EP4656957A1

EP4656957A1 - Outdoor unit and heat exchanger of air conditioner

Info

Publication number: EP4656957A1
Application number: EP24845734.3A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Youngin SON; Gwangchel JEONG; Junkyu JUNG; Yonghwa CHOI
Original assignee: Samsung Electronics Co Ltd
Current assignee: Samsung Electronics Co Ltd
Priority date: 2023-07-21
Filing date: 2024-04-26
Publication date: 2025-12-03
Also published as: CN120712439A; US20250027662A1

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to an outdoor unit of an air conditioner. The outdoor unit includes: a plurality of first refrigerant tubes arranged along a first column extending in a first direction, a plurality of second refrigerant tubes arranged along a second column parallel to the first column, a first holder including a first support plate supporting the plurality of first refrigerant tubes, a first extension extending from one side of the first support plate, and a second extension extending from another side of the first support plate, and a second holder including a second support plate supporting the plurality of second refrigerant tubes, a third extension extending from one side of the second support plate, and a fourth extension extending from another side of the second support plate. The second extension is disposed between the first extension and the second holder, and the third extension is disposed between the fourth extension and the first holder. The second extension and the third extension are in contact with and coupled to each other.

Description

[Technical Field]

The present disclosure relates to a heat exchanger and an outdoor unit of an air conditioner including the same.

[Background Art]

An air conditioner is an apparatus for regulating a temperature, humidity, airflow, distribution, and the like suitable for human activity using a refrigeration cycle. A compressor, a condenser, an evaporator, a blowing fan, and the like are included as main components of the refrigeration cycle.
Air conditioners may be classified into a separate air conditioner in which indoor and outdoor units are installed separately, and an integrated air conditioner in which indoor and outdoor units are installed together in one cabinet.
The condenser and evaporator are provided in the form of a heat exchanger capable of providing conditioned air by exchanging heat between a refrigerant and air. The heat exchanger includes a plurality of refrigerant tubes arranged to be spaced apart from each other, and heat exchange fins coupled to the plurality of refrigerant tubes to expand a heat transfer area with air.
In order to expand the heat transfer area of the heat exchanger with air, the plurality of refrigerant tubes may be arranged in a plurality of columns parallel to each other.

[Disclosure]

[Technical Problem]

Embodiments of the disclosure provide a heat exchanger with an improved structure such that the heat exchanger may be stably fixed, and an outdoor unit of an air conditioner including the same.
Embodiments of the disclosure provide a heat exchanger with an improved structure to reduce the number of parts for fixing the heat exchanger and reduce the manufacturing cost, and an outdoor unit of an air conditioner including the same.
Embodiments of the disclosure provide a heat exchanger with an improved structure to reduce the manufacturing time and manufacturing cost by efficiently performing a process of fixing the heat exchanger, and an outdoor unit of an air conditioner including the same.
Embodiments of the disclosure provide a heat exchanger with an improved structure to reduce the manufacturing time and manufacturing cost by unifying the types of parts for fixing the heat exchanger, and an outdoor unit of an air conditioner including the same.
Embodiments of the disclosure provide a heat exchanger with an improved structure to protect refrigerant tubes, and an outdoor unit of an air conditioner including the same.

[Technical Solution]

An outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure may include: a plurality of first refrigerant tubes arranged along a first column extending in a first direction, a plurality of second refrigerant tubes arranged along a second column parallel to the first column, a first holder including a first support plate supporting the plurality of first refrigerant tubes, a first extension extending from one side of the first support plate, and a second extension extending from another side of the first support plate, and a second holder including a second support plate supporting the plurality of second refrigerant tubes, a third extension extending from one side of the second support plate, and a fourth extension extending from another side of the second support plate. The second extension may be disposed between the first extension and the second holder. The third extension may be disposed between the fourth extension and the first holder. The second extension and the third extension may be in contact with and coupled to each other.
An outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure may include: a plurality of first refrigerant tubes arranged along a first column extending in a first direction, a plurality of first heat exchange fins each extending in the first direction and penetrated by the plurality of first refrigerant tubes, a plurality of second refrigerant tubes arranged along a second column parallel to the first column, a plurality of second heat exchange fins each extending in the first direction and penetrated by the plurality of second refrigerant tubes, a first holder disposed in parallel with one first heat exchange fin disposed at one side in a direction in which the plurality of first heat exchange fins is arranged and supporting the plurality of first refrigerant tubes, and a second holder disposed in parallel with one second heat exchange fin disposed at one side in a direction in which the plurality of second heat exchange fins is arranged and supporting the plurality of second refrigerant tubes. The first holder may include a first support plate in contact with the one first heat exchange fin, a first extension extending from an end opposite to one end adjacent to the second holder among ends of the first support plate in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction, and a second extension extending from the one end adjacent to the second holder among the ends of the first support plate in the second direction. The second holder may include a second support plate in contact with the one second heat exchange fin, a third extension extending from one end adjacent to the first holder among both ends of the second support plate in the second direction, a fourth extension extending from another end opposite to the one end adjacent to the first holder among the ends of the second support plate in the second direction. The second extension and the third extension may be fastened by a first fastener penetrating the second extension and the third extension in the second direction.
A heat exchanger according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure may include: a first heat exchange unit including a plurality of first refrigerant tubes arranged along a first column extending in a first direction and a plurality of first heat exchange fins in contact with the plurality of first refrigerant tubes, a second heat exchange unit including a plurality of second refrigerant tubes arranged along a second column parallel to the first column and a plurality of second heat exchange fins in contact with the plurality of second refrigerant tubes, a first holder supporting one side of the first heat exchange unit, and a second holder supporting one side of the second heat exchange unit. The first holder may include a first support plate penetrated by the first refrigerant tubes, and a first coupling portion extending from one end adjacent to the second holder among both ends of the first support plate in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction. The second holder may include a second support plate penetrated by the second refrigerant tubes, and a second coupling portion extending from one end adjacent to the first holder among both ends of the second support plate in the second direction to be in contact with the first coupling portion and coupled to the first coupling portion.

[Description of Drawings]

The above and other aspects, features and advantages of certain embodiments of the present disclosure will be more apparent from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating an example air conditioner according to various embodiments;
FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating an outdoor unit of the air conditioner according to various embodiments;
FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the outdoor unit of the air conditioner according to various embodiments;
FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating an example heat exchanger included in the outdoor unit of the air conditioner according to various embodiments;
FIG. 5 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of the heat exchanger included in the outdoor unit of the air conditioner according to various embodiments;
FIG. 6 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of refrigerant tubes and heat exchange fins of the heat exchanger included in the outdoor unit of the air conditioner according to various embodiments;
FIG. 7 illustrates a diagram illustrating an example holder included in the outdoor unit of the air conditioner according to various embodiments;
FIG. 8 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of the holder included in the outdoor unit of the air conditioner according to various embodiments;
FIG. 9 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of the holder included in the outdoor unit of the air conditioner according to various embodiments;
FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example heat exchanger included in the outdoor unit of the air conditioner according to various embodiments;
FIG. 11 is an enlarged view of region A in FIG. 10 according to various embodiments;
FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a state before a plurality of the holders is coupled in the outdoor unit of the air conditioner according to various embodiments;
FIG. 13 is a perspective view illustrating a state after the plurality of holders is coupled in the outdoor unit of the air conditioner according to various embodiments;
FIG. 14 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of the heat exchanger included in the outdoor unit of the air conditioner according to various embodiments;
FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating a state before the heat exchanger included in the outdoor unit of the air conditioner according to various embodiments;
FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating a state after the heat exchanger included in the outdoor unit of the air conditioner according to various embodiments;
FIG. 17 is a perspective view illustrating an example heat exchanger included in the outdoor unit of the air conditioner according to various embodiments;
FIG. 18 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of the heat exchanger included in the outdoor unit of the air conditioner according to various embodiments;
FIG. 19 is a perspective view illustrating an example heat exchanger included in the outdoor unit of the air conditioner according to various embodiments; and
FIG. 20 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of the heat exchanger included in the outdoor unit of the air conditioner according to various embodiments.

[Mode for Invention]

