CN100465529C - Indoor unit of air conditioner - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention provides an indoor unit (2a) of an air conditioner capable of further reducing the possibility of damaging the indoor appearance. An indoor unit (2a) of an air conditioner has a casing main body (23) and a front panel (24a). The casing main body (23) has an outlet (26) through which air blown into the room passes. When viewed from the front, the front panel (24a) covers the air outlet (26), and the front panel (24a) is used to open and close the air outlet (26). In addition, the front panel (24a) has a larger projected area than the air outlet (26) when viewed from the front in a state in which the air outlet (26) is closed.

Description

Indoor unit of air conditioner

The present invention is a divisional application of application number: 200480008290.9 (PCT application number: PCT/JP2004/003979), application date: March 23, 2004, title of invention: "indoor unit of air conditioner".

technical field

The present invention relates to an indoor unit of an air conditioner.

Background technique

In recent years, indoor units of air conditioners for adjusting indoor air have been widely used. Since such an indoor unit is arranged indoors, it is often seen by occupants and the like. Therefore, it is important that the indoor unit does not impair the aesthetics of the room. However, the casing of the indoor unit is generally provided with an air outlet through which air blown into the room passes, and the indoor unit performs indoor air conditioning by blowing conditioned air into the room from the air outlet. Most of the air outlets are provided on the front of the indoor unit housing, so that the indoor occupants and the like can easily see them. Therefore, harmony between the appearance of the indoor unit and the indoor wall surface and the like is affected, and the aesthetic appearance of the room may be impaired.

On the other hand, in the above-mentioned indoor unit of the conventional air conditioner, a horizontal damper for opening and closing the air outlet is often provided (see Japanese Patent No. 3334688 specification). The horizontal damper opens the air outlet when the indoor unit is operating, and guides the air blown out from the air outlet. And, when the indoor unit stops operating, the horizontal damper closes the air outlet. This prevents the air outlet from entering the view of occupants when the indoor unit is stopped, and reduces the possibility of impairing the appearance of the interior.

However, in the indoor unit of the above-mentioned air conditioner, there is still a possibility of spoiling the appearance of the room. That is, even when the air outlet 202 is closed by the horizontal damper 201 like the indoor unit 200 shown in FIG. 11 , the joint between the horizontal damper 201 and the air outlet 202 is always visible from the front.

In such an indoor unit, there is also a possibility that the indoor appearance may be spoiled.

Contents of the invention

An object of the present invention is to provide an indoor unit of an air conditioner capable of further reducing the possibility of spoiling the indoor appearance.

An indoor unit of an air conditioner according to one aspect of the present invention has a casing and a front panel. The casing has an air outlet through which air blown into the room passes. When viewed from the front, the front panel covers the outlet, and the front panel is used to open and close the outlet. In addition, the front panel has a larger projected area than the air outlet when viewed from the front in a state in which the air outlet is closed.

In this indoor unit of the air conditioner, the front panel that opens and closes the air outlet has a larger projected area than the air outlet when viewed from the front. Therefore, the front panel can cover the air outlet. Therefore, when the indoor unit is viewed from the front, the possibility that the joint between the front panel and the air outlet is exposed is reduced. In this way, the indoor unit of the air conditioner can further reduce the possibility of impairing the appearance of the interior.

A second aspect of the present invention is the indoor unit of an air conditioner according to the aspect of the present invention, wherein the front panel has substantially the same width as the casing when viewed from the front.

In this indoor unit of the air conditioner, the front panel that opens and closes the air outlet has substantially the same width as the width of the casing including the air outlet when viewed from the front. Therefore, the front panel can cover the housing in substantially the entire width direction of the housing. Therefore, the indoor unit of the air conditioner can reduce seams exposed on the surface of the indoor unit when viewed from the front. In this way, the indoor unit of the air conditioner can further reduce the possibility of spoiling the appearance of the interior.

The third invention is based on the indoor unit of the air conditioner of the first or second invention, when viewed from the front, the front panel has no longitudinally extending seam.

In the indoor unit of this air conditioner, when viewed from the front, the front panel has no longitudinally extending seams. Thus, not only are there fewer seams between the front panel and the casing, but also fewer seams are exposed on the front panel itself. Therefore, the indoor unit of the air conditioner can further reduce the possibility of impairing the appearance of the interior. In particular, since the longitudinally extending seams are not exposed, the aesthetics for indoor occupants and the like is improved.

Invention 4 is based on the indoor unit of any one of the air conditioners in the present inventions 1 to 3, wherein the casing further has a suction port provided on the front side for passing air sucked in from the room. In addition, the front panel has a first panel and a second panel. The first panel is used to open and close the air outlet, and when the air outlet is closed, the first panel has a larger projected area than the air outlet when viewed from the front. The second panel is used to open and close the suction port, and when the suction port is closed, the second panel has a larger projected area than the suction port when viewed from the front.

Conventionally, in indoor units of air conditioners, not only the air outlet but also the air inlet are placed on the front. In this case, similarly to the air outlet, if the air inlet comes into view of occupants and the like, the appearance of the interior may be spoiled. In addition, although a panel for opening and closing the suction port has been provided for a long time to close the suction port when the air conditioner is stopped, when viewed from the front, the seam between the suction port and the panel will be exposed, so there is a possibility of Harm the aesthetics of the interior.

In this indoor unit of the air conditioner, the first panel has a larger projected area than the air outlet when viewed from the front in a state in which the air outlet is closed. Therefore, the first panel can cover the air outlet when viewed from the front. In addition, the second panel has a larger projected area than the suction port when viewed from the front in a state in which the suction port is closed. Therefore, when viewed from the front, the second panel can cover the suction port. In this manner, the indoor unit of the air conditioner can reduce the possibility of spoiling the appearance of the interior due to the suction port or the blowing port.

In the fifth aspect of the present invention, in the indoor unit of the air conditioner of the fourth aspect of the present invention, the first panel has no joints, and the first panel has approximately the same width as the casing including the air outlet when viewed from the front. In addition, the second panel has no seam, and the second panel has substantially the same width as the casing including the suction port when viewed from the front.

In this indoor unit of the air conditioner, the first panel and the second panel have substantially the same width as the casing. Therefore, the first panel and the second panel can cover almost the entire width direction of the housing. In addition, each of the first panel and the second panel has no seam. Therefore, the seams exposed when the indoor unit is viewed from the front can be reduced. Accordingly, the indoor unit of the air conditioner can further reduce the possibility of spoiling the appearance.

