AU2022202993A1

AU2022202993A1 - Ceiling type indoor unit of air conditioner

Info

Publication number: AU2022202993A1
Application number: AU2022202993A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Jayoon KOO; Hyeongnam Yun
Original assignee: LG Electronics Inc
Current assignee: LG Electronics Inc
Priority date: 2017-09-06
Filing date: 2022-05-04
Publication date: 2022-05-26
Anticipated expiration: 2038-09-06
Also published as: CN114738986B; KR102078277B1; AU2022202992A1; EP3680572B1; KR20190027345A; CN111295553A; AU2018327937A1; CN114165912A; CN111316045A; CN111316045B; AU2018330131A1; EP3693676A1; EP3680573A4; CN111295554B; KR20190027336A; AU2022202993B2; AU2018330127B2; EP3680572A4; KR102201562B1; EP3680570A1

Abstract

] Disclosed is a ceiling type indoor unit of an air conditioner, the ceiling type indoor unit including a case housing installed at the ceiling of a room so as to be 5 suspended therefrom, the case housing having an open lower surface, a front body configured to cover the lower surface of the case housing, the front body having a suction port and a discharge port formed so as to face downwards, a vane module separably coupled to the front body, the vane module J being disposed so as to cover the discharge port, and a suction grill separably coupled to the front body, the suction grill being disposed so as to cover the suction port, wherein the vane module includes a first module body disposed at one side of the discharge port, the first module 5 body being located at the lower side of the front body, the first module body being assembled to the front body so as to be separable downwards therefrom, a second module body disposed at the other side of the discharge port, the second module body being located at the lower side of the front 0 body, the second module body being assembled to the front body so as to be separable downwards therefrom, at least one vane having one side and the other side coupled to the first module body and the second module body, respectively, the vane being configured to be rotated relative to the first 5 module body and the second module body, a vane motor 88262709.1 installed at at least one of the first module body or the second module body, the vane motor being configured to provide driving force to the vane, a first fastening hole disposed at the first module body, the first fastening hole 5 being disposed so as to face downwards, the first fastening hole being formed through the first module body, a first fastening member fastened to the front body through the first fastening hole, a second fastening hole disposed at the second module body, the second fastening hole being D disposed so as to face downwards, the second fastening hole being formed through the second module body, and a second fastening member fastened to the front body through the second fastening hole, and when the first fastening member and the second fastening member are separated from the first 5 fastening hole and the second fastening hole, respectively, the vane module is separated downwards from the front body. 88262709.1

Description

installed at at least one of the first module body or the

second module body, the vane motor being configured to

provide driving force to the vane, a first fastening hole

disposed at the first module body, the first fastening hole

being disposed so as to face downwards, the first fastening

hole being formed through the first module body, a first

fastening member fastened to the front body through the

first fastening hole, a second fastening hole disposed at

the second module body, the second fastening hole being

D disposed so as to face downwards, the second fastening hole

being formed through the second module body, and a second

fastening member fastened to the front body through the

second fastening hole, and when the first fastening member

and the second fastening member are separated from the first

fastening hole and the second fastening hole, respectively,

the vane module is separated downwards from the front body.

88262709.1

[DESCRIPTION]

[Invention Title]

CEILING TYPE INDOOR UNIT OF AIR CONDITIONER

[Technical Field]

The present disclosure relates to a ceiling type

indoor unit of an air conditioner, and more particularly a

ceiling type indoor unit installed at the ceiling of a room.

J [Background Art]

In general, an air conditioner includes a compressor,

a condenser, an evaporator, and an expander, and supplies

cool air or hot air to a building or a room using an air

conditioning cycle.

Based on the structure thereof, the air conditioner is

classified as a separable air conditioner configured such

that a compressor is disposed outdoors or an integrated air

conditioner configured such that a compressor is integrally

manufactured.

In the separable air conditioner, an indoor heat

exchanger is installed in an indoor unit, an outdoor heat

exchanger and a compressor are installed in an outdoor unit,

and the two separated units are connected to each other via

a refrigerant pipe.

In the integrated air conditioner, an indoor heat

88262709.1 exchanger, an outdoor heat exchanger, and a compressor are installed in a single case. Examples of the integrated air conditioner include a window type air conditioner installed at a window and a duct type air conditioner installed outside a room in the state in which a suction duct and a discharge duct are connected to each other.

The separable air conditioner is generally classified

depending on the form in which the indoor unit is installed.

An air conditioner configured such that an indoor unit

D is vertically installed in a room is called a stand type air

conditioner, an air conditioner configured such that an

indoor unit is installed at the wall of a room is called a

wall mounted air conditioner, and an air conditioner

configured such that an indoor unit is installed at the

ceiling of a room is called a ceiling type air conditioner.

In addition, there is a system air conditioner capable

of providing air-conditioned air to a plurality of spaces as

a kind of separable air conditioner.

The system air conditioner is classified as a type of

air conditioner including a plurality of indoor units in

order to air-condition rooms or a type of air conditioner

capable of supplying air-conditioned air to respective

spaces through ducts.

The plurality of indoor units provided in the system

air conditioner may be stand type indoor units, wall mounted

88262709.1 indoor units, or ceiling type indoor units.

A conventional ceiling type indoor unit includes a

case installed at a ceiling so as to be suspended therefrom

and a front panel configured to cover the lower surface of

the case, the front panel being installed at the same

surface as the ceiling.

A suction port is disposed at the center of the front

panel, and a plurality of discharge ports is disposed

outside the suction port, and a discharge vane is installed

D at each discharge port.

In the case in which the conventional discharge vane

breaks down, however, the entirety of the front panel must

be separated from the case in order to repair the discharge

vane. That is, conventionally, even in the case in which

one of the plurality of discharge vanes breaks down, the

entirety of the front panel must be separated from the case

in order to replace or repair the broken discharge vane.

[Prior Art Document]

[Patent Document]

Korean Registered Patent No. 10-0679838 B1

[Disclosure]

[Technical Problem]

It is an object of the present disclosure to provide

a ceiling type indoor unit of an air conditioner configured

88262709.1 such that only a vane module can be separated or replaced without separation of a front panel.

It is another object of the present disclosure to

provide a ceiling type indoor unit of an air conditioner

configured such that only one of a plurality of vane modules

can be separated in the state in which a front panel is

coupled to a case housing.

It is another object of the present disclosure to

provide a ceiling type indoor unit of an air conditioner

D configured such that all vane modules for controlling the

discharge direction of air can be mounted to a front body at

once.

It is a further object of the present disclosure to

provide a ceiling type indoor unit of an air conditioner

configured such that a discharge vane is modularized,

whereby replacement time and replacement effort can be

minimized at the time of breakdown.

Objects of the present disclosure are not limited to

the aforementioned objects, and other unmentioned objects

will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art based

on the following description.

[Technical Solution]

The present disclosure is capable of separating or

replacing only a vane module without separation of a front

88262709.1 panel.

The present disclosure is capable of separating only

one of a plurality of vane modules in the state in which a

front panel is coupled to a case housing.

The present disclosure is capable of mounting all

parts constituting a vane module to a front body at once.

The present disclosure is capable of modularizing a

vane module, thereby minimizing replacement time and

replacement effort at the time of breakdown.

D The present disclosure is capable of securing

reliability in assembly since a vane module is doubly

coupled by a fastening member and a module hook.

A ceiling type indoor unit of an air conditioner

according to the present disclosure includes a case housing

installed at the ceiling of a room so as to be suspended

therefrom, the case housing having an open lower surface, a

front body configured to cover the lower surface of the case

housing, the front body having a suction port and a

discharge port formed so as to face downwards, a vane module

separably coupled to the front body, the vane module being

disposed so as to cover the discharge port, and a suction

grill separably coupled to the front body, the suction grill

being disposed so as to cover the suction port, wherein the

vane module includes a first module body disposed at one

side of the discharge port, the first module body being

88262709.1 located at the lower side of the front body, the first module body being assembled to the front body so as to be separable downwards therefrom, a second module body disposed at the other side of the discharge port, the second module body being located at the lower side of the front body, the second module body being assembled to the front body so as to be separable downwards therefrom, at least one vane having one side and the other side coupled to the first module body and the second module body, respectively, the

J vane being configured to be rotated relative to the first

module body and the second module body, a vane motor

installed at at least one of the first module body or the

second module body, the vane motor being configured to

provide driving force to the vane, a first fastening hole

disposed at the first module body, the first fastening hole

being disposed so as to face downwards, the first fastening

hole being formed through the first module body, a first

fastening member fastened to the front body through the

first fastening hole, a second fastening hole disposed at

the second module body, the second fastening hole being

disposed so as to face downwards, the second fastening hole

being formed through the second module body, and a second

fastening member fastened to the front body through the

second fastening hole, and when the first fastening member

and the second fastening member are separated from the first

88262709.1 fastening hole and the second fastening hole, respectively, the vane module is separated downwards from the front body.

The suction grill may be located at the lower side of

the first module body and the second module body.

The suction grill may be located at the lower side of

the front body and may cover the first module body and the

second module body, whereby the first module body and the

second module body may be hidden by the suction grill when

viewed from below.

J The suction grill may include a grill body disposed

at the lower side of the suction port, the grill body

communicating with the suction port through a plurality of

grill holes, the grill body being formed in a quadrangular

shape, and a grill corner portion formed at corners of the

grill body so as to extend in the diagonal direction, and

the first module body and the second module body may be

located at the upper side of the grill corner portion.

The lower surface of the vane and the lower surface

of the grill body may define a continuous surface.

The suction grill may include a grill body disposed

at the lower side of the suction port, the grill body

communicating with the suction port through a plurality of

grill holes, the grill body being formed in a quadrangular

shape, and a first grill corner portion, a second grill

corner portion, a third grill corner portion, and a fourth

88262709.1 grill corner portion formed at corners of the grill body so as to extend in the diagonal direction, the vane module may include a first vane module disposed outside an edge of the suction grill, the first vane module being disposed between the first grill corner portion and the second grill corner portion, a second vane module disposed outside an edge of the suction grill, the second vane module being disposed between the second grill corner portion and the third grill corner portion, a third vane module disposed outside an edge

D of the suction grill, the third vane module being disposed

between the third grill corner portion and the fourth grill

corner portion, and a fourth vane module disposed outside an

edge of the suction grill, the fourth vane module being

disposed between the fourth grill corner portion and the

first grill corner portion, the first module body and the

second module body disposed between the first vane module

and the second vane module may be located at the upper side

of the first grill corner portion and may be hidden by the

first grill corner portion, the first module body and the

second module body disposed between the second vane module

and the third vane module may be located at the upper side

of the second grill corner portion and may be hidden by the

second grill corner portion, the first module body and the

second module body disposed between the third vane module

and the fourth vane module may be located at an upper side

88262709.1 of the third grill corner portion and may be hidden by the third grill corner portion, and the first module body and the second module body disposed between the fourth vane module and the first vane module may be located at an upper side of the fourth grill corner portion and may be hidden by the fourth grill corner portion.

