U.S. patent application number 14/937092 was filed with the patent office on 2016-05-12 for air conditioner.
This patent application is currently assigned to SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.. The applicant listed for this patent is SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.. Invention is credited to Sung-hyun CHUN, Chang-woo JUNG, Jae-rim JUNG, Nak-hyun KIM, Sung-jae KIM, Jun-seok KWON, Seung-won OH, Hae-gyun SHIN, Moon-sun SHIN, Sang-ki YOON, Yeon-seob YUN.
Application Number | 20160131369 14/937092 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 55911951 |
Filed Date | 2016-05-12 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160131369 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
JUNG; Jae-rim ; et
al. |
May 12, 2016 |
AIR CONDITIONER
Abstract
An air conditioner includes a main body including a housing
having a front surface with an opening, a heat exchanger disposed
in the housing, and at least one fan disposed in front of the heat
exchanger and configured to discharge air that exchanges heat
through the heat exchanger through the opening, and a frame
disposed below the main body and configured to support the main
body, wherein the main body is disposed to be inclined backward at
a preset angle.
Inventors: |
JUNG; Jae-rim; (Asan-si,
KR) ; KWON; Jun-seok; (Suwon-si, KR) ; KIM;
Nak-hyun; (Yongin-si, KR) ; KIM; Sung-jae;
(Suwon-si, KR) ; SHIN; Moon-sun; (Suwon-si,
KR) ; SHIN; Hae-gyun; (Osan-si, KR) ; OH;
Seung-won; (Seongnam-si, KR) ; YOON; Sang-ki;
(Suwon-si, KR) ; YUN; Yeon-seob; (Suwon-si,
KR) ; JUNG; Chang-woo; (Suwon-si, KR) ; CHUN;
Sung-hyun; (Suwon-si, KR) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD. |
Suwon-si |
|
KR |
|
|
Assignee: |
SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO.,
LTD.
Suwon-si
KR
|
Family ID: |
55911951 |
Appl. No.: |
14/937092 |
Filed: |
November 10, 2015 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
165/122 ; 165/68;
62/285 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F24F 1/0007 20130101;
F24F 1/0011 20130101; F24F 1/005 20190201; F24F 13/32 20130101;
F25D 21/14 20130101 |
International
Class: |
F24F 1/00 20060101
F24F001/00; F24F 13/32 20060101 F24F013/32; F25D 21/14 20060101
F25D021/14 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Nov 12, 2014 |
KR |
10-2014-0157384 |
Claims
1. An air conditioner comprising: a main body comprising a housing
having a front surface with an opening, a heat exchanger disposed
in the housing, and at least one fan disposed in front of the heat
exchanger and configured to discharge air that exchanges heat
through the heat exchanger through the opening; and a frame
disposed below the main body and configured to support the main
body, wherein the main body is disposed to be inclined backward at
a preset angle.
2. The air conditioner as claimed in claim 1, wherein the frame
supports the main body to be inclined.
3. The air conditioner as claimed in claim 2, wherein the frame
comprises: a cabinet comprising a pipe configured to accommodate a
drain hose configured to drain condensation liquid water generated
in the heat exchanger and a refrigerant pipe, and a pipe hole
through which the pipe passes; and a support coupled to a lower
portion of the cabinet.
4. The air conditioner as claimed in claim 3, wherein: the support
comprises a front frame coupled to a front portion of the cabinet,
and a rear frame coupled to a rear portion of the cabinet; and
wherein the rear frame is disposed in such a way that an upper
portion of the rear frame is inclined toward a rear surface of the
cabinet.
5. The air conditioner as claimed in claim 4, wherein the front
frame comprises: a case frame forming a frame of the front frame; a
reinforcing member accommodated in the case frame; and a cover
coupled along an external side of the front frame.
6. The air conditioner as claimed in claim 4, wherein the rear
frame comprises a pair of vertical frames having upper ends coupled
to the cabinet.
7. The air conditioner as claimed in claim 6, wherein the rear
frame further comprises a horizontal frame having opposite ends
connected to lower ends of the pair of vertical frame.
8. The air conditioner as claimed in claim 6, wherein: the pair of
vertical frames have spaces formed therein in a longitudinal
direction of the vertical frames; and the pipe extends along any
one of spaces of the pair of vertical frames.
9. The air conditioner as claimed in claim 3, wherein the support
comprises: a pair of vertical frames coupled to opposite sides of a
front portion of the cabinet and extending downward; a pair of
horizontal frames coupled to lower ends of the pair of vertical
frames and extending backward from the lower end of each of the
vertical frames; and a connection frame for connection between
opposite ends of the pair of horizontal frames.
10. The air conditioner as claimed in claim 9, wherein the support
comprises: a pair of covers coupled along external sides of the
pair of vertical frames; and a pair of reinforcing members
accommodated in the pair of vertical frames, respectively.
11. The air conditioner as claimed in claim 3, wherein: the support
comprises a pair of lateral frames coupled to opposite sides of the
cabinet and extending downward; and wherein each of the lateral
frames has an outer appearance with a triangular shape.
12. The air conditioner as claimed in claim 3, wherein the support
comprises four vertical frames disposed at four corners of a lower
surface of the cabinet, respectively.
13. The air conditioner as claimed in claim 12, wherein the pipe
extends along an internal portion of any one of two vertical frames
disposed at a rear portion of the cabinet.
14. The air conditioner as claimed in claim 1, wherein an angle at
which the main body is inclined is equal to or greater than 1
degree or equal to or less than 9 degrees from an imaginary
vertical line with respect to the ground.
15. An air conditioner comprising: a main body comprising a housing
having a front surface with an opening, a heat exchanger disposed
in the housing, and at least one fan disposed in front of the heat
exchanger and configured to discharge air that exchanges heat
through the heat exchanger through the opening; and a frame
disposed below the main body and configured to support the main
body to be inclined backward at a preset angle, wherein: the frame
comprises a cabinet and a support configured to support the main
body and the cabinet; and a front portion of the support supports
the main body to be inclined backward at an angle that corresponds
to or is the same as an inclination angle of the main body.
16. The air conditioner as claimed in claim 15, wherein: the
support comprises a front frame formed in a front portion of the
support and coupled to the front portion of the cabinet, and a rear
frame coupled to a rear portion of the cabinet; and wherein the
rear frame is disposed in such a way that an upper portion of the
rear frame is inclined toward a rear surface of the cabinet.
17. The air conditioner as claimed in claim 16, wherein the rear
frame comprises a pair of vertical frames having upper ends coupled
to the cabinet.
18. The air conditioner as claimed in claim 17, wherein the rear
frame further comprises a horizontal frame having opposite ends
connected to lower ends of the pair of vertical frame.
19. The air conditioner as claimed in claim 15, wherein the support
comprises: a pair of vertical frames formed in a front portion of
the support and coupled to opposite sides of the front portion of
the cabinet to extend downward; a pair of horizontal frames coupled
to lower ends of the pair of vertical frames and extending backward
from the lower end of each of the vertical frames; and a connection
frame for connection between opposite ends of the pair of
horizontal frames.