The sixth aspect of the present invention is any one of the indoor units of the air conditioners according to the first to third aspects of the present invention, wherein the casing further has a suction port provided on the front side through which air sucked in from the room passes. In addition, the front panel is used to open and close the blowout port and the suction port, and when the above-mentioned blowout port and suction port are closed, when viewed from the front, the front panel is used to cover the blowout port and the suction port of the housing. sewing parts.

In the indoor unit of this air conditioner, both the air outlet and the air inlet are covered with a seamless front panel. Therefore, the seams exposed on the indoor unit are further reduced when viewed from the front. Accordingly, the indoor unit of the air conditioner can further reduce the possibility of spoiling the appearance.

A seventh aspect of the present invention is the indoor unit of an air conditioner according to the sixth aspect of the present invention, wherein the front panel has substantially the same width as the housing when viewed from the front.

In this indoor unit of the air conditioner, the casing can be covered substantially in the entire width direction of the casing by one seamless front panel. Therefore, the exposed seams when viewing the indoor unit from the front are further reduced. Therefore, the indoor unit of the air conditioner can further reduce the possibility of spoiling the appearance.

In an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the indoor unit of any one of the air conditioners according to the first to seventh aspects of the present invention, the front panel covers substantially the entire front of the housing when viewed from the front.

In the indoor unit of this air conditioner, substantially the entire front of the housing is covered by the front panel. Therefore, in the indoor unit of the air conditioner, the seams exposed when the indoor unit is viewed from the front are further reduced. Accordingly, the indoor function of the air conditioner can further reduce the possibility of spoiling the appearance.

A ninth aspect of the present invention is the indoor unit of any one of the air conditioners of the present inventions 1 to 8, wherein the front side of the front panel is a flat surface parallel to the vertical direction in a state where the air outlet is closed.

In the indoor unit of this air conditioner, when the air outlet is closed, the front side of the front panel is a flat surface parallel to the vertical direction. Therefore, the indoor unit of the air conditioner can improve the coordination between the appearance of the indoor unit and the indoor side wall when the indoor unit is viewed from the front. Thereby, the indoor function of this air conditioner can further improve aesthetics.

A tenth aspect of the present invention is the indoor unit of an air conditioner according to the fourth or fifth aspect of the present invention, wherein the front panel further has a third panel. The third panel is disposed between the first panel and the second panel, and the third panel has no joint when viewed from the front. In addition, the first panel, the second panel, and the third panel are arranged such that the first panel, the second panel, and the third panel form a substantially flat plane when the air outlet and the suction port are closed.

In the indoor unit of the air conditioner, the first panel, the second panel, and the third panel are arranged so that in the state where the air outlet and the suction port are closed, the first panel, the second panel, and the third panel form a substantially flat surface. flat. Therefore, when the indoor unit is stopped or the like, a substantially flat surface is exposed on the indoor unit, and the appearance of the indoor unit can be further improved.

An eleventh aspect of the present invention is the indoor unit of an air conditioner according to the tenth aspect of the present invention, wherein the first panel moves behind the third panel to open the air outlet.

In the indoor unit of this air conditioner, the first panel moves behind the third panel when the air outlet is opened. Therefore, the appearance of the indoor unit in the state where the air outlet is opened can be further improved.

The twelfth aspect of the present invention is the indoor unit of the air conditioner according to the fourth or fifth aspect of the present invention, wherein the second panel moves away from the suction port to open the suction port. Then, the first panel moves between the second panel and the housing that have moved away from the suction port to open the blower port.

In this indoor unit of the air conditioner, the first panel moves between the second panel and the casing when the air outlet is opened. Therefore, the appearance of the indoor unit in the state where the air outlet is opened can be further improved.

The thirteenth aspect of the present invention is based on the indoor unit of the air conditioner in the twelfth aspect of the present invention, wherein the first panel and the second panel are arranged vertically in front of the casing, the first panel is arranged on the lower side, and the second panel is arranged on the upper side. . And, the second panel opens the suction port by moving forward. Moreover, the 1st panel moves upward and moves behind the 2nd panel which moved forward, and opens an air outlet.

In this indoor unit of the air conditioner, the first panel moves behind the second panel when the air outlet is opened. Therefore, the appearance of the indoor unit in the state where the air outlet is opened can be further improved.

A fourteenth aspect of the present invention is the indoor unit of an air conditioner according to the thirteenth aspect of the present invention, wherein the second panel is in a state in which the upper end is inclined forward when the suction port is opened.

In the indoor unit of this air conditioner, the upper end of the second panel is in a state inclined forward when the suction port is opened. Therefore, when the indoor unit of the air conditioner is viewed from below, the second panel looks relatively large, so it is difficult to see the suction port from the outside. Therefore, the appearance of the indoor unit of the air conditioner in the state where the suction port is opened can be further improved.

In the fifteenth aspect of the present invention, in the indoor unit of the air conditioner according to the thirteenth or fourteenth aspect of the present invention, in the state where the suction port is opened on the second panel, the lower end of the second panel is located above the air outlet, wherein the air outlet located below the suction port.

In the indoor unit of this air conditioner, the lower end of the second panel is located above the air outlet in a state where the air inlet is opened. Therefore, there is little possibility that the second panel hinders the blowing of air.

The sixteenth aspect of the present invention is any one of the indoor unit of the air conditioner according to the twelveth to fifteenth aspects of the present invention, wherein the first panel moves in a state close to the casing when the air outlet is opened.

In this indoor unit of the air conditioner, since the first panel moves close to the casing when the air outlet is opened, the gap between the first panel and the casing is small. Therefore, it is possible to suppress occurrence of a short circuit caused by air blown out from the air outlet leaking between the first panel and the casing.

Description of drawings

Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of an air conditioner and the configuration of a refrigerant circuit according to a first embodiment.

Fig. 2(a) is a front view when the operation of the indoor unit of the first embodiment is stopped.

Fig. 2(b) is a side sectional view of the indoor unit in the first embodiment when the operation is stopped.

Fig. 3(a) is a front view of the indoor unit in the first embodiment during operation.

Fig. 3(b) is a side sectional view of the indoor unit of the first embodiment during operation.

Fig. 4(a) is a front view of the indoor unit in the second embodiment when the operation is stopped.

Fig. 4(b) is a side sectional view of the indoor unit according to the second embodiment when the operation is stopped.

Fig. 5(a) is a front view of the indoor unit in operation according to the second embodiment.

Fig. 5(b) is a side sectional view of the indoor unit according to the second embodiment during operation.

Fig. 6(a) is a side sectional view of the indoor unit according to the third embodiment when the operation is stopped.

Fig. 6(b) is a side sectional view of the indoor unit in operation according to the third embodiment.

Fig. 7(a) is a front view of the indoor unit in the fourth embodiment when the operation is stopped.

Fig. 7(b) is a side sectional view of the indoor unit according to the fourth embodiment when the operation is stopped.

