Outdoor unit of air conditioner

Abstract

Provided is an outdoor unit of an air conditioner. The outdoor unit of an air conditioner comprises: a cabinet provided with a space for accommodating one or more components of the outdoor unit of an air conditioner therein; a housing which is provided in the cabinet and in which a printed circuit board is accommodated; a heat dissipation plate provided in the housing and dissipating heat generated from the printed circuit board; and a duct provided in the housing and guiding air in the space to the heat dissipation plate. The duct comprises: a suction port through which air in the space is suctioned; a discharge port through which the air suctioned through the suction port is discharged and which comprises a bent portion formed to be bent toward the heat dissipation plate; and a direction change part which is formed at the bent portion and at least a portion of which has a different height from the surface of the bent portion.

Description

Air conditioner outdoor unit

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an outdoor unit of an air conditioner improved for efficiently cooling a heat sink provided inside a control box.

[0002] Generally, an air conditioner is a device that uses a refrigeration cycle to regulate temperature, humidity, airflow, and distribution to suit human activity. The main components constituting the refrigeration cycle include a compressor, condenser, evaporator, and blower fan.

[0003] Air conditioners can be classified into split-type air conditioners, in which the indoor and outdoor units are installed separately, and integrated-type air conditioners, in which the indoor and outdoor units are installed together in a single cabinet. Among these, the outdoor unit of a split-type air conditioner may include a cabinet and a control box provided to accommodate a printed circuit board inside the cabinet.

[0004] The housing inside the control box may be provided with a heat sink for dissipating heat generated from a printed circuit board, and a duct for guiding internal air from the space inside the cabinet, which accommodates one or more components of the outdoor unit of the air conditioner, to the heat sink to cool the heat sink.

[0005] The above information is presented merely as background information to aid in understanding the present disclosure. No judgment or conclusion is made as to whether the above information is applicable as prior art relating to the present disclosure.

[0006] Various aspects of the present disclosure are intended to solve at least the problems and / or disadvantages described above and to provide at least the advantages described below. Accordingly, one aspect of the present disclosure provides an outdoor unit of an air conditioner improved to efficiently cool a heat sink provided inside the housing of a control box.

[0007] Another aspect of the present disclosure provides an outdoor unit of an air conditioner with an improved shape of a bend formed at the discharge port of a duct that guides air to a heat sink.

[0008] Another aspect of the present disclosure provides an outdoor unit of an air conditioner having a direction changer formed in a bend formed in the discharge port of a duct that guides air to a heat sink.

[0009] Another aspect of the present disclosure provides an outdoor unit of an air conditioner in which a direction change portion formed in a bent portion is composed of a raised portion and a recessed portion.

[0010] Another aspect of the present disclosure provides an outdoor unit of an air conditioner with an improved structure of a direction changer formed in a folded portion so as to intensively cool a high-temperature portion of the heat sink.

[0011] Additional aspects are some of which are described in the following description, some of which will become apparent from the description or will be known through the implementation of the presented embodiments.

[0012] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, an outdoor unit of an air conditioner is provided. The outdoor unit of the air conditioner comprises a cabinet having a space for accommodating one or more components of the outdoor unit of the air conditioner, a housing provided inside the cabinet and accommodating a printed circuit board, a heat sink provided inside the housing and dissipating heat generated from the printed circuit board, and a duct provided inside the housing and guiding air from the space to the heat sink. The duct comprises an intake port through which air from the space is drawn in, a discharge port including a folded portion formed to be bent toward the heat sink and through which the air drawn in through the intake port is discharged, and an air flow direction diversion portion formed in the folded portion, at least a portion having a different height from the surface of the folded portion.

[0013] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, an outdoor unit of an air conditioner is provided. The outdoor unit of the air conditioner comprises a cabinet having a space for accommodating one or more components of the outdoor unit of the air conditioner, a housing provided inside the cabinet and accommodating a printed circuit board, a heat sink provided inside the housing and dissipating heat generated from the printed circuit board, and a duct provided inside the housing and guiding air from the space to the heat sink. The duct comprises an intake port through which air from the space is drawn in, an outlet port through which the air drawn in by the intake port is discharged toward the heat sink, and an air flow direction diversion section formed on at least one wall surface of the walls forming the outlet port and having at least a portion of a different height from the at least one wall surface forming the outlet port.

[0014] Other aspects, advantages, and key features of the present disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art as various embodiments of the invention are disclosed by referring to the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings.

[0015] The above and other aspects, features, and advantages will become clearer from the following description, which is referenced together with the attached drawings, and the drawings are as follows.

[0016] FIG. 1 is a drawing illustrating an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0017] FIG. 2 is a drawing illustrating an outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0018] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating the disassembled view of an outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0019] FIG. 4 is a drawing illustrating a control box according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0020] FIG. 5 is a drawing showing a printed circuit board and a heat sink separated from the housing of a control box according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0021] FIG. 6 is a drawing showing, from a different direction, the printed circuit board and the heat sink separated from the housing of the control box shown in FIG. 5 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0022] FIG. 7 is a drawing showing a bent portion of a duct with raised and recessed sections formed thereon according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0023] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a comparison between the height of the discharge port and the height of the raised portion of a duct according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0024] FIG. 9 is a drawing showing the discharge port of a duct according to one embodiment of the present disclosure from the front.

[0025] FIG. 10 is a drawing showing a heat sink positioned at the discharge port of a duct according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0026] FIG. 11 is a drawing illustrating the case where the temperature of the first portion of the heat sink shown in FIG. 10 is the highest according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0027] FIG. 12 is a drawing illustrating the case where the temperature of the second portion of the heat sink shown in FIG. 10 is the highest according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0028] FIG. 13 is a drawing illustrating the case where the temperature of the third portion of the heat sink shown in FIG. 10 is the highest according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0029] FIG. 14 is a drawing illustrating the case where the temperature of the fourth portion of the heat sink shown in FIG. 10 is the highest according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0030] FIG. 15 is a drawing illustrating the case where the temperature of the fifth portion of the heat sink shown in FIG. 10 is the highest according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0031] FIG. 16 is a drawing illustrating the case where the temperature of the sixth portion of the heat sink shown in FIG. 10 is the highest, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0032] FIG. 17 is a drawing showing a direction changing part according to one embodiment of the present disclosure formed on a wall surface forming a bending part and a discharge opening.

[0033] FIG. 18 is a schematic drawing illustrating a straight duct with a direction change section formed therein according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0034] Identical reference numerals throughout the drawing should be understood to refer to identical parts, components, and structures.

[0035] The following description, with reference to the attached drawings, is provided to aid in a comprehensive understanding of the various embodiments of the present disclosure as defined by the claims and their equivalents. While the following description includes various specific details to aid such understanding, they are merely illustrative. Accordingly, those skilled in the art will recognize that various modifications and changes are possible with respect to the various embodiments described herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Furthermore, descriptions of known functions and configurations may be omitted for the sake of clarity and brevity.

[0036] The terms and words used in the following description and claims are not limited to their dictionary meanings but are used by the inventor to enable a clear and consistent understanding of the present disclosure. Accordingly, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that the following description of various embodiments of the present disclosure is merely for illustrative purposes and is not intended to limit the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0037] In relation to the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components.

[0038] In the present disclosure, each of the phrases such as “A or B”, “at least one of A and B”, “at least one of A or B”, “A, B or C”, “at least one of A, B and C”, and “at least one of A, B, or C” may include any one of the items listed together in the corresponding phrase, or all possible combinations thereof.

[0039] The term "and / or" includes a combination of multiple related described components or any of the multiple related described components.

[0040] Terms such as "first," "second," or "first" or "second" may be used simply to distinguish a component from another component and do not limit the components in other aspects (e.g., importance or order).

[0041] Where any (e.g., 1st) component is referred to as "coupled" or "connected" to another (e.g., 2nd) component, with or without the terms "functionally" or "communicationly," it means that said any component may be connected to said other component directly (e.g., via a wire), wirelessly, or through a third component.

[0042] Terms such as "include" or "have" are intended to specify the existence of the features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in this disclosure, and do not preclude the existence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0043] When it is said that a component is "connected," "combined," "supported," or "in contact" with another component, this includes not only cases where the components are directly connected, combined, supported, or in contact, but also cases where they are indirectly connected, combined, supported, or in contact through a third component.

[0044] When it is said that a component is located "on" another component, this includes not only cases where one component is in contact with the other, but also cases where another component exists between the two components.

[0045] 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 having at least one of these functions.

[0046] According to one embodiment, an air conditioner may include a heat pump device to perform a cooling or 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 that forms the exterior of the air conditioner, such as a window air conditioner or a portable air conditioner. Alternatively, some components of the heat pump device may be housed separately in multiple housings that form a single air conditioner, such as a wall-mounted air conditioner, a stand-type air conditioner, or a system air conditioner.

