Outdoor unit of air conditioner

Abstract

The outdoor unit of the air conditioner comprises a cabinet; a heat exchange chamber located in the cabinet and accommodating the heat exchanger; a first component mounting chamber housing that is a component mounting chamber housing at one side of the heat exchange chamber and includes an opening at a first side of the component mounting chamber housing; a first component mounting chamber located inside the first component mounting chamber housing; a first electrical component located inside the first component mounting chamber; a first housing cover for covering the opening of the first component mounting chamber housing; a closing member for a gap between the first component mounting chamber housing and the first housing cover; a duct connected to the heat exchange chamber at a second side of the first component mounting chamber housing; and a first duct hole for connecting the first component mounting chamber housing and the duct at a second side of the first component mounting chamber housing, where the first component mounting chamber housing and the duct enable refrigerant to travel through the first duct hole and flow through the duct to the outside of the cabinet.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an outdoor unit of an air conditioner (or referred to as an outdoor unit), and more particularly, to an outdoor unit of an air conditioner capable of preventing explosion caused by refrigerant leakage. Background Art

[0002] An air conditioner is a device used to adjust the temperature, humidity, air flow, distribution, etc. to conditions suitable for human activities by using a cooling cycle. The main components that make up the cooling cycle include a compressor, a condenser, an evaporator, a blower fan, etc.

[0003] Air conditioners are classified into split type air conditioners, in which the indoor unit (or called indoor unit) is separated from the outdoor unit, and window type air conditioners, in which the indoor unit and the outdoor unit are installed together in a single cabinet.

[0004] The outdoor unit of the split air conditioner includes: an outdoor heat exchanger for exchanging heat with the outside air; a compressor for compressing the refrigerant; an expander for decompressing the refrigerant; a blower fan for forming an air flow; and a cabinet for accommodating the outdoor heat exchanger, the expander, the compressor and the blower fan.

[0005] In addition, the outdoor unit includes a refrigerant pipe located inside the cabinet and connecting the heat exchanger, the compressor, and the expander to each other, wherein the refrigerant flows inside the refrigerant pipe, and a controller for controlling the heat exchanger, the compressor, etc. The controller is provided as an electrical component and located inside the cabinet.

[0006] Meanwhile, recently, there is a need to replace the refrigerant used in the air conditioner with an environmentally friendly refrigerant. R290 is one of such environmentally friendly refrigerants. However, the environmentally friendly refrigerant may be flammable and / or explosive. In addition, R290 as an environmentally friendly refrigerant is heavier than air.

[0007] Refrigerant leakage may occur at the refrigerant pipes connected to the heat exchanger, the compressor, and the expander or at some parts of the refrigerant pipes. In the case of using an environmentally friendly refrigerant in the air conditioner, the leaked refrigerant may be collected in the cabinet because the refrigerant is heavier than air. The refrigerant collected inside the cabinet without being discharged to the outside of the cabinet may flow to the machine room where the electrical components are installed, and may cause a fire or explosion by reacting with sparks generated in the electrical components. Summary of the invention

[0008] Technical issues to be solved

[0009] Aspects of embodiments of the present disclosure will be set forth in part in the description which follows and, in part, will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the presented embodiments.

[0010] Embodiments of the present disclosure may provide an outdoor unit of an air conditioner that may prevent explosion.

[0011] Embodiments of the present disclosure may provide an outdoor unit of an air conditioner in which refrigerant is not accumulated inside a cabinet and is smoothly discharged.

[0012] The technical problems intended to be solved by the present disclosure are not limited to those mentioned above, and other technical problems that are not explicitly stated may be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description.

[0013] Technical Solution

[0014] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, an outdoor unit of an air conditioner includes: a cabinet; a heat exchange chamber, the heat exchange chamber is located inside the cabinet and accommodates a heat exchanger; a first component chamber housing, the first component chamber housing is located at one side of the heat exchange chamber and includes an opening located in a first side of the first component chamber housing; a first component chamber, the first component chamber is located inside the first component chamber housing; a first electrical component, the first electrical component is located in the first component chamber; a first housing cover, the first housing cover is configured to cover the opening of the first component chamber housing; a sealing member, the sealing member is located between the first component chamber housing and the first housing cover; a pipe, the pipe is located at a second side of the first component chamber housing, and the pipe is connected to the heat exchange chamber; and a first pipe hole, the first pipe hole is located in the second side of the first component chamber housing, and connects the first component chamber housing with the pipe. The first component chamber housing and the pipe are configured so that: the refrigerant in the first component chamber flows through the first pipe hole, and then passes through the pipe to flow to the outside of the cabinet.

[0015] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the outdoor unit of the air conditioner may further include a discharge hose connecting the first component chamber housing and the cabinet so that the refrigerant in the first component chamber flows from the first component chamber through the discharge hose to the outside of the cabinet.

[0016] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the outdoor unit of the air conditioner may further include a blower fan located inside the heat exchange chamber and configured to move air. In response to the rotation of the blower fan in the first rotation direction, the refrigerant in the first component chamber may flow to the outside of the cabinet through the discharge hose.

[0017] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, in response to the rotation of the blower fan in the second rotation direction, the refrigerant in the first component chamber may flow from the first component chamber through the first duct hole and then flow to the heat exchange chamber through the duct.

[0018] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the outdoor unit of the air conditioner may further include a second component chamber, the second component chamber being located next to the first component chamber. The second component chamber may be located in the front area of ​​the cabinet. The duct may be in communication with the heat exchange chamber, the first component chamber, and the second component chamber.

[0019] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the outdoor unit of the air conditioner may further include: a second component chamber housing, the second component chamber housing is located beside the first component chamber housing, and the second component chamber housing includes an opening located in the first side of the second component chamber housing, and the second component chamber is located inside the second component chamber housing; and a second pipe hole, the second pipe hole is formed in the second side of the second component chamber housing and connects the second component chamber housing with the pipe. The first component chamber housing may include a hose hole, the hose hole is located in the bottom of the first component chamber housing, and the hose hole connects the discharge hose to the first component chamber housing.

[0020] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the first duct hole may include a plurality of first duct holes. The second duct hole may include a plurality of second duct holes. The plurality of first duct holes may be formed at the upper portion and the lower portion of the second side of the first component chamber housing. The plurality of second duct holes may be formed at the upper portion and the lower portion of the second side of the second component chamber housing. When the blower fan does not rotate, the refrigerant in the second component chamber may flow through the second duct hole formed at the lower portion of the second side of the second component chamber housing among the plurality of second duct holes, then through the duct, then through the first duct hole formed at the lower portion of the second side of the first component chamber housing among the plurality of first duct holes, and then flow to the discharge hose through the hose hole.

[0021] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the sealing member may include: a first sealing portion, which extends from between the first component chamber shell and the first shell cover to between the first shell cover and the opening of the first component chamber shell; a second sealing portion, which extends from the first sealing portion toward the interior of the first component chamber shell; a third sealing portion, which extends from the second sealing portion toward the center of the opening of the first component chamber shell; and a fourth sealing portion, which extends from the second sealing portion to contact the internal portion of the first component chamber shell.

[0022] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the first shell cover may include: a cover portion, which is configured to cover a first side of the first component chamber shell; a first protrusion portion, which protrudes from the cover portion toward the interior of the first component chamber, and the first protrusion portion is configured to guide the sealing member between the first component chamber shell and the first shell cover; and a second protrusion portion, which protrudes from the first protrusion portion toward the interior portion of the first component chamber shell and is inserted between the first sealing portion and the third sealing portion.

[0023] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the outdoor unit of the air conditioner may further include: a second component chamber housing, the second component chamber housing is located beside the first component chamber housing in the front area of ​​the cabinet, and the second component chamber housing includes an opening located in the first side of the second component chamber housing; a second component chamber, the second component chamber is located inside the second component chamber housing; a second electrical component, the second electrical component is located in the second component chamber; and a second housing cover, the second housing cover is configured to cover the opening of the second component chamber housing. The sealing member may include: a first sealing member located between the first component chamber housing and the first housing cover, and a second sealing member located between the second component chamber housing and the second housing cover.

[0024] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the outdoor unit of the air conditioner may further include: an electrical component box, which is positioned inside the second component chamber shell and accommodates the second electrical component; a heat transfer member, which is positioned behind the electrical component box and is configured to receive heat generated in the second electrical component; a heat exchange fin, which is positioned inside the pipe and connected to the heat transfer member to cool the second electrical component; and a third sealing member, which is located at the periphery of the heat transfer member.

[0025] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the cabinet may include a front panel. The outdoor unit of the air conditioner may further include: a discharge hole, the discharge hole is located in the front panel below the first component chamber, and the discharge hole is configured to communicate the interior of the cabinet with the exterior of the cabinet to prevent the refrigerant inside the cabinet from flowing into the first component chamber; and a guide, the guide is located inside the cabinet and adjacent to the front panel below the first component chamber, and the guide is configured to guide the refrigerant inside the cabinet to the discharge hole.

[0026] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the guide member may include: a base extending in an up-down direction; a pair of panel portions located at corresponding sides of the base to accommodate wires connected to the first electrical component; and a protrusion protruding from the base in a forward direction, and the protrusion is configured to guide the refrigerant to the discharge hole.

[0027] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the outdoor unit of the air conditioner may further include a blocking member located between the front panel and the protrusion and configured to block the refrigerant inside the cabinet from flowing from a lower portion of the cabinet to the first component chamber.

[0028] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a portion of the front panel corresponding to the protrusion may protrude in the forward direction. The discharge hole may extend from the same position as the guide to the base of the cabinet.

[0029] Beneficial Effects

[0030] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an outdoor unit of an air conditioner capable of preventing refrigerant from reacting with sparks that may be generated in electrical components because the refrigerant is discharged to the outside of a cabinet through a discharge hole formed in the cabinet.

[0031] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an outdoor unit of an air conditioner capable of preventing fire and explosion of the outdoor unit because any leaked refrigerant is discharged to the outside of the cabinet through a guide pipe and a discharge hose without being collected inside a component room.

[0032] Effects according to an aspect of the present disclosure are not limited to those mentioned above, and other effects that are not mentioned can be clearly understood from the following description by those having ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure pertains. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0033] These and / or other aspects of the present disclosure will become apparent and more easily understood from the following description of embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0034] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0035] Figure 2 is a perspective view of an outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0036] Figure 3 is a rear perspective view of an outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0037] Figure 4is an exploded perspective view of an outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0038] Figure 5 is a perspective view showing some components of an outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0039] Figure 6 is an exploded perspective view showing some components of an outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0040] Figure 7 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of an outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0041] Figure 8 is Figure 7 A perspective view of the outdoor unit shown in after a portion of the cabinet is removed from the outdoor unit;

[0042] Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view of an outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0043] Fig.10 is a perspective view of a guide member in an outdoor unit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0044] Fig.11 is a perspective view showing some components of an outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0045] Fig.12 is a cross-sectional view of an outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0046] Fig.13 is a cross-sectional view of an outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0047] Fig.14 is Fig.12 an enlarged view of a portion of the outdoor unit shown in;

[0048] Fig.15 is Fig.13 an enlarged view of a portion of the outdoor unit shown in;

[0049] Fig.16 is a control block diagram of an outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0050] Fig.17 illustrates air flow in an outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0051] Fig.18 illustrates air flow in an outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0052] Fig.19 illustrates air flow in an outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0053] Fig. 20 illustrates air flow in an outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0054] Fig.21 illustrates air flow in an outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0055] Fig. 22 illustrates air flow in an outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0056] Fig.23 illustrates air flow in an outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0057] Fig.24 illustrates air flow in an outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0058] Fig.25 An air flow in an outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is illustrated. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0059] The embodiments described in this specification and the configurations illustrated in the drawings are merely preferred embodiments of the present disclosure, and therefore it should be understood that various modified examples that may replace the embodiments described in this specification and the drawings are possible when the present application is filed.