One of a permanent magnet and a magnetic force fixing

portion may be disposed at the front body while the other of

the magnetic force fixing portion and the permanent magnet

J may be disposed at the upper surface of each grill corner

portion, and the permanent magnet and the magnetic force

fixing portion may be hidden by each grill corner portion.

The vane module may further include a module hook

disposed at the first module body and the second module

body, the module hook and the front body being caught by

each other.

The module hook may be disposed at the edge of the

first module body and the second module body.

The module hook of the first module body and the

module hook of the second module body may be disposed so as

to face each other.

The front body may include a front frame coupled to

the case housing, the suction port and the discharge port

being formed in the front frame, a first side cover

assembled to an edge of the front frame, the first side

88262709.1 cover being located at the lower side of the front frame, the first side cover being exposed outside, the first side cover being disposed outside the first vane module, a second side cover assembled to an edge of the front frame, the second side cover being located at the lower side of the front frame, the second side cover being exposed outside, the second side cover being disposed outside the first vane module ,a third side cover assembled to an edge of the front frame, the third side cover being located at the lower side

D of the front frame, the third side cover being exposed

outside, the third side cover being disposed outside the

first vane module , a fourth side cover assembled to an edge

of the front frame, the fourth side cover being located at

the lower side of the front frame, the fourth side cover

being exposed outside, the fourth side cover being disposed

outside the first vane module, assembled to a corner of the

front frame, located at the lower side of the front frame,

and exposed outside, a first corner cover assembled to a

corner of the front frame, the first corner cover being

located at the lower side of the front frame, the first

corner cover being located between the first side cover and

the second side cover, the first corner cover being exposed

outside, a second corner cover assembled to a corner of the

front frame, the second corner cover being located at the

lower side of the front frame, the second corner cover being

88262709.1 located between the second side cover and the third side cover, the second corner cover being exposed outside, a third corner cover assembled to a corner of the front frame, the third corner cover being located at the lower side of the front frame, the third corner cover being located between the third side cover and the fourth side cover, the third corner cover being exposed outside, and a fourth corner cover assembled to a corner of the front frame, the fourth corner cover being located at the lower side of the

J front frame, the fourth corner cover being located between

the fourth side cover and the first side cover, the fourth

corner cover being exposed outside, and the suction grill

may define a continuous surface with the first side cover,

the second side cover, the third side cover, the fourth side

cover, the first corner cover, the second corner cover, the

third corner cover, and the fourth corner cover.

The second module body of the first vane module and

the first module body of the second vane module may be

disposed at the upper side of the first grill corner

portion, the second module body of the second vane module

and the first module body of the third vane module may be

disposed at the upper side of the second grill corner

portion, the second module body of the third vane module and

the first module body of the fourth vane module may be

disposed at the upper side of the third grill corner

88262709.1 portion, and the second module body of the fourth vane module and the first module body of the first vane module may be disposed at the upper side of the fourth grill corner portion.

The first grill corner portion may be located at the

lower side of the first fastening hole and the second

fastening hole formed in the first module body and the

second module body, and the first fastening hole and the

second fastening hole may be hidden by the first grill

J corner portion.

[Advantageous Effects]

The ceiling type indoor unit of the air conditioner

according to the present disclosure has one or more of the

following effects.

First, it is possible to separate only one of the

plurality of vane modules in the state in which the front

panel is coupled to the case housing.

Second, it is possible to mount all parts

constituting the vane module to the front body at once.

Third, it is possible to modularize the vane module,

thereby minimizing replacement time and replacement effort

at the time of breakdown.

Fourth, the fastening hole necessary to mount the vane

module is hidden by the suction grill, whereby it is

88262709.1 possible to prevent the fastening hole from being exposed outside.

Fifth, the vane module is fixed to the front body via

the fastening member and the module hook, whereby it is

possible to secure reliability in assembly.

Sixth, the fastening member is installed after the

vane module is fixed to the front body via the module hook,

whereby it is possible for a worker to easily install the

vane module.

[Description of Drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an indoor unit

of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the

present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a sectional view of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view showing a

front panel of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view showing the

upper part of the front panel of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a vane module shown

in FIG. 3.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of FIG. 5 when viewed in

another direction.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the vane module of

FIG. 5 when viewed from above.

88262709.1

FIG. 8 is a front view of the vane module shown in

FIG. 3.

FIG. 9 is a rear view of the vane module shown in

FIG. 3.

FIG. 10 is a plan view of the vane module shown in

FIG. 3.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing the operation

structure of the vane module shown in FIG. 5.

FIG. 12 is a front view of a driving link shown in

FIG. 11.

FIG. 13 is a front view of a first vane link shown in

FIG. 11.

FIG. 14 is a front view of a second vane link shown

in FIG. 11.

FIG. 15 is a bottom view of the front panel in the

state in which a suction grill is separated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 16 is an enlarged view showing the vane module

in FIG. 15.

FIG. 17 is a bottom view showing a front body in the

state in which the vane module is separated in FIG. 15.

[Best Model

Advantages and features of the present disclosure and

a method of achieving the same will be more clearly

understood from embodiments described below with reference

88262709.1 to the accompanying drawings. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the following embodiments and may be implemented in various different forms. The embodiments are provided merely to complete the present disclosure and to fully provide a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure pertains with the category of the present disclosure. The present disclosure is defined only by the category of the claims.

Wherever possible, the same reference numerals will be used

D throughout the specification to refer to the same or like

elements.

Hereinafter, the present disclosure will be described

in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an indoor unit

of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the

present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a sectional view of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view showing a front

panel of FIG. 1. FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view

showing the upper part of the front panel of FIG. 1. FIG.

5 is a perspective view of a vane module shown in FIG. 3.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of FIG. 5 when viewed in

another direction. FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the

vane module of FIG. 5 when viewed from above. FIG. 8 is a

front view of the vane module shown in FIG. 3. FIG. 9 is a

rear view of the vane module shown in FIG. 3. FIG. 10 is a

88262709.1 plan view of the vane module shown in FIG. 3. FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing the operation structure of the vane module shown in FIG. 5. FIG. 12 is a front view of a driving link shown in FIG. 11. FIG. 13 is a front view of a first vane link shown in FIG. 11. FIG. 14 is a front view of a second vane link shown in FIG. 11. FIG. 15 is a bottom view of the front panel in the state in which a suction grill is separated in FIG. 1. FIG. 16 is an enlarged view showing the vane module in FIG. 15. FIG. 17

J is a bottom view showing a front body in the state in

which the vane module is separated in FIG. 15.

The indoor unit of the air conditioner according to

this embodiment includes a case 100 having a suction port

101 and a discharge port 102, an indoor heat exchanger 130

disposed in the case 100, and an indoor blowing fan 140

disposed in the case 100 to blow air to the suction port

101 and the discharge port 102.

In this embodiment, the case 100 includes a case

housing 110 and a front panel 300. The case housing 110 is

installed at the ceiling of a room via a hanger (not shown)

so as to be suspended therefrom, and the lower side of the

case housing is open. The front panel 300 covers the open

surface of the case housing 110, is disposed so as to face

88262709.1 the floor of the room, is exposed in the room, and has the suction port 101 and the discharge port 102.

The case 100 may be variously realized depending on

the form of manufacture, and construction of the case 100

does not limit the idea of the present disclosure.

The suction port 101 is disposed in the center of the

front panel 300, and the discharge port 102 is disposed

outside the suction port 101. The number of suction ports

101 or the number of discharge ports 102 is irrelevant to

J idea of the present disclosure. In this embodiment, a

single suction port 101 is formed, and a plurality of

discharge ports 102 is disposed.

In this embodiment, the suction port 101 is formed so

as to have a quadrangular shape when viewed from below, and

four discharge ports 102 are disposed so as to be spaced

apart from edges of the suction port 101 by a predetermined

distance.

The indoor heat exchanger 130 is disposed between the

suction port 101 and the discharge port 102, and the indoor

heat exchanger 130 partitions the interior of the case 100

into an inner interior and an outer interior. In this

embodiment, the indoor heat exchanger 130 is disposed

vertically.

The indoor blowing fan 140 is located inside the

88262709.1 indoor heat exchanger 130.

When viewed in a top view or a bottom view, the indoor

heat exchanger has an overall shape of "EL", a portion of

which may be separated.

The indoor heat exchanger 130 is disposed such that

air discharged from the indoor blowing fan 140

perpendicularly enters the indoor heat exchanger.

A drain pan 132 is installed in the case 100, and the

indoor heat exchanger 130 is held by the drain pan 132.

J Condensate water generated in the indoor heat exchanger 130

may flow to the drain pan 132 and then be stored. A drain

pump (not shown) configured to discharge collected

condensate water to the outside is disposed in the drain pan

132.

The drain pan 132 may be provided with an inclined

surface having directivity in order to collect and store

condensate water falling from the indoor heat exchanger 130

in one side.

The indoor blowing fan 140 is located in the case

100, and is disposed at the upper side of the suction port

101. A centrifugal blower configured to suction air to the

center thereof and discharging the air in the

circumferential direction is used as the indoor blowing

fan 140.

88262709.1

The indoor blowing fan 140 includes a bell mouth 142,

a fan 144, and a fan motor 146.

The bell mouth 142 is disposed at the upper side of a

suction grill 320, and is located at the lower side of the

fan 144. The bell mouth 142 guides air that has passed

through the suction grill 320 to the fan 144.

The fan motor 146 rotates the fan 144. The fan motor

146 is fixed to the case housing 110. The fan motor 146 is

disposed at the upper side of the fan 144. At least a

J portion of the fan motor 146 is located higher than the

fan 144.

A motor shaft of the fan motor 146 is disposed so as

to face downwards, and the fan 144 is coupled to the motor

shaft.

