WO2025239511A1 - Outdoor unit of air conditioner - Google Patents

Abstract

Provided is an outdoor unit of an air conditioner, the outdoor unit having an improved structure. The outdoor unit of an air conditioner comprises: a housing including a base; a heat exchange part provided in the housing and including an exposed part at least partially protruding to the outside of the base and the housing; and a guard member coupled to the housing to cover the heat exchange part, wherein the guard member is provided to cover the exposed part and is arranged spaced from the exposed part to make is possible to expand the flow path area of the heat exchange part.

Description

Outdoor unit of air conditioner

The present disclosure relates to an outdoor unit of an air conditioner.

In general, an air conditioner is a device that uses a refrigeration cycle to regulate temperature, humidity, airflow, and air distribution suitable for human activity. The main components of the refrigeration cycle include a compressor, condenser, evaporator, and blower fan.

Air conditioners can be divided into separate air conditioners in which the indoor and outdoor units are installed separately, and integrated air conditioners in which the indoor and outdoor units are installed together in one cabinet.

The condenser and evaporator are designed as heat exchangers capable of exchanging heat between refrigerant and air to provide harmonized air. The heat exchanger comprises a plurality of refrigerant tubes spaced apart from each other and heat exchange fins joined to the plurality of refrigerant tubes to increase the heat transfer surface area with the air.

To increase the heat transfer area with air in the heat exchanger, multiple tubes can be arranged in multiple rows parallel to each other.

One aspect of the present disclosure provides an outdoor unit of an air conditioner having an improved structure.

One aspect of the present disclosure provides an outdoor unit of an air conditioner having an improved structure capable of effectively protecting a heat exchanger.

One aspect of the present disclosure provides an outdoor unit of an air conditioner having an improved structure capable of preventing damage to heat exchange fins of the heat exchanger.

One aspect of the present disclosure provides an outdoor unit of an air conditioner having an improved structure to prevent frosting from forming on a heat exchanger.

The technical problems to be achieved in this document are not limited to the technical problems mentioned above, and other technical problems not mentioned can be clearly understood by a person having ordinary skill in the technical field to which the present invention belongs from the description below.

An outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to the invention comprises: a housing including a base; a heat exchanger provided in the housing, the heat exchanger including an exposed portion at least partially protruding outward from the base and the housing; and a guard member coupled to the housing to cover the heat exchanger, wherein the guard member is provided to cover the exposed portion and is disposed to be spaced apart from the exposed portion so as to enable an enlarged flow path area of the heat exchanger.

An outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to the invention comprises: a housing having a base; a first heat exchanger supported by the base; a second heat exchanger disposed outside the housing relative to the first heat exchanger and including an exposed portion at least partially protruding toward the base and the outside of the housing; and a guard member coupled to the housing to cover the exposed portion and disposed spaced apart from the exposed portion so as to be capable of expanding a flow path area of the second heat exchanger.

According to the invention, a heat exchanger can be effectively protected.

According to the invention, it is possible to prevent damage to the heat exchange fins of a heat exchanger.

According to the invention, frosting can be prevented from occurring in a heat exchanger.

According to the invention, it is possible to protect the protruding portion of a heat exchanger from being pressed and to improve the appearance quality.

According to the idea of the present disclosure, problems of condensate drop and heat exchanger quality can be solved.

According to the idea of the present disclosure, a guard member is used to prevent the temperature sensor installed on the outside of the outdoor unit from coming into contact with the heat exchanger, thereby preventing the temperature sensor from entering the outdoor unit.

According to the invention, the cross-section of a protruding heat exchanger can be covered to improve consumer protection and appearance quality.

According to the idea of the present disclosure, by installing a temperature sensor in a guard member, the shielded portion of the heat exchanger can be minimized, thereby securing the flow path area.

According to the idea of the present disclosure, the problem of moisture infiltration into the electrical part can be solved by sealing the space between the housing and the electric part, and the problem of rodents entering can be solved.

The effects that can be obtained from the present disclosure are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other effects that are not mentioned will be clearly understood by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure pertains.

FIG. 1 is a drawing illustrating an air conditioner according to one embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a drawing showing the outdoor unit of an air conditioner from the front according to one embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a drawing showing the outdoor unit of an air conditioner from the rear according to one embodiment.

Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view showing an outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to one embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a drawing showing some components, such as a heat exchanger and a base, included in the outdoor unit of the air conditioner shown in FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional drawing showing a portion of an outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to one embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a drawing showing an outdoor unit of an air conditioner equipped with a guard member according to one embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a partially exploded perspective view showing an outdoor unit of an air conditioner equipped with a guard member according to one embodiment.

Figure 9 is a perspective view showing the guard member illustrated in Figure 8.

Fig. 10 is a perspective view showing the inner surface of the guard member illustrated in Fig. 8.

Fig. 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A' of Fig. 9, showing a holder provided on a guard member.

Fig. 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B' of Fig. 7, showing the upper part of a guard member covering a heat exchanger.

Fig. 13 is a cross-sectional view taken along line C-C' of Fig. 7, showing the lower part of a guard member covering a heat exchanger.

Fig. 14 is a drawing showing a first prevention part of a guard member according to one embodiment.

Fig. 15 is a drawing showing a second prevention part of a guard member according to one embodiment.

It should be understood that the various embodiments and terms used in this document are not intended to limit the technical features described in this document to specific embodiments, but rather to include various modifications, equivalents, or substitutes of the embodiments.

In connection with the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components.

The singular form of a noun corresponding to an item may include one or more of said items, unless the relevant context clearly indicates otherwise.

In this document, each of the phrases "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 that phrase, or all possible combinations thereof.

The term "and/or" includes any combination of a plurality of related described elements or any one of a plurality of related described elements.

Terms such as "first," "second," or "first" or "second" may be used merely to distinguish one component from another and do not qualify the components in any other respect (e.g., importance or order).

When a component (e.g., a first component) is referred to as being “coupled” or “connected” to another component (e.g., a second component), with or without the terms “functionally” or “communicatively,” it means that the component can be connected to the other component directly (e.g., wired), wirelessly, or through a third component.

The terms "include" or "have" are intended to specify the presence of a feature, number, step, operation, component, part or combination thereof described in this document, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts or combinations thereof.

When a component is said to be “connected,” “coupled,” “supported,” or “in contact with” another component, this includes not only cases where the components are directly connected, coupled, supported, or in contact, but also cases where the components are indirectly connected, coupled, supported, or in contact through a third component.

When we say that a component is "on" another component, this includes not only cases where the component is in contact with the other component, but also cases where there is another component between the two components.

An air conditioner according to various embodiments is a device that performs functions such as air purification, ventilation, humidity control, cooling or heating in an air-conditioned space (hereinafter referred to as “indoor”), and means a device equipped with at least one of these functions.

In one 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 along a compressor, a first heat exchanger, an expansion device, and a second heat exchanger. All components of the heat pump device may be housed in a single housing forming the exterior of the air conditioner, such as a window air conditioner or a portable air conditioner. On the other hand, some components of the heat pump device may be housed separately in multiple housings forming a single air conditioner, such as a wall-mounted air conditioner, a stand-alone air conditioner, and a system air conditioner.

An air conditioner including a plurality of housings may include at least one outdoor unit installed outdoors and at least one indoor unit installed indoors. For example, the air conditioner may be configured such that one outdoor unit and one indoor unit are connected via a refrigerant pipe. For example, the air conditioner may be configured such that one outdoor unit is connected to two or more indoor units via refrigerant pipes. For example, the air conditioner may be configured such that two or more outdoor units and two or more indoor units are connected via a plurality of refrigerant pipes.

The outdoor unit can be electrically connected to the indoor unit. For example, information (or commands) for controlling the air conditioner can be input through an input interface provided on the outdoor or indoor unit, and the outdoor and indoor units can operate 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.

An outdoor heat exchanger can utilize a phase change (e.g., evaporation or condensation) of the refrigerant to exchange heat between the refrigerant and the outdoor air. For example, while the refrigerant condenses in the outdoor heat exchanger, it releases heat to the outdoor air, and while the refrigerant flowing in the outdoor heat exchanger evaporates, it absorbs heat from the outdoor air.

Indoor units are installed indoors. For example, indoor units can be categorized into ceiling-mounted, stand-alone, and wall-mounted types depending on their placement. For example, ceiling-mounted indoor units can be categorized into four-way, one-way, and duct-type types depending on how air is discharged.

Similarly, an indoor heat exchanger can utilize the phase change of the refrigerant (e.g., evaporation or condensation) to exchange heat between the refrigerant and indoor air. For example, while the refrigerant evaporates in the indoor unit, the refrigerant can absorb heat from the indoor air. The cooled indoor air can then be blown through the cooled indoor heat exchanger, thereby cooling the room. Furthermore, while the refrigerant condenses in the indoor heat exchanger, the refrigerant can release heat to the indoor air. By blowing the heated indoor air through the high-temperature indoor heat exchanger, the room can be heated.