[0060] Furthermore, the same reference numerals or symbols indicated in the drawings of this specification represent members or components that perform substantially the same functions.

[0061] In addition, the terms used in this specification are only used to describe the embodiments and are not intended to limit and / or constrain the present disclosure. It should be understood that unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular forms of "one", "a", "said", "the" include plural references. It should be understood that when the terms "include", "comprise", "have" and / or "with" are used in this specification, it is specified that there are stated features, numbers, steps, operations, parts, components or combinations thereof, but the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, parts, components or combinations thereof is not excluded.

[0062] It should be understood that although terms including ordinal numbers (such as "first", "second", etc.) may be used herein to describe various components, these components should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one component from another component. For example, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, a first component may be referred to as a second component, and similarly, a second component may be referred to as a first component. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0063] For example, the first component chamber housing may be the second component chamber housing, the first component chamber may be the second component chamber, the first cover may be the second cover, and the first component may be the second component. In addition, for example, the second component chamber housing may be the first component chamber housing, the second component chamber may be the first component chamber, the second cover may be the first cover, and the second component chamber may be the first component chamber.

[0064] In addition, in this specification, the meaning of "same" may include similarity in properties or similarity within a certain range. Moreover, the term "same" means "substantially the same". The meaning of "substantially the same" should be understood as a value falling within the error range in manufacturing or a value corresponding to a difference within a meaningless range relative to a reference value is included in the range of "same".

[0065] In addition, the terms "portion", "part", "device", "block", "member" and "module" used herein refer to a unit for processing at least one function or operation. For example, these terms may refer to at least one process that can be processed by at least one hardware such as a field programmable gate array (FPGA) or an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or at least one software or processor stored in a memory.

[0066] Meanwhile, in the following description, the terms “front”, “rear”, “left”, and “right” are defined based on the drawings, and the shapes and positions of components are not limited by the terms.

[0067] For example, the terms "upward direction" and "downward direction" may respectively mean Figure 2 The terms "forward direction" and "rearward direction" may refer to the upward direction along the Z direction and the downward direction in the opposite direction of the Z direction. Figure 2 and Figure 3 The terms "left direction" and "right direction" may refer to the forward direction along the X direction and the backward direction in the opposite direction of the X direction. Figure 2 and Figure 3 The Y direction and the direction opposite to the Y direction.

[0068] The opposite direction of the X direction, the opposite direction of the Y direction, and the opposite direction of the Z direction may be referred to as -X direction, -Y direction, and -Z direction, respectively. In addition, the X direction may be referred to as a first direction, the Y direction may be referred to as a second direction, and the Z direction may be referred to as a third direction.

[0069] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0070] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0071] refer to Figure 1 , the air conditioner 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include an indoor unit 20 positioned in an indoor space and an outdoor unit 10 positioned in an outdoor space.

[0072] To cool the air-conditioned space to be air-conditioned, the air conditioner 1 can absorb heat inside the air-conditioned space and dissipate heat outside the air-conditioned space. In addition, to heat the air-conditioned space, the air conditioner 1 can absorb heat outside the air-conditioned space and dissipate heat inside the air-conditioned space.

[0073] The outdoor unit 10 may exchange heat with the outside air outside the air conditioning space. The outdoor unit 10 may perform heat exchange between the refrigerant and the outside air by using a phase change (e.g., evaporation or condensation) of the refrigerant. For example, the outdoor unit 10 may discharge the heat of the refrigerant to the outside air by using the condensation of the refrigerant. In addition, the outdoor unit 10 may absorb the heat of the outside air into the refrigerant by using the evaporation of the refrigerant.

[0074] exist Figure 1 In the figure, a single outdoor unit 10 is shown, however, the number of outdoor units 10 is not limited to Figure 1 For example, the air conditioner 1 may include a plurality of outdoor units.

[0075] The outdoor unit 10 may include an outdoor heat exchanger 11 (see FIG. Figure 4 ) and a compressor 12 for compressing the refrigerant gas (see Figure 4 ).

[0076] The indoor unit 20 may exchange heat with the indoor air inside the air-conditioned space. The indoor unit 20 may perform heat exchange between the refrigerant and the indoor air by using a phase change (e.g., evaporation or condensation) of the refrigerant. For example, the indoor unit 20 may absorb the heat of the indoor air into the refrigerant by using the evaporation of the refrigerant to cool the air-conditioned space. In addition, the indoor unit 20 may discharge the heat of the refrigerant to the indoor air by using the condensation of the refrigerant to heat the air-conditioned space. For example, the indoor unit 20 may be a radiator. However, the type of the indoor unit 20 is not limited to this example.

[0077] The indoor unit 20 may include an indoor heat exchanger that exchanges heat with indoor air, an indoor blower fan that draws and blows the indoor air to cause the indoor air to travel through the indoor heat exchanger, and an expander that decompresses and expands the refrigerant.

[0078] exist Figure 1 In the figure, a single indoor unit 20 is shown, however, the number of indoor units 20 is not limited to Figure 1 For example, the air conditioner 1 may include a plurality of indoor units. A plurality of different indoor units may be installed in a plurality of different air conditioning spaces, respectively.

[0079] In this way, the air conditioner 1 can perform heat exchange between the refrigerant and the outside air outside the air-conditioned space, and perform heat exchange between the refrigerant and the indoor air inside the air-conditioned space.

[0080] In this case, in order to move heat between the inside and outside of the air conditioning space, the air conditioner 1 may include a connection pipe 30 transferring refrigerant between the indoor unit 20 and the outdoor unit 10. The connection pipe 30 may move the refrigerant between the outside and inside of the air conditioning space.

[0081] The indoor unit 20 may be connected to the outdoor unit 10 through a connection pipe 30 for transmitting refrigerant. In addition, although not shown in the drawings, the indoor unit 20 may be connected to the outdoor unit 10 through a wire for transmitting power and an electric signal.

[0082] The above-mentioned air conditioner 1 may be an example of an air conditioner to which the outdoor unit of the air conditioner according to the concept of the present disclosure can be applied, and the concept of the present disclosure is not limited to the air conditioner 1. The air conditioner to which the outdoor unit of the air conditioner according to the concept of the present disclosure can be applied and the components such as the indoor unit, the connecting pipe, etc. included in the air conditioner may be various.

[0083] Hereinafter, the outdoor unit 10 of the air conditioner 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail. In addition, for convenience of description, the outdoor heat exchanger 11 included in the outdoor unit 10 is referred to as a heat exchanger 11 hereinafter.

[0084] Figure 2 is a perspective view of an outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 3 is a rear perspective view of an outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of an outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0085] refer to Figures 2 to 4 The outdoor unit 10 of the air conditioner 1 may include: a heat exchanger 11 that performs heat exchange with external air, a compressor 12 that compresses refrigerant, a blower fan 16 that sucks in external air and blows the external air to cause the external air to move through the heat exchanger 11, and a cabinet 100 that forms the appearance of the outdoor unit 10.

[0086] The cabinet 100 may form an exterior appearance of the outdoor unit 10. Various components such as the heat exchanger 11, the compressor 12, the blower fan 16, etc. may be accommodated inside the cabinet 100.

[0087] The outdoor unit 10 may include a heat exchange chamber R1 formed inside the cabinet 100 .

[0088] External air may enter the heat exchange chamber R1, and the air may be discharged to the outside again. In the heat exchange chamber R1, heat exchange may occur between the heat exchanger 11 and air entering the heat exchanger 11 from the outside. Components such as the heat exchanger 11, the blower fan 16, etc. may be positioned in the heat exchange chamber R1.

[0089] The outdoor unit 10 may include a machine room R2 formed inside the cabinet 100 .

[0090] In the machine room R2, components such as the compressor 12, the refrigerant pipe 40, etc. may be positioned.

[0091] Inside the cabinet 100, the heat exchange chamber R1 may be separated from the machine room R2. The outdoor unit 10 may include a partition 14 that separates the heat exchange chamber R1 from the machine room R2. The partition 14 may be positioned between the heat exchange chamber R1 and the machine room R2. For example, the heat exchange chamber R1 and the machine room R2 may be arranged along the Y direction, and the partition 14 may extend along the Z direction to separate the heat exchange chamber R1 from the machine room R2.

[0092] The cabinet 100 may include a front panel 110 forming a front appearance of the outdoor unit 10. The front panel 110 may be positioned toward a forward direction of the outdoor unit 10. The front panel 110 may form the front of the outdoor unit 10. The "front" of the outdoor unit 10 refers to the front in the X direction in the drawings.

[0093] For example, the front panel 110 may cover the front area of ​​the heat exchange room R1 and the front area of ​​the machine room R2.

[0094] The front panel 110 may be formed in a substantially flat plate shape, but is not limited thereto. However, the front panel 110 may have various shapes.

[0095] The front panel 110 may include a metal material, but is not limited thereto. However, the front panel 110 may include various materials.

[0096] The front panel 110 may include a first panel portion 111 and a second panel portion 112 . The first panel portion 111 and the second panel portion 112 may be arranged along the Y direction. The first panel portion 111 may be coupled to the second panel portion 112 .

[0097] An inlet 110a through which air enters the interior of the cabinet 100 may be formed in the first panel portion 111. The first panel portion 111 may have a substantially quadrilateral shape.

[0098] The second panel portion 112 may extend in the up-down direction. The drain hole 113 may be formed in the second panel portion 112. The drain hole 113 may be formed adjacent to one end of the second panel portion 112 in the Y direction. The drain hole 113 formed in the front panel 110 may be referred to as a first drain hole 113. The first drain hole 113 may extend upward from a substantially middle portion of the second panel portion 112 to a lower portion of the second panel portion 112. However, the position of the first drain hole 113 is not limited to the above example, and the first drain hole 113 may be formed in the side panel 130 or the rear panel 121.

[0099] The front panel 110 may include an inclined portion 116 and a protruding portion 114 .

[0100] The inclined portion 116 may protrude from the second panel portion 112 toward the protruding portion 114 .

[0101] The protrusion 114 may form a step with respect to the second panel portion 112. In the protrusion 114, the first portion 113a of the first discharge hole 113 may be formed. In addition, a protrusion hole 114a may be formed at a side of the protrusion 114 and a side of the inclined portion 116.

[0102] The first discharge hole 113 may include a first portion 113 a and a second portion 113 b. The first portion 113 a may be formed in a substantially middle portion of the second panel portion 112 , and the second portion 113 b may be formed in a lower portion of the second panel portion 112 .

[0103] The discharge hole 113 may communicate the inside of the cabinet 100 with the outside of the cabinet 100 so that the inside air of the cabinet 100 is exchanged with the outside air of the cabinet 100 or moves toward the outside air.

[0104] The cabinet 100 may include a rear frame 120 and a rear panel 121 forming a part of the rear appearance of the outdoor unit 10. The rear frame 120 and the rear panel 121 may be positioned in the rear of the cabinet 100. The "rear" of the outdoor unit 10 refers to the rear in the X direction in the drawing.

[0105] For example, the rear frame 120 may be positioned in a rear region of the heat exchange room R1 .

[0106] The rear frame 120 may be constructed of a plurality of rods that are coupled to each other by intersecting each other. In other words, the rear frame 120 may have a shape in which a plurality of rods are arranged substantially in a grid form.

[0107] Each of the plurality of bars of the rear frame 120 may include a metal material. The plurality of bars of the rear frame 120 may be coupled to each other by welding, etc., but is not limited thereto. However, the rear frame 120 may have various shapes and include various materials.

[0108] Generally, in the outdoor unit 10 installed in an outdoor space, the rear frame 120 may be located toward an outer wall of a building or the like.