Various example embodiments and terms in this disclosure are not intended to limit the technical features described in this disclosure to specific embodiments, and should be understood to include various modifications, equivalents, or substitutes of the various embodiments.
In connection with the description of the drawings, like reference numbers may be used for like or related elements.
The singular form of a noun corresponding to an item may include one item or a plurality of items, unless the relevant context clearly dictates otherwise.
In this disclosure, each of phrases such as "A or B," "at least one of A and B," "at least one of A or B," "A, B or C," "at least one of A, B and C," and "at least one of A, B, or C" may include any one of the items listed together in the corresponding one of the phrases, or all possible combinations thereof.
The term "and/or" includes any combination of a plurality of related components or any one of a plurality of related components.
Terms such as "first," "second," "primary," and "secondary" may simply be used to distinguish a given component from other corresponding components, and do not limit the corresponding components in any other respect (e.g., importance or order).
When any (e.g., first) component is referred to as being "coupled" or "connected" to another (e.g., second) component with or without the terms "functionally" or "communicatively", this may refer, for example, to any component being connected to the other component directly (e.g., by wire), wirelessly, or through a third component.
The terms "comprises" and "has" are intended to indicate that there are features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in this disclosure, and do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof.
When any component is referred to as being "connected", "coupled", "supported" or "in contact" with another component, this includes a case in which the components are indirectly connected, coupled, supported, or in contact with each other through a third component as well as directly connected, coupled, supported, or in contact with each other.
When any component is referred to as being located "on" or "over" another component, this includes not only a case in which any component is in contact with another component but also a case in which another component is present between the two components.
Air conditioners according to various embodiments, which refer, for example, to apparatuses that perform functions such as air purification, ventilation, humidity control, cooling, or heating in an air conditioning space (hereinafter referred to as "indoor space"), refer to apparatuses equipped with at least one of these functions.
According to an embodiment, an air conditioner may include a heat pump device to perform a cooling function or a heating function. The heat pump device may include a refrigeration cycle in which a refrigerant circulates through a compressor, a first heat exchanger, a tube expansion device, and a second heat exchanger. All components of the heat pump device may be built into a single housing forming an exterior of the air conditioner, and such an air conditioner corresponds to a window-type air conditioner or a mobile air conditioner. On the other hand, some components of the heat pump device may be divided and built into a plurality of housings forming a single air conditioner, and such an air conditioner corresponds to a wall-mounted air conditioner, a stand-type air conditioner, and a system air conditioner.
The air conditioner including the plurality of housings may include at least one outdoor unit installed outdoors and at least one indoor unit installed indoors. As an example, the air conditioner may be configured such that a single outdoor unit and a single indoor unit are connected through a refrigerant pipe. As an example, the air conditioner may be configured such that a single outdoor unit is connected to two or more indoor units through refrigerant pipes. As an example, the air conditioner may be configured such that two or more outdoor units and two or more indoor units are connected through a plurality of refrigerant pipes.
The outdoor unit may be electrically connected to the indoor unit. For example, information (or commands) for controlling the air conditioner may be input through an input interface provided on the outdoor or indoor unit, and the outdoor unit and indoor unit may be operated simultaneously or sequentially in response to user input.
The air conditioner may include an outdoor heat exchanger provided in the outdoor unit, an indoor heat exchanger provided in the indoor unit, and a refrigerant pipe connecting the outdoor heat exchanger and the indoor heat exchanger.
The outdoor heat exchanger may perform heat exchange between a refrigerant and outdoor air using a phase change (e.g., evaporation or condensation) of the refrigerant. For example, while the refrigerant is condensing in the outdoor heat exchanger, the refrigerant may emit heat to the outdoor air, and while the refrigerant flowing in the outdoor heat exchanger is evaporating, the refrigerant may absorb heat from the outdoor air.
The indoor unit is generally installed indoors. As an example, the indoor units may be classified into a ceiling-type indoor unit, a stand-type indoor unit, a wall-mounted indoor unit, etc., depending on an arrangement method. As an example, the ceiling-type indoor units may be classified into a four-way indoor unit, a one-way indoor unit, and a duct-type indoor unit depending on a method in which air is discharged.
Likewise, the indoor heat exchanger may perform heat exchange between the refrigerant and indoor air using the phase change (e.g., evaporation or condensation) of the refrigerant. For example, while the refrigerant is evaporating in an indoor unit, the refrigerant may absorb heat from the indoor air, and an indoor space may be cooled by blowing the indoor air cooled through the cooled indoor heat exchanger. Also, while the refrigerant is condensing in the indoor heat exchanger, the refrigerant may emit heat into the indoor air, and the indoor space may be heated by blowing the indoor air heated through the high-temperature indoor heat exchanger.
For example, the air conditioner performs a cooling or heating function through a phase change process of the refrigerant circulating along the outdoor heat exchanger and the indoor heat exchanger, and thus may include a compressor to compress the refrigerant in order to circulate the refrigerant. The compressor may intake refrigerant gas through an intake hole to compress the refrigerant gas. The compressor may discharge a high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant gas through a discharge hole. The compressor may be disposed inside the outdoor unit.
The refrigerant may circulate sequentially along the compressor, outdoor heat exchanger, tube expansion device, and indoor heat exchanger through the refrigerant pipe, or sequentially along the compressor, indoor heat exchanger, tube expansion device, and outdoor heat exchanger through the refrigerant pipe.
As an example, in a case in which one outdoor unit and one indoor unit are directly connected through the refrigerant pipe, the air conditioner may be configured such that the refrigerant circulates between the one outdoor unit and the one indoor unit through the refrigerant pipe.
As an example, in a case in which one outdoor unit is connected to two or more indoor units through the refrigerant pipes, the air conditioner may be configured such that the refrigerants flow to a plurality of the indoor units through the refrigerant pipes branched from the outdoor unit. The refrigerants discharged from the plurality of indoor units may join and circulate to the outdoor unit. As an example, the plurality of indoor units may be connected directly to the one outdoor unit in parallel through the separate refrigerant pipes, respectively.
Each of the plurality of indoor units may be operated independently depending on an operation mode set by a user. That is, some of the plurality of indoor units may be operated in a cooling mode, while the others of the plurality of indoor units may be operated in a heating mode. At this time, the refrigerant may be selectively introduced into each of the indoor units in a high or low pressure state along a designated circulation route through a flow path switching valve, which will be described in greater detail below, and then may be discharged from each of the indoor units and circulate to the outdoor unit.
As an example, in a case in which two or more outdoor units and two or more indoor units are connected through the plurality of refrigerant pipes, the air conditioner may be configured such that the refrigerants discharged from the plurality of outdoor units may join and flow through one of the refrigerant pipes, and then be separated again at a certain point and be introduced into the plurality of indoor units.
All of the plurality of outdoor units may be all driven or at least some of them may not be driven depending on an operating load according to an amount of operation of the plurality of indoor units. In this case, the air conditioner may be configured such that the refrigerant is introduced into and circulates along an outdoor unit that is selectively driven through the flow path switching valve. The air conditioner may include a tube expansion device in order to lower a pressure of the refrigerant to be introduced into a heat exchanger. As an example, the tube expansion device may be disposed inside an indoor unit or inside an outdoor unit, or may be disposed inside the both.
As an example, the tube expansion device may lower a temperature and pressure of the refrigerant using a throttling effect. The tube expansion device may include an orifice capable of reducing a cross-sectional area of a flow path. The temperature and pressure of the refrigerant passed through the orifice may be lowered.
As an example, the tube expansion device may be implemented as an electronic expansion valve capable of adjusting an opening ratio (ratio of a cross-sectional area of a flow path of a valve in a partially opened state to a cross-sectional area of the flow path of the valve in a fully opened state). Depending on the opening rate of the electronic expansion valve, an amount of refrigerant passing through the tube expansion device may be controlled.
The air conditioner may further include a flow path switching valve disposed on a refrigerant circulation flow path. The flow path switching valve may include, for example, a four-way valve. The flow path switching valve may determine a refrigerant circulation route depending on the operation mode of the indoor unit (for example, cooling operation or heating operation). The flow path switching valve may be connected to a discharge side of the compressor.
The air conditioner may include an accumulator. The accumulator may be connected to an intake side of the compressor. A low-temperature and low-pressure refrigerant evaporated in the indoor heat exchanger or the outdoor heat exchanger may be introduced into the accumulator.
When the refrigerant, which is a mixture of refrigerant liquid and refrigerant gas, is introduced therein, the accumulator may separate the refrigerant liquid from the refrigerant gas and supply the refrigerant gas from which the refrigerant liquid has been separated to the compressor.
An outdoor fan may be provided adjacent to the outdoor heat exchanger. The outdoor fan may blow outdoor air to the outdoor heat exchanger to promote heat exchange between the refrigerant and the outdoor air.
The outdoor unit of the air conditioner may include at least one sensor. As an example, the sensor of the outdoor unit may be provided as an environmental sensor. The outdoor unit sensor may be disposed at any location inside or outside the outdoor unit. As an example, the outdoor unit sensors may include a temperature sensor for detecting an air temperature around the outdoor unit, a humidity sensor for detecting an air humidity around the outdoor unit, a refrigerant temperature sensor for detecting a refrigerant temperature of the refrigerant pipe passing through the outdoor unit, or a refrigerant pressure sensor for detecting a refrigerant pressure of the refrigerant pipe passing through the outdoor unit.
The outdoor unit of the air conditioner may include an outdoor unit communication device comprising communication circuitry. The outdoor unit communication device may be provided to receive a control signal from a controller (e.g., including control and/or processing circuitry) of the indoor unit of the air conditioner, which will be described in greater detail below. The outdoor unit may control an operation of the compressor, the outdoor heat exchanger, the tube expansion device, the flow path switching valve, the accumulator, or the outdoor fan based on a control signal received through the outdoor unit communication device. The outdoor unit may transmit a sensing value detected from the outdoor unit sensor to the controller of the indoor unit through the outdoor unit communication device.
The indoor unit of the air conditioner may include a housing, a blower for circulating air to the inside or outside of the housing, and an indoor heat exchanger for exchanging heat with air introduced into the housing.
The housing may include an intake hole. Indoor air may be introduced into the inside of the housing through the intake hole.
The indoor unit of the air conditioner may include a filter provided to filter out foreign substances in air to be introduced into the housing through the intake hole.
The housing may include a discharge hole. Air flowing inside the housing may be discharged to the outside of the housing through the discharge hole.
An airflow guide may be provided in the housing of the indoor unit to guide a direction of air to be discharged through the discharge hole. As an example, the airflow guide may include a blade located on the discharge hole. As an example, the airflow guide may include an auxiliary fan for regulating a discharge airflow. The airflow guide is not limited thereto and may be omitted.
An indoor heat exchanger and a blower disposed on a flow path connecting the intake hole and the discharge hole may be provided inside the housing of the indoor unit.
The blower may include an indoor fan and a fan motor. As an example, the indoor fan may include an axial fan, a diagonal flow fan, a crossflow fan, or a centrifugal fan.
The indoor heat exchanger may be disposed between the blower and the discharge hole, or between the intake hole and the blower. The indoor heat exchanger may absorb heat from air introduced through the intake hole or transfer heat to air introduced through the intake hole.
The indoor heat exchanger may include a heat exchange pipe through which the refrigerant flows, and heat exchange fins in contact with the heat exchange pipe to increase a heat transfer area.
The indoor unit of the air conditioner may include a drain tray disposed below the indoor heat exchanger to collect condensate generated from the indoor heat exchanger. The condensate collected in the drain tray may be drained to the outside through a drain hose. The drain tray may be provided to support the indoor heat exchanger.
The indoor unit of the air conditioner may include an input interface (e.g., including various interface circuitry). The input interface may include any type of user input means, including a button, switch, touch screen, and/or touch pad. The user may directly input setting data (for example, desired indoor temperature, settings of operation modes for cooling/heating/dehumidification/air purification, settings of discharge hole selection, and/or settings of wind volume) through the input interface.
The input interface may be connected to an external input device. For example, the input interface may be electrically connected to a wired remote controller. The wired remote controller may be installed at a specific location in the indoor space (e.g., a portion of a wall). The user may input setting data related to an operation of the air conditioner by manipulating the wired remote controller. An electrical signal corresponding to the setting data obtained through the wired remote controller may be transmitted to the input interface. Also, the input interface may include an infrared sensor. The user may remotely input the setting data related to the operations of the air conditioner using a wireless remote controller. The setting data input through the wireless remote controller may be transmitted to the input interface as an infrared signal.
The input interface may include a microphone. A voice command of the user may be obtained through the microphone. The microphone may convert the voice command of the user into an electrical signal and transmit the converted electrical signal to the indoor unit controller. The indoor unit controller may control the components of the air conditioner in order to execute a function corresponding to the voice command of the user. The setting data (for example, desired indoor temperature, settings of the operation modes for cooling/heating/dehumidification/air purification, settings of discharge hole selection, and/or settings of wind volume) obtained through the input interface may be transmitted to the indoor unit controller, which will be described in greater detail below. As an example, the setting data obtained through the input interface may be transmitted to the outside, that is, the outdoor unit or a server, through an indoor unit communication device, which will be described in greater detail below.
The indoor unit of the air conditioner may include a power module (e.g., including power supply circuitry). The power module may be connected to an external power source to supply power to components of the indoor unit.
The indoor unit of the air conditioner may include an indoor unit sensor. The indoor unit sensor may be an environmental sensor disposed in a space inside or outside the housing. As an example, the indoor unit sensor may include one or more temperature sensors and/or humidity sensors disposed in a predetermined space inside or outside the housing of the indoor unit. As an example, the indoor unit sensor may include a refrigerant temperature sensor for detecting a refrigerant temperature of the refrigerant pipe passing through the indoor unit. As an example, the indoor unit sensor may include each refrigerant temperature sensor for detecting an inlet, middle, and/or outlet temperature of the refrigerant pipe passing through the indoor heat exchanger.
As an example, each environmental information detected by the indoor unit sensor may be transmitted to the indoor unit controller, which will be described in greater detail below, or may be transmitted to the outside through the indoor unit communication device, which will be described in greater detail below.
The indoor unit of the air conditioner may include the indoor unit communication device. The indoor unit communication device may include at least one of a short-range communication module and a long-distance communication module. The indoor unit communication device may include at least one antenna for wireless communication with other devices. The outdoor unit may include the outdoor unit communication device. The outdoor unit communication device may also include at least one of a short-range wireless communication module and a long-distance communication module, each of which may include various communication circuitry.
The short-range wireless communication module may include, but is not limited thereto, a Bluetooth communication module, a Bluetooth low energy (BLE) communication module, a near field communication module, a WLAN (Wi-Fi) communication module, a ZigBee communication module, an infrared data association (IrDA) communication module, a Wi-Fi direct (WFD) communication module, an ultra-wideband (UWB) communication module, an Ant+ communication module, microwave (U-wave) communication module, and the like.
The long-distance communication module may include a communication module performing various types of long-distance communication and may include a mobile communication device. The mobile communication device transmits and receives wireless signals to and from at least one of a base station, an external terminal, and a server on a mobile communication network.
The indoor unit communication device may communicate with external devices such as a server, a mobile device, and another home appliance through a nearby access point (AP). The access point (AP) may connect a local area network (LAN) to which the air conditioner or a user device is connected to a wide area network (WAN) to which the server is connected. The air conditioner or the user device may be connected to the server via the wide area network (WAN). The indoor unit of the air conditioner may include the indoor unit controller to control the components of the indoor unit, including the blower. The outdoor unit of the air conditioner may include the outdoor unit controller to control components in the outdoor unit, including the compressor. The indoor unit controller may communicate with the outdoor unit controller through the indoor unit communication device and the outdoor unit communication device. The outdoor unit communication device may transmit a control signal generated by the outdoor unit controller to the indoor unit communication device, or may transmit a control signal transmitted from the indoor unit communication device to the outdoor unit controller. That is, the outdoor unit and the indoor unit may perform two-way communication. The outdoor and indoor units may transmit and receive various signals generated while the air conditioner is operating.
The outdoor unit controller may be electrically connected to the components in the outdoor unit and control an operation of each of the components. For example, the outdoor unit controller may adjust a frequency of the compressor and control the flow path switching valve to change a circulation direction of the refrigerant. The outdoor unit controller may control a rotational speed of the outdoor fan. The outdoor unit controller may also generate a control signal to adjust an opening degree of the expansion valve. Under the control of the outdoor unit controller, the refrigerant may circulate along a refrigerant circulation circuit including the compressor, flow path switching valve, outdoor heat exchanger, expansion valve, and indoor heat exchanger.
Various temperature sensors included in the outdoor and indoor units may transmit electrical signals corresponding to the detected temperatures, respectively, to the outdoor unit controller and/or the indoor unit controller. For example, the humidity sensors included in the outdoor and indoor units may transmit electrical signals corresponding to the detected humidity, respectively, to the outdoor unit controller and/or the indoor unit controller.
The indoor unit controller may obtain user input from the user device, including the mobile device, through the indoor unit communication device, and may obtain user input directly through the input interface or through the remote controller. The indoor unit controller may control the components of the indoor unit, including the blower, in response to the received user input. The indoor unit controller may transmit information about the received user input to the outdoor unit controller of the outdoor unit.
The outdoor unit controller may control the components in the outdoor unit, including the compressor, based on the information about the user input received from the indoor unit. For example, when a control signal corresponding to user input for selecting an operation mode such as cooling operation, heating operation, blowing operation, defrosting operation, or dehumidification operation is received from the indoor unit, the outdoor unit controller may control the components in the outdoor unit so that the operation of the air conditioner corresponding to the selected operation mode is performed.
Each of the outdoor unit controller and the indoor unit controller may include a processor and a memory. The indoor unit controller may include at least one first processor and at least one first memory, and the outdoor unit controller may include at least one second processor and at least one second memory. The processor according to an embodiment of the disclosure may include various processing circuitry and/or multiple processors. For example, as used herein, including the claims, the term "processor" may include various processing circuitry, including at least one processor, wherein one or more of at least one processor, individually and/or collectively in a distributed manner, may be configured to perform various functions described herein. As used herein, when "a processor", "at least one processor", and "one or more processors" are described as being configured to perform numerous functions, these terms cover situations, for example and without limitation, in which one processor performs some of recited functions and another processor(s) performs other of recited functions, and also situations in which a single processor may perform all recited functions. Additionally, the at least one processor may include a combination of processors performing various of the recited /disclosed functions, e.g., in a distributed manner. At least one processor may execute program instructions to achieve or perform various functions.
The memory may remember/store a variety of information necessary for the operations of the air conditioner. The memory may store instructions, applications, data and/or programs necessary for the operations of the air conditioner. For example, the memory may store various programs for a cooling operation, heating operation, dehumidification operation, and/or defrosting operation of the air conditioner. The memory may include a volatile memory such as a static random access memory (S-RAM) and a dynamic random access memory (D-RAM) for temporarily remembering data. Also, the memory may include a non-volatile memory such as a read only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read only memory (EPROM), and an electrically erasable programmable read only memory (EEPROM) for long-term storage of data.
The processor may generate control signals for controlling the operations of the air conditioner based on instructions, applications, data, and/or programs stored in memory. The processor, which includes hardware, may include logic circuits and arithmetic circuits. The processor may process data according to programs and/or instructions provided from the memory and generate control signals depending on the processed results. The memory and processor may be implemented as one control circuit or as a plurality of circuits.
The indoor unit of the air conditioner may include an output interface. The output interface may be electrically connected to the indoor unit controller and may output information related to the operations of the air conditioner under the control of the indoor unit controller. For example, information such as an operation mode, wind direction, wind volume, and temperature selected by user input may be output. The output interface may also output sensing information and warning/error messages obtained from the indoor unit sensor or the outdoor unit sensor.
The output interface may include various output circuitry and a display and a speaker. The speaker is an audio device that may output various sounds. The display may display information input by the user or information provided to the user as various graphic elements. For example, operation information of the air conditioner may be displayed as at least one of an image and text. The display may also include an indicator providing specific information. The display may include a liquid crystal display panel (LCD panel), a light emitting diode panel (LED panel), an organic light emitting diode panel (OLED panel), a micro LED panel, and/or a plurality of LEDs.
Hereinafter, various example embodiments according to the present disclosure will be described in greater detail with reference to the attached drawings.
The terms "upward," "downward," "front," "rear," etc. used in the following description are defined based on the drawings, and the shape and location of each component are not limited by these terms. For example, referring to FIG. 2, a direction to which an outlet grill 180 and a front cover 190 each direct in an outdoor unit 10 of an air conditioner 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may be defined as a forward direction (+X direction), and a direction opposite thereto may be defined as a rearward direction (-X direction). A vertical direction to which a top cover 171 directs in the outdoor unit 10 of the air conditioner 1 may be defined as an upward direction (+Z direction), and a direction opposite thereto may be defined as a downward direction (-Z direction). A direction in which a first side frame 150 is located in the outdoor unit 10 of the air conditioner 1 may be defined as a left direction (-Y direction), and a direction opposite thereto may be defined as a right direction (+Y direction).
FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating an example air conditioner according to various embodiments.
Referring to FIG. 1, the air conditioner 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include an indoor unit 20 disposed in an indoor space and the outdoor unit 10 disposed in an outdoor space.
The air conditioner 1 may absorb heat inside an air conditioning space and emit heat outside the air conditioning space in order to cool the air conditioning space that is a subject to air conditioning. Also, the air conditioner 1 may absorb heat outside the air conditioning space and emit heat inside the air conditioning space in order to heat the air conditioning space.
