and may be open in the front-rear direction.

Surface areas and shapes of the front discharge port201and the panel discharge port1101may be the same, and the front discharge port201may be disposed further forwards than the panel discharge port1101.

The door assembly200may further include a display module1500installed at the panel module1100and configured to provide information of an indoor unit to the front panel210visually.

The display module1500may be disposed on a back surface of the front panel1100and may provide visual information to a user through the front panel1100.

The display module1500may be partially exposed by passing through the front panel1100and may provide the visual information to the user through an exposed display.

In one embodiment, information of the display module1550may be delivered to a user through a display opening202formed on the front panel210.

<<Configuration of Front Panel>>

The front panel210may be disposed on a front surface of an indoor unit. The front panel210may include a front panel body212, a front discharge port201which is open in a front-rear direction of the front panel body212, a display opening202which is open in the front-rear direction of the front panel body212, a first front panel side214disposed on a left of the front panel body212and configured to cover a left surface of a panel module1100, and a second front panel side216disposed on a right of the front panel body212and configured to cover a right surface of the panel module1100.

For the front panel210, a length in an up-down direction may be larger than a width in a left-right direction. In one embodiment, the length of the front panel210in the up-down direction may be three or more times larger than the width in a left-right direction of the front panel210. For the front panel210, a thickness in the front-rear direction may be much smaller than the width in the left-right direction. In one embodiment, the thickness of the front panel210in the front-rear direction may be smaller than the width of the front panel210in the left-right direction by one fourth or less.

In one embodiment, the display opening202may be disposed at a lower side of the front discharge port201. In another embodiment, the display opening202may be disposed at an upper side of the front discharge port201.

The front discharge port201and the display opening202may be arranged in the up-down direction. A virtual central axis (C1) connecting a center of the front discharge port201and a center of the display opening202may be perpendicularly disposed. A left and right of the front panel210may be symmetrical with respect to the central axis (C1).

A camera1950of the camera module1900may be disposed on the central axis (C1).

The front discharge port201may be formed into a circular shape. The shape of the front discharge port201may correspond to a shape of a front surface of a steering grille3450. The steering grille3450, hidden in a cabinet assembly100, may be exposed outwards through the front discharge port201.

In one embodiment, the steering grille3450may be exposed outwards as the front discharge port201is optionally opened, and may pass through the front discharge port201to protrude further forwards than the front panel210.

When the steering grille3450protrudes further forwards than the front panel210, interference between air passing through the steering grille3450and the front panel210may be minimized, and discharged air may flow farther away.

The first front panel side214may protrude from a left edge of the front panel body212to a rear, and may cover the left surface of the panel module1100fixed onto a back surface of the front panel body212.

The second front panel side216may protrude from a right edge of the front panel body212to the rear, and may cover a right surface of the panel module1100fixed onto the back surface of the front panel body212.

The first front panel side214and the second front panel side216may prevent lateral surfaces of the panel module1100from being exposed outwards.

Additionally, a first front panel end215protruding from an end of a rear of the first front panel side214towards the second front panel side216may be further disposed. A second front panel end217protruding from an end of a rear of the second front panel side216towards the first front panel side214may be further disposed.

The first front panel end215and the second front panel end217may be disposed on a back surface of the panel module1100. That is, the panel module1100may be disposed between the front panel body212and the front panel end215,217.

In one embodiment, a gap between the front panel body212and the front panel end215,217is defined as an inner gap (I) of the front panel. The inner gap (I) may be smaller than the thickness of the front panel210in the front-rear direction.

The first front panel end215and the second front panel end217may be disposed to face each other and may be spaced apart from each other. In one embodiment, a gap between the first front panel end215and the second front panel end217is defined as an open gap (D) of the front panel. The open gap (D) of the front panel210may be smaller than the width (W) of the front panel210in the left-right direction.

In one embodiment, the front panel body212and the front panel end215,217may be disposed in parallel. The front panel body212and the front panel side214,216may be crossed, and in one embodiment, may be orthogonally disposed. The front panel side214,216may be disposed in the front-rear direction.

In one embodiment, the front panel body212, the front panel side214,216and the front panel end215,217constituting the front panel210may be integrally manufactured.

In one embodiment, the entire front panel210may be made of a metallic material. Specifically, the entire front panel210may be made of aluminum.

Accordingly, the front panel side214,216may be bent from the front panel body212to a rear, and the front panel end215,217may be bent from the front panel side214,216to an opposite side.

In order for the front panel210, entirely made of a metallic material, to be easily bent, a first bent groove (not illustrated) may be formed at a bent portion between the front panel body212and the first front panel side214, and a second bent groove213amay be formed at a bent portion between the front panel body212and the second front panel side216.

Additionally, a third bent groove (not illustrated) may be formed at a bent portion between the first front panel side214and the first front panel end215, and a fourth bent groove213bmay be formed at a bent portion between the second front panel side216and the second front panel end217.

Each of the bent grooves may be extended vertically in a lengthwise direction of the front panel210. For example, each bent groove may be disposed inside the bent portions. In case the first and second bent grooves213aare not formed, an angle between the front panel body212and the front panel side may not be a right angle. Further, in case the first and second bent grooves213aare not formed, the bent portion between the front panel body212and the front panel side may not be flat, and during a bending process, may protrude or may be deformed in any other direction. The third and fourth bent grooves213bmay perform the same function as the first and second bent grooves213a.

A panel upper opening203and a panel lower opening204may be respectively formed at an upper side of the front panel210that is manufactured as described above. In one embodiment, a single metallic plate may be bent to manufacture the front panel210. Accordingly, the panel upper opening203and the panel lower opening204may have the same surface area and shape.

A thickness of the panel module1100may be the same as or smaller than the gap between the front panel body212and the front panel end215,217. The panel module1100may be inserted through the panel upper opening203or the panel lower opening204. The panel module1100may be fixed by a coupling member (not illustrated) that passes through the front panel end215,217.

The camera module1900may be inserted into the panel upper opening203and may be disposed at an upper side of the panel module1100. The camera module1900may close the panel upper opening203.

The camera module1900may be disposed at the upper side of the front discharge port201and may be disposed at a back surface of the front panel210. The camera module1900may be hidden by the front panel210. The camera module1900may be exposed to the upper side of the front panel210only when the camera module1900operates, and may be hidden behind the front panel210when the camera module1900does not operate.

The front panel end215,217may surround lateral surfaces and a back surface of the camera module1900, and the coupling member (not illustrated) may pass through the front panel end215,217and then may be coupled to the camera module1900.

In one embodiment, a width of the panel upper opening203in the left-right direction and a width of the camera module1900in the left-right direction may be the same. Further, in one embodiment, the width of the panel upper opening203in the left-right direction and a width of the panel module1100in the left-right direction may be the same.

In one embodiment, a thickness of the panel upper opening203in the front-rear direction and a thickness of the camera module1900in the front-rear direction may be the same. Further, in one embodiment, the thickness of the panel upper opening203in the front-rear direction and the thickness of the panel module1100in the front-rear direction may be the same.

Accordingly, the camera module1900and the panel module1100may be disposed between the front panel body212and the front panel end215,217and may be supported by the front panel body and the front panel end215,217.

FIG.5is a perspective view illustrating the humidification assembly and the water tank inFIG.5assembled to a lower cabinet.FIG.6is a rear perspective view illustrating a first exemplary humidification assembly.FIG.7is a front view illustrating an inside of the lower cabinet inFIG.3.FIG.8is a cross-sectional view illustrating the humidification assembly and the water tank inFIG.7.FIG.9is a perspective view ofFIG.8.FIG.10is a cross-sectional view illustrating a partially cut humidification fan inFIG.6.FIG.11is a front view illustrating a pair of diffusers inFIG.6.FIG.12is a rear view illustrating a pair of diffusers inFIG.6.FIG.13is a view illustrating an example where the diffuser inFIG.6is installed.FIG.14is an enlarged view illustrating the diffuser inFIG.13.FIG.15is an enlarged view illustrating a structure around the diffuser outlet inFIG.14.FIG.16is a view illustrating an example of an air stream in a first exemplary diffuser.FIG.17is a cross-sectional view illustrating an upper side of a diffuser outlet of the diffuser housing inFIG.11.FIG.18is a cross-sectional view illustrating a lower side of a diffuser outlet of the diffuser housing inFIG.11.

<<<Configuration of Humidification Assembly>>>

The humidification assembly2000may supply moisture into a discharge flow channel of a fan assembly300,400, and the supplied moisture may be discharged to an indoor space. The humidification assembly2000may optionally operate according to an operation signal of a controller.

In one embodiment, moisture supplied by the humidification assembly2000may be directly supplied to lateral discharge ports301,302. The moisture supplied by the humidification assembly2000may be mist or steam. In one embodiment, the humidification assembly2000may convert water of a water tank2100into steam to supply the steam to the discharge flow channel.

In one embodiment, the humidification assembly2000may be disposed at a lower side of cabinet assembly100, and specifically, may be disposed in a lower cabinet120.

The humidification assembly2000may be installed at a base130and may be surrounded by the lower cabinet120. A drain pan140may be disposed at an upper side of the humidification assembly2000, and steam generated in the humidification assembly2000may directly flow to the lateral discharge ports301,302through a steam guide2400. That is, a space, in which the humidification assembly2000is disposed, and a space in an upper cabinet110are divided.