[0109] For example, the rear panel 121 may be positioned behind the machine room R2. The rear panel 121 may cover a rear area of ​​the machine room R2. The rear panel 121 may extend in an up-and-down direction.

[0110] The outdoor unit 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include discharge holes 121a and 121b formed in the rear panel 121. The discharge holes 121a and 121b formed in the rear panel 121 may include a second discharge hole 121a and a third discharge hole 121b.

[0111] The second discharge hole 121a may be formed at a substantially middle portion of the rear panel 121. The second discharge hole 121a may be connected to a discharge hose 190 which will be described below. The third discharge hole 121b may be formed in a lower portion of the rear panel 121.

[0112] The second and third discharge holes 121 a and 121 b may communicate the inside of the cabinet 100 with the outside of the cabinet 100 so that the inside air of the cabinet 100 is exchanged with the outside air of the cabinet 100 or moves toward the outside air.

[0113] The cabinet 100 may include a side frame 130 forming an outer appearance in the left-right direction of the outdoor unit 10. The side frame 130 may be positioned toward the left and right directions of the outdoor unit 10. The side frame 130 may form a side surface of the outdoor unit 10 in the left-right direction. The side frame 130 may be referred to as a side panel 130.

[0114] The side frame 130 may include a first side frame 131 and a second side frame 132. The first side frame 131 may form one of two side surfaces of the cabinet 100 in the left and right direction, and the second side frame 132 may form the other of the two side surfaces of the cabinet 100 in the left and right direction.

[0115] For example, the first side frame 131 may cover the heat exchange chamber R1. The first side frame 131 may cover the rear region and the side region of the heat exchange chamber R1.

[0116] The first side frame 131 may have various shapes.

[0117] For example, the second side frame 132 may cover the machine room R2. At least a portion of the second side frame 132 may cover the area of ​​the machine room R2 in the left-right direction, and at least another portion of the second side frame 132 may cover the rear area of ​​the machine room R3. That is, the second side frame 132 may form one of the side surfaces of the cabinet 100 in the left-right direction and a portion of the rear surface of the cabinet 100. The second side frame 132 may block the machine room R2 from the outside of the cabinet 100.

[0118] At least a portion of the second side frame 132 may cover the machine room R2 in the left side direction and extend in the front-rear direction. The second side frame 132 may have various shapes.

[0119] The second side frame 132 may connect the front panel 110 to the rear panel 121. In other words, the second side frame 132 may be connected to the front panel 110 and the rear panel 121.

[0120] The outdoor unit 10 may further include a front cover 90 covering the front portion of the front panel 110. The front cover 90 may be positioned in front of the front panel 110. The front cover 90 may include a first cover portion 91 and a second cover portion 92.

[0121] The cabinet 100 may include an inlet grill 160 covering the inlet 110a. The inlet grill 160 may be formed in the first cover portion 91. The inlet grill 160 may be generally in the shape of a grille to allow air to pass therethrough. The inlet grill 160 may have a shape corresponding to that of the inlet 110a.

[0122] The inlet grill 160 may form a part of the front appearance of the outdoor unit 10. The inlet grill 160 may be positioned toward the forward direction. The inlet grill 160 may cover the front side of the inlet 110a. The inlet grill 160 may cover the front area of ​​the heat exchange chamber R1.

[0123] The second cover portion 92 may cover the second panel portion 112 to prevent the first discharge hole 113 from being exposed to the outside. Therefore, the overall appearance of the outdoor unit 10 may be enhanced.

[0124] The front cover 90 may be a component included in the cabinet 100 .

[0125] The cabinet 100 may include a base 140 forming the bottom of the outdoor unit 10. The base 140 may form a lower appearance of the outdoor unit 10. The base 140 may be positioned toward a downward direction of the outdoor unit 10.

[0126] For example, the base 140 may cover a lower region of the heat exchange chamber R1 and a lower region of the machine chamber R2 . The base 140 may support various components of the outdoor unit 10 accommodated inside the cabinet 100 .

[0127] The base 140 may be connected to a lower portion of the front panel 110 , a lower portion of the rear frame 120 , and a lower portion of the side frame 130 .

[0128] The base 140 may be formed in a substantially flat plate shape, but is not limited thereto. However, the base 140 may have various shapes.

[0129] The base 140 may include a metal material, but is not limited thereto. However, the base 140 may include various materials.

[0130] The outdoor unit 10 may include a leg 17 supporting the base 140. The leg 17 may be positioned below the base 140 to support all components of the outdoor unit 10. A plurality of legs 17 may be provided.

[0131] The cabinet 100 may include a top cover 150 forming the top of the outdoor unit 10. The top cover 150 may form an upper appearance of the outdoor unit 10. The top cover 150 may be positioned toward an upward direction of the outdoor unit 10.

[0132] For example, the top cover 150 may cover an upper region of the heat exchange chamber R1 and an upper region of the machine chamber R2. The top cover 150 may cover various components of the outdoor unit 10 accommodated inside the cabinet 100 from above.

[0133] The top cover 150 may be connected to an upper portion of the front panel 110 , an upper portion of the rear frame 120 , and an upper portion of the side frames 130 .

[0134] The top cover 150 may be formed in a substantially flat plate shape, but is not limited thereto. However, the top cover 150 may have various shapes.

[0135] The top cover 150 may include a metal material, but is not limited thereto. However, the top cover 150 may include various materials.

[0136] The front panel 110, the rear frame 120, the rear panel 121, the side frames 130, the base 140, the legs 17, the top cover 150, etc. (which are components included in the cabinet 100) may be formed as separate components. However, at least some of the front panel 110, the rear frame 120, the rear panel 121, the side frames 130, the base 140, the legs 17, the top cover 150, etc. (which are components included in the cabinet 100) may be integrated into one.

[0137] For example, the cabinet 100 may be formed roughly in the shape of a box. That is, the outdoor unit 10 may be formed roughly in the shape of a box, but is not limited thereto. However, the cabinet 100 may have various shapes.

[0138] The cabinet 100 may allow air to travel therethrough. The cabinet 100 may include an inlet 110a through which air outside the cabinet 100 enters the interior of the cabinet 100 and an outlet 120b through which air inside the cabinet 100 is discharged to the outside of the cabinet 100.

[0139] The inlet 110a may connect the inside of the cabinet 100 with the outside. When the blower fan 16 is driven, the outside air of the outdoor unit 10 may enter the inside of the cabinet 100 through the inlet 110a. For example, the inlet 110a may connect the heat exchange chamber R1 with the outside of the cabinet 100, and when the blower fan 16 is driven, the outside air of the outdoor unit 10 may enter the heat exchange chamber R1 through the inlet 110a.

[0140] The outlet 120b may communicate the inside and the outside of the cabinet 100. When the blower fan 16, which will be described below, is driven, the inside air of the cabinet 100 may be discharged to the outside of the cabinet 100 through the outlet 120b. For example, the outlet 120b may communicate the heat exchange chamber R1 with the outside of the cabinet 100, and when the blower fan 16 is driven, the inside air of the heat exchange chamber R1 may be discharged to the outside of the outdoor unit 10 through the outlet 120b.

[0141] The outlet 120b may be positioned behind the inlet 110a. To improve heat exchange efficiency, the outlet 120b may be positioned to correspond to the heat exchanger 11. For example, at least a portion of the outlet 120b may be formed by the rear frame 120. In the cabinet 100, the outlet 120b may be positioned differently according to the shape, position, etc. of the heat exchanger 11.

[0142] The heat exchanger 11 may exchange heat with the outside air. The refrigerant may flow through the heat exchanger 11. Heat exchange between the refrigerant and the outside air may occur in the heat exchanger 11.

[0143] For example, during cooling operation of the air conditioner 1, high-pressure and high-temperature refrigerant gas may be condensed in the heat exchanger 11, and when the refrigerant condenses, the refrigerant may dissipate heat to indoor air. During cooling operation of the air conditioner 1, the heat exchanger 11 may discharge refrigerant liquid.

[0144] Furthermore, during the heating operation of the air conditioner 1, low temperature and low pressure refrigerant liquid may be evaporated in the heat exchanger 11, and when the refrigerant evaporates, the refrigerant may absorb heat from the indoor air. During the heating operation of the air conditioner 1, the heat exchanger 11 may discharge refrigerant gas.

[0145] The heat exchanger 11 may be positioned inside the cabinet 100 . More specifically, the heat exchanger 11 may be positioned in the heat exchange chamber R1 . The heat exchanger 11 may be positioned between the inlet 110a and the outlet 120b . The heat exchanger 11 may be supported by the base 140 . The heat exchanger 11 may be positioned above the base 140 .

[0146] The compressor 12 may compress the refrigerant gas and discharge the high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant gas. For example, the compressor 12 may include a motor and a compression mechanism, and the compression mechanism may compress the refrigerant gas by means of the torque of the motor.

[0147] The compressor 12 may be positioned inside the cabinet 100 . More specifically, the compressor 12 may be positioned in the machine room R2 . The compressor 12 may be supported by a base 140 .

[0148] The outdoor unit 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may further include a refrigerant pipe 40. The refrigerant pipe 40 may be connected to the compressor 12, the heat exchanger 11, the expander, etc. The refrigerant flowing through the compressor 12, the heat exchanger 11, and the expander may flow in the refrigerant pipe 40. The refrigerant pipe 40 may be positioned inside the cabinet 100. For example, the refrigerant pipe 40 may be positioned in the machine room R2.

[0149] The outdoor unit 10 may include a blower fan 16 configured to generate an air flow. When the blower fan 16 is driven, a suction force may be generated, and air may enter the interior of the cabinet 100 through the inlet 110a, then pass through the heat exchanger 11, and be discharged to the outside of the cabinet 100 through the outlet 120b.

[0150] The blower fan 16 may be positioned inside the cabinet 100 . More specifically, the blower fan 16 may be positioned in the heat exchange chamber R1 . The blower fan 16 may be positioned between the inlet 110a and the outlet 120b . The blower fan 16 may be positioned between the inlet 110a and the heat exchanger 11 .

[0151] According to the rotation of the blower fan 16 , air may flow from a front area of ​​the blower fan 16 toward a rear area of ​​the blower fan 16 .

[0152] The outdoor unit 10 may include a motor bracket 18 that supports the blower fan 16. For example, the motor bracket 18 may support a fan motor (not shown). The motor bracket 18 may support the blower fan 200 from the rear.

[0153] The motor bracket 18 may be positioned inside the cabinet 100 . The motor bracket 18 may be positioned in the heat exchange chamber R1 . For example, the motor bracket 18 may be positioned between the inlet 110 a and the heat exchanger 11 .

[0154] The motor bracket 18 may be supported by the cabinet 100. For example, the motor bracket 18 may be fixed to the base 140. For example, the motor bracket 18 may be fixed to the front panel 110.

[0155] The outdoor unit 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include an electric component 13 and component chambers 230 and 240 accommodating the electric component 13 .

[0156] The electric component 13 may control the components of the outdoor unit 10. For example, the electric component 13 may control driving of the heat exchanger 11, the compressor 12, and the blower fan 16.

[0157] The electrical component 13 may include a first electrical component 13 a and a second electrical component 13 b. The first electrical component 13 a may be positioned at a front region of the cabinet 100 , and the second electrical component 13 b may be positioned at a side region of the cabinet 100 .

[0158] The component rooms 230 and 240 may be provided to one side of the machine room R2. The component rooms 230 and 240 may be located above components such as the compressor 12 inside the cabinet 100. However, the positions of the component rooms 230 and 240 are not limited to the above examples.

[0159] The component chambers 230 and 240 may include a first component chamber 230 positioned at a front region of the cabinet 100, and a second component chamber 240 disposed at a side region of the cabinet 100. The first electrical component 13a may be accommodated in the first component chamber 230, and the second electrical component 13b may be accommodated in the second component chamber 240.

