Outdoor unit of air conditioner and heat exchanger

Abstract

An outdoor unit of an air conditioner and a heat exchanger are provided. An outdoor unit of an air conditioner includes: a plurality of first refrigerant tubes arranged along a first row extending in a first direction; a plurality of second refrigerant tubes arranged along a second row parallel to the first row; a first holder including a first support plate supporting the plurality of first refrigerant pipes, a first extension portion extending from one side of the first support plate, and a second extension portion extending from the other side of the first support plate; and a second holder including a second support plate supporting the plurality of second refrigerant pipes, a third extension portion extending from one side of the second support plate, and a fourth extension portion extending from the other side of the second support plate. The second extension portion is disposed between the first extension portion and the second holding body, and the third extension portion is disposed between the fourth extension portion and the first holding body. The second extension and the third extension are in contact with each other and coupled to each other.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a heat exchanger and an outdoor unit of an air conditioner including the same. Background Art

[0002] An air conditioner is a device that uses a refrigeration cycle to adjust the temperature, humidity, airflow, distribution, etc. suitable for human activities. It includes a compressor, condenser, evaporator, air supply fan, etc. as the main components of the refrigeration cycle.

[0003] Air conditioners may be divided into split-type air conditioners in which an indoor unit and an outdoor unit are separately installed and integrated-type air conditioners in which the indoor unit and the outdoor unit are installed together in one casing.

[0004] The condenser and evaporator are provided in the form of a heat exchanger capable of providing conditioned air by exchanging heat between a refrigerant and air. The heat exchanger includes: a plurality of refrigerant tubes arranged to be spaced apart from each other; and heat exchange fins coupled to the plurality of refrigerant tubes to expand the heat transfer area with the air.

[0005] In order to expand the heat transfer area of ​​the heat exchanger with the air, a plurality of refrigerant tubes may be arranged in parallel with each other into a plurality of rows. Summary of the Invention

[0006] Technical issues

[0007] Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a heat exchanger having an improved structure, and an outdoor unit of an air conditioner including the same, so that the heat exchanger can be stably fixed.

[0008] Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a heat exchanger having an improved structure and an outdoor unit of an air conditioner including the same to reduce the number of components for fixing the heat exchanger and lower manufacturing costs.

[0009] Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a heat exchanger having an improved structure and an outdoor unit of an air conditioner including the same to reduce manufacturing time and manufacturing costs by efficiently performing a process of fixing the heat exchanger.

[0010] Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a heat exchanger having an improved structure and an outdoor unit of an air conditioner including the same to reduce manufacturing time and cost by unifying the types of parts for fixing the heat exchanger.

[0011] Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a heat exchanger having an improved structure to protect a refrigerant pipe and an outdoor unit of an air conditioner including the same.

[0012] Technical Solution

[0013] An outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure may include: a plurality of first refrigerant tubes arranged along a first column extending in a first direction; a plurality of second refrigerant tubes arranged along a second column parallel to the first column; a first retaining body including a first support plate supporting the plurality of first refrigerant tubes, a first extension extending from one side of the first support plate, and a second extension extending from the other side of the first support plate; and a second retaining body including a second support plate supporting the plurality of second refrigerant tubes, a third extension extending from one side of the second support plate, and a fourth extension extending from the other side of the second support plate. The second extension may be disposed between the first extension and the second retaining body. The third extension may be disposed between the fourth extension and the first retaining body. The second and third extensions may contact and be coupled to each other.

[0014] An outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure may include: a plurality of first refrigerant tubes arranged along a first row extending in a first direction; a plurality of first heat exchange fins, each extending in the first direction and penetrated by the plurality of first refrigerant tubes; a plurality of second refrigerant tubes arranged along a second row parallel to the first row; a plurality of second heat exchange fins, each extending in the first direction and penetrated by the plurality of second refrigerant tubes; a first retaining body arranged parallel to one of the first heat exchange fins and supporting the plurality of first refrigerant tubes, the one first heat exchange fin being arranged on one side in the direction in which the plurality of first heat exchange fins are arranged; and a second retaining body arranged parallel to one of the second heat exchange fins and supporting the plurality of second refrigerant tubes, the one second heat exchange fin being arranged on one side in the direction in which the plurality of second heat exchange fins are arranged. The first retaining body may include: a first support plate contacting one of the first heat exchange fins; a first extension extending from one end of the first support plate opposite to one end adjacent to the second retaining body in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction; and a second extension extending from one end of the first support plate adjacent to the second retaining body in the second direction. The second retaining body may include: a second support plate in contact with one of the second heat exchange fins; a third extension extending in the second direction from one of the ends of the second support plate adjacent to the first retaining body; and a fourth extension extending in the second direction from one of the ends of the second support plate opposite to the end adjacent to the first retaining body. The second and third extensions may be fastened by a first fastener penetrating the second and third extensions in the second direction.