Fig. 8(a) is a front view of the indoor unit in operation according to the fourth embodiment.

Fig. 8(b) is a side sectional view of the indoor unit in operation according to the fourth embodiment.

Fig. 9(a) is a side sectional view of an indoor unit in another embodiment during operation.

Fig. 9(b) is a side sectional view of another embodiment of the indoor unit during operation.

Fig. 9(c) is a side sectional view of an indoor unit in another embodiment during operation.

Fig. 10 is a side sectional view of another embodiment of an indoor unit in operation.

Fig. 11 is a front view of an indoor unit of a conventional air conditioner.

Fig. 12(a) is a front view of the indoor unit in the fifth embodiment when the operation is stopped.

Fig. 12(b) is a side sectional view of the fifth embodiment when the indoor unit is stopped.

Fig. 13 is a schematic diagram showing the operation of the front panel at the start of operation of the indoor unit according to the fifth embodiment.

Fig. 14 is a schematic diagram showing the operation of the front panel at the start of operation of the indoor unit according to the sixth embodiment.

Detailed ways

<First Embodiment>

[Overall structure of the air conditioner]

FIG. 1 shows the configuration of an air conditioner 1 and the basic configuration of a refrigerant circuit according to the first embodiment.

This air conditioner 1 includes an indoor unit 2a mounted on an indoor wall or the like, and an outdoor unit 3 installed outdoors.

The refrigerant circuit of the air conditioner 1 is mainly composed of the following components: an indoor heat exchanger 20 , an accumulator 31 , a compressor 32 , a four-way reversing valve 33 , an outdoor heat exchanger 30 and an electric expansion valve 34 .

The indoor heat exchanger 20 provided in the indoor unit 2a performs heat exchange with the air in contact with it. In addition, the indoor unit 2a is provided with an indoor fan 21 for sucking in indoor air and discharging the air heat-exchanged by the indoor heat exchanger 20 into the room. The indoor fan motor 22 provided in the indoor unit 2a drives the indoor fan 21 to rotate. The detailed structure of the indoor unit 2a will be described later.

In the outdoor unit 3, there are: a compressor 32; a four-way reversing valve 33 connected to the discharge side of the compressor 32; an accumulator 31 connected to the suction side of the compressor 32; The outdoor heat exchanger 30 on 33; the electric expansion valve 34 connected on the outdoor heat exchanger 30. The electric expansion valve 34 is connected to the pipe 41 through the filter 35 and the liquid throttle valve 36 , and is connected to one end of the indoor heat exchanger 20 through the pipe 41 . In addition, the four-way selector valve 33 is connected to the pipe 42 through the gas throttle valve 37 , and is connected to the other end of the indoor heat exchanger 20 through the pipe 42 . In addition, the outdoor unit 3 is provided with an outdoor fan 38 for exhausting the air heat-exchanged in the outdoor heat exchanger 30 to the outside. The outdoor fan 38 is driven to rotate by an outdoor fan motor 39 .

[Structure of the indoor unit]

Fig. 2(a) shows a front view of the indoor unit 2a, and Fig. 2(b) shows a side sectional view of the indoor unit 2a. Fig. 2(a) and Fig. 2(b) show the indoor unit 2a when the operation is stopped.

The indoor unit 2a is a wall-mounted indoor unit installed on an indoor side wall, and has a casing main body 23 (casing) and a front panel 24a.

[housing main body]

The housing main body 23 has a horizontally long rectangular shape when viewed from the front, and has a vertically long rectangular cross-sectional shape when viewed from the side. Inside the casing main body 23, there are the above-mentioned indoor heat exchanger 20, indoor fan 21, indoor fan motor 22 (not shown in the figure), and the like. As shown in FIG. 2( b ), when viewed from the side, the indoor fan 21 is disposed in the center of the casing body 23 , and the indoor heat exchanger 20 in an inverted V shape is disposed to surround the upper half of the indoor fan 21 . In addition, the casing main body 23 is provided with a suction port 25 and a blowing port 26 .

The suction port 25 is an opening through which the air sucked into the housing main body 23 from the room by the indoor fan 21 passes, and has a first suction port 27 (suction port) and a second suction port 28 . When viewed from the front, the first suction port 27 has a long shape in the horizontal direction, and its length is slightly smaller than the width W of the casing main body 23 . As shown in FIG. 2( b ), the first suction port 27 is provided near the center of the front of the casing main body 23 and faces the front side of the indoor heat exchanger 20 . The second suction port 28 is formed of a plurality of long slits in the longitudinal direction of the casing body 23 , and is provided on the top surface of the casing body 23 .

The air outlet 26 is an opening through which the air blown out into the room by the indoor fan 21 passes through the indoor heat exchanger 20 . As shown in FIG. 3( a ), the air outlet 26 has a horizontally long shape, and its length is slightly smaller than the width W of the casing main body 23 . In addition, the air outlet 26 is located near the lower portion of the case main body 23 , and the air outlet 26 is provided on the front surface of the case main body 23 . In addition, Fig. 3(a) is a front view when the indoor unit 2a is in operation.

In addition, a horizontal damper 29 is provided near the air outlet 26 . The horizontal damper 29 is a plate-like member having a long shape in the longitudinal direction of the indoor unit 2a, and guides the air blown out from the air outlet 26. As shown in FIG. The horizontal damper 29 has a rotation axis parallel to the longitudinal direction of the indoor unit 2a, and the direction in which air is guided is changed by rotating the horizontal damper 29 around the rotation axis.

[Front panel]

When viewed from the front, the front panel 24a covers the air outlet 26 and the first air inlet 27 and opens and closes the air outlet 26 and the first air inlet 27 . The front panel 24 a is a panel assembly in which a plurality of seamless panels are assembled, and has a first panel 241 and a second panel 242 .

The first panel 241 is disposed below the front surface of the casing main body 23 . The first panel 241 is movably supported by a moving mechanism not shown, and the first panel 241 is used to open and close the air outlet 26 . The first panel 241 is a seamless rectangular plate-shaped member whose width is approximately the same as the width W of the housing main body 23 when viewed from the front, and whose height is approximately half of the height H of the housing main body 23 . As shown in FIG. 2( b ), the first panel 241 is in a state parallel to the vertical direction in a state in which the air outlet 26 is closed. In addition, in this state, the first panel 241 has a larger projected area than the air outlet 26 when viewed from the front. Therefore, the first panel 241 completely covers the lower half of the front surface of the casing main body 23 including the air outlet 26 in a state where the air outlet 26 is closed.