The outdoor unit 10 may exchange heat with outdoor air outside the air conditioning space. The outdoor unit 10 may perform heat exchange between a refrigerant and outdoor air using a phase change of the refrigerant (e.g., evaporation or condensation). For example, the outdoor unit 10 may emit heat from the refrigerant to the outdoor air using condensation of the refrigerant. Also, the outdoor unit 10 may absorb heat from the outdoor air into the refrigerant using evaporation of the refrigerant.
FIG. 1 illustrates the one outdoor unit 10, but the number of the outdoor units 10 is not limited to that illustrated in FIG. 1. For example, the air conditioner 1 may include a plurality of the outdoor units 10.
The outdoor unit 10 may include an outdoor heat exchanger 200 (see FIG. 3) provided to exchange heat with outdoor air and a compressor 12 (see FIG. 3) provided to compress refrigerant gas.
An explanation of the components in the outdoor unit 10 will be described in greater detail below.
The indoor unit 20 may exchange heat with indoor air within the air conditioning space. The indoor unit 20 may perform heat exchange between the refrigerant and indoor air using the phase change of the refrigerant (e.g., evaporation or condensation). For example, the indoor unit 20 may cool the air conditioning space by absorbing heat from the indoor air into the refrigerant using evaporation of the refrigerant. Also, the indoor unit 20 may heat the air conditioning space by emitting heat from the refrigerant to the indoor air using the condensation of the refrigerant.
The indoor unit 20 may include an indoor heat exchanger provided to exchange heat with indoor air, an indoor blowing fan provided to intake and blow the indoor air so that the indoor air passes through the indoor heat exchanger, and an expansion valve unit provided to depressurize and expand the refrigerant.
FIG. 1 illustrates the one indoor unit 20, but the number of the indoor units 20 is not limited to that illustrated in FIG. 1. For example, the air conditioner may include a plurality of the indoor units 20. The plurality of different indoor units 20 may be installed in a plurality of the different air conditioning spaces.
As such, the air conditioner 1 may perform heat exchange between the refrigerant outside the air conditioning space and outdoor air and heat exchange between the refrigerant and indoor air within the air conditioning space.
In this case, the air conditioner 1 may include a refrigerant pipe 30 provided to transfer the refrigerant between the indoor unit 20 and the outdoor unit 10 in order to transfer heat between the outside of the air conditioning space and the inside of the air conditioning space. The refrigerant pipe 30 may allow the refrigerant to flow between the outside of the air conditioning space and the inside of the air conditioning space. The outdoor unit 10 may be connected to the indoor unit 20 to each other through the refrigerant pipe 30 delivering the refrigerant.
The air conditioner 1 described above is only an example of an air conditioner to which the outdoor unit of the air conditioner according to the present disclosure may be applied, and the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Configurations such as an air conditioner to which the outdoor unit of the air conditioner according to the present disclosure may be applied, and components included therein such as the indoor unit and the refrigerant pipe may be provided in various ways.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating an example outdoor unit of the air conditioner according to various embodiments. FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the outdoor unit of the air conditioner according to various embodiments.
Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the outdoor unit 10 of the air conditioner 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include an outdoor heat exchanger 200 provided to exchange heat with outdoor air, a compressor 12 provided to compress the refrigerant, an outdoor fan 13 provided to intake and blow the outdoor air so that the outdoor air passes through the outdoor heat exchanger 200, and a housing 100 forming an exterior of the outdoor unit 10.
The housing 100 may form the exterior of the outdoor unit 10. Various components in the outdoor unit 10, such as the outdoor heat exchanger 200, the compressor 12, the outdoor fan 13, and the like may be accommodated inside the housing 100.
The housing 100 may include inlet holes 131 and 151 formed to allow air to be introduced, and a discharge hole 111 formed to allow air to be discharged. As the outdoor fan 13 rotates, air outside the housing 100 may be introduced through the inlet holes 131 and 151 and may exchange heat with the outdoor heat exchanger 200 and then be discharged to the outside of the housing 100 through the discharge hole 111.
The outdoor unit 10 may include a heat exchange room R1 formed inside the housing 100. Outdoor air may be introduced into the heat exchange room R1, and the introduced air may be discharged back to the outside. In the heat exchange room R1, heat exchange may be performed between the outdoor heat exchanger 200 and air introduced from the outside. In the heat exchange room R1, components such as the outdoor heat exchanger 200 and the outdoor fan 13 may be disposed.
The outdoor unit 10 may include a machine room R2 formed inside the housing 100. In the machine room R2, components such as the compressor 12 and a control box 80 may be disposed.
Inside the housing 100, the heat exchange room R1 and the machine room R2 may be partitioned from each other. The outdoor unit 10 may include a partition 16 partitioning the heat exchange room R1 and the machine room R2. The partition 16 may be disposed between the heat exchange room R1 and the machine room R2. As an example, the heat exchange room R1 and the machine room R2 may be arranged in left and right directions (Y direction) in the drawings, and the partition 16 may be disposed to extend in upward and downward directions (Z direction) in the drawings to partition the heat exchange room R1 and the machine room R2.
As an example, the housing 100 may be formed to have a substantially box shape.
An example of a structure of the housing 100 will be described below.
The housing 100 may include a first front frame 110. The first front frame 110 may cover the front (+X direction) of the heat exchange chamber R1. The discharge hole 111 may be formed on the first front frame 110.
The housing 100 may include a second front frame 120. The second front frame 120 may cover the front (+X direction) of the heat exchange chamber R1. As an example, the second front frame 120 may be formed in a substantially flat plate shape.
As an example, the first front frame 110 and the second front frame 120 may be arranged side by side in the left and right directions (Y direction). The first front frame 110 and the second front frame 120 may be coupled to each other.
As an example, a plurality of heat dissipation holes may be formed on the second front frame 120 so that the machine room R2 may communicate with the outside of the outdoor unit 10 to dissipate heat within the machine room R2.
The housing 100 may include a first rear frame 130. The first rear frame 130 may form one part of a rear exterior of the outdoor unit 10. The first rear frame 130 may be disposed at the rear (-X direction) of the heat exchange room R1. The inlet hole 131 may be formed on the first rear frame 130.
The first front frame 110 and the first rear frame 130 may be arranged to face each other.
The housing 100 may include a second rear frame 140. The second rear frame 140 may form another part of the rear exterior of the outdoor unit 10. The second rear frame 140 may cover the rear (-X direction) of the machine room R2.
As an example, a plurality of heat dissipation holes may be formed on the second rear frame 140 so that the machine room R2 may communicate with the outside of the outdoor unit 10 to dissipate heat within the machine room R2.
The second front frame 120 and the second rear frame 140 may be arranged to face each other.
The housing 100 may include the first side frame 150. The first side frame 150 may form one surface of the outdoor unit 10 in the left direction (-Y direction).
The first side frame 150 may cover the heat exchange room R1. The first side frame 150 may cover the heat exchange room R1 from the left direction (-Y direction). The inlet hole 151 may be formed on the first side frame 150.
The first side frame 150 may be coupled to the first front frame 110. The first side frame 150 may be connected to the first rear frame 130.
As an example, the first side frame 150 may be disposed to extend in the forward and rearward directions (X direction).
The housing 100 may include a second side frame 160. The second side frame 160 may form one surface of the outdoor unit 10 in the right direction (+Y direction).
The second side frame 160 may cover the machine room R2. The second side frame 160 may cover the machine room R2 from the right direction (+Y direction).
As an example, a plurality of heat dissipation holes may be formed on the second side frame 160 so that the machine room R2 may communicate with the outside of the outdoor unit 10 to dissipate heat within the machine room R2.
The second side frame 160 may be coupled to the second front frame 120. The second side frame 160 may be coupled to the second rear frame 140.
As an example, the second side frame 160 may be disposed to extend in the forward and rearward directions (X direction).
The first side frame 150 and the second side frame 160 may be arranged to face each other.
The housing 100 may include a base 172. The base 172 may form a bottom surface of the outdoor unit 10. The base 172 may be disposed on one side of the heat exchange room R1 and the machine room R2 in the downward direction (-Z direction). The base 172 may support the various components in the outdoor unit 10 accommodated inside the housing 100 from a lower side thereof.
The base 172 may be coupled to a lower portion of each of the first front frame 110, the second front frame 120, the second rear frame 140, the first side frame 150, and the second side frame 160.
The base 172 may be formed to have a substantially flat plate shape.
The housing 100 may include a top cover 171. The top cover 171 may form an upper surface of the outdoor unit 10.
The top cover 171 may cover upper sides (+Z direction) of the heat exchange room R1 and the machine room R2. The top cover 171 may cover the various components in the outdoor unit 10 accommodated inside the housing 100 from an upper side thereof.
The top cover 171 may be coupled to an upper portion of each of the first front frame 110, the second front frame 120, the second rear frame 140, the first side frame 150, and the second side frame 160.
The top cover 171 may be formed to have a substantially flat plate shape.
The top cover 171 and the base 172 may be arranged to face each other.
The housing 100 may include a discharge hole grill 180. The discharge hole grill 180 may cover the front (+X direction) of the first front frame 110. The discharge hole grill 180 may cover the front (+X direction) of the discharge hole 111. The discharge hole grill 180 may be coupled to the first front frame 110. The discharge hole grill 180 may form one part of a front exterior of the outdoor unit 10.
The discharge hole grill 180 covers the discharge hole 111, and may be formed to have a substantially grill shape so that air may be discharged from the discharge hole 111.
The housing 100 may include the front cover 190. The front cover 190 may cover the front (+X direction) of the second front frame 120. The front cover 190 may be coupled to the second front frame 120. The front cover 190 may form another part of the front exterior of the outdoor unit 10.
As an example, the discharge hole grill 180 and the front cover 190 may be arranged side by side in the left and right directions (Y direction). The discharge hole grill 180 and the front cover 190 may be coupled to each other.
Each component included in the housing 100 may be provided to be separable from each other. As an example, the second front frame 120 may be provided to be separable from the first front frame 110, the second side frame 160, the top cover 171, and the base 172. As an example, the second side frame 160 may be provided to be separable from the second front frame 120, the second rear frame 140, the top cover 171, and the base 172. As an example, the top cover 171 may be provided to be separable from the first front frame 110, the second front frame 120, the second rear frame 140, the first side frame 150, and the second side frame 160. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and at least some of the components of the housing 100 described above may be formed integrally with each other.
The configuration of the housing that may be included in the air conditioner according to the present disclosure is not limited to what has been described above.
The outdoor heat exchanger 200 may be provided to exchange heat with outdoor air. The outdoor heat exchanger 200 may be provided such that the refrigerant flows therein. In the outdoor heat exchanger 200, heat exchange between the refrigerant and the outdoor air may be performed.
For example, during the cooling operation of the air conditioner 1, high-pressure and high-temperature refrigerant gas may be condensed in the outdoor heat exchanger 200, and the refrigerant may dissipate heat to the outdoor air while the refrigerant is condensing. During the cooling operation of the air conditioner 1, the outdoor heat exchanger 200 may discharge refrigerant liquid.
During the heating operation of the air conditioner 1, low-temperature and low-pressure refrigerant liquid is evaporated in the outdoor heat exchanger 200, and the refrigerant may absorb heat from the outdoor air while the refrigerant is evaporating. During the heating operation of the air conditioner 1, the outdoor heat exchanger 200 may discharge refrigerant gas.
The outdoor heat exchanger 200 may be disposed to face the inlet holes 131 and 151 in the heat exchange room R1.
An explanation of the outdoor heat exchanger 200 will be described in greater detail below.
The compressor 12 may compress refrigerant gas and discharge high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant gas. For example, the compressor 12 may include a motor and a compression mechanism, and the compression mechanism may compress refrigerant gas by a torque of the motor.
The outdoor unit 10 may include the outdoor fan 13 provided to flow air, and a fan motor 14 provided to generate a rotational force for rotating the outdoor fan 13.
As an example, the outdoor unit 10 may include a motor bracket 15 provided to support the outdoor fan 13 and the fan motor 14. The motor bracket 15 may be disposed in the heat exchange room R1.
As an example, the outdoor unit 10 may include a plate heat exchanger 21. The plate heat exchanger 21 may be provided to exchange heat between the refrigerant and water. The plate heat exchanger 21 may be disposed inside the housing 100. As an example, the plate heat exchanger 21 may be disposed in the machine room R2.
As an example, the outdoor unit 10 may include a water pipe 23 provided to allow water to be introduced from or discharged to the outside. The water pipe 23 may be connected to the plate heat exchanger 21. At least a portion of the water pipe 23 may be disposed inside the housing 100. As an example, at least a portion of the water pipe 23 may be disposed in the machine room R2.
Water introduced into the outdoor unit 10 from the outside through the water pipe 23 may exchange heat with a high-temperature refrigerant within the plate heat exchanger 21. The water in the plate heat exchanger 21 may absorb heat from the high-temperature refrigerant and be discharged back to the outside of the outdoor unit 10 through the water pipe 23.
As an example, the outdoor unit 10 may include an expansion tank 22. When a water temperature rises by the plate heat exchanger 21, a volume in the water pipe 23 may increase, and thus the expansion tank 22 may be provided to prevent and/or reduce a water pressure from suddenly rising. The expansion tank 22 may be disposed inside the outdoor unit housing 100. As an example, the expansion tank 22 may be disposed in the machine room R2.
As such, the outdoor unit 10 according to an embodiment may include one part of a heating system supplying hot water, including the plate heat exchanger 21, the water pipe 23, and the expansion tank 22.
However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and in the air conditioner according to an embodiment, the plate heat exchanger, the water pipe, and the expansion tank may be provided outside the outdoor unit. The air conditioner according to an embodiment may not be equipped with the heating system.
The outdoor unit 10 may include electronic components for controlling the operations of the various components of the outdoor unit 10 and printed circuit board assemblies (PBA) on which these components are mounted. The outdoor unit 10 may include the one or more control boxes 80 in which the printed circuit board assemblies are accommodated.
As an example, the outdoor unit 10 may include a duct 17. The duct 17 may be provided to connect the inside of the control box 80 to the heat exchange room R1.
When the outdoor fan 13 is driven, by an intake force of the outdoor fan 13, air may flow from the inside of the control box 1000 to the heat exchange room R1 through the duct 17. Accordingly, heat generated inside the control box 80 may be dissipated to the outside.
The configuration of the outdoor unit 10 described above is only an example of an outdoor unit of the air conditioner according to the present disclosure, and the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The outdoor unit of the air conditioner according to the present disclosure may be configured in various ways to allow outdoor air to be introduced through the inlet holes and to allow the introduced air to be discharged to the outside after heat exchange.
Hereinafter, the outdoor heat exchanger 200 included in the outdoor unit 10 of the air conditioner 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in greater detail with reference to FIGS. 4 to 20. In addition, for convenience of explanation, the outdoor heat exchanger 200 will be referred to as the 'heat exchanger 200' below.
FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating an example heat exchanger included in the outdoor unit of the air conditioner according to various embodiments. FIG. 5 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of the heat exchanger included in the outdoor unit of the air conditioner according to various embodiments. FIG. 6 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of refrigerant tubes and heat exchange fins of the heat exchanger included in the outdoor unit of the air conditioner according to various embodiments.
Referring to FIGS. 4, 5 and 6 (which may be referred to as FIGS. 4 to 6), the outdoor unit 10 of the air conditioner 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include the heat exchanger 200.
The heat exchanger 200 may include a plurality of refrigerant tubes 211, 221, and 231. The plurality of refrigerant tubes 211, 221, and 231 may guide the flow of the refrigerant for heat exchange with outdoor air. A flow path through which the refrigerant flows may be provided inside each of the plurality of refrigerant tubes 211, 221, and 231. Each of the plurality of refrigerant tubes 211, 221, and 231 may be provided in the shape of a tube with a hollow inside to allow the refrigerant, which is a fluid, to flow.
The plurality of refrigerant tubes 211, 221, and 231 may be connected to each other by a connecting tube 260 coupled to each end of the plurality of refrigerant tubes 211, 221, and 231 to form one refrigerant tube. In the present disclosure, it is defined on the premise that the respective refrigerant tubes 211, 221, and 231 of the entire refrigerant tube are distinct from each other.
The heat exchanger 200 may include the plurality of heat exchange fins 212, 222, and 232. Each of the plurality of heat exchange fins 212, 222, and 232 may be coupled with some of the plurality of refrigerant tubes 211, 221, and 231. The plurality of heat exchange fins 212, 222, and 232 may be coupled with the plurality of refrigerant tubes 211, 221, and 231 to expand a heat transfer area between the refrigerant and outdoor air and improve heat exchange efficiency.
Each of the plurality of heat exchange fins 212, 222, and 232 may be formed to have a substantially flat plate shape. The plurality of heat exchange fins 212, 222, and 232 may be arranged along a direction in which the refrigerant tubes 211, 221, and 231 extend. In other words, the plurality of heat exchange fins 212, 222, and 232 may be stacked along the direction in which the refrigerant tubes 211, 221, and 231 extend.
In order to improve the heat exchange efficiency, it may be required to expand heat transfer areas between the plurality of refrigerant tubes 211, 221, and 231 and the plurality of heat exchange fins 212, 222, and 232 and outdoor air. However, in a case in which the plurality of refrigerant tubes 211, 221, and 231 and the entirety of the plurality of refrigerant tubes 211, 221, and 231 are arranged side by side in one direction depending on a size of a product, space limitations may occur depending on the size of the product.
Therefore, as illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5, the plurality of refrigerant tubes 211, 221, and 231 included in the heat exchanger 200 may be arranged along a plurality of columns parallel to each other.
For example, the heat exchanger 200 may include a plurality of the first refrigerant tubes 211. The plurality of first refrigerant tubes 211 may be arranged along a first column extending in a first direction Z. As an example, the first direction Z may be parallel to a vertical direction (upward and downward directions) of the outdoor unit 10, and the first column may be a vertical column of the outdoor unit 10.
The heat exchanger 200 may include a plurality of the first heat exchange fins 212 coupled to the plurality of first refrigerant tubes 211. The plurality of first heat exchange fins 212 may be coupled to outer circumferential surfaces of the plurality of first refrigerant tubes 211. The plurality of first heat exchange fins 212 may be penetrated by the plurality of first refrigerant tubes 211. The plurality of first heat exchange fins 212 may be in contact with the plurality of first refrigerant tubes 211. Accordingly, the plurality of first heat exchange fins 212 may be provided to expand the heat transfer areas between the plurality of first refrigerant tubes 211 and outdoor air.
As an example, the plurality of first refrigerant tubes 211 may be arranged to penetrate the plurality of first heat exchange fins 212, and then may be coupled to the plurality of first heat exchange fins 212 through a tube expansion process in which each of the first refrigerant tubes 211 is expanded outward by a tube expansion device.
Each of the plurality of first heat exchange fins 212 may extend in the first direction Z. For example, each of the plurality of first heat exchange fins 212 may have a long length in the first direction Z. The plurality of first heat exchange fins 212 may be arranged in a horizontal direction (on an X-Y plane).
The heat exchanger 200 may include a first heat exchange unit 210. The first heat exchange unit 210 may include the plurality of first refrigerant tubes 211 and the plurality of first heat exchange fins 212 described above.
As an example, the first heat exchange unit 210 may extend along the first direction Z, which is a direction in which the plurality of first refrigerant tubes 211 is arranged. Additionally, the first heat exchange unit 210 may extend along a direction in which the plurality of first heat exchange fins 212 is arranged. A width of the first refrigerant tube 211 of the first heat exchange unit 210 in a radial direction may be provided to be shorter than a length of the first heat exchange unit 210 in the first direction Z and a length in the direction in which the plurality of first heat exchange fins 212 of the first heat exchange unit 210 is arranged.
The heat exchanger 200 may include a plurality of the second refrigerant tubes 221. The plurality of second refrigerant tubes 221 may be arranged along a second column extending in the first direction Z. That is, the plurality of second refrigerant tubes 221 may be arranged along the second column parallel to the first column. As an example, the second column may be the vertical column of the outdoor unit 10.
The heat exchanger 200 may include a plurality of the second heat exchange fins 222 coupled to the plurality of second refrigerant tubes 221. The plurality of second heat exchange fins 222 may be coupled to outer circumferential surfaces of the plurality of second refrigerant tubes 221. The plurality of second heat exchange fins 222 may be penetrated by the plurality of second refrigerant tubes 221. The plurality of second heat exchange fins 222 may be in contact with the plurality of second refrigerant tubes 221. Accordingly, the plurality of second heat exchange fins 222 may be provided to expand the heat transfer areas between the plurality of second refrigerant tubes 221 and outdoor air.
As an example, the plurality of second refrigerant tubes 221 may be arranged to penetrate the plurality of second heat exchange fins 222, and then may be coupled to the plurality of second heat exchange fins 222 through a tube expansion process in which each of the second refrigerant tubes 221 is expanded outward by the tube expansion device.
Each of the plurality of second heat exchange fins 222 may extend in the first direction Z. For example, each of the plurality of second heat exchange fins 222 may have a long length in the first direction Z. The plurality of second heat exchange fins 222 may be arranged in the horizontal direction (on the X-Y plane).
The heat exchanger 200 may include a second heat exchange unit 220. The second heat exchange unit 220 may include the plurality of second refrigerant tubes 221 and the plurality of second heat exchange fins 222 described above.
As an example, the second heat exchange unit 220 may extend along the first direction Z, which is a direction in which the plurality of second refrigerant tubes 221 is arranged. Additionally, the second heat exchange unit 220 may extend along a direction in which the plurality of second heat exchange fins 222 is arranged. A width of the second refrigerant tube 221 of the second heat exchange unit 220 in the radial direction may be provided to be shorter than a length of the second heat exchange unit 220 in the first direction Z and a length in the direction in which the plurality of second heat exchange fins 222 of the second heat exchange unit 220 is arranged.
The heat exchanger 200 may include a plurality of the third refrigerant tubes 231. The plurality of third refrigerant tubes 231 may be arranged along a third column extending in the first direction Z. That is, the plurality of third refrigerant tubes 231 may be arranged along the third column parallel to the first column and the second column. As an example, the third column may be the vertical column of the outdoor unit 10.
The heat exchanger 200 may include a plurality of the third heat exchange fins 232 coupled to the plurality of third refrigerant tubes 231. The plurality of third heat exchange fins 232 may be coupled to outer circumferential surfaces of the plurality of third refrigerant tubes 231. The plurality of third heat exchange fins 232 may be penetrated by the plurality of third refrigerant tubes 231. The plurality of third heat exchange fins 232 may be in contact with the plurality of third refrigerant tubes 231. Accordingly, the plurality of third heat exchange fins 232 may be provided to expand the heat transfer areas between the plurality of third refrigerant tubes 231 and outdoor air.
As an example, the plurality of third refrigerant tubes 231 may be arranged to penetrate the plurality of third heat exchange fins 232, and then may be coupled to the plurality of third heat exchange fins 232 through a tube expansion process in which each of the third refrigerant tubes 231 is expanded outward by the tube expansion device.
Each of the plurality of third heat exchange fins 232 may extend in the first direction Z. For example, each of the plurality of third heat exchange fins 232 may have a long length in the first direction Z. The plurality of third heat exchange fins 232 may be arranged in the horizontal direction (on the X-Y plane).
The heat exchanger 200 may include a third heat exchange unit 230. The third heat exchange unit 230 may include the plurality of third refrigerant tubes 231 and the plurality of third heat exchange fins 232 described above.
As an example, the third heat exchange unit 230 may extend along the first direction Z, which is a direction in which the plurality of third refrigerant tubes 231 is arranged. Additionally, the third heat exchange unit 230 may extend along a direction in which the plurality of third heat exchange fins 232 is arranged. A width of the third refrigerant tube 231 of the third heat exchange unit 230 in the radial direction may be provided to be shorter than a length of the third heat exchange unit 230 in the first direction Z and a length in the direction in which the plurality of third heat exchange fins 232 of the third heat exchange unit 230 is arranged.
The first heat exchange unit 210, the second heat exchange unit 220 and the third heat exchange unit 230 may be arranged in a direction different from the first direction Z. As an example, the first heat exchange unit 210, the second heat exchange unit 220, and the third heat exchange unit 230 may be arranged in the horizontal direction (on the X-Y plane).
As an example, the second heat exchange unit 220 may be disposed between the first heat exchange unit 210 and the third heat exchange unit 230. As an example, the first heat exchange unit 210, the second heat exchange unit 220, and the third heat exchange unit 230 may be arranged along a width direction of each of the heat exchange units 210, 220, and 230.