That is, the air conditioner performs a cooling or heating function through a phase change process of a refrigerant circulating between an outdoor heat exchanger and an indoor heat exchanger. For this circulation of the refrigerant, the air conditioner may include a compressor that compresses the refrigerant. The compressor can suck in refrigerant gas through a suction portion and compress the refrigerant gas. The compressor can discharge high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant gas through a discharge portion. The compressor may be placed inside the outdoor unit.

The refrigerant may circulate through the refrigerant pipes in the order of a compressor, an outdoor heat exchanger, an expansion device, and an indoor heat exchanger, or in the order of a compressor, an indoor heat exchanger, an expansion device, and an outdoor heat exchanger.

For example, if an air conditioner has one outdoor unit and one indoor unit directly connected through a refrigerant pipe, the refrigerant can be arranged to circulate between one outdoor unit and one indoor unit through the refrigerant pipe.

For example, in an air conditioner, if one outdoor unit is connected to two or more indoor units through refrigerant pipes, the refrigerant can flow to multiple indoor units through refrigerant pipes branching from the outdoor unit. The refrigerants discharged from the multiple indoor units can be combined and circulated to the outdoor unit. For example, multiple indoor units can be directly connected to one outdoor unit in parallel through separate refrigerant pipes.

Multiple indoor units can be operated independently according to the operating mode set by the user. That is, some of the multiple indoor units can be operated in cooling mode, while others can be operated in heating mode. At this time, the refrigerant can be selectively introduced into each indoor unit at a high or low pressure along a designated circulation path through a flow switching valve described later, and discharged to be circulated to the outdoor unit.

For example, when an air conditioner has two or more outdoor units and two or more indoor units connected through multiple refrigerant pipes, the refrigerant discharged from the multiple outdoor units may join and flow through a single refrigerant pipe, then branch off at some point and flow into multiple indoor units.

Multiple outdoor units may be operated, or at least some may not be operated, depending on the operating load of the multiple indoor units. In this case, the refrigerant may be introduced into the outdoor units that are selectively operated through a flow switching valve and circulated therein.

The air conditioner may include an expansion device to reduce the pressure of the refrigerant flowing into the heat exchanger. For example, the expansion device may be located within the indoor unit, the outdoor unit, or both.

An expansion device can, for example, utilize a throttling effect to lower the temperature and pressure of the refrigerant. The expansion device may include an orifice capable of reducing the cross-sectional area of the flow path. Refrigerant passing through the orifice may experience a decrease in temperature and pressure.

The expansion device may be implemented as, for example, an electronic expansion valve capable of controlling the opening ratio (the ratio of the cross-sectional area of the valve's flow path when partially open to the cross-sectional area of the valve's flow path when fully open). Depending on the opening ratio of the electronic expansion valve, the amount of refrigerant passing through the expansion device can be controlled.

The air conditioner may further include a flow diverter valve disposed on the refrigerant circulation path. The flow diverter valve may include, for example, a 4-way valve. The flow diverter valve may determine the circulation path of the refrigerant depending on the operating mode of the indoor unit (e.g., cooling operation or heating operation). The flow diverter valve may be connected to the discharge port of the compressor.

The air conditioner may include an accumulator. The accumulator may be connected to the suction port of the compressor. The accumulator may receive low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant vaporized in an indoor heat exchanger or an outdoor heat exchanger.

The accumulator can separate the refrigerant liquid from the refrigerant gas when a refrigerant mixture of refrigerant liquid and refrigerant gas is introduced, and provide the refrigerant gas from which the refrigerant liquid has been separated to the compressor.

An outdoor fan may be installed near 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. For example, the sensor of the outdoor unit may be provided as an environmental sensor. The outdoor unit sensor may be located at any location inside or outside the outdoor unit. For example, the outdoor unit sensor may include a temperature sensor for detecting the air temperature around the outdoor unit, a humidity sensor for detecting the air humidity around the outdoor unit, a refrigerant temperature sensor for detecting the refrigerant temperature of the refrigerant pipe passing through the outdoor unit, or a refrigerant pressure sensor for detecting the refrigerant pressure of the refrigerant pipe passing through the outdoor unit.

An outdoor unit of an air conditioner may include an outdoor unit communication unit. The outdoor unit communication unit may be configured to receive a control signal from a control unit of an indoor unit of the air conditioner, which will be described later. The outdoor unit may control the operation of a compressor, an outdoor heat exchanger, an expansion device, a flow switching valve, an accumulator, or an outdoor fan based on the control signal received through the outdoor unit communication unit. The outdoor unit may transmit a sensing value detected by an outdoor unit sensor to the control unit of the indoor unit through the outdoor unit communication unit.

The indoor unit of the air conditioner may include a housing, a blower for circulating air into or out of the housing, and an indoor heat exchanger for exchanging heat with air flowing into the interior of the housing.

The housing may include an intake port through which indoor air may be drawn into the interior of the housing.

The indoor unit of the air conditioner may include a filter that is provided to filter foreign substances in the air that flows into the housing through the intake port.

The housing may include an exhaust port. Air flowing inside the housing may be discharged to the outside of the housing through the exhaust port.

The housing of the indoor unit may be provided with an airflow guide that guides the direction of air discharged through the exhaust port. For example, the airflow guide may include blades positioned on the exhaust port. For example, the airflow guide may include an auxiliary fan for controlling the exhaust airflow. However, the airflow guide is not limited thereto and may be omitted.

An indoor heat exchanger and a blower may be provided inside the housing of the indoor unit, which are arranged on a path connecting the intake and exhaust ports.

Blowers may include indoor fans and fan motors. For example, indoor fans may include axial fans, diffusion fans, crossflow fans, and centrifugal fans.

The indoor heat exchanger may be positioned between the blower and the exhaust, or between the intake and the blower. The indoor heat exchanger may absorb heat from air introduced through the intake, or transfer heat to the air introduced through the intake. The indoor heat exchanger may include heat exchange tubes through which refrigerant flows, and heat exchange fins in contact with the heat exchange tubes to increase the heat transfer surface area.

The indoor unit of the air conditioner may include a drain tray positioned 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. The input interface may include any type of user input means, including buttons, switches, a touch screen, and/or a touch pad. The user can directly input setting data (e.g., desired indoor temperature, operating mode settings for cooling/heating/dehumidification/air purification, outlet selection settings, and/or air flow settings) through the input interface.

The input interface may also 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 an indoor space (e.g., a portion of a wall). A user may input setting data regarding the operation of the air conditioner by operating the wired remote controller. An electrical signal corresponding to the setting data acquired through the wired remote controller may be transmitted to the input interface. In addition, the input interface may include an infrared sensor. A user may remotely input setting data regarding the operation 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.

In addition, the input interface may include a microphone. A user's voice command may be acquired through the microphone. The microphone may convert the user's voice command into an electrical signal and transmit the converted electrical signal to an indoor unit control unit. The indoor unit control unit may control components of the air conditioner to execute a function corresponding to the user's voice command. Setting data acquired through the input interface (e.g., desired indoor temperature, operation mode setting of cooling/heating/dehumidification/air purification, outlet selection setting, and/or wind speed setting) may be transmitted to the indoor unit control unit described below. In one example, the setting data acquired through the input interface may be transmitted to the outside, i.e., to an outdoor unit or a server, through an indoor unit communication unit described below.

The indoor unit of the air conditioner may include a power module. The power module may be connected to an external power source to supply power to the components of the indoor unit.

An indoor unit of an 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. For 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. For example, the indoor unit sensor may include a refrigerant temperature sensor for detecting a refrigerant temperature of a refrigerant pipe passing through the indoor unit. For example, the indoor unit sensor may include respective refrigerant temperature sensors for detecting an inlet, an intermediate, and/or an outlet temperature of a refrigerant pipe passing through an indoor heat exchanger.

For example, each environmental information detected by an indoor unit sensor can be transmitted to the indoor unit control unit described later or transmitted externally through the indoor unit communication unit described later.

The indoor unit of the air conditioner may include an indoor unit communication unit. The indoor unit communication unit may include at least one of a short-range communication module and a long-range communication module. The indoor unit communication unit may include at least one antenna for wirelessly communicating with another device. The outdoor unit may include an outdoor unit communication unit. The outdoor unit communication unit may also include at least one of a short-range communication module and a long-range communication module.

The short-range wireless communication module may include, but is not limited to, a Bluetooth communication module, a BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) communication module, a near field communication module, a WLAN (Wi-Fi) communication module, a Zigbee communication module, an infrared (IrDA, infrared Data Association) communication module, a WFD (Wi-Fi Direct) communication module, an UWB (ultrawideband) communication module, an Ant+ communication module, a microwave (uWave) communication module, etc.