The humidification assembly2000may include a water tank2100disposed at the cabinet assembly100and configured to store water, a steam generator2300disposed at the cabinet assembly100, supplied with water stored in the water tank2100, and configured to convert water stored therein into steam and to generate humidified air, a humidification fan2500disposed at the cabinet assembly100, coupled to the steam generator2300and configured to supply air, passing through a filter assembly600, to the steam generator2300, a steam guide2400disposed at the cabinet assembly100and configured to guide humidified air, generated in the steam generator2300, to the lateral discharge ports301,302of the cabinet assembly100through an independent flow channel, a water supply assembly2200disposed at the cabinet assembly100, detachably holding the water tank2100and configured to supply water of the water tank2100to the steam generator2300, a tilt assembly disposed at the cabinet assembly100or the water supply assembly2200, configured to optionally tilt the water tank2100forwards according to an electric signal, and configured to return the water tank tilted forwards to an initial position, and a drain assembly2700connected to the water supply assembly2200and the steam generator2300and configured to drain water of the water supply assembly2200and the steam generator2300outwards.

FIG.19is a plan view illustrating an exemplary drain assembly.FIG.20is a front cross-sectional view illustrating the drain assembly inFIG.19.FIG.21is a right-side view illustrating the drain assembly inFIG.19.

<<Configuration of Steam Generator>>

The steam generator2300may be supplied with water from a water supply assembly2200to generate steam. As the steam generator2300heats water to generate steam, sterilized steam may be provided.

The steam generator2300may include a steam housing2310, a steam heater2320disposed in the steam housing2310and configured to generate heat using supplied power, a water pipe2314which may be disposed in the steam housing2310, which communicates with an inside of the steam housing2310and where water is suctioned or discharged, a steam discharge part2316disposed in the steam housing2310, connected to a steam guide2400and configured to supply steam generated therein to the steam guide2400, and an air suction part2318disposed in the steam housing2310, connected to a humidification fan2500and supplied with filtered air in a cabinet assembly100from the humidification fan2500.

The steam generator2300may further include a first water level sensor2360configured to sense a lowest water level (WL) in the steam housing2310, a second water level sensor2370configured to sense a highest water level (WH) in the steam housing2310, and a thermistor2380configured to prevent overheating in the steam housing2310.

The steam housing2310may be a structure sealed from the outside. The water pipe2314, the steam discharge part2316, and the air suction part2318may communicate with the outside. The steam housing2310may be installed at a base130.

As the steam housing2310may store water heated by the steam heater2320, the steam housing2310may be made of a heat resistant material. In one embodiment, the steam housing2310may be made of SPS. The steam housing2310may include an upper steam housing2340and a lower steam housing2350.

The upper steam housing2340may have an open lower side and may be concave from the lower side to an upper side. The lower steam housing2350may have an open upper side and may be concave from the lower side to the lower side.

In one embodiment, the water pipe2314may be disposed in the lower steam housing2350, and the steam discharge part2316and the air suction part2318may be disposed in the upper steam housing2340.

The water pipe2314may be disposed lower than a chamber housing pipe2214of the water supply assembly2200. Water in the chamber housing pipe2214may flow to the water pipe2314using its self-weight because of a difference between heights at which the water pipe2314and the chamber housing pipe2214are disposed.

In one embodiment, the first water level sensor2360, the second water level sensor2370, and a thermistor2380may be disposed in the upper steam housing2340. To this end, a first water level sensor installation part2342where the first water level sensor2360is installed, a second water level sensor installation part2344where the second water level sensor2370is installed, and a thermistor installation part2346where the thermistor2380is installed may be formed, in the upper steam housing2340.

The air suction part2318and the steam discharge part2316formed in the upper steam housing2340may have different heights. There is a difference (SH) between the heights of the steam discharge part2316and the air suction part2318. The steam discharge part2316may be disposed higher than the air suction part2318by the difference (SH) in their heights.

Accordingly, steam in the upper steam housing2340may be readily collected to the steam discharge part2316. When the steam discharge part2316is disposed higher than the air suction part2318, steam having low density may be collected to a lower side of the steam discharge part2316.

In one embodiment, as the first water level sensor2360senses a low water level of the steam generator2300, the first water level sensor2360may be disposed around the air suction part2318. As the second water level sensor2370senses a high water level of the steam generator2300, the second water level sensor2370may be disposed around the steam discharge part2316.

The difference in heights of the first water level sensor2360and the second water level sensor2370may result in a minimum length of an electrode of the first water level sensor2360and the second water level sensor2370.

The first water level sensor2360may include a 1-1 water level sensing part2361and a 1-2 water level sensing part2362. Lower ends of the 1-1 water level sensing part2361and the 1-2 water level sensing part2362may be disposed at the same height. In one embodiment, the 1-1 water level sensing part2361and the 1-2 water level sensing part2362are electrodes. When the 1-1 water level sensing part2361and the 1-2 water level sensing part2362touches water, a controller may sense that the 1-1 water level sensing part2361and the 1-2 water level sensing part2362touches the water.

In one embodiment, the lower ends of the 1-1 water level sensing part2361and the 1-2 water level sensing part2362may denote a lowest water level (WL) for operating the steam generator2300. When a water level is below the lower ends2361a,2362aof the 1-1 water level sensing part2361and the 1-2 water level sensing part2362, damage may be done to a steam heater2320. Accordingly, when a water level is below the lower ends2361a,2362aof the 1-1 water level sensing part2361and the 1-2 water level sensing part2362, power supplied to the steam heater2320may be cut off.

In one embodiment, an electrode may be used to sense that the second water level sensor2370touches water. The lower end2370aof the second water level sensor2370may sense a highest water level (WH) of the steam generator2300. When a water level of the steam generator2300is above the lower end2370aof the second water level sensor2370, water may boil and run off due to operation of the steam heater2320. When the water level reaches the lower end2370aof the second water level sensor2370, the steam heater2320may stop operating.

The highest water level (WH) is determined considering a tilt of an indoor unit. That is, when the indoor unit tilts to one side, a water level of any one side of the steam housing2310may be high. In one embodiment, when the indoor unit tilts to any one side at an angle of 3 degrees and the steam generator2300operates at a maximum level, a height at which water does not run off the steam housing2310may be set to the highest water level (WH).

When the water level reaches the highest one (WH), the steam heater2320may stop operating and a drain assembly2700may operate, to drain water in the steam housing2310.

In one embodiment, a normal water-feed level of the steam generator2300has to be lower than the lower end2370aof the second water level sensor2370, and has to be higher than the lower ends2361a,2362aof the 1-1 water level sensing part2361and the 1-2 water level sensing part2362.

A lower end2380aof the thermistor2380may be disposed within the normal water-feed level. The thermistor2380may sense that a temperature in the steam generator2300rises to a set value or above, and may stop operation of the steam heater2320.

A larger surface area of the air suction part2318may be advantageous. In one embodiment, the air suction part2318may be wider than the steam discharge part2316.

The water pipe2314may communicate with an inside of the steam housing2310. Water in the water supply assembly2200may be supplied through the water pipe2314. Additionally, water discharged from the steam housing2310through the water pipe2314may flow to the drain assembly2700.

The steam generator2300according to one embodiment is characterized in that a single water pipe2314is used for supply and drainage of water. In general, a device for generating steam is provided with a pipe for receiving water along with a pipe for draining water.

The water pipe2314may be disposed horizontally. The water pipe2314may allow an inside of the lower steam housing2350to communicate with an outside of the lower steam housing2350. The water pipe2314may protrude from the lower steam housing2350towards the water supply assembly2300. An outer end of the water pipe2314may protrude further laterally than a lateral surface of the lower steam housing2350.

The water pipe2314may connect with the chamber housing pipe2214and may be disposed in a left-right direction. In one embodiment, the water pipe2314may have a pipe shape an inside of which is hollow.

The water pipe2314may be disposed at the rear in the front-rear direction of the steam housing2310. For example, the water pipe2314may be disposed near the drain assembly. The water pipe2314may effectively prevent an increase in temperatures of the drain assembly2700.

The steam heater2320may be disposed at the lower steam housing2350. A steam heater installation part2352, where the steam heater2320is installed, may be disposed at a back surface of the lower steam housing2350. In one embodiment, the steam heater installation part2352may include an open surface passing through the lower steam housing2350. The steam heater2320may pass through the steam heater installation part2352, and a heater part may be disposed in the lower steam housing2350.

The steam heater2320may include a first heater part2321and a second heater part2322that are disposed in parallel, a heater mount2354to which the first heater part2321and the second heater part2322are coupled, which is coupled to the steam heater installation part2352and which supplies power respectively to the first heater part2321and the second heater part2322, and a fuse (not illustrated) which cuts off power supplied to the first heater part2321and the second heater part2322.

In one embodiment, a sheath heater may be used as the first heater part2321and the second heater part2322.

The first heater part2321and the second heater part2322may operate independently. For example, power may be supplied only to the first heater part2321to generate heat, or power may be supplied only to the second heater part2322to generate heat, or power may be supply to both the first heater part2321and the second heater part2322to generate heat.