As such, as the heat exchanger 200 includes the first heat exchange unit 210, the second heat exchange unit 220, and the third heat exchange unit 230, the heat transfer area may be improved.
It may be required that each of the plurality of refrigerant tubes 211, 221, and 231 be formed to have a long length so that the heat transfer area between the refrigerant and the outside air may be expanded. However, in a case in which each of the plurality of refrigerant tubes 211, 221, and 231 is formed to be long in only one direction depending on the size of the product, space limitations may occur.
Therefore, each of the plurality of refrigerant tubes 211, 221, and 231 may be configured as refrigerant tubes having a hairpin shape.
For example, each of the plurality of first refrigerant tubes 211 may include a first return tube part 211b provided on one side of the first refrigerant tube 211. The first return tube part 211b may be formed to have a bent shape. The first return tube part 211b may be formed to have a substantially 'U' shape. As an example, the refrigerant flowed in one direction along a linear portion of each of the plurality of first refrigerant tubes 211 may turn in the first return tube part 211b and flow in the opposite direction. The first return tube part 211b may be provided at one end of the first heat exchange unit 210.
Each of the plurality of second refrigerant tubes 221 may include a second return tube part 221b provided on one side of the second refrigerant tube 221. The second return tube part 221b may be formed to have a bent shape. The second return tube part 221b may be formed to have a substantially 'U' shape. As an example, the refrigerant flowed in one direction along the linear portion of each of the plurality of second refrigerant tubes 221 may turn in the second return tube part 221b and flow in the opposite direction. The second return tube part 221b may be provided at one end of the second heat exchange unit 220.
Each of the plurality of third refrigerant tubes 231 may include a third return tube part 231b provided on one side of the third refrigerant tube 231. The third return tube part 231b may be formed to have a bent shape. The third return tube part 231b may be formed to have a substantially 'U' shape. As an example, the refrigerant flowed in one direction along the linear portion of each of the plurality of third refrigerant tubes 231 may turn in the third return tube part 231b and flow in the opposite direction. The third return tube part 231b may be provided at one end of the third heat exchange unit 230.
In order to more efficiently expand the heat transfer area of the heat exchanger 200 compared to the size of the product, the heat exchanger 200 may be formed to have a bent shape.
As an example, the heat exchanger 200 may include a first linear part 200A extending in one direction, a second linear part 200B extending in a different direction from the first linear part 200A, and a bent part 200C provided between the first linear part 200A and the second linear part 200B. The bent part 200C may be formed to be bent.
As an example, the first linear part 200A may be disposed to face the inlet hole 151 of the first side frame 150 (see FIG. 3). As an example, the second linear part 200B may be disposed to face the inlet hole 131 of the first rear frame 130 (see FIG. 3).
As an example, the return tube parts 211b, 221b, and 231b of the plurality of refrigerant tubes 211, 221, and 231 may each be provided at one end of the first linear part 200A, which is opposite to the bent part 200C.
A process of forming the heat exchanger 200 to be bent will be described in greater detail below.
As described above, as the heat exchanger 200 includes the plurality of heat exchange units 210, 220, and 230, it may be required that the plurality of heat exchange units 210, 220, and 230 is kept at stably fixed positions with respect to each other. In a case in which the plurality of heat exchange units 210, 220, and 230 is not fixed to each other, collisions, interference, etc. may occur between the heat exchange units 210, 220, and 230 while the product is being moved or while the product is operating, and due to this, damage may occur in the heat exchanger 200, or vibration or noise may occur during use.
This may be especially problematic because the respective heat exchange units 210, 220, and 230 may easily move when not properly fixed as the plurality of heat exchange units 210, 220, and 230 includes the plurality of refrigerant tubes 211, 221, and 231 arranged along the plurality of columns extending long in the vertical direction Z of the outdoor unit 10, and the plurality of heat exchange pins 212, 222, and 232 passing through them.
Furthermore, as described above, in a case in which the heat exchanger 200 has a bent shape by including the first linear part 200A, the second linear part 200B, and the bent part 200C, because the heat exchanger 200 may be more likely to be placed in an unstable state it may be more important to fix the plurality of heat exchange units 210, 220, and 230.
Therefore, the heat exchanger 200 of the air conditioner 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a structure provided to support both sides of the heat exchanger 200.
For example, the heat exchanger 200 may include holders 300, 400, and 500 provided to support one side of the heat exchanger 200. As an example, the holders 300, 400, and 500 may be provided to support one side of the first linear part 200A.
The heat exchanger 200 may include the first holder 300 provided to support one side of the first heat exchange unit 210. The first holder 300 may be provided to support the plurality of first refrigerant tubes 211. The first holder 300 may be provided to be in contact with one first heat exchange fin 212a disposed on one side among the plurality of first heat exchange fins 212. The first holder 300 may be disposed in parallel with the one first heat exchange fin 212a disposed on one side in the direction in which the plurality of first heat exchange fins 212 is arranged.
As an example, the first holder 300 may be coupled to the plurality of first refrigerant tubes 211. As an example, the first holder 300 may be penetrated by the plurality of first refrigerant tubes 211.
As an example, the plurality of first refrigerant tubes 211 may be arranged to penetrate the first holder 300, and then may be coupled to the first holder 300 through the tube expansion process in which each of the first refrigerant tubes 211 is expanded outward by the tube expansion device.
As an example, the first holder 300 may be provided to support one side of the first heat exchange unit 210 in which the first return tube parts 211b are provided.
The first holder 300 may extend in a direction parallel to the first direction Z. The first holder 300 may extend along the first column.
The heat exchanger 200 may include the second holder 400 provided to support one side of the second heat exchange unit 220. The second holder 400 may be provided to support the plurality of second refrigerant tubes 221. The second holder 400 may be provided to be in contact with one second heat exchange fin 222a disposed on one side among the plurality of second heat exchange fins 222. The second holder 400 may be disposed in parallel with the one second heat exchange fin 222a disposed on one side in the direction in which the plurality of second heat exchange fins 222 is arranged.
As an example, the second holder 400 may be coupled to the plurality of second refrigerant tubes 221. As an example, the second holder 400 may be penetrated by the plurality of second refrigerant tubes 221.
As an example, the plurality of second refrigerant tubes 221 may be arranged to penetrate the second holder 400, and then may be coupled to the second holder 400 through the tube expansion process in which each of the second refrigerant tubes 221 is expanded outward by the tube expansion device.
As an example, the second holder 400 may be provided to support one side of the second heat exchange unit 220 in which the second return tube parts 221b are provided.
The second holder 400 may extend in the direction parallel to the first direction Z. The second holder 400 may extend along the second column.
The heat exchanger 200 may include the third holder 500 provided to support one side of the third heat exchange unit 230. The third holder 500 may be provided to support the plurality of third refrigerant tubes 231. The third holder 500 may be provided to be in contact with one third heat exchange fin 232a disposed on one side among the plurality of third heat exchange fins 232. The third holder 500 may be disposed in parallel with the one third heat exchange fin 232a disposed on one side in the direction in which the plurality of third heat exchange fins 232 is arranged.
As an example, the third holder 500 may be coupled to the plurality of third refrigerant tubes 231. As an example, the third holder 500 may be penetrated by the plurality of third refrigerant tubes 231.
As an example, the plurality of third refrigerant tubes 231 may be arranged to penetrate the third holder 500, and then may be coupled to the third holder 500 through the tube expansion process in which each of the third refrigerant tubes 231 is expanded outward by the tube expansion device.
As an example, the third holder 500 may be provided to support one side of the third heat exchange unit 230 in which the third return tube parts 231b are provided.
The third holder 500 may extend in the direction parallel to the first direction Z. The third holder 500 may extend along the third column.
The first holder 300, the second holder 400, and the third holder 500 may be coupled to each other. As an example, as will be described in greater detail below, the first holder 300 and the second holder 400 may be coupled to each other, and the second holder 400 and the third holder 500 may be coupled to each other. That is, the first holder 300, the second holder 400, and the third holder 500 may be fixed to each other. Accordingly, the first heat exchange unit 210, the second heat exchange unit 220, and the third heat exchange unit 230 may be stably fixed to each other on one side of the heat exchanger 200.
The holders 300, 400, and 500 may be supported by the base 172 of the outdoor unit 10. As an example, the first holder 300 may be fastened to the base 172 with a screw, and thus may be supported by the base 172. Accordingly, the heat exchanger 200 may be stably supported on the base 172.
The heat exchanger 200 may also include an end plate 800 provided to support the other side of the heat exchanger 200. As an example, the end plate 800 may be provided to support one side of the second linear part 200B.
As an example, the end plate 800 may be provided to support the plurality of first refrigerant tubes 211. As an example, the end plate 800 may be coupled to the plurality of first refrigerant tubes 211. As an example, the end plate 800 may be penetrated by the plurality of first refrigerant tubes 211.
As an example, the plurality of first refrigerant tubes 211 is disposed to penetrate the end plate 800, and then may be coupled to the end plate 800 through the tube expansion process in which each of the first refrigerant tubes 211 is expanded outward by the tube expansion device.
As an example, the end plate 800 may be provided to support the other side opposite to one side of the first heat exchange unit 210 supported by the first holder 300.
As an example, the end plate 800 may be provided to be in contact with one first heat exchange fin disposed on the other side opposite to the first holder 300 among the plurality of first heat exchange fins 212.
As an example, the end plate 800 may be provided to support the plurality of second refrigerant tubes 221. As an example, the end plate 800 may be coupled to the plurality of second refrigerant tubes 221. As an example, the end plate 800 may be penetrated by the plurality of second refrigerant tubes 221.
As an example, the plurality of second refrigerant tubes 221 is disposed to penetrate the end plate 800, and then may be coupled to the end plate 800 through the tube expansion process in which each of the second refrigerant tubes 221 is expanded outward by the tube expansion device.
As an example, the end plate 800 may be provided to support the other side opposite to one side of the second heat exchange unit 220 supported by the second holder 400.
As an example, the end plate 800 may be provided to be in contact with one second heat exchange fin disposed on the other side opposite to the second holder 400 among the plurality of second heat exchange fins 222.
As an example, the end plate 800 may be provided to support the plurality of third refrigerant tubes 231. As an example, the end plate 800 may be coupled to the plurality of third refrigerant tubes 231. As an example, the end plate 800 may be penetrated by the plurality of third refrigerant tubes 231.
As an example, the plurality of third refrigerant tubes 231 is disposed to penetrate the end plate 800, and then may be coupled to the end plate 800 through the tube expansion process in which each of the third refrigerant tubes 231 is expanded outward by the tube expansion device.
As an example, the end plate 800 may be provided to support the other side opposite to one side of the third heat exchange unit 230 supported by the third holder 500.
As an example, the end plate 800 may be provided to be in contact with one third heat exchange fin disposed on the other side opposite to the third holder 500 among the plurality of third heat exchange fins 232.
According to an embodiment, the end plate 800 may be integrally formed to support all of the first heat exchange unit 210, the second heat exchange unit 220, and the third heat exchange unit 230.
The end plate 800 may be supported by the base 172 of the outdoor unit 10. As an example, the end plate 800 may be fastened to the base 172 with a screw, and thus may be supported by the base 172. Accordingly, the heat exchanger 200 may be stably supported on the base 172.
With this configuration, the first holder 300, the second holder 400, and the third holder 500 may support one side of the heat exchanger 200, and may fix the first heat exchange unit 210, the second heat exchange unit 220, and the third heat exchange unit 230 on the one side, respectively. Additionally, the end plate 800 may support the other side of the heat exchanger 200, and may fix the first heat exchange unit 210, the second heat exchange unit 220, and the third heat exchange unit 230 on the other side, respectively.
FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example holder included in the outdoor unit of the air conditioner according to various embodiments. FIG. 8 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of the holder included in the outdoor unit of the air conditioner according to various embodiments. FIG. 9 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of the holder included in the outdoor unit of the air conditioner according to various embodiments.
The first holder 300, which is one of the plurality of holders 300, 400, and 500 included in the outdoor unit 10 of the air conditioner 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, will be described in greater detail below with reference to FIGS. 7 to 9.
Referring to FIGS. 7, 8 and 9 (which may be referred to as FIGS. 7 to 9), the first holder 300 included in the outdoor unit 10 of the air conditioner 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a first support plate 310 and extensions 320 and 330 extending from the first support plate 310.
The first support plate 310 may be provided to support the plurality of first refrigerant tubes 211. The first support plate 310 may be coupled to the plurality of first refrigerant tubes 211. As an example, the first support plate 310 may be penetrated by the plurality of first refrigerant tubes 211. The first support plate 310 may include a tube penetration portion 311, and a plurality of first refrigerant tubes 211 may be arranged to penetrate the tube penetration portion 311.
The first support plate 310 may be provided to be in contact with the one first heat exchange fin 212a disposed on one side among the plurality of first heat exchange fins 212. The first holder 300 may be disposed in parallel with the one first heat exchange fin 212a disposed on one side in the direction in which the plurality of first heat exchange fins 212 is arranged.
The first support plate 310 may be disposed to be parallel to the one first heat exchange fin 212a. The first support plate 310 may extend along the first direction Z. The first support plate 310 may extend along the first column.
As an example, the first support plate 310 may be formed to have a substantially flat plate shape.
As an example, the first holder 300 may include the first extension 320. The first extension 320 may extend from the first support plate 310. For example, the first extension 320 may extend from one side of the first support plate 310 in a second direction Y. Herein, the second direction Y may be orthogonal to the first direction Z. As an example, the second direction Y may be parallel to a horizontal direction of the outdoor unit 10.
The first extension 320 may extend from the first support plate 310 in a third direction X. For example, the first extension 320 may extend from the first support plate 310 in the third direction X to be away from the first heat exchange fins 212. Herein, the third direction X may be orthogonal to the first direction Z and the second direction Y, respectively. As an example, the third direction X may be parallel to forward and rearward directions of the outdoor unit 10, and the first extension 320 may substantially extend from the first support plate 310 toward the front (+X direction).
The first extension 320 may include a first end 320a connected to the first support plate 310 among both ends in the third direction X, and a second end 320b opposite to the first end 320a. As an example, the first end 320a of the first extension 320 may be a rear end of the first extension 320, and the second end 320b may be a front end of the first extension 320.
In other words, the first extension 320 may extend along the third direction X toward the second end 320b from the first end 320a. As an example, the first extension 320 may be formed to have a substantially flat plate shape.
As an example, the first extension 320 may include a first passing hole 324. The first passing hole 324 may be formed to allow a fastening member to penetrate the first extension 320. As an example, the first passing hole 324 may be formed to allow the first extension 320 to penetrate therethrough in the second direction Y. However, this does not mean that the first passing hole 324 is necessarily penetrated by the fastening member, and it is sufficient as long as the first passing hole 324 may be provided to be penetrated by the fastening member when necessary, and the fastening member may fasten the first extension 320 to a part (for example, a portion of a holder in contact with the first extension 320 among the holders other than the first holder 300) adjacent to the first extension 320.
As an example, the first passing hole 324 may be formed through a burring process. For example, the first passing hole 324 may be formed through the burring process in which a tool penetrates the first extension 320 from one side of the first extension 320 opposite to the second extension 330, which will be described in greater detail below, toward the second extension 330. Accordingly, the first extension 320 may be provided with a burring part 324a formed in a process of forming the first passing hole 324. The burring part 324a of the first passing hole 324 may be formed along a circumference of the first passing hole 324. The burring part 324a of the first passing hole 324 may extend in a direction toward the second extension 330 from one surface of the first extension 320 facing the second extension 330. With this configuration, the burring part 324a of the first passing hole 324 may be provided to support the fastening member when the fastening member penetrates the first passing hole 324, and as the fastening member is stably supported by the burring part 324a, the fastening between the holders 300, 400, and 500 may be kept more firmly.
The first passing hole 324 may correspond to a first fastening hole 424 of a third extension 420 of the second holder 400, which will be described in greater detail below.
As an example, the first extension 320 may include a first holder opening 323. The first holder opening 323 may be formed as the first extension 320 is penetrated.
As an example, the first holder opening 323 may extend a direction toward the first end 320a from the second end 320b of the first extension 320. For example, the first holder opening 323 may extend in the third direction X toward the first end 320a from the second end 320b of the first extension 320. In other words, the first holder opening 323 may be formed to have a shape of being concavely recessed in the direction toward the first end 320a from the second end 320b of the first extension 320.
As an example, the first holder opening 323 may be disposed on one side of the first passing hole 324 in the first direction Z. As an example, as illustrated in FIGS. 7 to 9, the first holder opening 323 may be disposed on a vertically upper side (+Z direction) above the first passing hole 324.
The first holder opening 323 may correspond to a third holder opening 423 of the third extension 420 of the second holder 400, which will be described in greater detail below.
An explanation of a function of the first holder opening 323 will be described in greater detail below.
As an example, a plurality of the first passing holes 324 may be formed on the first extension 320. As illustrated in FIG. 7, the plurality of first passing holes 324 may be arranged side by side in the first direction Z on the first extension 320. As illustrated in FIG. 7, one of the plurality of first passing holes 324 may be formed at an upper portion of the first extension 320 or a portion adjacent thereto, and the other one may be formed at a lower portion of the first extension 320 or a portion adjacent thereto.
As an example, the plurality of first passing holes 324 formed on the first extension 320 may be formed to correspond to each other.
As an example, a plurality of the first holder openings 323 may be formed on the first extension 320. As illustrated in FIG. 7, the plurality of first holder openings 323 may be arranged side by side in the first direction Z on the first extension 320. As illustrated in FIG. 7, one of the plurality of first holder openings 323 may be formed at the upper portion of the first extension 320 or a portion adjacent thereto, and the other one may be formed at the lower portion of the first extension 320 or a portion adjacent thereto.
As an example, the plurality of first holder openings 323 formed on the first extension 320 may be formed to correspond to each other.
The structure of the first extension 320 described above is simply an example of a structure of the first extension 320 that may be provided on the first holder 300, and the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, FIGS. 7 to 9 illustrate an embodiment in which the first extension 320 extends along a longitudinal direction of the first support plate 310 and extends to have a length corresponding to the first support plate 310 in the first direction Z, but unlike this, the first extension 320 may not extend along the longitudinal direction of the first support plate 310, or the length in the first direction Z may be longer or shorter than the first support plate 310. For example, the first passing hole 324 may not be formed through the burring process, so that a structure such as the burring part 324a may not be provided. For example, the first holder opening 323 may not have the shape of an opening extending from the first end 320a of the first extension 320, but may be formed to have the shape of a hole in which the first end 320a is closed. For example, the first passing hole 324 may be disposed on a vertically upper side (+Z direction) above the first holder opening 323. For example, the plurality of first passing holes 324 may be formed to have different shapes. For example, the number of the first passing holes 324 formed on the first extension 320 may be different from that illustrated in FIG. 7. For example, the plurality of first holder openings 323 may be formed to have different shapes. For example, the number of the first holder openings 323 formed on the first extension 320 may be different from that illustrated in FIG. 7.
As an example, the first holder 300 may include the second extension 330. The second extension 330 may extend from the first support plate 310. For example, the second extension 330 may extend from the other side of the first support plate 310 in the second direction Y, which is opposite to the first extension 320. The second extension 330 may be disposed on one side of the first extension 320 in the second direction Y. The first extension 320 and the second extension 330 may be disposed to face each other in the second direction Y.
The second extension 330 may extend from the first support plate 310 in the third direction X. For example, the second extension 330 may extend from the first support plate 310 in the third direction to be away from the first heat exchange fins 212. As an example, the second extension 330 may extend from the first support plate 310 substantially toward the front (+X direction).
The second extension 330 may include a first end 330a connected to the first support plate 310 among both ends in the third direction X, and a second end 330b opposite to the first end 330a. As an example, the first end 330a of the second extension 330 may be a rear end of the second extension 330, and the second end 330b may be a front end of the second extension 330.
In other words, the second extension 330 may extend along the third direction X toward the second end 330b from the first end 330a. As an example, the second extension 330 may be formed to have a substantially flat plate shape.
As an example, the second extension 330 may include a second passing hole 334. The second passing hole 334 may be formed to allow a fastening member to penetrate the second extension 330. As an example, the second passing hole 334 may be formed to allow the second extension 330 to penetrate therethrough in the second direction Y. However, this does not mean that the second passing hole 334 is necessarily penetrated by the fastening member, and it is sufficient as long as the second passing hole 334 may be provided to be penetrated by the fastening member when necessary, and the fastening member may fasten the second extension 330 to a part (for example, a portion of a holder in contact with the second extension 330 among the holders other than the first holder 300) adjacent to the second extension 330.
As an example, a portion around the second passing hole 334 of the second extension 330 may be formed to be flat. That is, the second extension 330 may not have a structure such as the burring part 324a described above.
The second passing hole 334 may correspond to a first fastening hole 334 of the second extension 330 of the first holder 300, which will be described in greater detail below. The second passing hole 334 may correspond to a second fastening hole 434 of a fourth extension 430 of the second holder 400, which will be described in greater detail below.
As an example, the second extension 330 may include a third passing hole 335. The third passing hole 335 may be formed to allow a fastening member to pass through the second extension 330. As an example, the third passing hole 335 may be formed to allow the second extension 330 to penetrate therethrough in the second direction Y. However, this does not mean that the third passing hole 335 is necessarily penetrated by the fastening member, and it is sufficient as long as the third passing hole 335 may be provided to be penetrated by the fastening member when necessary, and the fastening member may fasten the second extension 330 to a part (for example, a portion of a holder in contact with the second extension 330 among the holders other than the first holder 300) adjacent to the second extension 330.
As an example, the third passing hole 335 may be formed through the burring process. For example, the third passing hole 335 may be formed through a burring process in which a tool penetrates the second extension 330 from one side of the second extension 330 opposite to the first extension 320 toward the first extension 320. Accordingly, the second extension 330 may be provided with a burring part 335a formed in a process of forming the third passing hole 335. The burring part 335a of the third passing hole 335 may be formed along a circumference of the third passing hole 335. The burring part 335a of the third passing hole 335 may extend in a direction toward the first extension 320 from one surface of the second extension 330 facing the first extension 320. With this configuration, the burring part 335a of the third passing hole 335 may be provided to support the fastening member when the fastening member penetrates the third passing hole 335, and as the fastening member is stably supported by the burring part 335a, the fastening between the holders 300, 400, and 500 may be kept more firmly.
The third passing hole 335 may correspond to a second fastening hole 525 of a fifth extension 520 of the third holder 500, which will be described in greater detail below.
As an example, the second extension 330 may include a second holder opening 333. The second holder opening 333 may be formed as the second extension 330 is penetrated.