[0047] An air conditioner comprising 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 refrigerant pipes. For example, the air conditioner may be configured such that one outdoor unit is connected via refrigerant pipes to two or more indoor units. 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.

[0048] The outdoor unit can be electrically connected to the indoor unit. For example, information (or commands) for controlling the air conditioner can be entered through an input interface provided on the outdoor unit or the indoor unit, and the outdoor unit and the indoor unit can operate simultaneously or sequentially in response to user input.

[0049] 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.

[0050] An outdoor heat exchanger can perform heat exchange between the refrigerant and the outdoor air by utilizing the phase change of the refrigerant (e.g., evaporation or condensation). For example, while the refrigerant condenses in the outdoor heat exchanger, the refrigerant releases heat to the outdoor air, and while the refrigerant flowing through the outdoor heat exchanger evaporates, the refrigerant can absorb heat from the outdoor air.

[0051] Indoor units are installed indoors. For example, indoor units may include ceiling-mounted indoor units, stand-type indoor units, wall-mounted indoor units, etc., depending on the method of placement. For example, ceiling-mounted indoor units may include 4-way indoor units, 1-way indoor units, duct-type indoor units, etc., depending on the method of air discharge.

[0052] Similarly, an indoor heat exchanger can perform heat exchange between the refrigerant and the indoor air by utilizing the phase change of the refrigerant (e.g., evaporation or condensation). For example, while the refrigerant evaporates in the indoor unit, it can absorb heat from the indoor air, and the room can be cooled by blowing the cooled indoor air as it passes through the cooled indoor heat exchanger. Additionally, while the refrigerant condenses in the indoor heat exchanger, it can release heat to the indoor air, and the room can be heated by blowing the heated indoor air as it passes through the high-temperature indoor heat exchanger.

[0053] In other words, an air conditioner performs cooling or heating functions through the phase change process of a refrigerant circulating between an outdoor heat exchanger and an indoor heat exchanger; to facilitate this refrigerant circulation, the air conditioner may include a compressor that compresses the refrigerant. The compressor can draw in refrigerant gas through a suction port and compress the refrigerant gas. The compressor can discharge high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant gas through a discharge port. The compressor may be placed inside the outdoor unit.

[0054] The refrigerant may circulate through the refrigerant pipe in the order of the compressor, outdoor heat exchanger, expansion device, and indoor heat exchanger, or in the order of the compressor, indoor heat exchanger, expansion device, and outdoor heat exchanger.

[0055] 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 the outdoor unit and the indoor unit through the refrigerant pipe.

[0056] For example, in an air conditioner, if one outdoor unit is connected to two or more indoor units via refrigerant pipes, the refrigerant may flow to multiple indoor units through refrigerant pipes branching from the outdoor unit. The refrigerant discharged from multiple indoor units may be combined and circulated back to the outdoor unit. For example, multiple indoor units may each be directly connected in parallel to a single outdoor unit via separate refrigerant pipes.

[0057] Multiple indoor units can each operate independently according to an operating mode set by the user. That is, some of the multiple indoor units can operate in cooling mode while others operate in heating mode simultaneously. In this case, the refrigerant may be arranged to flow into each indoor unit in a selectively high-pressure or low-pressure state along a designated circulation path via a flow path switching valve to be described later, and to be discharged and circulated to the outdoor unit.

[0058] For example, when two or more outdoor units and two or more indoor units are connected through multiple refrigerant pipes, the refrigerant discharged from multiple outdoor units may be combined and flow through a single refrigerant pipe, and then branch out again at some point to flow into multiple indoor units.

[0059] Multiple outdoor units may all be driven or at least some may not be driven, depending on the operating load corresponding to the operating amount of multiple indoor units. In this case, the refrigerant may be arranged to flow into and circulate to the outdoor units that are selectively driven through a flow path switching valve. The air conditioner may include an expansion device to lower the pressure of the refrigerant flowing into the heat exchanger. For example, the expansion device may be placed inside the indoor unit or inside the outdoor unit, or it may be placed in both.

[0060] For example, an expansion device can lower the temperature and pressure of the refrigerant by utilizing a throttling effect. The expansion device may include an orifice that can reduce the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path. The temperature and pressure of the refrigerant passing through the orifice can be lowered.

[0061] The expansion device can be implemented, for example, as an electronic expansion valve capable of controlling the opening ratio (the ratio of the cross-sectional area of ​​the valve's flow path in the partially open state to the cross-sectional area of ​​the valve's flow path in the fully open state). The amount of refrigerant passing through the expansion device can be controlled depending on the opening ratio of the electronic expansion valve.

[0062] The air conditioner may further include a flow switching valve positioned on the refrigerant circulation path. The flow switching valve may include, for example, a 4-way valve. The flow switching valve can determine the refrigerant circulation path depending on the operating mode of the indoor unit (e.g., cooling operation or heating operation). The flow switching valve may be connected to the discharge port of the compressor.

[0063] The air conditioner may include an accumulator. The accumulator may be connected to the suction port of the compressor. Low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant evaporated from an indoor heat exchanger or an outdoor heat exchanger may be introduced into the accumulator.

[0064] The accumulator can separate the refrigerant liquid from the refrigerant gas when the refrigerant mixed with the refrigerant gas is introduced, and supply the refrigerant gas from which the refrigerant liquid has been separated to the compressor.

[0065] An outdoor fan may be provided near the outdoor heat exchanger. The outdoor fan can blow outdoor air onto the outdoor heat exchanger to facilitate heat exchange between the refrigerant and the outdoor air.

[0066] 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 environment sensor. The outdoor unit sensor may be placed at any location inside or outside the outdoor unit. For example, the outdoor unit sensor may include, for instance, 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.

[0067] The outdoor unit of the air conditioner may include an outdoor unit communication unit. The outdoor unit communication unit may be configured to receive control signals from the control unit of the indoor unit of the air conditioner, which will be described later. Based on the control signals received through the outdoor unit communication unit, the outdoor unit may control the operation of the compressor, outdoor heat exchanger, expansion device, flow path switching valve, accumulator, or outdoor fan. The outdoor unit may transmit a sensing value detected by the outdoor unit sensor to the control unit of the indoor unit through the outdoor unit communication unit.

[0068] The indoor unit of an air conditioner may include a housing, a blower that circulates air inside or outside the housing, and an indoor heat exchanger that exchanges heat with the air flowing into the housing.

[0069] The housing may include an intake port. Indoor air can be drawn into the interior of the housing through the intake port.

[0070] The indoor unit of the air conditioner may include a filter configured to filter foreign substances in the air entering the housing through the intake port.

[0071] The housing may include an outlet. Air flowing inside the housing can be discharged to the outside of the housing through the outlet.

[0072] The housing of the indoor unit may be provided with an airflow guide that guides the direction of air discharged through the outlet. For example, the airflow guide may include a blade located above the outlet. For example, the airflow guide may include an auxiliary fan for controlling the discharge airflow. The airflow guide may be omitted, but is not limited thereto.

[0073] An indoor heat exchanger and a blower may be provided inside the housing of the indoor unit, positioned on the path connecting the intake and exhaust ports.

[0074] The blower may include an indoor fan and a fan motor. For example, the indoor fan may include an axial fan, a mixed-flow fan, a cross-flow fan, or a centrifugal fan.

[0075] The indoor heat exchanger may be positioned between the blower and the outlet, or between the intake and the blower. The indoor heat exchanger may absorb heat from the air entering through the intake or transfer heat to the air entering 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.

[0076] 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 contained 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.

[0077] 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, touch screens, and / or touch pads. The user can directly input setting data (e.g., desired indoor temperature, setting of operating mode for cooling / heating / dehumidification / air purification, setting of outlet selection, and / or setting of airflow) through the input interface.

[0078] The input interface may be connected to an external input device. For example, the input interface may be electrically connected to a wired remote controller. The wired remote controller may be installed at a specific location within the indoor space (e.g., a part of a wall). The user can input setting data regarding the operation of the air conditioner by operating the wired remote controller. An electrical signal corresponding to the setting data obtained through the wired remote controller may be transmitted to the input interface. Additionally, the input interface may include an infrared sensor. The user can input setting data regarding the operation of the air conditioner remotely 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.

[0079] Additionally, 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 the indoor unit control unit. The indoor unit control unit may control the components of the air conditioner to execute functions corresponding to the user's voice command. Setting data acquired through the input interface (e.g., desired indoor temperature, operating mode settings for cooling / heating / dehumidification / air purification, outlet selection settings, and / or airflow settings) may be transmitted to the indoor unit control unit described later. In one example, the setting data acquired through the input interface may be transmitted externally, namely to an outdoor unit or a server, through the indoor unit communication unit described later.