20. The air conditioner as claimed in claim 19, wherein the support
further comprises a reinforcing member extending toward the
connection frame from a rear portion of the cabinet.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority from Korean Patent
Application No. 10-2014-0157384, filed on Nov. 12, 2014 in the
Korean Intellectual Property Office, the disclosure of which is
incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
BACKGROUND
[0002] 1. Field
[0003] Apparatuses and methods consistent with the present
invention relate to an air conditioner and more particularly to an
air conditioner in which a lower portion of a stand type indoor
unit is supported by a frame structure and a main body is inclined
backward at a predetermined angle so as to increase an air-blast
distance of discharged cool air.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] In general, an air conditioner is configured with a
compressor, a condenser, an expansion device, and an evaporator. An
air conditioner cools or warms indoor air using a refrigeration
cycle of a refrigerant or purifies indoor air in order to promote a
pleasant indoor environment for a user, and is largely classified
into a separation type air conditioner and an integration type air
conditioner.
[0006] The separation type air conditioner is configured by
installing a cooling device/heat sink in an indoor unit, installing
a heat sink/cooling device and a compressor in an outdoor unit, and
connecting the indoor unit and the outdoor unit that are separated
from each other through a refrigerant pipe. The integration type
air conditioner is configured by integrating cooling and
heat-dissipating functions in a single body and is disposed in a
hole formed in a wall of a house or in a window by using a
fixture.
[0007] Recently, a stand type air conditioner configured by
installing an indoor unit on the floor so as to discharge air
sucked in through a suction port via rotation of a fan through a
heat exchanger has been largely used.
[0008] Such a conventional stand type indoor unit is put in the
form of a vertical cabinet on the floor, and a lower portion of
stand type indoor unit is mainly used to suck in air, used to
accommodate an air cleaner, or used for assembly of internal
components.
[0009] Accordingly, the conventional stand type indoor unit has a
large volume such that indoor spaces of a building may not be
effectively used and also does not provide a fine view due to
uniform designs.
[0010] In addition, the conventional stand type indoor unit has a
problem in terms of a short air-blast distance of cool air since a
main body is approximately vertically put on the floor and sends
cool air squarely. To overcome this, wind is adjusted in an upward
direction using a blade of a discharge port. However, a discharging
direction of cool air and a direction of the blade do not match
each other, and resistance is generated in air current that reduces
intensity of the air blast, and thus there is a limit to sending
cool air far.
[0011] In addition, for installation of the conventional stand type
indoor unit, the connection pipe extends from the indoor unit to a
wall surface and also a surface of the connection pipe is wrapped
by a tape or the like, thereby degrading an outer appearance.
SUMMARY
[0012] Exemplary embodiments of the present invention overcome the
above disadvantages and other disadvantages not described above.
Also, the present invention is not required to overcome the
disadvantages described above, and an exemplary embodiment of the
present invention may not overcome any of the problems described
above.
[0013] The present invention provides an air conditioner that
reduces a room of a lower portion of the air conditioner so as to
use the lower space of the air conditioner in various ways and
maintains a state in which a main body is inclined at a
predetermined angle backward so as to increase an air-blast
distance of cool air.
[0014] The present invention also provides an air conditioner for
enhancing visibility by hiding a connection pipe so as not to be
shown in front of the air conditioner in order to prevent the
overall outer appearance from being adversely affected.
[0015] According to an aspect of the present invention, an air
conditioner includes a main body including a housing having a front
surface with an opening, a heat exchanger disposed in the housing,
and at least one fan disposed in front of the heat exchanger and
configured to discharge air that exchanges heat through the heat
exchanger through the opening, and a frame disposed below the main
body and configured to support the main body, wherein the main body
is disposed to be inclined backward at a preset angle.
[0016] The frame may support the main body when it is inclined.
[0017] The frame may include a cabinet including a pipe configured
to accommodate a drain hose configured to drain condensation liquid
water generated in the heat exchanger and a refrigerant pipe, and a
pipe hole formed through the pipe, and a support coupled to a lower
portion of the cabinet.
[0018] The support may include a front frame coupled to a front
portion of the cabinet, and a rear frame coupled to a rear portion
of the cabinet, and the rear frame may be disposed in such a way
that an upper portion of the rear frame is inclined toward a rear
surface of the cabinet.
[0019] The front frame may include a case frame forming a frame of
the front frame, a reinforcing member accommodated in the case
frame, and a cover coupled along an external side of the front
frame.
[0020] The rear frame may include a pair of vertical frames having
upper ends coupled to the cabinet.
[0021] The rear frame may further include a horizontal frame having
opposite ends connected to lower ends of the pair of vertical
frame.
[0022] The rear frame may further include a cover plate for hiding
a rear portion.
[0023] The pipe may extend behind the cover plate through the cover
plate.
[0024] The support may further include a pair of connection members
for connection between the front frame and the rear frame.
[0025] The pair of vertical frames may have spaces formed therein
in a longitudinal direction of the vertical frames, and the pipe
may extend along any one of spaces of the pair of vertical
frames.
[0026] The support may include a pair of vertical frames coupled to
opposite sides of a front portion of the cabinet and extending
downward, a pair of horizontal frames coupled to lower ends of the
pair of vertical frames and extending backward from a lower end of
each of the vertical frame, and a connection frame for connection
between opposite ends of the pair of horizontal frames at one end
of the horizontal frames.
[0027] The support may include a pair of covers coupled along an
external side of the pair of vertical frames, and a pair of
reinforcing members accommodated in the pair of vertical frames,
respectively.
[0028] The pipe may extend along an internal portion of the
support.
[0029] The support may further include a reinforcing member
extending toward the connection frame behind the cabinet.
[0030] The pipe may extend along internal portion of the
reinforcing member and the connection frame.
[0031] The support may include a pair of lateral frames coupled to
opposite sides of the cabinet and extending downward, and each of
the lateral frames may have an outer appearance with a triangular
shape.
[0032] The pair of lateral frames may further include a connection
frame having opposite ends connected to lower ends of the lateral
frames.
[0033] The support may include four vertical frames disposed at
four corners of a lower surface of the cabinet, respectively.
[0034] The pipe may extend along an internal portion of any one of
two vertical frames disposed behind the cabinet.
[0035] The support may be formed with a column form with a cross
section that is gradually narrowed and then increased downward.
[0036] The air conditioner may further include a flexible tube
behind the cabinet, and pipe may extend along an internal portion
of the flexible tube and may be formed through a wall surface
adjacent to a rear portion of the air conditioner.
[0037] An angle at which the main body may be inclined is equal to
or greater than 1 degree or equal to or less than 9 degrees from an
imaginary vertical line with respect to the ground.
[0038] According to another aspect of the present invention, an air
conditioner includes a main body including a housing having a front
surface with an opening, a heat exchanger disposed in the housing,
and at least one fan disposed in front of the heat exchanger and
configured to discharge air that exchanges heat through the heat
exchanger through the opening, and a frame disposed below the main
body and configured to support the main body to be inclined
backward at a preset angle, wherein the frame includes a cabinet
and a support configured to support the main body and the cabinet,
and a front portion of the support supports the main body to be
inclined backward at an angle that corresponds to or is the same as
an inclination angle of the main body.