The indoor heat exchanger 130 is located outside the

edge of the fan 144. The fan 144 and at least a portion of

the indoor heat exchanger 130 are disposed on the same

horizontal line. At least a portion of the bell mouth 142

is inserted into the fan 144. In the upward-downward

direction, at least a portion of the bell mouth 142

overlaps the fan 144.

The indoor heat exchanger 130 is disposed in the case

hosing 110, and partitions the space in the case housing 110

into an inner space and an outer space.

88262709.1

The inner space surrounded by the indoor heat

exchanger 130 is defined as a suction channel 103, and the

outer space outside the indoor heat exchanger 130 is defined

as a discharge channel 104.

The indoor blowing fan 140 is disposed in the suction

channel 103. The discharge channel 104 is located between

the outside of the indoor heat exchanger 130 and the

sidewall of the case housing 110.

When viewed in a top view or a bottom view, the

J suction channel 103 is an inside surrounded by "El" of the

indoor heat exchanger, and the discharge channel 104 is an

outside of "EL" of the indoor heat exchanger.

The suction channel 103 communicates with the suction

port 101, and the discharge channel 104 communicates with

the discharge port 103

Air flows from the lower side to the upper side of the

suction channel 103, and flows from the upper side to the

lower side of the discharge channel 104. The flow direction

of air is changed 180 degrees based on the indoor heat

exchanger 130.

The suction port 101 and the discharge port 102 are

formed in the same surface of the front panel 300.

The suction port 101 and the discharge port 102 are

disposed so as to face in the same direction. In this

embodiment, the suction port 101 and the discharge port 102

88262709.1 are disposed so as to face the floor of the room.

In the case in which the front panel 300 is bent, the

discharge port 102 may be formed so as to have a slight side

inclination; however, the discharge port 102 connected to

the discharge channel 104 is formed so as to face downwards.

A vane module 200 is disposed to control the direction

of air that is discharged through the discharge port 102.

The front panel 300 includes a front body 310 coupled

D to the case housing 110, the front body having the suction

port 101 and the discharge port 102, a suction grill 320

having a plurality of grill holes 321, the suction grill

being configured to cover the suction port 101, a pre-filter

330 separably assembled to the suction grill 320, and a vane

module 200 installed at the front body 310, the vane module

being configured to control the air flow direction of the

discharge port 102.

The suction grill 320 is installed so as to be

separable from the front body 310. The suction grill 320

may be elevated from the front body 310 in the upward

downward direction. The suction grill 320 covers the

entirety of the suction port 101.

In this embodiment, the suction grill 320 has a

plurality of grill holes 321 formed in the shape of a

lattice. The grill holes 321 communicate with the suction

88262709.1 port 101.

The pre-filter 330 is disposed at the upper side of

the suction grill 320. The pre-filter 330 filters air

suctioned into the case 100. The pre-filter 330 is located

at the upper side of grill holes 321, and filters air that

has passed through the suction grill 320.

The discharge port 102 is formed along the edge of the

suction port 101 in the form of a long slit. The vane

module 200 is located on the discharge port 102, and is

D coupled to the front body 310.

In this embodiment, the vane module 200 may be

separated downwards from the front body 310. That is, the

vane module 200 may be disposed irrespective of the coupling

structure of the front body 310, and may be separated

independently from the front body 310. The structure

thereof will be described in more detail.

The front body 310 is coupled to the lower side of the

case housing 110, and is disposed so as to face the room.

The front body 310 is installed at the ceiling of the room,

and is exposed in the room.

The front body 310 is coupled to the case housing 110,

and the case housing 110 supports load of the front body

310. The front body 310 supports load of the suction grill

320 and the pre-filter 330.

88262709.1

When viewed in a top view, the front body 310 is

formed so as to have a quadrangular shape. The shape of the

front body 310 may be varied.

The upper surface of the front body 310 may be formed

horizontally so as to be in tight contact with the ceiling,

and the edge of the lower surface of the front body may be

slightly curved.

A suction port 101 is disposed in the center of the

front body 310, and a plurality of discharge ports 102 is

J disposed outside the edge of the suction port 101.

When viewed in a top view, the suction port 101 may be

formed in a square shape, and each discharge port 102 may be

formed in a rectangular shape. The discharge port 102 may

be formed in a slit shape having a greater length than the

width thereof.

The front body 310 includes a front frame 312, a side

cover 314, and a corner cover 316.

The front frame 312 provides load and stiffness of the

front panel 300, and is fixed to the case housing 110 by

fastening. The suction port 101 and the four discharge

ports 102 are formed in the front frame 312.

In this embodiment, the front frame 312 includes a

side frame 311 and a corner frame 313.

The corner frame 313 is disposed at each corner of the

front panel 300. The side frame 311 is coupled to two

88262709.1 corner frames 313. The side frame 311 includes an inner side frame 311a and an outer side frame 311b.

The inner side frame 311a is disposed between the

suction port 101 and the discharge port 102, and couples two

corner frames 313 to each other. The outer side frame 311b

is disposed outside the discharge port 102.

In this embodiment, four inner side frames 311a and

four outer side frames 311b are provided.

The suction port 101 is located inside the four inner

J side frames 311a. The discharge port 102 is formed so as to

be surrounded by two corner frames 313, the inner side frame

311a, and the outer side frame 311b.

The side cover 314 and the corner cover 316 are

coupled to the lower surface of the front frame 312. The

side cover 314 and the corner cover 316 are exposed to a

user, and the front frame 312 is not visible to the user.

The side cover 314 is disposed at the edge of the

front frame 312, and the corner cover 316 is disposed at the

corner of the front frame 312.

The side cover 314 is made of a synthetic resin

material, and is fixed to the front frame 312 by fastening.

Specifically, the side cover 314 is coupled to the side

frame 311, and the corner cover 316 is coupled to the corner

frame 313.

In this embodiment, four side covers 314 and four

88262709.1 corner covers 316 are provided. The side covers 314 and the corner covers 316 are coupled to the front frame 312 to form a single structure. The four side covers 314 and the four corner covers 316 form a single edge of the front panel 300.

The side cover 314 is disposed at the lower side of

the side frame 311, and the corner cover 316 is disposed at

the lower side of the corner frame 313.

The four side covers 314 and the four corner covers

316 are assembled to form a quadrangular frame. The four

J side covers 314 and the four corner covers 316 connected to

each other are defined as a front decoration 350.

The front decoration 350 has a decoration outer border

351 and a decoration inner border 352.

When viewed in a top view or a bottom view, the

decoration outer border 351 is formed in a quadrangular

shape, and the decoration inner border 352 is generally

formed in a quadrangular shape. However, the corner of the

decoration inner border has predetermined curvature.

The suction grill 320 and four vane modules 200 are

disposed inside the decoration inner border 352. The

suction grill 320 and four vane modules 200 abut the

decoration inner border 352.

In this embodiment, four side cover 314 are disposed,

and each side cover 314 is coupled to the front frame 312.

The outer edge of the side cover 314 defines a portion of

88262709.1 the decoration outer border 351, and the inner edge of the side cover 314 defines a portion of the decoration inner border 352.

In particular, the inner edge of the side cover 314

defines the outer border of the discharge port 102. The

inner edge of the side cover 314 is defined as a side

decoration inner border 315.

In this embodiment, four corner covers 316 are

disposed, and each corner cover 316 is coupled to the front

J frame 312. The outer edge of the corner cover 316 defines a

portion of the decoration outer border 351, and the inner

edge of the corner cover 316 defines a portion of the

decoration inner border 352.

The inner edge of the corner cover 316 is defined as a

corner decoration inner border 317.

The corner decoration inner border 317 may be disposed

so as to contact the suction grill 320. In this embodiment,

the inner edge of the corner cover 316 is disposed so as to

face the suction grill 320, and is spaced apart therefrom by

a predetermined distance to form a gap 317a.

The side decoration inner border 315 is also spaced

apart from the vane module 200 to form a gap 315a, and is

disposed so as to face the outer edge of the vane module

200.

Consequently, the decoration inner border 352 is

88262709.1 spaced apart from the outer edges of the four vane modules

200 and the suction grill 320 to form a continuous gap.

A continuous gap defined by four side decoration inner

border gaps 315a and four corner decoration inner border

gaps 317a is defined as a front decoration gap 350a.

The front decoration gap 350a is formed at the inner

edge of the front decoration 350. Specifically, the front

decoration gap 350a is formed as the result of the outer

edges of the vane module 200 and the suction grill 320 and

D the inner edge of the front decoration 350 being spaced

apart from each other.

When the vane module 200 is not operated (when the

indoor unit is stopped), the front decoration gap 350a

allows the suction grill 320 and the vane module 200 to be

seen as a single structure.

The suction grill 320 is located at the lower side of

the front body 310. The suction grill 320 may be moved

downwards in the state of being in tight contact with the

lower surface of the front body 310.

The suction grill 320 includes a grill body 322 and a

plurality of grill holes 321 formed through the grill body

322 in the upward-downward direction.

The suction grill 320 includes a grill body 322

disposed at the lower side of the suction port 101, the

88262709.1 grill body communicating with the suction port 101 through a plurality of grill holes 321, the grill body being formed in a quadrangular shape, and a grill corner portion 327 formed at the corners of the grill body 322 so as to extend in the diagonal direction.

The lower surface of the grill body 322 and the lower

surface of a first vane 210 may define a continuous surface.

In addition, the lower surface of the grill body 322 and the

lower surface of the corner cover 316 may define a

D continuous surface.

A plurality of grills 323 is disposed inside the grill

body 322 in the shape of a lattice. The lattice-shaped

grills 323 define quadrangular grill holes 321. The portion

at which the grills 323 and the grill holes 321 are formed

is defined as a suction portion.

The grill body 322 includes a suction portion

configured to communicate with air and a grill body portion

324 disposed so as to surround the suction portion. When

viewed in a top view or a bottom view, the suction portion

is generally formed in a quadrangular shape.

Each corner of the suction portion is disposed so as

to face a corresponding corner of the front panel 300, and

more specifically is disposed so as to face the corner cover

316.

When viewed in a bottom view, the grill body 322 is

88262709.1 formed in a quadrangular shape.

The outer edge of the grill body portion 324 is

disposed so as to face the discharge port 102 or the front

decoration 350.