The first heater part2321and the second heater part2322may all have a “U” shape.

A curved portion of each of the first heater part2321and the second heater part2322may be disposed at the steam discharge part side2316. The first heater part2321and the second heater part2322may be disposed on the same flat surface. Upper ends2321a,2322aof the first heater part2321and the second heater part2322may be disposed at a height the same as or lower than a lowest water level (WL).

In one embodiment, considering an inclination of an indoor unit, the upper ends2321a,2322aof the first heater part2321and the second heater part2322may be disposed lower than the lowest water level (WL).

The base130of the indoor unit has to be installed in parallel with the ground. However, due to an installation error, the base130may tilt in at least one of the front, rear, leftward, and rightward directions. Even when the indoor unit tilts to any one side, the upper ends2321a,2322aof the first heater part2321and the second heater part2322may not be exposed to the water surface, for example.

To this end, a safe water level (WS) may be formed between the upper surface2321aof the first heater part2321and the lowest water level (WL). The safe water level (WS) may be formed between the upper surface2322aof the second heater part2322and the lowest water level (WL).

Accordingly, the upper surface2321aof the first heater part2321and the upper surface2322aof the second heater part2322may be disposed at a position lower than the lowest water level (WL) by the safe water level (WS). In one embodiment, the safe water level (WS) may be set to 6 mm.

Heat generation capacity of the first heater part2321and the second heater part2322may differ. The first heater part2321may have a shorter length than the second heater part2322. The first heater part2321may be disposed inside the second heater part2322.

In one embodiment, capacity of the first heater part2321may be 440 W, and capacity of the second heater part2322may be 560 W. When the first heater part2321and the second heater part2322operate together, the first heater part2321and the second heater part2322may provide a maximum output of 1 kW.

The first heater part2321may operate at the time of humidification operation. When a humidification assembly2000is steam-sterilized, the first heater part2321and the second heater part2322may operate at the same time

When the steam generator2300operates normally, a temperature in the steam housing2310may be limited to 105° C. or so. When the steam generator2300is heated, stored water boils and produces bubbles. The second water level sensor2370may sense the bubbles and may prevent the steam generator2300from overheating. When the steam generator2300overheats, the second water level sensor2370may operate at 140° C. or so.

When the second water level sensor2370does not sense the overheating, the thermistor2380may sense that the steam generator2300overheats. The thermistor2380may sense a range of temperatures between 150 and 180° C. or so. In one embodiment, the thermistor2380may sense a temperature of 167° C. or higher.

When the temperature (in one embodiment, 250° C.) in the steam housing2310rises even after power is controlled by the thermistor2380, the fuse may cut off the power of the steam heater2320.

The heater mount2354may pass through the steam heater installation part2352and may be coupled to the lower steam housing2350. The heater mount2354may seal the steam heater installation part side2352. An airtight gasket (not illustrated) may be disposed between the heater mount2354and the steam heater installation part2352. The water pipe2314may be disposed near the heater mount2354.

Water in a supply chamber2211may be suctioned to the water pipe2314using its self-weight. To this end, the water pipe2314may be disposed lower than the chamber housing pipe2214. The water pipe2314may be disposed at a height the same as or lower than an outer end2214bof the chamber housing pipe2214.

The water pipe2314may be connected to a lowermost side of the lower steam housing2350. Accordingly, water may be prevented from being collected in the steam housing2310when the water stored in the steam housing2310is drained. A groove or a slope for allowing water to flow to the water pipe2314may be formed on a bottom surface in the lower steam housing2350.

In one embodiment, an additional valve is not disposed at the water pipe2314.

As the water pipe2314communicates with the chamber housing pipe2214, a water level of the supply chamber2211and a water level of the steam housing2310may be configured to be the same.

For example, when a sufficient amount of water is supplied into the steam housing2310, the water level of the supply chamber2211and the water level of the steam housing2310may be the same, and a supply floater2220of the water supply assembly2200may rise depending on a rising water level and may close a middle hole2258to which water is supplied.

In one embodiment, the chamber housing pipe2214may be disposed within a height of the steam heater2320. The outer end2214bof the chamber housing pipe2214may be disposed lower than the highest water level (WH) of the steam generator2300.

The highest water level (WH) of the steam generator2300may be disposed lower than a valve hole2111. The middle hole2258may be disposed at a height the same as or higher than the highest water level (WH) of the steam generator2300. In one embodiment, the middle hole2258may be spaced a distance (H) apart from the upper end2321a,2322aof the steam heater2320.

In one embodiment, as a floater valve stopper2278disposed at the supply floater2220protrudes further upwards than a floater body2222, a height, at which the floater body2222rises to a maximum level, may be the same as or lower than the highest water level (WH).

When the supply floater2220rises to the maximum height, the middle hole2258may be closed, and water supplied to the steam generator2300may be cut off.

The steam discharge part2316may communicate with an inside of the upper steam housing2340. The steam discharge part2316may pass through the upper steam housing2340in an up-down direction. The steam discharge part2316may protrude upwards from an upper surface of the upper steam housing2340for a connection with the steam guide2400.

The air suction part2318may be disposed in the steam housing2310, and specifically, may be disposed in the upper steam housing2340. The air suction part2318may communicate with an inside of the upper steam housing2340, and air supplied by the humidification fan2500may be suctioned into the air suction part2318.

The air suction part2318may protrude upwards from the upper surface of the upper steam housing2340for a connection with the humidification fan2500.

In one embodiment, the air suction part2318may be disposed at a rear of the steam discharge part2316. The air suction part2318may be disposed closer to the humidification fan2500than the steam discharge part2316.

The air suction part2318may connect with the humidification fan2500and may receive filtered air from the humidification fan2500. The air suction part2318may receive air that passes through a filter assembly600and that is filtered. The filtered air supplied to the air suction part2318may be suctioned to the steam housing2310and may be discharged through the steam discharge part2316along with steam in the steam housing2310.

When ordinary air, instead of filtered air, is suctioned into the steam housing2310, fungi and the like are highly likely to breed in the steam housing2310.

In one embodiment, air supplied into the steam housing2310is limited to filtered air. Accordingly, when the steam generator2300does not operate, contamination in the steam housing2310, caused by germs or fungi and the like, may be minimized.

For the steam generator2300according to one embodiment, an air flow of the humidification fan2500may be supplied into the steam generator2300to push steam out of the steam housing2310, thereby maximizing flow pressure of the steam.

In another embodiment, a structure, where the humidification fan suctions steam outside the steam housing, may not help steam in the steam housing to be discharged smoothly.

When steam generated in the steam generator2300does not flow to lateral discharge ports301,302rapidly, condensation may be formed while steam moves.

According to one embodiment, as the humidification fan2500supplies air at an air suction side of the steam generator2300, formation of condensation while the steam moves may be minimized Additionally, in one embodiment, as air of the humidification fan2500pushes steam in the steam housing2310out of the steam housing2310, a sufficient flow velocity of air may be ensured.

According to one embodiment, even when condensation is formed while steam flows, a sufficient flow velocity of air allowing steam to flow may be ensured. Accordingly, condensate may be naturally evaporated by the flow velocity of air.

<Configuration of Drain Assembly>

The drain assembly2700may be disposed at a base130, and may include a drain pump2710configured to drain water in a water supply assembly2200and a steam generator2300, a drain hose2720connected to the drain pump2710and configured to guide water pumped by the drain pump2710out of an indoor unit, and a water connection pipe2730configured to connect a chamber housing pipe2214of the water supply assembly2200, a water pipe2314of the steam generator2300and the drain pump2710to allow water to flow.

A configuration of the drain pump2710is known to one having ordinary skill in the art as an ordinary device. Accordingly, description of operation of the device is omitted. The drain pump2710may include a drain inlet2714connected to the water connection pipe2730, and a drain outlet2712connected to the drain hose2720.

The drain inlet2714may be disposed horizontally, and in one embodiment, may protrude towards the steam generator2300. The drain outlet2712may protrude upwards.

In one embodiment, as water in the water supply assembly2200, the steam generator2300, and the drain pump2710may be moved by its self-weight, the drain pump2710may be disposed to satisfy the requirement. Accordingly, the drain pump2710may be disposed lower than the chamber housing pipe2214and the water pipe2314, for example.

As water in the water supply assembly2200and the steam generator2300may also be moved using its self-weight, the water pipe2314may be disposed lower than the chamber housing pipe2214, for example.

On the basis of the above arrangement, the chamber housing pipe2214may be disposed at a highest position, and the drain pump2710may be disposed at a lowest position, and the water pipe2314may be disposed at a height between the chamber housing pipe2214and the drain pump2710.

The water supply assembly2200, the steam generator2300and the drain pump2710may all be disposed at the base130of a cabinet assembly100. To make a difference in heights, as described above, the base130may form a difference in heights.

In one embodiment, a drain pump installation part133, which is concave downwards, may be formed at the base130.

The base130may include a base top wall131which is flatly formed, and a drain pump installation part133which is concave downwards from the base top wall131.

The base top wall131may be disposed higher than the drain pump installation part133.

The water connection pipe2730may include a first connection pipe2731connected to the chamber housing pipe2214, a second connection pipe2732connected to the water pipe2314, a third connection pipe2733connected to the drain inlet2714, and a three-way pipe2735connected to the first connection pipe2731, the second connection pipe2732and the third connection pipe2733.