[0039] Additional and/or other aspects and advantages of the
invention will be set forth in part in the description which
follows and, in part, will be obvious from the description, or may
be learned by practice of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0040] The above and/or other aspects of the present invention will
be more apparent by describing certain exemplary embodiments of the
present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings, in
which:
[0041] FIG. 1A is a perspective view of an air conditioner
according to a first embodiment of the present invention;
[0042] FIG. 1B is a side view of the air conditioner illustrated in
FIG. 1A;
[0043] FIG. 2A is an exploded perspective view of the air
conditioner illustrated in FIG. 1A;
[0044] FIG. 2B is an exploded perspective view of a front frame of
the air conditioner illustrated in FIG. 1A;
[0045] FIG. 3A is a perspective view illustrating a first
modification example of a support according to the first embodiment
of the present invention;
[0046] FIG. 3B is a perspective view illustrating a second
modification example of a support according to the first embodiment
of the present invention;
[0047] FIG. 3C is a perspective view illustrating a third
modification example of a support according to the first embodiment
of the present invention;
[0048] FIG. 4A is a perspective view illustrating a fourth
modification example of a support according to the first embodiment
of the present invention;
[0049] FIG. 4B is a perspective view illustrating a fifth
modification example of a support according to the first embodiment
of the present invention;
[0050] FIG. 5A is a perspective view of an air conditioner
according to a second embodiment of the present invention;
[0051] FIG. 5B is a rear view illustrating a rear portion of the
air conditioner illustrated in FIG. 5A;
[0052] FIG. 5C is a side view illustrating the air conditioner
illustrated in FIG. 5A;
[0053] FIG. 6A is an exploded perspective view illustrating the air
conditioner illustrated in FIG. 5A;
[0054] FIG. 6B is an exploded perspective view illustrating a front
frame of the air conditioner illustrated in FIG. 5A;
[0055] FIG. 7A is a perspective view illustrating a first
modification example of the support according to the second
embodiment of the present invention;
[0056] FIG. 7B is a perspective view illustrating a second
modification example of the support according to the second
embodiment of the present invention;
[0057] FIG. 7C is a perspective view illustrating a third
modification example of the support according to the second
embodiment of the present invention;
[0058] FIG. 8A is a perspective view illustrating a fourth
modification example of the support according to the second
embodiment of the present invention;
[0059] FIG. 8B is an exploded perspective view illustrating a
support illustrated in FIG. 8A;
[0060] FIG. 8C is a perspective view illustrating a fifth
modification example of the support according to the second
embodiment of the present invention;
[0061] FIG. 9A is a perspective view illustrating a sixth
modification example of the support according to the second
embodiment of the present invention;
[0062] FIG. 9B is a perspective view illustrating a seventh
modification example of the support according to the second
embodiment of the present invention;
[0063] FIG. 10 is a perspective view illustrating an eighth
modification example of the support according to the second
embodiment of the present invention;
[0064] FIGS. 11A and 11B are perspective views illustrating a ninth
modification example of the support according to the second
embodiment of the present invention;
[0065] FIG. 12A a perspective view illustrating the case in which a
cover plate installed at the support illustrated in FIGS. 5A, 7A,
and 7B to hide a pipe;
[0066] FIG. 12B is a perspective view illustrating the case in
which a pipe is hidden by the support illustrated in FIG. 8A;
[0067] FIG. 12C is a perspective view illustrating the case in
which a pipe is hidden by the support illustrated in FIG. 8C;
and
[0068] FIGS. 13A and 13B are perspective views illustrating the
case in which a pipe is hidden when the pipe extends directly from
a cabinet or a main body.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0069] The exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure may be
diversely modified. Accordingly, specific exemplary embodiments are
illustrated in the drawings and are described in detail in the
detailed description. However, it is to be understood that the
present disclosure is not limited to a specific exemplary
embodiment, but includes all modifications, equivalents, and
substitutions without departing from the scope and spirit of the
present disclosure. Also, well-known functions or constructions are
not described in detail since they would obscure the disclosure
with unnecessary detail. Further, dimensions of various elements in
the accompanying drawings may be arbitrarily increased or decreased
for assisting in a comprehensive understanding.
[0070] The terms used in the present application are only used to
describe the exemplary embodiments, but are not intended to limit
the scope of the disclosure. The singular expression also includes
the plural meaning as long as the meaning does not differ in the
context. In the present application, the terms "include" and
"consist of" designate the presence of features, numbers, steps,
operations, components, elements, or a combination thereof that are
written in the specification, but do not exclude the presence or
possibility of addition of one or more other features, numbers,
steps, operations, components, elements, or a combination
thereof.
[0071] In the exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a
"module" or a "unit" performs at least one function or operation,
and may be implemented with hardware, software, or a combination of
hardware and software. In addition, a plurality of "modules" or a
plurality of "units" may be integrated into at least one module
except for a "module" or a "unit" which has to be implemented with
specific hardware, and may be implemented with at least one
processor (not shown).
[0072] Hereinafter, an air conditioner including a main body and a
frame will be described in detail with regard to exemplary
embodiments of the invention with reference to the attached
drawings.
[0073] With reference to FIGS. 1A to 2B, an air conditioner 100
according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be
described.
[0074] Referring to FIGS. 1A and 2A, the air conditioner 100
includes a main body M1 and a frame F1.
[0075] The main body M1 includes a housing 110, a fan unit 120
including at least one fan formed therein, and a heat exchanger 129
and a suction port 130 that are installed in the housing 110.
[0076] The housing 110 includes a front panel 111 with a plurality
of openings 111a formed therein so as to expose a discharge port
121a of a fan unit 120 through a front portion of the housing 110,
and a rear panel 113 coupled to a rear portion of the front panel
111. The fan unit 120 is disposed between the front panel 111 and
the rear panel 113, and the heat exchanger 129 is disposed at a
rear portion of the fan unit 120.
[0077] The plurality of openings 111a may be formed in a circular
form and at least one opening 111a may be disposed in upward and
downward directions of the front panel 111.
[0078] At least one suction port 130 may be formed in the rear
panel 113.
[0079] The fan unit 120 includes the discharge port 121a, a driving
motor (not shown), a fan 125, and a duct 124.
[0080] The discharge port 121a is formed between a disk plate 121b
and a grill (not shown) and is formed in the form of a ring so as
to externally discharge air passing through the fan 125. In the
present invention, although not shown, needless to say, an interval
between the disk plate 121b and the grill (not shown) may be
adjusted or the number or shape of a wing plate (not shown) of the
grill (not shown) may be adjusted so as to adjust the amount of air
volume discharged through the discharge port 121a.
[0081] The fan 125 sends air introduced into the housing 110 out of
the air conditioner 100, is rotatably coupled to the driving motor,
and is surrounded by the duct 124.
[0082] At least one duct 124 is formed in a circular form so as to
surround the fan 125 and forms an air path such that air sucked in
by the fan 125 flows toward the discharge port 121a.
[0083] The heat exchanger 129 is disposed between the fan unit 120
and the suction port 130 and evaporates (or condenses) refrigerants
to adsorb heat from air introduced through the suction port 130 or
to transfer heat to air introduced from the suction port 130. The
heat exchanger 129 is fixed to the main body M1 by a fixture (not
shown) disposed at one side of upper and lower ends of an internal
portion of the housing 110.