[0160] The outdoor unit 10 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure may include component room cases 210 and 220. The component room cases 210 and 220 may further include a first case 210 and a second case 220.

[0161] The first housing 210 may form a first component chamber 230, and the second housing 220 may form a second component chamber 240. The first housing 210 may be positioned in a front region of the cabinet 100, and the second housing 220 may be positioned in a side region of the cabinet 100. The first housing 210 and the second housing 220 may be positioned above a component such as the compressor 12. However, the positions of the first housing 210 and the second housing 220 are not limited to the above examples.

[0162] The first housing 210 may be coupled to the second housing 220. The first housing 210 may be coupled to the second housing 220 by screws.

[0163] The outdoor unit 10 may include housing covers 250 and 260. The housing covers 250 and 260 may further include a first cover 250 and a second cover 260.

[0164] The first cover 250 may be coupled to the front of the first housing 210, and the second cover 260 may be coupled to the side of the second housing 220. The first cover 250 may open or close the first housing 210, and the second cover 260 may open or close the second housing 220. The first cover 250 may cover the first component chamber 230, and the second cover 260 may cover the second component chamber 240.

[0165] The outdoor unit 10 may further include a guide 300 , a duct 170 , and a hose 190 .

[0166] The guide member 300 may be positioned below the first housing 210 and the second housing 220. The guide member 300 may guide the wire 50 (see FIG. 1 ) positioned in the machine room R2. Figure 8 and Fig. 9 ). The guide member 300 may also be referred to as a wire guide member 300. The guide member 300 may be formed by injection molding. Details about the guide member 300 will be described below.

[0167] The duct 170 may be positioned between the first housing 210 and the second housing 220. The duct 170 may be positioned behind the first housing 210. The duct 170 may communicate the heat exchange chamber R1 with the component chambers 230 and 240. The duct 170 may also be referred to as a guide duct 170.

[0168] The hose 190 may be connected to the second housing 220. The hose 190 may be positioned below the second housing 220. The hose 190 may guide the refrigerant to flow from the second component chamber 240 to the outside of the cabinet 100. The hose 190 may discharge the refrigerant existing in the component chambers 230 and 240 to the outside of the cabinet 100. The hose 190 may be referred to as a discharge hose 190.

[0169] Figure 5is a perspective view showing some components of an outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 6 is an exploded perspective view showing some components of an outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0170] refer to Figure 5 and Figure 6 , the outdoor unit 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include component chamber cases 210 and 220 forming component chambers 230 and 240 accommodating the electric components 13a and 13b and having openings 210a and 220a at a first side.

[0171] The outdoor unit 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include case covers 250 and 260 positioned at first sides of the component room cases 210 and 220 to cover the openings 210 a and 220 a of the component room cases 210 and 220 .

[0172] The component chamber housings 210 and 220 may include a first housing 210 and a second housing 220 . In addition, the housing covers 250 and 260 may include a first cover 250 and a second cover 260 .

[0173] The outdoor unit 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a first housing 210 , a first opening 210 a , a first wire hole 211 a , a first sealing member 214 , and a first cover 250 .

[0174] The first housing 210 may form a first component chamber 230. The first electrical component 13a may be positioned inside the first housing 210. The electrical component box 280 accommodating the first electrical component 13a may be positioned inside the first housing 210. The electrical component box 280 may be accommodated in the first housing 210.

[0175] The first housing 210 may be positioned in front of the heat exchanging fins 180, the heat transfer member 181, and the guide duct 170. Also, the first housing 210 may be positioned to one side of the second housing 220 and the second cover 260. However, the position of the first housing 210 is not limited to the above example.

[0176] The first wire hole 211a may be formed in the first housing 210. The first wire hole 211a may be formed in the first wall 211 of the first housing 210. For example, the first wire hole 211a may be formed in the side wall 211 of the first housing 210 along the Y direction. The wire 50 connected to the first electrical component 13a may pass through the first wire hole 211a. The wire 50 may connect components of the outdoor unit 10 (such as the compressor 12 and the heat exchanger 11) to the electrical component 13. The position of the first wire hole 211a in the first housing 210 is not limited to the above example, and the first wire hole 211a may be formed at various positions for connecting the first electrical component 13a to the wire 50.

[0177] The first housing 210 may have an opening 210a. The opening 210a of the first housing 210 may be a first opening 210a. The first opening 210a may be formed in a first side of the first housing 210. For example, the first side of the first housing 210 may be a front portion of the first housing 210. The first opening 210a may be opened or closed by a first cover 250. The first electrical component 13a may be inserted into or removed from the first housing 210 through the first opening 210a.

[0178] The first sealing member 214 may be positioned in the first wire hole 211a. The first sealing member 214 may prevent any unwanted fluid, dust, etc. from entering the interior of the first component chamber 230. The first sealing member 214 may be coupled to the first housing 210.

[0179] The outdoor unit 10 of the air conditioner 1 may include a first duct hole 213 (see Fig.12 ).

[0180] The first cover 250 may be positioned at a first side of the first housing 210. For example, the first cover 250 may be coupled to the front of the first housing 210. The first cover 250 may open or close the first housing 210. The first cover 250 may cover the front of the first housing 210 to protect the electrical component box 280 and the first electrical component 13a.

[0181] The first cover 250 may include a cover portion 251 and a bent portion 252. The cover portion 251 may extend in the lateral direction to cover the first component chamber 230. The bent portion 252 may be bent toward a rearward direction from one end of the cover portion 251 in the lateral direction. The bent portion 252 may couple the first cover 250 to the second cover 260.

[0182] The outdoor unit 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a second housing 220 , a second opening 220 a , a second wire hole 221 a , a hose hole 222 a , a second sealing member 225 , and a second cover 260 .

[0183] The second housing 220 may form a second component chamber 240. The second electrical component 13b may be positioned inside the second housing 220.

[0184] The second wire hole 221a may be formed in the second housing 220. The second wire hole 221a may be formed in the first wall 221 of the second housing 220. For example, the second wire hole 221a may be formed in the front wall 221 of the second housing 220 along the X direction. The second wire hole 221a may allow the wire 50 connected to the second electrical component 13b to pass through the second wire hole 221a. The wire 50 may connect components of the outdoor unit 10, such as the compressor 12 and the heat exchanger 11, to the electrical component 13. The position of the second wire hole 221a in the second housing 220 is not limited to the above example, and the second wire hole 221a may be formed at various positions for connecting the first electrical component 13a to the wire 50.

[0185] The second housing 220 may have an opening 220a. The opening 220a of the second housing 220 may be a second opening 220a. The second opening 220a may be formed in a first side of the second housing 220. For example, the first side of the second housing 220 may be a side portion of the second housing 220. The second opening 220a may be opened or closed by the second cover 260. The second electrical component 13b may be inserted into or removed from the second housing 220 through the second opening 220a.

[0186] The second sealing member 225 may be positioned in the second wire hole 221a. The second sealing member 225 may prevent any unwanted fluid, dust, etc. from entering the interior of the second component chamber 240. The second sealing member 225 may be coupled to the second housing 220.

[0187] The hose hole 222a may be connected to the discharge hose 190 to allow the refrigerant present in the component chambers 230 and 240 to flow to the outside of the cabinet 100. The hose hole 222a may be connected to the second discharge hole 121a formed in the rear panel 121 of the cabinet 100 through the discharge hose 190. The hose hole 222a may be formed in the bottom 222 of the second housing 220. The position of the hose hole 222a is not limited to the above example. The hose hole 222a may be referred to as the discharge hole 222a. For example, the hose hole 222a may be referred to as the fifth discharge hole 222a.

[0188] The second duct hole 224 may be formed in the second wall 223 of the second housing 220 (see Fig.13 ).

[0189] The second cover 260 may be positioned at a first side of the second housing 220. For example, the second cover 260 may be coupled to a side of the second housing 220. The second cover 260 may open or close the second housing 220. The second cover 260 may cover a side of the second housing 220 to protect the second electrical component 13b.

[0190] The second cover 260 may include a cover portion 261 and a coupling portion 262. The cover portion 261 of the second cover 260 may cover the second opening 220a. The coupling portion 262 may be provided at one end of the front portion of the second cover 260 to couple the second cover 260 to the first cover 250. A screw (not shown) may be coupled to the coupling portion 262.

[0191] The outdoor unit 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include sealing members 271 , 272 , and 273 positioned between the component room cases 210 and 220 and the case covers 250 and 260 .

[0192] The sealing members 271 , 272 and 273 may include a first sealing member 271 for sealing between the first housing 210 and the first cover 250 , a second sealing member 272 for sealing between the second housing 220 and the second cover 260 , and a third sealing member 273 for sealing between the electrical component box 280 and the heat transfer member 181 .

[0193] The first sealing member 271 may be positioned between the first housing 210 and the first cover 250 in the front-rear direction. For example, the first sealing member 271 may be positioned at a peripheral portion of the first opening 210a.

[0194] The second sealing member 272 may be positioned in the front-rear direction between the second housing 220 and the second cover 260. For example, the second sealing member 272 may be positioned at a peripheral portion of the second opening 220a.

[0195] The third sealing member 273 may be positioned at the periphery of the heat transfer member 181 to seal between the electric component box 280 and the heat transfer member 181 .

[0196] The outdoor unit 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a duct 170 connected to the heat exchange chamber R1 and positioned in the second sides of the component chamber cases 210 and 220. The duct 170 may be referred to as a guide duct 170.

[0197] The guide duct 170 may be positioned in the second side of the first housing 210 and the second side of the second housing 220. For example, the guide duct 170 may be positioned behind the first housing 210 and to one side of the second housing 220. The guide duct 170 may be positioned between the first housing 210 and the second housing 220. The guide duct 170 may communicate the heat exchange chamber R1 with the component chambers 230 and 240.

[0198] The guide duct 170 may form an accommodation space 170a and an internal flow path 171. The heat exchanging fins 180 and the heat transfer member 181 may be accommodated in the accommodation space 170a. The accommodation space 170a may be formed inside the internal flow path 171. When the first housing 210, the heat transfer member 181, the heat exchanging fins 180, and the guide duct 170 are coupled, the accommodation space 170a may form a part of the cooling flow path 172. The accommodation space 170a may be connected to the machine room R2.

[0199] The cooling flow path 172 may be connected to the heat exchange room R1 and the machine room R2 . The cooling flow path 172 may enable air to travel through the heat exchange fins 180 and flow to the outside of the cabinet 100 , thereby discharging heat generated in the electrical components 13 to the outside of the cabinet 100 .

[0200] The guide duct 170 may include a vent 175. The vent 175 may enable the inner air of the guide duct 170 to flow to the first component chamber 230 or enable the inner air of the first component chamber 230 to flow to the guide duct 170.

[0201] The vent 175 may protrude toward the forward direction. The vent 175 may be inserted into the first housing 210. The vent 175 may be formed to correspond to the first duct hole 213 formed in the first housing 210. For example, the vent 175 may be inserted into the first duct hole 213.

[0202] A plurality of vents 175 may be provided. The plurality of vents 175 may include a first vent 175a, a second vent 175b, and a third vent 175c. The first vent 175a may be provided at the upper right end of the guide duct 170, the second vent 175b may be provided at the upper left end of the guide duct 170, and the third vent 175c may be provided at the lower left end of the guide duct 170.

[0203] The outdoor unit 10 may further include heat exchanging fins 180 , a heat transfer member 181 , and a third sealing member 273 .

[0204] The heat exchanging fin 180 may be coupled to the heat transfer member 181. The heat exchanging fin 180 and the heat transfer member 181 may be accommodated in the accommodation space 170a of the guide duct 170. The heat exchanging fin 180 and the heat transfer member 181 may be installed in the first housing 210 and the electric component box 280.