The long-distance communication module may include a communication module that performs various types of long-distance communication and may include a mobile communication unit. The mobile communication unit transmits and receives a wireless signal with at least one of a base station, an external terminal, and a server on a mobile communication network.

The indoor unit communication unit can communicate with external devices such as servers, mobile devices, and other home appliances through a nearby access point (AP). The access point (AP) can connect a local area network (LAN) to which the air conditioner or user device is connected to a wide area network (WAN) to which the server is connected. The air conditioner or user device can be connected to the server through the wide area network (WAN). The indoor unit of the air conditioner may include an indoor unit control unit that controls components of the indoor unit, including a blower, etc. The outdoor unit of the air conditioner may include an outdoor unit control unit that controls components of the outdoor unit, including a compressor, etc. The indoor unit control unit can communicate with the outdoor unit control unit through the indoor unit communication unit and the outdoor unit communication unit. The outdoor unit communication unit can transmit control signals generated by the outdoor unit control unit to the indoor unit communication unit, or transmit control signals transmitted from the indoor unit communication unit to the outdoor unit control unit. In other words, the outdoor unit and the indoor unit can communicate bidirectionally. The outdoor unit and the indoor unit can transmit and receive various signals generated during the operation of the air conditioner.

The outdoor unit control unit can be electrically connected to components of the outdoor unit and can control the operation of each component. For example, the outdoor unit control unit can adjust the frequency of the compressor and control the flow switching valve to change the circulation direction of the refrigerant. The outdoor unit control unit can adjust the rotation speed of the outdoor fan. In addition, the outdoor unit control unit can generate a control signal for adjusting the opening degree of the expansion valve. Under the control of the outdoor unit control unit, the refrigerant can be circulated along a refrigerant circulation circuit including the compressor, the flow switching valve, the outdoor heat exchanger, the expansion valve, and the indoor heat exchanger.

The various temperature sensors included in the outdoor unit and the indoor unit can transmit electrical signals corresponding to the detected temperatures to the outdoor unit control unit and/or the indoor unit control unit, respectively. For example, the humidity sensors included in the outdoor unit and the indoor unit can transmit electrical signals corresponding to the detected humidity to the outdoor unit control unit and/or the indoor unit control unit, respectively.

The indoor unit control unit can obtain user input from a user device, including a mobile device, through the indoor unit communication unit, and can obtain user input directly through an input interface or through a remote controller. The indoor unit control unit can control components of the indoor unit, including a blower, in response to the received user input. The indoor unit control unit can transmit information about the received user input to the outdoor unit control unit of the outdoor unit.

The outdoor unit control unit can control components of the outdoor unit, including a compressor, based on information about user input received from the indoor unit. For example, when a control signal corresponding to a user input for selecting an operation mode, such as cooling operation, heating operation, ventilation operation, defrosting operation, or dehumidifying operation, is received from the indoor unit, the outdoor unit control unit can control components of the outdoor unit so that an operation of the air conditioner corresponding to the selected operation mode is performed.

The outdoor unit control unit and the indoor unit control unit may each include a processor and a memory. The indoor unit control unit may include at least one first processor and at least one first memory, and the outdoor unit control unit may include at least one second processor and at least one second memory.

The memory can store/remember various information necessary for the operation of the air conditioner. The memory can store instructions, applications, data, and/or programs necessary for the operation of the air conditioner. For example, the memory can store various programs for cooling operation, heating operation, dehumidification operation, and/or defrosting operation of the air conditioner. The memory can include volatile memory such as Static Random Access Memory (S-RAM) and Dynamic Random Access Memory (D-RAM) for temporarily storing data. In addition, the memory can include non-volatile memory such as Read Only Memory (ROM), Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory (EPROM), and Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory (EEPROM) for storing data for a long period of time.

The processor can generate control signals for controlling the operation of the air conditioner based on instructions, applications, data, and/or programs stored in the memory. The processor, as hardware, can include logic circuits and arithmetic circuits. The processor can process data according to the program and/or instructions provided from the memory, and generate control signals based on the processing results. The memory and the processor can be implemented as a single control circuit or as multiple circuits.

An indoor unit of an air conditioner may include an output interface. The output interface is electrically connected to an indoor unit control unit and can output information related to the operation of the air conditioner under the control of the indoor unit control unit. For example, information such as an operating mode selected by a user input, wind direction, wind volume, and temperature can be output. In addition, the output interface can output sensing information obtained from an indoor unit sensor or an outdoor unit sensor, and warning/error messages.

The output interface may include a display and a speaker. The speaker, as an audio device, may output various sounds. The display may display information input by a user or information provided to the user using various graphic elements. For example, operation information of an air conditioner may be displayed as at least one of an image and text. In addition, the display may include an indicator that provides specific information. The display may include an LCD panel (Liquid Crystal Display Panel), an LED panel (Light 113-23 2024-03-12 Emitting Diode Panel), an OLED panel (Organic Light Emitting Diode Panel), a micro LED panel, and/or a plurality of LEDs.

Hereinafter, embodiments according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

The terms “upper”, “lower”, “front”, “rear”, etc. used in the following description are defined based on the drawings, and the shape and position of each component are not limited by these terms. For example, referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the direction in which the front frame (110) and the outlet cover (120) of the outdoor unit (10) of the air conditioner (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure are respectively directed may be defined as forward (+X direction), and the opposite direction may be defined as rear (-X direction). In addition, the vertical direction in which the top cover (170) of the outdoor unit (10) of the air conditioner (1) is directed may be defined as upward (+Z direction), and the opposite direction may be defined as downward (-Z direction). In addition, the direction in which the first side frame (130) of the outdoor unit (10) of the air conditioner (1) is located may be defined as leftward (-Y direction), and the opposite direction may be defined as rightward (+Y direction).

FIG. 1 is a drawing illustrating an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 1, an air conditioner (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include an indoor unit (20) placed in an indoor space and an outdoor unit (10) placed in an outdoor space.

An air conditioner (1) can absorb heat from indoors through an indoor unit (20) and release heat to the outdoors through an outdoor unit (10) for cooling an air-conditioned space, i.e., an indoor space, which is the target of air conditioning. In addition, the air conditioner (1) can absorb heat from outdoors through an outdoor unit (10) and release heat to the outdoors through an indoor unit (20) for heating the indoor space.

The outdoor unit (10) may be configured to exchange heat with outdoor air. The outdoor unit (10) may perform heat exchange between the refrigerant and the outdoor air by utilizing a phase change of the refrigerant (e.g., evaporation or condensation). The outdoor unit (10) may release heat from the refrigerant to the outdoor air by utilizing condensation of the refrigerant. Alternatively, the outdoor unit (10) may absorb heat from the outdoor air into the refrigerant by utilizing evaporation of the refrigerant.

The outdoor unit (10) may include an outdoor heat exchanger (200, see FIG. 4) that is provided to exchange heat between outdoor air and refrigerant, and a compressor (12, see FIG. 4) that compresses refrigerant gas.

A detailed description of the configuration of the outdoor unit (10) will be described later.

The indoor unit (20) may be configured to exchange heat with indoor air. The indoor unit (20) may perform heat exchange between the refrigerant and indoor air by utilizing a phase change (e.g., evaporation or condensation) of the refrigerant. For example, the indoor unit (20) may cool the indoor space by absorbing heat from the indoor air into the refrigerant through evaporation. Alternatively, the indoor unit (20) may heat the indoor space by releasing heat from the refrigerant into the indoor air through condensation of the refrigerant.

Although not shown, the indoor unit (20) may include an indoor heat exchanger that exchanges heat with indoor air, an indoor blower fan that sucks and blows indoor air to allow the indoor air to pass through the indoor heat exchanger, and an expansion valve unit that decompresses and expands the refrigerant.

The air conditioner (1) may include a connecting pipe (30) connecting the indoor unit (20) and the outdoor unit (10). The connecting pipe (30) may be provided so that the refrigerant flowing between the indoor unit (20) and the outdoor unit (10) flows along it.

Although FIG. 1 illustrates an example in which one outdoor unit (10) and one indoor unit (20) are connected by a connecting pipe (30), the present invention is not limited thereto, and one outdoor unit (10) and two or more indoor units (20) may be connected by a connecting pipe (30), or two or more outdoor units (10) and one indoor unit (20) may be connected by a connecting pipe (30), or two or more outdoor units (10) and two or more indoor units (20) may be connected by a connecting pipe (30).