[0084] A drain hose 161 for draining condensation liquid water
generated in the heat exchanger 129 and a refrigerant pipe for
connection between the indoor heat exchanger 129 and an outdoor
heat exchanger (not shown) are connected to one end of the heat
exchanger 129.
[0085] The suction port 130 is disposed in a rear portion of the
air conditioner 100 so as to guide outdoor air to be introduced
into the air conditioner 100. At least one suction port 130 may be
formed in a rear portion, a lateral portion, or the like of the
rear panel 113.
[0086] The frame F1 is disposed below the main body M1 so as to
support the main body M1 with respect to the ground and includes a
cabinet 160 coupled to the main body M1, a support B1 for
supporting the main body M1 and the cabinet 160, and a pipe
170.
[0087] The cabinet 160 is disposed below the main body M1 and
connected to and supported by the support B1. The cabinet 160 is
configured in the form of substantial rectangular parallelepiped in
order to couple a front frame 140 and a rear frame 150 to a front
portion and a rear portion, respectively and includes the drain
hose 161, the refrigerant pipe 163, a cabinet cover 165, a pipe
hole 167, a main body coupler 168, and a front frame coupler
169.
[0088] The drain hose 161 is used to externally discharge
condensation liquid water formed by condensing and dropping
moisture in air out of the air conditioner 100 during air cooling
in the heat exchanger 129 when the air conditioner 100 performs a
cooling operation for cooling air and is connected to the pipe 170
inside the cabinet 160.
[0089] The refrigerant pipe 163 is used for connection between the
indoor heat exchanger 129 and the outdoor heat exchanger (not
shown), is accommodated by the pipe 170 together with the drain
hose 161 in the cabinet 160, and extends out of the air conditioner
100.
[0090] The cabinet cover 165 may cover lateral and rear surfaces of
the cabinet 160. In addition, the pipe hole 167 to pass the pipe
170 therethrough is formed in the rear surface of the cabinet cover
165, and an upper end of the rear frame 150 is fixedly coupled to
the rear surface of the cabinet cover 165.
[0091] The pipe hole 167 may allow the pipe 170 that is formed to
pass through an internal portion of the cabinet 160 and
accommodates the drain hose 161 and the refrigerant pipe 163
therein to extend out of the air conditioner 100 and may be formed
at an arbitrary position of the rear surface of the cabinet cover
165 according to a shape of the rear frame 150.
[0092] The main body coupler 168 may be formed at an upper portion
of the cabinet 160 so as to fixedly couple the main body M1 and the
cabinet 160 and may be coupled to the main body M1 with a screw
coupling structure or a male and female coupling structure, but are
not limited thereto.
[0093] The front frame coupler 169 may fixedly couple a front
portion of the cabinet 160 and the front frame 140 and may be
coupled to the front frame 140 with a screw coupling structure, but
is not limited thereto.
[0094] The support B1 includes the front frame 140 coupled to a
front portion of the cabinet 160 and the rear frame 150 coupled to
a rear portion of the cabinet 160.
[0095] The air conditioner 100 according to the present invention
is configured in such a way that the support B1 supports the main
body M1 with a frame structure. Accordingly, although the same
height as a conventional air conditioner is maintained, an open
space may be formed in a portion below the air conditioner 100 so
as to use a lower space, to easily clean the floor, to achieve an
excellent outer appearance, and to also allow an indoor space to
look big.
[0096] Referring to FIGS. 2A and 2B, the front frame 140 is coupled
to the front portion of the cabinet 160 to support the main body M1
and the cabinet 160, and may further include a front frame cover
141. The front frame 143 includes a case frame 143a, a reinforcing
member 143b, a lateral surface cover 143c, a lower surface cover
143d, a reinforcing frame 143e, and a front frame coupler 143f.
[0097] The front frame cover 141 is coupled to an upper portion of
the front frame 140 to cover the front frame 140 and the cabinet
160, thereby forming an external appearance of the air conditioner
100. The front frame cover 141 may be coupled to the front frame
140 by a male and female coupler 141a or a screw 141c but is not
limited thereto. An outer appearance 141b of the front frame cover
141 may be shaped like a quadrangle but is not limited thereto.
[0098] The case frame 143a forms a basic frame of a front frame 143
and is coupled to a front portion of the cabinet 160. A lateral
surface and lower surface of the case frame 143a may be curved so
as to accommodate the reinforcing member 143b.
[0099] The reinforcing member 143b is inserted into the case frame
143a so as to reinforce the intensity of the case frame 143a.
Accordingly, load of the main body M1 and the cabinet 160 may be
sufficiently supported by the support B1 that is thinned compared
with a prior art, and also a stable structure may be formed with
respect to bending, shear, and distortion. The reinforcing member
143b may be formed as an iron bracket but is not limited
thereto.
[0100] The lateral surface cover 143c and the lower surface cover
143d cover the case frame 143a and the reinforcing member 143b and
form external surfaces of the lateral and lower surfaces of the
front frame 143.
[0101] The reinforcing frame 143e may be formed at a portion
corresponding to the middle of the height of the front frame 143 so
as to fix the front frame cover 141 or reinforce the front frame
143 with respect to bending and distortion.
[0102] The front frame couplers 143f are formed at opposite sides
of the upper portion of the front frame 143 so as to fixedly couple
the front frame 143 to the cabinet 160.
[0103] Referring to FIG. 2A, the rear frame 150 includes a pair of
vertical frames 151a and 151b, a horizontal frame 151c, a rear
frame cover 151d, a rear frame coupler 151e, and a rear frame pipe
hole 151f.
[0104] The pair of vertical frames 151a and 151b is fixedly coupled
to the rear portion of the cabinet cover 165 by the rear frame
coupler 151e and is inclinedly disposed toward the rear surface of
the cabinet 160. In addition, the rear frame 150 may not include
the horizontal frame 151c for connecting lower ends of the pair of
vertical frames 151a and 151b. When the rear frame 150 does not
include the horizontal frame 151c, the pair of vertical frames 151a
and 151b support the main body M1 and the cabinet 160 with a column
form. The rear frame cover 151d forms the rear frame pipe hole 151f
through which the pipe 170 passes.
[0105] In the air conditioner 100 according to the present
invention, the front frame 140 is inclined backward by as much as a
preset angle .alpha., and as the front frame 140 is inclined
backward, the main body M1 is also inclined backward by as much as
an angle at which the front frame 140 is inclined. Accordingly, the
air conditioner 100 according to the present invention may
discharge cool air upward by as much as an angle .beta. that
corresponds to or is the same as the inclination angle .alpha.
based on an axis that is parallel to the ground so as to send the
discharged air farther than a vertically oriented conventional air
conditioner, and a discharging direction of air corresponds to an
inclination direction of the air conditioner 100, thereby
minimizing friction of air.
[0106] An angle at which the air conditioner 100 is inclined
backward may be equal to or greater than 1 degree or equal to or
less than 9 degrees. For example, the inclination angle may be 3
degrees but is not limited thereto.