[0205] The heat transfer member 181 may be in contact with the electrical component box 280 to receive heat generated from the first electrical component 13a and transfer the heat to the heat exchange fins 180. The heat exchange fins 180 may perform heat exchange with the air on the cooling flow path 172 to discharge the heat generated in the first electrical component 13a to the outside of the cabinet 100. The electrical component box 280 may be positioned along the periphery 181a of the heat transfer member 181. The heat transfer member 181 may be inserted into the electrical component box 280 (see Fig.12 ).

[0206] The third sealing member 273 may be positioned between the heat transfer member 181 and the electrical component box 280. For example, the third sealing member 273 may be positioned along the periphery 181a of the heat transfer member 181 (see Fig.12 ).

[0207] The outdoor unit 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include duct holes 213 and 224 formed in the second sides of the component room cases 210 and 220 to connect the electric component cases 210 and 220 to the duct 170 .

[0208] The internal air of the component rooms 230 and 240 may flow to the outside of the cabinet 100 through the duct holes 213 and 224 .

[0209] Figure 7 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of an outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 8 is Figure 7 A perspective view of the outdoor unit shown in FIG. 1 after a portion of the cabinet is removed from the outdoor unit. Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view of an outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 9 yes Figure 2 A sectional view of the outdoor unit taken along line A-A'.

[0210] refer to Figures 7 to 9, the outdoor unit 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a first discharge hole 113 provided in the front panel 110. For example, the first discharge hole 113 may be formed in the second panel portion 112 of the front panel 110 in a manner corresponding to the machine room R2. The first discharge hole 113 may extend from a middle portion of the second panel portion 112 to a lower portion of the second panel portion 112. The position of the first discharge hole 113 is not limited to the above example, and the first discharge hole 113 may be formed in the side panel 130 and / or the rear panel 121, as long as the refrigerant present in the machine room R2 is smoothly discharged through the first discharge hole 113, which will be described below.

[0211] The first discharge hole 113 may include a first portion 113a and a second portion 113b. The first portion 113a may be positioned above the second portion 113b and formed in the protrusion 114. The second portion 113b may be positioned below the first portion 113a.

[0212] The front panel 110 may include an inclined portion 116 and a protruding portion 114 .

[0213] The inclined portion 116 may protrude from the second panel portion 112 toward the protruding portion 114 .

[0214] The protrusion 114 may protrude toward the forward direction to correspond to the shape of the guide member 300 to be described below. The protrusion 114 may form a step with respect to the second panel portion 112. In the protrusion 114, the first portion 113a of the first discharge hole 113 may be formed. In addition, the protrusion hole 114a may be formed at the side of the protrusion 114 and the side of the inclined portion 116. The protrusion hole 114a may be covered by the guide member 300. For example, the protrusion hole 114a may be covered by the panel portion 320 of the guide member 300.

[0215] Inside the cabinet 100, wires 50 may be located, which electrically connect various components of the outdoor unit 10, such as the compressor 12 and the heat exchanger 11, to the electrical components 13. For example, the wires 50 may be located inside the machine room R2, and inserted into the first component chamber 230 and the second component chamber 240 through the guide 300. A plurality of bundles of wires 50 may be tied in the front lower region of the machine room R2, and guided to the component chambers 230 and 240 through the guide 300.

[0216] The wire 50 can be inserted into the first component chamber 230 through the first wire hole 211a of the first housing 210 and connected to the first electrical component 13a. Also, the wire 50 can be inserted into the second component chamber 240 through the second wire hole 221a of the second housing 220 and connected to the second electrical component 13b.

[0217] The guide member 300 may be positioned below the first housing 210 and the second housing 220 to guide the wire 50 to the component chambers 230 and 240. The guide member 300 may be positioned adjacent to the front panel 110 to guide the refrigerant to be discharged through the first discharge hole 113 formed in the front panel 110. For example, the guide member 300 may be positioned in front of the second housing 220 to guide the refrigerant and the wire 50. The guide member 300 may be referred to as a refrigerant guide member 300.

[0218] The guide 300 may be detachably coupled to the cabinet 100 inside the cabinet 100. The guide 300 may guide the wire 50 and discharge any refrigerant collected inside the cabinet 100 to the outside of the cabinet 100, thereby preventing the outdoor unit 10 from the risk of fire and explosion.

[0219] The outdoor unit 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may further include a blocking member 400. The blocking member 400 may be positioned between the guide 300 and the front panel 110. For example, the blocking member 400 may be positioned between the protrusion 340 of the guide 300 and the protrusion 114 of the front panel 110. The blocking member 400 may block the refrigerant R collected upward from the lower portion of the machine room R2. However, the blocking member 400 may be formed of a material having elasticity so that the wire 50 passes through the blocking member 400. For example, the blocking member 400 may include a sponge. The blocking member 400 may be referred to as an elastic member 400.

[0220] In the outdoor unit 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the refrigerant pipe 40 connecting the compressor 12, the heat exchanger 11, the expander, etc. to each other may be positioned inside the machine room R2. Refrigerant leakage may occur at the portion of the refrigerant pipe 40 connected to the compressor 12, the heat exchanger 11, and the expander, at the welding portion of the refrigerant pipe 40, and / or at the refrigerant pipe 40. When a refrigerant leak occurs, the leaked refrigerant may be collected in the cabinet 100 or the machine room R2. For example, a refrigerant heavier than air (such as R290) may be collected in the cabinet 100 or the machine room R2.

[0221] In the case where the refrigerant continuously accumulates inside the machine room R2 without being discharged to the outside of the cabinet 100, the refrigerant may flow to the component chambers 230 and 240 positioned in the upper region of the cabinet 100. Due to the reactivity of the refrigerant, the refrigerant reaching the component chambers 230 and 240 may cause a fire or explosion by reacting with a spark or the like occasionally generated in the electrical component 13. Therefore, before the refrigerant is collected to flow to the component chambers 230 and 240, it may be necessary to discharge the refrigerant to the outside of the cabinet 100. In particular, since the wire 50 is guided in the front region of the machine room R2 and connected to the electrical component 13 inside the component chambers 230 and 240, the refrigerant may enter the component chambers 230 and 240 through the first wire hole 211a and the second wire hole 221a through which the wire 50 is inserted into the first shell 210 and the second shell 220. The above-described sealing members 214 and 225 may reduce the amount of refrigerant entering the component chambers 230 and 240 , and yet since the refrigerant is a fluid, the refrigerant may enter the component chambers 230 and 240 .

[0222] In order to prevent such a fire or explosion, the outdoor unit 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may discharge the refrigerant to the outside of the cabinet 100 through the discharge holes 113, 121a, 121b, and 132a before the refrigerant is collected and flows into the component chambers 230 and 240. Figures 2 to 4 As shown, since the outdoor unit 10 includes a plurality of discharge holes 113, 121a, 121b, and 132a provided in a lower portion of the cabinet 100, the refrigerant may be discharged to the outside of the cabinet 100 without being collected inside the machine room R2.

[0223] Since the refrigerant needs to be prevented from flowing to the front area of ​​the machine room R2 to enter the component rooms 230 and 240 , the refrigerant existing in the machine room R2 may need to be discharged through the first discharge hole 113 formed in the front panel 110 .

[0224] refer to Fig. 9 , the refrigerant R collected on the bottom of the machine room R2 is gradually filled. However, the refrigerant R existing in the machine room R2 can flow to the outside of the cabinet 100 through the first discharge hole 113 formed in the front panel 110. For example, because the guide 300 protrudes in the forward direction, the refrigerant flowing toward the component chambers 230 and 240 (i.e., the refrigerant R flowing upward) can be discharged from the protrusion 340 of the guide 300 (see FIG. 1 ). Fig.10) and the front panel 110 to the outside of the front panel 110. The refrigerant R that climbs over the front panel 110 through the guide 300 and flows to the outside of the cabinet 100 may travel through the space 94 between the front panel 110 and the front cover 90, and then be completely discharged from the outdoor unit 10 through the cover hole 93 formed in the lower portion of the front cover 90. Therefore, since the refrigerant R is discharged to the outside of the cabinet 100 through the first discharge hole 113 before being collected in the machine room R2 and flowing to the component rooms 230 and 240, the risk of fire and explosion of the outdoor unit 10 may be reduced.

[0225] A flow path formed by the first exhaust hole 113, the space 115 between the guide 300 and the front panel 110, the space 94 between the front panel 110 and the front cover 90, and the cover hole 93 may be referred to as an exhaust flow path. In particular, the cover exhaust flow path may be referred to as a first exhaust flow path.

[0226] The position of the cover hole 93 is not limited to the above example. In addition, the shape of the guide 300 is not limited to the shape shown in the drawings as long as the refrigerant R present in the machine room R2 can be smoothly discharged to the outside of the cabinet 100.

[0227] Furthermore, even if a large amount of refrigerant R is discharged to flow to the component chambers 230 and 240, the refrigerant R existing inside the component chambers 230 and 240 may be discharged to the outside of the cabinet 100 through the guide pipe 170 and the hose 190. This will be described below.

[0228] Fig.10 is a perspective view of a guide in an outdoor unit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0229] refer to Fig.10 , the guide 300 may guide the wire 50 toward the component chambers 230 and 240. The guide 300 may be detachably coupled to the cabinet 100 inside the cabinet 100. In addition, the guide 300 may guide the wire 50 and discharge any refrigerant collected in the machine room R2 to the outside of the cabinet 100, thereby preventing the risk of fire and explosion.

[0230] The guide 300 may include a base 310 , a panel portion 320 , a receiving portion 330 , and a protrusion 340 .

[0231] The base 310 may extend in the up-down direction. A pair of panel portions 320 may be provided. The pair of panel portions 320 may be provided on both sides of the base 310 to form a receiving portion 330 between the pair of panel portions 320. The wire 50 may be received in the receiving portion 330. The protrusion 340 may protrude from the base 310 in one direction. For example, the protrusion 340 may protrude from the base 310 toward the forward direction. The protrusion 340 may guide the flow of the refrigerant so that the refrigerant is discharged to the first discharge hole 113. The protrusion 340 may be formed at the center portion of the base 310.

[0232] However, the shape of the guide member 300 is not limited to the above example. For example, the guide member 300 may extend in the up-down direction without having the protrusion 340.

[0233] A coupling hole 301 may be provided in the guide member 300. A plurality of coupling holes 301 may be provided. The coupling hole 301 may be provided in the base 310 and the panel part 320. The coupling hole 301 may be used to install the guide member 300 in the cabinet 100. The position of the coupling hole 301 is not limited to the above example.

[0234] Fig.11 is a perspective view showing some components of an outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig.12 is a cross-sectional view of an outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig.13 is a cross-sectional view of an outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig.13 yes Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of the outdoor unit taken along line C-C'.

[0235] refer to Figures 11 to 13 , in the outdoor unit 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the refrigerant R collected on the bottom of the machine room R2 may be gradually filled. Generally, although the refrigerant present in the machine room R2 flows to the outside of the cabinet 100 through the discharge holes 113, 121a, 121b, and 132a formed in the cabinet 100, a large amount of refrigerant may be discharged, or it may not be easy to discharge the refrigerant through the discharge holes 113, 121a, 121b, and 132a. In these cases, the refrigerant may flow to the component chambers 230 and 240 and exist inside the component chambers 230 and 240. In addition, the refrigerant may exist inside the component chambers 230 and 240 due to other reasons.

[0236] In this case, it may be necessary to prevent fire and / or explosion caused by the reaction of the refrigerant with the electrical components 13 by quickly discharging the refrigerant present inside the component chambers 230 and 240. The outdoor unit 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure can discharge the refrigerant to the outside of the cabinet 100 through the guide pipe 170 and the discharge hose 190.