The air conditioner (1) described above is merely an example of an air conditioner to which the outdoor unit of the air conditioner according to the concept of the present disclosure can be applied, and the concept of the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The configuration of the air conditioner to which the outdoor unit of the air conditioner according to the concept of the present disclosure can be applied, and the indoor unit included therein, etc., can be provided in various ways.

FIG. 2 is a front view of an outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to one embodiment, FIG. 3 is a rear view of an outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to one embodiment, FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of an exploded view of an outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to one embodiment, FIG. 5 is a view illustrating some components, such as a heat exchanger and a base, included in the outdoor unit of the air conditioner illustrated in FIG. 4, and FIG. 6 is a cutaway view of a portion of an outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to one embodiment.

Referring to FIGS. 2 to 6, an outdoor unit (10) of an air conditioner (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include an outdoor heat exchanger (200) for exchanging heat with outdoor air, a compressor (12) for compressing refrigerant, an outdoor fan (13) for sucking and blowing outdoor air so that the outdoor air passes through the outdoor heat exchanger (200), and a housing (100) forming the exterior of the outdoor unit (10).

The housing (100) can form the exterior of the outdoor unit (10). Various components of the outdoor unit (10), such as the outdoor heat exchanger (200), compressor (12), and outdoor fan (13), can be accommodated inside the housing (100).

The outdoor unit (10) may include a heat exchange chamber (R1) formed inside the housing (100). Outside air may be introduced into the heat exchange chamber (R1), and the introduced air may be discharged back to the outside of the heat exchange chamber (R1). In the heat exchange chamber (R1), heat exchange may take place between the outdoor heat exchanger (200) and the air introduced from the outside. Components such as the outdoor heat exchanger (200) and the outdoor fan (13) may be arranged in the heat exchange chamber (R1).

For example, the housing (100) may include a first inlet (161) formed to allow air to flow into the housing (100) in a first direction and a second inlet (131) formed to allow air to flow into the housing (100) in a second direction different from the first direction. According to the embodiment shown in the drawing, the first direction may be forward (+X direction) and the second direction may be rightward (+Y direction).

The air inside the housing (100) can be discharged forward (in the +X direction) through the exhaust port (111).

The outdoor unit (10) may include a machine room (R2) formed inside the housing (100). Components such as a compressor (12) and a control box (17) may be placed in the machine room (R2).

Inside the housing (100), the heat exchange room (R1) and the machine room (R2) can be partitioned from each other. The outdoor unit (10) can include a partition (16) that partitions the heat exchange room (R1) and the machine room (R2). The partition (16) can be placed between the heat exchange room (R1) and the machine room (R2).

For example, the heat exchange room (R1) and the machine room (R2) can be arranged in the left-right direction (Y direction) on the drawing, and the partition (16) can extend in the front-back direction (X direction) and the up-down direction (Z direction) on the drawing to partition the heat exchange room (R1) and the machine room (R2).

For example, the housing (100) can be formed to have a roughly box shape.

Below, an example of the structure of the housing (100) is described in more detail.

The housing (100) may include a front frame (110). The front frame (110) may form the front of the outdoor unit (10). The front frame (110) may cover the front (+X direction) of the machine room (R2). The front frame (110) may cover the front (+X direction) of the heat exchange room (R1).

*A discharge port (111) may be formed in the front frame (110). The discharge port (111) may be formed in a shape that penetrates a portion of the front frame (110) in the front-back direction.

The front frame (110) may include a bell mouth (112) provided to guide the flow of air discharged through the exhaust port (111). The bell mouth (112) may be provided along the periphery of the exhaust port (111). The bell mouth (112) may be formed in an approximately cylindrical shape. The bell mouth (112) may extend rearward (-X direction) inward of the heat exchange chamber (R1) from a flat plate-shaped portion of the front frame (110).

The front frame (110) including the bell mouth (112) may be formed as a single piece. For example, the front frame (110) may include a soft metal material, and the bell mouth (112) of the front frame (110) may be formed through a process of drawing the soft metal material.

The front frame (110) may include an upper flange (113) provided at the upper portion. The upper flange (113) may be formed by bending the upper end of a flat plate-shaped portion of the front frame (110). The upper flange (113) may support a top cover (160) to be described later. The front end of the top cover (160) may be mounted on the upper flange (113).

The housing (100) may include an exhaust outlet cover (120). The exhaust outlet cover (120) may be positioned in front of the front frame (110) to cover the exhaust outlet (111). The exhaust outlet cover (120) may be coupled to the front frame (110). The exhaust outlet cover (120) may form a part of the front exterior of the outdoor unit (10).

The exhaust port cover (120) covers the exhaust port (111), but can be formed to have a shape roughly like a grill so that air can be discharged from the exhaust port (111).

The housing (100) may include a first side frame (130). The first side frame (130) may form one side of the outdoor unit (10) in the left direction (-Y direction).

The first side frame (130) can cover the heat exchange room (R1). The first side frame (130) can cover the heat exchange room (R1) from the left direction (-Y direction). A first inlet (161) can be formed in the first side frame (130).

The housing (100) may include a second side frame (140). The second side frame (140) may form one side of the outdoor unit (10) in the right direction (+Y direction).

The second side frame (140) can cover the machine room (R2). The second side frame (140) can cover the machine room (R2) in the right direction (+Y direction).

Additionally, as an example, the second side frame (140) may include a rear flange (141) forming a portion of the rear of the outdoor unit (10). The rear flange (141) may cover the machine room (R2) from the rear (-X direction).

The first side frame (130) and the second side frame (140) can be arranged opposite each other.

The housing (100) may further include a machine room cover (150) that is coupled to the second side frame (140) and covers the machine room (R2). For example, a connection pipe (30) connected to the indoor unit (20) or a wire connected to the indoor unit (20) or an external power source may be arranged to pass through the second side frame (140) and be connected to components inside the machine room (R2). The machine room cover (150) may be coupled to the second side frame (140) to protect the connection pipe (30) or the wire from external impact.

The housing (100) may include a top cover (160). The top cover (160) may form the upper surface of the outdoor unit (10).

The top cover (160) can cover the upper side (+Z direction) of the heat exchange room (R1) and the machine room (R2). The top cover (160) can cover various parts of the outdoor unit (10) accommodated inside the housing (100) from the upper side.

The top cover (160) can be coupled to the upper portion of each of the front frame (110), the first side frame (130), and the second side frame (140). The top cover (160) can be formed to have a substantially flat plate shape.

The housing (100) may include a base (180). The base (180) may form the bottom surface of the outdoor unit (10). The base (180) may be placed on one side of the lower side (-Z direction) of the heat exchange room (R1) and the machine room (R2). The base (180) may support various components of the outdoor unit (10) accommodated inside the housing (100) from the lower side. For example, the base (180) may support components such as the outdoor heat exchanger (200), the compressor (12), the motor bracket (15), and the partition (16) from the lower side.

The base (180) can be coupled to the lower portion of each of the front frame (110), the first side frame (130), and the second side frame (140).

The base (180) may be formed to have a roughly flat plate shape. An edge flange (181) may be formed along the edge of the base (180) and extends roughly in the vertical direction (Z). The edge flange (181) may extend upward (+Z direction) from the edge of the horizontal portion of the base (180). The front frame (110), the first side frame (130), the second side frame (140), etc. may be coupled to the edge flange (181).

The top cover (160) and the base (180) can be positioned opposite each other.

The housing (100) may include a guard member (300) provided to form a portion of the rear exterior of the outdoor unit (10). The guard member (300) may be arranged at the rear (-X direction) of the heat exchange chamber (R1). A first inlet (161) may be formed in the guard member (300). The front frame (110) and the guard member (300) may be arranged to face each other.

The guard member (300) can be connected to the first side frame (130) and the second side frame (140), respectively. A detailed description of the guard member (300) will be described later.

Each component included in the housing (100) described above may be provided so as to be separable from one another. Alternatively, at least some of the components of the housing (100) may be formed integrally with one another.

An outdoor heat exchanger (200) may be provided to exchange heat with outdoor air.

The outdoor heat exchanger (200) may be provided so that refrigerant flows therein. Heat exchange between the refrigerant and outdoor air may take place in the outdoor heat exchanger (200).

For example, when the air conditioner (1) operates in cooling mode, high-pressure, high-temperature refrigerant gas is condensed in the outdoor heat exchanger (200), and while the refrigerant is condensed, the refrigerant can release heat to the outdoor air. During the cooling operation of the air conditioner (1), the outdoor heat exchanger (200) can discharge refrigerant liquid.

When the air conditioner (1) operates in heating mode, low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant liquid evaporates in the outdoor heat exchanger (200), and while the refrigerant evaporates, the refrigerant can absorb heat from the outdoor air. During the heating operation of the air conditioner (1), the outdoor heat exchanger (200) can discharge refrigerant gas.

The outdoor heat exchanger (200) can be placed facing the inlet (131, 161) in the heat exchange room (R1).

