INDOOR DEVICE FOR CASSETTE TYPE AIR CONDITIONER

Abstract

An indoor device for a cassette type air conditioner is provided. The indoor device may improve an exterior appearance of the air conditioner in that a vane drive assembly to operate a vane that guides discharged air may be covered by the vane when the vane is closed. Also, first and second ends of the vane may be rounded, and an outer surface of the vane drive assembly may contact the vane to improve a flow of discharged air.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

The present application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. 119 and 35 U.S.C. 365 to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2013-0119741, filed in Korea on Oct. 8, 2013, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

1. Field

An indoor device for a cassette type air conditioner.

2. Background

In general, air conditioners are cooling/heating systems in which indoor air is suctioned in and heat-exchanged with a low or high-temperature refrigerant, and then the heat-exchanged air is discharged into an indoor space to cool or heat the indoor space. The above-described processes are repeatedly performed. Air conditioners may generate a series of cycles using a compressor, a condenser, an expansion valve, and an evaporator.

In particular, such an air conditioner may include an outdoor unit or device which is called an “outdoor side” or “heat dissipation side”), which is generally installed in an outdoor space, and an indoor unit or device (which is called an “indoor side” or “heat absorption side”), which is generally installed in a building. The outdoor device may include a condenser, that is, an outdoor heat exchanger, and a compressor, and the indoor unit, that is, an indoor heat exchanger, may include an evaporator.

As is well known, air conditioners may be divided into spilt type air conditioners with outdoor and indoor devices, which are installed separately from each other, and integrated type air conditioners with outdoor and indoor devices, which are integrally installed with each other. When considering a space in which the air conditioner is to be installed or noise, the spilt type air conditioner may be preferable.

In a multi type air conditioner of such a spilt type air conditioner, a plurality of indoor devices may be connected to one outdoor device. Thus, as the plurality of indoor devices may be respectively installed in indoor spaces for air-conditioning, an effect as if a plurality of air conditioners are installed may be achieved.

Hereinafter, an indoor device for a cassette type air conditioner in a general multi type air conditioner will be described with reference to the accompanying drawing.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating an exterior of an indoor device for a cassette type air conditioner according to the related art. As illustrated in FIG. 1, an indoor unit or device 1 may be maintained in a state in which a casing body 10, which defines an upper portion of the indoor device 1, is fixed to an inside of a ceiling and hung on the ceiling, and a panel 20 and a suction grill 40, which define a bottom surface of the indoor device 1, are exposed to a lower side of the ceiling to suction indoor air and then discharge the suctioned air into the indoor space. Thus, in the indoor device 1, as the casing body 10 is disposed in the ceiling, only the panel 20 and the suction grill 20 may be viewable when a user looks up toward the ceiling.

The panel 20 may define an exterior edge of the bottom surface of the indoor device 1. A suction hole (not shown), which may be provided in a square shape, may be defined in a central portion of the panel 20 to guide introduction of the indoor air into the indoor device 1. A plurality of discharge holes 26, which may be provided to guide the air so that the air conditioned in the indoor device 1 may be discharged into the indoor space, may be defined outside of the suction hole (not shown).

The panel 20 may be include an outer frame panel 22 that defines an outside thereof, and an inner frame panel 24 that defines an inside thereof with respect to the plurality of discharge holes 26. Thus, the plurality of discharge holes 26 may be disposed in a space position between the outer frame panel 22 and the inner frame panel 24. Also, a wind direction adjuster or vane 30 to adjust a flow direction of air discharged from each discharge hole 26 may be rotatably disposed between the inner frame panel 24 and the outer frame panel 22.

A seat space, which may be recessed inward, may be defined inside the inner frame panel 24. The seat space may have a lattice shape, and the suction grill 40, in which a suction hole 42 through which air may be suctioned in may be defined, may be mounted in the seat space. The suction grill 40 may be accommodated in the seat space, which may be recessed into a bottom surface of the inner frame panel 24 and be closely attached to a circumference of the seat space to provide a sense of unity.

The wind direction adjuster 30 may be disposed in a space between the inner frame panel 24 and the outer frame panel 22, and both ends of the wind direction adjuster 30 may be rounded. Also, the wind direction adjuster 30 may be disposed between wind direction adjuster drive or vane drives 32 disposed on both lateral sides of the wind direction adjuster 30, respectively. Both ends of the wind direction adjuster 30 may be respectively connected to the wind direction adjuster drives 32 to guide the air discharged by rotation of the wind direction adjuster 30 according to operations of the wind direction adjuster drives 32.

However, the indoor device 1 as described according to the related art may have following limitations.

The wind direction adjuster 30 has to be disposed between the wind direction drives 32 to prevent the wind direction adjuster 30 from interfering with the wind direction drives 32 when the wind direction adjuster 30 rotates. Thus, the wind direction adjuster 30 should have a size less than a distance between the wind direction adjuster drives 32.

As a result, the wind direction adjuster drives 32 are exposed to the outside. Also, to mount the wind direction adjuster drives 32, a distance between the inner frame panel 24 and the outer frame panel 22 may increase. Therefore, when the indoor device 1 is viewed from a lower side, gaps between the inner frame panel 24 having a relatively large size and the outer frame panel 22, and between the wind direction adjuster 30 and the outer frame panel 22 may be exposed, and also, the wind direction adjuster drives 32 may be exposed.

Also, as the wind direction adjuster 30 is disposed between the wind adjuster drives 32, the wind direction adjuster 30 may be limited in size. Thus, the discharge hole 26 may also be limited in size. Thus, as the discharge hole 26 may have a relatively small size, the indoor device 1 may be deteriorated in exterior appearance, and also, air discharge efficiency may be deteriorated.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the following drawings in which like reference numerals refer to like elements, and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an indoor device for a cassette type air conditioner according to the related art;

FIG. 2 is a schematic cutoff perspective view of an indoor device for a cassette type air conditioner according to an embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a bottom view of the indoor device for a cassette type air conditioner of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of a main portion of the indoor device for a cassette type air conditioner of FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is a view illustrating a state in which a panel and a suction grill of the indoor device for a cassette type air conditioner of FIG. 2 are coupled to each other, when viewed from an upper side;

FIG. 6 is a partial perspective view illustrating a state in which a vane of the indoor device for a cassette type air conditioner of FIG. 2 is open;

FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a coupling structure of the vane and a vane drive assembly according to embodiments;

FIG. 8 is a bottom view illustrating the coupling structure of the vane and the vane drive assembly according to embodiments;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the suction grill according to embodiments, when viewed from an upper side;

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a grill portion of the suction grill according to embodiments;

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a structure of a connection member of the indoor device for a cassette type air conditioner according to embodiments;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view illustrating a state in which the suction grill is opened according to embodiments;

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a state in which the vane is closed according to embodiments;

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a state in which the vane is opened according to embodiments; and

FIG. 15 is a schematic perspective view illustrating an air flow in the panel and the suction grill according to embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The embodiments may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, alternate embodiments included in other retrogressive inventions or falling within the spirit and scope will fully convey the concept to those skilled in the art.