[0237] The discharge hose 190 may be connected to the second housing 220. The discharge hose 190 may be connected to the bottom 222 of the second housing 220 and the rear panel 121. The discharge hose 190 may be positioned between the second housing 220 and the rear panel 121. For example, the discharge hose 190 may be positioned below the second housing 220 and in front of the rear panel 121. The discharge hose 190 may be connected to both the second housing 220 and the rear panel 121.

[0238] The discharge hose 190 may guide the refrigerant moving from the first component chamber 230 to the second component chamber 240 to flow from the second component chamber 240 to the outside of the cabinet 100. The discharge hose 190 may discharge the refrigerant existing inside the component chambers 230 and 240 to the outside of the cabinet 100.

[0239] However, the component that connects the second housing 220 to the rear panel 121 to discharge the refrigerant from the second component chamber 240 to the outside of the cabinet 100 is not limited to the discharge hose 190. For example, the discharge hose 190 may be replaced with a discharge pipe, or the discharge hose 190 may be replaced with any one of various components that can connect the second component chamber 240 to the outside of the cabinet 100. The discharge hose 190 may be referred to as a discharge component.

[0240] The hose hole 222a may be connected to the discharge hose 190 so that the refrigerant present inside the component chambers 230 and 240 can flow to the outside of the cabinet 100. The hose hole 222a may be connected to the second discharge hole 121a formed in the rear panel 121 of the cabinet 100 through the discharge hose 190. The hose hole 222a may be formed in the bottom of the second housing 220. The position of the hose hole 222a is not limited to the above example.

[0241] The first component chamber 230 may communicate with the guide duct 170 through the first duct hole 213. The first duct hole 213 may enable air and / or refrigerant to flow from the internal flow path 171 formed in the guide duct 170 into the first component chamber 230, or the first duct hole 213 may enable air and / or refrigerant to flow from the first component chamber 230 to the internal flow path 171 formed in the guide duct 170.

[0242] The first duct hole 213 may be formed in the second wall 212 of the first housing 210. For example, the first duct hole 213 may be formed in the rear wall 212 of the first housing 210. A plurality of first duct holes 213 may be provided. The first duct holes 213 may be formed in upper and lower portions of the rear wall 212 of the first housing 210, respectively.

[0243] The vent 175 of the guide duct 170 may be inserted into the first duct hole 213. The first duct hole 213 may be formed to correspond to the guide duct 170.

[0244] In the electric component box 280 , holes corresponding to the first duct hole 213 and the vent 175 may be formed.

[0245] The second component chamber 240 may communicate with the guide duct 170 through the second duct hole 224. The second duct hole 224 may enable air and / or refrigerant to flow from the internal flow path 171 formed in the guide duct 170 into the second component chamber 240, or the second duct hole 224 may enable air and / or refrigerant to flow from the second component chamber 240 to the internal flow path 171 formed in the guide duct 170.

[0246] The second duct hole 224 may be formed in the second wall 223 of the second housing 220. For example, the second duct hole 224 may be formed in the side wall 223 of the second housing 220. A plurality of second duct holes 224 may be provided. The second duct holes 224 may be formed in upper and lower portions of the side wall 223 of the second housing 220, respectively.

[0247] The second duct hole 224 may be connected to the internal flow path 171 .

[0248] The guide duct 170 may be connected to the heat exchange chamber R1 through a connection opening 176 at one end thereof in the left-right direction. The connection opening 176 may be connected to the heat exchange chamber R1 in which the blower fan 16 is positioned to move air to the inside of the guide duct 170.

[0249] In the guide duct 170, an inner flow path 171 and a cooling flow path 172 may be formed. The guide duct 170 may include a partition wall 174 to partition the inner flow path 171 from the cooling flow path 172. The partition wall 174 may extend in the up-down direction and the left-right direction.

[0250] The internal flow path 171 may be connected to the heat exchange chamber R1 (see Figure 4 and Fig.17 ). The internal flow path 171 may be a path through which air flows from the heat exchange chamber R1 to the component chambers 230 and 240 . The internal flow path 171 may be formed at a side upper region of the cooling flow path 172 .

[0251] The internal flow path 171 may be connected to the first component chamber 230 through the first duct hole 213 and to the second component chamber 240 through the second duct hole 224. Air may freely flow to the heat exchange chamber R1, the first duct hole 213, the second duct hole 224, and the component chambers 230 and 240 through the internal flow path 171.

[0252] For example, Figures 17 to 19 As shown, in response to rotation of the blower fan 16 in the first rotation direction, air and / or refrigerant present in the component rooms 230 and 240 may travel through the internal flow path 171 of the guide duct 170 and flow to the outside of the cabinet 100 via the discharge hose 190 .

[0253] In addition, for example, Figure 20 to Figure 22 As shown, in response to the rotation of the blower fan 16 in the second rotation direction, the air and / or refrigerant present in the component chambers 230 and 240 may travel through the internal flow path 171 of the guide duct 170 and flow to the heat exchange chamber R1. The refrigerant entering the heat exchange chamber R1 may flow to the outside of the cabinet 100 through the outlet 120b.

[0254] A flow path formed by the internal flow path 171, the first conduit hole 213, the first component chamber 230, the second conduit hole 224, the second component chamber 240, and the discharge hose 190 may be referred to as a discharge flow path. The discharge flow path may be referred to as a second discharge flow path.

[0255] The cooling flow path 172 may be formed inside the internal flow path 171. The cooling flow path 172 may cool the heat exchanging fins 180 and the heat transfer member 181 to which the heat from the electrical component 13 is transferred. Air flowing from the machine room R2 to the heat exchange room R1 or air flowing from the heat exchange room R1 to the machine room R2 may travel through the cooling flow path 172. For example, the cooling flow path 172 may be provided on a path through which air flows between the machine room R2 and the heat exchange room R1.

[0256] The first housing 210 may include a front housing portion 215. The front housing portion 215 may be positioned at the front of the first housing 210. The front housing portion 215 may contact the electrical component box 280. The front housing portion 215 may include a first portion 215a extending in a forward direction and a second portion 215b extending from one end of the first portion 215a to the outside of the first housing 210 (see FIG. Fig.14 ).

[0257] The outdoor unit 10 may further include sealing members 271, 272, and 273. The sealing members 271, 272, and 273 may include a first sealing member 271 for sealing between the first housing 210 and the first cover 250, a second sealing member 272 for sealing between the second housing 220 and the second cover 260, and a third sealing member 273 for sealing between the electrical component box 280 and the heat transfer member 181.

[0258] The first sealing member 271 may be positioned between the first housing 210 and the first cover 250 in the front-rear direction. For example, the first sealing member 271 may be positioned between the front housing portion 215 and the first cover 250. The first sealing member 271 may be positioned at the periphery of the first cover 250.

[0259] The second sealing member 272 may be positioned between the second housing 220 and the second cover 260 in the front-rear direction. The second sealing member 272 may be positioned at a periphery of the first cover 250.

[0260] The third sealing member 273 may be positioned at the periphery of the heat transfer member 181 to seal between the electrical component box 280 and the heat transfer member 181. The third sealing member 273 may prevent the refrigerant present in the component chamber 230 from leaking toward the heat exchanging fins 180. In addition, the third sealing member 273 may prevent the refrigerant from flowing from the cooling flow path 172 to the first component chamber 230.

[0261] Fig.14 is Fig.12 An enlarged view of a portion of the outdoor unit shown in FIG. Fig.15 is Fig.13 An enlarged view of a portion of the outdoor unit shown in FIG. Fig.14 yes Fig.12 Magnified view of the "A" area. Fig.15 yes Fig.13 Magnified view of the "B" area.

[0262] refer to Fig.14 and Fig.15 The sealing members 271 and 272 in the outdoor unit 10 of the air conditioner 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include first sealing portions 271a and 272a, second sealing portions 271b and 272b, third sealing portions 271c and 272c, and fourth sealing portions 271d and 272d.

[0263] The first sealing portions 271a and 272a may extend in the up-down direction between the component chamber housings 210 and 220 and the housing covers 250 and 260. The first sealing portions 271a and 272a may be positioned between the first side of the component chamber housings 210 and 220 and the housing covers 250 and 260. The first sealing portions 271a and 272a may seal the space between the component chamber housings 210 and 220 and the housing covers 250 and 260 at the first side of the component chamber housings 210 and 220.

[0264] When the component chamber housings 210 and 220 are coupled to the housing covers 250 and 260, portions of the first sealing portions 271a and 272a positioned at regions where the component chamber housings 210 and 220 are coupled to the housing covers 250 and 260 may have a thickness thinner than other portions of the first sealing portions 271a and 272a that are not positioned at regions where the component chamber housings 210 and 220 are coupled to the housing covers 250 and 260. For example, portions of the first sealing portions 271a and 272a positioned at regions where the component chamber housings 210 and 220 are coupled to the housing covers 250 and 260 may be compressed.

[0265] The second sealing portions 271b and 272b may be positioned between the component chamber housings 210 and 220 and the housing covers 250 and 260 in the up-down direction. The second sealing portions 271b and 272b may seal between the component chamber housings 210 and 220 and the housing covers 250 and 260 in the up-down direction. For example, the second sealing portions 271b and 272b may extend in a direction perpendicular to the up-down direction. The second sealing portions 271b and 272b may extend from the first sealing portions 271a and 272a toward the component chambers 230 and 240.

[0266] The third sealing portions 271c and 272c may extend in the up-down direction between the component chamber housings 210 and 220 and the housing covers 250 and 260. The third sealing portions 271c and 272c may be positioned in the up-down direction between the component chamber housings 210 and 220 and the housing covers 250 and 260. For example, the third sealing portions 271c and 272c may seal the space between the component chamber housings 210 and 220 and the housing covers 250 and 260 in the up-down direction. For example, when the component chamber housings 210 and 220 are coupled to the housing covers 250 and 260, the third sealing portions 271c and 272c may be positioned between the inner wall of the component chamber housings 210 and 220 and the first protrusions of the housing covers 250 and 260.

[0267] The fourth sealing portions 271d and 272d may extend from the second sealing portions 271b and 272b toward the inner wall of the component chamber housings 210 and 220. The inner wall of the component chamber housings 210 and 220 may be an inner wall forming the component chambers 230 and 240. Each of the fourth sealing portions 271d and 272d may have a protrusion shape. A plurality of fourth sealing portions 271d and 272d may be provided. The fourth sealing portions 271d and 272d may seal the space between the component chamber housings 210 and 220 and the housing covers 250 and 260 in the up-down direction.

[0268] In the outdoor unit 10 of the air conditioner 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the case covers 250 and 260 may include first protrusions 253 and 263 and second protrusions 254 and 264 .

[0269] The first protrusions 253 and 263 may protrude from the cover portions 251 and 261 toward the inside of the component chambers 230 and 240. The first protrusions 253 and 263 may be formed at the periphery of the cover portions 251 and 261. The sealing members 271 and 272 may be positioned between the first protrusions 253 and 263 and the inner wall of the component chamber housing 210 and 220. The first protrusions 253 and 263 may guide the sealing members 271 and 272 to a position between the component chamber housing 210 and 220 and the housing cover 250 and 260.

[0270] The second protrusions 254 and 264 may be inserted between the first sealing portions 271a and 272a and the third sealing portions 271c and 272c to fix the sealing members 271 and 272 between the component chamber housings 210 and 220 and the housing covers 250 and 260. The second protrusions 254 and 264 may protrude from the first protrusions 253 and 263 toward the inner wall of the component chamber housings 210 and 220.

[0271] For example, refer to Fig.14 , the first sealing member 271 may be positioned between the first housing 210 and the first cover 250. The first sealing member 271 may include a first sealing portion 271a, a second sealing portion 271b, a third sealing portion 271c, and a fourth sealing portion 271d.

[0272] The first sealing portion 271 a of the first sealing member 271 may be positioned between the first housing 210 and the first cover 250 in the front-rear direction to seal between the first housing 210 and the first cover 250 in the front-rear direction.