[0080] The indoor unit of the air conditioner may include a power module. The power module can be connected to an external power source to supply power to the components of the indoor unit.

[0081] The indoor unit of an air conditioner may include an indoor unit sensor. The indoor unit sensor may be an environment sensor placed 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 placed 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 the 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 the inlet, intermediate, and / or outlet temperatures of a refrigerant pipe passing through an indoor heat exchanger.

[0082] For example, each environmental information detected by the indoor unit sensor may be transmitted to the indoor unit control unit described later, or transmitted to the outside through the indoor unit communication unit described later.

[0083] The indoor unit of an 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 or 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 or a long-range communication module.

[0084] A 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.

[0085] 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 wireless signals with at least one of a base station, an external terminal, and a server on a mobile communication network.

[0086] The indoor unit communication unit can communicate with external devices, such as servers, mobile devices, and other home appliances, through nearby access points (APs). The access point (AP) can connect the local area network (LAN) to which the air conditioner or user device is connected to the 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 the indoor unit's components, such as a blower. The outdoor unit of the air conditioner may include an outdoor unit control unit that controls the outdoor unit's components, such as a compressor. 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.

[0087] The outdoor unit control unit can be electrically connected to the 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 path switching valve to switch the direction of refrigerant circulation. The outdoor unit control unit can adjust the rotational speed of the outdoor fan. In addition, the outdoor unit control unit can generate a control signal to adjust the opening of the expansion valve. Under the control of the outdoor unit control unit, refrigerant can circulate along a refrigerant circulation circuit including a compressor, a flow path switching valve, an outdoor heat exchanger, an expansion valve, and an indoor heat exchanger.

[0088] Various temperature sensors included in the outdoor and indoor units can each transmit an electrical signal corresponding to the detected temperature to the outdoor unit control unit and / or the indoor unit control unit. For example, humidity sensors included in the outdoor and indoor units can each transmit an electrical signal corresponding to the detected humidity to the outdoor unit control unit and / or the indoor unit control unit.

[0089] The indoor unit control unit can acquire user input from a user device, including a mobile device, through the indoor unit communication unit, and can acquire user input directly or through a remote controller via an input interface. The indoor unit control unit can control the components of the indoor unit, including a blower, in response to the received user input. The indoor unit control unit can transmit information regarding the received user input to the outdoor unit control unit of the outdoor unit.

[0090] The outdoor unit control unit can control the components of the outdoor unit, including the compressor, based on information regarding user input received from the indoor unit. For example, when the outdoor unit control unit receives a control signal from the indoor unit corresponding to user input selecting an operation mode such as cooling operation, heating operation, fan operation, defrosting operation, or dehumidification operation, it can control the components of the outdoor unit so that the operation of the air conditioner corresponding to the selected operation mode is performed.

[0091] 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.

[0092] The memory can store / remember various information required for the operation of the air conditioner. The memory can store instructions, applications, data, and / or programs required for the operation of the air conditioner. For example, the memory can store various programs for the cooling operation, heating operation, dehumidification operation, and / or defrosting operation of the air conditioner. The memory may include volatile memory such as S-RAM (Static Random Access Memory) and D-RAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory) for temporarily storing data. Additionally, the memory may include non-volatile memory such as ROM (Read Only Memory), EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory), and EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory) for long-term data storage.

[0093] The processor can generate control signals to control the operation of the air conditioner based on instructions, applications, data, and / or programs stored in memory. As hardware, the processor may include logic circuits and arithmetic circuits. The processor can process data according to programs and / or instructions provided from memory and generate control signals according to the processing results. The memory and the processor may be implemented as a single control circuit or as multiple circuits.

[0094] The indoor unit of the air conditioner may include an output interface. The output interface is electrically connected to the 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 the operating mode, airflow direction, airflow volume, and temperature selected by user input may be output. Additionally, the output interface may output sensing information obtained from the indoor unit sensor or the outdoor unit sensor, as well as warning / error messages.

[0095] The output interface may include a display and a speaker. The speaker can output various sounds as an acoustic device. The display may display information entered by the user or information provided to the user as various graphic elements. For example, operation information of the air conditioner may be displayed as at least one of an image or text. Additionally, 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 Emitting Diode Panel), an OLED panel (Organic Light Emitting Diode Panel), a micro LED panel, and / or a plurality of LEDs.

[0096] It should be understood that the blocks of each flowchart and combinations of flowcharts may be executed by one or more computer programs containing instructions. The entirety of one or more computer programs may be stored in a single memory device, or said one or more computer programs may be divided so that each part is stored in multiple different memory devices.

[0097] Any function or operation described in this specification may be processed by a single processor or a combination of multiple processors. The single processor or combination of processors is a circuit that performs processing and includes an application processor (AP, e.g., a central processing unit (CPU)), a communication processor (CP, e.g., a modem), a graphics processing unit (GPU), a neural network processing unit (NPU) (e.g., an artificial intelligence (AI) chip), a wireless LAN (Wi-Fi) chip, a Bluetooth® chip, a Global Positioning System (GPS) chip, a Near Field Communication (NFC) chip, a connectivity chip, a sensor controller, a touch controller, a fingerprint sensor controller, a display driver integrated circuit (IC), an audio CODEC chip, a Universal Serial Bus (USB) controller, a camera controller, an image processing IC, a microprocessor unit (MPU), a system-on-chip (SoC), an IC, or a similar circuit.

[0098] Hereinafter, embodiments according to the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0099] FIG. 1 is a drawing illustrating an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0100] Referring to FIG. 1, the air conditioner may include an indoor unit (20) placed in an indoor space and an outdoor unit (10) placed in an outdoor space.

[0101] An air conditioner can absorb heat from inside the air-conditioned space and release heat to the outside of the air-conditioned space to cool the air-conditioned space. Additionally, an air conditioner can absorb heat from the outside of the air-conditioned space and release heat into the air-conditioned space to heat the air-conditioned space.

[0102] The outdoor unit (10) can exchange heat with the outdoor air outside the air conditioning space. The outdoor unit (10) can perform heat exchange between the refrigerant and the outdoor air by utilizing the phase change of the refrigerant. For example, the outdoor unit (10) can release the heat of the refrigerant to the outdoor air by utilizing the condensation of the refrigerant. Additionally, the outdoor unit (10) can absorb the heat of the outdoor air into the refrigerant by utilizing the evaporation of the refrigerant.

[0103] In the drawing, one outdoor unit (10) is shown, but it is not limited thereto. For example, the air conditioner may include multiple outdoor units (10).

[0104] The outdoor unit (10) may include an outdoor heat exchanger (11) that exchanges heat with outdoor air and a compressor (12) that compresses refrigerant gas. (See FIG. 3)

[0105] A detailed description of the configuration of the outdoor unit (10) will be given later.

[0106] The indoor unit (20) can exchange heat with the indoor air within the air conditioning space. The indoor unit (20) can perform heat exchange between the refrigerant and the indoor air by utilizing the phase change of the refrigerant. For example, the indoor unit (20) can cool the air conditioning space by absorbing heat from the indoor air into the refrigerant using the evaporation of the refrigerant. Additionally, the indoor unit (20) can heat the air conditioning space by releasing heat from the refrigerant into the indoor air using the condensation of the refrigerant.

[0107] The indoor unit (20) may include an indoor heat exchanger that exchanges heat with indoor air, an indoor blower fan that sucks in and blows indoor air to allow indoor air to pass through the indoor heat exchanger, and an expansion valve unit that reduces pressure and expands the refrigerant.

[0108] In the drawing, one indoor unit (20) is shown, but it is not limited thereto. For example, the air conditioner may include multiple indoor units (20). Multiple different indoor units (20) may be installed in multiple different air conditioning spaces.

[0109] In the drawing, the indoor unit (20) is depicted as a ceiling-mounted 1-way type indoor unit in which air is discharged in one direction, but this is merely an example, and the indoor unit (20) may include a ceiling-mounted indoor unit, a stand-type indoor unit, a wall-mounted indoor unit, etc. In addition, as a ceiling-mounted indoor unit, it is obvious that it may include a duct-type indoor unit and a 4-way type indoor unit in which air is discharged in all directions.

[0110] In this way, the air conditioner can perform heat exchange between the refrigerant and the outdoor air outside the air-conditioned space, and heat exchange between the refrigerant and the indoor air inside the air-conditioned space.