As an example, the second holder opening 333 may extend a direction toward the first end 330a from the second end 330b of the second extension 330. For example, the second holder opening 333 may extend in the third direction X toward the first end 330a from the second end 330b of the second extension 330. In other words, the second holder opening 333 may be formed to have a shape of being concavely recessed in the direction toward the first end 330a from the second end 330b of the second extension 330.
As an example, the second holder opening 333 may be disposed on one side of the second passing hole 334 in the first direction Z. As an example, as illustrated in FIGS. 7 to 9, the second holder opening 333 may be disposed on a vertically upper side (+Z direction) above the second passing hole 334.
As an example, the second holder opening 333 may be disposed on the other side of the third passing hole 335 in the first direction Z. As an example, as illustrated in FIGS. 7 to 9, the second holder opening 333 may be disposed on a vertically lower side (-Z direction) below the third passing hole 335.
The second holder opening 333 may be formed to have a smaller size than the first holder opening 323. For example, the second holder opening 333 may be formed such that a length in the first direction Z is shorter than that of the first holder opening 323.
An explanation of a function of the second holder opening 333 will be described in greater detail below.
As an example, a plurality of the second passing holes 334 may be formed on the second extension 330. As illustrated in FIG. 7, the plurality of second passing holes 334 may be arranged side by side in the first direction Z on the second extension 330. As illustrated in FIG. 7, one of the plurality of second passing holes 334 may be formed at an upper portion of the second extension 330 or a portion adjacent thereto, and the other one may be formed at a lower portion of the second extension 330 or a portion adjacent thereto.
As an example, the plurality of second passing holes 334 formed on the second extension 330 may be formed to correspond to each other.
As an example, a plurality of the third passing holes 335 may be formed on the second extension 330. As illustrated in FIG. 7, the plurality of third passing holes 335 may be arranged side by side in the first direction Z on the second extension 330. As illustrated in FIG. 7, one of the plurality of third passing holes 335 may be formed at the upper portion of the second extension 330 or a portion adjacent thereto, and the other one may be formed at the lower portion of the second extension 330 or a portion adjacent thereto.
As an example, the plurality of third passing holes 335 formed on the second extension 330 may be formed to correspond to each other.
As an example, a plurality of the second holder openings 333 may be formed on the second extension 330. As illustrated in FIG. 7, the plurality of second holder openings 333 may be arranged side by side in the first direction Z on the second extension 330. As illustrated in FIG. 7, one of the plurality of second holder openings 333 may be formed at the upper portion of the second extension 330 or a portion adjacent thereto, and the other one may be formed at the lower portion of the second extension 330 or a portion adjacent thereto.
As an example, the plurality of second holder openings 333 formed on the second extension 330 may be formed to correspond to each other.
The structure of the second extension 330 described above is only an example of a structure of the second extension 330 that may be provided on the first holder 300, and the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, FIGS. 7 to 9 illustrate an embodiment in which the second extension 330 extends along the longitudinal direction of the first support plate 310 and extends to have a length corresponding to the first support plate 310 in the first direction Z, but unlike this, the second extension 330 may not extend along the longitudinal direction of the first support plate 310, or the length in the first direction Z may be longer or shorter than the first support plate 310. For example, the third passing hole 335 may not be formed through the burring process, so that a structure such as the burring part 335a may not be provided. For example, the second holder opening 333 may not be the shape of an opening extending from the first end 330a of the second extension 330, but may be formed to have the shape of a hole in which the first end 330a is closed. For example, the second passing hole 334 may be disposed on a vertically upper side (+Z direction) above the second holder opening 333. For example, the third passing hole 335 may be disposed on a vertically lower side (-Z direction) below the second holder opening 333. For example, the plurality of second passing holes 334 may be formed to have different shapes. For example, the number of the second passing holes 334 formed on the second extension 330 may be different from that illustrated in FIG. 7. For example, the plurality of third passing holes 335 may be formed to have different shapes. For example, the number of the third passing holes 335 formed on the second extension 330 may be different from that illustrated in FIG. 7. For example, the plurality of second holder openings 333 may be formed to have different shapes. For example, the number of the second holder openings 333 formed on the second extension 330 may be different from that illustrated in FIG. 7.
In order for a manufacturer to easily determine a location of the first holder 300 without confusion when installing the first holder 300 to the first heat exchange unit 210, the first extension 320 and the second extension 330 of the first holder 300 may be formed to have different shapes. As an example, the first extension 320 and the second extension 330 may be formed to have different lengths extending from the first support plate 310. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 8, at least a portion of the second extension 330 may be formed such that the length extending from the first support plate 310 is different from the length of the first extension 320 extending from the first support plate 310.
As illustrated in FIGS. 7 to 9, the second extension 330 includes a first portion 331 extending from the first support plate 310 by a first length 11, and a second portion 332 extending from the first support plate 310 by a second length 12 that is longer than the first length 11. For example, the first portion 331 of the second extension 330 may extend from the first support plate 310 in the third direction X by the first length 11. The second portion 332 of the second extension 330 may extend from the first support plate 310 in the third direction X by the second length 12.
In this case, as an example, at least most of the first extension 320 may extend from the first support plate 310 by the second length 12.
With this configuration, the manufacturer of the heat exchanger 200 may easily distinguish between the first extension 320 and the second extension 330 by recognizing a difference in the extension lengths of the first extension 320 and the second extension 330. Accordingly, the manufacturer of the heat exchanger 200 may efficiently perform a process of installing the first holder 300 to the first heat exchange unit 210, and the manufacturing time and manufacturing cost of the product may be reduced.
As an example, the second passing hole 334 may be formed in the second portion 332 of the second extension 330. As an example, the third passing hole 335 may be formed in the second portion 332 of the second extension 330. As an example, the second holder opening 333 may be formed in the second portion 332 of the second extension 330. As an example, the first holder opening 323 may be disposed such that a position thereof in the first direction Z (e.g., vertical height) corresponds to at least a portion of the second portion 332 of the second extension 330.
As will be described in greater detail below, because the second passing hole 334, third passing hole 335, and second holder opening 333 are configurations for coupling between the plurality of holders 300, 400, and 500, as the configurations are provided in the second part 332 of the second extension 330, which has a relatively long length extending from the first support plate 310, the efficiency of a coupling process between the plurality of holders 300, 400, and 500 may be improved.
Likewise, because the first holder opening 323 is a configuration for coupling between the plurality of holders 300, 400, and 500, as the position of the first holder opening 323 in the first direction Z corresponds to the second portion 332 of the second extension 330, the efficiency of the coupling process between the plurality of holders 300, 400, and 500 may be improved.
As an example, a plurality of the second portions 332 of the second extension 330 may be provided. As illustrated in FIG. 7, the plurality of second portions 332 of the second extension 330 may be spaced apart from each other in the first direction Z and arranged side by side. As illustrated in FIG. 7, one of the plurality of second portions 332 of the second extension 330 may be formed on an upper portion of the second extension 330 or a portion adjacent thereto, and the other one may be formed at a lower portion of the second extension 330 or a portion adjacent thereto.
As an example, the plurality of second portions 332 of the second extension 330 may be formed to correspond to each other.
However, the lengths of the first extension 320 and the second extension 330 extending from the first support plate 310 are not limited to those described above. For example, the first extension 320 and the second extension 330 may have the lengths extending from the first support plate 310 that correspond to each other. The first extension 320 may include the first portion extending by the first length from the first support plate 310 and the second extending by the second length longer than the first length, and at least most of the second extension 330 may be formed to extend by the second length.
The first holder 300 described above with reference to FIGS. 7 to 9 is simply an example of a holder for the heat exchanger included in the outdoor unit of the air conditioner according to the present disclosure, and the present disclosure is not limited thereto.
On the other hand, in the outdoor unit 10 of the air conditioner 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the second holder 400 and the third holder 500 described above with reference to FIGS. 4 to 6 may each have the same structure as the first holder 300 described above with reference to FIGS. 7 to 9.
Accordingly, the types of the holders 300, 400, and 500, which are components used to fix the heat exchanger 200, may be unified. In this case, molds for manufacturing the holders 300, 400, and 500 may be unified, and the time and cost required for manufacturing, managing, and operating the molds may be reduced. In addition, using the holders 300, 400, and 500 as unified components, waste of components and materials may be prevented and/or reduced. In addition, the overall manufacturing time and manufacturing cost of the heat exchanger 200 may be reduced.
In a case in which a plurality of components arranged side by side to support the plurality of heat exchange units 210, 220, and 230 is each designed to have a simple structure, even if it is possible to manufacture the plurality of components to have the same structure using the same mold, processes for forming additional structures to couple these components may be required, or requirements for additional components may be expected.
However, as will be explained in greater detail below, the first holder 300, the second holder 400, and the third holder 500 may not only be manufactured to have the same structure using the same mold, but may also be designed to be easily fastened to each other through a simple fastening process using fastening members.
FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example heat exchanger included in the outdoor unit of the air conditioner according to various embodiments. FIG. 11 is an enlarged view of region A in FIG. 10 according to various embodiments.
Referring to FIGS. 10 and 11, the first holder 300, the second holder 400, and the third holder 500 included in the outdoor unit 10 of the air conditioner 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may each be disposed on one side of the heat exchanger 200 in the second direction Y.
For example, the second holder 400 may be disposed on one side of the first holder 300 in the second direction Y, and the third holder 500 may be disposed on one side of the second holder 400 in the second direction Y. The second holder 300 may be disposed between the first holder 300 and the third holder 500.
As an example, among the first holder 300, the second holder 400, and the third holder 500, the first holder 300 may be disposed to be closest to the first side frame 150. In other words, among the first holder 300, the second holder 400, and the third holder 500, the first holder 300 may be disposed on the outermost side of the heat exchange room R1. Conversely, among the first holder 300, the second holder 400, and the third holder 500, the third holder 500 may be disposed to be furthest from the first side frame 150. In other words, among the first holder 300, the second holder 400, and the third holder 500, the third holder 500 may be disposed on the innermost side of the heat exchange room R1.
The first holder 300 and the second holder 400 may be in contact with each other. As an example, the first holder 300 and the second holder 400 may be in contact with each other in the second direction Y. Herein, the expression "the first holder 300 and the second holder 400 are in contact with each other in the second direction Y" may refer, for example, to a normal direction of surfaces where the first holder 300 and the second holder 400 are in contact with each other being parallel to the second direction Y.
The first holder 300 and the second holder 400 may be in contact with and coupled to each other. As an example, the first holder 300 and the second holder 400 may be in contact with and fastened to each other by a first fastening member F1. As an example, the first fastening member F1 may penetrate and fasten the first holder 300 and the second holder 400 in the second direction Y.
As illustrated in FIG. 10, the first holder 300 and the second holder 400 may be fastened to each other by a plurality of the first fastening members F1. As an example, the first holder 300 and the second holder 400 may be fastened by one of the first fastening members F1 penetrating upper portions thereof and one of the first fastening member F1 penetrating lower portions thereof. Accordingly, the first holder 300 and the second holder 400 may be fixed more firmly.
The second holder 400 and the third holder 500 may be in contact with each other. As an example, the second holder 400 and the third holder 500 may be in contact with each other in the second direction Y. Herein, the expression "the second holder 400 and the third holder 500 are in contact with each other in the second direction Y" may refer, for example, to a normal direction of surfaces where the second holder 400 and the third holder 500 are in contact with each other being parallel to the second direction Y.
The second holder 400 and the third holder 500 may be in contact with and coupled to each other. As an example, the second holder 400 and the third holder 500 may be in contact with and fastened to each other by a second fastening member F2. As an example, the second fastening member F2 may penetrate and fasten the second holder 400 and the third holder 500 in the second direction Y.
As illustrated in FIG. 10, the second holder 400 and the third holder 500 may be fastened to each other by a plurality of the second fastening members F1. As an example, the second holder 400 and the third holder 500 may be fastened by one of the second fastening members F1 penetrating upper portions thereof and one of the second fastening member F1 penetrating lower portions thereof. Accordingly, the second holder 400 and the third holder 500 may be fixed more firmly.
In the heat exchanger 200 according to an embodiment, the plurality of first refrigerant tubes 211 and the plurality of second refrigerant tubes 221 may be disposed such that positions thereof in the first direction Z are different from each other. Likewise, the plurality of second refrigerant tubes 221 and the plurality of third refrigerant tubes 231 may be disposed such that positions thereof in the first direction Z are different from each other. For example, assuming that the N first refrigerant tubes 211 are arranged along the first column in the first heat exchange unit 210, the N second refrigerant tubes 221 are arranged along the second column in the second heat exchange unit 220, and the N third refrigerant tubes 231 are arranged along the third column in the third heat exchange unit 230 (N is an integer of one or more), for any integer K between 1 and N, the second refrigerant tube 221 located at a Kth position from the second refrigerant tube 221 disposed at the top in the second column may be located on an upper side (+Z direction) further by a predetermined length in the first direction Z than the first refrigerant tube 211 located at a Kth position from the first refrigerant tube 211 disposed at the top in the first column and the third refrigerant tube 231 located at a Kth position from the third refrigerant tube 231 disposed at the top in the third column. With this arrangement, the heat exchange efficiency of the heat exchanger 200 may be further improved.
In this case, because the first holder 300, the second holder 400, and the third holder 500 are formed to have shapes corresponding to each other, the second holder 400 may be disposed to be higher than the first holder 300 and the third holder 500 by a predetermined length in the first direction Z. An upper end of the second holder 400 in the first direction Z may be positioned above an upper end of the first holder 300 in the first direction Z and an upper end of the third holder 500 in the first direction Z. A lower end of the second holder 400 in the first direction Z may be positioned above a lower end of the first holder 300 in the first direction Z and a lower end of the third holder 500 in the first direction Z.
As an example, the third holder 500 may be installed in the third heat exchange unit 230 in a position reversed in the first direction Z from positions where the first holder 300 and the second holder 400 are installed in the first heat exchange unit 210 and the second heat exchange unit 220, respectively. That is, the third holder 500 may be installed in the third heat exchange unit 230 in a position corresponding to the first holder 300 or the second holder 400 being rotated 180 degrees about a third direction X axis.
Hereinafter, the structures of the first holder 300, the second holder 400, and the third holder 500 will be described in greater detail. In the description of the structures of the second holder 400 and the third holder 500, the second holder 400 and the third holder 500 will be described on the assumption that they have a structure corresponding to the structure of the first holder 300 described with reference to FIGS. 7 to 9, respectively.
The first extension 320 of the first holder 300 may extend from the other end opposite to one end adjacent to the second holder 400 among both ends of the first support plate 310 in the second direction Y.
The second extension 330 of the first holder 300 may extend from the one end adjacent to the second holder 400 among both the ends of the first support plate 310 in the second direction Y.
The second extension 330 may be disposed on one side of the first extension 320 in the second direction Y. For example, the second extension 330 may be disposed on one side of the first extension 320 facing the second holder 400. The second extension 330 may be disposed between the first extension 320 and the second holder 400.
The second extension 330 may be in contact with the second holder 400. The second extension 330 may be coupled to the second holder 400.
The first return tube parts 211b of the plurality of first refrigerant tubes 211 may be disposed between the first extension 320 and the second extension 330.
The second holder 400 may include a second support plate 410. The second support plate 410 may be provided to support the plurality of second refrigerant tubes 221. The second support plate 410 may be coupled to the plurality of second refrigerant tubes 221. The second support plate 410 may be penetrated by the plurality of second refrigerant tubes 221. The second support plate 410 may be provided to be in contact with the one second heat exchange fin 222a disposed on one side among the plurality of second heat exchange fins 222. The second support plate 410 may be disposed in parallel with the one second heat exchange fin 222a disposed on one side in the direction in which the plurality of second heat exchange fins 222 is arranged.
As an example, the second support plate 410 may be formed to have a shape corresponding to the first support plate 310.
The second holder 400 may include the third extension 420. The third extension 420 may extend from the second support plate 410. The third extension 420 may extend from one side of the second support plate 410 in the second direction Y. For example, the third extension 420 may extend from one end adjacent to the first holder 300 among both ends of the second support plate 410 in the second direction Y. The third extension 420 may extend from the second support plate 410 in the third direction X.
As an example, the third extension 420 may be formed to have a shape corresponding to the first extension 320.
The second holder 400 may include the fourth extension 430. The fourth extension 430 may extend from the second support plate 410. The fourth extension 430 may extend from the other side of the second support plate 410 in the second direction Y, which is opposite to the third extension 420. For example, the fourth extension 430 may extend from the other end opposite to one end adjacent to the first holder 300 among both the ends of the second support plate 410 in the second direction Y. The fourth extension 430 may extend from the second support plate 410 in the third direction X.
As an example, the fourth extension 430 may be formed to have a shape corresponding to the second extension 330.
The fourth extension 430 may be disposed on one side of the third extension 420 in the second direction Y. For example, the fourth extension 430 may be disposed on one side of the third extension 420 facing the third holder 500. The third extension 420 may be disposed between the fourth extension 430 and the first holder 300. The fourth extension 430 may be disposed between the third extension 420 and the third holder 500.
The third extension 420 may be in contact with the first holder 300. The third extension 420 may be coupled to the first holder 300.
The fourth extension 430 may be in contact with the third holder 500. The fourth extension 430 may be coupled to the third holder 500.
The second return tube parts 221b of the plurality of second refrigerant tubes 221 may be disposed between the third extension 420 and the fourth extension 430.
The third holder 500 may include a third support plate 510. The third support plate 510 may be provided to support the plurality of third refrigerant tubes 231. The third support plate 510 may be coupled to the plurality of third refrigerant tubes 231. The third support plate 510 may be penetrated by the plurality of third refrigerant tubes 231. The third support plate 510 may be provided to be in contact with the one second heat exchange fin 232a disposed on one side among the plurality of third heat exchange fins 232. The third support plate 510 may be disposed in parallel with the one third heat exchange fin 232a disposed on one side in the direction in which the plurality of third heat exchange fins 232 are arranged.
As an example, the third support plate 510 may be formed to have a shape corresponding to the first support plate 310.
The third holder 500 may include the fifth extension 520. The fifth extension 520 may extend from the third support plate 510. The fifth extension 520 may extend from one side of the second support plate 410 in the second direction Y. For example, the fifth extension 520 may extend from one end adjacent to the second holder 400 among both ends of the fifth support plate 510 in the second direction Y. The fifth extension 520 may extend from the third support plate 510 in the third direction X.
As an example, the fifth extension 520 may be formed to have a shape corresponding to the second extension 330.
The third holder 400 may include a sixth extension 530. The sixth extension 530 may extend from the third support plate 510. The sixth extension 530 may extend from the other side of the second support plate 410 in the second direction Y, which is opposite to the fifth extension 520. For example, the sixth extension 530 may extend from the other end opposite to one end adjacent to the second holder 400 among both the ends of the fifth support plate 510 in the second direction Y. The sixth extension 530 may extend from the third support plate 510 in the third direction X.
As an example, the sixth extension 530 may be formed to have a shape corresponding to the first extension 320.
The sixth extension 530 may be disposed on one side of the fifth extension 520 in the second direction Y. For example, the sixth extension 530 may be disposed on one side of the fifth extension 520 opposite to a direction toward the second holder 400. The fifth extension 520 may be disposed between the sixth extension 530 and the second holder 400.
The fifth extension 520 may be in contact with the second holder 400. The fifth extension 520 may be coupled to the second holder 400.
The third return tube parts 231b of the plurality of third refrigerant tubes 231 may be disposed between the fifth extension 520 and the sixth extension 530.
The second extension 330 of the first holder 300 and the third extension 420 of the second holder 400 may be in contact with each other. As the second extension 330 and the third extension 420 are coupled in a state of being in contact with each other, the first holder 300 and the second holder 400 may be coupled to each other.
As an example, the second extension 330 and the third extension 420 may be in contact with each other in the second direction Y. That is, a normal direction of the surfaces where the second extension 330 and the third extension 420 are in contact with each other may be parallel to the second direction Y.
As an example, the second extension 330 and the third extension 420 may be provided to be fastened by the first fastening member F1. The first fastening member F1 may fasten the second extension 330 and the third extension 420 by penetrating the second extension 330 and the third extension 420.
The second extension 330 and the third extension 420 may be disposed to be in contact with each other in a direction in which the first fastening member F1 penetrates the second extension 330 and the third extension 420. As an example, the first fastening member F1 may be provided to penetrate the second extension 330 and the third extension 420 in the second direction Y, and the second extension 330 and the third extension 420 may be disposed to be in contact with each other in the second direction Y. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and when the direction in which the first fastening member F1 penetrates the second extension 330 and the third extension 420 is a direction of being inclined with respect to the second direction Y, the second extension 330 and the third extension 420 may be disposed to be in contact with each other in the direction of being inclined with respect to the second direction Y.
The second extension 330 may be referred to as the first coupling portion 330. The third extension 420 may be referred to as the second coupling portion 420.
The fourth extension 430 of the second holder 400 and the fifth extension 520 of the third holder 500 may be in contact with each other. As the fourth extension 430 and the fifth extension 520 are coupled in a state of being in contact with each other, the second holder 400 and the third holder 500 may be coupled to each other.
As an example, the fourth extension 430 and the fifth extension 520 may be in contact with each other in the second direction Y. That is, a normal direction of surfaces where the fourth extension 430 and the fifth extension 520 are in contact with each other may be parallel to the second direction Y.
As an example, the fourth extension 430 and the fifth extension 520 may be provided to be fastened by the second fastening member F2. The second fastening member F2 may fasten the fourth extension 430 and the fifth extension 520 by penetrating the fourth extension 430 and the fifth extension 520.
The fourth extension 430 and the fifth extension 520 may be disposed to be in contact with each other in a direction in which the second fastening member F2 penetrates the fourth extension 430 and the fifth extension 520. As an example, the second fastening member F2 may be provided to penetrate the fourth extension 430 and the fifth extension 520 in the second direction Y, and the fourth extension 430 and the fifth extension 520 may be disposed to be in contact with each other in the second direction Y. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and when the direction in which the second fastening member F2 penetrates the fourth extension 430 and the fifth extension 520 is a direction of being inclined with respect to the second direction Y, the fourth extension 430 and the fifth extension 520 may be disposed to be in contact with each other in the direction of being inclined with respect to the second direction Y.
The fourth extension 430 may be referred to as the third coupling portion 430. The fifth extension 520 may be referred to as the fourth coupling portion 520.