[0273] The second sealing portion 271b of the first sealing member 271 may extend from the first sealing portion 271a toward the inside of the first housing 210. The second sealing portion 271b of the first sealing member 271 may extend toward the first component chamber 230.

[0274] The third sealing portion 271c of the first sealing member 271 may extend between the first housing 210 and the first cover 250 in the up-down direction. The third sealing portion 271c of the first sealing member 271 may be positioned between the first housing 210 and the first cover 250 in the up-down direction. For example, the third sealing portion 271c of the first sealing member 271 may seal a space between the first housing 210 and the first cover 250 in the up-down direction. For example, when the first housing 210 is coupled to the first cover 250, the third sealing portion 271c of the first sealing member 271 may be positioned between the front housing portion 215 of the first housing 210 and the first protrusion 253 of the first cover 250.

[0275] The fourth sealing portion 271d of the first sealing member 271 may extend from the second sealing portion 271b toward the inner wall of the first housing 210. For example, the fourth sealing portion 271d of the first sealing member 271 may protrude toward the inner wall of the first portion 215a of the front housing portion 215. The fourth sealing portion 271d may seal a space between the first housing 210 and the first cover 250 in the up-down direction.

[0276] The first cover 250 may include a first protrusion 253 and a second protrusion 254 .

[0277] The first protrusion 253 of the first cover 250 may protrude from the cover portion 251 of the first cover 250 toward the inside of the first component chamber 230. The first protrusion 253 of the first cover 250 may be formed at the periphery of the cover portion 251. The first sealing member 271 may be positioned between the first protrusion 253 of the first cover 250 and the inner wall of the first housing 210. The first protrusion 253 of the first cover 250 may guide the position of the first sealing member 271 between the first housing 210 and the first cover 250.

[0278] The second protrusion 254 of the first cover 250 may be inserted between the first sealing portion 271a and the third sealing portion 271c of the first sealing member 271 to fix the first sealing member 271 between the first housing 210 and the first cover 250. The second protrusion 254 may protrude from the first protrusion 253 toward the inner wall of the first housing 210. For example, the second protrusion 254 may protrude from the first protrusion 253 toward the inner wall of the front housing portion 215.

[0279] In addition, for example, reference Fig.15 , the second sealing member 272 may be positioned between the second housing 220 and the second cover 260. The second sealing member 272 may include a first sealing portion 272a, a second sealing portion 272b, a third sealing portion 272c, and a fourth sealing portion 272d.

[0280] The first sealing portion 272 a of the second sealing member 272 may be positioned between the second housing 220 and the second cover 260 in the left-right direction to seal between the second housing 220 and the second cover 260 in the left-right direction.

[0281] The second sealing portion 272b of the second sealing member 272 may extend from the first sealing portion 272a toward the inner side of the second housing 220. The second sealing portion 272b of the second sealing member 272 may extend toward the second component chamber 240.

[0282] The third sealing portion 272c of the second sealing member 272 may extend between the second housing 220 and the second cover 260 in the up-down direction. The third sealing portion 272c of the second sealing member 272 may be positioned between the second housing 220 and the second cover 260 in the up-down direction. For example, the third sealing portion 272c of the second sealing member 272 may seal a space between the second housing 220 and the second cover 260 in the up-down direction. For example, when the second housing 220 is coupled to the second cover 260, the third sealing portion 272c of the second sealing member 272 may be positioned between the inner walls 222 and 226 of the second housing 220 and the first protrusion 253 of the first cover 250.

[0283] The fourth sealing portion 272d of the second sealing member 272 may extend and / or protrude from the second sealing portion 272b toward the inner walls 222 and 226 of the second housing 220. The fourth sealing portion 272d may seal a space between the second housing 220 and the second cover 260 in the up-down direction.

[0284] The second cover 260 may include a first protrusion 263 and a second protrusion 264 .

[0285] The first protrusion 263 of the second cover 260 may protrude from the cover portion 261 of the second cover 260 toward the inside of the second component chamber 240. The first protrusion 263 of the second cover 260 may be formed at the periphery of the cover portion 261. The first protrusion 263 of the second cover 260 may enable the second sealing member 272 to be positioned between the first protrusion 263 and the inner walls 222 and 226 of the second housing 220. The first protrusion 263 of the second cover 260 may guide the position of the second sealing member 272 between the second housing 220 and the second cover 260.

[0286] The second protrusion 264 of the second cover 260 may be inserted between the first sealing portion 272a and the third sealing portion 272c of the second sealing member 272 to fix the second sealing member 272 between the second housing 220 and the second cover 260. The second protrusion 264 of the second cover 260 may protrude from the first protrusion 263 of the second cover 260 toward the inner walls 222 and 226 of the second housing 220.

[0287] Fig.16 is a control block diagram of an outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0288] refer to Fig.16 The outdoor unit 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may further include a refrigerant sensor 600. For example, the refrigerant sensor 600 may include a gas sensor and a refrigerant pressure sensor for detecting the pressure of the refrigerant. However, the refrigerant sensor 600 is not limited to the above example and may include various types of sensors.

[0289] The refrigerant sensor 600 may detect refrigerant entering the machine room R2 or the component rooms 230 and 240 or refrigerant leaking from the refrigerant pipe 40. Upon recognizing that refrigerant has entered the first and second component rooms 230 and 240 or that refrigerant has leaked from the refrigerant pipe 40, the refrigerant sensor 600 may transmit information indicating the entry of the refrigerant or the leakage of the refrigerant to the controller 500.

[0290] The gas sensor of the refrigerant sensor 600 may be positioned at a position adjacent to the guide 300, or positioned at a position adjacent to the component chambers 230 and 240. Also, the pressure sensor of the refrigerant sensor 600 may be positioned at the refrigerant pipe 40 connected to the compressor 12. However, the position of the refrigerant sensor 600 is not limited to the above examples.

[0291] The outdoor unit 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may further include a controller 500. The controller 500 may receive information about whether the refrigerant has entered the component chambers 230 and 240, or whether the refrigerant has leaked out of the refrigerant pipe 40 from the refrigerant sensor 600. The controller 500 may operate the blower fan 16 based on the information indicating the entry of the refrigerant or the leakage of the refrigerant.

[0292] According to the information received by the controller 500 indicating that the refrigerant has entered the component chambers 230 and 240, the controller 500 may rotate the blower fan 16 in the first rotation direction or the second rotation direction to discharge the refrigerant existing inside the component chambers 230 and 240 to the outside of the cabinet 100. Figures 17 to 22 A process of discharging refrigerant according to the rotation of the blowing fan 16 is described.

[0293] For example, when the controller 500 identifies that refrigerant is present in the component chambers 230 and 240 by receiving information indicating that the refrigerant has entered the component chambers 230 and 240, that is, when it is identified that the refrigerant has leaked and entered the component chambers 230 and 240, the controller 500 can rotate the blower fan 16 in a first rotation direction (e.g., a reverse direction) before the outdoor unit 10 operates to exchange heat with the outside air to discharge the refrigerant present inside the component chambers 230 and 240 to the outside of the cabinet 100, thereby preventing the refrigerant from reacting with sparks that may be generated in the electrical components 13 to cause a fire and / or explosion.

[0294] Because environmentally friendly refrigerants are flammable and / or explosive, as described above, the outdoor unit 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure can smoothly discharge the refrigerant that leaks from the refrigerant pipe 40, etc. and enters the component chambers 230 and 240, thereby preventing fire and / or explosion of the outdoor unit 10.

[0295] Figures 17 to 19 An air flow in an outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is illustrated.

[0296] refer to Figures 17 to 19 In the outdoor unit 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the blower fan 16 may rotate in a first rotation direction. For example, the first rotation direction in which the blower fan 16 rotates may be a reverse direction of the direction in which the blower fan 16 rotates when the heat exchanger 11 is in operation. The rotation of the blower fan 16 in the reverse direction may be performed for a preset time before the outdoor unit 10 operates and the blower fan 16 rotates in the forward direction. For example, when the controller 500 recognizes that the refrigerant exists in the component chambers 230 and 240 by receiving information indicating that the refrigerant has entered the component chambers 230 and 240, that is, when the refrigerant has leaked out and entered the component chambers 230 and 240, the controller 500 may rotate the blower fan 16 in the first rotation direction (e.g., reverse direction) before the outdoor unit 10 operates to perform heat exchange with the outside air, so as to discharge the refrigerant existing inside the component chambers 230 and 240 to the outside of the cabinet 100, thereby preventing a fire and / or explosion caused by a reaction of the refrigerant with a spark that may be generated in the electrical component 13. In this manner, by discharging the refrigerant that may remain in the component chambers 230 and 240 to the outside of the cabinet 100 together with the air, fire and explosion of the outdoor unit 10 may be prevented.

[0297] When the blower fan 16 rotates in the first rotation direction, a force may be generated in a direction from the heat exchanger 11 toward the second component chamber 240 and the exhaust hose 190. For example, when the blower fan 16 rotates in the first rotation direction, a repulsive force may be generated from the inner flow path 171 toward the second component chamber 240.

[0298] Therefore, the refrigerant may flow to the outside of the cabinet 100 through the second discharge flow path. The air and / or refrigerant present inside the component chambers 230 and 240 may flow toward the discharge hose 190, and the air and refrigerant moving to the discharge hose 190 may flow toward the rear panel 121 through the discharge hose 190 and then be discharged to the outside of the cabinet 100.

[0299] For example, the refrigerant existing in the first component chamber 230 may flow to the internal flow path 171 through the vent 175 formed in the guide duct 170 and the first duct hole 213 formed in the first shell 210. The air and refrigerant existing in the upper right space of the first component chamber 230 may flow to the internal flow path 171 through the first vent 175a, the air and refrigerant existing in the upper left space of the first component chamber 230 may flow to the internal flow path 171 through the second vent 175b, and the air and refrigerant existing in the lower left space of the first component chamber 230 may flow to the internal flow path 171 through the third vent 175c.

[0300] The air and refrigerant present in the first component chamber 230 may travel through the internal flow path 171 and flow to the second duct hole 224 formed in the second wall 223 of the second shell 220. The air and refrigerant having traveled through the second duct hole 224 may flow to the inside of the second component chamber 240. Also, since the refrigerant is heavier than the air, the refrigerant may flow downward. The refrigerant may flow to the discharge hose 190 through the hose hole 222a formed in the bottom 222 of the second shell 220, and the refrigerant moved to the discharge hose 190 may be discharged to the outside of the cabinet 100 via the second discharge hole 121a formed in the rear panel 121 (see FIG. 1 ). Figure 3 ).

[0301] The refrigerant existing in the second component chamber 240 can also flow to the discharge hose 190 through the hose hole 222a formed in the bottom 222 of the second shell 220, and the refrigerant moving to the discharge hose 190 can be discharged to the outside of the cabinet 100 via the second discharge hole 121a formed in the rear panel 121.

[0302] Figure 20 to Figure 22 An air flow in an outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is illustrated.

[0303] refer to Fig. 20 and Fig. 22In the outdoor unit 10 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, the blower fan 16 may rotate in the second rotation direction. The second rotation direction of the blower fan 16 may be a forward direction in which the blower fan 16 rotates when the heat exchanger 11 is in operation.

[0304] When the blower fan 16 rotates in the second rotation direction, a suction force may be generated from the component chambers 230 and 240 toward the heat exchange chamber R1. Therefore, air and / or refrigerant present in the component chambers 230 and 240 may flow toward the heat exchange chamber R1.

[0305] For example, the refrigerant present in the second component chamber 240 may flow to the internal flow path 171 through the second pipe hole 224 formed in the second wall 223 of the second shell 220. The refrigerant present in the second component chamber 240 may travel through the internal flow path 171 and the connection opening 176, flow toward the heat exchange chamber R1, and reach the rear side of the cabinet 100 through the outlet 120b (see Figure 2 ).