[0111] At this time, the air conditioner may include a connecting pipe (P) that transfers refrigerant between the indoor unit (20) and the outdoor unit (10) in order to transfer heat between the outside and inside of the air conditioner space. The connecting pipe (P) can allow refrigerant to flow between the outside and inside of the air conditioner space. The outdoor unit (10) may be provided to be connected to the indoor unit (20). More specifically, the indoor unit (20) and the outdoor unit (10) may be connected to each other through the connecting pipe (P) that transfers refrigerant. The types of refrigerants may include combustible refrigerants and non-combustible refrigerants. Additionally, the types of refrigerants may include refrigerants having properties heavier than air and refrigerants having properties lighter than air.

[0112] The air conditioner described above is merely an example of an air conditioner to which an outdoor unit (10) of an 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 an air conditioner to which an outdoor unit (10) of an air conditioner according to the concept of the present disclosure can be applied, an indoor unit (20) included therein, a connecting pipe (P), etc., can be provided in various ways.

[0113] FIG. 2 is a drawing illustrating an outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 3 is a drawing schematically illustrating an outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure in a disassembled state.

[0114] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the outdoor unit (10) of the air conditioner may include an outdoor heat exchanger (11) that exchanges heat with outdoor air, a compressor (12) that compresses refrigerant, a fan (13) that draws outdoor air into the interior of the cabinet (100) and discharges air back out of the cabinet (100) so that the outdoor air passes through the outdoor heat exchanger (11), and a cabinet (100) that forms the exterior of the outdoor unit (10).

[0115] The cabinet (100) can form the exterior of the outdoor unit (10). Various parts of the outdoor unit (10), such as an outdoor heat exchanger (11), a compressor (12), a fan (13), a refrigerant pipe (not shown) to be described later, and a control box (140), can be accommodated inside the cabinet (100).

[0116] The cabinet (100) may include an airflow inlet (131) formed to allow air to enter and a fan airflow outlet (111) formed to allow air to be discharged. As the fan (13) rotates, air from outside the cabinet (100) may enter through the airflow inlet (131), and after heat exchange with the outdoor heat exchanger (11), may be discharged to the outside of the cabinet (100) through the fan airflow outlet (111).

[0117] The outdoor unit (10) may include a partition wall (180). The partition wall (180) may extend upward (+Z direction) from the base (172) (described later).

[0118] The partition wall (180) can divide the interior of the cabinet (100) into a first space (R1) and a second space (R2). For example, the first space (R1) and the second space (R2) can be arranged in the left-right direction (+-Y direction) relative to each other in the drawing, and the partition wall (180) can be arranged to extend in the up-down direction (+-Z direction) in the drawing to divide the interior of the cabinet (100).

[0119] That is, the outdoor unit (10) may include a first space (R1) formed inside the cabinet (100). Components such as a compressor (12) and a control box (140), which will be described later, may be placed in the first space (R1). The first space (R1) may be a space capable of accommodating one or more components of the outdoor unit.

[0120] Additionally, the outdoor unit (10) may include a second space (R2) formed inside the cabinet (100). The second space (R2) may be configured to allow heat exchange of the refrigerant to occur.

[0121] More specifically, outside air can be introduced into the second space (R2), and the introduced air can be discharged back to the outside. In the second space (R2), heat exchange can take place between the outdoor heat exchanger (11) and the air introduced from the outside. Components such as the outdoor heat exchanger (11) and a fan (13) can be arranged in the second space (R2).

[0122] For example, the cabinet (100) can be formed to have a roughly box shape.

[0123] Below, an example of the structure of a cabinet (100) is described.

[0124] The cabinet (100) may include a first front cover (120). The first front cover (120) may cover the front (+X direction) of the first space (R1). That is, the first front cover (120) may be provided to cover the front of the outdoor unit (10).

[0125] More specifically, the first front cover (120) may be provided to cover a portion of the first space (R1) that is open in a direction parallel to the direction in which the rotation axis (16) of the fan motor (14) extends.

[0126] The cabinet (100) may include a second front cover (110). The second front cover (110) may cover the front of the second space (R2). A fan air outlet (111) may be formed in the second front cover (110).

[0127] For example, the first front cover (120) may be formed in the shape of a roughly flat plate. Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, the first front cover (120) will be referred to and described as the 'front cover (120)'. Accordingly, the cabinet (100) may be described as including a front cover (120) provided to cover the front of the outdoor unit (10).

[0128] The front cover (120) may include a front exhaust hole (121). The front exhaust hole (121) may connect the first space (R1) to the outside of the outdoor unit (10) so as to discharge the refrigerant leaked into the first space (R1) to the outside of the outdoor unit (10) when the refrigerant leaks from the refrigerant pipe contained in the cabinet (100). That is, the front exhaust hole (121) may be formed to penetrate the front cover (120).

[0129] The front exhaust holes (121) may be provided in multiple numbers. That is, the front cover (120) may include multiple front exhaust holes (121). The multiple front exhaust holes (121) may be arranged in an up-and-down direction on one side of the front cover (120). Although the illustration depicts multiple front exhaust holes (121) as being located on the side (+Y side) of the front cover (120), this is merely an example, and the multiple front exhaust holes (121) may be formed at various locations on the front cover (120) to communicate the first space (R1) with the outside.

[0130] Depending on the type, the leaked refrigerant may have physical properties heavier than air. Therefore, the leaked refrigerant may accumulate in the lower part of the space where the refrigerant pipe is placed. At this time, since a plurality of front exhaust holes (121) arranged in the vertical direction are formed on one side of the front cover (120), the leaked refrigerant accumulated in the first space (R1) where the refrigerant pipe is placed can be exhausted to the outside through the plurality of front exhaust holes (121).

[0131] The front cover (120) may include a front cover extension (122). The front cover extension (122) may be formed to cover a portion of the side of the outdoor unit (10) when the front cover (120) covers the front of the outdoor unit (10).

[0132] For example, the second front cover (110) and the front cover (120, the first front cover) can be arranged side by side in the left-right direction. The second front cover (110) and the front cover (120, the first front cover) can be combined with each other.

[0133] The cabinet may include a rear frame (130). The rear frame (130) may be provided to cover the rear (-X direction) of the cabinet.

[0134] The rear frame (130) may include a first rear frame (133). The first rear frame (133) may form part of the rear exterior of the outdoor unit (10). The first rear frame (133) may be positioned at the rear of the second space (R2). An airflow inlet (131) may be formed in the first rear frame (133).

[0135] The first rear frame (133) can be positioned so that one side faces the second front cover (110).

[0136] The rear frame (130) may include a second rear frame (132). The second rear frame (132) may form another part of the rear exterior of the outdoor unit (10). The second rear frame (132) may cover the rear of the first space (R1).

[0137] The second rear frame (132) can be positioned so that one side faces the front cover (120).

[0138] The cabinet (100) may include a first side cover (160). The first side cover (160) may form a right-side (+Y direction) surface of the outdoor unit (10). That is, the first side cover (160) may be provided to cover the side of the outdoor unit (10). For example, the first side cover (160) may be formed in the shape of a roughly flat plate.

[0139] The cabinet (100) may include a second side cover (150). The second side cover (150) may form one side in the left direction (-Y direction) of the outdoor unit (10).

[0140] The second side cover (150) can cover the second space (R2). The second side cover (150) can cover the second space (R2) from the left side. A side airflow inlet (151) can be formed in the second side cover (150).

[0141] The second side cover (150) can be coupled to the second front cover (110). The second side cover (150) can be connected to the first rear frame (133).

[0142] For example, the second side cover (150) may be positioned to extend in the front-rear direction (+-X direction).

[0143] For convenience of explanation, the first side cover (160) will be referred to and described as the 'side cover (160)'. Accordingly, the side cover (160) can be described as forming a right-side (+Y direction) surface of the cabinet (100) of the outdoor unit (10).

[0144] The side cover (160) can be attached to the front cover (120). The side cover (160) can be attached to the second rear frame (132).

[0145] For example, the side cover (160) can be positioned to extend in the front-rear direction (+-X direction).

[0146] The side cover (160) can be positioned so that one side faces the second side cover (150).

[0147] For example, the side cover (160) may include a plurality of side exhaust holes (161) that allow the first space (R1) to communicate with the outside of the outdoor unit (10). Air within the first space (R1) can flow from the first space (R1) to the outside through the plurality of side exhaust holes (161).

[0148] Multiple side exhaust holes (161) can be arranged in the front-rear direction (+-X direction) on one side of the side cover (160).

[0149] Multiple side exhaust holes (161) may be located on the lower side of the side cover (160). When refrigerant leaks from the refrigerant pipe, the leaked refrigerant may flow into the first space (R1). Depending on the type, the leaked refrigerant may have physical properties heavier than air. Therefore, the leaked refrigerant may accumulate on the lower side of the space where the refrigerant pipe is placed. At this time, since multiple side exhaust holes (161) are formed on the lower side of the side cover (160), the leaked refrigerant accumulated on the lower side of the space where the refrigerant pipe is placed can be exhausted to the outside through the multiple side exhaust holes (161).