The outer edge of the grill body portion 324 includes

a grill corner border 326 disposed so as to face the corner

cover 316 and a grill side border 325 defining the discharge

port 102, the grill side border being disposed so as to face

the side cover 314.

J The grill corner border 326 may have curvature formed

about the inside of the suction grill 320, and the grill

side border 325 may have curvature formed about the outside

of the suction grill 320,

The grill body portion 324 further includes a grill

corner portion 327 surrounded by the grill corner border 326

and two grill side borders 325. The grill corner portion

327 is formed at the grill body portion 324 so as to

protrude toward the corner cover 316.

The grill corner portion 327 is disposed at each

corner of the grill body 322. The grill corner portion 327

extends toward each corner of the front panel 300.

In this embodiment, four grill corner portions 327 are

disposed. For convenience of description, the four grill

corner portions 327 are defined as a first grill corner

portion 327-1, a second grill corner portion 327-2, a third

88262709.1 grill corner portion 327-3, and a fourth grill corner portion 327-4.

The grill side border 325 is formed so as to be

concave from the outside to the inside.

The discharge port 102 is formed between the side

cover 314 and the suction grill 320. More specifically, one

discharge port 102 is formed between the side decoration

inner border 315 of the side cover 314 and the grill side

border 325 of the grill body 322. Discharge ports 102 are

J formed between side decoration inner borders 315 and grill

side borders 325 disposed in four directions of the suction

grill 320.

In this embodiment, the length of the grill corner

border 326 is equal to the length of the corner decoration

inner border 317. That is, the width of the corner cover

316 is equal to the width of the grill corner portion 327.

In addition, the width of the inside of the side cover

314 is equal to the width of the grill side border 325.

The grill side border 325 will be described in more

detail.

The grill side border 325 defines the inner border of

the discharge port 102. The side decoration inner border

315 and the corner decoration inner border 317 define the

outer border of the discharge port 102.

The grill side border 325 includes a long straight

88262709.1 section 325a extending long in the longitudinal direction of the discharge port 102, the long straight section being formed in a straight line, a first curved section 325b connected to one side of the long straight section 325a, the first curved section having the center of curvature outside the suction grill 320, a second curved section 325c connected to the other side of the long straight section

325a, the first curved section having the center of

curvature outside the suction grill 320, a first short

J straight section 325d connected to the first curved section,

and a second short straight section 325e connected to the

second curved section 325c.

The vane module 200 is installed in the discharge

channel 104, and controls the flow direction of air that is

discharged through the discharge port 102.

The vane module 200 includes a module body 400, a

first vane 210, a second vane 220, a vane motor 230, a

driving link 240, a first vane link 250, and a second vane

link 260. The first vane 210, the second vane 220, the vane

motor 230, the driving link 240, the first vane link 250,

and the second vane link 260 are all installed at the module

body 400. The module body 400 is installed integrally at

the front panel 300. That is, all of the components of the

vane module 200 are modularized and are installed at the

88262709.1 front panel 300 at once.

Since the vane module 200 is modularized, it is

possible to reduce assembly time and to achieve easy

replacement at the time of trouble.

In this embodiment, a stepper motor is used as the

vane motor 230.

The module body 400 may be constituted by a single

body. In this embodiment, the module body is manufactured

D using two separate parts in order to minimize installation

space and to minimize manufacturing cost.

In this embodiment, the module body 400 includes a

first module body 410 and a second module body 420.

The first module body 410 and the second module body

420 are formed in horizontal symmetry. In this embodiment,

the first module body 410 is described by way of example.

Each of the first module body 410 and the second

module body 420 is fastened to the front body 310.

Specifically, each of the first module body 410 and the

second module body 420 is installed at the corner frame 313.

In the horizontal direction, the first module body 410

is installed at the corner frame 313 disposed at one side of

the discharge port 102, and the second module body 420 is

installed at the corner frame 313 disposed at the other side

of the discharge port 102.

88262709.1

In the vertical direction, each of the first module

body 410 and the second module body 420 is in tight contact

with the lower surface of the corner frame 313, and is

fastened thereto via a fastening member 401.

Consequently, the first module body 410 and the second

module body 420 are disposed at the lower side of the front

body 310. In the state in which the indoor unit is

installed, the direction in which the first module body 410

and the corner frame 313 are fastened to each other is

J disposed so as to be directed from the lower side to the

upper side, and the direction in which the second module

body 420 and the corner frame 313 are fastened to each other

is also disposed so as to be directed from the lower side to

the upper side.

In the above structure, the entirety of the vane

module 200 may be easily separated from the front body 310

during repair.

The vane module 200 includes a first module body 410

disposed at one side of the discharge port 102, the first

module body being located at the lower side of the front

body 310, the first module body being assembled to the front

body 310 so as to be separable downwards therefrom, a second

module body 420 disposed at the other side of the discharge

port 102, the second module body being located at the lower

side of the front body 310, the second module body being

88262709.1 assembled to the front body 310 so as to be separable downwards therefrom, at least one vane 210 and 220 having one side and the other side coupled to the first module body

410 and the second module body 420, respectively, the vane

being configured to be rotated relative to the first module

body 410 and the second module body 420, a vane motor 230

installed at at least one of the first module body 410 or

the second module body 420, the vane motor being configured

to provide driving force to the vane, a first fastening hole

J 403-1 disposed at the first module body 410, the first

fastening hole being disposed so as to face downwards, the

first fastening hole being formed through the first module

body 410, a first fastening member 401-1 fastened to the

front body 310 through the first fastening hole 403-1, a

second fastening hole 403-2 disposed at the second module

body 420, the second fastening hole being disposed so as to

face downwards, the second fastening hole being formed

through the second module body 420, and a second fastening

member 401-2 fastened to the front body through the second

fastening hole 403-2.

In particular, since the first module body 410 and the

second module body 420 are located at the lower side of the

front body 310, only the main module 200 may be separated

from the front body 310 in the state in which the front body

310 is installed at the case housing 110. This is commonly

88262709.1 applied to all of the four vane modules 200.

In the case in which the module body 400 is separated

from the front body 310, the entirety of the vane module 200

is separated downwards from the front body 310.

The first module body 410 includes a module body

portion 402 coupled to the front body 310 and a link

installation portion 404 protruding upwards from the module

body portion 402.

The module body portion 402 is fastened to the front

J body 310 via a fastening member 401 (not shown). Unlike

this embodiment, the module body portion 402 may be coupled

to the front body 310 by hook coupling or interference

fitting.

In this embodiment, the module body portion 402 is

securely fastened to the front body 310 in order to minimize

generation of vibration or noise due to the first vane 210,

the second vane 220, the vane motor 230, the driving link

240, the first vane link 250, and the second vane link 260.

The fastening member 401 provided to fix the module

body portion 402 is in the state of being fastened from the

lower side to the upper side, and may be separated from the

upper side to the lower side.

A fastening hole 403, through which the fastening

member 401 is inserted, is formed in the module body portion

402.

88262709.1

In the case in which it is necessary to distinguish

between the fastening hole formed in the first module body

410 and the fastening hole formed in the second module body

420 for convenience of description, the fastening hole

formed in the first module body 410 is referred to as a

first fastening hole 403-1, and the fastening hole formed in

the second module body 420 is referred to as a second

fastening hole 403-1.

Also, in the case in which it is necessary to

J distinguish between the fastening members 401, the fastening

member 401 installed in the first fastening hole 403-1 is

defined as a first fastening member 401-1, and the fastening

member 401 installed in the second fastening hole 403-1 is

defined as a second fastening member 401-2.

The first fastening member 401-1 is fastened to the

front body 310 through the first fastening hole. The second

fastening member 401-2 is fastened to the front body 310

through the second fastening hole.

Before fixing the module body 400 by fastening, a

module hook 405 configured to temporarily fix the position

of the module body 400 is disposed.

The module hook 405 is coupled to the front panel 300,

specifically the front body 310. Specifically, the module

hook 405 and the front body 310 are caught by each other.

A plurality of module hooks 405 may be disposed at one

88262709.1 module body. In this embodiment, module hooks are disposed at the outer edge and the front edge of the module body portion 402. That is, module hooks 405 are disposed outside the first module body 410 and the second module body 420, and the module hooks 405 are symmetrical with each other in the leftward-rightward direction.

The vane module 200 may be temporarily fixed to the

frame body 310 by the module hook 405 of the first module

body 410 and the module hook 405 of the second module body

D 420.

In the case of fixing using the module hooks 405, a

slight gap may be generated due to the coupling structure

thereof. The fastening member 401 securely fixes the

temporarily fixed module body 400 to the front body 310.

The fastening hole 403, in which the fastening member

401 is installed, may be located between the module hooks

405. The fastening hole 403 of the first module body 410

and the fastening hole 403 of the second module body 420 are

disposed between one module hook 405 and the other module

hook 405.

In this embodiment, the module hooks 405 and the

fastening holes 403 are disposed in a line.

Even when the fastening members 401 are removed, the

state in which the vane module 200 is coupled to the frame

body 310 may be maintained by the module hooks 405.

88262709.1

When it is necessary to separate the vane module at

the time of repair or trouble, the state in which the vane

module 200 is coupled to the frame panel 300 is maintained

even when the fastening member 401 is removed. As a result,

a worker does not need to separately support the vane module

200 at the time of removing the fastening member 401.

Since the vane module 200 is primarily fixed by the

module hook 405 and is secondary fixed by the fastening

member 401, it is possible to greatly improve work

J convenience at the time of repair.

The module body portion 402 is disposed horizontally,

and the link installation portion 404 is disposed

vertically. In particular, the link installation portion

404 protrudes upwards from the module body portion 402 in

the state of being installed.

The link installation portion 404 of the first module

body 410 and the link installation portion 404 of the second

module body 420 are disposed so as to face each other. The

first vane 210, the second vane 220, the driving link 240,

the first vane link 250, and the second vane link 260 are

installed between the link installation portion 404 of the

first module body 410 and the link installation portion 404

of the second module body 420. The vane motor 230 is

disposed outside the link installation portion 404 of the

first module body 410 or the link installation portion 404

88262709.1 of the second module body 420.

The vane motor 230 may be installed at only one of the

first module body 410 and the second module body 420. In

this embodiment, the vane motor 230 may be installed at each

of the first module body 410 and the second module body 420.

The first vane 210, the second vane 220, the driving

link 240, the first vane link 250, and the second vane link

260 are coupled between the first module body 410 and the

second module body 420, whereby the vane module 200 is

D integrated.