FIG. 2 is a schematic cutoff perspective view of an indoor device for a cassette type air conditioner according to an embodiment. Referring to FIG. 2, an indoor unit or device 100 for an air conditioner (hereinafter, referred to as an “indoor device”) according to embodiments may include a cabinet 110 inserted into a ceiling in an indoor space, and a panel 200 a suction grill 300, which may be disposed on or at a lower end of the cabinet 110 to define an exterior of a bottom surface of the indoor device 100 and may be exposed in the ceiling when the indoor device 100 is installed. A heat exchanger 140 that heat-exchanges with suctioned air, a blower fan 120 to forcibly suction in and discharge indoor air, and an air guide 130 having a bellmouth shape to guide the suctioned air toward the blower fan 120 may be provided in the cabinet 110.

The panel 200 may be mounted on the lower end of the cabinet 110 and have an approximately rectangular shape when viewed from a lower side thereof. Also, the panel 200 may protrude outward from the lower end of the cabinet 110, so that a circumferential portion of the panel 200 may be in contact with the ceiling.

At least one discharge hole 210 that serves as an outlet, through which air may be discharged from the cabinet 110, may be provided in the panel 200. A discharge hole 210 may be defined at a position corresponding to each side of the panel 200. Each discharge hole 210 may be defined along a longitudinal direction of each side of the panel 200. Each discharge hole 210 may be opened or closed by a vane 220 mounted on the panel 200.

The suction grill 300 may be mounted on or at a central portion of the panel 200. The suction grill 300 may define an exterior of a bottom surface of the indoor device 100. The suction grill 300 may provide a passage for air introduced into the indoor device 100. At least a portion of the suction grill 300 may have a grill or lattice shape so that the indoor air may be smoothly introduced.

Hereinafter, structures of the panel 200 and the suction grill 300 according to embodiments will be discussed hereinbelow in detail.

FIG. 3 is a bottom view of the indoor device for a cassette type air conditioner of FIG. 2. FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of a main portion of the indoor device for a cassette type air conditioner of FIG. 2. FIG. 5 is a view illustrating a state in which the panel and the suction grill of the indoor device for a cassette type air conditioner of FIG. 2 are coupled to each other, when viewed from an upper side.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, the panel 200 may have an approximately rectangular plate shape. A suction hole 230 may be provided in a central portion of the panel 200. The suction hole 230 may be configured to suction in the indoor air. The suction hole 230 may have a square shape and a size slightly less than a size of the suction grill 300.

The discharge hole(s) 210 may be defined outside of the suction hole 230. The discharge hole(s) 210 may be provided at each of four sides. Both ends of each discharge hole 210 may have a curved shape having a width that gradually decreases towards ends thereof.

A grill seat 232 may be disposed outside of the suction hole 230. The grill seat 232 may be stepped to support the suction grill 300. A panel-side mount 260, on which a connection member 400 that will be discussed hereinbelow may be mounted, may be disposed on the grill seat 232.

A circumference of the grill seat 232 may have a closed loop shape that generally defines an outer line of each discharge hole 210. A rounded groove 234 may be defined around the grill seat 232 in a state in which the suction grill 300 is mounted. The rounded groove 234 may have a square shape having four rounded edges. Also, the four rounded edges of the rounded groove 234 may define a line corresponding to an outer line of the suction grill 300, so that vanes 220 of the discharge hole(s) 210, the suction grill 300, and the panel 200 may provide a sense of unity on the whole. Also, the rounded groove 234 may have a predetermined rounded or inclined section so that discharged air does not flow along the panel 200, thereby preventing the ceiling from being wetted or contaminated by air discharged from the discharge hole(s) 210.

An inspection hole 240 may be provided in each of the four edges of the panel 200. The inspection hole 240 may provide a space to fix and install the panel 200. The inspection hole 240 may be opened or closed by a corner cover 242 so as to receive service to electric components mounted on a back surface of the panel 200 or confirm an operation of the indoor device 100. An inspection hole 240 and a corner cover 242 may be disposed on each of the four edges of the panel 200 or be disposed on at least one of the four edges.

An end of the corner cover 242 may be disposed to face an end of protrusion 320 of the suction grill 300 with respect to a boundary of the rounded groove 234. Each corner cover 242 and protrusion 320 may have lines corresponding to the rounded groove 234 to provide a sense of unity on the whole.

A separate panel bracket 236 may be mounted on the grill seat 232 of the panel 200. The panel bracket 236 may be configured to reinforce the grill seat 232 and stably support components to mount or open and close the suction grill 300 mounted on the grill seat 232. Alternatively, the panel bracket 236 may not be provided, but rather, the grill seat 232 and the panel bracket 236 may be integrated with each other to allow the grill seat 232 to perform the function of the panel bracket 236.

The panel bracket 236 may have a square frame shape. Also, a central portion of the panel bracket 236 may be opened in a shape corresponding to a shape of the suction hole 230. The panel bracket 237 may be fixed so that a switching member 340 and a fixing member, which will be described hereinbelow, may be hooked in a state in which the panel bracket 237 is mounted on the panel 200 to maintain a closed state of the suction grill 300.

The panel bracket 236 may be formed of a material having a high strength to prevent the panel bracket 236 from being deformed or damaged. The panel bracket 236 may be formed of a material different from a material of the panel 200. For example, the panel bracket 236 may be formed of a metal material and mounted on an inner side surface of the panel 200.

A coupling portion 237, to which the suction grill 300 may be coupled, may be disposed on each of both sides of the panel bracket 236. When the switching member 340 and the fixing member 330 are restricted on front and rear ends of the panel 200, the coupling portion 237 and a suction grill restricter 390 may be disposed on both lateral sides of the panel bracket 236 so that the suction grill 300 may be fixed in four directions by the switching member 340, the fixing member 330, and the suction grill restricter 390.