[0306] In addition, the refrigerant present in the first component chamber 230 may also flow to the internal flow path 171 through the vent 175 formed in the guide duct 170 and the first duct hole 213 formed in the first shell 210. Any refrigerant collected in the lower space of the first component chamber 230 may flow toward the first connection opening 176 and flow to the internal flow path 171. The refrigerant present in the first component chamber 230 may travel through the internal flow path 171 and the connection opening 176, flow toward the heat exchange chamber R1, and flow to the rear side of the cabinet 100 through the outlet 120b.

[0307] For example, when the controller 500 identifies that refrigerant is present in the component chambers 230 and 240 by receiving information indicating that the refrigerant has entered the component chambers 230 and 240, that is, when it identifies that the refrigerant has leaked out and entered the component chambers 230 and 240, the controller 500 may cause the blower fan 16 to rotate in a second rotation direction (e.g., a forward direction) to discharge the refrigerant present inside the component chambers 230 and 240 to the outside of the cabinet 100, thereby preventing a fire and / or explosion caused by the reaction of the refrigerant with sparks that may be generated in the electrical components 13.

[0308] Figure 23 to Figure 25 An air flow in an outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is illustrated.

[0309] refer to Figure 23 to Figure 25 , in the outdoor unit 10 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, the blower fan 16 may not rotate.

[0310] When using a refrigerant heavier than air, although the blower fan 16 does not rotate, the refrigerant present in the component chambers 230 and 240 may flow toward the discharge hose 190. When using a refrigerant such as R290, the refrigerant may flow toward the discharge hose 190 because the refrigerant is heavier than air.

[0311] For example, the refrigerant existing in the first component chamber 230 may flow to the internal flow path 171 through the first duct hole 213 formed in the lower portion of the first housing 210 and the third vent 175 c formed in the lower portion of the guide duct 170 .

[0312] The air and refrigerant present in the first component chamber 230 may travel through the internal flow path 171 and flow to the second duct hole 224. For example, the refrigerant may travel through the second duct hole 224 formed in the lower portion of the side wall 223 of the second shell 220 among the plurality of second duct holes 224 and flow to the second component chamber 240. Thereafter, the refrigerant may flow to the discharge hose 190 through the hose hole 222a formed in the bottom 222 of the second shell 220, and the refrigerant moving to the discharge hose 190 may travel through the second discharge hole 121a formed in the rear panel 121 and be discharged to the outside of the cabinet 100 (see Figure 3 ).

[0313] The refrigerant present in the second component chamber 240 can flow to the discharge hose 190 through the hose hole 222a formed in the bottom 222 of the second shell 220, and the refrigerant moving to the discharge hose 190 can travel through the second discharge hole 121a formed in the rear panel 121 and be discharged to the outside of the cabinet 100.

[0314] An embodiment of the present disclosure may provide an air conditioner, the air conditioner comprising: a cabinet; a heat exchange chamber, the heat exchange chamber being formed in the cabinet; a blower fan, the blower fan being positioned inside the heat exchange chamber and being configured to form an air flow; a heat exchanger, the heat exchanger being positioned inside the heat exchange chamber and being configured to perform heat exchange with the air moved by the blower fan; a guide duct, the guide duct being connected to the heat exchange chamber and being configured to guide the air moved by the blower fan; a component chamber, the component chamber accommodating electrical components for controlling the heat exchanger, the component chamber being positioned to one side of the guide duct and being connected to the guide duct; a duct hole, the duct hole being provided in a wall forming the electrical component chamber so that the component chamber communicates with the interior of the guide duct; and a discharge hole, the discharge hole being formed in a wall of the cabinet and being configured to discharge the refrigerant present in the component chamber to the outside of the cabinet through the guide duct, the discharge hole communicating the component chamber with the outside of the cabinet, wherein the air moved by the blower fan flows to the outside of the cabinet through the discharge hole.

[0315] The outdoor unit may further include a discharge hose connecting the component chamber and the discharge hole so that the refrigerant flows from the component chamber to the discharge hole.

[0316] In response to the rotation of the blower fan in one direction, the refrigerant present in the guide duct and the component chamber can move to the heat exchange chamber; and in response to the rotation of the blower fan in the opposite direction of the one direction, the refrigerant present in the guide duct and the component chamber can flow to the outside of the cabinet through the discharge hose.

[0317] The outdoor unit may further include: a component room case forming the component room; and a hose hole configured to be connected to the discharge hose and formed in a bottom of the component room case.

[0318] An embodiment of the present disclosure may provide an air conditioner, the air conditioner comprising: a cabinet, the cabinet comprising a front panel and a rear panel; a heat exchanger, the heat exchanger being positioned inside the cabinet; a compressor, the compressor being positioned inside the cabinet and connected to the heat exchanger; a refrigerant pipe, the refrigerant pipe being positioned inside the cabinet and connecting the heat exchanger to the compressor; a component chamber, the component chamber being disposed inside the cabinet and accommodating an electrical component for controlling the compressor; a first discharge hole, the first discharge hole being formed in the front panel below the component chamber, the first discharge hole being a discharge hole that connects the interior of the cabinet with the exterior of the cabinet, and the first discharge hole is configured to discharge the refrigerant leaking from the refrigerant pipe to the outside of the cabinet; and a guide that is positioned below the component chamber and includes a protrusion that protrudes toward the front panel and guides the refrigerant to the first discharge hole; and a second discharge hole that is formed in the rear panel, the second discharge hole that connects the component chamber with the exterior of the cabinet, and the second discharge hole is configured to discharge the refrigerant entering the component chamber to the outside of the cabinet.

[0319] So far, specific embodiments have been shown and described. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the gist of the technical idea of ​​the present disclosure defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. An outdoor unit of an air conditioner, comprising: Cabinets; a heat exchange chamber, the heat exchange chamber being located inside the cabinet and accommodating a heat exchanger; a first component chamber housing located at one side of the heat exchange chamber and including an opening located in a first side of the first component chamber housing; A first component chamber, the first component chamber is located inside the first component chamber housing; a first electrical component, the first electrical component being located in the first component chamber; a first housing cover configured to cover the opening of the first component chamber housing; a sealing member located between the first component chamber housing and the first housing cover; a conduit located at the second side of the first component chamber housing and connected to the heat exchange chamber; and a first conduit hole, the first conduit hole being located in the second side of the first component chamber housing and connecting the first component chamber housing with the conduit, Wherein, the first component chamber housing and the pipeline are configured such that: The refrigerant in the first component chamber flows through the first pipe hole, and then passes through the pipe to flow to the outside of the cabinet.

2. The outdoor unit of the air conditioner according to claim 1, further comprising: A discharge hose connects the first component chamber housing and the cabinet so that the refrigerant in the first component chamber flows from the first component chamber to the outside of the cabinet through the discharge hose.

3. The outdoor unit of the air conditioner according to claim 2, further comprising: a blower fan located inside the heat exchange chamber and configured to move air, Wherein, in response to the rotation of the blower fan in the first rotation direction, the refrigerant in the first component chamber flows to the outside of the cabinet through the discharge hose.

4. The outdoor unit of the air conditioner according to claim 3, wherein: In response to the rotation of the blower fan in the second rotation direction, the refrigerant in the first component chamber flows from the first component chamber through the first duct hole and then flows to the heat exchange chamber through the duct.

5. The outdoor unit of the air conditioner according to claim 4, further comprising: a second component chamber, the second component chamber being located next to the first component chamber, wherein the second component chamber is located in the front area of ​​the cabinet, and The pipe is in communication with the heat exchange chamber, the first component chamber, and the second component chamber.

6. The outdoor unit of the air conditioner according to claim 5, further comprising: a second component chamber housing located adjacent to the first component chamber housing and including an opening in a first side of the second component chamber housing, the second component chamber being located within the second component chamber housing; and a second conduit hole formed in a second side of the second component chamber housing and connecting the second component chamber housing with the conduit, Wherein, the first component chamber housing includes a hose hole, which is located in the bottom of the first component chamber housing, and the hose hole connects the discharge hose to the first component chamber housing.

7. The outdoor unit of the air conditioner according to claim 6, wherein: The first pipeline hole includes a plurality of first pipeline holes, The second pipeline hole includes a plurality of second pipeline holes, The plurality of first conduit holes are formed at upper and lower portions of the second side of the first component chamber housing, The plurality of second conduit holes are formed at upper and lower portions of the second side of the second component chamber housing, and When the blower fan does not rotate, the refrigerant in the second component chamber flows through a second pipe hole among the plurality of second pipe holes formed at a lower portion of the second side of the second component chamber housing, then through the pipe, then through a first pipe hole among the plurality of first pipe holes formed at a lower portion of the second side of the first component chamber housing, and then flows to the discharge hose through the hose hole.

8. The outdoor unit of the air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein: The sealing member comprises: a first sealing portion extending from between the first component chamber housing and the first housing cover to between the first housing cover and the opening of the first component chamber housing; a second sealing portion extending from the first sealing portion toward the interior of the first component chamber housing; a third sealing portion extending from the second sealing portion toward a center of the opening of the first component chamber case; and A fourth sealing portion extends from the second sealing portion to contact an inner portion of the first component chamber housing.

9. The outdoor unit of the air conditioner according to claim 8, wherein: The first housing cover comprises: a cover portion configured to cover a first side of the first component chamber housing; a first protrusion that protrudes from the cover toward the interior of the first component chamber and is configured to guide the sealing member between the first component chamber case and the first case cover; and A second protrusion protrudes from the first protrusion toward the inner portion of the first component chamber case and is inserted between the first sealing portion and the third sealing portion.

10. The outdoor unit of the air conditioner according to claim 9, further comprising: a second component chamber housing, which is located next to the first component chamber housing in a front area of ​​the cabinet and includes an opening in a first side of the second component chamber housing; a second component chamber, the second component chamber being located inside the second component chamber housing; a second electrical component, the second electrical component being located in the second component chamber; and a second housing cover, the second housing cover being configured to cover the opening of the second component chamber housing, Wherein, the sealing component comprises: a first sealing member located between the first component chamber housing and the first housing cover, and A second sealing member is positioned between the second component chamber housing and the second housing cover.

11. The outdoor unit of the air conditioner according to claim 10, further comprising: an electrical component box positioned inside the second component chamber housing and accommodating the second electrical component; a heat transfer member positioned behind the electrical component box and configured to receive heat generated in the second electrical component; a heat exchanging fin positioned inside the duct and coupled to the heat transfer member to cool the second electrical component; and A third sealing member is located at a periphery of the heat transfer member.

12. The outdoor unit of the air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein: The cabinet comprises a front panel, The outdoor unit of the air conditioner also includes: a drain hole located in the front panel below the first component chamber and configured to communicate the interior of the cabinet with the exterior of the cabinet to prevent refrigerant inside the cabinet from flowing into the first component chamber; and A guide is located inside the cabinet and adjacent to the front panel below the first component chamber, and is configured to guide the refrigerant inside the cabinet to the discharge hole.

13. The outdoor unit of the air conditioner according to claim 12, wherein: The guide member comprises: A base extending in an up-down direction; a pair of panel portions located at respective sides of the base to accommodate wires connected to the first electrical component; and A protrusion protrudes from the base in a forward direction and is configured to guide the refrigerant to the discharge hole.

14. The outdoor unit of the air conditioner according to claim 13, further comprising: A blocking member is located between the front panel and the protrusion and is configured to block the refrigerant inside the cabinet from flowing from a lower portion of the cabinet to the first component chamber.

15. The outdoor unit of the air conditioner according to claim 14, wherein: A portion of the front panel corresponding to the protrusion protrudes in the forward direction, and The discharge hole extends from the same position as the guide to the base of the cabinet.

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