In order to install the vane motor 230, a vane motor

installation portion 406 protruding outside the link

installation portion 404 is disposed. The vane motor 230 is

fixed to the vane motor installation portion 406 by

fastening. The vane motor installation portion 406 is

formed in the shape of a boss, and the vane motor 230 is

fixed to the vane motor installation portion 406. By the

provision of the vane motor installation portion 406, the

link installation portion 404 and the vane motor 230 are

spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance.

A driving link coupling portion 407 to which the

driving link 240 is assembled and which provides the center

of rotation to the driving link 240, a first vane link

coupling portion 408 to which the first vane link 250 is

assembled and which provides the center of rotation to the

88262709.1 first vane link 250, and a second vane coupling portion 409 which is coupled with the second vane 220 and which provides the center of rotation to the second vane 220 are disposed at the link installation portion 404.

In this embodiment, each of the driving link coupling

portion 407, the first vane link coupling portion 408, and

the second vane coupling portion 409 is formed in the shape

of a hole. Unlike this embodiment, the same may be formed

in the shape of a boss, and may be realized as any of

D various forms that provide a rotary shaft.

Meanwhile, a stopper 270 configured to limit the

rotational angle of the driving link 240 is disposed at the

link installation portion 404. The stopper 270 is disposed

so as to protrude toward the opposite link installation

portion 404.

In this embodiment, the stopper 270 interferes with

the driving link 240 at a specific position at the time of

rotation thereof, and limits rotation of the driving link

240. The stopper 270 is located within the radius of

rotation of the driving link 240.

In this embodiment, the stopper 270 is manufactured

integrally with the link installation portion 404. In this

embodiment, the stopper 270 defines the installation

position of the driving link 240, remains in contact with

the driving link 240 at the time of rotation thereof, and

88262709.1 inhibits vibration or free movement of the driving link 240.

In this embodiment, the stopper 270 is formed in the

shape of an arc.

The driving link 240 is directly connected to the vane

motor 230. A motor shaft (not shown) of the vane motor 230

is directly coupled to the driving link 240, and the

rotation amount of the driving link 240 is determined based

on the rotational angle of the rotary shaft of the vane

J motor 230.

The driving link 240 is assembled to the vane motor

230 through the link installation portion 404. In this

embodiment, the driving link 240 extends through the driving

link coupling portion 407.

The driving link 240 includes a driving link body 245,

a first driving link shaft 241 disposed at the driving link

body 245, the first driving link shaft being rotatably

coupled to the first vane 210, a core link shaft 243

disposed at the driving link body 245, the core link shaft

being rotatably coupled to the link installation portion 404

(specifically, the driving link coupling portion 407), and a

second driving link shaft 242 disposed at the driving link

body 245, the second driving link shaft being rotatably

coupled to the second vane link 260.

The driving link body 245 includes a first driving

88262709.1 link body 246, a second driving link body 247, and a core body 248.

The core link shaft 243 is disposed at the core body

248, the first driving link shaft 241 is disposed at the

first driving link body 246, and the core link shaft 243 is

disposed at the second driving link body 247.

The core body 248 connects the first driving link body

246 and the second driving link body 247 to each other. The

shape of each of the first driving link body 246 and the

J second driving link body 247 is not particularly restricted.

In this embodiment, however, each of the first driving link

body 246 and the second driving link body 247 is generally

formed in the shape of a straight line.

The first driving link body 246 is longer than the

second driving link body 247.

The core link shaft 243 is rotatably assembled to the

link installation portion 404. The core link shaft 243 is

assembled to the driving link coupling portion 407 formed at

the link installation portion 404. The core link shaft 243

may be rotated relative to the driving link coupling portion

407 in the state of being coupled thereto.

The first driving link shaft 241 is rotatably

assembled to the first vane 210. The second driving link

shaft 242 is rotatably assembled to the second vane link

260.

88262709.1

The first driving link shaft 241 and the second

driving link shaft 242 protrude in the same direction. The

core link shaft 243 protrudes in the direction opposite the

first driving link shaft 241 and the second driving link

shaft 242.

The first driving link body 246 and the second driving

link body 247 have a predetermined angle therebetween. An

imaginary straight line joining the first driving link shaft

241 and the core link shaft 243 to each other and an

D imaginary straight line joining the core link shaft 243 and

the second driving link shaft 242 to each other have a

predetermined angle E therebetween. The angle E is greater

than 0 degrees and less than 180 degrees.

The first driving link shaft 241 has a structure in

which the driving link body 245 and the first vane 210 can

be rotated relative thereto. In this embodiment, the first

driving link shaft 241 is formed integrally with the driving

link body 245. Unlike this embodiment, the first driving

link shaft 241 may be manufactured integrally with the first

vane 210 or a joint 214.

The core link shaft 243 has a structure in which the

driving link body 245 and the module body (specifically, the

link installation portion 404) can be rotated relative

thereto. In this embodiment, the core link shaft 243 is

formed integrally with the driving link body 245.

88262709.1

The second driving link shaft 242 has a structure in

which the second vane link 260 and the driving link 240 can

be rotated relative thereto. In this embodiment, the second

driving link shaft 242 is formed integrally with the driving

link body 245. Unlike this embodiment, the second driving

link shaft 242 may be manufactured integrally with the

second vane link 260.

In this embodiment, the second driving link shaft 242

is disposed at the second driving link body 247. The second

D driving link shaft 242 is disposed opposite the first

driving link shaft 241 on the basis of the core link shaft

243.

An imaginary straight line joining the first driving

link shaft 241 and the core link shaft 243 to each other and

an imaginary straight line joining the core link shaft 243

and the second driving link shaft 242 to each other have a

predetermined angle E therebetween. The angle E is greater

than 0 degrees and less than 180 degrees.

In this embodiment, the first vane link 250 is made of

a strong material, and is formed in the shape of a straight

line. Unlike this embodiment, the first vane link 250 may

be curved.

The first vane link 250 includes a first vane link

body 255, a 1-1 vane link shaft 251 disposed at the first

88262709.1 vane link body 255, the 1-1 vane link shaft being assembled to the first vane 210, the 1-1 vane link shaft being configured to be rotated relative to the first vane 210, and a 1-2 vane link shaft 252 disposed at the first vane link body 255, the 1-2 vane link shaft being assembled to the module body 400 (specifically, the link installation portion

404), the 1-2 vane link shaft being configured to be rotated

relative to the module body 400.

The 1-1 vane link shaft 251 protrudes toward the first

J vane 210. The 1-1 vane link shaft 251 may be assembled to

the first vane 210, and may be rotated relative to the first

vane 210.

The 1-2 vane link shaft 252 is assembled to the link

installation portion 404 of the module body 400.

Specifically, the 1-2 vane link shaft 252 may be assembled

to the first vane link coupling portion 408, and may be

rotated relative to the first vane link coupling portion

408.

In this embodiment, the second vane link 260 is made

of a strong material, and is formed in the shape of a

straight line. Unlike this embodiment, the first vane link

250 may be curved.

The second vane link 260 includes a second vane link

body 265, a 2-1 vane link shaft 261 disposed at the second

88262709.1 vane link body 265, the 2-1 vane link shaft being assembled to the second vane 220, the 2-1 vane link shaft being configured to be rotated relative to the second vane 220, and a 2-2 vane link journal 262 disposed at the second vane link body 265, the 2-2 vane link journal being assembled to the driving link 240 (specifically, the second driving link shaft 242), the 2-2 vane link journal being configured to be rotated relative to the driving link 240.

In this embodiment, the 2-2 vane link journal 262 is

J formed in the shape of a hole formed through the second vane

link body 265. Since the 2-2 vane link journal 262 and the

second driving link shaft 242 have relative structures, one

is formed in the shape of a shaft and the other is formed in

the shape of a hole having the center of rotation. Unlike

this embodiment, therefore, the 2-2 vane link journal 262

may be formed in the shape of a shaft, and the second

driving link shaft may be formed in the shape of a hole.

In all constructions that can be coupled to the

driving link, the first vane link, and the second vane link

so as to be rotated relative thereto, substitution of the

above construction is possible, and therefore a description

of modifiable examples thereof will be omitted.

For description, the direction in which air is

discharged is defined as the front, and the direction

88262709.1 opposite thereto is defined as the rear. In addition, the ceiling side is defined as the upper side, and the floor is defined as the lower side.

In this embodiment, the first vane 210 and the second

vane 220 are disposed in order to control the flow direction

of air that is discharged from the discharge port 102. The

relative disposition and relative angle between the first

vane 210 and the second vane 220 are changed according to

steps of the vane motor 230. In this embodiment, the first

J vane 210 and the second vane 220 provide six discharge steps

P1, P2, P3, P4, P5, and P6 in pairs according to steps of

the vane motor 230.

The discharge steps P1, P2, P3, P4, P5, and P6 are

defined as states in which the first vane 210 and the second

vane 220 are stationary, rather than moved. In this

embodiment, on the other hand, moving steps may be provided.

The moving steps result from a combination of the six

discharge steps P1, P2, P3, P4, P5, and P6, and are defined

as a current of air provided by the operation of the first

vane 210 and the second vane 220.

The first vane 210 is disposed between the link

installation portion 404 of the first module body 410 and

the link installation portion 404 of the second module body

420.

88262709.1

When the indoor unit is not operated, the first vane

210 covers most of the discharge port 210. Unlike this

embodiment, the first vane 210 may be manufactured so as to

cover the entirety of the discharge port 210.

The first vane 210 is coupled to the driving link 240

and the first vane link 250.

The driving link 240 and the first vane link 250 are

disposed at one side and the other side of the first vane

210, respectively.

J The first vane 210 is rotated relative to the driving

link 240 and the first vane link 250.

When it is necessary to distinguish between the

positions of the driving link 240 and the first vane link

250, the driving link 240 coupled to the first module body

410 is defined as a first driving link, and the first vane

link 250 coupled to the first module body 410 is defined as

a 1-1 vane link. The driving link 240 coupled to the second

module body 420 is defined as a second driving link, and the

first vane link 250 coupled to the second module body 420 is

defined as a 1-2 vane link.

The first vane 210 includes a first vane body 212

formed so as to extend long in the longitudinal direction of

the discharge port 102 and a joint 214 protruding upwards

from the first vane body 212, the driving link 240 and the

first vane link 250 being coupled to the joint.