Furthermore, the suction grill restricter 390 may be disposed at a center of the suction grill 300 in a front to rear direction so that both ends of the suction grill 300 do not droop downward, but rather, are fixed in the state in which the suction grill restricter 390 is coupled to the panel bracket 236. That is, front and rear ends of the suction grill 300 may be maintained in a fixed state by the switching member 340 and the fixing member 330, and both ends of the suction grill 300 may be fixed by the suction grill restricter 390.

When the panel bracket 236 is not provided as a separate member, but rather, is integrated while the panel 200 is manufactured, each of the switching member 340, the fixing member 330, and the suction grill restricter 390 may be coupled to the panel 200 to correspond to the panel 200. Also, in some cases, at least one of the switching member 340, the fixing member 330, or the suction grill restricter 390 may be restricted with respect to the panel bracket 236, and the rest may be restricted with respect to the panel 200.

The suction grill 300 may be mounted on the grill seat 232. In the state in which the suction grill 300 is mounted, a bottom surface of the panel 200 and a bottom surface of the suction grill 300 may be disposed on a same plane to provide a sense of unity.

The concave portion 310 may be defined in each of the sides of the suction grill 300. The concave portion 310 may be disposed at a same position as an inner line of the discharge hole 210. Also, in the state in which the suction grill 300 is mounted, an inner line of the discharge hole 210 and the concave portion 310 may have a same shape. That is, the concave portion 310 may have rounded ends or edges. The concave portion 310 may have a curvature corresponding to shapes of the discharge hole 210 and the vane 220.

Thus, if the suction grill 300 is closed, an inner line of the vane 220 and an end or edge of the suction grill 300 may be adjacent to each other at the same distance. Thus, the suction grill 300 and the panel 200 may provide a sense of unity.

The protrusion 320 may be disposed on each of the four edges of the suction grill 300. Each protrusion 320 may further protrude from the concave portion 310 to define a region between concave portions 310. Each protrusion 320 may be disposed between the discharge holes 210 when the suction grill 300 is mounted. Each protrusion 320 may have an end that is rounded at a same curvature as that of the rounded groove 234. Thus, in a state in which the suction grill 300 is mounted, a circumference defined by the suction grill 300 and the vane 220 may have a same shape as the rounded groove 234.

The protrusion 320 may have a same width as the corner cover 242. A side groove 238 defined along the protrusion 320 may extend up to an end or edges of the panel 200 along both sides of the corner cover 242. Also, the side groove 238 may be connected to the concave portion 310 of the suction grill 300 and the inner line of the vane 220.

Thus, in a state in which the indoor device 100 is installed, when viewed from a lower side of the indoor device 100, the rounded groove 234 may be defined in a center, and the side grooves 238 may be defined in each of four sides. Also, shapes of the suction grill 300, the discharge hole 210, and the vane 220 may be defined by the rounded groove 234 and the side grooves 238.

FIG. 6 is a partial perspective view illustrating of a state in which a vane of the indoor device for a cassette type air conditioner of FIG. 2 is open. FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a coupling structure of the vane and a vane drive assembly according to embodiments. FIG. 8 is a bottom view illustrating the coupling structure of the vane and the vane drive assembly according to embodiments.

As illustrated in the drawings, the discharge hole(s) 210 may be opened or closed by the vane(s) 220. A drive motor 277 may be disposed on an end of the vane 220 to rotate the vane 220, thereby opening or closing the vane 220, or to adjust a flow direction of discharged aft.

Each vane 220 may have a shape corresponding to a shape of the discharge hole 210 to cover the discharge hole 210. Both ends of the vane 220 may having a width that gradually decreases, like the discharge hole 210. Thus, when the vane 220 is closed, the vane 220 may cover the discharge hole 210. Also, the vane 220 may have a same line as an outer line of the discharge hole 210, that is, the rounded groove 234. In detail, when the vane 220 is closed, an outer end or edges of the vane 220 may extend along the rounded groove 234 to contact the panel 200, and an inner end of the vane 220 may contact the concave portion 310 of the suction grill 360.

The vane 220 may include a plate 221 having a plate shape corresponding to a shape of the discharge hole 210, and a coupling portion 223 disposed on a bottom surface of the plate 221 and coupled to a vane drive assembly, which will be described hereinbelow.

The plate 221 may have a curved surface to smoothly guide discharged air. That is, the plate 221 may have a curved surface, which has a same surface curvature as outer surfaces of the panel 200 and the suction grill 300. The plate 221 may have the same curvature on the whole. Alternatively, top and bottom surfaces of the plate 221 may have curvatures different from each other.

Also, a plurality of vane grooves 222 that extends in a transverse direction may be defined in a bottom surface of the plate 221. The plurality of vane grooves 222 may collect water drops that form when a surface of the vane 220 is frozen and air is discharged forming the water drops to prevent the water drops from dropping into the indoor space.

The coupling portion 223 may be disposed on each of both lateral ends of a bottom surface of the vane 220 so that the vane 220 may be rotatably coupled to vane drive assembly 270. In more detail, the coupling portion 223 may include an extension 224 that extends vertically downward from the bottom surface of the vane 220 and a rotational shaft 225 that protrudes outward from the extension 224.

The extension 224 may be coupled to the vane drive assembly 270 in a state in which the rotational shaft 225 is spaced a predetermined distance from the plate 221. Thus, when the vane 220 rotates, interference between the plate 221 and the vane drive assembly 270 may be prevented.

A reinforcement support 226 may be disposed between an inner surface of the extension 224 and the plate 221. The reinforcement support 226 may be disposed on an edge which is adjacent to the extension 224 and the plate 221 so that the extension 224 is not damaged when the vane is mounted.

The rotational shaft 225 may extend outward by a predetermined length, and then, both lateral ends of the rotational shaft 225 may be rotatably coupled to the vane drive assembly 270. A plurality of reinforcing protrusions 227 may be further disposed along a circumference of the rotational shaft 225.

The vane drive assembly 270 may be mounted on or at each of first and second lateral ends of the discharge hole 210. The vane drive assembly 270 may be configured to support the vane 220 at both the first and second lateral ends thereof and be fixed and mounted on a top surface of the panel 200.

The vane drive assembly 270 may be defined at its exterior by a case 271. The case 271 may have a space in which a drive motor 277 or a support plate 278 may be accommodated.

The vane drive assembly 270 may be disposed on each of first and second lateral ends of the vane 220. The drive motor 277 may be disposed in the vane drive assembly 270 provided on one of the first and second lateral ends to provide power to rotate the vane 220, and the support plate 278 may be disposed in the vane drive assembly 270 provided on the other of the first and second lateral ends so that the vane 220 may be easily assembled.