The return tube parts 211b, 221b, and 231b of the plurality of refrigerant tubes 211, 221, and 231 may be protected from an external impact because one sides thereof in the second direction Y (-Y direction side based on the drawing) may be covered by the first extension 320. In particular, as described above, most of the first extension 320 may extend from the first support plate 310 by the second length 12 (see FIG. 9), and thus may more effectively protect the return tube parts 211b, 221b, and 231b from an external impact.
The return tube parts 211b, 221b, and 231b of the plurality of refrigerant tubes 211, 221, and 231 may be protected from an external impact because the other sides thereof in the second direction Y (+Y direction side based on the drawing) may be covered by the fifth extension 520. In particular, because the sixth extension 530 is formed to have a shape corresponding to the first extension 320, most of the fifth extension 520 may extend from the third support plate 510 by the second length 12 (see FIG. 9), and thus may more effectively protect the return tube parts 211b, 221b, and 231b from an external impact.
FIG. 12 is a perspective view illustrating a state before a plurality of the holders is coupled in the outdoor unit of the air conditioner according to various embodiments. FIG. 13 is a perspective view illustrating a state after the plurality of holders is coupled in the outdoor unit of the air conditioner according to various embodiments. FIG. 14 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of the heat exchanger included in the outdoor unit of the air conditioner according to various embodiments.
Referring to FIGS. 12, 13 and 14 (which may be referred to as FIGS. 12 to 14), the first holder 300 and the second holder 400 included in the outdoor unit 10 of the air conditioner 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may be provided to be fastened to each other by the first fastening member F1 penetrating the second extension 330 and the third extension 420.
As an example, the first fastening member F1 may include a screw.
The second extension 330 may include the first fastening hole 334. The first fastening hole 334 of the second extension 330 may be provided such that the first fastening member F1 passes therethrough. The first fastening hole 334 of the second extension 330 may have a configuration corresponding to the second passing hole 334 described with reference to FIGS. 7 to 9.
The third extension 420 may include the first fastening hole 424. The first fastening hole 424 of the third extension 420 may be provided such that the first fastening member F1 passes therethrough. The first fastening hole 424 of the third extension 420 may have a configuration corresponding to the first passing hole 324 described with reference to FIGS. 7 to 9.
The third extension 420 may include a burring part 424a formed along a circumference of the first fastening hole 424. The burring part 424a formed on the circumference of the first fastening hole 424 of the third extension 420 may have a configuration corresponding to the burring part 324a formed on the circumference of the first passing hole 324 described with reference to FIGS. 7 to 9.
The first fastening member F1 may be provided to penetrate the first fastening hole 334 of the second extension 330 and the first fastening hole 424 of the third extension 330. Referring to the examples of FIGS. 12 and 13, the first fastening member F1 may be provided to move from the left (-Y direction side) to the right (+Y direction side) in the second direction Y and sequentially penetrate the first fastening hole 334 of the second extension 330 and the first fastening hole 424 of the third extension 330.
As an example, the first fastening hole 334 of the second extension 330 may be formed to have a larger size than the first fastening hole 424 of the third extension 420. As an example, the first fastening hole 334 of the second extension 330 may be formed to have the shape of a slit of which a length in one direction (for example, the third direction X as illustrated in FIGS. 7 to 9) is longer than a length in the other direction (for example, the first direction Z as illustrated in FIGS. 7 to 9).
The first fastening hole 334 of the second extension 330 may be formed to be larger than a diameter of a body (part on which screw threads are formed) of the first fastening member F1, and may be formed to be smaller than a diameter of a head of the first fastening member F1.
With this configuration, the manufacturer of the heat exchanger 200 may easily fasten the first holder 300 and the second holder 400 using the first fastening member F1.
As described above, the first extension 320 may include the first holder opening 323. As an example, the first holder opening 323 may be formed to have a shape through which the first extension 320 is penetrated in a direction in which the first fastening member F1 penetrates the first fastening holes 334 and 424. As an example, the first holder opening 323 may be formed to have a shape through which the first extension 320 is penetrated in the second direction Y.
The first fastening hole 334 of the second extension 330 may be disposed on one side of the first holder opening 323 in a direction in which the first fastening member F1 penetrates the first fastening hole 334 of the second extension 330.
As an example, the first fastening member F1 may be provided to penetrate the first fastening hole 334 of the second extension 330 in the second direction Y, and the first fastening hole 334 of the second extension 330 may be disposed on one side of the first holder opening 323 in the second direction Y.
As an example, the first fastening hole 334 of the second extension 330 may be disposed such that a position thereof in the first direction Z corresponds to at least a portion of the first holder opening 323.
The first fastening hole 334 of the second extension 330 may be formed to have a smaller size than the first holder opening 323.
The first fastening hole 424 of the third extension 420 may be disposed on one side of the first holder opening 323 in a direction in which the first fastening member F1 penetrates the first fastening hole 424 of the third extension 420.
As an example, the first fastening member F1 may be provided to penetrate the first fastening hole 424 of the third extension 420 in the second direction Y, and the first fastening hole 424 of the third extension 420 may be disposed on one side of the first holder opening 323 in the second direction Y.
As an example, the first fastening hole 424 of the third extension 420 may be disposed such that a position thereof in the first direction Z corresponds to at least a portion of the first holder opening 323.
The first fastening hole 424 of the third extension 420 may be formed to have a smaller size than the first holder opening 323.
As the first extension 320 includes the first holder opening 323, in a process of fastening the first holder 300 and the second holder 400, the entry of the first fastening member F1 and the entry of a fastening tool (not shown) may be not be obstructed by the first extension 320. Accordingly, the manufacturer of the heat exchanger 200 may efficiently perform the process of fastening the first holder 300 and the second holder 400.
As described above, the first holder opening 323 may extend from the second end 320b of the first extension 320. In this case, in the process of fastening the first holder 300 and the second holder 400, the manufacturer may more easily position the first fastening member F1 at a fastening position, and may perform the process of fastening the first holder 300 and the second holder 400 more efficiently.
Referring to FIGS. 12 and 13, the second holder 400 and the third holder 500 included in the outdoor unit 10 of the air conditioner 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may be provided to be fastened to each other by the second fastening member F2 penetrating the fourth extension 430 and the fifth extension 520.
As an example, the second fastening member F2 may include a screw.
The fourth extension 430 may include the second fastening hole 434. The second fastening hole 434 of the fourth extension 430 may be provided such that the second fastening member F2 penetrates therethrough. The second fastening hole 434 of the fourth extension 430 may have a configuration corresponding to the second passing hole 334 described with reference to FIGS. 7 to 9.
The fifth extension 520 may include the second fastening hole 525. The second fastening hole 525 of the fifth extension 520 may be provided such that the second fastening member F2 penetrates therethrough. The second fastening hole 525 of the fifth extension 520 may have a configuration corresponding to the third passing hole 335 described with reference to FIGS. 7 to 9.
The fifth extension 520 may include a burring part 525a formed along a circumference of the second fastening hole 525. The burring part 525a formed on the circumference of the second fastening hole 525 of the fifth extension 520 may have a configuration corresponding to the burring part 335a formed on the circumference of the third passing hole 335 described with reference to FIGS. 7 to 9.
The second fastening member F2 may be provided to penetrate the second fastening hole 434 of the fourth extension 430 and the second fastening hole 525 of the fifth extension 520. Referring to the examples of FIGS. 12 and 13, the second fastening member F2 may be provided to move from the left (-Y direction side) to the right (+Y direction side) in the second direction Y and sequentially penetrate the second fastening hole 434 of the fourth extension 430 and the second fastening hole 525 of the fifth extension 520.
As an example, the second fastening hole 434 of the fourth extension 430 may be formed to have a larger size than the second fastening hole 525 of the fifth extension 520.
The second fastening hole 434 of the fourth extension 430 may be formed to be larger than a diameter of a body (part on which screw threads are formed) of the second fastening member F2, and may be formed to be smaller than a diameter of a head of the second fastening member F2.
With this configuration, the manufacturer of the heat exchanger 200 may easily fasten the second holder 400 and the third holder 500 using the second fastening member F2.
As described above, the second extension 330 may include the second holder opening 333. As an example, the second holder opening 333 may be formed to have a shape through which the second extension 330 is penetrated in a direction in which the second fastening member F2 penetrates the second fastening holes 434 and 525. As an example, the second holder opening 333 may be formed to have a shape through which the second extension 330 is penetrated in the second direction Y.
The second holder opening 333 may be disposed on one side of the first holder opening 323 in a direction in which the second fastening member F2 penetrates the second fastening holes 434 and 525. As an example, the second holder opening 333 may be disposed on one side of the first holder opening 323 in the second direction Y.
The second fastening hole 434 of the fourth extension 430 may be disposed on one side of the second holder opening 333 in the direction in which the second fastening member F2 penetrates the second fastening hole 434 of the fourth extension 430.
As an example, the second fastening member F2 may be provided to penetrate the second fastening hole 434 of the fourth extension 430 in the second direction Y, and the second fastening hole 434 of the fourth extension 430 may be disposed on one side of the second holder opening 333 in the second direction Y.
As an example, the second fastening hole 434 of the fourth extension 430 may be disposed such that a position thereof in the first direction Z corresponds to at least a portion of the second holder opening 333.
The second fastening hole 434 of the fourth extension 430 may be formed to have a smaller size than the second holder opening 333.
The second fastening hole 525 of the fifth extension 520 may be disposed on one side of the second holder opening 333 in a direction in which the second fastening member F2 penetrates the second fastening hole 525 of the fifth extension 520.
As an example, the second fastening member F2 may be provided to penetrate the second fastening hole 525 of the fifth extension 520 in the second direction Y, and the second fastening hole 525 of the fifth extension 520 may be disposed on one side of the second holder opening 333 in the second direction Y.
As an example, the second fastening hole 525 of the fifth extension 530 may be disposed such that a position thereof in the first direction Z corresponds to at least a portion of the second holder opening 333.
The second fastening hole 525 of the fifth extension 530 may be formed to have a smaller size than the second holder opening 333.
As described above, the second holder opening 333 and the first fastening hole 334 of the second extension 330 may be disposed in the first direction Z. In this case, a length at which the first holder opening 323 extends in the first direction Z may be provided to be longer than the length at which the second holder opening 333 extends in the first direction. For example, when the second holder opening 333 is disposed above the first fastening hole 334 of the second extension 330, the first holder opening 323 may be provided to substantially correspond to a length from an upper end of the second holder opening 333 to a lower end of the first fastening hole 334 of the second extension 330 or to extend in the first direction Z by a length equal to or longer than the corresponding length. Conversely, for example, when the second holder opening 333 is disposed below the first fastening hole 334 of the second extension 330, the first holder opening 323 may be provided to substantially correspond to a length from a lower end of the second holder opening 333 to an upper end of the first fastening hole 334 of the second extension 330 or to extend in the first direction Z by a length equal to or longer than the corresponding length.
A portion of the first holder opening 323 and the first fastening holes 334 and 424 may be disposed such that positions thereof in the first direction Z correspond to each other. Also, another part of the first holder opening 323, the second holder opening 333, and the second fastening holes 434 and 525 may be disposed such that positions thereof in the first direction Z correspond to each other.
Furthermore, the third extension 420 may include the third holder opening 423. The third holder opening 423 may be formed by penetrating the third extension 420.
As an example, the third holder opening 423 may be formed to correspond to the first holder opening 323 described with reference to FIGS. 7 to 9.
At least a portion of the third holder opening 423 may be disposed on one side of the second holder opening 333 in a direction in which the second fastening member F2 penetrates the second fastening holes 434 and 525. As an example, at least a portion of the second holder opening 333 may be disposed on one side of the second holder opening 333 in the second direction Y.
At least a portion of the third holder opening 423 may be disposed such that a position thereof in the first direction Z corresponds to that of the second holder opening 422. At least a portion of the third holder opening 423 may be disposed such that the position thereof in the first direction Z corresponds to those of the second fastening holes 434 and 525.
The third holder opening 423 may be disposed between the second holder opening 333 and the second fastening holes 434 and 525.
As such, as the second extension 330 includes the second holder opening 333 and the third extension 420 includes the third holder opening 423, in a process of fastening the second holder 400 and the third holder 500, the entry of the second fastening member F2 and the entry of the fastening tool (not shown) may not be obstructed by the second extension 330 and the third extension 420. Accordingly, the manufacturer of the heat exchanger 200 may efficiently perform the process of fastening the second holder 400 and the third holder 500.
With the configuration described above, the heat exchanger 200 may be stably fixed using only the plurality of holders 300, 400, 500 and the fastening members F1 and F2 for coupling the holders without additional parts, so that the number of parts needed to manufacture the product may be reduced and the manufacturing cost may be reduced.
In addition, the heat exchanger 200 may be efficiently fixed through the simple process of fastening the plurality of holders 300, 400, and 500 using the fastening members F1 and F2, thereby reducing the manufacturing time and manufacturing cost. In addition, when the plurality of holders 300, 400, and 500 is fastened to each other by the fastening members F1 and F2, the fastening is not easily released, so that it is expected that the durability of the parts may be improved.
Furthermore, because the heat exchanger 200 may be manufactured through such a simple manufacturing process, it may be easier to design a system to automate the process.
FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating a state before the heat exchanger included in the outdoor unit of the air conditioner is bent according to various embodiments. FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating a state after the heat exchanger included in the outdoor unit of the air conditioner is bent according to various embodiments.
Referring to FIGS. 15 and 16, the heat exchanger 200 included in the outdoor unit 10 of the air conditioner 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may be manufactured through a process of bending a heat exchanger extending in one direction.
Referring to FIG. 15, the first heat exchange unit 210 before being bent may be formed by disposing the plurality of first refrigerant tubes 211 to sequentially penetrate the first holder 300, the plurality of first heat exchange fins 212, and the end plate 800. The second heat exchange unit 220 before being bent may be formed by disposing the plurality of second refrigerant tubes 221 to sequentially penetrate the second holder 400, the plurality of second heat exchange fins 222, and the end plate 800. The third heat exchange unit 230 before being bent may be formed by disposing the plurality of third refrigerant tubes 231 to sequentially penetrate the third holder 500, the plurality of third heat exchange fins 232, and the end plate 800.
When the tube expansion process is performed by inserting the tube expansion device into one ends of the plurality of refrigerant tubes 211, 212, and 231 on the opposite sides of the return tube parts 211b, 221b, and 231b, the plurality of first refrigerant tubes 211 may be respectively coupled to the first holder 300, the plurality of first heat exchange fins 212, and the end plate 800, the plurality of second refrigerant tubes 221 may be respectively coupled to the second holder 400, the plurality of second heat exchange fins 222, and the end plate 800, and the plurality of third refrigerant tubes 231 may be respectively coupled to the third holder 500, the plurality of third heat exchange fins 232, and the end plate 800.
In this case, the first heat exchange unit 210, the second heat exchange unit 220, and the third heat exchange unit 230 may be provided to have different extension lengths. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 15, the first heat exchange unit 210 may be provided to be longer than the second heat exchange unit 220, and the second heat exchange unit 220 may be provided to be longer than the third heat exchange unit 230. Herein, between one end of the first heat exchange unit 210 in a direction in which the first holder 300 is provided and one end of the second heat exchange unit 220 in a direction in which the second holder 400 is provided, a step may be formed by a predetermined length s1. Also, between one end of the second heat exchange unit 220 in a direction in which the second holder 400 is provided and one end of the third heat exchange unit 230 in a direction in which the third holder 500 is provided, a step may be formed by a predetermined length s2.
By bending the heat exchanger 200 extended in one direction, the heat exchanger 200 bent may be formed as illustrated in FIG. 16. When the process of bending the heat exchanger 200 is completed, one end of the first heat exchange unit 210 in the direction in which the first holder 300 is provided, one end of the second heat exchange unit 220 in the direction in which the second holder 400 is provided, and one end of the third heat exchange unit 230 in the direction in which the third holder 500 is provided may be arranged in parallel with each other, and the steps s1 and s2 as illustrated in FIG. 15 may not be formed.
When the process of bending the heat exchanger 200 is completed, as described with reference to FIGS. 10 to 14, the process of fastening the first holder 300, the second holder 400, and the third holder 500 to each other using the fastening members F1 and F2 may be performed, and accordingly, the first heat exchange unit 210, the second heat exchange unit 220, and the third heat exchange unit 230 may be stably fixed to each other.
FIG. 17 is a perspective view illustrating the heat exchanger included in the outdoor unit of the air conditioner according to various embodiments. FIG. 18 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of the heat exchanger included in the outdoor unit of the air conditioner according to various embodiments.
In describing the heat exchanger included in the outdoor unit of the air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure with reference to FIGS. 17 and 18, the same reference numerals may be assigned to components that are the same as those illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 16 and descriptions thereof may not be repeated here.
Referring to FIGS. 17 and 18, the heat exchanger 200 included in the outdoor unit 10 of the air conditioner 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include the first heat exchange unit 210 and the second heat exchange unit 220, and may not include the third heat exchange unit 230.
The heat exchanger 200 may include the first holder 300 supporting one side of the first heat exchange unit 210. A configuration of the first holder 300 illustrated in FIGS. 17 and 18 corresponds to the configuration of the first holder 300 described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 16, and thus a detailed description thereof may not be repeated here.
The heat exchanger 200 may include the second holder 400 supporting one side of the second heat exchange unit 220. A configuration of the second holder 400 illustrated in FIGS. 17 and 18 corresponds to the configuration of the second holder 400 described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 16, and thus a detailed description thereof may not be repeated here.
The first holder 300 and the second holder 400 may be in contact with and coupled to each other. For example, the second extension 330 of the first holder 300 and the third extension 420 of the second holder 400 may be in contact with and coupled to each other.
As an example, the first holder 300 and the second holder 400 may be fastened to each other by the first fastening member F1 penetrating the second extension 330 and the third extension 420.
A structure for fastening the first holder 300 and the second holder 400 illustrated in FIGS. 17 and 18 corresponds to that described with reference to FIGS. 7 to 16, and thus a detailed description thereof may not be repeated here.
As such, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the two holders 300 and 400 may be coupled to each other, and the two heat exchange units 210 and 220 may be supported and stably fixed by the holders 300 and 400, respectively.
FIG. 19 is a perspective view illustrating the heat exchanger included in the outdoor unit of the air conditioner according to various embodiments. FIG. 20 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of the heat exchanger included in the outdoor unit of the air conditioner according to various embodiments.
In describing the heat exchanger included in the outdoor unit of the air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure with reference to FIGS. 19 and 20, the same reference numerals may be assigned to components that are the same as those illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 16 and descriptions thereof may not be repeated here.
Referring to FIGS. 19 and 20, the heat exchanger 200 included in the outdoor unit 10 of the air conditioner 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include the first heat exchange unit 210, the second heat exchange unit 220, the third heat exchange unit 230, and a fourth heat exchange unit 240.
Configurations of the first heat exchange unit 210, the second heat exchange unit 220, and the third heat exchange unit 230 illustrated in FIGS. 19 and 20 correspond to the configurations of the first heat exchange unit 210, the second heat exchange unit 220, and the third heat exchange unit 230 described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 16, and thus detailed descriptions thereof may not be repeated here.
The fourth heat exchange unit 240 may include a plurality of fourth refrigerant tubes 241. The plurality of fourth refrigerant tubes 241 may guide the flow of the refrigerant for heat exchange with outdoor air. A flow path through which the refrigerant flows may be provided inside each of the plurality of fourth refrigerant tubes 241. Each of the plurality of fourth refrigerant tubes 241 may be provided in the shape of a tube with a hollow inside so that the refrigerant, which is a fluid, may flow.
The plurality of fourth refrigerant tubes 241 may be arranged along a fourth column extending in the first direction Z. As an example, the first direction Z may be parallel to the vertical direction (upward and downward directions) of the outdoor unit 10, and the fourth column may be a vertical column of the outdoor unit 10.
Each of the plurality of fourth refrigerant tubes 241 may be formed as a refrigerant tube having a hairpin shape.
For example, each of the plurality of fourth refrigerant tubes 241 may include a fourth return tube part 241b provided on one side of each of the fourth refrigerant tubes 241. The fourth return tube part 241b may be formed to have a bent shape. The fourth return tube part 241b may be formed to have a substantially 'U' shape. As an example, the refrigerant flowing in one direction along a linear portion of each of the plurality of fourth refrigerant tubes 241 may return from the fourth return tube part 241b and flow in the opposite direction. The fourth return tube parts 241b may be provided at one end of the fourth heat exchange unit 240.
The plurality of first refrigerant tubes 211, the plurality of second refrigerant tubes 221, the plurality of third refrigerant tubes 231, and the plurality of fourth refrigerant tubes 241 may form one refrigerant tube by being connected to each other by connecting tubes 260 coupled to one ends of the refrigerant tubes.
The heat exchanger 200 may include a plurality of fourth heat exchange fins 242 coupled to the plurality of fourth refrigerant tubes 241. The plurality of fourth heat exchange fins 242 may be coupled to outer circumferential surfaces of the plurality of fourth refrigerant tubes 241. The plurality of fourth heat exchange fins 242 may be penetrated by the plurality of fourth refrigerant tubes 241. The plurality of fourth heat exchange fins 242 may be in contact with the plurality of fourth refrigerant tubes 241. Accordingly, the plurality of fourth heat exchange fins 242 may be provided to expand a heat transfer area between the plurality of fourth refrigerant tubes 241 and outdoor air.
Each of the plurality of fourth heat exchange fins 242 may extend in the first direction Z. For example, each of the plurality of fourth heat exchange fins 242 may have a long length in the first direction Z. The plurality of fourth heat exchange fins 242 may be arranged in the horizontal direction (on the X-Y plane).
As an example, the fourth heat exchange unit 240 may extend along the first direction Z, which is a direction in which the plurality of fourth refrigerant tubes 241 is arranged. Also, the fourth heat exchange unit 240 may extend along a direction in which the plurality of fourth heat exchange fins 242 is arranged. A width of the fourth refrigerant tube 241 of the fourth heat exchange unit 240 in a radial direction may be provided to be shorter than a length of the fourth heat exchange unit 240 in the first direction Z and a length in the direction in which the plurality of fourth heat exchange fins 242 of the fourth heat exchange unit 240 is arranged.
The first heat exchange unit 210, the second heat exchange unit 220, the third heat exchange unit 230, and the fourth heat exchange unit 240 may be arranged in a direction different from the first direction Z. As an example, the first heat exchange unit 210, the second heat exchange unit 220, the third heat exchange unit 230, and the fourth heat exchange unit 240 may be arranged in the horizontal direction (on the X-Y plane).
As an example, the second heat exchange unit 220 may be disposed between the first heat exchange unit 210 and the third heat exchange unit 230, and the third heat exchange unit 230 may be disposed between the third heat exchange unit 230 and the fourth heat exchange unit 240. As an example, the first heat exchange unit 210, the second heat exchange unit 220, the third heat exchange unit 230, and the fourth heat exchange unit 240 may be arranged along a width direction of each of the heat exchange unit 210, 220, 230, and 240.