[0150] The cabinet (100) may include a base (172). The base (172) may form the bottom surface of the outdoor unit (10). The base (172) may be positioned on one side of the lower portion of the first space (R1) and the second space (R2). The base (172) may support various parts of the outdoor unit (10) that are housed inside the cabinet (100) from below.

[0151] The base (172) can be attached to the lower portions of the first front cover (120), the second front cover (110), the second rear frame (132), the first side cover (160), and the second side cover (150), respectively.

[0152] The base (172) can be formed to have a roughly flat plate shape.

[0153] The cabinet (100) may include a top cover (171). The top cover (171) may form the upper surface of the outdoor unit (10).

[0154] The top cover (171) can cover the upper portion of the first space (R1) and the second space (R2). The top cover (171) can cover the various parts of the outdoor unit (10) housed inside the cabinet (100) from the upper portion.

[0155] The top cover (171) can be attached to the upper portions of the first front cover (120), the second front cover (110), the second rear frame (132), the first side cover (160), and the second side cover (150), respectively.

[0156] The top cover (171) can be formed to have a roughly flat plate shape.

[0157] The top cover (171) can be positioned so that one side faces the base (172).

[0158] The cabinet (100) may include an exhaust grille (193). The exhaust grille (193) may cover the front of the second front cover (110). The exhaust grille (193) may cover the front of the fan air discharge port (111). The exhaust grille (193) may be coupled to the second front cover (110). The exhaust grille (193) may form part of the front (+X direction) exterior of the outdoor unit (10).

[0159] The exhaust grille (193) covers the fan air outlet (111) and can be formed to include the shape of a grille so that air can be discharged from the fan air outlet (111).

[0160] The cabinet (100) may include an outer cover (191). The outer cover (191) may cover the front cover (120) from the front. The outer cover (191) may be coupled to the front cover (120).

[0161] The outer cover (191) can form another part of the front (+X direction) exterior of the outdoor unit (10).

[0162] For example, the exhaust grille (193) and the outer cover (191) can be arranged side by side in the left-right direction (+-Y direction). The exhaust grille (193) and the outer cover (191) can be joined together.

[0163] Each component included in the cabinet (100) may be provided to be separable from one another. For example, the front cover (120) may be provided to be separable from the second front cover (110), the side cover (160), the top cover (171), the base (172), etc.

[0164] For example, the side cover (160) may be provided to be detachable from the front cover (120), the second rear frame (132), the top cover (171), the base (172), etc.

[0165] For example, the top cover (171) may be provided to be detachable from the first front cover (120), the second front cover (110), the second rear frame (132), the first side cover (160), and the second side cover (150).

[0166] As a result, when it is necessary to perform tasks such as inspecting, replacing, or repairing parts inside the outdoor unit (10), the worker can perform the work by separating at least one component of the cabinet (100).

[0167] The configuration of the cabinet (100) that may be included in the air conditioner according to the concept of the present disclosure is not limited to what has been described above.

[0168] An outdoor heat exchanger (11) may be provided to exchange heat with outdoor air. An outdoor heat exchanger (11) may be provided to allow refrigerant to flow inside. In the outdoor heat exchanger (11), heat exchange between the refrigerant and the outdoor air may take place.

[0169] For example, during the cooling operation of the air conditioner, high-pressure, high-temperature refrigerant gas is condensed in the outdoor heat exchanger (11), and while the refrigerant is condensing, the refrigerant can release heat to the outdoor air. During the cooling operation of the air conditioner, the outdoor heat exchanger (11) can discharge liquid refrigerant.

[0170] Additionally, during the heating operation of the air conditioner, low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant liquid evaporates in the outdoor heat exchanger (11), and while the refrigerant is evaporating, the refrigerant can absorb heat from the outdoor air. During the heating operation of the air conditioner, the outdoor heat exchanger (11) can discharge refrigerant gas.

[0171] The outdoor heat exchanger (11) can be positioned to face the airflow inlet (131) in the second space (R2).

[0172] The compressor (12) can compress the refrigerant gas and discharge the high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant gas. For example, the compressor (12) may include a motor and a compression mechanism, and the compression mechanism can compress the refrigerant gas by the torque of the motor.

[0173] The outdoor unit (10) of the air conditioner may include a refrigerant pipe. The refrigerant pipe may be placed inside a cabinet (100). The refrigerant pipe may be connected to various devices in a first space (R1) through which the refrigerant flows to allow the refrigerant to flow.

[0174] The outdoor unit (10) may include a control box (140). The outdoor unit (10) may include a printed circuit board (141) for controlling the operation of various components of the outdoor unit (10). Various electronic components may be mounted on the printed circuit board (141). The printed circuit board (141) may be accommodated in the housing (142) of the control box (140). The control box (140) may be placed in a first space (R1). (See FIGS. 4 to 6)

[0175] More specifically, a printed circuit board (141) provided within the housing (142) of a control box (140) can be electrically connected to various components of an outdoor unit (10), such as a compressor (12), a fan motor (14), a plate heat exchanger, and an expansion tank (22). Through this, the printed circuit board (141) can be configured to control the operation of various components of the outdoor unit (10). Alternatively, the printed circuit board (141) can be configured to receive detection signals from various sensors provided in the compressor (12), the outdoor heat exchanger (11), etc. (See FIGS. 4 to 6)

[0176] The outdoor unit (10) may include a fan (13) provided to circulate air and a fan motor (14) that generates rotational force for the fan (13) to rotate.

[0177] For example, the outdoor unit (10) may include a motor bracket (15) that supports a fan (13) and a fan motor (14). The motor bracket (15) may be placed in a second space (R2).

[0178] For example, the outdoor unit (10) may include a plate heat exchanger (not shown). The plate heat exchanger may be configured to exchange heat between the refrigerant and the water. The plate heat exchanger may be placed inside the cabinet (100). For example, the plate heat exchanger may be placed in the first space (R1).

[0179] For example, the outdoor unit (10) may include a water pipe configured to allow water to flow in or out from the outside. The water pipe may be connected to a plate heat exchanger. At least a portion of the water pipe may be placed inside the cabinet (100). For example, at least a portion of the water pipe may be placed in the first space (R1).

[0180] Water introduced into the outdoor unit (10) from the outside through a water pipe can perform heat exchange with a high-temperature refrigerant within a plate heat exchanger. Within the plate heat exchanger, the water can absorb heat from the high-temperature refrigerant and be transferred back to the outside of the outdoor unit (10) through the water pipe.

[0181] For example, the outdoor unit (10) may include an expansion tank (22). When the water temperature rises due to the plate heat exchanger, the volume within the water pipe may increase, and the expansion tank (22) may be provided to prevent the water pressure from rising suddenly due to this. The expansion tank (22) may be placed inside the cabinet (100). For example, the expansion tank (22) may be placed in the first space (R1).

[0182] Thus, an outdoor unit (10) according to one embodiment may comprise a plate heat exchanger, a water pipe, and an expansion tank (22) to form part of a heating system that supplies hot water.

[0183] However, the concept of the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and in an air conditioner according to one embodiment, the plate heat exchanger, water pipes, and expansion tank (22) may be provided outside the outdoor unit (10). Alternatively, an air conditioner according to one embodiment may not be equipped with a heating system.

[0184] FIG. 4 is a drawing illustrating a control box according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 5 is a drawing illustrating a printed circuit board and a heat sink separated in a control box according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 6 is a drawing illustrating a printed circuit board and a heat sink separated in a control box shown in FIG. 5 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure from a different direction.

[0185] Referring to FIGS. 4 to 6, a printed circuit board (141) can be accommodated inside the housing (142) of the control box (140). The printed circuit board (141) can be accommodated on the upper part of the housing (142) of the control box (140).

[0186] A heat sink (143) for dissipating heat generated from a printed circuit board (141) may be provided inside the housing (142) of the control box (140). The heat sink (143) may be located on the left side of the housing (142) of the control box (140) in the drawing.

[0187] A duct (200) may be provided inside the housing (142) of the control box (140). The duct (200) may guide air inside the space (R1, see FIG. 3) to the heat sink (143). The heat sink (143) may be cooled by the air guided by the duct (200). The duct (200) may be located at the bottom inside the housing (142) of the control box (140).