The three-way pipe2735may be a T-shaped pipe or a Y-shaped pipe, and in one embodiment, the T-shaped pipe may be used to minimize an installation space.

One end of the first connection pipe2731may be coupled to the chamber housing pipe2214, and the other end may be coupled to the three-way pipe2735. In another embodiment, the first connection pipe2731may be provided with a valve, and the installed valve may regulate a flow of the first connection pipe2731.

One end of the second connection pipe2732may be coupled to the water pipe2314, and the other end may be coupled to the three-way pipe2735. A mesh filer (not illustrated) may be installed in the second connection pipe2732. The mesh filter may filter scale that is produced due to operation of the steam generator, and may block the scale from flowing into the drain pump2710.

One end of the third connection pipe2733may be coupled to the drain inlet2714of the drain pump2710, and the other end may be coupled to the three-way pipe2735.

A material of the first connection pipe2731, the second connection pipe2732, and the third connection pipe2733may not be limited, but in one embodiment, may include a synthetic resin to ensure ease of assembly.

As high-temperature water may flow into the second connection pipe2732, a heat resistant material (in one embodiment, EDPM) may be used for the second connection pipe2732to cover a range of temperatures of the steam generator2300. The second connection pipe2732, for example, may be made of a material that is not deformed at a temperature (250° C.) prior to operation of a heater fuse.

For example, the entire water connection pipe2730may be made of a material that is not deformed at the temperature (250° C.) prior to operation of the heater fuse.

When the steam generator2300operates, a temperature of water in the steam generator2300may rise to 100° C. or higher even in a normal state. When a pipe for water supply and a pipe for water drainage are respectively provided, a temperature of the pipe for water supply, connected to the water tank, may rise slowly. However, as a small amount of water is stored in the pipe connected to the drain pump2710, a temperature of the pipe may rise to a temperature similar to that in the steam generator2300.

When a temperature of water in the pipe connected to the drain pump rises, the drain pump may be damaged.

In one embodiment, to prevent this from happening, water in the steam generator2300and water in the water supply assembly2200may be mixed in the three-way pipe2735. The mixed water may help to suppress an increase in the temperature of the third connection pipe2733.

Although a temperature of water in the second connection pipe2732rises to 100° C. or higher, water in the first connection pipe2731has a room temperature. Accordingly, high-temperature water and room-temperature water may be mixed in the three-way pipe2735, thereby suppressing an increase in temperature of the water.

As the water in the first connection pipe2731may be supplied by the water supply assembly2200, an increase in temperature may be suppressed by convection current.

For example, even when the drain pump2710operates in a state where water is collected in the steam housing2310after the steam generator2300operates, the high-temperature water drained from the second connection pipe2732and the room-temperature water drained from the first connection pipe2731may be mixed in the three-way pipe2735, and a temperature of the mixed water may drop to at least 70° C. or lower.

In one embodiment, when water is drained through the water connection pipe2730, a temperature of water flowing to the drain pump2710may be between 30° C. to 50° C.

In one embodiment, when the drain pump2710operates, water stored in the water tank2100and the water supply assembly2200as well as water stored in the steam housing2310may all be drained.

Water in a humidification assembly2000may be used for humidifying air in an indoor space. Accordingly, as time passes, germs may breed. When the humidification assembly2000is not used for a predetermined period of time (24 hours), water in the steam housing2310as well as water in the water tank2100and the water supply assembly2200may all be drained, and the humidification assembly2000may be dried out entirely.

When the drain pump2710operates, water in the third connection pipe2733may be drained. As one end of the third connection pipe2733coupled to the drain inlet2714may be disposed at a lowest height, water in the water tank2100and the water supply assembly2200may flow to the third connection pipe2733through the first connection pipe2713and the three-way pipe2735, on the basis of kinetic energy of the water.

Likewise, water in the steam housing2310may flow to the third connection pipe2733through the second connection pipe2732and the three-way pipe2735, on the basis of kinetic energy of the water.

With the above-described structure, the water connection pipe2730may suppress an increase in temperature of the steam generator2300and may readily implement drainage of the entire humidification assembly2000.

<<Configuration of Steam Guide>>

The steam guide2400may supply steam of a steam generator2300to a discharge flow channel. The discharge flow channel may include a flow channel of air allowed to flow by a long-distance fan assembly400, and a flow channel of air allowed to flow by a short-distance fan assembly300.

In one embodiment, the discharge flow channel may be defined as being disposed at a cabinet assembly100, and a period during which air passing through a filter assembly600is discharged out of the cabinet assembly100.

In one embodiment, the steam guide2400may guide steam, generated in the steam generator2300, to a lateral discharge port301,302. The steam guide2400may provide an additional flow channel separate from air in the cabinet assembly100. The steam guide2400may have a pipe shape or a duct shape.

The steam guide2400may include a main steam guide2450coupled to a steam generator2300and supplied with humidified air of the steam generator2300, a first branch guide2410coupled to the main steam guide2450and configured to guide some of the humidified air, supplied through the main steam guide2450, to a first lateral discharge port301, a second branch guide2420coupled to the main steam guide2450and configured to guide the remaining humidified air, supplied through the main steam guide2450, to a second lateral discharge port302, a first diffuser2430assembled to the first branch guide2410, disposed at the first lateral discharge port301and configured to discharge the humidified air, supplied through the first branch guide2410, to the first lateral discharge port301, and a second diffuser2440assembled to the second branch guide2420, disposed at the second lateral discharge port302and configured to discharge the humidified air, supplied through the second branch guide2420, to the second lateral discharge port302.

In another embodiment, the first branch guide2410and the second branch guide2420may be directly coupled to the steam generator2300. In this case, a steam discharge part, to which the first branch guide2410and the second branch guide2420are respectively coupled, may be disposed at the steam generator2300.

In yet another embodiment, a single branch guide may be provided and may be coupled to a single diffuser. In this case, the single diffuser may be disposed at any one of the first lateral discharge port or the second lateral discharge port.

In one embodiment, the diffuser may be disposed at the lateral discharge port but may also be installed at the front discharge port. That is, the position of the diffuser may not be limited to the lateral discharge port.

In one embodiment, the main steam guide2450may have a duct shape. The main steam guide2450may guide air from a lower side to an upper side. The main steam guide2450may supply air (air where steam and filtered air are mixed), supplied by the steam generator2300, to the first branch guide2410and the second branch guide2420.

The air (air where steam and filtered air are mixed) supplied by the steam generator2300may be branched from the main steam guide2450into the first branch guide2410and the second branch guide2420.

A lower end of the main steam guide2450may be coupled to a steam discharge part2316of the steam housing2310. An upper end of the main steam guide2450may be coupled to the first branch guide2410and the second branch guide2420.

The main steam guide2450may have an open lower side. The main steam guide2450may be provided with a first guide coupling part2451to which the first branch guide2410is assembled, and a second guide coupling part2452to which the second branch guide2420is assembled, at an upper side thereof.

The first guide coupling part2451and the second guide coupling part2452may penetrate in an up-down direction. In one embodiment, the first guide coupling part2451and the second guide coupling part2452may have a pipe shape.

The first branch guide2410may be formed into a pipe shape corresponding to a flat cross section of the first guide coupling part2451. The second branch guide2420may be formed into a pipe shape corresponding to a flat cross section of the second guide coupling part2451.

In one embodiment, when seen from a front of the cabinet assembly100, the main steam guide2450tilts to one side (the left). Accordingly, the first branch guide2410and the second branch guide2420may have different lengths.

Preferably, air may be supplied equivalently to the first branch guide2410and the second branch guide2420. In one embodiment, the first branch guide2410and the second branch guide2420may have different pipe diameters such that a flow rate of the first branch guide2410is equivalent to a flow rate of the second branch guide2420.

For example, a short-length steam guide may have a small pipe diameter, and a long-length steam guide may have a large pipe diameter, to ensure an equivalent flow rate.

The first diffuser2430and the second diffuser2440may be symmetrical in a left-right direction.

The first diffuser2430may be assembled to the first branch guide2410, and may be disposed at the first lateral discharge port301. The first diffuser2430may discharge air, supplied along with steam through the first branch guide2410, to the first lateral discharge port301.

The steam generator2300may heat water to generate steam. Accordingly, the steam has a high temperature. A temperature of humidified air discharged from the first diffuser2430and the second diffuser2440may vary depending on a temperature in an indoor space, but may be between 50° C. and 70° C. The humidified air discharged from the first diffuser2430and the second diffuser2440may cause burns to a user.

Accordingly, when the humidification assembly operates, the short-distance fan assembly300has to be operated, and air discharged from a side grille151,152and the humidified air have to be mixed to lower the temperature of the humidified air.

The humidified air discharged from the diffuser2430,2440may be mixed with air discharged from the lateral discharge port301,302.

The first diffuser2430may discharge filtered air including steam, carried by air discharged from the first lateral discharge port301. Flow velocity of air discharged from the first diffuser2430and flow velocity of air discharged through the first lateral discharge port301may be similar. A flow rate of air discharged from the first lateral discharge port301may be higher than a flow rate of the humidified air, but their flow velocity may be similar, for example. This is because the flow velocity of any one may act as resistance against the flow velocity of the other in case any one has a higher flow velocity than the other.