[0107] FIGS. 3A to 3C are diagrams illustrating first to third
modification examples of the support B1 according to the first
embodiment of the present invention. The first to third
modification examples are almost the same as the basic
configuration of the first embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1A to 2B
except for a portion of the rear frame 150. In the first to third
modification examples, the same components as those of the first
embodiment are denoted by the same reference numeral.
[0108] FIG. 3A illustrates the first modification example of the
support B1 according to the first embodiment of the present
invention. The rear frame 153 includes a pair of vertical frames
153a and 153b. An upper end of each of the pair of vertical frames
153a and 153b may be coupled to the cabinet 160 and inclined toward
a rear surface of the cabinet 160 at a preset angle in order to
prevent the air conditioner 100 from falling down.
[0109] FIG. 3B illustrates the second modification example of the
support B1 according to the first embodiment of the present
invention. The rear frame 155 according to the second modification
example further includes a horizontal frame 155c and connection
members 145b and 145e in addition to the components of the first
modification example.
[0110] A front frame 145 is configured in such a way that a pair of
vertical frames 145a and 145d are inclined backward at the same
angle as that of the main body M1 based on the ground and an end of
each of the vertical frames 145a and 145d is connected to one
vertical frame 145c. A rear frame 155 may be inclined toward a rear
surface of the cabinet 160 at a predetermined angle and may include
a pair of vertical frames 155a and 155b and one horizontal frame
155c for connecting respective lower ends of the vertical frames
155a and 155b.
[0111] Respective opposite ends of the horizontal frames 145c and
155c are connected to and reinforced by the pair of connection
members 145b and 145e. Accordingly, the support B1 according to the
second modification example of the present invention may contact
the ground with a wide contact area so as to stably support the air
conditioner 100.
[0112] FIG. 3C illustrates a third modification example of the
support B1 according to the first embodiment of the present
invention. The rear frame 157 according to the third modification
example may further include cover plates 157b and 157c for hiding
the pipe 170. The third modification example may also be applied to
the first modification example and the second modification example
as well as the rear frame 150 according to the exemplary
embodiment.
[0113] The rear frame 157 includes a pair of vertical frames 157a,
at least one cover plate, i.e., the cover plates 157b and 157c for
covering an upper portion and a lower portion of the vertical
frames 157a, a pipe cover 157d, and a pipe hole 157e.
[0114] The cover plates 157b and 157c covers the whole rear frame
157 to hide pipes such that the pipes are not shown in the front of
the air conditioner 100. The pipe hole 157e is formed in any one of
the cover plates 157b and 157c so as to externally extend the pipe
170. The pipe 170 may extend from a lower surface of the cabinet
160, and in this case, the pipe cover 157d may also be formed
between a lower portion of the cabinet 160 and the rear frame 157
such that the pipe 170 is not shown in front of the air conditioner
100.
[0115] FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate fourth and fifth modification
examples of the support B1 according to the first embodiment of the
present invention. The fourth and fifth modification examples are
almost the same as the basic configuration of the first embodiment
illustrated in FIGS. 1A to 2B except for a portion of the rear
frame 150. In the fourth and fifth modification examples, the same
components as those of the first embodiment are denoted by the same
reference numeral.
[0116] FIG. 4A illustrates the fourth modification example of the
support B1 according to the first embodiment of the present
invention. A support 147 is configured without the rear frame 150
so as to support the air conditioner 100. The support 147 includes
a pair of vertical frames 147a, a pair of horizontal frames 147b,
and a connection frame 147c.
[0117] The pair of vertical frames 147a is coupled to opposite
sides of a front portion of the cabinet 160 and configured to
incline the main body M1 backward at the same angle as a preset
angle. The pair of vertical frames 147a are formed at the front
portion of the support B1 and configured by extending downward such
that respective lower ends of the pair of vertical frames 147a are
connected to the pair of horizontal frames 147b.
[0118] The pair of horizontal frames 147b is connected to the lower
ends of the pair of vertical frames 147a, respectively and extends
backward from the lower end of each of the vertical frames 147a.
The pair of horizontal frames 147b extends with a sufficient length
so as to stably support the air conditioner 100. A rear end of each
of the horizontal frames 147b is connected to the connection frame
147c.
[0119] The connection frame 147c is configured in such a way that
respective opposite ends of the connection frame 147c are connected
to respective ends of the pair of horizontal frames 147b so as to
reinforce the intensity of the support 147 and to also stably
support the air conditioner 100 with respect to the ground.
[0120] FIG. 4B illustrates the fifth modification example of the
support B1 according to the first embodiment of the present
invention. The fifth modification example further includes a
reinforcing member 147e in addition to components of the fourth
modification example.
[0121] The reinforcing member 147e may extend toward the connection
frame 147c according to the fourth modification example from a rear
portion of the cabinet 160 and may effectively support load
concentrated on the rear portion of the cabinet 160. In addition,
an internal portion of the reinforcing member 147e may be formed as
a hollow so as to hide the pipe 170.
[0122] Hereinafter, an operation of the above configured air
conditioner 100 according to the present invention will be
described in detail with reference to the drawings.
[0123] In response to power being applied to the air conditioner
100, a controller (not shown) may transmit a control command
according to a driving mode selected by a user so as to drive the
air conditioner 100.
[0124] Along with rotation of the fan 125 formed in a fan unit 124,
external air is introduced through a suction port 113 formed in a
rear portion of the air conditioner 100. In this case, the external
air becomes cool air by adsorbing heat from the external air
through the heat exchanger 129, and the cool air is discharged
toward the front portion of the air conditioner 100 through the fan
125.
[0125] Since the main body M1 is inclined backward by as much as a
preset angle, cool air is discharged upward based on an axis in
parallel to the ground at an angle corresponding to the above angle
or at the same angle as the above angle. Accordingly, cool air is
discharged farther than the conventional air conditioner so that
the efficiency of the air conditioner 100 is increased.
[0126] The heat exchanger 129 generates condensation liquid water
during heat absorption, and the condensation liquid water is
collected by a drain hose 129 and externally discharged through the
pipe 170.
[0127] Referring to FIGS. 5A to 13B, components of a second
embodiment are almost the same as those of the first embodiment,
except that a frame F2 is perpendicularly put to the ground. In
addition, the second embodiment may have various configurations of
a support B2, and thus a pipe 270 may be configured in various
ways. In the second embodiment, the same components as those of the
first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numeral.
[0128] In the second embodiment, the frame F2 is perpendicularly
configured to the ground and supports a main body M2 to be
inclined. The main body M2 is inclined backward by as much as a
preset angle .alpha.. Accordingly, like the air conditioner 100
according to the first embodiment, cool air may be discharged
upward by as much as an angle .beta. that corresponds to or is the
same as the inclination angle .alpha. based on an axis in parallel
to the ground so as to send the discharged cool air farther than a
vertically put conventional air conditioner. In addition, a
discharging direction of air corresponds to an inclination
direction of an air conditioner 200, thereby minimizing friction of
air.
[0129] The angle .alpha. at which the air conditioner 200 is
inclined backward may be equal to or greater than 1 degree or equal
to or less than 9 degrees. For example, the inclination angle may
be 3 degrees but is not limited thereto.