The cases 271 that define exteriors of the vane drive assembles 270 disposed on the first and second lateral ends of the vane 220 may have a same shape and structure. However, the drive motor 277 may be provided in the case disposed at one end, and the support plate 278 may be provided in the case disposed at the other end.

The case 271 may have an opened bottom surface and be mounted on a top surface of the panel 200 so that the opened surface of the case 271 faces a lower side. A case fixing portion 272 that protrudes outward may be disposed on one side end of the case 271. A coupling member, such as a screw, may be coupled to the case fixing portion 272 to fix and mount the case 271 on the top surface of the panel 200.

A stopper 273 may be disposed on a top surface of the case 271. A portion of the top surface of the case 271 may be inclined or rounded to form the stopper 273. Also, the stopper 273 may have a structure such that the stopper 273 is gradually declined toward an end thereof so that the vane 220 does not interfere therewith when the vane 220 rotates. That is, a first side (when viewed in FIG. 6) of the top surface of the case 271 is lower than a second side of the top surface of the case 271 to prevent the end of the vane 220 from interfering with the case 271 when the vane 220 rotates.

The stopper 273 may contact the end of the vane 220 when the vane 220 fully rotates to prevent the vane 220 from further rotating. Thus, the stopper 273 may be inclined downward or have a curvature so that the stopper 273 does not interfere with the plate 221 of the vane 220 until the vane 220 fully rotates (in FIG. 6, an angle of about 70° to about 90° in a counterclockwise direction) to open the discharge hole 210.

Also, in a state in which the vane 220 is fully opened, the end of the plate 221 may be closely attached to the stopper 273 to prevent discharged air from laterally leaking by the plate 221 and the stopper 273 and discharge the air into the indoor space along a curved surface of an insulation member 280 that forms a curved surface of the inside of the discharge hole 210. That is, the discharge hole 210 may be partitioned into a first surface and a second surface of the vane 220 by the vane 220. In this state, the air may be discharged along the first and second surfaces of the vane 220.

A through hole 274 may be defined in a side surface of the case 271. The through hole 274 may be a hole in which the rotational shaft 225 of the vane 220 may be inserted. That is, when the vane 220 is mounted, the rotational shaft 225 may be inserted into the through hole 274, or a link or bushing connected to the rotational shaft 225 may pass through the through hole 274.

Also, a mount to mount the drive motor 277 or the support plate 278 may be disposed inside the case 271. That is, a motor mount 275 may be disposed inside the case 271 in which the drive motor 277 may be mounted. The motor mount 275 may be coupled to motor brackets 277a disposed on both sides of the drive motor 277 by, for example, a screw. The motor mount 275 may extend from a side surface in which the through hole 274 is defined and may be provided in a pair. Thus, the motor brackets 277a may be fixed to the pair of motor mounts 275.

A plate mount 276 may be disposed inside the case 271 on which the support plate 278 is mounted. The plate mount 276 may extend from a top surface of the case 271 and may be provided in a pair. Thus, the pair of plate mounts 276 may support the support plate 278 at one side thereof.

The plate mount 276 may be configured to support the support plate 278 without using a separate coupling member. The support plate 278 may be inserted and mounted into a space between the plate mount 276 and a side surface of the case 271.

The support plate 278 may be configured to mount the vane 220, that is, to support the rotational shaft 225 of the vane 220. The support plate 278 may have a predetermined elasticity. When the vane 220 is mounted, the support plate 278 and the rotational shaft 225 disposed at one side with respect to both rotational shafts 225 may be coupled first to each other, and then, the support plate 278 may be pushed to couple the drive motor 277 to the rotational shaft 225 disposed at the other side.

For this, the support plate 278 may have a plate shape having elasticity and may be formed of an elastically deformable metal or synthetic resin material. The support plate 278 may include a bent portion 278a, first and second lateral sides of which are bent, and a connection 278b between the bent portions 278a. The connection 278b may include a connection boss 278c configured to pass through the through hole 274 of the case 271.

The bent portions 278a may contact the plate mount 276 to support both ends of the support plate 278. Also, the connection boss 278c may pass through the through hole 274 and then be exposed outside of the case 271. The rotational shaft 225 of the vane 220 may be inserted into and rotatably mounted on the connection boss 278c. Alternatively, the support plate 278 may be provided so that the rotational shaft 225 of the vane 220 passes through the through hole 274 to contact the connection 278b without being provided with the connection boss 278c.

In the above-described structure, in a state in which the rotational shaft 225 is mounted, when the vane 220 is pushed in a direction of the rotational shaft 225, the support plate 278 may be elastically deformed to laterally move by a predetermined distance. Thus, the rotational shaft 225 disposed on the other side of the vane 220 may be mounted on the drive motor 277.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the suction grill according to embodiments, when viewed from an upper side. As illustrated in FIG. 9, a grill-side mount 370, on which the connection member 400 may be mounted, may be disposed on each of both lateral sides of a top surface of the suction grill 300. The grill-side mount 370 may be disposed outside of a suction portion 350, which will be described hereinbelow. That is, a pair of ribs may extend upward from the grill-side mount 370 to allow the connection member 400 to be rotatably fixed thereto.

A fixing member 330 to fix the suction grill 300 and a switching member 340 to selectively restrict the suction grill 300 may be disposed on front and rear ends of a top surface of the suction grill 300, respectively. Each fixing member 330 may be mounted on or at a rear side of the suction grill 300 as a separate member. Each fixing member 330 may include a pair of protruding fixed pieces 332 to be fixed to the panel 200 or the panel bracket 236, and a coupling plate 334 to connect the pair of fixed pieces 332 to each other and to the suction grill 300. The pair of fixed pieces 332 may be inclined upward. Thus, when the suction grill 300 is pushed backward, the pair of fixed pieces 332 may be inserted into one side of the panel 200 to fix a rear end of the suction grill 300 to the panel 200. On the other hand, when the suction grill 300 is pulled forward, the rear end of the suction grill 300 may be separated from the panel 200. A pair of the fixing member 330 may be provided at both lateral sides of the suction grill 300. The fixing members 330 may be integrated with the suction grill 300. Also, a fixing member insertion portion, in which the fixing member 330 may be inserted may be defined in the panel 200 or the panel bracket 236 to correspond to each fixing member 330.

Each switching member 340 may be restricted against the panel 200 or the panel bracket 236 so that a front end of the suction grill 300 may be fixed in a state in which the fixing member 330 is inserted into the panel 200 or the panel bracket 236. That is, the switching member 340 may be selectively restricted according to a user's manipulation.