[0188] The duct (200) may include an intake port (210) through which air from the machine room (R1) is drawn in. The intake port (210) may be formed to be open toward the space (R1). Air inside the space (R1) may be drawn in through the intake port (210) and guided to the heat sink (143). (See FIG. 3)

[0189] The duct (200) may include a discharge port (220) through which air sucked in through the intake port (210) is discharged. A heat sink (143) may be disposed in the discharge port (220). Air sucked in through the intake port (210) and discharged through the discharge port (220) may be guided to the heat sink (143). The heat sink (143) may be cooled by the air guided to the heat sink (143). The internal air of the space (R1) may be sucked in through the intake port (210) and discharged through the discharge port (220) based on at least one of the suction force generated by the fan (13) placed in the second space (R2), the suction force generated by another fan, or the suction force generated by the passive movement of air.

[0190] The discharge port (220) may be formed in a square shape. The discharge port (220) may be formed by four walls (221) having a square shape. The discharge port (220) may include a folded portion (223) formed by being folded toward the heat sink (143). The folded portion (223) may be formed on the lower side of the four walls (221) forming the discharge port (220).

[0191] An air flow direction switching section (230) may be formed in the bending section (223). The air flow direction switching section (230) may be formed in multiple numbers. At least a portion of the air flow direction switching section (230) may be provided to have a height different from the surface of the bending section (223). At least a portion of the air flow direction switching section (230) having a height different from the surface of the bending section (223) may switch the direction of air passing through the bending section (223) according to the height of the air flow direction switching section (230). A detailed explanation thereof will be provided later.

[0192] FIG. 7 is a drawing showing a raised portion and a recessed portion formed in a bent portion of a duct according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing a comparison of the height of the discharge port and the height of the raised portion of a duct according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 9 is a drawing showing the discharge port of a duct according to one embodiment of the present disclosure from the front.

[0193] Referring to FIG. 7, an air flow direction switching section (230) may be formed in the bend (223) formed at the discharge port (220) of the duct (200). Air passing through the air flow direction switching section (230) may be directed according to the height of the air flow direction switching section (230). The higher the height of the air flow direction switching section (230), the further and higher the air passing through the air flow direction switching section (230) may be directed. Conversely, the lower the height of the air flow direction switching section (230), the closer and lower the air passing through the air flow direction switching section (230) may be directed.

[0194] The air flow direction diversion section (230) may include a raised section (231) formed to protrude from the surface of the folded section (223). The raised section (231) may have a height higher than the surface of the folded section (223). Since the raised section (231) has a height higher than the surface of the folded section (223), air passing through the raised section (231) can be guided to a greater distance and higher than air passing through the surface of the folded section (223). Air guided to a greater distance and higher through the raised section (231) can cool the heat sink (143, see FIG. 4).

[0195] The air flow direction switching section (230) may include an intaglio section (232) formed on one side of the raised section (231). The intaglio section (232) may be formed to have a lower height than the raised section (231). The intaglio section (232) may have the same height as the surface of the bent section (223). That is, the surface of the bent section (223) may become the intaglio section (232). Although the drawing shows the intaglio section (232) having the same height as the surface of the bent section (223), it is not limited thereto. For example, the intaglio section (232) may be formed to have a lower height than the surface of the bent section (223). The intaglio section (232) may be formed to be recessed from the surface of the bent section (223). That is, if the indentation (232) is formed to have a lower height than the relief (231), it may have the same height as the surface of the fold (223), or it may have a height higher or lower than the surface of the fold (223). Since the indentation (232) has a lower height than the relief (231), the air passing through the indentation (232) can be guided toward a closer and lower place than the air passing through the relief (231). The air guided toward a closer and lower place passing through the indentation (232) can cool the heat sink (143, see FIG. 4).

[0196] As described above, the airflow passing over the raised portion (231) can reach the upper part of the heat sink (143), and the airflow passing over the recessed portion (232) passes through the lower part of the heat sink (143), thereby increasing the overall amount of airflow that cools the heat sink (143). Additionally, since the overall amount of airflow that cools the heat sink (143) increases, the surface area of ​​the heat sink (143) can be increased, and thus the performance of the heat sink (143) that dissipates heat from the printed circuit board (141) can be improved.

[0197] The raised portion (231) and the intaglio portion (232) may be provided in multiple numbers. The raised portion (231) and the intaglio portion (232) provided in multiple numbers may be formed alternately. That is, the intaglio portion (232) may be formed on both sides of the raised portion (231). The raised portion (231) may be formed on both sides of the intaglio portion (232).

[0198] The raised portion (231) may protrude from the surface of the folded portion (223) to a height of approximately 10% or less of the height (H1) of the discharge port (220). The raised portion (231) may protrude to have the same height. That is, the height (H2) of the raised portion (231) may protrude from the surface of the folded portion (223) by a height of approximately 10% or less of the height (H1) of the discharge port (220). The height (H2) of the raised portion (231) may protrude higher than the recessed portion (232) by a height of approximately 10% or less of the height (H1) of the discharge port (220). Although the drawings show a plurality of raised portions (231) having the same height, they are not limited thereto. For example, if the plurality of raised portions (231) have a height higher than the height of the plurality of recessed portions (232), they may be formed to have different heights. Additionally, if the multiple intaglio parts (232) have a height lower than the height of the multiple relief parts (231), they can be formed to have different heights.

[0199] The raised portion (231) and the recessed portion (232) can each be formed to have a width of approximately 50% or less of the width (W1) of the discharge port (220). The raised portion (231) and the recessed portion (232) can be formed to have the same width. That is, the width (W2) of the raised portion (231) can be formed to have a width of approximately 50% or less of the width (W1) of the discharge port (220). The width (W2) of the recessed portion (232) can be formed to have a width of approximately 50% or less of the width (W1) of the discharge port (220). Although the drawings show a plurality of raised portions (231) and a plurality of recessed portions (232) having the same width, they are not limited thereto. For example, a plurality of raised portions (231) and a plurality of recessed portions (232) can be formed to have different widths. Additionally, each of the multiple raised portions (231) can be formed to have a different width. Additionally, each of the multiple recessed portions (232) can also be formed to have a different width.

[0200] FIG. 10 is a drawing illustrating a heat sink positioned at the discharge port of a duct according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 11 is a drawing illustrating the case where the temperature of the first part of the heat sink shown in FIG. 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is the highest. FIG. 12 is a drawing illustrating the case where the temperature of the second part of the heat sink shown in FIG. 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is the highest. FIG. 13 is a drawing illustrating the case where the temperature of the third part of the heat sink shown in FIG. 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is the highest. FIG. 14 is a drawing illustrating the case where the temperature of the fourth part of the heat sink shown in FIG. 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is the highest. FIG. 15 is a drawing illustrating the case where the temperature of the fifth part of the heat sink shown in FIG. 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is the highest. FIG. 16 is a drawing illustrating the case where the temperature of the sixth part of the heat sink shown in FIG. 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is the highest.

[0201] Referring to FIG. 10, a heat sink (143) may be placed in the discharge port (220) of the duct (200). A plurality of raised portions (231) and a plurality of recessed portions (232) may be formed to be alternately arranged in the folded portion (223) of the discharge port (220).

[0202] When the temperature of the heat sink (143) is uniform overall, a plurality of raised portions (231) and a plurality of recessed portions (232) are arranged alternately. However, when the temperature of a part of the heat sink (143) is high, the plurality of raised portions (231) and a plurality of recessed portions (232) may be formed with different numbers depending on the location of the part with the highest temperature among the heat sinks (143). For example, in a part of the folded portion (223), the number of raised portions (231) may be formed greater than the number of recessed portions (232). Alternatively, in a part of the folded portion (223), the number of recessed portions (232) may be formed greater than the number of raised portions (231).

[0203] Referring to FIG. 11, the heat sink (143) may include a first portion (144) which is the upper left side of the heat sink (143). When the temperature of the first portion (144) of the heat sink (143) is the highest, it may be necessary to intensively cool the first portion (144). To intensively cool the first portion (144), the number of raised portions (231) on the left side of the bend portion (223) may be formed such that the number of recessed portions (232) is greater than the number of raised portions (231). If the number of raised portions (231) on the left side of the bend portion (223) is greater than the number of recessed portions (232), the air on the left side of the bend portion (223) may be guided to move further away and higher than on other parts. Through this, the first portion (144) of the heat sink (143) can be intensively cooled compared to other parts.

[0204] Referring to FIG. 12, the heat sink (143) may include a second part (145) which is the central upper part of the heat sink (143). The second part (145) may be located to the right of the first part (144). When the temperature of the second part (145) of the heat sink (143) is the highest, it may be necessary to intensively cool the second part (145). To intensively cool the second part (145), the number of raised parts (231) in the central part of the bend (223) may be formed greater than the number of recessed parts (232). If the number of raised parts (231) in the central part of the bend (223) is greater than the number of recessed parts (232), the air in the central part of the bend (223) may be guided to go further and higher than in other parts. Through this, the second part (145) of the heat sink (143) can be cooled more intensively than other parts.