The compressor (12) can compress refrigerant gas and discharge high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant gas. For example, the compressor (12) can include a motor and a compression mechanism, and the compression mechanism can compress refrigerant gas by the torque of the motor.

The outdoor unit (10) may include an outdoor fan (13) configured to circulate air, and a fan motor (14) that generates rotational force for rotating the outdoor fan (13).

For example, the outdoor unit (10) may include a motor bracket (15) that supports an outdoor fan (13) and a fan motor (14). The motor bracket (15) may be placed in the heat exchange room (R1). The motor bracket (15) may be coupled to a base (180). The motor bracket (15) may be coupled to an upper flange (113) of a front frame (110).

The outdoor unit (10) may include electronic components for controlling the operation of various components and a printed circuit board assembly (PBA) on which these components are mounted. The outdoor unit (10) may include a control box (17) that accommodates the printed circuit board assembly.

The outdoor unit (10) of the air conditioner (1) may include an outdoor heat exchanger (200). Hereinafter, the outdoor heat exchanger (200) is referred to as a heat exchanger (200).

The heat exchanger (200) may include a plurality of refrigerant tubes designed to guide the flow of refrigerant for heat exchange with the outside air. A flow path for refrigerant flow may be formed on the inside of each of the plurality of refrigerant tubes. Each of the plurality of refrigerant tubes may be formed in the shape of a tube having a hollow space formed therein to allow the refrigerant, which is a fluid, to flow.

A plurality of refrigerant tubes may be connected to each other by a connecting tube having a roughly 'U' shape that is connected to each end of the plurality of refrigerant tubes to form a single refrigerant passage. In the present disclosure, it is defined assuming that each refrigerant tube constituting the entire refrigerant passage has a distinct configuration.

A heat exchanger (200) may include a plurality of heat exchange fins coupled to a plurality of refrigerant tubes. The plurality of heat exchange fins may be coupled to a plurality of refrigerant tubes to increase the heat transfer area between the refrigerant and the outside air, thereby improving heat exchange efficiency.

Each of the plurality of heat exchange fins may have a substantially flat plate shape. The plurality of heat exchange fins may be arranged along the direction in which the refrigerant tubes extend. In other words, the plurality of heat exchange fins may be stacked along the direction in which the refrigerant tubes extend.

To improve heat exchange efficiency, it is desirable to increase the heat transfer area between the multiple refrigerant tubes and the multiple heat exchange fins and the outside air. However, arranging all refrigerant tubes and heat exchange fins in a single direction can result in an excessively large overall product size.

The heat exchanger (200) may be composed of a plurality of columns. The heat exchanger (200) may include a first heat exchange unit (210) and a second heat exchange unit (220). The first heat exchange unit (210) and the second heat exchange unit (220) may be arranged parallel to each other.

The first heat exchange unit (210) may be placed on the inside of the housing (100). The second heat exchange unit (220) may be placed on the outside of the housing (100) relative to the first heat exchange unit (210).

The "inside of the housing (100)" means the inner space of the housing (100), that is, the side facing the heat exchange room (R1), and conversely, the "outside of the housing (100)" means the outer space of the housing (100), that is, the direction facing the outside of the heat exchange room (R1). More specifically, the "outside of the housing (100)" can be defined as a direction facing the outside of the housing (100) on a horizontal plane (X-Y plane). Even if the second heat exchange unit (220) is arranged in the outer direction of the housing (100) relative to the first heat exchanger (210), this does not mean that the second heat exchange unit (220) is arranged on the outside of the housing (100), and the second heat exchange unit (220) can be arranged closer to the outside of the housing (100) than the first heat exchange unit (210) while being arranged in the heat exchange room (R1).

The first heat exchange unit (210) may include a plurality of first refrigerant tubes (211) and a plurality of first heat exchange fins (212). The plurality of first refrigerant tubes (211) may be arranged along a first row. The first row may be parallel to the vertical direction (Z) of the housing (100).

A plurality of first refrigerant tubes (211) are arranged to penetrate a plurality of first heat exchange fins (212), and then can be connected to a plurality of first heat exchange fins (212) through an expansion process in which each first refrigerant tube (211) is expanded outward by a tube expansion device.

The first heat exchange unit (210) may be provided in pairs. The first heat exchange unit (210) may include a pair of multiple first refrigerant tubes (211) and a plurality of first heat exchange fins (212). The multiple first refrigerant tubes (211) may be arranged in two parallel pairs. The multiple first heat exchange fins (212) may be arranged in two parallel pairs. In the present embodiment, the first heat exchange unit (210) is illustrated as a pair of two, but is not limited thereto. The first heat exchange unit (210) may be provided inside the housing (100). The first heat exchange unit (210) may be provided to be supported on the base (180).

The second heat exchange unit (220) may include a plurality of second refrigerant tubes (221) and a plurality of second heat exchange fins (222). The plurality of second refrigerant tubes (221) may be arranged along a second row parallel to the first row. The second row may be parallel to the vertical direction (Z) of the housing (100).

A plurality of second refrigerant tubes (221) may be arranged to penetrate a plurality of second heat exchange fins (222), and then may be connected to a plurality of second heat exchange fins (222) through an expansion process in which each of the second refrigerant tubes (221) is expanded outward by an expansion device. Each of the plurality of second heat exchange fins (222) may have a long length in a direction parallel to the second row (i.e., an up-down direction (Z)). Each of the plurality of second heat exchange fins (222) may have a long length in a direction parallel to the second row (i.e., an up-down direction (Z)).

A plurality of second heat exchange fins (222) can be arranged along the direction in which each of the second refrigerant tubes (221) extends.

The heat exchanger (200) may be arranged to face the first inlet (161) and the second inlet (131). The heat exchanger (200) may include a first portion arranged parallel to the first inlet (161) and a second portion arranged parallel to the second inlet (131). Air introduced in a first direction through the first inlet (161) may exchange heat with the first portion of the heat exchanger (200). Air introduced in a second direction through the second inlet (131) may exchange heat with the second portion of the heat exchanger (200).

In detail, the first heat exchange unit (210) may include a first part (210A) arranged parallel to the first inlet (161) and a second part (210B) arranged parallel to the second inlet (131). Air introduced through the first inlet (161) may pass through the first part (210A) of the first heat exchange unit (210), and air introduced through the second inlet (131) may pass through the second part (210B) of the first heat exchange unit (210). The first part (210A) and the second part (210B) of the first heat exchange unit (210) may extend in different directions. The first heat exchange unit (210) may include a vent part (210C) provided between the first part (210A) and the second part (210B). The vent section (210C) can be formed by bending a portion of the first heat exchange section (210).

The second heat exchange unit (220) may include a first part (220A) arranged parallel to the first inlet (161), and a second part (220B) arranged parallel to the second inlet (131). Air introduced through the first inlet (161) may pass through the first part (220A) of the second heat exchange unit (220), and air introduced through the second inlet (131) may pass through the second part (220B) of the second heat exchange unit (220). The first part (220A) and the second part (220B) of the second heat exchange unit (220) may extend in different directions. The second heat exchange unit (220) may include a vent part (220C) provided between the first part (220A) and the second part (220B). The vent section (220C) can be formed by bending a portion of the second heat exchange section (220).

In this way, since the outdoor unit (10) includes two heat exchange parts (210, 220), the heat transfer area for heat exchange with the outside air can increase, and the heat exchange efficiency and energy consumption efficiency of the heat exchanger (200) can be improved.

As the outdoor unit (10) includes two rows of heat exchange units (210, 220) including a first heat exchange unit (210) and a second heat exchange unit (220), there is a problem that the size of the product increases. In particular, a problem that the size and weight of the housing (100) increase in order to accommodate both the first heat exchange unit (210) and the second heat exchange unit (220) may occur.

To solve this problem, the second heat exchange part (210) may be arranged to protrude outwardly from the housing (100). That is, at least a portion of the second heat exchange part (220) may protrude outwardly from the housing (100). In other words, at least a portion of the second heat exchange part (220) may protrude outwardly from the edge of the housing (100). At least a portion of the second heat exchange part (220) may protrude outwardly from the edge of the base (180). At least a portion of the second heat exchange part (220) may be arranged outwardly from the edge flange (181) of the base (180). At least a portion of the second heat exchange part (220) may be positioned outwardly from the edge of the base (180) of the housing (100).

The second heat exchanger (220) may protrude further toward the inlet (161) of the housing (100) than the base (180). At least a portion of the second heat exchanger (220) may protrude further toward the inlet (161) than the base (180). At least a portion of the second heat exchanger (220) may be arranged closer to the inlet (161) than the edge of the base (180).