In more detail, each switching member 340 may be disposed on a front portion of the suction grill 300. Also, a pair of switching members 340 may be provided with a distance therebetween that corresponds to the fixing member 330. Also, each switching member 340 may be configured to selectively restrict the panel 200 and the suction grill 300 by elasticity when manipulated by a user. Each switching member 340 may be configured to be manipulated by a user when the suction grill 300 is separated or mounted. A manipulation portion 341 of the switching member 340 may be exposed to a bottom surface of the suction grill 300, and thus, be manipulated.

Also, a pair of insertion pieces 343 protrude from the switching member 340. The pair of insertion pieces 343 may move outward from the suction grill 300 according to the manipulation of the switching member 340. When a user manipulates the switching member 340, the insertion pieces 343 may be hooked with a side of the suction grill 300 to restrain the suction grill 300.

An air filter (not shown) to purify air may be disposed above the suction grill 300. The air filter may be detachably mounted on or to a filter case 250.

The air filter to filter foreign substances and physically or chemically purify suctioned air may be disposed within the filter case 250. The air filter may be separated from the filter case 250, and then, may be replaced after a predetermined time or usable time has elapsed.

The suction portion 350, which may have a lattice shape, may be disposed on or at a center of the suction grill 300. The suction portion 350 may be disposed inside the suction hole 230 of the panel 200 to allow the suctioned air to fully flow into the cabinet 111 through the panel 200.

Hereinafter, a specific shape of the suction portion 350 will be described with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the suction grill according to embodiments, when viewed from an upper side portion. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view, taken along line X-X′ of FIG. 9.

As illustrated in FIG. 9, the suction portion 350 of the suction grill 300 may have a lattice shape due to a plurality of grills 360, which may be disposed to cross each other in horizontal and vertical directions. Suction holes 352, through which air may be suctioned, may be defined between the plurality of grills 360.

As illustrated in the drawings, each of the plurality of grills 360 may have a cross-section having a shape that gradually decreases in width toward a bottom surface of the suction 300, with reference to FIG. 10. Thus, air suctioned through the suction holes 352 may smoothly flow upward without colliding with each other just after passing through the plurality of grills 360. Each of the plurality of grills 360 may have a downwardly recessed shape with an opened top surface. Each grill 360 may have a predetermined space therein. Thus, dust or foreign substances generated above the suction grill 300 may drop and then be collected in the space.

The structure of the grill will be described below in detail. The grill 360 may include an inclined portion 361 at a lower portion thereof and a vertical portion 362 that vertically extends upward from an upper end of the inclined portion 361. The inclined portion 361 may be tapered downward to form both inclined side surfaces. Thus, each suction hole 352 may have a wide lower end and a width that gradually decreases as it extends upward.

Also, the vertical portion 362 may extend upward in a direction substantially perpendicular to a bottom surface of the suction grill 300 from an upper end of the inclined portion 361. The vertical portion 362 may have a length D2 less than a vertical length D1 of the inclined portion 361. Also, the inclined portion 361 may have an angle so that the vertical portion 361 has an upper distance D3 greater by at least two times than the length D2 of the vertical portion 362 when comparing an upper end of the inclined portion 361, that is, a horizontal distance D3 of the vertical portion 362 to the horizontal length D2 of the vertical portion 361. Thus, the air passing through the suction hole 352 may be suctioned in a state in which the air is divided at the upper end of the suction holes 352. Thus, the air suctioned through the suction holes 352 may not cause noise due to collision when the air passes through the suction holes 352.

The suction grill 300 may be configured to open or close the panel 200 according to a user's manipulation. When the suction grill 300 is opened or closed, the suction grill 300 may be connected to the panel 200 by the connection member 400 that connects the suction grill 300 to the panel 200. Also, when the suction grill 300 is opened or closed by the connection member 400, the suction grill 300 may be slidably movable or rotatable.

Hereinafter, the connection member 400 and components to mount the connection member 400 be described in detail hereinbelow.

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view illustrating structure of a connection member of the indoor device for a cassette type air conditioner according to embodiments. FIG. 12 is a perspective view illustrating a state in which the suction grill according to embodiments is opened.

As illustrated in the drawings, the connection member 400 may have both ends respectively mounted on the panel 200 and the suction grill 300. A pair of connection members 400 may be provided on first and second sides to connect the suction grill 300 to the panel 200. For this, the grill-side mount 370 may be disposed on each of first and second lateral sides of the suction grill 300, and the panel-side mount 260 may be disposed on the panel 200.

The grill-side mount 370 may be coupled to a rotation coupling portion 422 disposed on a lower end of the connection member 400. A pair of grill-side mounts 370 may be provided as a pair of protruding plates so that the rotation coupling portion 422 may be rotatably coupled thereto. That is, the rotation coupling portion 422 may be inserted between the grill-side mounts 370. Both sides of the rotation coupling portion 422 may be rotatably coupled to the grill-side mount 370.

The panel-side mount 260 may be disposed on each of both sides of the panel 200 so that an upper end of the connection member 400 may be mounted thereon. A plurality of panel-side mount 260 may be provided so that the panel-side mounts 260 may be mounted regardless of a mounting direction of the suction grill 300. That is, the panel-side mount 260 may be disposed on or at a position spaced apart from each of the first and second sides of the panel 200. For example, four panel-side mounts 260 may be provided.

Thus, the mounting direction of the suction grill 300 may be selected to determine an opening direction of the suction grill 300. That is, when the connection member 400 is mounted on the panel-side mount 260 disposed on a front portion of the panel 200, the suction grill 300 may be opened while rotating using the front portion of the panel 200 as an axis. On the other hand, when the connection member 400 is mounted on the panel-side mount 250 disposed on a rear portion of the panel 200, the suction grill 300 may be opened while rotating using the rear portion of the panel 200 as an axis.

The panel-side mounts 260 disposed on the panel 200 may have a same fundamental structure and shape. Each panel-side mount 260 may include an edge to define a space in which the connection member 400 may be accommodated, a slot 262 defined and inside the edge 261, and restricters 265 and 266 that protrude from both lateral sides of the slot 262 to selectively restrict sliding movement of the connection member 400.

The edge 261 may extend upward to define a space in which an end of the connection member 400 may be accommodated and slidable. The edge 261 may have a rectangular shape. That is, the edge 261 may extend along one side of the grill seat 232.