The second panel 242 is arranged above the front surface of the casing main body 23 . The second panel 242 is movably supported by a moving mechanism not shown, and the second panel 242 is used to open and close the first suction port 27 . Like the first panel 241, the second panel 242 is a seamless rectangular plate-shaped member, and has substantially the same width as the width W of the housing main body 23 including the first suction port 27 when viewed from the front, and the housing The height of about half of the height H of the main body 23 . As shown in FIG. 2( b ), the second panel 242 is in a state parallel to the vertical direction in a state in which the first suction port 27 is closed. In this state, the second panel 242 is located above the first panel 241 and juxtaposed with the first panel 241 , and the second panel 242 has a larger projected area than the first suction port 27 when viewed from the front. Therefore, the second panel 242 completely covers the upper half of the front surface of the housing main body 23 including the first suction port 27 in a state in which the first suction port 27 is closed.

In this way, the first panel 241 completely covers the lower half of the front surface of the casing main body 23 including the air outlet 26 in a state where the air outlet 26 is closed. The second panel 242 completely covers the upper half of the front surface of the casing main body 23 including the first suction port 27 in a state in which the first suction port 27 is closed. In addition, the first panel 241 and the second panel 242 are vertically arranged side by side without gaps. Therefore, as shown in Figure 2 (a), the front panel 24a made of the first panel 241 and the second panel 242 is in a state where the air outlet 26 and the first suction port 27 are closed, basically completely covering the indoor unit. The state of the entire front of 2a. Therefore, in this state, when viewed from the front, only the front panel 24a enters the field of view of the occupants and the like, while the air outlet 26 and the first suction port 27 do not enter the field of vision of the occupants and the like. In addition, the front panel 24a has no seams other than the seam extending in the horizontal direction formed by the upper end of the first panel 241 and the lower end of the second panel 242 . In addition, the first panel 241 is parallel to the vertical direction, and the second panel 242 is also parallel to the vertical direction. Therefore, the front panel 24a forms a flat surface 243 parallel to the vertical direction in a state where the air outlet 26 and the first air inlet 27 are closed.

[Operation of indoor unit]

Next, the operation when the indoor unit 2a of the air conditioner 1 performs air-conditioning operation will be described.

When the indoor unit 2a is stopped, the front panel 24a is in a state in which the air outlet 26 and the first air inlet 27 are closed as described above.

When the indoor unit 2a is operating, first, the indoor fan 21 is started at a low rotation speed.

Next, the front panel 24a moves, and the air outlet 26 and the first air inlet 27 are opened. In this way, the air volume of the air sucked into the indoor unit 2a can be ensured, and the air can be blown out in the horizontal direction. In this case, as shown in FIG. 3( b ), the second panel 242 moves forward in parallel. Thereby, the first suction port 27 is opened. In addition, the first panel 241 moves vertically upward in conjunction with the movement of the second panel 242 . Furthermore, a part of the upper side of the first panel 241 is inserted between the second panel 242 and the casing main body 23 . As a result, the air outlet 26 is opened.

After the front panel 24a moves to open the air outlet 26 and the first air inlet 27, the horizontal damper 29 rotates and moves so as to form an air outlet angle corresponding to the set operation mode.

As described above, the operation of the indoor unit 2a is performed.

When the indoor unit 2a is stopped, the front panel 24a moves, and as shown in FIG. 2(a) and FIG.

[feature]

<1>

In the indoor unit 2a of the air conditioner 1, when the operation is stopped, the front panel 24a covers the entire front of the indoor unit 2a. And, the front panel 24a forms a flat surface 243 parallel to the vertical direction. Therefore, when the indoor unit 2a is stopped, only the flat front panel 24a is exposed to the view of occupants and the like when viewed from the front. In addition, on the surface of the front panel 24a, only the seam extending in the lateral direction (horizontally) as the boundary between the first panel 241 and the second panel 242 is exposed, and other seams are not exposed. Therefore, when viewed from the front, the seams extending in the longitudinal direction (vertical direction) are not exposed in the indoor unit 2a, and the seams extending in the horizontal direction are exposed to a minimum. Therefore, in the indoor unit 2a of the air conditioner 1, when viewed from the front, the appearance when the indoor unit 2a is stopped matches with the indoor wall surface, thereby improving the appearance.

<2>

Generally, since the wall-mounted indoor unit is arranged on a wall surface of a room, the front part is easily seen by occupants and the like. In addition, in many cases, the area of the front part of the indoor unit is relatively large. Therefore, the present invention is particularly effective in improving the appearance when viewed from the front when the operation is stopped.

<3>

In the indoor unit 2 a of such an air conditioner 1 , during operation, the air outlet 26 and the first air inlet 27 are opened by moving the first panel 241 and the second panel 242 . Therefore, air intake into the indoor unit 2a and air blowout from the indoor unit 2a can be sufficiently performed.

In addition, when the air outlet 26 and the first suction port 27 are opened, the first panel 241 moves up and down, and the second panel 242 only needs to move slightly forward. Therefore, the increase in the thickness D (see FIG. 3(b)) of the indoor unit 2a during operation is small. Therefore, in the indoor unit 2a of the air conditioner 1, the indoor unit 2a during operation can be configured compactly.

<4>

In the indoor unit 2a of such an air conditioner 1, the indoor fan 21 is started at a low rotational speed before the front panel 24a is opened. In this case, since the indoor fan 21 rotates with the front panel 24a closed, the air inside the indoor unit 2a can be stirred. Therefore, during cooling operation, the odor remaining inside the indoor unit 2a is adsorbed by the moisture condensed on the indoor heat exchanger 20 . Therefore, it is possible to reduce odor leakage into the room. In addition, during heating, the front panel 24a remains closed until the temperature of the indoor heat exchanger 20 rises, thereby reducing the draft feeling at the initial stage of operation.

<Second embodiment>

Fig. 4(a) and Fig. 4(b) show the indoor unit 2b of the air conditioner 1 according to the second embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 4(a) is a front view when the indoor unit 2b is stopped. Fig. 4(b) is a side sectional view when the indoor unit 2b is stopped.

This indoor unit 2b has a front panel 24b that covers substantially the entire front of the casing main body 23 . The front panel 24b is a seamless flat plate-like member when viewed from the front, and is formed as a flat surface 244 parallel to the vertical direction with the air outlet 26 and the first suction inlet 27 closed. In addition, when viewed from the front, the front panel 24b has a long rectangular shape in the horizontal direction, and when viewed from the front, it has a width W equal to that of the casing main body 23 including the air outlet 26 and the first suction port 27. About the same width. The front panel 24b is used to open and close the blowout port 26 and the first suction port 27, and in a state where the blowout port 26 and the first suction port 27 are closed, when viewed from the front, the front panel 24b covers the blowout port 26 and the first suction port. Mouth 27.