The air discharged from the first lateral discharge port301may diffuse steam discharged from the first diffuser2430farther away. The second diffuser2440may operate like the first diffuser.

The second diffuser2440may be assembled to the second branch guide2420and may be disposed at the second lateral discharge port302. The second diffuser2440may discharge air, supplied along with steam through the second branch guide2420, to the second lateral discharge port302.

The first diffuser2430and the second diffuser2440may have the same structure. The first diffuser2430is described hereunder as an example.

The first diffuser2430may discharge air, supplied along with steam from a lower side, to the lateral discharge port.

The diffuser (in one embodiment, the first diffuser and the second diffuser) may include a diffuser housing2460, which has a space therein and one side (in one embodiment, a lower side) of which is open, a diffuse outlet2431,2441formed to pass through the diffuser housing2460, a diffuser coupling part2432,2442disposed outside the diffuser housing2460and coupled and fixed to a cabinet assembly100, a diffuser inlet2433,2443disposed in the diffuser housing2460and assembled to a steam guide2420,2430, an upper diffuser barrier2434disposed in the diffuser housing2460, disposed at an upper side of a diffuser outlet2431,2441and configured to protrude downwards, and a lower diffuser barrier2435disposed in the diffuser housing2460, disposed at a lower side of the diffuser outlet2431and configured to protrude upwards.

When diffuser outlets of the first diffuser2430and the second diffuser2440need to be distinguished for convenience of description, the diffuser outlets may be referred to as a first diffuser outlet2431and a second diffuser outlet2441. Likewise, when diffuser inlets of the first diffuser2430and the second diffuser2440need to be distinguished, the diffuser inlets may be referred to as a first diffuser inlet2433and a second diffuser inlet2443.

The diffuser outlet2431may have a slit shape. The diffuser outlet2431may be extended in the up-down direction. A plurality of diffuser outlets2431may be disposed in a lengthwise direction of the diffuser housing2460. The diffuser outlet2431may be disposed towards the left or the right.

The diffuser outlet2431may be disposed near the lateral discharge port301,302of the cabinet assembly100.

The first diffuser outlet2431may be disposed towards the left of the cabinet assembly100, and the second diffuser outlet2441may be disposed towards the right of the cabinet assembly100.

In one embodiment, the diffuser outlet2431may be disposed further forwards than the lateral discharge port301,302and may allow the humidified air to flow farther away by a flow of air discharged from the lateral discharge port301,302.

The diffuser housing2460may be provided with a diffuser space2461therein. The diffuser space2461may communicate with the diffuser inlet2433and the diffuser outlet2431.

The diffuser space2461may be extended in the up-down direction. From a flat cross section perspective, an inside of the diffuser space2461may be wide while an outside of the diffuser space is narrow.

The diffuser outlet2431may be disposed outside the diffuser space2461. The diffuser inlet2433may be disposed at a lower side of the diffuser space2461. In one embodiment, the diffuser inlet2433may have a pipe shape.

The diffuser inlet2433may be inserted into the steam guide2420. When the diffuser inlet2433is inserted into the steam guide2420, condensate generated in the diffuser housing2460may be prevented from leaning outwards.

Condensate formed in the diffuser housing2460may flow downwards due to its self-weight, may move to the steam guide2420through the diffuser inlet2433and then may pass through the main steam guide2450to return to the steam generator2300.

When a humidification fan2500operates, the condensate in the diffuser housing2460may be naturally evaporated by flowing air. When the humidification fan2500does not operate, the condensate formed in the diffuser housing2460may return to the steam generator2300and may be discharged outwards though a drain assembly2700.

The diffuser housing2460may provide a structure that guides condensate formed in the diffuser housing2460downwards. To this end, a diffuser upper wall2462and a diffuser lower wall2464constituting the diffuser space2461may form an inclined surface.

The diffuser upper wall2462may be an inclined surface, an outer side of which is high and an inner side of which is low. The diffuser upper wall2462may form an upper side wall of the diffuser housing2460. The diffuser space2461may be formed at a lower side of the diffuser upper wall2462. The diffuser upper wall2462may form an inclination with respect to the left-right direction. Condensate formed on the diffuser upper wall2462may easily move downwards along the inclination of the diffuser upper wall2462.

The diffuser lower wall2464may be an inclined surface, an outer side of which is high and an inner side of which is low. The diffuser lower wall2464may form a lower side wall of the diffuser housing2460. The diffuser space2461may be formed at an upper side of the diffuser lower wall2464. The diffuser lower wall2464may form an inclination with respect to the left-right direction. Condensate formed on the diffuser lower wall2464may easily move downwards along the inclination of the diffuser lower wall2464.

The diffuser housing2460may provide a structure that prevents condensate formed in the diffuser housing2460from being discharged outwards.

The condensate formed in the diffuser housing2460may be scattered out of the diffuser2430,2440by flow pressure of air supplied by the humidification fan2500.

To prevent this from happening, the upper diffuser barrier2434and the lower diffuser barrier2435may be disposed in the diffuser housing2460.

The upper diffuser barrier2434may be disposed at the diffuser upper wall2462and may protrude from the diffuser upper wall2462downwards.

The upper diffuser barrier2434may be disposed outside the diffuser upper wall2462, for example. The upper diffuser barrier2434may be disposed at an outermost side of the diffuser upper wall2462, may protrude downwards from an uppermost side of the diffuser upper wall2462and may extend from the diffuser upper wall2462in a front-rear direction.

The upper diffuser barrier2434may limit movement of condensate by blocking a part of the upper side of the diffuser outlet. The condensate, pushed and moved outwards along the diffuser upper wall2462by flow pressure of air, may be stopped by the upper diffuser barrier2434and may be prevented from being discharged outwards.

The lower diffuser barrier2435may be disposed at the diffuser lower wall2462and may protrude from the diffuser lower wall2464upwards.

The lower diffuser barrier2435may be disposed outside the diffuser lower wall2464, for example. The lower diffuser barrier2435may be disposed at an outermost side of the diffuser lower wall2464, may protrude from an uppermost side of the diffuser lower wall2464upwards and may extend from the diffuser lower wall2464in the front-rear direction.

The lower diffuser barrier2435may block a part of the lower side of the diffuser outlet to limit movement of condensate. The condensate pushed and moved outwards along the diffuser lower wall2464by flow pressure of air may be stopped by the lower diffuser barrier2435and may be prevented from being discharged outwards.

The diffuser housing2460may include a front diffuser housing2463forming a front surface of the diffuser space2461and disposed to face forwards, a rear diffuser housing2465forming a back surface of the diffuser space2461and disposed to face rearwards, and a protruding part2466protrudes forwards from an outer end2463aof the front diffuser housing2463.

The diffuser space2461may be formed between the front diffuser housing2463and the rear diffuser housing2465.

An outer surface2463cof the front diffuser housing2463may be disposed towards an upper cover162. In one embodiment, the outer surface2463cof the front diffuser housing2463, and the upper cover162may form a contained angle of A2. In another embodiment, the outer surface2463cof the front diffuser housing2463may closely contact a back surface of the upper cover162, and the outer surface2463cof the front diffuser housing2463and the upper cover162may form a contained angle of 0 degrees. An inner surface2463bof the front diffuser housing2463may form the diffuser space2461.

The rear diffuser housing2465may be disposed at a front of a motor cover318. In one embodiment, an outer surface2465cof the rear diffuser housing2465may closely contact a front surface of the motor cover318. An inner surface2465bof the rear diffuser housing2465may form the diffuser housing2461.

An outer end of the motor cover318may extend to the side grille151,152. The outer end of the motor cover318may guide discharged air to the side grille151,152.

The diffuser outlet2431may be disposed between the outer end2463aof the front diffuser housing2463and an outer end2465aof the rear diffuser housing2465.

The outer end2463aof the front diffuser housing2463and the outer end2465aof the rear diffuser housing2465may be spaced apart from each other in a front-rear direction to form the diffuser outlet2431.

The outer end2463aof the front diffuser housing2463and the outer end2465aof the rear diffuser housing2465may form a distance of D1in the front-rear direction to form the diffuser outlet2431.

In one embodiment, the outer end2463aof the front diffuser housing2463may protrude further outwards than the outer end2465aof the rear diffuser housing2465. The outer end2463aof the front diffuser housing2463and the outer end2465aof the rear diffuser housing2465may form a distance of D2in the left-right direction.

A distance of D3may be formed from the outer end2463ato an end2466aat a front of the protruding part2466.

A distance of D4may be formed from the end2466aat the front of the protruding part2466to a back surface217aof a front panel end. As a door assembly200is a structure that slides in the left-right direction with respect to the cabinet assembly100, the distance of D4may not be set to 0. When the distance of D4is 0, friction and noise may be caused by sliding movements of the door assembly200. In fact, assembly tolerance or manufacturing tolerance of the door assembly200and the cabinet assembly100is needed. Accordingly, in case the distance of D4is 1 mm, it is difficult to manufacture the indoor unit. From a technical point of view, the distance of D4may be 2 mm or greater, for example.