The slot 262 may be defined in a space defined by the edge 261 and opened from first end of the slot 262 to a second end of the slot 262. The slot 262 may have a width less than a width of the upper end f the connection member 400. Thus, in a state in which the connection member 400 is inserted through the slot 262, the upper end of the connection member 400 may protrude from both sides of the slot 262.

A lower end of the slot 262 may have a width corresponding to an upper end of the connection member 400 or be opened to have an inner diameter greater than the width of the connection member 400 so that the connection member 400 may be inserted in the slot 262. Thus, when the connection member 400 is mounted, the upper end of the connection member 400 may be inserted through the lower end of the slot 262. In a state in which the connection member 400 is inserted into the slot 262, the connection member 400 may be movable along the slot 262.

A bottom surface 263 may be disposed on both lateral sides of the slot 262 to contact a contact 412 disposed on each of both lateral sides of the upper end of the connection member 400. The contact 412 may move along the bottom surface 263 when the connection member 400 moves. The bottom surface 263 may be inclined downward so that the contact 412 is smoothly slidable in contact with the bottom surface 263.

A first restricter 265 may be disposed on an end of the slot 262. The first restricter 265 may protrude upward to prevent the connection member 400 as it moves along the slot 262 from being inserted into the end of the slot 262. That is, the first restricter 265 may protrude upward to prevent the contact 412 from moving toward the lower end of the slot 262.

A second restricter 266 may be further disposed on one side of the bottom surface 263. The second restricter 266 may protrude upward from the bottom surface 263 corresponding to the contact 412 in a state in which the suction grill 300 is closed. Thus, in the state in which the suction grill 300 is closed, movement of the contact 412 in a direction in which the suction grill 300 is opened may be restricted.

The second restricter 266 may have an inclined surface 267 so that the second restricter 266 has a height that gradually increases away from the first restricter 265. A vertical surface 268 that extends substantially perpendicular to the bottom surface 263 may be disposed on a highest end of the inclined surface 267.

Thus, when the suction grill 300 is closed, the contact 412 of the connection member 400 may move away from the first restricter 265. The contact 412 of the connection member 400 may slidably move over the inclined surface 267 of the second restricter 266. Also, in a state in which the suction grill 300 is fully closed, the contact 412 of the connection member 400 may contact the vertical surface 268 of the second restricter 266 to restrict random slidable movement of the connection member 400. The inclined surface 267 and the vertical surface 268 may be disposed so that they have surfaces that cross each other to more effectively perform sliding movement of the contact 412 and restrict the contact 412.

The connection member 400 may have a bar shape having a predetermined length. The connection member 400 may have sufficiently a long length to maintain a sufficient distance so that the end of the suction grill 300 does not interfere with the panel 200 when the suction grill 300 is fully opened.

In detail, the connection member 400 may include an upper bent portion 410, a lower bent portion 420, and an intermediate connection portion 430. The upper bent portion 410 may be bent upward (when viewed in FIG. 10) with respect to the intermediate connection portion 430, the lower bent portion 420 may be bent downward in a direction opposite to the upper bent portion 410, and the intermediate connection portion 430 may connect the upper bent portion 410 to the lower bent portion 420. The upper bent portion 410 and the lower bent portion 420 may extend at an incline. Here, the upper bent portion 410 may have an inclination greater than of the lower bent portion 420.

The contact 412 may be disposed on or at an upper end of the upper bent portion 410. The contact portion 412 may be disposed on both lateral sides of the upper end of the upper bent portion 410 to contact the bottom surface 263 of the panel-side mount 260. The contact 412 may have a roller shape that is easily slidable. Further, the contact 412 may be rotatably mounted on the upper bent portion 410.

The contact 412 may be mounted to protrude from both sides of the upper bent portion 410 and have a width greater than a width of each of the upper bent portion 410, the intermediate connection part 430, and the lower bent portion 420. Thus, when the connection member 400 slidably moves along the slot 262, the contact 412 may contact the bottom surface 263 of each of both sides of the slot 262.

The lower bent portion 420 may extend to a lower end of the intermediate connection portion 430. That is, a pair of lateral sides of the flower bent portion 420 may extend so that central portions of the lower bent portion 420 may extend away from each other. Also, the rotation coupling portion 422 may be disposed on each of both sides of the lower end of the lower bent portion 420. The rotation coupling portion 422 may be rotatably shaft coupled to the grill-side mount 370 disposed on the suction grill 300. Thus, when the suction grill 300 is opened, the suction grill 300 may be rotatable using the rotation coupling portion 422 as an axis.

Hereinafter, suction and discharge states of air into and from the indoor device for a cassette type air conditioner including the above-described structure according to embodiments will be described.

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a state in which the vane is closed according to embodiments. FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of a state in which the vane is opened according to embodiments. FIG. 15 is a schematic perspective view illustrating an air flow in the panel and the suction grill according to embodiments.

As illustrated in the drawings, in a state in which the indoor device 100 does not operate, the vane 220 may close the discharge hole 210, as illustrated in FIG. 13. In this state, indoor air may not be suctioned or discharged, and the discharge hole 210 may be covered by the vane 220 having a shape corresponding to a shape of the discharge hole 210. The rounded groove 234 defined by the suction grill 300, the vane 220, and the panel 200 may be defined, and also, the suction grill 300, the vane 220, and the panel 200 may not generate a gap.

In this state, if the indoor device 100 operates, the vane 220 may rotate, as illustrated in FIG. 14, due to the rotation of the drive motor 277 of the vane drive assembly 270. Both ends of the vane 220 may rotate in a space above the stopper 273 of the case 271 to smoothly rotate without interfering with the case 271.

FIG. 14 illustrates a state in which the vane 220 rotates at or to a maximum angle. A rotational angle of the vane 220 may be adjusted between an angle corresponding to the state shown in FIG. 13 and an angle corresponding to the state shown in FIG. 14 according to manipulation of a user.

In a state in which the vane 220 is opened, both ends of the vane 220 may move into the space above the stopper 273. Then, when the vane 220 fully rotates, both ends of the vane 220 may contact the stopper 273, and thus, rotation of the vane 200 may be stopped.

Also, in a state in which the vane 220 is fully opened, both ends of the vane 220 may contact the stopper 273. Thus, the air discharged through the discharge hole 210 may flow along the vane 220, and then, be discharged to the inside of the vane 220 without leaking outside of the case 271. Also, cold air discharged through the discharge hole 210 may be divided by the vane 220 and discharged. The cold air may be discharged into the indoor space in a direction in which the cold air contacts top and bottom surfaces of the vane 220.