Next, the operation during the operation of the indoor unit 2b will be described. Fig. 5(a) shows a front view of the indoor unit 2b in operation, and Fig. 5(b) shows a side sectional view of the indoor unit 2b in operation.

When the indoor unit 2b starts to operate, the front panel 24b moves to open the air outlet 26 and the first air inlet 27 . While the front panel 24 b moves vertically upward, its upper end pivotally moves toward the direction away from the housing main body 23 centering on the lower end. In this way, by moving the front panel 24b upward, the air outlet 26 is opened, and by rotating the front panel 24b, the first suction port 27 is opened.

Other configurations and operations are the same as those of the indoor unit 2a of the first embodiment.

[feature]

In the indoor unit 2b of such an air conditioner 1, both the suction port 25 and the blowing port 26 are covered with one seamless front panel 24b. Therefore, when the indoor unit 2b is viewed from the front, no seams are exposed. In addition, the flat surface 244 formed by the front panel 24b gives an impression of simplicity to occupants and the like. Accordingly, the appearance of the indoor unit 2b of the air conditioner 1 when the operation of the indoor unit 2b is stopped is in harmony with the indoor wall surface when viewed from the front, thereby improving the appearance.

<third embodiment>

6(a) and 6(b) show the indoor unit 2c of the air conditioner 1 according to the third embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 6(a) is a side sectional view when the indoor unit 2c is stopped. Fig. 6(b) is a side sectional view of the indoor unit 2c in operation.

This indoor unit 2c has a front panel 24c covering the entire front of the indoor unit 2c. The front panel 24c is used to open and close the air outlet 26 and the first air inlet 27 . The front panel 24c covers the air outlet 26 and the first air inlet 27 when viewed from the front in a state in which the air outlet 26 and the first air inlet 27 are closed. This front panel 24c is a seamless plate-shaped member when viewed from the front, and has a first flat surface portion 245 and a second flat surface portion 246 . Both the first planar portion 245 and the second planar portion 246 have a flat plate-like shape. The first plane portion 245 is parallel to the vertical direction and used to close the first suction port 27 . The second flat portion 246 is disposed obliquely along the outlet shape of the outlet 26 and serves to close the outlet 26 . The upper end of the second planar portion 246 is connected to the lower end of the first planar portion 245 at a predetermined angle. The first planar portion 245 and the second planar portion 246 are integrally formed without joints. In addition, the first planar portion 245 and the second planar portion 246 each have a horizontally elongated rectangular shape, and have a width substantially equal to the width W of the case main body 23 .

Next, the operation during the operation of the indoor unit 2c will be described.

When the indoor unit 2c starts to operate, the front panel 24c moves to open the air outlet 26 and the first air inlet 27 . At this time, the front panel 24c moves obliquely upward and forward. In addition, the front panel 24c may directly move forward and obliquely upward, or may be a combination of forward parallel movement and upward movement. By the movement of the front panel 24c, the 1st flat part 245 is separated from the 1st suction port 27, and the 1st suction port 27 is opened. Then, the second flat portion 246 is separated from the outlet 26, and the outlet 26 is opened.

Other configurations are the same as those of the indoor unit 2a of the first embodiment.

[feature]

In the indoor unit 2c of such an air conditioner 1, both the suction port 25 and the blowing port 26 are covered by a single seamless front panel 24c when the operation is stopped. Therefore, when the indoor unit 2c is stopped, the indoor unit 2c has no joints when viewed from the front. Moreover, the 2nd flat part 246 of the front panel 24c is formed according to the shape of the air outlet 26. As shown in FIG. Therefore, even if the side shape of the casing main body 23 is not a rectangle, but the outlet of the air outlet 26 is inclined, the front of the indoor unit 2c can be covered by the smooth front panel 24c without seams. Accordingly, in the indoor unit 2c of the air conditioner 1, the appearance of the indoor unit 2c when the operation of the indoor unit 2c is stopped is in harmony with the indoor wall surface when viewed from the front, thereby improving the appearance.

<Fourth embodiment>

[structure]

7( a ), FIG. 7( b ), FIG. 8( a ), and FIG. 8( b ) show indoor unit 2 d of air conditioner 1 according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 7 (a) is the front view when indoor unit 2d operation stops, Fig. 7 (b) is the side sectional view when indoor unit 2d operation stops, Fig. 8 (a) is the front view when indoor unit 2d operation, Fig. 8 (b) is a side sectional view of the indoor unit 2d in operation.

This indoor unit 2d has a front panel 24d that covers substantially the entire front of the casing main body 23 . The front panel 24d is a panel assembly in which a plurality of seamless panels are assembled, and has a first panel 247 and a second panel 248 .

The first panel 247 is disposed below the front surface of the casing main body 23 . The first panel 247 is movably supported by a moving mechanism not shown, and is used to open and close the outlet 26 . The first panel 247 is a seamless rectangular flat member, and has substantially the same width as the width W of the casing main body 23 when viewed from the front. As shown in FIG. 7( b ), the first panel 247 is in a state parallel to the vertical direction with the air outlet 26 closed. In addition, in this state, the first panel 247 has a larger projected area than the air outlet 26 when viewed from the front. Therefore, the first panel 247 completely covers the lower front surface of the housing main body 23 including the air outlet 26 in a state where the air outlet 26 is closed.

The second panel 248 is arranged above the front surface of the casing main body 23 . The second panel 248 is movably supported by a moving mechanism not shown, and the second panel 248 is used to open and close the first suction port 27 . The second panel 248 has a first portion 248a and a second portion 248b. The first part 248a and the second part 248b are respectively seamless rectangular flat members, and both have substantially the same width as the width W of the casing main body 23 including the first suction port 27 when viewed from the front. As shown in FIG. 7( b ), the first portion 248 a and the second portion 248 b are in a state parallel to the vertical direction in a state in which the first suction port 27 is closed. The second part 248b is located below the first part 248a, and protrudes forward from the first part 248a. In addition, in this state, the second portion 248b is located above the first panel 247 . In addition, the lower end of the second portion 248b is positioned in front of the upper end of the first panel 247 and overlaps the upper end of the first panel 247 . In addition, the second panel 248 has a larger projected area than the first suction port 27 when viewed from the front. Therefore, the second panel 248 completely covers the upper half of the front surface of the casing main body 23 including the first suction port 27 in a state in which the first suction port 27 is closed.

In this way, the first panel 247 completely covers the front lower side of the housing main body 23 including the outlet 26 when the outlet 26 is closed, and the second panel 248 completely covers the first inlet 27 when the outlet 27 is closed. The upper front surface of the housing main body 23 including the first suction port 27 is covered. In addition, the first panel 247 and the second panel 248 are vertically arranged side by side, and a part of the lower end of the second panel 248 overlaps the upper end of the first panel 247 .