[0015] A heat exchanger according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure may include: a first heat exchange unit including a plurality of first refrigerant tubes arranged along a first column extending in a first direction and a plurality of first heat exchange fins in contact with the plurality of first refrigerant tubes; a second heat exchange unit including a plurality of second refrigerant tubes arranged along a second column parallel to the first column and a plurality of second heat exchange fins in contact with the plurality of second refrigerant tubes; a first retaining body supporting one side of the first heat exchange unit; and a second retaining body supporting one side of the second heat exchange unit. The first retaining body may include: a first support plate penetrated by the first refrigerant tubes; and a first coupling portion extending from one of the two ends of the first support plate adjacent to the second retaining body in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction. The second retaining body may include: a second support plate penetrated by the second refrigerant tubes; and a second coupling portion extending from one of the two ends of the second support plate adjacent to the first retaining body in a second direction to contact and couple to the first coupling portion. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] The above and other aspects, features and advantages of certain embodiments of the present disclosure will become more apparent through the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0017] Figure 1 is a perspective view illustrating an exemplary air conditioner according to various embodiments;

[0018] Figure 2 is a perspective view showing an outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to various embodiments;

[0019] Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of an outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to various embodiments;

[0020] Figure 4 is a perspective view illustrating an example heat exchanger included in an outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to various embodiments;

[0021] Figure 5 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of a heat exchanger included in an outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to various embodiments;

[0022] Figure 6 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a refrigerant tube and a heat exchanging fin of a heat exchanger included in an outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to various embodiments;

[0023] Figure 7 shows a diagram illustrating an example holding body included in an outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to various embodiments;

[0024] Figure 8 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of a holding body included in an outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to various embodiments;

[0025] Figure 9 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of a holding body included in an outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to various embodiments;

[0026] Figure 10 is a diagram illustrating an example heat exchanger included in an outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to various embodiments;

[0027] Figure 11 According to various embodiments Figure 10 Magnified view of area A in FIG;

[0028] Figure 12 is an exploded perspective view showing a state before a plurality of holding bodies are coupled in an outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to various embodiments;

[0029] Figure 13 is a perspective view showing a state after a plurality of holding bodies are coupled in an outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to various embodiments;

[0030] Figure 14 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of a heat exchanger included in an outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to various embodiments;

[0031] Figure 15 is a diagram showing a state before a heat exchanger according to various embodiments is included in an outdoor unit of an air conditioner;

[0032] Figure 16 is a diagram illustrating a state after a heat exchanger according to various embodiments is included in an outdoor unit of an air conditioner;

[0033] Figure 17 is a perspective view illustrating an example heat exchanger included in an outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to various embodiments;

[0034] Figure 18 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of a heat exchanger included in an outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to various embodiments;

[0035] Figure 19 is a perspective view illustrating an example heat exchanger included in an outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to various embodiments; and

[0036] Figure 20 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of a heat exchanger included in an outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to various embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0037] Various exemplary embodiments and terms in the present disclosure are not intended to limit the technical features described in the present disclosure to specific embodiments, and should be understood to include various modifications, equivalents, or substitutes of the various embodiments.

[0038] In conjunction with the description of the drawings, the same reference numerals may be used for the same or related elements.

[0039] The singular form of a noun corresponding to an item may include one item or a plurality of items unless the relevant context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0040] In the present disclosure, each of the phrases such as "A or B", "at least one of A and B", "at least one of A or B", "A, B or C", "at least one of A, B and C" and "at least one of A, B or C" may include any one of the items listed together in the corresponding phrase in the phrase, or all possible combinations thereof.

[0041] The term "and / or" includes any combination of a plurality of related components or any one of a plurality of related components.

[0042] Terms such as “first,” “second,” “primary,” and “secondary” may be used simply to distinguish a given component from other corresponding components and do not limit the corresponding components in any other respects (eg, importance or order).

[0043] When any (e.g., a first) component is referred to as being “coupled” or “connected” to another (e.g., a second) component, with or without the term “functionally” or “communicatively,” this may mean, for example, that any component is connected to another component directly (e.g., via a wire), wirelessly, or through a third component.