Also, a portion of the cold air discharged through the discharge hole 210 may not flow along an outer surface of the panel 200 due to the rounded groove 234, but rather, may be guided by the rounded groove 234, and thus, be discharged toward the indoor space. Thus, the discharged air may be supplied into the indoor space without contaminating the panel 200 outside of the discharge hole(s) 210, or the ceiling surface.

If the overall air suction and discharge states in the indoor device are described with reference to FIG. 15, when the indoor device 100 operates, the indoor air may be suctioned into the indoor device 100 through the suction grill 300. Also, the air may be heat-exchanged within the indoor device 100, and then, may be discharged to the outside through the plurality of discharge holes 210.

When the vanes 220 disposed inside the discharge holes 210 rotate, the discharged air may be directed in a flow direction according to a rotating direction of the respective vane 220. Thus, the air may be discharged outward from each of the discharge holes 210.

Both ends of the discharge hole 210 of the panel 200 may gradually decrease in width in an outward direction and be rounded to form a tapered end. Also, the insulation member 280, which defines an inner surface of the discharge hole 210, may be inclined or rounded. More particularly, the stopper 273 of the case 271 and the vane 220 may contact each other within both side ends of the discharge hole to guide the discharge air along the vane 220 without flowing outside of the vane 220. Also, the insulation member 280 corresponding to both ends of the discharge hole 210 may be rounded to guide the discharge air, thereby guiding the discharge air in a central direction. Thus, the discharged air may be a concentrated flow of air discharged from both ends of the discharge hole 210 in a central direction to prevent dew from being formed on or at ends of the discharge hole 210 and the vane 220.

According to embodiments, the suction grill may be mounted to cover the panel. More particularly, the suction grill may extend up to the discharge hole(s) of the panel to form an inner line of the discharge hole(s), thereby providing an elegant exterior.

Further, an outer line of the discharge hole(s) and a protrusion of the suction grill may form one closed loop due to the rounded groove to minimize lines generated by connected portions between components, thereby realizing a more clean and neat exterior.

For this, the discharge hole(s) and the vane(s) may have both ends that have shapes in which two rounded curves cross each other. Also, the vane drive assembly may be mounted on the inner surface of the panel. When the vane is closed, the vane drive assembly may be covered by the vane, and thus, may not be exposed to the outside.

The stopper, which may be inclined or rounded, may be disposed on a top surface of the vane drive assembly to prevent the end of the vane from interfering with the vane drive assembly when the vane rotates. Thus, while the vane drive assembly is not exposed to the outside, the vane may smoothly rotate to open or close the discharge hole.

Also, in a state in which the vane fully rotates, the end of the vane may be closely attached to the stopper to prevent the discharged air from leaking to the outside and to guide the discharged air in a central direction along outer surfaces of the vane and the stopper, thereby allowing cold air to be effectively discharged into the indoor space.

Additionally, the discharged air may not be accumulated at ends of the discharge hole, but may be smoothly discharged along the vane and the stopper to prevent the end of the discharge hole or the end of the vane from being frozen or contaminated.

Embodiments provide an indoor unit or device for a cassette type air conditioner, in which a vane drive assembly to operate a vane that guides discharge air is covered by the vane to improve an exterior appearance of the air conditioner.

Embodiments also provide an indoor unit or device for a cassette type air conditioner, in which both ends of a vane are rounded, and an outer surface of a vane drive assembly to operate the vane contacts the vane to improve a flow of discharge air.

Embodiments disclosed herein provide an indoor unit or device for a cassette type air conditioner that may include a cabinet in which a heat exchanger and a blower may be mounted, the cabinet being installed in a ceiling in an indoor space; a panel that defines a bottom surface of the cabinet; a suction hole opened at a center of the panel to suction in indoor air; a discharge hole opened in the panel outside of the suction hole, the discharge hole having both ends that have shapes in which two rounded curves cross each other; a vane having a shape corresponding to a shape of the discharge hole, the vane opening or closing the discharge hole to guide discharged air; a vane drive assembly disposed on an inner surface of the panel, the vane drive assembly being coupled to both sides of the vane to rotate the vane; and a suction grill mounted on an outer surface of the panel to cover the suction hole. A stopper, which may be inclined or rounded to prevent an end of the vane from interfering therewith when the vane rotates, may be further disposed on an outer surface of the vane drive assembly.

The vane drive assembly may be disposed on each of both sides of the discharge hole, and when the vane is closed, the vane drive assembly may be covered by the vane. At least one portion of the vane drive assembly may be disposed at a position that overlaps the vane.

The stopper may be folded along a line of an end of the vane in a state in which the vane fully rotates, and the discharged air may flow toward the discharge hole along the vane and the stopper.

The vane drive assembly may include a case that defines an exterior thereof, the case being fixed and mounted on the panel, and a drive motor accommodated in the case, the drive motor being coupled to a rotational shaft of the vane to rotate.

The vane drive assembly may include a case that defines an exterior thereof, the case being fixed and mounted on the panel, and a support plate accommodated in the case and having a bent plate-shaped structure. The support plate may elastically support a rotation shaft of the vane.

The vane may include a plate having a plate shape corresponding to a shape of the discharge hole; an extension part or extension that extends downward from a bottom surface of the plate; and a rotational shaft that protrudes laterally from the extension part. The rotation shaft may be rotatably shaft-coupled to the vane drive assembly. A plurality of vane grooves, which may be received in a longitudinal direction, may be defined in the bottom surface of the plate.

An insulation member, which may be rounded toward the discharge hole, may be further disposed on the panel. A concave part or portion that extends to match an inner line of the discharge hole may be defined in an outer end of the suction grill.

A protrusion that extends between the plurality of discharge holes may be further disposed on an edge of the suction grill. An outer end of the protrusion may be connected to an outer line of the vane.

A round groove having a closed loop shape that connects an outer line of the discharge hole, an outer line of the vane, and an outer line of the protrusion to each other may be defined in the panel.

Although embodiments have been described with reference to a number of illustrative embodiments thereof, it should be understood that numerous other modifications and embodiments can be devised by those skilled in the art that will fall within the spirit and scope of the principles of this disclosure. More particularly, various variations and modifications are possible in the component parts and/or arrangements of the subject combination arrangement within the scope of the disclosure, the drawings and the appended claims. In addition to variations and modifications in the component parts and/or arrangements, alternative uses will also be apparent to those skilled in the art.