A distance of D5may be formed from the outer end2463ato an outer surface216aof a second front panel side216.

The outer end2463aof the front diffuser housing2463may be disposed within a width of the door assembly100in the left-right direction. Accordingly, formation of condensation on a surface of the door assembly200may be minimized.

The outer end2463aof the front diffuser housing2463may not protrude outside the door assembly200, for example. When the outer end2463aprotrudes outside the door assembly200, force of air discharged from the side grille and allowing humidified air to flow forwards may increase. Accordingly, condensation may be formed at the front panel side.

The outer end2463aof the front diffuser housing2463may be disposed on the same line as the lateral side grille151,152with respect to the front-rear direction, or may be disposed further inwards than the side grille151,152.

Specifically, the outer end2463aof the front diffuser housing2463may be disposed further outwards than an outer end155aof a vane155disposed at the side grille151,152in a lateral direction. Additionally, the front panel side may be disposed further outwards than the outer end2463aof the front diffuser housing2463in the lateral direction.

The outer end2465aof the rear diffuser housing2465may be disposed further inwards than the outer end155aof the vane155or the outer end2463aof the front diffuser housing2463in the lateral direction. In one embodiment, the outer end2465aof the rear diffuser housing2465may be disposed within a length of the vane155in the left-right direction.

A vane gap (BG) may be formed between a plurality of vanes155. Among the plurality of vanes155, a vane disposed at a foremost position is referred to as a first vane156.

The outer end2465aof the rear diffuser housing2465may be disposed between an outer end156aof the first vane156and the outer end2463aof the front diffuser housing2463.

In one embodiment, a gap between the outer end156aof the first vane156and the outer end2463aof the front diffuser housing2463may be the same as the vane gap (BG).

The diffuser outlet2431,2441may be disposed between the outer end156aof the first vane156and the outer end2463aof the front diffuser housing2463.

The outer end2465aof the rear diffuser housing2465may be disposed further forwards than the outer end156aof the first vane156, and the outer end2463aof the front diffuser housing2463may be disposed further forwards than the outer end2465aof the rear diffuser housing2465.

The protruding part2466may be disposed to surround an outer edge162aof the upper cover162. When seen from a front surface, the upper cover162may be disposed between a protruding part (not illustrated) of the first diffuser2430and the protruding part2466of the second diffuser2440.

The outer end2463aof the front diffuser housing2463may be disposed within the width of the door assembly100in the left-right direction. That is, the outer end2463aof the front diffuser housing2463may not protrude outside a left edge of the door assembly100or a right edge216aof the door assembly100. The distance of D5may be 1 mm or greater, for example.

For the distance of D5, a (+) distance may denote a direction from the left edge or the right edge216atowards an inside of a front panel210, and a (−) distance may denote a direction of an outside of the left edge or the right edge216a.

When a surface of the left edge or the right edge216ais disposed on the same line as the left edge or the right edge216aof the front panel210(D5=0), condensation may be formed on a surface of the left edge or the right edge216a.

When the distance of D5is greater than 1 mm, formation of condensation may be effectively reduced. As the distance of D5increases, a distance between the outer end2463aof the front diffuser housing2463and the left edge or the right edge216aof the front panel210may increase.

Additionally, a total of the distances of D3and D4may be an important factor for minimizing formation of condensation on surfaces of a first front panel side214and the second front panel side216of the front panel210.

In one embodiment, a total (DL) of the distances of D3and D4may be 5 mm or greater.

When the distance of D3is 3 mm, the distance of D4has to be 2 mm or greater, and when the distance of D4is 2 mm, the distance of D3has to be 3 mm or greater.

When the total (DL) is 5 mm or greater, formation of condensation may be suppressed.

As the total (DL) becomes greater, a length of a front of the side grille151,152may become longer. In one embodiment, the total (DL) may be from 5 mm or greater to 10 mm or less, for example.

In one embodiment, considering design tolerance and manufacturing tolerance, the distance of D3may be 6 mm to 7 mm, and considering assembly tolerance, the distance of D4may be 2 mm to 3 mm, and the total (DL) may be set to 8 mm to 10 mm.

The front diffuser housing2463may closely contact the upper cover162that covers a front surface of an upper cabinet110. The front diffuser housing2463may be disposed at a rear of the upper cover162, and may closely contact the back surface of the upper cover162.

The outer end2463aof the front diffuser housing2463may be formed to surround an edge162aof a lateral surface of the upper cover162. As the outer end2463aof the front diffuser housing2463surrounds a lateral portion of the upper cover162, the lateral surface of the upper cover162may be prevented from being exposed outwards.

The protruding part2466of the front diffuser housing2463may form a step along with the front diffuser housing2463and may protrude forwards.

Accordingly, the protruding part2466of the front diffuser housing2463may be exposed outwards. In one embodiment, the protruding part2466of the front diffuser housing2463is referred to as a diffuser housing decoration part.

The diffuser housing decoration part may be disposed at an edge of a back surface of the door assembly200and may not protrude further laterally than an edge of a lateral surface of the door assembly200.

As the diffuser housing decoration part protrudes further laterally than the outer end2465aof the rear diffuser housing2465, linearity of humidified air discharged from the diffuser2430may improve.

The outer end2465aof the rear diffuser housing2465may be disposed further inwards than the lateral side grille151,152. With respect to the front-rear direction, the outer end2465aof the rear diffuser housing2465may be disposed between the lateral side grille151,152and the front diffuser housing2463.

The rear diffuser housing2465may be disposed in a direction of an inclination of the lateral side grille151,152and may minimize resistance against air discharged through the lateral discharge port301,302.

The front diffuser housing2463may be disposed in the left-right direction, for example. When the front diffuser housing2463may be disposed in the left-right direction, linearity of air including steam towards the lateral direction may improve.

The upper cover162and a front panel body212may be disposed in parallel.

From a flat cross section perspective, with respect to a front surface200aof the front panel body212, a contained angle between the front surface200aand the vane155of the side grille151,152is defined as A1. The contained angle of A1may be disposed to face forwards, and may be formed between 40 degrees and 50 degrees. In one embodiment, the contained angle of A1may be 45 degrees.

From a flat cross section perspective, with respect to the front surface200aof the front panel body212, a contained angle between the front surface200aand the front diffuser housing2463is defined as A2.

The contained angle of A2may be formed from 0 or greater degrees to 40 or less degrees.

As a difference between the contained angles of A1and A2becomes greater, formation of condensation on a surface of the front panel side may be suppressed more effectively. The contained angle of A2may be 0 degrees, for example. In one embodiment, the contained angle of A2may be 5 degrees.

From a flat cross section perspective, with respect to the front surface200aof the front panel body212, a contained angle between the front surface200aand the rear diffuser housing2465is defined as A3.

The contained angle of A3may be smaller than an angle of the vane155, for example.

Considering the contained angle of A2, A3may be greater than A2and may be smaller than A1.

When the contained angle of A3is larger than the inclination angle (A1) of the vane155, resistance may occur against air towards the side grille.

A contained angle of B1may be formed between a direction (Sh) faced by an outer circumferential end of a shroud314, and the front surface200aof the front panel body212.

A contained angle of B2may be formed between a direction (A) faced by an outer circumferential end of a hub312, and the front surface200aof the front panel body212.

The contained angle of B1of the shroud314may be the same as the contained angle of A1of the vane155, for example. The contained angle of B2of the hub312may be the same as the contained angle of A1of the vane155, for example.

When the direction (Sh) of the shroud314, the direction (A) of the hub312and the direction (A1) of the vane155are the same or similar, pneumatic resistance of air may be minimized.

In one embodiment, the direction (A) of the hub312and the direction (A1) of the vane155may be formed to be the same, and the direction (Sh) of the shroud314may be gentler than the contained angle of A1.

In one embodiment, all the plurality of vanes155of the side grille may be disposed between the direction (Sh) faced by the outer circumferential end of the shroud314and the direction (A) faced by the outer circumferential end of the hub312.

That is, the vanes155may be disposed further rearwards than the direction (Sh) faced by the outer circumferential end of the shroud314, and may be disposed further forwards than the direction (A) faced by the outer circumferential end of the hub312.

Additionally, the diffuser outlet2431,2441may be disposed further rearwards than the direction (A) faced by the outer circumferential end of the hub312. The protruding part2466may be disposed further rearwards than the direction (A) faced by the outer circumferential end of the hub312.

From a flat cross section perspective, for the diffuser space2461in the diffuser housing2460, an inside may be wide and an outside may be narrow. From a flat cross section perspective, the diffuser space2461may be formed into a wedge shape an outside of which is pointy.

The diffuser outlet2431may be disposed at the pointy portion of the diffuser space2461. The diffuser outlet2431may be disposed further forwards than the lateral discharge port301,302. The diffuser outlet2431may be disposed further rearwards than the door assembly200and may be disposed further forwards than the side grille151,152.

The lateral discharge port301,302may discharge air towards a right of a front and a left of the front, and humidified air may be discharged in a forward direction of the lateral discharge port301,302. When the humidified air is discharged in the forward direction of the lateral discharge port301,302, the humidified air may flow father away.