88262709.1

The first vane body 212 may be formed so as to have a

gently curved surface.

The first vane body 212 controls the direction of air

that is discharged along the discharge channel 104. The

discharged air collides with the upper surface or the lower

surface of the first vane body 212, whereby the flow

direction thereof may be guided.

The flow direction of the discharged air and the

longitudinal direction of the first vane body 212 are

J perpendicular to each other or intersect each other.

The joint 214 is an installation structure for

coupling between the driving link 240 and the first vane

link 250. The joint 214 is disposed at each of one side and

the other side of the first vane 210.

The joint 214 is formed so as to protrude upwards from

the upper surface of the first vane body 212. The joint 214

is formed in the flow direction of discharged air, and

minimizes resistance to the discharged air. Consequently,

the joint 214 is perpendicular to or intersects the

longitudinal direction of the first vane body 212.

The joint 214 is formed such that the air discharge

side (the front) of the joint is low and the air entrance

side (the rear) of the joint is high. In this embodiment,

the joint 214 is formed such that the side of the joint to

which the driving link 240 is coupled is high and the side

88262709.1 of the joint to which the first vane link 250 is coupled is low.

The joint 214 has a first joint portion 216 rotatably

coupled with the driving link 240 and a second joint portion

217 rotatably coupled with the first vane link 250.

In this embodiment, each of the first joint portion

216 and the second joint portion 217 is formed in the shape

of a hole, and is formed through the joint 214.

Each of the first joint portion 216 and the second

D joint portion 217 is a structure in which axial coupling or

hinge coupling is possible, and may be changed into any of

various forms.

When viewed from the front, the first joint portion

216 is located higher than the second joint portion 217.

The first joint portion 216 is located further

rearwards than the second joint portion 217. The first

driving link shaft 241 is assembled to the first joint

portion 216. The first joint portion 216 and the first

driving link shaft 241 are assembled so as to be rotatable

relative to each other. In this embodiment, the first

driving link shaft 241 is assembled through the first joint

portion 216.

The 1-1 vane link shaft 251 is assembled to the second

joint portion 217.

The second joint portion 217 and the 1-1 vane link

88262709.1 shaft 251 are assembled so as to be rotatable relative to each other. In this embodiment, the 1-1 vane link shaft 251 is assembled through the second joint portion 217.

When viewed in a top view, the driving link 250 and

the first vane link 250 are disposed between the joint 214

and the link installation portion 404.

The second vane 220 includes a second vane body 222

formed so as to extend long in the longitudinal direction of

D the discharge port 102, a joint 224 protruding upwards from

the second vane body 222, the joint 224 being coupled to the

second vane link 260 so as to be rotatable relative thereto,

and a second vane shaft 221 formed at the second vane body

222, the second vane shaft being rotatably coupled to the

link installation portion 404.

The joint 224 is a structure in which axial coupling

or hinge coupling is possible, and may be changed into any

of various forms.

In the case in which it is necessary to distinguish

between the joint 214 of the first vane and the joint 224 of

the second vane, the joint of the first vane is defined as a

first joint 214, and the joint of the second vane is defined

as a second joint 224.

The second vane 220 may be rotated about the second

joint 224, and may also be rotated about the second vane

88262709.1 shaft 221. That is, the second vane 220 may be rotated relative to each of the second joint 224 and the second vane shaft 221.

When viewed in a top view, the second joint 224 is

located further forwards than the second vane shaft 221.

The second joint 224 is moved along a predetermined orbit

about the second vane shaft 221.

The second vane body 222 may be formed so as to have a

gently curved surface.

D The second vane body 222 controls the direction of air

that is discharged along the discharge channel 104. The

discharged air collides with the upper surface or the lower

surface of the second vane body 222, whereby the flow

direction thereof is guided.

The flow direction of the discharged air and the

longitudinal direction of the second vane body 222 are

perpendicular to each other or intersect each other.

When viewed in a top view, at least a portion of the

second vane body 222 may be located between the first joint

portions 212 of the first vane 210.

This is necessary to prevent interference when the

second vane 220 is located at the upper side of the first

vane 210. The front end of the second vane body 222 is

located between the first joint portions 214 . That is, the

front length of the second vane body 222 is less than the

88262709.1 length between the first joint portions 214.

The second joint 224 is an installation structure for

assembly with the second vane link 260. The second joint

224 is disposed at each of one side and the other side of

the second vane body 222.

The second joint 224 is coupled to the second vane

link 260 so as to be rotatable relative thereto.

The second joint 224 is formed so as to protrude

upwards from the upper surface of the second vane body 222.

J The second joint 224 is preferably formed in the flow

direction of discharged air. Consequently, the second joint

224 is disposed so as to perpendicular to or intersect the

longitudinal direction of the second vane body 222.

The second vane 220 is rotated about the second vane

shaft 221. The second vane shaft 221 is formed at each of

one side and the other side of the second vane body 222.

One second vane shaft 221 protrudes toward the link

installation portion 404 disposed at one side, and the other

second vane shaft 221 protrudes toward the link installation

portion 404 disposed at the other side.

The second vane coupling portion 411 rotatably coupled

to the second vane shaft 221 is disposed at the module body

400. In this embodiment, the second vane coupling portion

411 is formed in the shape of a hole formed through the

module body 400.

88262709.1

The second vane shaft 221 is located further rearwards

than the second joint 224. The second vane link 260, the

driving link 240, and the first vane line 250 are

sequentially disposed in front of the second vane shaft 221.

In addition, the driving link coupling portion 407 and

the first vane link coupling portion 408 are sequentially

disposed in front of the second vane coupling portion 411

The coupling structure and the separation structure of

J the vane module will be described in more detail with

reference to FIGS. 1 to 4 and 15 to 17.

When the suction grill 320 is separated in the state

of FIG. 1, four vane modules 200 are exposed, as shown in

FIG. 15. The suction grill 320 is separably assembled to

the front body 310.

The suction grill 320 may be separated from the front

body 310 using various methods.

The suction grill 320 may be separated using a method

of separating and rotating one edge of the suction grill on

the basis of the other edge of the suction grill. In

another method, the suction grill 320 may be separated from

the front body 310 through release of catching in the state

of being caught by the front body. In a further method,

coupling between the suction grill 200 and the front body

310 may be maintained by magnetic force.

88262709.1

In this embodiment, the suction grill 320 may be moved

in the upward-downward direction by an elevator 500

installed at the front body 310. The elevator 500 is

connected to the suction grill 320 via a wire (not shown)

The wire may be wound or unwound by operation of the

elevator 500, whereby the suction grill 320 may be moved

downwards or upwards.

A plurality of elevators 500 is disposed, and the

elevators 500 simultaneously move opposite sides of the

J suction grill 320.

When the suction grill 320 is moved downwards, the

first module body 410 and the second module body 420, hidden

by the suction grill 320, are exposed.

In the state in which the suction grill 320 is

assembled to the front body 310, at least one of the first

vane 210 or the second vane 220 of the vane module 200 may

be exposed.

When the indoor unit is not operated, only the first

vane 210 is exposed to the user. When the indoor unit is

operated and air is discharged, the second vane 220 may be

selectively exposed to the user.

In the state in which the suction grill 320 is

assembled to the front body 310, the first module body 410

and the second module body 420 of the vane module 200 are

hidden by the suction grill 320.

88262709.1

Since the fastening holes 403 are disposed at the

first module body 410 and the second module body 420, the

fastening holes 403 are hidden by the suction grill 320 so

as not to be visible to the user.

Since the first module body 410 and the second module

body 420 are located at the upper side of the grill corner

portion 327 constituting the suction grill 320, the grill

corner portion 327 prevents the first module body 410 and

the second module body 420 from being exposed outside.

D The grill corner portion 327 also prevents the

fastening holes 403 formed in the first module body 410 and

the second module body 420 from being exposed outside.

Since the grill corner portion 327 is located at the lower

side of the fastening holes 403, the fastening holes 403 are

hidden by the grill corner portion 327.

More specifically, the suction grill 320 includes a

grill body 322 disposed at the lower side of the suction

port 101, the grill body communicating with the suction port

101 through a plurality of grill holes 321, the grill body

being formed in a quadrangular shape, and a first grill

corner portion 327-1, a second grill corner portion 327-2, a

third grill corner portion 327-3, and a fourth grill corner

portion 327-4 formed at the corners of the grill body 322 so

as to extend in the diagonal direction.

The vane module 200 includes a first vane module 201

88262709.1 disposed outside one edge of the suction grill 320, the first vane module being disposed between the first grill corner portion 327-1 and the second grill corner portion

327-2, a second vane module 202 disposed outside one edge of

the suction grill 320, the second vane module being disposed

between the second grill corner portion 327-2 and the third

grill corner portion 327-3, a third vane module 203 disposed

outside one edge of the suction grill 320, the third vane

module being disposed between the third grill corner portion

J 327-3 and the fourth grill corner portion 327-4, and a

fourth vane module 204 disposed outside one edge of the

suction grill 320, the fourth vane module being disposed

between the fourth grill corner portion 327-4 and the first

grill corner portion 327-1.

The first module body 410 and the second module body

420 disposed between the first vane module 201 and the

second vane module 202 are located at the upper side of the

first grill corner portion 327-1, and are hidden by the

first grill corner portion 327-1. Specifically, the second

module body of the first vane module and the first module

body of the second vane module are disposed at the upper

side of the first grill corner portion.

The first module body and the second module body

disposed between the second vane module 202 and the third

vane module 203 are located at the upper side of the second

88262709.1 grill corner portion 327-2, and are hidden by the second grill corner portion 327-2. Specifically, the second module body of the second vane module and the first module body of the third vane module are disposed at the upper side of the second grill corner portion.

The first module body and the second module body

disposed between the third vane module 203 and the fourth

vane module 204 are located at the upper side of the third

grill corner portion 327-3, and are hidden by the third

D grill corner portion 327-3. Specifically, the second module

body of the third vane module and the first module body of

the fourth vane module are disposed at the upper side of the

third grill corner portion.

The first module body and the second module body

disposed between the fourth vane module 204 and the first

vane module 201 are located at the upper side of the fourth

grill corner portion 327-4, and are hidden by the fourth

grill corner portion 327-4. Specifically, the second module

body of the fourth vane module and the first module body of

the first vane module are disposed at the upper side of the

fourth grill corner portion.