The second heat exchange unit (220) may include an exposed portion (250) that is provided to protrude outwardly from the housing (100). The second heat exchange unit (220) may include an exposed portion (250) that is provided to protrude outwardly from the base (180). The second heat exchange unit (220) may include an exposed portion (250) that is provided to protrude outwardly from the base (180) and the housing (100). At least a portion of the second heat exchange unit (220) may include an exposed portion (250) that is provided to protrude outwardly from the housing (100) and be exposed to the outside of the housing (100). At least a portion of the second heat exchange unit (250) may include an exposed portion (250) that is provided to protrude outwardly from the base (180) and be exposed to the outside of the base (180).

FIG. 7 is a drawing showing an outdoor unit of an air conditioner equipped with a guard member according to one embodiment, FIG. 8 is a partially exploded perspective view showing an outdoor unit of an air conditioner equipped with a guard member according to one embodiment, FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing the guard member shown in FIG. 8, FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing the inner surface of the guard member shown in FIG. 8, and FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A' of FIG. 9, which is a cross-sectional view showing a holder provided on the guard member.

As illustrated in FIGS. 7 to 11, the outdoor unit (10) of the air conditioner (1) may include a guard member (300). The guard member (300) may be coupled to the housing (100) of the outdoor unit (10). The guard member (300) may be provided to cover the heat exchanger (200). The guard member (300) may be provided to cover at least a portion of the heat exchanger (200). The guard member (300) may be provided to cover the exposed portion (250) of the heat exchanger (200). The guard member (300) may be provided to cover the exposed portion (250) in which at least a portion of the heat exchanger (200) protrudes outward from the housing (100). The guard member (300) may be provided to cover the exposed portion (250) in which at least a portion of the heat exchanger (200) protrudes outward from the base (180).

A guard member (300) may be provided to be coupled to the housing (100) to cover the heat exchanger (200). The guard member (300) may be coupled to a first side frame (130) of the housing (100). The guard member (300) may be coupled to a second side frame (140) of the housing (100). The guard member (300) may be fixed to the first side frame (130) and the second side frame (140). The guard member (300) may be fixed to the housing (100) by a first fixing member (510) and a second fixing member (520). The guard member (300) may be fixed to the first side frame (130) and the second side frame (140) by the first fixing member (510) and the second fixing member (520). The first fixing member (510) may be provided in a fitting manner so that the guard member (300) may be pre-assembled to the housing (100). The first fixing member (510) may be provided on the guard member (300) and the first side frame (130) and the second side frame (140) of the housing (100). The first fixing member (510) may include a fitting projection (511) provided on the guard member (300). The first fixing member (510) may include a fitting groove (512) into which the fitting projection (511) of the guard member (300) is fitted. The fitting groove (512) may be provided on the first side frame (130) and the second side frame (140), respectively. A fitting groove (512) corresponding to the fitting projection (511) of the guard member (300) may be provided on the rear flange (141) of the second side frame (140).

A fitting projection (511) formed in an outward direction may be provided on each of the left and right sides of the guard member (300). A fitting groove (512) formed to correspond to the fitting projection (511) may be provided on the first side frame (130) provided on one side of the guard member (300).

A fitting groove (512) corresponding to the fitting projection (511) may be provided on the second side frame (140) provided on the other side of the guard member (300). The guard member (300) fitted into the fitting groove (512) of the first side frame (130) is pre-assembled by fitting into the fitting groove (512) of the second side frame (140).

The guard member (300) may be prepared by including a polypropylene material. Since the guard member (300) includes a polypropylene material, it can be assembled to the housing (100) by utilizing elasticity. Since the guard member (300) includes a polypropylene material, it can prevent rust and can be fixed to the housing (100) by using a fitting method and/or a screw fastening method.

The guard member (300) can be fixed to the housing (100) by a second fixing member (520). The second fixing member (520) can be provided to fix the guard member (300) to the housing (100). The second fixing member (520) can be provided on the guard member (300) and the first side frame (130) and the second side frame (140) of the housing (100). The second fixing member (520) can include a fixing hole (521) provided in the guard member (300).

The second fixing member (520) may include a fixing groove (522) corresponding to the fixing hole (521) of the guard member (300). The fixing grooves (522) may be provided in each of the first side frame (130) and the second side frame (140). The rear flange (141) of the second side frame (140) may be provided with a fixing groove (522) corresponding to the fixing hole (521) of the guard member (300).

The second fixing member (520) can be connected through a separate fixing member (530) such as a screw. The guard member (300) can be fixed to the housing (100) through the second fixing member (520).

The guard member (300) can be assembled to the first fixing member (510) and then completely joined by the second fixing member (520) to be fixed to the housing (100).

The guard member (300) may include a guard frame (310) and a guard portion (320) formed by extending from the guard frame (310). The guard frame (310) of the guard member (300) may be provided to cover the four sides of the exposed portion (250). The guard frame (310) may be provided to cover the four sides of the second heat exchange portion (220). The guard frame (310) may be provided to surround the four sides of the exposed portion (250) in a substantially rectangular shape. The guard frame (310) may be formed by extending integrally. For example, the guard frame (310) may include an upper frame (310a) provided to cover the upper portion of the exposed portion (250), a lower frame (310b) provided to cover the lower portion of the exposed portion (250), and first and second side frames (310c, 310d) provided to cover both sides of the exposed portion (250), respectively. The first and second side frames (310c, 310d) may be provided to connect the upper frame (310a) and the lower frame (310b).

An opening (300a) may be formed at the center of the guard frame (310). The upper frame (310a), the lower frame (310b), and the first and second side frames (310c, 310d) may each have an opening (300a) provided at their centers. In the present embodiment, the guard frames (310) are shown as being connected to each other and formed as a single unit, but this is not limited thereto. For example, the upper frame, the lower frame, and the first and second side frames may be provided separately and then combined.

The guard portion (320) of the guard member (300) may be formed to extend from the guard frame (310). The guard portion (320) may be provided to cover a portion of the central opening (300a) of the guard frame (310). The guard portion (320) of the guard member (300) may be provided to cover a portion of the exposed portion (250) of the second heat exchange unit (220). The guard portion (320) may be provided to cover a portion of the exposed portion (250) of the second heat exchange unit (220) exposed by the opening (300a) of the guard frame (310). The guard portion (320) may be provided in a bar shape. A plurality of guard portions (320) may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other.

The guard portion (320) may include a first guard portion (320a) arranged parallel to the upper frame (310a) and the lower frame (310b). The first guard portion (320a) may be arranged parallel to the horizontal direction. The first guard portion (320a) may be provided to connect between the first side frame (310c) and the second side frame (310d). Two first guard portions (320a) may be arranged spaced apart from each other. The guard portion (320) may include a second guard portion (320b) arranged parallel to the first side frame (310c) and the second side frame (310d). The second guard portions (320b) may be arranged parallel to the vertical direction. The second guard portion (320b) may be provided to connect the upper frame (310a) and the lower frame (310b). Three second guard portions (320b) may be arranged spaced apart from each other. In the present embodiment, two and three guard portions are illustrated as being spaced apart from each other, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the guard portions may be varied in various ways depending on the area and shape of the exposed portion.

The outdoor unit (10) of the air conditioner (1) may include at least one sensor (400). For example, the sensor (400) of the outdoor unit (10) may be provided as an environmental sensor. The sensor (400) of the outdoor unit (10) may be placed at any location inside or outside the outdoor unit (10). The sensor (400) of the outdoor unit (10) may include a temperature sensor (400) for detecting the air temperature around the outdoor unit (10).

The guard member (300) may further include a holder (340) for fixing a sensor (400) provided in the outdoor unit (10) of the air conditioner (1).

The temperature sensor (400) positioned outside the outdoor unit (10) may have a problem of not being able to enter the defrost chamber due to close contact with the heat exchanger (200). The temperature sensor (400) positioned in close contact with the heat exchanger (200) may have a problem of not being able to sense water due to water entering the sensor. The temperature sensor (400) may be positioned at a certain distance from the heat exchanger (200) by using a guard member (300).

The holder (340) of the guard member (300) may be provided on the guard frame (310). The holder (340) may be provided on the upper frame (310a) of the guard frame (310). The holder (340) may be provided on the outside of the guard frame (310). The holder (340) is provided so that the temperature sensor (400) can be installed away from the heat exchanger (200). The holder (340) is provided so that the temperature sensor (400) can be positioned away from the exposed portion (250) of the heat exchanger (200). The holder (340) is positioned on the guard frame (310) so that the temperature sensor (400) does not encroach on the flow path area of the heat exchanger (200). The holder (340) may be positioned on the guard frame (310) so as not to block the flow path area of the heat exchanger (200). The holder (340) is provided on the guard frame (310), so that a decrease in heat exchange due to resistance caused by the passage area of the heat exchanger (200) being invaded by the holder (340) or the temperature sensor (400) can be prevented. The holder (340) can be formed with an upper and lower mold. The holder (340) can be formed with an upper and lower mold without a slide (not shown), thereby reducing costs.