Other configurations and operations of the indoor unit 2d are the same as those of the indoor unit 2a of the first embodiment.

[feature]

In the indoor unit 2d of the air conditioner 1, a part of the lower end of the second panel 248 overlaps the upper end of the first panel 247 in a state where the front panel 24d closes the air outlet 26 and the first inlet 27. Therefore, it is difficult to see the gap between the first panel 247 and the second panel 248 when viewed from the front. Therefore, when the indoor unit 2d of the air conditioner 1 is viewed from the front, the appearance of the indoor unit 2d when the indoor unit 2d is stopped is more coordinated with the indoor wall surface, thereby further improving the aesthetics.

<Fifth Embodiment>

[structure]

Fig. 12(a) and Fig. 12(b) show the indoor unit 2e of the air conditioner 1 according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 12(a) is a front view when the indoor unit 2e is stopped, and Fig. 12(b) is a side sectional view when the indoor unit 2e is stopped.

This indoor unit 2e has a front panel 24e that covers substantially the entire front of the casing main body 23 . The front panel 24e is a panel assembly in which a plurality of seamless panels 250 to 251 are assembled, and has a first panel 250 , a second panel 251 , and a third panel 252 .

The first panel 250 is arranged below the front of the casing main body 23 . The first panel 250 is supported by a movement mechanism not shown so as to be able to move in parallel in the vertical direction, and is used to open and close the outlet 26 . The first panel 250 is a seamless rectangular flat member, and has substantially the same width as the width W of the housing main body 23 when viewed from the front. In the state where the air outlet 26 is closed, the first panel 250 is in a state parallel to the vertical direction as shown in FIG. 12( b ). In addition, in this state, the first panel 250 has a larger projected area than the air outlet 26 when viewed from the front. Therefore, the first panel 250 completely covers the lower front surface of the casing main body 23 including the air outlet 26 in a state where the air outlet 26 is closed.

The second panel 251 is arranged above the front surface of the housing main body 23 . The second panel 251 is movably supported by a moving mechanism not shown, and is used to open and close the first suction port 27 . The second panel 251 is a seamless rectangular flat member, and has substantially the same width as the width W of the casing main body 23 including the first suction port 27 when viewed from the front. As shown in FIG. 12( b ), the second panel 251 is in a state parallel to the vertical direction in a state in which the first suction port 27 is closed. In addition, the second panel 251 has a larger projected area than the first suction port 27 when viewed from the front. Therefore, the second panel 251 completely covers the upper front half of the casing main body 23 including the first suction port 27 in a state in which the first suction port 27 is closed.

The third panel 252 is arranged between the first panel 250 and the second panel 251 . When viewed from the front, the third panel 252 has a seamless rectangular shape. The third panel 252 has substantially the same width W as the indoor unit 2e, and has substantially the same length as the first panel 250 in the vertical direction. The left and right end vicinities of the third panel 252 are respectively fixed to the left and right side surfaces of the casing body 23 , and the front portion of the third panel 252 is arranged at a distance from the casing body 23 in the front-rear direction. That is, a gap is formed between the third panel 252 and the case main body 23 behind the third panel 252 . This gap is slightly larger than the thickness of the first panel 250 disposed below, and forms a space for accommodating the first panel 250 that moves to open the air outlet 26 .

In this way, the first panel 250 completely covers the front lower side of the casing main body 23 including the outlet 26 when the outlet 26 is closed, and the second panel 251 completely covers the first inlet 27 when the first inlet 27 is closed. The upper front surface of the housing main body 23 including the first suction port 27 is covered. In addition, the first panel 250, the second panel 251, and the third panel 252 are arranged in parallel up and down, and are arranged to form a substantially flat rectangular plane with the air outlet 26 and the first inlet 27 closed. The front panel 24e constituted by the first panel 250, the second panel 251, and the third panel 252 covers substantially the entire front of the indoor unit 2e when the air outlet 26 and the first suction inlet 27 are closed. , only the seams formed by the boundaries of the first panel 250, the second panel 251, and the third panel 252 are exposed. That is, when viewed from the front, only the seam extending in the horizontal direction formed by the boundary line between the first panel 250 and the third panel 252 and the boundary line between the second panel 251 and the third panel 252 is exposed.

Other configurations are the same as those of the indoor unit 2a of the first embodiment.

[Operation of the front panel at the start of operation]

When the indoor unit 2e starts to operate, the first panel 250 and the second panel 251 move, and the air outlet 26 and the first air inlet 27 are opened. Next, the operation of the front panel 24e will be described based on Fig. 13(a), Fig. 13(b) and Fig. 13(c). In addition, FIG. 13(a), FIG. 13(b) and FIG. 13(c) are side views of the indoor unit 2e.

In the state that the indoor unit 2e stops running, the first panel 250 and the second panel 251 close the air outlet 26 and the first suction port 27, as shown in Figure 13 (a), the first panel 250, the second panel 251 and the first 3. The panels 252 are parallel in the vertical direction and arranged in parallel on a substantially straight line when viewed from the side. In addition, the surfaces of the first panel 250, the second panel 251, and the third panel 252 are substantially flat.

When the indoor unit 2e starts to operate, the first panel 250 and the second panel 251 move, and the air outlet 26 and the first air inlet 27 are opened.

As shown in FIG. 13( b ), the first panel 250 moves upward in parallel in the vertical direction, thereby opening the air outlet 26 . When the first panel 250 moves upward in the vertical direction, the upper end of the first panel 250 is inserted into the gap behind the third panel 252 . When the first panel 250 moves upward further, as shown in Figure 13(c), the first panel 250 is accommodated in the gap between the third panel 252 and the housing body 23, and becomes hidden behind the third panel 252 status. That is, substantially the entire first panel 250 is in a state of being overlapped with the third panel 252 .

The second panel 251 moves in conjunction with the movement of the first panel 250 . As shown in FIG. 13( b ), while moving forward, the second panel 251 rotates about an axis parallel to the left-right direction as viewed from the front. The second panel 251 turns around the vicinity of its lower end so that its upper end inclines forward. As shown in FIG. 13( c ), the second panel 251 is further moved to form a gap between the housing main body 23 and the second panel 251 . Thereby, the first suction port 27 is opened. Then, air is sucked in from the gap between the upper end of the second panel 251 and the casing body 23 , and the air is sucked into the casing body 23 through the first suction port 27 .

In addition, when the operation of the indoor unit 2e is stopped, the first panel 250 and the second panel 251 move in reverse to the above-mentioned operation, and return to the flat state.