The heat exchanger 200 may include the first holder 300 supporting one side of the first heat exchange unit 210. A configuration of the first holder 300 illustrated in FIGS. 19 and 20 corresponds to the configuration of the first holder 300 described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 16, and thus a detailed description thereof may not be repeated here.
The heat exchanger 200 may include the second holder 400 supporting one side of the second heat exchange unit 220. A configuration of the second holder 400 illustrated in FIGS. 19 and 20 corresponds to the configuration of the second holder 400 described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 16, and thus a detailed description thereof may not be repeated here.
The heat exchanger 200 may include the third holder 500 supporting one side of the third heat exchange unit 230. A configuration of the third holder 500 illustrated in FIGS. 19 and 20 corresponds to the configuration of the third holder 500 described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 16, and thus a detailed description thereof may not be repeated here.
The heat exchanger 200 may include a fourth holder 600. The fourth holder 600 may be provided to support one side of the fourth heat exchange unit 240. As an example, the fourth holder 600 may be provided to support one side of the first linear part 200A.
The fourth holder 600 may be provided to support the plurality of fourth refrigerant tubes 241. The fourth holder 600 may be provided to be in contact with one fourth heat exchange fin 242a disposed on one side among the plurality of fourth heat exchange fins 242. The fourth holder 600 may be disposed in parallel with the one fourth heat exchange fin 242a disposed on one side in the direction in which the plurality of fourth heat exchange fins 242 is arranged.
As an example, the fourth holder 600 may be coupled to the plurality of fourth refrigerant tubes 241. As an example, the fourth holder 600 may be penetrated by the plurality of fourth refrigerant tubes 241.
As an example, the fourth holder 600 may be provided to support one side of the fourth heat exchange unit 240 in which the fourth return tube parts 241b are provided.
The fourth holder 600 may extend in a direction parallel to the first direction Z. The fourth holder 600 may extend along the fourth column.
As an example, the fourth holder 600 may be provided to have the same structure as the first holder 300 described with reference to FIGS. 7 to 9.
The fourth holder 600 may include a fourth support plate 610. The fourth support plate 610 may be provided to support the plurality of fourth refrigerant tubes 241. The fourth support plate 610 may be coupled to the plurality of fourth refrigerant tubes 241. The fourth support plate 610 may be penetrated by the plurality of fourth refrigerant tubes 241. The fourth support plate 610 may be provided to be in contact with the one fourth heat exchange fin 242a disposed on one side among the plurality of second heat exchange fins 242. The fourth support plate 610 may be disposed in parallel with the one fourth heat exchange fin 242a disposed on one side in the direction in which the plurality of fourth heat exchange fins 242 is arranged.
As an example, the fourth support plate 610 may be formed to have a shape corresponding to the first support plate 310.
The fourth holder 600 may include a seventh extension 620. The seventh extension 620 may extend from the fourth support plate 610. The seventh extension 620 may extend from one side of the fourth support plate 610 in the second direction Y. For example, the seventh extension 620 may extend from one end adjacent to the third holder 500 among both ends of the fourth support plate 610 in the second direction Y. The seventh extension 620 may extend from the fourth support plate 610 in the third direction X.
As an example, the seventh extension 620 may be formed to have a shape corresponding to the second extension 330.
The fourth holder 600 may include an eighth extension 630. The eighth extension 630 may extend from the fourth support plate 610. The eighth extension 630 may extend from the other side of the fourth support plate 610 in the second direction Y, which is opposite to the seventh extension 620. For example, the eighth extension 630 may extend from the other side opposite to one end adjacent to the third holder 500 among both the ends of the fourth support plate 610 in the second direction Y. The eighth extension 630 may extend from the fourth support plate 610 in the third direction X.
As an example, the eighth extension 630 may be formed to have a shape corresponding to the first extension 320.
The eighth extension 630 may be disposed on one side of the seventh extension 620 in the second direction Y. For example, the eighth extension 630 may be disposed on one side of the seventh extension 620 opposite to a direction toward the third holder 500. The seventh extension 620 may be disposed between the eighth extension 630 and the third holder 500.
The fourth return tube parts 241b of the plurality of fourth refrigerant tubes 241 may be disposed between the seventh extension 620 and the eighth extension 630.
The fourth holder 600 may be disposed on one side of the third holder 500 in the second direction Y. The third holder 500 may be disposed between the second holder 400 and the fourth holder 600.
As an example, the fourth holder 600 among the first holder 300, the second holder 400, the third holder 500, and the fourth holder 600 may be disposed to be furthest from the first side frame 150. In other words, the fourth holder 600 among the first holder 300, the second holder 400, the third holder 500, and the fourth holder 600 may be disposed at the innermost side of the heat exchange chamber R1.
In the heat exchanger 200 according to an embodiment, the plurality of third refrigerant tubes 231 and the plurality of fourth refrigerant tubes 241 may be arranged such that positions thereof in the first direction Z are different from each other. For example, assuming that the N third refrigerant tubes 231 are arranged along the third column in the third heat exchange unit 230 and the N fourth refrigerant tubes 241 are arranged along the fourth column in the fourth heat exchange unit 240 (N is an integer of one or more), for any integer K between 1 and N, the fourth refrigerant tube 241 located at a Kth position from the fourth refrigerant tube 241 disposed at the top in the fourth column may be located on an upper side (+Z direction) further by a predetermined length in the first direction Z than the third refrigerant tube 231 located at the Kth position from the third refrigerant tube 231 disposed at the top in the third column. As an example, in positions in the first direction Z, the fourth refrigerant tube 241 located at the Kth position from the fourth refrigerant tube 241 disposed at the top in the fourth column may be provided to substantially correspond to the second refrigerant tube 221 located at the Kth position from the second refrigerant tube 221 disposed at the top in the second column.
In this case, the fourth holder 600 may be disposed to be higher than the third holder 500 by a predetermined length in the first direction Z. An upper end of the fourth holder 600 in the first direction Z may be positioned above the upper end of the third holder 500 in the first direction Z. A lower end of the fourth holder 600 in the first direction Z may be positioned above the lower end of the third holder 500 in the first direction Z.
As an example, the second holder 400 and the fourth holder 600 may be disposed such that the positions thereof in the first direction Z correspond to each other.
As an example, as in the case of the third holder 500, the fourth holder 600 may be installed in the fourth heat exchange unit 240 in a position reversed in the first direction Z from the positions where the first holder 300 and the second holder 400 are installed in the first heat exchange unit 210 and the second heat exchange unit 220, respectively. That is, the fourth holder 600 may be installed in the fourth heat exchange unit 240 in the position corresponding to the first holder 300 or the second holder 400 being rotated 180 degrees about the third direction X axis.
One side (-Y direction side based on the drawing) of the return tube parts 211b, 221b, and 231b of the plurality of refrigerant tubes 211, 221, and 231 in the second direction Y may be covered by the first extension 320, and the other sides (+Y direction side based on the drawing) may be covered by the eighth extension 630.
The first holder 300 and the second holder 400 may be in contact with and coupled to each other. For example, the second extension 330 of the first holder 300 and the third extension 420 of the second holder 400 may be in contact with and coupled to each other.
As an example, the first holder 300 and the second holder 400 may be fastened to each other by the first fastening member F1 penetrating the second extension 330 and the third extension 420.
A structure for fastening the first holder 300 and the second holder 400 illustrated in FIGS. 19 and 20 corresponds to that described with reference to FIGS. 7 to 16, and thus a detailed description thereof may not be repeated here.
The second holder 400 and the third holder 500 may be in contact with and coupled to each other. For example, the fourth extension 430 of the second holder 400 and the fifth extension 520 of the third holder 500 may be in contact with and coupled to each other.
As an example, the second holder 400 and the third holder 500 may be fastened to each other by the second fastening member F2 penetrating the fourth extension 430 and the fifth extension 520.
A structure for fastening the second holder 400 and the third holder 500 illustrated in FIGS. 19 and 20 corresponds to that described with reference to FIGS. 7 to 16, and thus a detailed description thereof may not be repeated here.
The sixth extension 530 of the third holder 500 and the seventh extension 620 of the fourth holder 600 may be in contact with each other. As the sixth extension 530 and the seventh extension 620 are coupled in a state of being in contact with each other, the third holder 500 and the fourth holder 600 may be coupled to each other.
As an example, the sixth extension 530 and the seventh extension 620 may be in contact with each other in the second direction Y. That is, a normal direction of surfaces where the sixth extension 530 and the seventh extension 620 are in contact with each other may be parallel to the second direction Y.
As an example, the sixth extension 530 and the seventh extension 620 may be provided to be fastened by a third fastening member F3. The third fastening member F3 may fasten the sixth extension 530 and the seventh extension 620 by penetrating the sixth extension 530 and the seventh extension 620.
As an example, the third fastening member F3 may include a screw.
The sixth extension 530 and the seventh extension 620 may be disposed to be in contact with each other in a direction in which the third fastening member F3 penetrates the sixth extension 530 and the seventh extension 620. As an example, the third fastening member F3 may be provided to penetrate the sixth extension 530 and the seventh extension 620 in the second direction Y, and the sixth extension 530 and the seventh extension 620 may be disposed to be in contact with each other in the second direction Y. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and when the direction in which the third fastening member F3 penetrates the sixth extension 530 and the seventh extension 620 is a direction of being inclined with respect to the second direction Y, the sixth extension 530 and the seventh extension 620 may be disposed to be in contact with each other in the direction of being inclined with respect to the second direction Y.
The sixth extension 530 may be referred to as the fifth coupling portion 530. The seventh extension 620 may be referred to as the sixth coupling portion 620.
The sixth extension 530 may include a third fastening hole 534 (see FIGS. 12 to 14). The third fastening hole 534 of the sixth extension 530 may have a configuration corresponding to the first passing hole 324 of the first holder 300 described with reference to FIGS. 7 to 9.
The sixth extension 530 may include a burring part 534a formed along a circumference of the third fastening hole 534. The burring part 534a formed on the circumference of the third fastening hole 534 of the sixth extension 530 may have a configuration corresponding to the burring part 324a formed on the circumference of the first passing hole 324 described with reference to FIGS. 7 to 9.
The seventh extension 620 may include a third fastening hole (not shown) formed at a position corresponding to the third fastening hole 534 of the sixth extension 530. The third fastening hole of the seventh extension 620 may have a configuration corresponding to the second passing hole 334 of the first holder 300 described with reference to FIGS. 7 to 9.
The third fastening member F3 may be provided to penetrate the third fastening hole of the seventh extension 620 and the third fastening hole 534 of the sixth extension 530. Referring to the examples of FIG. 20, the third fastening member F3 may be provided to move from the right (+Y direction side) to the left (-Y direction side) in the second direction Y and sequentially penetrate the third fastening hole of the seventh extension 620 and the third fastening hole 534 of the sixth extension 530.
The eighth extension 630 may include a fourth holder opening 633. The fourth holder opening 633 may be formed by penetrating the eighth extension 630.
As an example, the fourth holder opening 633 may be formed to have a shape through which the eighth extension 630 penetrates in a direction in which the third fastening member F3 penetrates the third fastening hole of the seventh extension 620 and the third fastening hole 534 of the sixth extension 530. As an example, the fourth holder opening 633 may be formed to have a shape through which the eighth extension 630 penetrates in the second direction Y.
As an example, the fourth holder opening 633 may be formed to correspond to the first holder opening 323 described with reference to FIGS. 7 to 9.
The third fastening hole of the seventh extension 620 may be disposed on one side of the fourth holder opening 633 in the direction in which the third fastening member F3 penetrates the third fastening hole of the seventh extension 620.
As an example, the third fastening member F3 may be provided to penetrate the third fastening hole of the seventh extension 620 in the second direction Y, and the third fastening hole of the seventh extension 620 may be disposed on one side of the fourth holder opening 633 in the second direction Y.
As an example, the third fastening hole of the seventh extension 620 may be disposed such that a position thereof in the first direction Z corresponds to at least a portion of the fourth holder opening 633.
The third fastening hole of the seventh extension 620 may be formed to have a smaller size than the fourth holder opening 633.
The third fastening hole 534 of the sixth extension 530 may be disposed on one side of the fourth holder opening 633 in the direction in which the third fastening member F3 penetrates the third fastening hole 534 of the sixth extension 530.
As an example, the third fastening member F3 may be provided to penetrate the first fastening hole 424 of the third extension 420 in the second direction Y, and the first fastening hole 424 of the third extension 420 may be disposed on one side of the fourth holder opening 633 in the second direction Y.
As an example, the third fastening hole 534 of the sixth extension 530 may be disposed such that a position thereof in the first direction Z corresponds to at least a portion of the fourth holder opening 633.
The third fastening hole 534 of the sixth extension 530 may be formed to have a smaller size than the fourth holder opening 633.
As the eighth extension 630 includes the fourth holder opening 633, in a process of fastening the third holder 500 and the fourth holder 600, the entry of the third fastening member F3 and the entry of the fastening tool (not shown) may not be obstructed by the eighth extension 630. Accordingly, the process of fastening the third holder 500 and the fourth holder 600 may be efficiently performed.
As such, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the four holders 300, 400, 500, and 600 may be coupled to each other, and the four heat exchange units 210, 220, 230, and 240 may be supported and stably fixed by the holders 300, 400, 500, and 600, respectively.
The configuration of the heat exchanger of the air conditioner according to the present disclosure may be applied to an indoor unit as well as an outdoor unit of an air conditioner.
An outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure may include: a plurality of first refrigerant tubes arranged along a first column extending in a first direction, a plurality of second refrigerant tubes arranged along a second column parallel to the first column, a first holder including a first support plate supporting the plurality of first refrigerant tubes, a first extension extending from one side of the first support plate, and a second extension extending from another side of the first support plate, and a second holder including a second support plate supporting the plurality of second refrigerant tubes, a third extension extending from one side of the second support plate, and a fourth extension extending from another side of the second support plate. The second extension may be disposed between the first extension and the second holder. The third extension may be disposed between the fourth extension and the first holder. The second extension and the third extension may be in contact with and coupled to each other.
The second extension may extend from one side of the first support plate in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction. The third extension may extend from one side of the second support plate in the second direction. A normal direction of surfaces where the second extension and the third extension are in contact with each other may be parallel to the second direction.
The second extension may include a fastening hole configured to allow the second extension portion to be fastened with the third extension portion by a fastener. The first extension may include a holder opening. The fastening hole may be disposed on one side of the holder opening in the direction in which the fastener is configured to penetrate the fastening hole.
The fastening hole may be disposed such that a position thereof in the first direction corresponds to at least a portion of the holder opening.
The first extension may include a first end connected to the first support plate and a second end opposite to the first end. The holder opening may extend in a direction toward the first end from the second end of the first extension.
The second extension may further include a first portion extending from the first support plate by a first length, and a second portion extending from the first support plate by a second length longer than the first length. At least a portion of the second portion of the second extension may be disposed such that a position thereof in the first direction corresponds to that of the holder opening. The fastening hole may be formed in the second portion of the second extension.
The first extension and the third extension may have shapes corresponding to each other. The second extension and the fourth extension may have shapes corresponding to each other.
The outdoor unit of the air conditioner may further include: a plurality of third refrigerant tubes arranged along a third column parallel to the first column and the second column, and a third holder configured to support the plurality of third refrigerant tubes. The second holder may be disposed between the first holder and the third holder.
The third holder may include a third support plate penetrated by the plurality of third refrigerant tubes, a fifth extension extending from one side of the third support plate, and a sixth extension extending from another side of the third support plate. The fifth extension may be disposed between the sixth extension and the second holder. The fourth extension and the fifth extension may be in contact with and coupled to each other.
The fourth extension may include a fastening hole configured to allow the fourth extension to be fastened with the fifth extension by a fastener. The second extension may include a holder opening. The fastening hole may be disposed on one side of the holder opening in a direction in which the fastener is configured to penetrate the fastening hole.
The second extension may include a first fastening hole configured to allow a second extension to be fastened with the third extension by a first fastener. The fourth extension may include a second fastening hole configured to allow the fourth extension to be fastened with the fifth extension by a second fastener. The first extension may include a first holder opening. The second extension may include a second holder opening. The first fastening hole may be disposed on one side of the first holder opening in a direction in which the first fastener is configured to penetrate the first fastening hole. The second holder opening may be disposed on one side of the first holder opening 323 in a direction in which the second fastener is configured to penetrate the second fastening hole. The second fastening hole may be disposed on one side of the second holder opening in the direction in which the second fastener is configured to penetrate the second fastening hole.
The second holder opening and the first fastening hole may be disposed in the first direction. The length at which the first holder opening extends in the first direction may be provided to be longer than the length at which the second holder opening extends in the first direction.
A portion of the first holder opening and the first fastening hole may be disposed such that positions thereof in the first direction correspond to each other. Another portion of the first holder opening, the second holder opening, and the second fastening hole may be disposed such that positions thereof in the first direction correspond to each other.
The third extension may include a third holder opening. At least a portion of the third holder opening may be disposed on one side of the second holder opening in the direction in which the second fastener is configured to penetrate the second fastening hole.
The first extension, the third extension, and the sixth extension may have shapes corresponding to each other. The second extension, the fourth extension, and the fifth extension may have shapes corresponding to each other.
An outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure may include: a plurality of first refrigerant tubes arranged along a first column extending in a first direction, a plurality of first heat exchange fins each extending in the first direction and penetrated by the plurality of first refrigerant tubes, a plurality of second refrigerant tubes arranged along a second column parallel to the first column, a plurality of second heat exchange fins each extending in the first direction and penetrated by the plurality of second refrigerant tubes, a first holder disposed in parallel with one first heat exchange fin disposed at one side in a direction in which the plurality of first heat exchange fins is arranged and supporting the plurality of first refrigerant tubes, and a second holder disposed in parallel with one second heat exchange fin disposed at one side in the direction in which the plurality of second heat exchange fins is arranged and supporting the plurality of second refrigerant tubes. The first holder may include a first support plate in contact with the one first heat exchange fin, a first extension extending from another end opposite to one end adjacent to the second holder among both ends of the first support plate in the second direction orthogonal to the first direction, and a second extension extending from the one end adjacent to the second holder among both the ends of the first support plate in the second direction. The second holder may include a second support plate in contact with the one second heat exchange fin, a third extension extending from one end adjacent to the first holder among both ends of the second support plate in the second direction, a fourth extension extending from another end opposite to the one end adjacent to the first holder among both the ends of the second support plate in the second direction. The second extension and the third extension may be fastened by a first fastener configured to penetrate the second extension and the third extension in the second direction.
The second extension may include a fastening hole configured to allow the second extension to be fastened with the third extension by the first fastener. The first extension may include a holder opening. The fastening hole may be disposed on one side of the holder opening in the direction in which the first fastener is configured to penetrate the fastening hole.
The outdoor unit of the air conditioner may further include: a plurality of third refrigerant tubes arranged along a third column parallel to the first column and the second column, a plurality of third heat exchange fins each extending in the first direction and penetrated by the plurality of third refrigerant tubes, and a third holder disposed in parallel with one third heat exchange fin disposed at one side in the direction in which the plurality of third heat exchange fins is arranged and configured to support the plurality of third refrigerant tubes. The third holder may include a third support plate in contact with the one third heat exchange fin, a fifth extension extending from one end adjacent to the second holder among both ends of the third support plate in the second direction, a sixth extension extending from the other end opposite to the one end adjacent to the second holder among both the ends of the third support plate in the second direction. The fourth extension and the fifth extension may be fastened by a second fastener configured to penetrate the fourth extension and the fifth extension in the second direction.
The second extension may include a first fastening hole configured to allow the second extension to be fastened with the third extension by the first fastener. The fourth extension may include a second fastening hole configured to allow the fourth extension to be fastened with the fifth extension by the second fastener. The first extension may include a first holder opening. The second extension may include a second holder opening. The first fastening hole may be disposed at one side of the first holder opening in the second direction. The second holder opening may be disposed on one side of the first holder opening in the second direction. The second fastening hole may be disposed at one side of the second holder opening in the second direction.
A heat exchanger according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure may include: a first heat exchange unit including a plurality of first refrigerant tubes arranged along a first column extending in a first direction and a plurality of first heat exchange fins in contact with the plurality of first refrigerant tubes, a second heat exchange unit including a plurality of second refrigerant tubes arranged along a second column parallel to the first column and a plurality of second heat exchange fins in contact with the plurality of second refrigerant tubes, a first holder supporting one side of the first heat exchange unit, and a second holder supporting one side of the second heat exchange unit. The first holder may include a first support plate penetrated by the first refrigerant tubes, and a first coupling portion extending from one end adjacent to the second holder among both ends of the first support plate in the second direction orthogonal to the first direction. The second holder may include a second support plate penetrated by the second refrigerant tubes, and a second coupling portion extending from one end adjacent to the first holder among both ends of the second support plate in the second direction to be in contact with the first coupling portion and coupled to the first coupling portion.
According to the present disclosure, a heat exchanger can be stably kept in a fixed position by a holder.
According to the present disclosure, the heat exchanger can be stably fixed using only a plurality of holders and fastening members for coupling the holders without additional parts, thereby reducing the number of parts and manufacturing cost.
According to the present disclosure, the heat exchanger can be efficiently fixed through a process of fastening the plurality of holders using the fastening members, thereby reducing the manufacturing time and manufacturing cost.
According to the present disclosure, the holders can be easily fastened through holder openings provided on some of extensions provided in the plurality of holders, thereby reducing the manufacturing time and manufacturing cost.
According to the present disclosure, the types of the plurality of holders used to fix the heat exchanger are unified, thereby reducing the manufacturing time and manufacturing cost.
Effects obtainable from the present disclosure are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description below.
While the disclosure has been illustrated and described with reference to various example embodiments, it will be understood that the various example embodiments are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. It will be further understood by those skilled in the art that the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various changes and modifications may be made without departing from the true spirit and full scope of the present disclosure, including the appended claims and their equivalents. It will also be understood that any of the embodiment(s) described herein may be used in conjunction with any other embodiment(s) described herein.