[0130] With reference to FIGS. 5A to 6B, the air conditioner 200
according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be
described.
[0131] Referring to FIGS. 5A and 5C, an air conditioner includes
the main body M2 and the frame F2.
[0132] The main body M2 includes a housing 210, a fan unit 220
including at least one fan formed therein, and a heat exchanger 229
and a suction port 230 that are installed in the housing 210.
[0133] The housing 210 includes a front panel 211 including a
plurality of openings 211a formed therein so as to expose a
discharge port 221a of the fan unit 220 through a front portion of
the housing 210, and a rear panel 213 coupled to a rear portion of
the front panel 211. The fan unit 220 is disposed between the front
panel 211 and the rear panel 213, and the heat exchanger 229 is
disposed at a rear portion of the fan unit 220.
[0134] The plurality of openings 211a may be formed in a circular
form and at least one opening 211a may be disposed in upward and
downward directions of the front panel 211.
[0135] At least one suction port 230 may be formed in the rear
panel 213.
[0136] The fan unit 220 includes the discharge port 221a, a driving
motor (not shown), a fan 225, and a duct 224.
[0137] The discharge port 221a is formed between a disk plate 221b
and a grill (not shown), and is formed in the form of a ring so as
to externally discharge air passing through the fan 225. In the
present invention, although not shown, needless to say, an interval
between the disk plate 221b and the grill (not shown) may be
adjusted or the number or shape of a wing plate (not shown) of the
grill (not shown) may be adjusted so as to adjust the amount of air
volume discharged through the discharge port 221a.
[0138] The fan 225 sends air introduced into the housing 210 out of
the air conditioner 200, is rotatably coupled to the driving motor,
and is surrounded by the duct 224.
[0139] At least one duct 224 is formed in a circular form so as to
surround the fan 225 and forms an air path such that air sucked in
by the fan 225 flows toward the discharge port 221a.
[0140] The heat exchanger 229 is disposed between the fan unit 220
and the suction port 230 and evaporates (or condenses) refrigerants
to absorb heat from air introduced through the suction port 230 or
transfers heat to air introduced from the suction port 230. The
heat exchanger 229 is fixed to the main body M2 by a fixture (not
shown) disposed at one side of upper and lower ends of an internal
portion of the housing 210.
[0141] A drain hose 261 for draining condensation liquid water
generated in the heat exchanger 229 and a refrigerant pipe for
connection between the indoor heat exchanger 229 and an outdoor
heat exchanger (not shown) are connected to one end of the heat
exchanger 229.
[0142] The suction port 230 is disposed in a rear portion of the
air conditioner 200 so as to guide outdoor air to be introduced
into the air conditioner 200. At least one suction port 230 may be
formed in a rear portion, a lateral portion, or the like of the
rear panel 213.
[0143] The frame F2 is disposed below the main body M2 so as to
support the main body M2 with respect to the ground and includes a
cabinet 260 coupled to the main body M2, a support B2 for
supporting the main body M2 and the cabinet 260, and the pipe
270.
[0144] The cabinet 260 is disposed below the main body M2 and
connected to and supported by the support B2. The cabinet 260 is
configured in the form of substantial rectangular parallelepiped in
order to couple a front frame 240 and a rear frame 250 to a front
portion and a rear portion, respectively and includes the drain
hose 261, a refrigerant pipe 263, a cabinet cover 265, a pipe hole
267, a main body coupler 268, and a front frame coupler 269.
[0145] The drain hose 261 is used to externally discharge
condensation liquid water formed by condensing and dropping
moisture in air out of the air conditioner 200 during air cooling
in the heat exchanger 229 when the air conditioner 200 performs a
cooling operation for cooling air and is connected to the pipe 270
in an internal portion of the cabinet 260.
[0146] The refrigerant pipe 263 is used for connection between the
indoor heat exchanger 229 and the outdoor heat exchanger (not
shown), is accommodated by the pipe 270 together with the drain
hose 261, and extends out of the air conditioner 200.
[0147] The cabinet cover 265 may cover lateral and rear surfaces of
the cabinet 260. In addition, an upper end of the rear frame 250 is
fixedly coupled to the rear surface of the cabinet cover 265, and
the pipe hole 267 through which the pipe 270 passes is formed in
the rear surface of the cabinet cover 265.
[0148] The pipe hole 267 may allow the pipe 270 that accommodates
the drain hose 261 and the refrigerant pipe 263 to extend out of
the air conditioner 200 from the internal portion of the cabinet
260, and may be formed at an arbitrary position of the rear surface
of the cabinet cover 265 according to a shape of the rear frame
250.
[0149] The main body coupler 268 may be formed at an upper portion
of the cabinet 260 so as to fixedly couple the main body M2 and the
cabinet 260 and may be coupled to the main body M2 with a screw
coupling structure or a male and female coupling structure, but are
not limited thereto.
[0150] The front frame coupler 269 may fixedly couple a front
portion of the cabinet 260 and the front frame 240, and may be
coupled to the front frame 240 with a screw coupling structure, but
is not limited thereto.
[0151] The support B2 includes the front frame 240 coupled to a
front portion of the cabinet 260 and the rear frame 250 coupled to
a rear portion of the cabinet 260.
[0152] The air conditioner 200 according to the present invention
is configured in such a way that the support B2 supports the main
body M2 with a frame structure. Accordingly, although the same
height as a conventional air conditioner is maintained, an open
space may be formed in a portion below the air conditioner 200 so
as to use a lower space, to easily clean the floor, to achieve an
excellent outer appearance, and to also allow an indoor space to
look big.
[0153] Referring to FIGS. 6A and 6B, the front frame 240 is coupled
to the front portion of the cabinet 260 to support the main body M2
and the cabinet 260, and may include a cover 241 and a front frame
member 243. The front frame member 243 includes a case frame 243a,
a reinforcing member 243b, a lateral surface cover 243c, a lower
surface cover 243d, a reinforcing frame 243e, and a front frame
coupler 243f.
[0154] The cover 241 is coupled to an upper portion of the front
frame 240 to cover the front frame 240 and the cabinet 260, thereby
forming an external appearance of the air conditioner 200. The
cover 241 may be coupled to the front frame member 243 by male and
female couplers 241a and screws 241c but is not limited thereto. An
outer appearance 241b of the cover 241 may be shaped like a
quadrangle but is not limited thereto.
[0155] The case frame 243a forms a basic frame of the front frame
member 243, and is coupled to a front portion of the cabinet 260. A
lateral surface and lower surface of the case frame 243a may be
bent so as to accommodate the reinforcing member 243b.
[0156] The reinforcing member 243b is inserted into the case frame
243a so as to reinforce the intensity of the case frame 243a.
Accordingly, load of the main body M2 and the cabinet 260 may be
sufficiently supported by the support B2 that is thinned compared
with a prior art, and also a stable structure may be formed with
respect to bending, shear, and distortion. The reinforcing member
243b may be formed as an iron bracket but is not limited
thereto.
[0157] The lateral surface covers 243c and the lower surface cover
243d cover the case frame 243a and the reinforcing member 243b, and
form external surfaces of the lateral and lower surfaces of the
front frame 250.