[feature]

<1>

In such an indoor unit 2e of the air conditioner 1, when the operation is stopped, substantially the entire front surface is covered by the front panel 24e. The first panel 250, the second panel 251, and the third panel 252 constituting the front panel 24e are arranged so as to form a substantially flat surface when the indoor unit 2e is stopped, and the joints exposed on the surface are minimized. Therefore, when the operation of the indoor unit 2e is stopped, the coordination between the indoor unit 2e and the indoor wall surface is improved, thereby improving the appearance.

<2>

In the indoor unit 2e of the air conditioner 1, when the operation is started, the air outlet 26 and the first suction port 27 are opened by moving the first panel 250 and the second panel 251 as described above. Thereby, it is possible to sufficiently ensure the air volume of the air sucked in and blown out. In addition, air in the horizontal direction can also be blown out sufficiently.

Furthermore, in the state where the air outlet 26 is opened, the 1st panel 250 moves behind the 3rd panel 252, and becomes the state covered by the 3rd panel 252. As shown in FIG. Therefore, during operation, the first panel 250 does not hinder the suction and blowing of air, and also improves the appearance when viewed from the front.

<Sixth embodiment>

[structure]

Fig. 14(a) to Fig. 14(c) show an indoor unit 2f of the air conditioner 1 according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention. 14( a ) to FIG. 14( c ) are side views of the indoor unit 2 f of the air conditioner 1 .

This indoor unit 2f has a front panel 24f for covering substantially the entire front of the casing main body 23 . The front panel 24f is a panel assembly in which two seamless panels 253 and 254 are assembled, and has a first panel 253 and a second panel 254 .

The first panel 253 is disposed below the front surface of the casing main body 23 . The first panel 253 is supported by a movement mechanism not shown so as to be able to move in parallel in the vertical direction, and the first panel 253 is used to open and close the air outlet 26 . The first panel 253 is a seamless rectangular flat member, and has substantially the same width as the width W of the housing main body 23 (see FIG. 2( a )) when viewed from the front. As shown in FIG. 14( a ), the first panel 253 is in a state parallel to the vertical direction in a state in which the air outlet 26 is closed. In addition, in this state, the first panel 253 has a larger projected area than the air outlet 26 when viewed from the front. Therefore, the first panel 253 completely covers the lower front surface of the casing main body 23 including the air outlet 26 in a state where the air outlet 26 is closed.

The second panel 254 is arranged above the front surface of the casing main body 23 . The second panel 254 is supported by the moving mechanism 255 so as to be movable, and the second panel 254 is used to open and close the first suction port 27 . In addition, the moving mechanism 255 supports both side end portions of the second panel 254 . The second panel 254 is a seamless rectangular flat member, and has substantially the same width as the width W (see FIG. 2( a )) of the casing main body 23 including the first suction port 27 when viewed from the front. As shown in FIG. 14( a ), the second panel 254 is in a state parallel to the vertical direction in a state in which the first suction port 27 is closed. In addition, the second panel 254 has a larger projected area than the first suction port 27 when viewed from the front. Therefore, the second panel 254 completely covers the upper front half of the casing main body 23 including the first suction port 27 in a state where the first suction port 27 is closed.

In this way, the first panel 253 completely covers the front lower side of the casing main body 23 including the outlet 26 when the outlet 26 is closed, and the second panel 254 completely covers the first inlet 27 when the first inlet 27 is closed. The upper front surface of the housing main body 23 including the first suction port 27 is covered. In addition, the first panel 253 and the second panel 254 are vertically arranged side by side, and are arranged so as to constitute a substantially flat rectangular plane in a state where the air outlet 26 and the first suction port 27 are closed. The front panel 24f composed of the first panel 253 and the second panel 254 covers substantially the entire front of the indoor unit 2f when the air outlet 26 and the first suction port 27 are closed. 253 and the borderline of the second panel 254 are exposed. That is, the front panel 24f is similar to the front panel 24a of the first embodiment, and only the seam extending in the horizontal direction formed by the boundary line between the first panel 253 and the second panel 254 is exposed.

Other configurations are the same as those of the indoor unit 2a of the first embodiment.

[Operation of the front panel at the start of operation]

When the indoor unit 2f starts to operate, the first panel 253 and the second panel 254 move to open the air outlet 26 and the first air inlet 27 . Next, the operation of the front panel 24f will be described.

In the state where the indoor unit 2f stops running, the first panel 253 and the second panel 254 close the air outlet 26 and the first suction port 27, as shown in Figure 14 (a), the first panel 253 and the second panel 254 are vertically Parallel in the vertical direction, and arranged side by side on a substantially straight line when viewed from the side. In addition, the surfaces of the first panel 253 and the second panel 254 are substantially flat.

When the indoor unit 2f starts to operate, the first panel 253 and the second panel 254 move, and the air outlet 26 and the first suction port 27 are opened.

As shown in FIG. 14( b ), the second panel 254 moves forward so as to be separated from the first suction port 27 , and rotates about an axis parallel to the left-right direction as viewed from the front. The second panel 254 is rotated around the vicinity of its lower end so that its upper end is inclined forward. As shown in FIG. 14( c ), the second panel 254 further moves to form a gap between the housing body 23 and the second panel 254 . Thus, the first suction port 27 is opened. Next, air is sucked from the gap between the upper end of the second panel 254 and the casing body 23 , and the air is sucked into the casing body 23 through the first suction port 27 . In addition, when the second panel 254 opens the first suction port 27, the upper end of the second panel 254 is inclined forward and the lower end is inclined rearward. And, in this state, the second panel 254 is arranged so as not to interfere with the air outlet 26 . That is, the lower end of the second panel 254 is positioned above the air outlet 26 , so that the blowing of air from the air outlet 26 is not hindered.

The movement of the first panel 253 is performed in conjunction with the movement of the second panel 254 . As shown in FIG. 14( b ), the first panel 253 moves upward in parallel in the vertical direction, thereby opening the air outlet 26 . When the first panel 253 moves upward in the vertical direction, the upper end of the first panel 253 is inserted between the second panel 254 moved forward and the front surface of the housing main body 23 . That is, the upper end of the first panel 253 is inserted into the gap behind the second panel 254 . As shown in FIG. 14( c ), when the first panel 253 is further moved upward, the first panel 253 is accommodated in the gap between the second panel 254 and the housing main body 23 . That is, the first panel 253 is in a state in which the whole or a part thereof overlaps the second panel 254 . In addition, the first panel 253 moves in a state approaching the front surface of the casing main body 23 . From the point of view of preventing scratches, it is preferable that the first panel 253 is not in contact with the housing main body 23 during the movement of the first panel 253. Ideally, there is an interval between the first panel 253 and the housing main body 23. Open a gap of about 1mm to 2mm.