[0044] The terms “including” and “having” are intended to indicate the presence of the features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts or combinations thereof described in the present disclosure, and do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts or combinations thereof.

[0045] When any component is referred to as being “connected,” “coupled,” “supported,” or “in contact with” another component, this includes the case where the components are indirectly connected, coupled, supported, or in contact with each other via a third component as well as the case where the components are directly connected, coupled, supported, or in contact with each other.

[0046] When any component is referred to as being “on” or “over” another component, this includes not only a case where any component is in contact with another component but also a case where another component exists between the two components.

[0047] An air conditioner according to various embodiments refers to a device that performs functions such as air purification, ventilation, humidity control, cooling, or heating in an air conditioner space (hereinafter referred to as "indoor space"), for example, and refers to a device equipped with at least one of these functions.

[0048] According to an embodiment, an air conditioner may include a heat pump device to perform a cooling function or a heating function. The heat pump device may include a refrigeration cycle in which a refrigerant circulates through a compressor, a first heat exchanger, a tube expansion device, and a second heat exchanger. All components of the heat pump device may be built into a single housing that forms the exterior of the air conditioner, and such an air conditioner may correspond to a window air conditioner or a mobile air conditioner. On the other hand, some components of the heat pump device may be divided and built into multiple housings that form a single air conditioner, and such an air conditioner may correspond to a wall-mounted air conditioner, a floor-standing air conditioner, and a system air conditioner.

[0049] An air conditioner including multiple housings may include at least one outdoor unit installed outdoors and at least one indoor unit installed indoors. For example, the air conditioner may be configured so that a single outdoor unit and a single indoor unit are connected via a refrigerant pipe. For example, the air conditioner may be configured so that a single outdoor unit is connected to two or more indoor units via a refrigerant pipe. For example, the air conditioner may be configured so that two or more outdoor units are connected to two or more indoor units via multiple refrigerant pipes.

[0050] The outdoor unit can be electrically connected to the indoor unit. For example, information (or commands) for controlling the air conditioner can be input through an input interface provided on the outdoor or indoor unit, and the outdoor unit and the indoor unit can be operated simultaneously or sequentially in response to the user input.

[0051] The air conditioner may include an outdoor heat exchanger provided in an outdoor unit, an indoor heat exchanger provided in an indoor unit, and a refrigerant pipe connecting the outdoor heat exchanger and the indoor heat exchanger.

[0052] The outdoor heat exchanger can perform heat exchange between the refrigerant and the outdoor air using a phase change (e.g., evaporation or condensation) of the refrigerant. For example, when the refrigerant condenses in the outdoor heat exchanger, the refrigerant can release heat to the outdoor air, and when the refrigerant flowing in the outdoor heat exchanger evaporates, the refrigerant can absorb heat from the outdoor air.

[0053] Indoor units are generally installed indoors. For example, depending on the arrangement method, indoor units can be classified into ceiling-mounted indoor units, floor-standing indoor units, wall-mounted indoor units, etc. For example, depending on the air exhaust method, ceiling-mounted indoor units can be divided into four-way indoor units, one-way indoor units, and ducted indoor units.

[0054] Similarly, the indoor heat exchanger can utilize the refrigerant's phase change (e.g., evaporation or condensation) to exchange heat between the refrigerant and the indoor air. For example, when the refrigerant evaporates in the indoor unit, it absorbs heat from the indoor air, and the indoor space can be cooled by blowing the cooled indoor air through the cooled indoor heat exchanger. Furthermore, when the refrigerant condenses in the indoor heat exchanger, it can dissipate heat into the indoor air, and the indoor space can be heated by blowing the heated indoor air through the heated indoor heat exchanger.

[0055] For example, an air conditioner performs cooling or heating functions through a phase change process of a refrigerant circulating through an outdoor heat exchanger and an indoor heat exchanger, and therefore may include a compressor to compress the refrigerant for circulation. The compressor may draw in refrigerant gas through an inlet port to compress the refrigerant gas. The compressor may discharge the high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant gas through an exhaust port. The compressor may be located inside the outdoor unit.

[0056] The refrigerant may circulate sequentially through the refrigerant pipe along the compressor, the outdoor heat exchanger, the expansion tube device, and the indoor heat exchanger, or sequentially through the refrigerant pipe along the compressor, the indoor heat exchanger, the expansion tube device, and the outdoor heat exchanger.

[0057] As an example, in a case where one outdoor unit and one indoor unit are directly connected through a refrigerant pipe, the air conditioner may be configured such that refrigerant circulates between the one outdoor unit and the one indoor unit through the refrigerant pipe.