When the humidification assembly2000according to one embodiment provides a humidification function, a distance reached by moisture does not rely only on an output of the humidification fan2500. In case making moisture to flow farther away relies on the output of the humidification fan2500, capacity of the humidification fan2500has to increase or the humidification fan250has to operate at high speeds.

In one embodiment, when the humidification assembly2000operates, moisture carried by air of a short-distance fan assembly300may flow farther away. In this case, although a humidification fan2500having low output capacity is used, humidified air may be provided to a far corner in an indoor space.

The diffuser outlet2431may be disposed at a front of the lateral discharge port301,302rather than a rear of the lateral discharge port301,302such that humidified air flows farther away.

A stream (HA) of humidified air discharged from the diffuser outlet2431and a stream (DA) of discharged air discharged from the vane152may cross. In order for the stream (HA) of the humidified air and the stream (DA) of the discharged air to cross, a direction of an inclination of the front diffuser housing2463and a direction of an inclination of the vane152may cross.

<<Configuration of Humidification Fan>>

The humidification fan2500may suction filtered air passing through a filter assembly600and may supply the filtered air to a steam generator2300, and may allow the filtered air along with steam generated in the steam generator2300to flow to a steam guide2400.

The humidification fan2500may generate an air flow that discharges steam and filtered air (in one embodiment, humidified air) from a diffuser2430,2440.

The humidification fan2500may include a humidification fan housing2530configured to suction filtered air passing through a filter assembly600and to guide the filtered air suctioned to a steam generator2300, a clean suction duct2540, a lower side of which is connected to the humidification fan housing2530and an upper side of which is disposed at a front of the filter assembly600to supply the filtered air passing through the filter assembly600to the humidification fan housing2530, a humidification impeller2510disposed in the humidification fan housing2530and allowing the filtered air of the humidification fan housing2530to flow to the steam generator2300, and a humidification motor2520disposed at the humidification fan housing2530and configured to rotate the humidification impeller2510.

The clean suction duct2540may supply filtered air passing through the filter assembly600to the humidification fan housing2530.

The filter assembly600may be disposed at an upper cabinet110, and the humidification fan2500may be disposed at a lower cabinet120. Accordingly, there is a difference between the heights at which the filter assembly600and the humidification fan2500are disposed. That is, the filter assembly600may be disposed at an upper portion of the humidification fan2500.

The filtered air passing through the filter assembly600may flow to a short-distance fan assembly300, and may not flow to the lower cabinet120or hardly flow to the lower cabinet120. The lower cabinet120has no portion from which air is discharged. Accordingly, as long as air is not supplied to the lower cabinet120artificially, the filtered air may not flow or circulate into the lower cabinet120.

Additionally, as a drain pan140, which supports a heat exchange assembly and collects condensate, is disposed at a lower side of the upper cabinet110, the filtered air in the upper cabinet110may hardly flow to the lower cabinet120.

An upper end of the clean suction duct2540may be disposed in the upper cabinet110, and a lower end may be disposed in the lower cabinet120. That is, the clean suction duct2540may provide a flow channel for allowing the filtered air in the upper cabinet110to flow into the lower cabinet120.

The clean suction duct2540may include a first clean duct part2542which may be disposed in the upper cabinet110, and into which filtered air is suctioned, and a second clean duct part2544which may be disposed in the lower cabinet120and which is coupled to the humidification fan housing2530.

The first clean duct part2542and the second clean duct part2544may be integrally manufactured.

The first clean duct part2542may be disposed towards the heat exchange assembly, and the second clean duct part2544may be disposed towards the humidification fan housing2530.

In one embodiment, the first clean duct part2542may be disposed horizontally, and the second clean duct part2544may be disposed perpendicularly.

The first clean duct part2542may be disposed at a front of the heat exchange assembly and may be disposed towards the filter assembly600. In one embodiment, the first clean duct part2542may closely contact a front surface of the heat exchange assembly. The first clean duct part2542may be disposed at a front of a lower portion of the heat exchange assembly. For the first clean duct part2542, a first clean duct open surface2541, which is open towards the heat exchange assembly or the filter assembly600, may be formed.

The second clean duct part2544may guide filtered air, supplied through the first clean duct part2542, to the humidification fan housing2530. A lower end of the second clean duct part2544may be assembled to the humidification fan housing2530.

The second clean duct part2544may be disposed in an up-down direction and may be disposed across a drain pan140in the up-down direction. In one embodiment, the second clean duct part2544may be disposed at a front of the drain pan140.

For the second clean duct part2544, a second clean duct open surface2543, which communicates with a first suction open surface2552of a below-described first humidification fan housing2550, may be formed.

The humidification fan housing2530may include a first humidification fan housing2550which is coupled to the clean suction duct2540, where filtered air is suctioned and which is provided with a first suction space2551therein, a second humidification fan housing2560coupled to the first humidification fan housing2550to receive filtered air from the first humidification fan housing2550, provided with a second suction space2561therein, provided with the humidification impeller2510therein and configured to guide the filtered air to the steam generator2300by operation of the humidification impeller2510, a first suction open surface2552formed in the first humidification fan housing2550, communicating with the first suction space2551and being open towards one side (in one embodiment, an upper side), a second suction open surface2562formed in the second humidification fan housing2560, communicating with the second suction space2561and being open towards the other side (in one embodiment, a lower side), a first suction space discharge part2553passing through the first humidification fan housing2550and the second humidification fan housing2560and allowing the first suction space2551to communicate with the second suction space2561, and a motor installation part2565which is disposed in the second humidification fan housing2560and where the humidification motor2520is installed.

The first humidification fan housing2550may be provided with the first suction open surface2552towards the upper side. The clean suction duct2540may connect to the suction open surface2552. The second humidification fan housing2560may be provided with the second suction open surface2562towards the lower side.

In one embodiment, a direction in which the first suction open surface2552is open may be opposite to a direction in which the second suction open surface2562is open.

A lower surface2554of the first humidification fan housing2550may be rounded, and may be disposed further downwards than the first suction space discharge part2553. An upper surface2564of the second humidification fan housing2560may be rounded, and may be disposed further upwards than the first suction space discharge part2553.

A motor shaft (not illustrated) of the humidification motor2520may pass through the second humidification fan housing2560and may be assembled to the humidification impeller2510.

The motor installation part2565may protrude from the second humidification fan housing2560rearwards, and the humidification motor2520may be inserted into and installed in the motor installation part2565.

The first humidification fan housing2550where the first suction space2551is formed, and the second humidification fan housing2560where the second suction space2561is formed may be separately manufactured and then may be assembled.

In one embodiment, three parts may be assembled to manufacture the humidification fan housing2530as part of an effort to simplify an assembly structure and reduce manufacturing costs.

The humidification fan housing2530may include a first humidification fan housing part2531configured to surround a front of the first suction space2551and constituting a part of the first humidification fan housing2550, a second humidification fan housing part2532configured to surround a rear of the first suction space2551, configured to surround a front of the second suction space2561, provided with the first suction space discharge part2553and constituting the rest of the first humidification fan housing2550and a part of the second humidification fan housing2560, and a third housing part2533configured to surround a rear of the second suction space2561, provided with the motor installation part2565and constituting the rest of the second humidification fan housing2560.

As the second humidification fan housing part2532is shared by the first humidification fan housing2550and the second humidification fan housing2560, the number of components may be reduced, thereby ensuring a decrease in manufacturing costs.

The second humidification fan housing part2532may be provided with the first suction space discharge part2553. The first suction space discharge part2553may be formed to pass through the second humidification fan housing part2532in a front-rear direction.

The first suction space discharge part2553may protrude towards the humidification impeller side2510and may have a circular shape.

The second humidification fan housing part2532may form the first suction space discharge part2553and may be provided with an orifice part2534protruding towards the humidification impeller side2510.

The second humidification fan housing part2532may be provided with the first suction space2551at a front thereof and provided with the second suction space2561at a rear thereof.

The humidification impeller2510may be a centrifugal fan that suctions air from its center and discharges air circumferentially. Air discharged from the humidification impeller2510may flow to the steam generator2300through the second humidification fan housing2560.

A flow of filtered air based on operation of the humidification motor2520is described as follows.

When the humidification motor2520operates, the humidification impeller2510coupled to the humidification motor2520may rotate. As the humidification impeller2510rotates, an air flow may be generated in the humidification fan housing2530, and filtered air may be suctioned through the clean suction duct2540.

The filtered air suctioned through the clean suction duct2540may pass through the first suction space2551and the first suction space discharge part2553of the first humidification fan housing2550, and may flow to the second humidification fan housing2560. The air flowing to the second humidification fan housing2560may be pressurized by the humidification impeller2510, may move downwards along the second humidification fan housing2560, and then may flow into the steam generator2300through the second suction open surface2562.

The filtered air, flowing into a steam housing2310through an air suction part2318of the steam generator2300, may be discharged through a steam discharge part2316along with steam generated in the steam generator2300.

Humidified air discharged from the steam discharge part2316may be branched from a main steam guide2450into a first branch guide2410and a second branch guide2420.

The humidified air flowing to the first branch guide2410may be discharged to a first lateral discharge port301through a first diffuser2440, and the humidified air flowing to the second branch guide2420may be discharged to a second lateral discharge port302through a second diffuser2450.