Claims

An outdoor unit of an air conditioner comprising:
a plurality of first refrigerant tubes arranged along a first column extending in a first direction;

a plurality of second refrigerant tubes arranged along a second column parallel to the first column;

a first holder comprising a first support plate supporting the plurality of first refrigerant tubes, a first extension extending from one side of the first support plate, and a second extension extending from another side of the first support plate; and

a second holder comprising a second support plate supporting the plurality of second refrigerant tubes, a third extension extending from one side of the second support plate, and a fourth extension extending from another side of the second support plate,

wherein the second extension is disposed between the first extension and the second holder,

the third extension is disposed between the fourth extension and the first holder, and

the second extension and the third extension are in contact with and coupled to each other.
The outdoor unit according to claim 1, wherein
the second extension extends from one side of the first support plate in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction,

the third extension extends from one side of the second support plate in the second direction, and

a normal direction of surfaces where the second extension and the third extension are in contact with each other is parallel to the second direction.
The outdoor unit according to claim 1, wherein
the second extension comprises a fastening hole configured to allow the second extension to be fastened with the third extension by a fastener,

the first extension comprises a holder opening, and

the fastening hole is disposed on one side of the holder opening in a direction in which the fastener is configured to penetrate the fastening hole.
The outdoor unit according to claim 3, wherein
the fastening hole is disposed such that a position of the fastening hole in the first direction corresponds to at least a portion of the holder opening.
The outdoor unit according to claim 3, wherein
the first extension comprises a first end connected to the first support plate and a second end opposite to the first end, and

the holder opening extends in a direction toward the first end from the second end of the first extension.
The outdoor unit according to claim 3, wherein
the second extension further comprises a first portion extending from the first support plate by a first length, and a second portion extending from the first support plate by a second length longer than the first length,

at least a portion of the second portion of the second extension is disposed such that a position of the second portion in the first direction corresponds to the holder opening, and

the fastening hole is formed in the second portion of the second extension.
The outdoor unit according to claim 1, wherein
the first extension and the third extension have shapes corresponding to each other, and

the second extension and the fourth extension have shapes corresponding to each other.
The outdoor unit according to claim 1, further comprising:
a plurality of third refrigerant tubes arranged along a third column parallel to the first column and the second column; and

a third holder configured to support the plurality of third refrigerant tubes,

wherein the second holder is disposed between the first holder and the third holder.
The outdoor unit according to claim 8, wherein
the third holder comprises:
a third support plate penetrated by the plurality of third refrigerant tubes;

a fifth extension extending from one side of the third support plate; and

a sixth extension extending from another side of the third support plate,

the fifth extension is disposed between the sixth extension and the second holder, and

the fourth extension and the fifth extension are in contact with and coupled to each other.
The outdoor unit according to claim 9, wherein
the fourth extension comprises a fastening hole configured to allow the fourth extension to be fastened with the fifth extension by a fastener,

the second extension comprises a holder opening, and

the fastening hole is disposed on one side of the holder opening in a direction in which the fastener is configured to penetrate the fastening hole.
The outdoor unit according to claim 9, wherein
the second extension comprises a first fastening hole configured to allow the second extension to be fastened with the third extension by a first fastener,

the fourth extension comprises a second fastening hole configured to allow the fourth extension to be fastened with the fifth extension by a second fastener,

the first extension comprises a first holder opening,

the second extension comprises a second holder opening,

the first fastening hole is disposed on one side of the first holder opening in a direction in which the first fastener is configured to penetrate the first fastening hole,

the second holder opening is disposed on one side of the first holder opening in a direction in which the second fastener is configured to penetrate the second fastening hole, and

the second fastening hole is disposed on one side of the second holder opening in the direction in which the second fastener is configured to penetrate the second fastening hole.
The outdoor unit according to claim 11, wherein
the second holder opening and the first fastening hole are disposed in the first direction, and

a length at which the first holder opening extends in the first direction is longer than a length at which the second holder opening extends in the first direction.
The outdoor unit according to claim 11, wherein
a portion of the first holder opening and the first fastening hole are disposed such that positions of the portion of the first holder opening and the first fastening hole in the first direction correspond to each other, and

another portion of the first holder opening, the second holder opening, and the second fastening hole are disposed such that positions of the another portion of the first holder opening, the second holder opening and the second fastening hole in the first direction correspond to each other.
The outdoor unit according to claim 11, wherein
the third extension comprises a third holder opening, and

at least a portion of the third holder opening is disposed on one side of the second holder opening in a direction in which the second fastener is configured to penetrate the second fastening hole.
The outdoor unit according to claim 9, wherein
the first extension, the third extension, and the sixth extension have shapes corresponding to each other, and

the second extension, the fourth extension, and the fifth extension have shapes corresponding to each other.