Referring to FIG. 15, the vane module 200 disposed in

the 12 o'clock direction is defined as a first vane module

201, the vane module 200 disposed in the 3 o'clock direction

is defined as a second vane module 202, the vane module 200

88262709.1 disposed in the 6 o'clock direction is defined as a third vane module 203, and the vane module 200 disposed in the 9 o'clock direction is defined as a fourth vane module 204.

The first vane module 201, the second vane module 202,

the third vane module 203, and the fourth vane module 204

are disposed at intervals of 90 degrees about the center C

of the front panel 300.

The first vane module 201 and the third vane module

203 are disposed parallel to each other, and the second vane

D module 202 and the fourth vane module 204 are disposed

parallel to each other.

Four side covers 314 are disposed at the front body

310. For convenience of description, the side cover 314

disposed outside the first vane module 201 is defined as a

first side cover 314-1, the side cover 314 disposed outside

the second vane module 202 is defined as a second side cover

314-2, the side cover 314 disposed outside the third vane

module 203 is defined as a third side cover 314-3, and the

side cover 314 disposed outside the fourth vane module 204

is defined as a fourth side cover 314-4.

Each side cover 314 is assembled to one edge of the

front frame 312, is located at the lower side of the front

frame 312, is exposed outside, and is disposed outside a

corresponding vane module 202.

The corner cover 316 disposed between the first vane

88262709.1 module 201 and second vane module 202 is defined as a first corner cover 316-1. The corner cover 316 disposed between the second vane module 202 and the third vane module 203 is defined as a second corner cover 316-2. The corner cover

316 disposed between the third vane module 203 and the

fourth vane module 204 is defined as a third corner cover

316-3. The corner cover 316 disposed between the fourth

vane module 204 and the first vane module 201 is defined as

a fourth corner cover 316-4.

J The first corner cover 316-1 is assembled to one

corner of the front frame 312, is located at the lower side

of the front frame 312, is located between the first side

cover 314-1 and the second side cover 314-2, and is exposed

outside.

The second corner cover 316-2 is assembled to one

corner of the front frame 312, is located at the lower side

of the front frame 312, is located between the second side

cover 314-2 and the third side cover 314-3, and is exposed

outside.

The third corner cover 316-3 is assembled to one

corner of the front frame 312, is located at the lower side

of the front frame 312, is located between the third side

cover 314-3 and the fourth side cover 314-4, and is exposed

outside.

The fourth corner cover 316-4 is assembled to one

88262709.1 corner of the front frame 312, is located at the lower side of the front frame 312, is located between the fourth side cover 314-4 and the first side cover 314-1, and is exposed outside.

The first corner cover 316-1 and the third corner

cover 316-3 are disposed about the center C of the front

panel 300 in the diagonal direction, and are disposed so as

to face each other. The second corner cover 316-2 and the

fourth corner cover 316-4 are disposed about the center C of

J the front panel 300 in the diagonal direction, and are

disposed so as to face each other.

Imaginary diagonal lines passing through the center of

the front panel 300 are defined as P1 and P2. P1 is an

imaginary line joining the first corner cover 316-1 and the

third corner cover 316-3 to each other, and P2 is an

imaginary line joining the second corner cover 316-2 and the

fourth corner cover 316-4 to each other.

A first grill corner portion 327-1, a second grill

corner portion 327-2, a third grill corner portion 327-3,

and a fourth grill corner portion 327-4 formed so as to

extend towards corners are disposed at the suction panel

320.

On the basis of the grill corner portions, the first

vane module 201 is disposed outside one edge of the suction

grill 320, and is disposed between the first grill corner

88262709.1 portion 327-1 and the second grill corner portion 327-2.

The second vane module 202 is disposed outside one

edge of the suction grill, and is disposed between the

second grill corner portion 327-2 and the third grill corner

portion 327-3.

The third vane module 203 is disposed outside one edge

of the suction grill, and is disposed between the third

grill corner portion 327-3 and the fourth grill corner

portion 327-4.

J The fourth vane module 204 is disposed outside one

edge of the suction grill, and is disposed between the

fourth grill corner portion 327-4 and the first grill corner

portion 327-1.

The first grill corner portion 327-1 is formed so as

to extend toward the first corner cover 316-1, and has a

surface continuously connected to the outer surface of the

first corner cover 316-1.

The grill corner border 326 of the first grill corner

portion 327-1 is opposite the corner decoration inner border

317 of the first corner cover 316-1, and defines a corner

decoration inner border gap 317a.

The grill corner borders 326 of the other grill corner

portions 327 are opposite the corner decoration inner

borders 317 of the other corner cover 316, and define corner

decoration inner border gaps 317a.

88262709.1

The first module body 410 and the second module body

420 are located inside the corner cover 316 (specifically,

at the center C side of the front panel). In particular,

the first module body 410 and the second module body 420 are

disposed so as to face each other on the basis of the

imaginary diagonal lines P1 and P2.

Specifically, the first module body 410 of the first

vane module 201 and the second module body 420 of the fourth

vane module 204 are disposed so as to face each other on the

] basis of the imaginary diagonal line P2.

The first module body 410 of the second vane module

202 and the second module body 420 of the first vane module

201 are disposed so as to face each other on the basis of

the imaginary diagonal line Pl.

The first module body 410 of the third vane module 201

and the second module body 420 of the second vane module 202

are disposed so as to face each other on the basis of the

imaginary diagonal line P2.

The first module body 410 of the fourth vane module

204 and the second module body 420 of the third vane module

203 are disposed so as to face each other on the basis of

the imaginary diagonal line Pl.

Meanwhile, the suction grill 320 is located at the

lower side of the first module bodies 410 and the second

module bodies 420, and conceals the first module bodies 410

88262709.1 and the second module bodies 420 so as not to be exposed.

That is, in the case in which the suction grill 320 is in

tight contact with the front body 310, the first module

bodies 410 and the second module bodies 420 are hidden by

the suction grill 320 and thus are not exposed to the user.

Since the first module bodies 410 and the second

module bodies 420 are hidden, the fastening holes 403 formed

in the first module bodies 410 and the second module bodies

420 are hidden by the suction grill 320 and thus are not

J exposed to the user.

The suction grill 320 has four grill corner portions

327 disposed so as to face the respective corner covers 316.

Each grill corner portion 327 is disposed so as to be

opposite a corresponding one of the corner covers 316.

The grill corner portion 327 disposed so as to be

opposite the first corner cover 316-1 is defined as a first

grill corner portion 327-1, the grill corner portion 327

disposed so as to be opposite the second corner cover 316-2

is defined as a first grill corner portion 327-2, the grill

corner portion 327 disposed so as to be opposite the third

corner cover 316-3 is defined as a third grill corner

portion 327-3, and the grill corner portion 327 disposed so

as to be opposite the fourth corner cover 316-4 is defined

as a fourth grill corner portion 327-4.

When viewed in a bottom view, the plurality of module

88262709.1 bodies 400 is located at the upper side of the grill corner portion 327, and is hidden by the grill corner portion 327.

In particular, the grill side border 325 defining the

edge of the grill corner portion 327 is disposed so as to

face the corner decoration inner border 317 defining the

inner edge of the corner cover 316, and the curved shapes

thereof correspond to each other.

In the same manner, the grill corner border 326

defining the edge of the grill corner portion 327 is

J disposed so as to face the inner edge of the first vane 210,

and the curved shapes thereof correspond to each other.

Meanwhile, in this embodiment, a permanent magnet 318

and a magnetic force fixing portion 328 are disposed in

order to maintain the state in which the suction grill 320

is in tight contact with the front body 310.

One of the permanent magnet 318 and the magnetic force

fixing portion 328 may be disposed at the front body 310,

and the other of the magnetic force fixing portion 328 and

the permanent magnet 318 may be disposed at the upper

surface of each grill corner portion 327.

The permanent magnet 318 and the magnetic force fixing

portion 328 are located at the upper side of each grill

corner portion 327, and are hidden by each grill corner

portion 327. Since the permanent magnet 318 and the

magnetic force fixing portion 328 are located outside each

88262709.1 corner of the suction grill 320, the distance between the suction grill 320 and the front body 310 may be minimized.

In the case in which the suction grill 320 and the

front body 310 are spaced apart from each other, pressure in

the suction channel 103 is reduced.

In this embodiment, the permanent magnet 318 is

disposed at the front body 310. Specifically, the permanent

magnet is disposed at the corner frame 313.

The magnetic force fixing portion 328 is made of a

D metal material capable of generating attractive force

through interaction with the permanent magnet 318. The

magnetic force fixing portion 328 is disposed at the upper

surface of the suction grill 320. Specifically, the

magnetic force fixing portion 328 is disposed at the upper

surface of the grill corner portion 327.

When the suction grill 320 is moved upwards and

approaches the permanent magnet 318, the permanent magnet

318 attracts the magnetic force fixing portion 328 to fix

the suction grill 320. Magnetic force of the permanent

magnet 318 is less than weight of the suction grill 320.

When the suction grill 320 is not pulled by the elevator

500, therefore, coupling between the permanent magnet 318

and the magnetic force fixing portion 328 is released.

When viewed in a top view or a bottom view, the

permanent magnet 318 is disposed on the imaginary diagonal

88262709.1 lines P1 and P2. The permanent magnet 318 is located inside the corner cover 316.

When viewed in a top view or a bottom view, one of

four permanent magnets 318 is disposed between the first

module body 410 of the first vane module 201 and the second

module body 420 of the fourth vane module 204. The other

three permanent magnets are also disposed between the first

module bodies 410 and the second module bodies 420 of the

respective vane modules.

J The permanent magnet 318 and the magnetic force fixing

portion 328 are located at the upper side of each grill

corner portion 327, and are hidden by each grill corner

portion 327.

<Separation process and assembly process of vane

module>

In the case in which repair is needed for at least one

vane module 200, among the four vane modules, the worker

must move the suction grill 320 downwards first.

When the suction grill 320 is moved downwards, all of

the module bodies 400, hidden by the suction grill 320, are

exposed.

Subsequently, the worker separates the fastening

member 401 from the fastening hole 403 of the vane module

200 to be repaired. Since the module body 400 is coupled to

the front body 410 via the module hook 405, the vane module

88262709.1

200 does not drop even when the fastening member 401 is

separated from the fastening hole 403. Since the coupling

of the vane module 200 does not fully depend on the

fastening member 401, there is no danger of a safety-related

accident due to drop of the vane module 200 even when the

fastening member 401 is separated.