[0058] For example, in the case where one outdoor unit is connected to two or more indoor units via a refrigerant pipe, the air conditioner can be configured so that refrigerant flows to the multiple indoor units via the refrigerant pipe branching from the outdoor unit. Refrigerant exhausted from the multiple indoor units can be merged and circulated to the outdoor unit. For example, the multiple indoor units can be directly connected in parallel to one outdoor unit via separate refrigerant pipes.

[0059] Each of the multiple indoor units can operate independently depending on the operating mode set by the user. That is, some of the multiple indoor units can operate in cooling mode, while others can operate in heating mode. At this time, refrigerant can be selectively introduced into each indoor unit at high or low pressure along a designated circulation route via a flow path switching valve, which will be described in more detail below. Refrigerant can then be discharged from each indoor unit and circulated to the outdoor unit.

[0060] As an example, in a case where two or more outdoor units and two or more indoor units are connected by multiple refrigerant pipes, the air conditioner can be configured so that the refrigerant discharged from the multiple outdoor units can merge and flow through one of the refrigerant pipes, and then separate again at a certain point and be introduced into the multiple indoor units.

[0061] Depending on the operating load of the multiple indoor units, all of the multiple outdoor units may be driven, or at least some of the multiple outdoor units may not be driven. In this case, the air conditioner can be configured so that refrigerant is introduced into the outdoor units that are selectively driven by the flow path switching valve and circulates through the outdoor units. The air conditioner may include a tube expansion device to reduce the pressure of the refrigerant to be introduced into the heat exchanger. As an example, the tube expansion device may be located inside the indoor units, inside the outdoor units, or inside both.

[0062] As an example, a tube expansion device can use a throttling effect to reduce the temperature and pressure of the refrigerant. The tube expansion device can include an orifice that can reduce the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path. The temperature and pressure of the refrigerant passing through the orifice can be reduced.

[0063] As an example, the tube expansion device may be implemented as an electronic expansion valve capable of adjusting the opening ratio (the ratio of the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path when the valve is partially open to the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path when the valve is fully open). The amount of refrigerant passing through the tube expansion device can be controlled based on the opening rate of the electronic expansion valve.

[0064] The air conditioner may further include a flow path switching valve disposed on the refrigerant circulation path. The flow path switching valve may include, for example, a four-way valve. The flow path switching valve may also determine the refrigerant circulation route depending on the operating mode of the indoor unit (e.g., cooling operation or heating operation). The flow path switching valve may be connected to the discharge side of the compressor.

[0065] The air conditioner may include an accumulator. The accumulator may be connected to the inlet side of the compressor. The low-temperature and low-pressure refrigerant evaporated in the indoor heat exchanger or the outdoor heat exchanger may be introduced into the accumulator.

[0066] When refrigerant as a mixture of refrigerant liquid and refrigerant gas is introduced thereinto, the accumulator may separate the refrigerant liquid from the refrigerant gas and supply the refrigerant gas, which has been separated from the refrigerant liquid, to the compressor.

[0067] An outdoor fan may be provided adjacent to the outdoor heat exchanger. The outdoor fan may blow outdoor air toward the outdoor heat exchanger to promote heat exchange between the refrigerant and the outdoor air.

[0068] The outdoor unit of the air conditioner may include at least one sensor. For example, the sensor of the outdoor unit may be provided as an environmental sensor. The outdoor unit sensor may be disposed at any location inside or outside the outdoor unit. For example, the outdoor unit sensor may include a temperature sensor for detecting the air temperature surrounding the outdoor unit, a humidity sensor for detecting the air humidity surrounding the outdoor unit, a refrigerant temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the refrigerant in the refrigerant pipe passing through the outdoor unit, or a refrigerant pressure sensor for detecting the refrigerant pressure in the refrigerant pipe passing through the outdoor unit.

[0069] The outdoor unit of the air conditioner may include an outdoor unit communication device that includes a communication circuit. The outdoor unit communication device may be provided to receive a control signal from a controller (e.g., including a control and / or processing circuit) of the indoor unit of the air conditioner, which will be described in more detail below. The outdoor unit may control the operation of a compressor, an outdoor heat exchanger, a pipe expansion device, a flow path switching valve, an accumulator, or an outdoor fan based on the control signal received via the outdoor unit communication device. The outdoor unit may transmit a sensed value detected by a sensor of the outdoor unit to the controller of the indoor unit via the outdoor unit communication device.

[0070] The indoor unit of the air conditioner may include a casing, a blower for circulating air to the inside or outside of the casing, and an indoor heat exchanger for exchanging heat with the air introduced into the casing.