[0205] Referring to FIG. 13, the heat sink (143) may include a third part (146) which is the upper right side of the heat sink (143). The third part (146) may be located to the right of the second part (145). When the temperature of the third part (146) of the heat sink (143) is the highest, it may be necessary to intensively cool the third part (146). To intensively cool the third part (146), the number of raised parts (231) on the right side of the bend (223) may be formed greater than the number of recessed parts (232). If the number of raised parts (231) on the right side of the bend (223) is greater than the number of recessed parts (232), the air on the right side of the bend (223) may be guided to go further and higher than on other parts. Through this, the third part (146) of the heat sink (143) can be cooled more intensively than other parts.

[0206] Referring to FIG. 14, the heat sink (143) may include a fourth part (147) which is the lower left side of the heat sink (143). The fourth part (147) may be located below the first part (144). When the temperature of the fourth part (147) of the heat sink (143) is the highest, it may be necessary to intensively cool the fourth part (147). To intensively cool the fourth part (147), the number of indented parts (232) on the left side of the bend (223) may be formed such that the number of raised parts (231) is greater than the number of indented parts (232). If the number of indented parts (232) on the left side of the bend (223) is greater than the number of raised parts (231), the air on the left side of the bend (223) may be guided to be closer and lower than on other parts. Through this, the fourth part (147) of the heat sink (143) can be cooled more intensively than other parts.

[0207] Referring to FIG. 15, the heat sink (143) may include a fifth part (148) which is the central lower part of the heat sink (143). The fifth part (148) may be located below the second part (145). The fifth part (148) may be located to the right of the fourth part (147). When the temperature of the fifth part (148) of the heat sink (143) is the highest, it may be necessary to intensively cool the fifth part (148). To intensively cool the fifth part (148), the number of intaglio parts (232) in the central part of the fold (223) may be formed such that the number of relief parts (231) is greater than the number of intaglio parts (231). If the number of intaglio portions (232) formed in the central part of the fold portion (223) is greater than the number of embossed portions (231), air can be guided to be closer and lower in the central part of the fold portion (223) compared to other parts. Through this, the fifth part (148) of the heat sink (143) can be cooled more intensively compared to other parts.

[0208] Referring to FIG. 16, the heat sink (143) may include a sixth part (149) which is the lower right side of the heat sink (143). The sixth part (148) may be located below the third part (146). The sixth part (149) may be located to the right of the fifth part (148). When the temperature of the sixth part (149) of the heat sink (143) is the highest, it may be necessary to intensively cool the sixth part (149). To intensively cool the sixth part (149), the number of intaglio parts (232) formed on the right side of the folded part (223) may be greater than the number of relief parts (231). If the number of intaglio portions (232) formed in the central part of the fold portion (223) is greater than the number of embossed portions (231), the air in the right part of the fold portion (223) can be guided toward a closer and lower place compared to other parts. Through this, the sixth part (149) of the heat sink (143) can be cooled more intensively compared to other parts.

[0209] FIG. 17 is a drawing illustrating an air flow direction switching portion according to one embodiment of the present disclosure formed on a wall surface that forms a bend and a discharge port.

[0210] Referring to FIG. 17, an air flow direction switching section (230) may be formed on a wall surface (221) forming a discharge port (220) of a duct (200). The wall surface (221) forming the discharge port (220) may include a bending section (223). An air flow direction switching section (230) may be formed on the bending section (223) formed in the discharge port (220) of the duct (200). Air passing through the air flow direction switching section (230) may have its direction changed according to the height of the air flow direction switching section (230). The configuration of the air flow direction switching section (230) may be the same as the configuration of the air flow direction switching section (230) shown in FIG. 7.

[0211] A direction change section (240) may be formed on a wall surface (221) other than the bent portion (223) among the wall surfaces (221) forming the discharge port (220) of the duct (200). Depending on the shape of the heat sink (143) placed in the discharge port (220), a direction change section (240) may be formed on a wall surface (221) other than the bent portion (223). That is, the direction change section (230, 240) may include an air flow direction change section (230) formed on the bent portion (223) and a direction change section (240) formed on a wall surface (221) other than the bent portion (223). Although the drawing shows that a direction change section (230, 240) is formed on one of the wall surfaces (221) other than the bending section (223), it is not limited thereto. For example, the direction change section may be formed on three or more wall surfaces (221) including the bending section (223).

[0212] FIG. 18 is a schematic diagram illustrating a straight duct with a direction changer formed thereon according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0213] Referring to FIG. 18, the duct (300) may be formed to have a straight shape. Even when the shape of the duct (300) is formed to have a straight shape, only the shape of the duct (300) differs from the shape of the duct (200) shown in FIG. 4 to 6, and the configuration having an intake port (310) and an exhaust port (320) may be the same. In addition, the configuration in which a heat sink (143) is placed at the exhaust port (320) may also be the same.

[0214] In a straight-shaped duct (300), an air flow direction switching section (330) may be formed between the intake port (310) and the discharge port (320). The air flow direction switching section (330) may be formed between the intake port (310) and the intake port (310), specifically between the heat sink (143) placed at the discharge port (320). The configuration of the air flow direction switching section (330) may be the same as the configuration of the air flow direction switching section (230) shown in FIG. 7. That is, the air flow direction switching section (330) may include a raised section (331) and a recessed section (332) having a lower height than the raised section (331).

[0215] The air flow direction diversion section (330) may include a raised section (331) formed to protrude from the surface of the duct (300). The raised section (331) may have a height higher than the surface of the duct (300). Because the raised section (331) has a height higher than the surface of the duct (300), air passing through the raised section (331) can be guided to a greater distance and higher than air passing through the surface of the duct (300). Air guided to a greater distance and higher by passing through the raised section (331) can cool the upper side of the heat sink (143).

[0216] The air flow direction switching section (330) may include a recessed section (332) formed on one side of the raised section (331). The recessed section (332) may be formed to have a lower height than the raised section (331). The recessed section (332) may have the same height as the surface of the duct (300). That is, the surface of the duct (300) may become the recessed section (332). Although the drawing shows the recessed section (332) having the same height as the surface of the duct (300), it is not limited thereto. For example, the recessed section (332) may be formed to have a lower height than the surface of the duct (300). The recessed section (332) may be formed to be recessed from the surface of the duct (300). That is, if the recessed portion (332) is formed to have a lower height than the raised portion (331), it may have the same height as the surface of the duct (300), or it may have a height higher or lower than the surface of the duct (300). Since the recessed portion (332) has a lower height than the raised portion (331), the air passing through the recessed portion (332) can be guided toward a closer and lower place than the air passing through the raised portion (331). The air guided toward a closer and lower place by passing through the recessed portion (332) can cool the lower side of the heat sink (143).

[0217] The raised portion (331) and the recessed portion (332) may be provided in multiple numbers. The configuration in which the raised portion (331) and the recessed portion (332) are formed in multiple numbers may be identical to the configuration of the raised portion (231) and the recessed portion (232) shown in FIGS. 10 to 16.

[0218] An outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the disclosed invention comprises a cabinet (100) having a space (R1) for accommodating one or more components of the outdoor unit of the air conditioner, a housing (142) provided inside the cabinet and accommodating a printed circuit board (141) inside, a heat sink (143) provided inside the housing and dissipating heat generated from the printed circuit board, and a duct (200) provided inside the housing and guiding air inside the space to the heat sink. The duct comprises an intake port (210) into which air from the space is sucked in, a discharge port (220) including a folded portion (223) formed by being bent toward the heat sink to discharge the air sucked in through the intake port, and an air flow direction switching portion (230) formed in the folded portion and having at least a portion having a different height from the surface of the folded portion.

[0219] The above air flow direction switching portion may include a raised portion (231) formed to protrude from the surface of the bent portion and a recessed portion (232) formed on one side of the raised portion and formed to have a lower height than the raised portion.

[0220] The above-mentioned engraved portion may have the same height as the surface of the above-mentioned folded portion.

[0221] It may be provided with a plurality of raised portions and a plurality of recessed portions, and the raised portions and the recessed portions may be formed alternately.

[0222] The above raised portion and the above recessed portion may be provided in multiple numbers, and the number of raised portions and the number of recessed portions formed on a part of the curved portion may be provided differently depending on the location of a part of the heat sink having the highest temperature.

[0223] The above heat sink may include a first part (144) which is the upper left side of the heat sink, a second part (145) which is the right side of the first part at the upper center of the heat sink, a third part (146) which is the right side of the second part at the upper right side of the heat sink, a fourth part (147) which is the lower side of the first part at the lower left side of the heat sink, a fifth part (148) which is the lower side of the second part and the right side of the fourth part at the lower center of the heat sink, and a sixth part (149) which is the lower side of the third part and the right side of the fifth part at the lower right side of the heat sink.