[0158] The reinforcing frame 243e may be formed at a portion
corresponding to the middle of the height of the front frame member
243 so as to fix the cover 241 or reinforce the front frame member
243 with respect to bending and distortion.
[0159] The front frame couplers 243f are formed at opposite sides
of the upper portion of the front frame member 243 so as to fixedly
couple the front frame member 243 to the cabinet 260.
[0160] Referring to FIG. 6A, the rear frame 250 includes a pair of
vertical frames 251a and 251b, a horizontal frame 251c, a rear
frame cover 251d, a rear frame coupler 251e, and a rear frame pipe
hole 251f.
[0161] The pair of vertical frames 251a and 251b is fixedly coupled
to the rear portion of the cabinet cover 265 by the rear frame
coupler 251e, and is inclinedly disposed toward the rear surface of
the cabinet 260. In addition, the rear frame 250 may not include
the horizontal frame 251c for connecting lower ends of the pair of
vertical frames 251a and 251b. When the rear frame 250 does not
include the horizontal frame 251c, the pair of vertical frames 251a
and 251b support the main body M2 and the cabinet 260 with a column
form. The rear frame cover 251d forms the rear frame pipe hole 251f
through which a pipe 271 passes.
[0162] FIGS. 7A to 7C are diagrams illustrating first to third
modification examples of the support B2 according to the second
embodiment of the present invention. The first to third
modification examples are almost the same as the basic
configuration of the second embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 5A to
6B except for a portion of the rear frame 250. In the first to
third modification examples, the same components as those of the
second embodiment are denoted by the same reference numeral.
[0163] FIG. 7A illustrates the first modification example of the
support B2 according to the second embodiment of the present
invention. The rear frame 250 includes a pair of vertical frames
253a and 253b. An upper end of each of the pair of vertical frames
253a and 253b may be coupled to the cabinet 260 and inclined toward
a rear surface of the cabinet 260 at a preset angle in order to
prevent the air conditioner 200 from falling down.
[0164] FIG. 7B illustrates the second modification example of the
support B2 according to the second embodiment of the present
invention. The rear frame 250 according to the second embodiment of
the present invention further includes a horizontal frame 255c and
connection members 245b and 245e in addition to the components of
the second modification example.
[0165] A front frame 245 is configured in such a way that a pair of
vertical frames 245a and 245d are inclined backward at the same
angle as that of the main body M2 based on the ground and
respective opposite ends of the vertical frames 245a and 245d are
connected to one horizontal frame 245c. A rear frame 255 may be
inclined toward a rear surface of the cabinet 260 at a
predetermined angle, and may include a pair of vertical frames 255a
and 255b and one horizontal frame 255c for connecting both lower
ends of the vertical frames 255a and 255b.
[0166] Respective opposite ends of the horizontal frames 245c and
255c are connected to and reinforced by the pair of connection
members 245b and 245e. Accordingly, the support B2 according to the
second modification example of the present invention may contact
the ground with a wide contact area so as to stably support the air
conditioner 200.
[0167] FIG. 7C illustrates a third modification example of the
support B2 according to the second embodiment of the present
invention. The rear frame 250 according to the third modification
example may further include cover plates 257b and 257c for hiding
the pipe 270. The third modification example may also be applied to
the first modification example and the second modification example
as well as the structure of the rear frame 250 according to the
exemplary embodiment.
[0168] A rear frame 257 includes a pair of vertical frames 257a, at
least one cover plate, i.e., the cover plates 257b and 257c for
covering an upper portion or a lower portion of the vertical frames
257a, a pipe cover 257d, and a pipe hole 257e.
[0169] The cover plates 257b and 257c covers the whole rear frame
257 to hide pipes such that the pipes are not shown in front of the
air conditioner 200. The pipe hole 257e is formed in any one of the
cover plates 257b and 257c so as to externally extend pipes of the
pipe 270. The pipe 270 may extend from a lower surface of the
cabinet 260, and in this case, the pipe cover 257d may also be
formed between a lower portion of the cabinet 260 and the rear
frame 257 so that the pipe 270 is not shown in front of the air
conditioner 200.
[0170] FIGS. 8A and 8C illustrate fourth and fifth modification
examples of the support B2 according to the second embodiment of
the present invention. The fourth and fifth modification examples
are almost the same as the basic configuration of the second
embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 5A to 6B except for a portion of
the rear frame 250. In the fourth and fifth modification examples,
the same components as those of the second embodiment are denoted
by the same reference numeral.
[0171] FIG. 8A illustrates the fourth modification example of the
support B2 according to the second embodiment of the present
invention. A support 247 is configured without the rear frame 250
so as to support the air conditioner 200. The support 247 includes
a pair of vertical frames 247a, a pair of horizontal frames 247b,
and a connection frame 247c.
[0172] The pair of vertical frames 247a is coupled to opposite
sides of a front portion of the cabinet 260 and configured to be
perpendicular to the ground. The pair of vertical frames 247a is
formed at the front portion of the support 247 and configured to
extend downward. The lower ends of the pair of vertical frames 247a
are connected to the pair of horizontal frames 247b.
[0173] The pair of horizontal frames 247b is connected to lower
ends of the pair of vertical frames 247a, respectively and extend
backward from the lower end of each of the vertical frames 247a.
The pair of horizontal frames 247b extends with a sufficient length
so as to stably support the air conditioner 200. A rear end of each
of the horizontal frames 247b is connected to the connection frame
247c.
[0174] The connection frame 247c is configured in such a way that
respective opposite ends of the connection frame 247c are connected
to respective ends of the pair of horizontal frames 247b so as to
reinforce the intensity of the support 247 and to also stably
support the air conditioner 200 with respect to the ground.
[0175] FIG. 8B illustrates an exploded perspective view of the
support 247. The support 247 further include covers 247a', 247b',
and 247c' and a reinforcing member 247d in addition to components
of the fourth modification example of the present invention.
[0176] The covers 247a', 247b', and 247c' cover the pair of
vertical frames 247a, a pair of horizontal frames 247b, and the
connection frame 247c to form an outer appearance of the support
247. The reinforcing member 247d is accommodated in a curved
portion of each frame to reinforce the support 247. Accordingly,
the support 247 may stably support the main body M2 and the cabinet
260 with respect to the ground. The reinforcing member 247d may be
formed as an iron bracket but is not limited thereto.
[0177] FIG. 8C is a diagram illustrating a fifth modification
example of the support B2 of the second embodiment of the present
invention. The fifth modification example of the present invention
further includes a reinforcing member 247e in addition to the
fourth modification example of the present invention.
[0178] The reinforcing member 247e may extend toward the connection
frame 247c according to the fourth modification example from a rear
portion of the cabinet 260 and may effectively support load
concentrated on the rear portion of the cabinet 260. In addition,
an internal portion of the reinforcing member 247e may be formed as
a hollow so as to hide the pipe 270.
[0179] FIGS. 9A and 11B are diagrams illustrating sixth to ninth
modification examples of the support B2 according to the second
embodiment of the present invention. The sixth to ninth
modification examples are almost the same as the basic
configuration of the second embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 5A to
6B except for a portion of the support B2. In the sixth to ninth
embodiments, the same components as those of the second embodiment
are denoted by the same reference numeral.