The holder (340) may be provided on the upper frame (310a), and may be provided at a position adjacent to the second side frame (140) where the control box (17) is located. The holder (340) may be provided so that the temperature sensor (400) may be arranged from the upper side to the lower side. The holder (340) may be provided so as to support the temperature sensor (400) on both sides. The holder (340) may include a first holder (341) that supports one side of the temperature sensor (400). The holder (340) may include a second holder (342) that supports the other side of the temperature sensor (400). The first holder (341) and the second holder (342) may be arranged to face each other with a predetermined distance between them. The first holder (341) and the second holder (342) are provided so that the temperature sensor (400) can be installed vertically by supporting the temperature sensor (400) on both sides. The first holder (341) and the second holder (342) can be provided so as to correspond to each other. The first holder (341) and the second holder (342) can be provided so that they can support the temperature sensor (400) by forming an inward incline at a predetermined angle (θ).

Fig. 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B' of Fig. 7, showing the upper portion of a guard member covering a heat exchanger, and Fig. 13 is a cross-sectional view taken along line C-C' of Fig. 7, showing the lower portion of a guard member covering a heat exchanger. Hereinafter, descriptions of parts overlapping with the above descriptions are omitted.

As shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, the guard member (300) can be provided to cover the exposed portion (250) of the heat exchanger (200).

The exposed portion (250) of the heat exchanger (200) may be provided on at least a portion of the second heat exchanger (220). At least a portion of the second heat exchanger (220) may include an exposed portion (250) that protrudes outward from the base (180) and the housing (100) of the outdoor unit (10).

The guard member (300) may be provided to cover the exposed portion (250) protruding outward from the housing (100) and base (180) of the outdoor unit (10). The guard member (300) may cover the exposed portion (250) of the heat exchanger (200), but may be provided spaced apart from the heat exchanger (200) so as to enable the passage area of the heat exchanger (200) to be expanded.

The heat exchanger (200) is provided by stacking a plurality of heat exchange fins in a substantially flat plate shape to increase the heat transfer area. The exposed portion (250) of the heat exchanger (200) protrudes from the base (180) and the housing (100) and may be vulnerable to being dented or pressed.

The guard member (300) may be provided to cover the exposed portion (250) and protect it from external stimuli. The guard frame (310) of the guard member (300) may be provided to surround the edge of the exposed portion (250) and protect the exposed portion (250) from external stimuli. The guard frame (310) of the guard member (300) may be provided to cover the four edges of the exposed portion (250) and protect the exposed portion (250) from external stimuli such as being hit or pressed.

The guard member (300) may be provided to be spaced apart from the exposed portion (250). The guard frame (310) of the guard member (300) may be provided to be spaced apart from the heat exchanger (200). Specifically, the upper frame (310a) of the guard member (300) may include a first upper surface (312) provided to cover the upper portion of the exposed portion (250), a first end portion (311) formed at one end of the first upper surface (312), a first front surface (313) extending downward from the other end of the first upper surface (312), a first bottom surface (314) bent from the first front surface (313) to form a lower surface, and a second end portion (315) formed at an end of the first bottom surface (314).

The first upper surface (312), the first front surface (313), and the first bottom surface (314) of the upper frame (310a) may be provided to cover the edge of the exposed portion (250). The first end (311) of the upper frame (310a) may be arranged to be spaced apart from the first heat exchange unit (210) of the heat exchanger (200) by a first distance (g1). The second end (315) of the upper frame (310a) may be arranged to be spaced apart from the second heat exchange unit (220) of the heat exchanger (200) by a second distance (g2). The guard member (300) may be arranged to be spaced apart from the heat exchanger (200) by the first distance (g1) and the second distance (g2), thereby securing the flow path area of the heat exchanger (200).

The guard member (300) is provided to cover the exposed portion (250) of the heat exchanger (200), and may be provided to be spaced apart from the heat exchanger (200) so as to expand the flow path area of the heat exchanger (200). The guard member (300) covers the exposed portion (250) of the heat exchanger (200) and can prevent the flow path area of the heat exchanger (200) from being reduced.

The lower frame (310b) of the guard member (300) may include a second lower surface (332) provided to cover the lower portion of the exposed portion (250), a first end portion (331) formed at one end of the second lower surface (332), a second front surface (333) extending downward from the other end of the second lower surface (332), a second upper surface (334) formed by bending from the second front surface (333) to form an upper surface, and a second end portion (335) formed at an end of the second upper surface (334).

The second lower surface (332), the second front surface (333), and the second upper surface (334) of the lower frame (310b) may be arranged to cover the edge of the exposed portion (250). The first end (331) of the lower frame (310b) may be arranged to be spaced apart from the first heat exchange portion (210) of the heat exchanger (200) by a third interval (g3).

The second end (315) of the lower frame (310b) can be arranged at a second distance (g2) from the second heat exchanger (220) of the heat exchanger (200). The guard member (300) can be arranged at a second distance (g2) and a third distance (g3) from the heat exchanger (200), thereby securing the flow path area of the heat exchanger (200).

The guard member (300) may include a guide (370) provided to guide condensate generated in the second heat exchange unit (220) of the heat exchanger (200) to the base (180). The guide (370) may be provided on the lower frame (310b) of the guard member (300). The guide (370) may be provided by the second lower surface (332) and the first end (331) of the lower frame (310b). The guide (370) may be provided to guide condensate generated from the second heat exchange unit (220) to the base (180). The guide (370) may be arranged to vertically overlap at least a portion of the base (180) so that the condensate is guided to the base (180). The condensate guided through the guide (370) may move into the inside of the base (180). The condensate of the second heat exchange unit (220) guided through the first end (331) of the lower frame (310b) may be arranged to move into the inside of the base (180). The first end (331) may be arranged to be spaced apart from the second heat exchange unit (220) by a third distance (g3). The first end (331) may be positioned to overlap the base (180) in a vertical direction. The first end (331) is positioned inside the edge flange (181) of the base (180).

The guard member (300) may include a support rib (360). The lower frame (310b) of the guard member (300) may include the support rib (360). The support rib (360) may be provided to support at least a portion of the heat exchanger (200). The support rib (360) may be provided on the lower frame (310b) to support the exposed portion (250) of the heat exchanger (200). The support rib (360) may be provided to extend from the second front surface (333) of the lower frame (310b). The support rib (360) may be provided to extend horizontally from the second front surface (333) of the lower frame (310b). The support rib (360) may be provided to support the second heat exchanger (220) from the lower side. The support rib (360) may be provided to support the bottom surface of the second heat exchange unit (220). The support rib (360) may be provided to extend in the first direction (+X direction) from the second front surface (333). The second heat exchange unit (220) protruding from the base (180) and the housing (100) by being supported by the support rib (360) may be stably supported. The support rib (360) may support the bottom surface of the second heat exchange unit (220). The support rib (360) may support the bottom surface of the exposed portion (250) of the second heat exchange unit (220).

Fig. 14 is a drawing showing a first prevention part of a guard member according to one embodiment, and Fig. 15 is a drawing showing a second prevention part of a guard member according to one embodiment. Hereinafter, descriptions of parts overlapping with the above descriptions are omitted.

As shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, the guard member (300) may include a prevention member (600) that is provided to block the space between the outdoor unit (10) and the housing (100).

The prevention member (600) of the guard member (300) may include a first prevention member (610) provided to cover a first space (G1) with the housing (100).

A first space (G1) may be formed between the upper portion of the guard member (300) and the housing (100). The first space (G1) may be formed by the top cover (160) of the housing (100) and the protruding exposed portion (250) of the heat exchanger (200). A first prevention portion (610) may be provided to prevent moisture from penetrating through the first space (G1). The first prevention portion (610) may be provided on the upper portion of the guard member (300). The first prevention portion (610) may be provided to cover a space between the upper portion of the guard member (300) and the top cover (160) of the housing (100). The first prevention portion (610) of the guard member (300) can prevent moisture generated in the exposed portion (250) of the heat exchanger (200) from penetrating into the machine room (R2) inside the outdoor unit (10) through the first space (G1). The first prevention portion (610) can be formed by extending from the upper frame (310a) of the guard member (300). The first prevention portion (610) can be formed by extending in the vertical direction from the upper frame (310a). The first prevention portion (610) is provided in a plate shape to block the first space (G1) and thereby block the inside and outside of the outdoor unit (10).

The prevention member (600) of the guard member (300) may include a second prevention member (620) provided to cover a second space (G2) with the housing (100).