The humidified air discharged from the first lateral discharge port301may be diffused towards a left side of a cabinet assembly100along with air movement generated through the short-distance fan assembly300, and the humidified air discharged from the second lateral discharge port302may be diffused towards a right side of the cabinet assembly100along with air movement generated through the short-distance fan assembly300.

FIG.23is a view illustrating an example of a flow as the time of a first exemplary humidification operation.FIG.24is a view illustrating an example of a flow at the time of a first exemplary steam-sterilization operation.

Referring toFIG.23, when the indoor unit according to one embodiment performs a humidification operation, filtered air passing through the filter assembly600may be suctioned into the humidification fan2500through the clean suction duct2540, and the filtered air, suctioned based on an operation of the humidification motor2520, may flow to the steam generator2300.

The air flowing from the humidification fan2500to the steam generator2500may flow from an upper side to a lower side, and may flow into the steam housing2310through the air suction part2318. The filtered air flowing into the steam housing2310may be mixed with steam generated in the steam housing2310. The filtered air may be mixed with the steam while moving in the steam housing2310horizontally, and based on the mixture of the steam and the filtered air, humidified air may be generated.

Of a first heater part2321and a second heater part2322, power may be supplied only to the first heater part2321, and the first heater part2321may only generate heat at the time of humidification operation.

In a structure where the humidification fan2500is disposed on a discharge side of the steam generator2300and the steam housing2310suctions air, steam of the steam generator2300may flow back to the filter assembly600, and condensate may be generated in the filter assembly600.

In one embodiment, the humidification fan2500may blow air to the steam generator2300to supply filtered air. Accordingly, steam generated in the steam generator2300may be prevented from flowing back to the filter assembly600.

When the humidification fan2500does not operate, steam may flow backwards through the air suction part2318. In one embodiment, as the humidification fan2500blows and supplies air towards the steam housing2310, steam generated in the steam generator2300may be prevented from flowing backwards to an air suction side.

Humidified air in the steam housing2310may be discharged out of the steam housing2310through the steam discharge part2316. The main steam guide2450may be disposed at an upper portion of the steam discharge part2316, and the humidified air may flow upwards along the main steam guide2450.

The humidified air flowing in the main steam guide2450has a temperature higher than a temperature of air in an indoor space. Accordingly, the humidified air may move upwards based on a density difference. The humidified air flowing in the main steam guide2450may naturally move from a lower side to an upper side on the basis of air pressure by the humidification fan2500and a density difference.

The humidified air in the main steam guide2450may branch from the main steam guide into the first branch guide2410and the second branch guide2420, and then may be supplied to the first diffuser2430or the second diffuser2440.

Depending on conditions of an indoor space, condensate may be generated in the first branch guide2410, the second branch guide2420, the first diffuser2430, or the second diffuser2440.

Condensate generated in the steam guide2400may move downwards due to its self-weight. The condensate, moving from the diffuser2430,2440to the branch guide2410,2420on the basis of its self-weight, may flow into an upper portion of the branch guide2410,2420through the diffuser inlet2433,2443.

When the condensate moves to the branch guide2410,2420through the diffuser inlet2433,2443, noise may be made due to interference between the condensate and air. The condensate moving downwards due to its self-weight and the humidified air flowing upwards may cause friction and due to the friction, noise may be made.

That is, when the condensate is separated on an inner surface of the diffuser inlet2433,2443, the humidified air flowing upwards, and the condensate moving downwards based on its self-weight may meet, and noise may be made.

When a small amount of condensate is generated, a user may not recognize the noise. However, when a large amount of condensate is generated, a user may recognize the noise. To solve the problem, a noise reduction structure capable of reducing noise of the condensate may be formed at a portion where the diffuser inlet2433,2443and the branch guide2410,2420are coupled.

In one embodiment, for the noise reduction structure, an inner diameter (P1) of the diffuser inlet2433,2443may be smaller than an inner diameter (P2) of the branch guide2410,2420. Accordingly, a step (GP) may be formed between a lower end2433aof the diffuser inlet2433,2443and an inner surface of the branch guide2410,2420.

As the inner diameter (P1) of the diffuser inlet2433,2443is smaller than the inner diameter (P2) of the branch guide2410,2420, the condensate flowing from an upper side may be moved to the inner surface2410aof the branch guide by surface tension at the lower end2433aof the diffuser inlet.

When air flows from the branch guide to the diffuser inlet, the inner diameter may be reduced from P2 to P1. Accordingly, air resistance may be formed around the lower end2433aof the diffuser inlet, causing air stream to flow to the inner diameter (P1) of the diffuser inlet rather than the inner surface2410aof the branch guide2410,2420.

That is, through the step (GP) where the inner diameter becomes small, the condensate may move downwards along the inner surface2410aof the branch guide, and separation of the condensate on the inner surface of the diffuser inlet2433,2443may be minimized by air movement pressure of the humidified air.

In another embodiment, the inner diameter (P1) of the diffuser inlet2433,2443and the inner diameter (P2) of the branch guide2410,2420may be the same, and the inner surface2433bof the diffuser inlet and the inner surface2410aof the branch guide may form a continuous surface.

Humidified air supplied to the first diffuser2430and the second diffuser2440may be discharged respectively from the first diffuser outlet2431and the second diffuser outlet2441.

When a humidification assembly is steam-sterilized, the steam generator2300operates while the humidification fan2500does not operate. At the time of steam-sterilization operation, power may be supplied to all the first heater part2321and the second heater part2322, and the first heater part2321may only generate heat.

When the first heater part2321and the second heater part2322operate, water stored in the steam generator2300may be heated rapidly, and a temperature of generated steam may increase rapidly. Accordingly, a small amount of water may be used to sterilize the steam guide2400entirely.

After the steam-sterilization operation, the water in the steam generator2300, and water in the water tank2100may be drained together.

FIG.25is a front view illustrating an indoor unit including a second exemplary humidification assembly.FIG.26is a flat cross-sectional view ofFIG.25.FIG.27is a cross-sectional perspective view of the diffuser and the side grille inFIG.26.

Disposition of a first diffuser12430and a second diffuser12440in this embodiment may differ from that in the above-described embodiments. Unlike the above-described embodiments, a short-distance fan assembly300may only be disposed in this embodiment.

The diffuser12430,12440according to one embodiment may be disposed at a rear of a side grille152, and each diffuser outlet2431,2441may be disposed to face forwards.

In other embodiments, the diffuser12430,12440may be formed into a wedge shape and may be disposed towards a vane155of the side grille152provided with a pointy diffuser outlet2341,2441at a front thereof.

The diffuser12430,12440may be disposed further rearwards than a lateral discharge port301,302. For the diffuser12430,12440, a diffuser inlet2433,2443may be disposed at a rear, and a diffuser outlet2341,2441may be disposed at a front.

In one embodiment, a stream of humidified air discharged from the diffuser12430,12440may be across a stream of discharged air.

As the diffuser12430,12440is disposed at a rear of the lateral discharge port301,302, interference with the discharged air may be minimized. As the diffuser12430,12440is disposed at the rear of the lateral discharge port301,302, interference between the discharged air and a motor cover318may be minimized.

The remaining configurations of this embodiment are the same as those in the above-described embodiments. Accordingly, detailed description on the remaining configurations is omitted.

FIG.28is an exploded perspective view illustrating a third exemplary indoor unit.

For a humidification assembly according to one embodiment, an upper cabinet110and a lower cabinet120may be divided, and a partition for dividing a first inner space (S1) and a second inner space (S2) may be disposed between the upper cabinet110and the lower cabinet120. The partition may be a drain pan140.

A first suction port101may be disposed on a back surface of the upper cabinet110, and a second suction port102may be disposed on a back surface of the lower cabinet120. A first filter assembly600may be disposed at the first suction port101, and a second filter assembly602may be disposed at the second suction port102.

Air suctioned through the first suction port101may pass through a heat exchange assembly500, and may exchange heat with the heat exchange assembly500to condition air in an indoor space.

Air suctioned through the second suction port102may be supplied to the humidification assembly2000. Filtered air suctioned through the second suction port102may be supplied to the humidification assembly2000and may be used to supply humidified air, as in the first embodiment.

In one embodiment, filtered air, which exchanges heat with the heat exchange assembly, is supplied to the humidification assembly. In this embodiment, filtered air passing through the second filter assembly602may only be used to generate humidified air without heat exchange with the heat exchange assembly500.

When the indoor unit operates for a long time, foreign substances may be attached onto a surface of the heat exchange assembly500. In one embodiment, foreign substances separated from the heat exchange assembly500may be prevented from flowing into the humidification assembly2000.

A steam guide2400may be disposed to pass through the partition (in one embodiment, the drain pan). Air in the first inner space (S1) and the second inner space (S2) may be blocked by the partition, and the partition may prevent conditioned air from flowing into the second inner space (S2).

The remaining configurations of this embodiment are the same as those in the above-described embodiments. Accordingly, detailed description on the remaining configurations is omitted.

Although the embodiments have been described with reference to a number of illustrative embodiments thereof, it should be understood that numerous other modifications and embodiments can be devised by those skilled in the art. In addition to variations and modifications in the component parts and/or arrangements, alternative uses will also be apparent to those skilled in the art. Thus, the embodiments are provided only as examples and are not limited.