[0180] FIG. 9A illustrates the sixth modification example of the
support B2 according to the second embodiment of the present
invention. The sixth modification example of the present invention
is configured in such a way that the support B2 is not configured
with the front frame 240 or the rear frame 250 and includes a pair
of lateral surface frames 249.
[0181] The pair of lateral surface frames 249 may be coupled to
respective opposite sides of the cabinet 260 and extend downward,
and each lateral surface frame 249 may have an outer appearance
with a triangular shape, and an internal portion of which is a
hollow. In this case, the pair of lateral surface frames 249 may
include two inclination frames 249a and 249b. Lower ends of the two
inclination frames 249a and 249b are connected by a shoe 249c so as
to support the main body M2 and the cabinet 260 with respect to the
ground.
[0182] FIG. 9B illustrates a seventh modification example of the
support B2 according to the second embodiment of the present
invention. Components of the seventh modification example are
almost the same as those of the sixth embodiment except for a
coupling position and portion of a support 248.
[0183] The support 248 may be coupled to a lower surface of the
cabinet 260 but is not limited thereto. Needless to say, the
support 248 may be coupled to opposite sides of the cabinet
260.
[0184] The support 248 includes an accommodation 248d coupled to
the lower surface of the cabinet 260, a pair of lateral frames 248a
coupled to opposite sides of the accommodation 248d to extend
downward, shoes 248b for supporting lower surfaces of the lateral
frames 248a, and a connection frame 248c for connection between the
shoes 248b.
[0185] FIG. 10 illustrates an eighth modification example of the
support B2 according to the second embodiment of the present
invention. The eighth modification example is configured by four
vertical frames 244a, 244b, 254a, and 254b.
[0186] The four vertical frames 244a, 244b, 254a, and 254b are
coupled to four respective corners of the cabinet 260 and extend
downward so as to support the main body M2 and the cabinet 260. The
four vertical frames 244a, 244b, 254a, and 254b may contact the
ground with predetermined inclination in order to stably support
the main body M2 and the cabinet 260.
[0187] FIG. 11A illustrates a ninth modification example of the
support B2 according to the second embodiment of the present
invention. The ninth modification example is configured with a
column shape.
[0188] A support 290 includes an accommodation 291, a column shape
293, and a shoe 295.
[0189] The accommodation 291 is coupled to a lower surface of the
cabinet 260, and the column shape 293 extends below the
accommodation 291. The column shape 293 is shaped like a column
with a cross section that is gradually narrowed and then increased
downward but is not limited thereto. A lower end of the column
shape 293 is coupled to the shoe 295 with a circular plate shape so
as to stably support the main body M2 and the cabinet 260 with
respect to the ground.
[0190] FIG. 11B is the same as the ninth modification example
except for a shape of a shoe 297. The shoe 297 has a square plate
shape in order to more stably support the main body M2 and the
cabinet 260.
[0191] FIG. 12A illustrates a structure of the pipe 270 of FIG. 7C.
In the second embodiment (FIG. 5A), the first modification example
(FIG. 7A), and the second modification example (FIG. 7B) of the
present invention, the rear frame 250 may be configured like in
FIG. 12A.
[0192] The pipe 271 may accommodate the refrigerant pipe 263 and
the drain hose 261 for draining condensation liquid water generated
in the heat exchanger 229, and may be formed through the cabinet
260 so as to externally extend through a pipe hole 253e of a rear
frame 253. Accordingly, the pipe 271 is not shown in front of the
air conditioner 200 and thus indoor design as well as an outer
appearance of the air conditioner 200 is not adversely
affected.
[0193] Needless to say, in the second embodiment (FIG. 5A), the
first modification example (FIG. 7A), and the second modification
example (FIG. 7B) of the present invention, the above hiding
structure is used, and also the pipe 271 may be inserted into any
one of internal spaces of a vertical frame of the rear frame 250 or
the pipe 271 may be attached to a rear surface of the vertical
frame so as to be hidden. The inserted or attached pipe 271 may
externally extend from a lower end of the vertical frame.
[0194] FIG. 12B illustrates the pipe 271 that is formed in the
support 247 of FIG. 8A.
[0195] The pipe 271 may extend along an internal portion of any one
of two vertical frames 247a at one side of a rear portion of the
cabinet 260 and then may externally extend from one end of the
connection frame 247c.
[0196] FIG. 12C illustrates the pipe 271 that is formed in the
support 247 of FIG. 8C.
[0197] The pipe 271 may extend downward along an internal portion
of the reinforcing member 247e at a rear portion of the cabinet 260
and then may externally extend from one end of the connection frame
247c.
[0198] Although not shown, in FIGS. 9A to 10, the pipe 271 may
extend along an internal portion of any one of frames. In addition,
needless to say, the pipe 271 may extend along an internal portion
of the column shape 293 of FIGS. 11A and 11B.
[0199] FIGS. 13A and 13B illustrate structures configured in such a
way that the pipe 270 extends directly from a rear surface of the
cabinet 260 to a wall surface 280 adjacent to the rear surface of
the cabinet 260 without passing through the support B2, and extends
through the wall surface 280.
[0200] As shown in FIG. 13A, a pipe 273a may be configured to
extend directly from an upper portion of the cabinet 260 or the
main body M2 so as to be hidden in front of the air conditioner
200. As shown in FIG. 13B, although the pipe 273a is exposed in
front of the air conditioner 200, the pipe 273a is covered by a
flexible tube 273b so as to prevent indoor design from being
adversely affected.
[0201] Hereinafter, an operation of the above air conditioner 200
according to the present invention will be described in detail with
reference to the attached diagrams. An operation of the air
conditioner 200 according to the second embodiment of the present
invention is the same as the operation of the air conditioner 100
according to the first embodiment of the present invention. In the
second embodiment, the same components as those of the first
embodiment are denoted by the corresponding reference numerals.
[0202] In response to power being applied to the air conditioner
200, a controller (not shown) may transmit a control command
according to a driving mode selected by a user so as to drive the
air conditioner 200.
[0203] Along with rotation of the fan 225 formed in a fan unit 224,
external air is introduced through a suction port 213 formed in a
rear portion of the air conditioner 200. In this case, the external
air becomes cool air by absorbing heat from the external air
through the heat exchanger 229, and the cool air is discharged
toward the front portion of the air conditioner 200 through the fan
225.
[0204] Since the main body M2 is inclined backward by as much as a
preset angle, cool air is discharged upward based on an axis in
parallel to the ground at an angle that corresponds to or is the
same as the above angle. According to properties whereby cool air
moves relatively downward in a space, when cool air is discharged
upward at a predetermined angle, cool air may be discharged farther
than the conventional air conditioner.
[0205] The heat exchanger 229 generates condensation liquid water
during heat absorption, and the condensation liquid water is
collected by the drain hose 229 and externally discharged through
the pipe 270.
[0206] The foregoing exemplary embodiments and advantages are
merely exemplary and are not to be construed as limiting the
present invention. Also, the description of the exemplary
embodiments of the present invention is intended to be
illustrative, and not to limit the scope of the claims, and many
alternatives, modifications, and variations will be apparent to
those skilled in the art.
* * * * *