A second space (G2) may be formed between the lower portion of the guard member (300) and the housing (100). The second space (G2) may be formed by the base (180) of the housing (100) and the protruding exposed portion (250) of the heat exchanger (200). A second prevention portion (620) may be provided to prevent rodents or the like from penetrating through the second space (G2). The second prevention portion (620) may be provided at the lower portion of the guard member (300). The second prevention portion (620) may be provided to cover the space between the lower portion of the guard member (300) and the base (180) of the housing (100). The second prevention member (620) of the guard member (300) can be provided to prevent rodents from penetrating into the machine room (R2) inside the outdoor unit (10) through the second space (G2) formed between the exposed portion (250) of the heat exchanger (200) and the housing (100).

The second prevention member (620) may be formed by extending from the lower frame (310b) of the guard member (300). The second prevention member (620) may be formed by extending vertically from the lower frame (310b). The second prevention member (620) is provided in a plate shape to block the second space (G2) and thereby block the inside and outside of the outdoor unit (10).

An outdoor unit (10) of an air conditioner according to one embodiment comprises: a housing (100) including a base (180); a heat exchanger (210, 220) provided in the housing (100) and including an exposed portion (250) at least a portion of which protrudes outward from the base (180) and the housing; and a guard member (300) coupled to the housing (100) to cover the heat exchanger (210, 220), wherein the guard member is provided to cover the exposed portion (250) and is disposed to be spaced apart from the exposed portion so as to expand the flow path area of the heat exchanger.

According to the present disclosure, a heat exchanger can be effectively protected. Damage to the heat exchanger fins can be prevented. Frosting can be prevented from forming on the heat exchanger.

The above heat exchange part (210.220) includes a first heat exchange part (210) supported by the base, and a second heat exchange part (220) arranged on the outside of the housing relative to the first heat exchange part, and the exposed part is provided on the second heat exchange part. At least a portion of the second heat exchange part (220) protrudes further outward than the base and the housing.

The housing includes an inlet (161) for allowing air to flow into the housing, and the inlet (161) is provided in the guard member. The guard member includes a guard frame (310) provided to cover the four sides of the exposed portion, and a guard portion (320) formed to extend from the guard frame (310) and provided to cover at least a portion of one side of the exposed portion, and a plurality of guard portions (320) are arranged to be spaced apart from each other.

This structure can protect the protruding part of the heat exchanger from being pressed and improve the appearance quality.

The guard member (300) includes a guide (370) provided to guide condensate generated in the second heat exchange unit to the base, and the guide (370) is provided at the lower portion of the guard frame (310). The base (180) includes an edge flange (181) formed to extend vertically along the edge of the base (180), and the guide (370) is provided such that its inner end is positioned inward from the edge flange. The guide (370) is arranged to overlap at least a portion of the edge flange (181) in the vertical direction.

Therefore, condensate drop and heat exchanger quality problems can be solved.

The guard member (300) includes a first prevention portion (610) that extends from the guard frame (310) to prevent moisture from penetrating into a first space (G1) between the guard frame (310) and the housing (100). The first space (G1) is formed between the upper inner side of the guard frame (310) and the housing, and the first prevention portion (610) is formed to protrude from the upper inner side of the guard frame (310) toward the second heat exchange portion (220).

The guard member (300) includes a second prevention portion (620) that extends from the guard frame (310) to cover a second space (G2) between the guard member and the housing (100). The second space (G2) is formed between the lower inner side of the guard frame (310) and the housing, and the second prevention portion (620) extends from the lower inner side of the guard frame (310) to cover a space between the guard member and the housing (100). In this way, by sealing the space between the guard member and the housing, the problem of moisture infiltration into the electrical part can be solved, and the problem of rodents entering can be solved.

The guard member (300) includes a support rib (360) provided on the lower inner surface of the guard frame (310) to support at least one surface of the second heat exchanger (220).

The outdoor unit (10) of the above air conditioner includes a sensor (400), and the support member further includes a holder (340) provided on the guard frame (310) so that the sensor (400) can be positioned vertically. By installing the temperature sensor on the guard member, the covered portion of the heat exchanger can be minimized, thereby securing the flow path area.

The above guard member (300) includes a first fixing member (510) that is provided to be fitted into the housing, and a second fixing member (520) that is provided to fix the guard member in a state of being pre-assembled to the housing by the first fixing member (510).

An outdoor unit (10) of an air conditioner (1) according to one embodiment comprises: a housing (100) having a base (180); a first heat exchanger (210) supported by the base; a second heat exchanger (220) disposed outside the housing relative to the first heat exchanger and including an exposed portion (250) at least partially protruding toward the base and the outside of the housing; and a guard member (300) coupled to the housing to cover the exposed portion (250) and disposed spaced apart from the exposed portion (250) so as to expand a flow path area of the second heat exchanger. According to the present disclosure, damage to the heat exchanger fins of the heat exchanger can be prevented, thereby effectively protecting the heat exchanger. Frost formation on the heat exchanger can be prevented, and a covered portion of the heat exchanger can be minimized to secure a flow path area.

The guard member includes a guard frame (310) provided to cover the four sides of the exposed portion, and a guard portion (320) formed to extend from the guard frame (310) and provided to cover at least a portion of one side of the exposed portion, and a plurality of guard portions (320) are arranged spaced apart from each other.

The above guard member (300) includes a guide (370) provided to guide condensate generated in the second heat exchange unit to the base, and the guide (370) is provided at the lower portion of the guard frame (310).

The above base (180) includes an edge flange (181) that extends in the vertical direction along the edge of the base (180), and the guide (370) is provided so that its inner end is positioned inward from the edge flange.

The above guard member (300) includes a prevention member (600) that extends from the guard frame (310) to cover the space (G) between the housing (100).

The above illustrates and describes specific embodiments. However, the invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that various modifications and implementations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the claims below.

Claims (15)

a housing including a base, A heat exchanger provided in the housing, the heat exchanger including an exposed portion at least partially protruding outward from the base and the housing; and An outdoor unit of an air conditioner, wherein a guard member is coupled to the housing to cover the heat exchanger, the guard member is provided to cover the exposed portion, and is positioned apart from the exposed portion so as to expand the flow path area of the heat exchanger. In the first paragraph, The above heat exchanger, A first heat exchanger supported by the above base, Including a second heat exchanger disposed outside the housing rather than the first heat exchanger, The above-mentioned exposed part is an outdoor unit of an air conditioner provided in the second heat exchange part. In the second paragraph, An outdoor unit of an air conditioner in which at least a portion of the second heat exchanger protrudes outward from the base and the housing. In the first paragraph, The housing includes an inlet for allowing air to flow into the housing, The above inlet is an outdoor unit of an air conditioner provided in the above guard member. In the second paragraph, The above guard member is, A guard frame provided to cover the four sides of the above-mentioned exposed portion, A guard portion formed by extending from the guard frame and provided to cover at least a portion of one side of the exposed portion, The above guard part is an outdoor unit of an air conditioner in which a plurality of guard parts are arranged spaced apart from each other. In paragraph 5, The above guard member is, Including a guide provided to guide condensate generated in the second heat exchanger to the base, The above guide is an outdoor unit of an air conditioner provided at the bottom of the above guard frame. In paragraph 6, The base includes an edge flange extending vertically along the edge of the base, An outdoor unit of an air conditioner, wherein the above guide is provided such that its inner end is positioned inward from the edge flange. In paragraph 6, An outdoor unit of an air conditioner in which the above guide is arranged to vertically overlap at least a portion of the above edge flange. In paragraph 5, The above guard member is, An outdoor unit of an air conditioner including a first prevention section extending from the guard frame to prevent moisture from penetrating into the first space between the housing and the first space. In paragraph 6, The first space is formed between the upper inner side of the guard frame and the housing, The above first prevention section is an outdoor unit of an air conditioner formed by protruding from the upper inner surface of the guard frame toward the second heat exchange section. In paragraph 5, The above guard member is, An outdoor unit of an air conditioner including a second prevention section extended from the guard frame to cover a second space between the housing and the second space. In paragraph 11, The second space is formed between the lower inner side of the guard frame and the housing, An outdoor unit of an air conditioner, wherein the second prevention section extends from the inner side of the lower side of the guard frame and is provided to cover the space between the guard frame and the housing. In paragraph 5, The above guard member is, An outdoor unit of an air conditioner including a support rib provided on the lower inner surface of the guard frame to support at least one surface of the second heat exchanger. In paragraph 5, The outdoor unit of the above air conditioner includes a sensor, The above support member is, An outdoor unit of an air conditioner further comprising a holder provided on the guard frame so that the sensor can be positioned in a vertical direction. In paragraph 5, The above guard member is, A first fixing part provided to be fitted into the above housing, An outdoor unit of an air conditioner including a second fixing member that is provided to fix the guard member in a state of being pre-assembled to the housing by the first fixing member.