Moreover, when the indoor unit 2f stops operating, the 1st panel 253 and the 2nd panel 254 perform the reverse operation|movement of the above, and return to a flat state.

[feature]

In the indoor unit 2f of such an air conditioner 1, as in the indoor units 2a to 2e of the above-described embodiment, the effect of improving the appearance can be obtained.

In addition, by moving and inclining the second panel 254, it becomes difficult to see the inside of the indoor unit 2f through the first suction port 27 from the outside. Therefore, aesthetics can be further improved.

In addition, when the air outlet 26 is opened, since the first panel 253 is close to the housing main body 23, the air blown out from the air outlet 26 can be suppressed from leaking from the gap between the first panel 253 and the housing main body 23, and then leaked from the housing main body 23. Occurrence of a short-circuit phenomenon in which the first suction port 27 is sucked in. And, when the first panel 253 moves and stops, because the first panel 253 is close to the housing main body 23, it is difficult to pass through the gap between the first panel 253 and the housing main body 23 and the first suction port from the outside. 27 See the inside of the indoor unit 2f. Therefore, the appearance can be further improved.

<Other Embodiments>

<1>

In the indoor unit 2a of the first embodiment described above, the second panel 242 moves forward in parallel, and the first panel 241 moves vertically upward. Furthermore, a part of the upper side of the first panel 241 is inserted between the second panel 242 and the casing main body 23 . As a result, the air outlet 26 and the first air inlet 27 are opened. However, the movement of the first panel 241 and the second panel 242 during the operation of the indoor unit is not limited to this. For example, the air outlet 26 and the first suction port 27 may be opened by moving the first panel 241 and the second panel 242 as shown in <A>, <B>, and <C> below.

<A>

As shown in FIG. 9( a ), while the first panel 241 moves vertically upward, the upper end of the first panel 241 rotates and moves away from the housing main body 23 around the lower end. The air outlet 26 is opened by moving the first panel 241 vertically upward. In addition, as the first panel 241 moves, the second panel 242 also moves vertically upward, and at the same time, the upper end of the second panel 242 pivotally moves away from the housing main body 23 around the lower end. The first suction port 27 is opened by the rotational movement of the second panel 242 . Finally, a part of the upper side of the first panel 241 and a part of the lower side of the second panel 242 are overlapped, and the air outlet 26 and the first suction port 27 are opened.

<B>

As shown in FIG. 9( b ), the upper end of the first panel 241 and the lower end of the second panel 242 are connected to each other, and can rotate around the connecting portion 247 . Furthermore, while the first panel 241 moves vertically upward, its upper end rotates around the lower end in a direction away from the casing main body 23 . As the first panel 241 moves vertically upward, the air outlet 26 is opened. Regardless of the rotational movement of the upper end of the first panel 241, the second panel 242 moves forward in parallel while maintaining a posture parallel to the vertical direction. The first suction port 27 is opened by moving the second panel 242 forward in parallel. Finally, the front panel 24a in the state of being bent from the middle so that its upper end is close to the casing main body 23 moves upward, and the air outlet 26 and the first suction port 27 are opened.

<C>

As shown in FIG. 9( c ), the upper end of the first panel 241 and the lower end of the second panel 242 are connected to each other, and can rotate around the connecting portion 248 . Furthermore, while the first panel 241 moves vertically upward, the upper end of the first panel 241 rotates centering on the lower end in a direction away from the housing main body 23 . By moving the first panel 241 vertically upward, the air outlet 26 is opened. As the upper end of the first panel 241 rotates and moves, the upper end of the second panel 242 rotates and moves in a direction away from the housing main body 23 around the lower end. By rotating and moving the upper end of the second panel 242, the first suction port 27 is opened. Finally, the front panel 24a in the state where the upper end is separated from the casing main body 23 by being bent from the middle moves upward, and the air outlet 26 and the first suction port 27 are opened.

<2>

In the indoor unit 2b of the above-mentioned second embodiment, although the front panel 24b moves vertically upward and at the same time, its upper end rotates and moves in a direction away from the casing main body 23 around the lower end, but the movement of the front panel 24b It is not limited to this. For example, as shown in FIG. 10 , the front panel 24 b may be moved obliquely forward and upward in a state parallel to the vertical direction to open the air outlet 26 and the first air inlet 27 .

<3>

In the indoor unit 2a of the first embodiment described above, the front panel 24a is composed of the first panel 241 and the second panel 242, but may also be composed of a plurality of panels. However, since the fewer the number of panels constituting the front panel 24a, the fewer seams exposed on the front panel 24a, it is preferable to have fewer panels constituting the front panel 24a. Moreover, it is preferable that several panels which comprise the front panel 24a are arrange|positioned in parallel along the vertical direction. In this way, the seam running along the longitudinal direction is not exposed when viewed from the front, thereby improving the aesthetics.

The present invention has the effect of further reducing the possibility of spoiling the indoor appearance, and is very suitable as an indoor unit of an air conditioner.

Claims (4)

1. An indoor unit (2a) of an air conditioner, characterized in that it has: A casing (23) having an air outlet (26) for passing air blown into the room and an air inlet (27) for passing air sucked in from the room; A front panel (24a), which has: a first panel (241), which opens and closes the outlet (26), and in a state in which the outlet (26) is closed, has an The large projected area of the outlet (26); and the second panel (242), which opens and closes the suction port (27), and in the state of closing the suction port (27), has a larger than the The large projected area of the suction port (27), While the first panel (241) moves upward, the upper end of the first panel (241) rotates and moves away from the casing (23) around the lower end, thereby opening the blowing port (26), With the movement of the first panel (241), the second panel (242) also moves upwards, and at the same time, the upper end of the second panel (242) moves away from the housing ( 23), thereby opening the suction port (27), The second panel (242) is located above the first panel (241), In the state where the blowing port (26) and the suction port (27) are opened, a part of the upper side of the first panel (241) and a part of the lower side of the second panel (242) are overlapped . 2. The indoor unit (2a) of the air conditioner according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first panel (241) is seamless, and has approximately the same width (W) as the casing (23) including the outlet (26) when viewed from the front, The second panel (242) has no joints, and has substantially the same width as the width (W) of the housing (23) including the suction port (27) when viewed from the front. 3. The indoor unit (2a) of the air conditioner according to claim 1, characterized in that, The front panel (24a) covers substantially the entire front of the casing (23) when viewed from the front. 4. The indoor unit (2a) of the air conditioner according to claim 1, characterized in that, In the state where the air outlet (26) is closed, the front side of the front panel (24a) is a flat surface (243) parallel to the vertical direction.

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