Any reference in this specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “example embodiment,” etc., means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the invention. The appearances of such phrases in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Further, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with any embodiment, it is submitted that it is within the purview of one skilled in the art to effect such feature, structure, or characteristic in connection with other ones of the embodiments.

Although embodiments have been described with reference to a number of illustrative embodiments thereof, it should be understood that numerous other modifications and embodiments can be devised by those skilled in the art that will fall within the spirit and scope of the principles of this disclosure. More particularly, various variations and modifications are possible in the component parts and/or arrangements of the subject combination arrangement within the scope of the disclosure, the drawings and the appended claims. In addition to variations and modifications in the component parts and/or arrangements, alternative uses will also be apparent to those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. An indoor device for a cassette type air conditioner, the indoor device comprising:

a cabinet, in which a heat exchanger and a blower fan are mounted, the cabinet being configured to be installed in a ceiling of an indoor space;

a panel that defines a bottom surface of the cabinet;

a suction hole provided at a center of the panel;

at least one discharge hole provided in the panel outside of the suction hole, each of first and second ends of the at least one discharge hole being in a shape of two rounded curves that cross each other;

at least one vane having a shape corresponding to a shape of the at least one discharge hole, the at least one vane opening or closing the at least one discharge hole to guide discharged air;

at least one vane drive assembly disposed at an inner surface of the panel, the at least one vane drive assembly being coupled to first and second ends of the at least one vane to rotate the at least one vane; and

a suction grill mounted at an outer surface of the panel to cover the suction hole, wherein a stopper, which is inclined or rounded to prevent a respective end of the at least one vane from interfering therewith when the at least one vane rotates is disposed at an outer surface of the at least one vane drive assembly.

2. The indoor device according to claim 1, wherein the at least one vane drive assembly is disposed at each of the first and second ends of the at least one discharge hole, and wherein when the at least one vane is closed, the at least one vane drive assembly is covered by the at least one vane.

3. The indoor device according to claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the at least one vane drive assembly is disposed at a position that overlaps the at least one vane.

4. The indoor device according to claim 1, wherein the at least one vane drive assembly comprises:

a first case that defines an exterior thereof, the first case being mounted on the panel; and

a drive motor accommodated in the first case, the drive motor being coupled to a rotational shaft of the at least one vane to rotate the at least one vane.

5. The indoor device according to claim 4, wherein the at least one vane drive assembly further comprises:

a second case that defines an exterior thereof, the second case being mounted on the panel; and

a support plate accommodated in the second case and having a bent plate-shaped structure, wherein the support plate elastically supports the rotational shaft of the at least one vane.

6. The indoor device according to claim 1, wherein the at least one vane comprises:

a plate having a shape corresponding to a shape of the at least one discharge hole;

at least one extension that extends downward from a bottom surface of the plate; and

at least one rotational shaft that protrudes laterally from the at least one extension, the at least one rotational shaft being rotatably shaft-coupled to the at least one vane drive assembly.

7. The indoor device according to claim 6, further comprising a plurality of vane grooves that extend in a longitudinal direction provided in the bottom surface of the plate.

8. The indoor device according to claim 1, further comprising an insulation member, which is rounded toward the at least one discharge hole, disposed on the panel.

9. The indoor device according to claim 1, wherein an outer edge of the suction grill comprises a concave portion that corresponds to an inner line of the at least one discharge hole.

10. The indoor device according to claim 9, wherein the at least one discharge hole comprises a plurality of discharge holes, each having a vane rotatably mounted therein, and wherein the outer edge of the suction grill further comprises a plurality of protrusions that extends between the plurality of discharge holes.

11. The indoor device according to claim 10, wherein outer ends of the plurality of protrusions connected to outer lines of the plurality of vanes.

12. The indoor device according to claim 10, wherein the panel further comprises a rounded groove having a close loop shape that connects outer lines of the plurality of discharge holes, outer lines of the plurality of vanes, and outer lines of the plurality of protrusions to each other.

13. An indoor device for an air conditioner, the indoor device comprising:

a case, in which a heat exchanger and a blower fan are mounted, the case being configured to be installed in a ceiling of an indoor space;

a panel that defines a bottom surface of the cabinet;

a suction hole provided at a center portion of the panel;

a plurality of discharge holes disposed between the suction hole and an edge of the panel, wherein ends of each discharge hole are rounded and decrease in width;

a plurality of vanes having a shape corresponding to a shape of the plurality of discharge holes, the plurality of vanes opening or closing the plurality of discharge holes, respectively, to guide discharged air;

a plurality of vane drive assemblies disposed at an inner surface of the panel, the plurality of vane drive assemblies being coupled to first and second ends of each of the plurality of vanes, respectively, to rotate the plurality of vanes; and

a suction grill mounted at an outer surface of the panel to cover the suction hole, wherein the plurality of vane assemblies is configured to prevent respective ends of the plurality of vanes from interfering therewith when the plurality of vanes rotate, and wherein when the plurality of the vanes is closed, the plurality of vane drive assemblies is covered by the plurality of vanes, respectively.

14. The indoor device according to claim 13, wherein each vane drive assembly comprises:

a first case that defines an exterior thereof, the first case being mounted on the panel; and

a drive motor accommodated in the first case, the drive motor being coupled to a rotational shaft of the respective vane to rotate the respective vane.

15. The indoor device according to claim 14, wherein each vane drive assembly further comprises:

a second case that defines an exterior thereof, the second case being mounted on the panel; and

a support plate accommodated in the second case and having a bent plate-shaped structure, wherein the support plate elastically supports the rotational shaft of the respective vane.

16. The indoor device according to claim 1 wherein each vane comprises:

a plate having a shape corresponding to a shape of the at least one discharge hole;

at least one extension that extends downward from a bottom surface of the plate; and

at least one rotational shaft that protrudes laterally from the at least one extension, the at least one rotational shaft being rotatably shaft-coupled to the vane drive assembly.

17. The indoor device according to claim 13, further comprising an insulation member, which is rounded toward the plurality of discharge holes, disposed on the panel.

18. The indoor device according to claim 13, wherein an outer edge of the suction grill comprises a plurality of concave portions that corresponds to inner lines of the plurality of discharge holes.

19. The indoor device according to claim 18, wherein the outer edge of the suction grill further comprises a plurality of protrusions that extends between the plurality of discharge holes.

20. The indoor device according to claim 19, wherein the panel further comprises a rounded groove having a close loop shape that connects outer lines of the plurality of discharge holes, outer lines of the plurality of vanes, and outer lines of the plurality of protrusions to each other.