After the fastening member 401 is separated, the

worker may release the state of mutual catching between the

module hook 405 and the module body 400 to be separated,

D whereby the entirety of the vane module 200 may be separated

from the front body 310. Subsequently, the worker may

separate a cable (not shown) connected to the vane motor 230

from the separated vane module 200, whereby the entirety of

the vane module 200 may be separated from the front body

310.

Since the vane module 200 is separated downwards from

the front body 310, it is possible to separate only the vane

module 200 to be repaired without separating the front body

310.

In addition, since the cable is coupled to the vane

module 200 in addition to the fastening member 401 and the

module hook 405, the vane module does not directly drop to

the floor even when the fastening member 401 and the module

hook 405 are separated from the vane module. That is, even

when the worker drops the vane module 200 by mistake after

88262709.1 separation of the fastening member 401 and the module hook

405, the vane module 200 remains suspended from the cable.

After separation of the vane module 200, the mounting

process is performed in reverse order.

The cable and the vane motor 230 are connected to each

other, the vane motor is assembled to the front body 310

through the module hook 405, and the first module body 410

and the second module body 420 are assembled to the front

body 310 through the fastening member 401. Subsequently,

J the suction grill 320 is moved upwards to the original

position thereof, whereby repair is completed.

While the embodiments of the present disclosure have

been described with reference to the accompanying drawings,

the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments and

may be embodied in various different forms, and those

skilled in the art will appreciate that the present

disclosure may be embodied in specific forms other than

those set forth herein without departing from the technical

idea and essential characteristics of the present

disclosure. The disclosed embodiments are therefore to be

construed in all aspects as illustrative and not

restrictive.

[Description of Reference Numerals]

100: Case 101: Suction port

102: Discharge port 103: Suction channel

88262709.1

104: Discharge channel 110: Case housing

120: Front panel 130: Indoor heat exchanger

140: Indoor blowing fan 200: Vane module

210: First vane 220: Second vane

230: Vane motor 240: Driving link

250: First vane link 260: Second vane link

300: Front panel 310: Front body

320: Suction grill 330: Pre-filter

400: Module body 410: First module body

J 420: Second module body 500: Elevator

88262709.1

Claims

[CLAIMS]

[Claim 1] A ceiling type indoor unit of an air

conditioner, the ceiling type indoor unit comprising:

a case housing installed at a ceiling of a room so as

to be suspended therefrom, the case housing having an open

lower surface;

a front body configured to cover the lower surface of

the case housing, the front body having a suction port and a

D discharge port formed so as to face downwards;

a vane module separably coupled to the front body, the

vane module being disposed so as to cover the discharge

port; and

a suction grill separably coupled to the front body,

the suction grill being disposed so as to cover the suction

port, wherein

the vane module comprises:

a first module body disposed at one side of the

discharge port, the first module body being located at a

lower side of the front body, the first module body being

assembled to the front body so as to be separable downwards

therefrom;

a second module body disposed at the other side of the

discharge port, the second module body being located at the

lower side of the front body, the second module body being

88262709.1 assembled to the front body so as to be separable downwards therefrom; at least one vane having one side and the other side coupled to the first module body and the second module body, respectively, the vane being configured to be rotated relative to the first module body and the second module body; a vane motor installed at at least one of the first module body or the second module body, the vane motor being

D configured to provide driving force to the vane;

a first fastening hole disposed at the first module

body, the first fastening hole being disposed so as to face

downwards, the first fastening hole being formed through the

first module body;

a first fastening member fastened to the front body

through the first fastening hole;

a second fastening hole disposed at the second module

body, the second fastening hole being disposed so as to face

downwards, the second fastening hole being formed through

the second module body; and

a second fastening member fastened to the front body

through the second fastening hole, and

when the first fastening member and the second

fastening member are separated from the first fastening hole

and the second fastening hole, respectively, the vane module

88262709.1 is separated downwards from the front body.
[Claim 2] The ceiling type indoor unit according to claim

1, wherein the suction grill is located at a lower side of

the first module body and the second module body.
[Claim 3] The ceiling type indoor unit according to claim

1, wherein the suction grill is located at the lower side

of the front body and covers the first module body and the

J second module body, whereby the first module body and the

second module body are hidden by the suction grill when

viewed from below.
[Claim 4] The ceiling type indoor unit according to claim

1, wherein

the suction grill comprises:

a grill body disposed at a lower side of the suction

port, the grill body communicating with the suction port

through a plurality of grill holes, the grill body being

formed in a quadrangular shape; and

a grill corner portion formed at corners of the grill

body so as to extend in the diagonal direction, and

the first module body and the second module body are

located at an upper side of the grill corner portion.

88262709.1
[Claim 5] The ceiling type indoor unit according to claim

4, wherein a lower surface of the vane and a lower surface

of the grill body define a continuous surface.
[Claim 6] The ceiling type indoor unit according to claim

1, wherein

the suction grill comprises:

a grill body disposed at a lower side of the suction

port, the grill body communicating with the suction port

J through a plurality of grill holes, the grill body being

formed in a quadrangular shape; and

a first grill corner portion, a second grill corner

portion, a third grill corner portion, and a fourth grill

corner portion formed at corners of the grill body so as to

extend in a diagonal direction,

the vane module comprises:

a first vane module disposed outside an edge of the

suction grill, the first vane module being disposed between

the first grill corner portion and the second grill corner

portion;

a second vane module disposed outside an edge of the

suction grill, the second vane module being disposed between

the second grill corner portion and the third grill corner

portion;

a third vane module disposed outside an edge of the

88262709.1 suction grill, the third vane module being disposed between the third grill corner portion and the fourth grill corner portion; and a fourth vane module disposed outside an edge of the suction grill, the fourth vane module being disposed between the fourth grill corner portion and the first grill corner portion, the first module body and the second module body disposed between the first vane module and the second vane

D module are located at an upper side of the first grill

corner portion and are hidden by the first grill corner

portion,

the first module body and the second module body

disposed between the second vane module and the third vane

module are located at an upper side of the second grill

corner portion and are hidden by the second grill corner

portion,

the first module body and the second module body

disposed between the third vane module and the fourth vane

module are located at an upper side of the third grill

corner portion and are hidden by the third grill corner

portion, and

the first module body and the second module body

disposed between the fourth vane module and the first vane

module are located at an upper side of the fourth grill

88262709.1 corner portion and are hidden by the fourth grill corner portion.
[Claim 7] The ceiling type indoor unit according to claim

6, wherein

one of a permanent magnet and a magnetic force fixing

portion is disposed at the front body while the other of the

magnetic force fixing portion and the permanent magnet is

disposed at an upper surface of each grill corner portion,

and

the permanent magnet and the magnetic force fixing

portion are hidden by each grill corner portion.
[Claim 8] The ceiling type indoor unit according to claim

1, wherein the vane module further comprises a module hook

disposed at the first module body and the second module

body, the module hook and the front body being caught by

each other.
[Claim 9] The ceiling type indoor unit according to claim

8, wherein the module hook is disposed at an edge of the

first module body and the second module body.
[Claim 10] The ceiling type indoor unit according to claim

8, wherein the module hook of the first module body and the

88262709.1 module hook of the second module body are disposed so as to face each other.
[Claim 11] The ceiling type indoor unit according to claim

6, wherein

the front body comprises:

a front frame coupled to the case housing, the suction

port and the discharge port being formed in the front frame;

a first side cover assembled to an edge of the front

J frame, the first side cover being located at a lower side of

the front frame, the first side cover being exposed outside,

the first side cover being disposed outside the first vane

module;

a second side cover assembled to an edge of the front

frame, the second side cover being located at the lower side

of the front frame, the second side cover being exposed

outside, the second side cover being disposed outside the

first vane module;

a third side cover assembled to an edge of the front

frame, the third side cover being located at the lower side

of the front frame, the third side cover being exposed

outside, the third side cover being disposed outside the

first vane module ;

a fourth side cover assembled to an edge of the front

frame, the fourth side cover being located at the lower side

88262709.1 of the front frame, the fourth side cover being exposed outside, the fourth side cover being disposed outside the first vane module; assembled to a corner of the front frame, located at the lower side of the front frame, and exposed outside ; a first corner cover assembled to a corner of the front frame, the first corner cover being located at the lower side of the front frame, the first corner cover being located between the first side cover and the second side

D cover, the first corner cover being exposed outside;

a second corner cover assembled to a corner of the

front frame, the second corner cover being located at the

lower side of the front frame, the second corner cover being

located between the second side cover and the third side

cover, the second corner cover being exposed outside;

a third corner cover assembled to a corner of the

front frame, the third corner cover being located at the

lower side of the front frame, the third corner cover being

located between the third side cover and the fourth side

cover, the third corner cover being exposed outside; and

a fourth corner cover assembled to a corner of the

front frame, the fourth corner cover being located at the

lower side of the front frame, the fourth corner cover being

located between the fourth side cover and the first side

cover, the fourth corner cover being exposed outside, and

88262709.1 the suction grill defines a continuous surface with the first side cover, the second side cover, the third side cover, the fourth side cover, the first corner cover, the second corner cover, the third corner cover, and the fourth corner cover.
[Claim 12] The ceiling type indoor unit according to claim

11, wherein

the second module body of the first vane module and

D the first module body of the second vane module are disposed

at an upper side of the first grill corner portion,

the second module body of the second vane module and

the first module body of the third vane module are disposed

at an upper side of the second grill corner portion,

the second module body of the third vane module and

the first module body of the fourth vane module are disposed

at an upper side of the third grill corner portion, and

the second module body of the fourth vane module and

the first module body of the first vane module are disposed

at an upper side of the fourth grill corner portion.
[Claim 13] The ceiling type indoor unit according to claim

11, wherein the first grill corner portion is located at a

lower side of the first fastening hole and the second

fastening hole formed in the first module body and the

88262709.1 second module body, and the first fastening hole and the second fastening hole are hidden by the first grill corner portion.

88262709.1

88262709.1 Fig. 1 1/15

88262709.1 Fig. 2 2/15

88262709.1 Fig. 3 3/15

88262709.1 Fig. 4 4/15

88262709.1 Fig. 5 5/15

88262709.1 Fig. 6 6/15