[0224] In the case where the first portion of the heat sink is the portion having the highest temperature of the heat sink, the number of raised portions formed on the left side of the bent portion may be greater than the number of recessed portions formed on the left side of the bent portion.

[0225] In the case where the second portion of the heat sink is the portion having the highest temperature of the heat sink, the number of raised portions formed in the central portion of the folded portion may be greater than the number of recessed portions formed in the central portion of the folded portion.

[0226] In the case where the third portion of the heat sink is the portion having the highest temperature of the heat sink, the number of raised portions formed on the right side of the bent portion may be greater than the number of recessed portions formed on the right side of the bent portion.

[0227] In the case where the fourth portion of the heat sink is the portion having the highest temperature of the heat sink, the number of the intaglio portions formed on the left side of the fold portion may be greater than the number of the embossed portions formed on the left side of the fold portion.

[0228] In the case where the fifth portion of the heat sink is the portion having the highest temperature of the heat sink, the number of the intaglio portions formed in the central portion of the folded portion may be greater than the number of the embossed portions formed in the central portion of the folded portion.

[0229] In the case where the sixth portion of the heat sink is the portion having the highest temperature of the heat sink, the number of the intaglio portions formed on the right side of the fold portion may be greater than the number of the embossed portions formed on the right side of the fold portion.

[0230] The above-mentioned bending portion can guide the air sucked in through the intake port toward the heat sink, and the above-mentioned raised portion can guide a portion of the air toward the heat sink so that it is guided to a first position further or higher than the other air guided to a second position of the heat sink by the above-mentioned portion.

[0231] The raised portion protrudes from the surface of the bent portion, and the height (H2) of the raised portion may be 10% or less of the height (H1) of the discharge port.

[0232] The width (W2) of the raised portion and the width (W2) of the recessed portion may be 50% or less of the width (W1) of the discharge port.

[0233] An outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the disclosed invention comprises a cabinet (100) having a space (R1) for accommodating one or more components of the outdoor unit of the air conditioner, a housing (142) provided inside the cabinet and accommodating a printed circuit board (141) inside, a heat sink (143) provided inside the housing and dissipating heat generated from the printed circuit board, and a duct (200) provided inside the housing and guiding air inside the space to the heat sink. The duct comprises an intake port (210) into which air from the space is sucked in, an exhaust port (220) into which air sucked in through the intake port is discharged toward the heat sink, and an air flow direction switching section (230, 240) formed on at least one wall surface of the exhaust port and having at least a portion of a different height from the at least one wall surface forming the exhaust port.

[0234] The wall surface forming the discharge port may include a folded portion (223) formed by being folded toward the heat sink, and the air flow direction switching portion (230) among the at least one air flow direction switching portion may be formed in the folded portion.

[0235] Each of the above-mentioned at least one direction changing part (230, 240) may include a raised part (231, 241) formed to protrude from at least one wall surface forming the discharge port, and a recessed part (232, 242) provided on one side of the raised part and formed to have a lower height than the raised part.

[0236] The above-mentioned engraved portion may have the same height as the at least one wall surface forming the discharge port.

[0237] The above at least one air flow direction switching part may include at least one of a first air flow direction switching part formed on a first wall surface forming the discharge port or a second air flow direction switching part formed on a second wall surface forming the discharge port.

[0238] According to the present disclosure, the shape of the bent portion formed at the discharge port of the duct can be improved to efficiently cool the heat sink.

[0239] In addition, raised and recessed sections can be formed on the bent portion formed at the discharge port of the duct to increase the overall air flow rate for cooling the heat sink.

[0240] In addition, the performance of the heat sink for dissipating heat from the printed circuit board can be improved by increasing the overall airflow volume for cooling the heat sink and increasing the surface area of ​​the heat sink.

[0241] The effects obtainable from the present disclosure are not limited to those mentioned above, and other unmentioned effects will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art to which the present disclosure belongs from the description below.

[0242]

[0243] Although the outdoor unit of an air conditioner has been described above with reference to the attached drawings focusing on specific shapes and directions, various modifications and changes are possible by a person skilled in the art, and such modifications and changes should be interpreted as being included within the scope of the rights of this disclosure.

[0244] Although the present disclosure has been illustrated and described with reference to various embodiments, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes in form and detail may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims and equivalents.

Claims

1. A cabinet having a space inside to accommodate one or more parts of an outdoor unit of an air conditioner; A housing provided inside the cabinet and accommodating a printed circuit board inside; A heat sink provided inside the above housing and dissipating heat generated from the printed circuit board; and A duct provided inside the housing and guiding air inside the space to the heat sink; comprising The above duct is, An intake port through which air from the above space is sucked in; A discharge port including a folded portion formed by being bent toward the heat sink, through which air sucked in through the intake port is discharged; and An air flow direction switching portion formed in the above-mentioned bend portion, at least a portion having a height different from the surface of the above-mentioned bend portion; An outdoor unit of an air conditioner including 2. In Paragraph 1, The above air flow direction switching unit is, A raised portion formed to protrude from the surface of the above-mentioned bent portion; and An outdoor unit of an air conditioner comprising: an intaglio portion formed on one side of the raised portion and formed to have a lower height than the raised portion.

3. In Paragraph 2, The above-mentioned engraved portion is an outdoor unit of an air conditioner having the same height as the surface of the above-mentioned bent portion.

4. In Paragraph 2, Multiple raised parts and multiple recessed parts are provided, The above plurality of raised portions and plurality of recessed portions are an outdoor unit of an air conditioner having a shape in which the raised portions and the recessed portions are alternately arranged.

5. In Paragraph 2, Multiple raised parts and multiple recessed parts are provided, An outdoor unit of an air conditioner in which the number of raised portions and the number of recessed portions formed on a part of the curved portion are provided differently depending on the position of a part of the heat sink having the highest temperature.

6. In Paragraph 5, The above heat sink is, The first part, which is the upper left side of the heat sink; A second part located to the right of the first part at the central upper part of the heat sink; A third part located to the right of the second part, at the upper right side of the heat sink; A fourth part, which is the lower part of the first part, located at the lower left side of the heat sink; A fifth part which is the lower part of the second part and the right part of the fourth part, located at the central lower part of the heat sink; and An outdoor unit of an air conditioner comprising: a sixth part which is the lower right portion of the third part and the right portion of the fifth part, located at the lower right portion of the heat sink.

7. In Paragraph 6, An outdoor unit of an air conditioner in which, when the first portion of the heat sink is the portion having the highest temperature of the heat sink, the number of raised portions formed on the left side of the bent portion is greater than the number of recessed portions formed on the left side of the bent portion.

8. In Paragraph 6, An outdoor unit of an air conditioner in which, when the second portion of the heat sink is the portion having the highest temperature of the heat sink, the number of raised portions formed in the central portion of the bent portion is greater than the number of recessed portions formed in the central portion of the bent portion.

9. In Paragraph 6, An outdoor unit of an air conditioner in which, when the third portion of the heat sink is the portion having the highest temperature of the heat sink, the number of raised portions formed on the right side of the bent portion is greater than the number of recessed portions formed on the right side of the bent portion.

10. In Paragraph 6, An outdoor unit of an air conditioner in which, when the fourth portion of the heat sink is the portion having the highest temperature of the heat sink, the number of the intaglio portions formed on the left side of the bend portion is greater than the number of the embossed portions formed on the left side of the bend portion.

11. In Paragraph 6, An outdoor unit of an air conditioner in which, when the fifth portion of the heat sink is the portion having the highest temperature of the heat sink, the number of the indented portions formed in the central portion of the bent portion is greater than the number of the raised portions formed in the central portion of the bent portion.

12. In Paragraph 6, An outdoor unit of an air conditioner in which, when the sixth portion of the above-mentioned heat sink is the portion having the highest temperature of the above-mentioned heat sink, the number of the intaglio portions formed on the right side of the above-mentioned bend is greater than the number of the embossed portions formed on the right side of the above-mentioned bend.

13. In Paragraph 2, The above-mentioned bending portion guides the air sucked into the intake port toward the heat sink, and An outdoor unit of an air conditioner in which the raised portion guides a portion of the air to the heat sink so that it is guided to a first position further or higher than other air guided to a second position of the heat sink by the recessed portion.

14. In Paragraph 2, An outdoor unit of an air conditioner in which the raised portion protrudes from the surface of the bent portion, and the height of the raised portion is 10% or less of the height of the discharge port.

15. In Paragraph 2, An outdoor unit of an air conditioner in which the width of the raised portion and the width of the recessed portion are 50% or less of the width of the discharge port.

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