[0071] The housing may include an air inlet hole through which indoor air may be introduced into the interior of the housing.

[0072] The indoor unit of the air conditioner may include a filter provided to filter foreign matter from air to be introduced into the housing through the air inlet hole.

[0073] The housing may include an exhaust hole. Air flowing inside the housing may be exhausted to the outside of the housing through the exhaust hole.

[0074] An airflow guide may be provided in the housing of the indoor unit to guide the direction of air to be discharged through the exhaust hole. For example, the airflow guide may include blades located above the exhaust hole. For example, the airflow guide may include an auxiliary fan for regulating the exhaust airflow. The airflow guide is not limited thereto and may be omitted.

[0075] An indoor heat exchanger and an air blower provided on a flow path connecting the air inlet and the air outlet may be provided inside the casing of the indoor unit.

[0076] The blower can include an indoor fan and a fan motor. As an example, the indoor fan can include an axial flow fan, a diagonal flow fan, a cross flow fan or a centrifugal fan.

[0077] The indoor heat exchanger may be disposed between the blower and the exhaust vent, or between the air intake vent and the blower. The indoor heat exchanger may absorb heat from the air introduced through the air intake vent, or transfer heat to the air introduced through the air intake vent. The indoor heat exchanger may include heat exchange tubes through which refrigerant flows, and heat exchange fins that contact the heat exchange tubes to increase the heat transfer area.

[0078] The indoor unit of the air conditioner may include a drain pan disposed below the indoor heat exchanger to collect condensate generated from the indoor heat exchanger. The condensate collected in the drain pan may be drained to the outside via a drain hose. The drain pan may be provided to support the indoor heat exchanger.

[0079] The indoor unit of the air conditioner may include an input interface (e.g., including various interface circuits). The input interface may include any type of user input component, including buttons, switches, touch screens, and / or touch pads. A user may directly input setting data (e.g., a desired indoor temperature, a setting for an operating mode for cooling / heating / dehumidification / air purification, a setting for an exhaust vent selection, and / or a setting for an air volume) through the input interface.

[0080] The input interface can be connected to an external input device. For example, the input interface can be electrically connected to a wired remote control. The wired remote control can be installed at a specific location in the indoor space (for example, a part of a wall). The user can input setting data related to the operation of the air conditioner by operating the wired remote control. An electrical signal corresponding to the setting data obtained by the wired remote control can be sent to the input interface. In addition, the input interface may include an infrared sensor. The user can use a wireless remote control to remotely input setting data related to the operation of the air conditioner. The setting data input by the wireless remote control can be sent to the input interface as an infrared signal.

[0081] The input interface may include a microphone. The user's voice command may be obtained through the microphone. The microphone may convert the user's voice command into an electrical signal and send the converted electrical signal to the indoor unit controller. The indoor unit controller may control the components of the air conditioner so as to perform functions corresponding to the user's voice command. The setting data obtained through the input interface (e.g., the desired indoor temperature, the setting of the operating mode for cooling / heating / dehumidification / air purification, the setting of the exhaust vent selection and / or the setting of the air volume) may be sent to the indoor unit controller, which will be described in more detail below. As an example, the setting data obtained through the input interface may be sent to the outside, i.e., the outdoor unit or a server, through the indoor unit communication device, which will be described in more detail below.

[0082] The indoor unit of the air conditioner may include a power module (eg, including a power circuit). The power module may be connected to an external power source to supply power to components of the indoor unit.

[0083] The indoor unit of the air conditioner may include an indoor unit sensor. The indoor unit sensor may be an environmental sensor located in a space inside or outside the housing. As an example, the indoor unit sensor may include one or more temperature sensors and / or humidity sensors located in a predetermined space inside or outside the housing of the indoor unit. As an example, the indoor unit sensor may also include a refrigerant temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the refrigerant passing through the refrigerant pipe of the indoor unit. As an example, the indoor unit sensor may include a refrigerant temperature sensor for detecting the inlet temperature, intermediate temperature, and / or outlet temperature of the refrigerant pipe passing through the indoor heat exchanger.

[0084] As an example, each environmental information detected by the indoor unit sensor may be transmitted to the indoor unit controller, which will be described in more detail below, or may be transmitted to the outside through the indoor unit communication device, which will be described in more detail below.

[0085] The indoor unit of the air conditioner may include an indoor unit communication device. The indoor unit communication device may include at least one of a short-range communication module and a long-range communication module. The indoor unit communication device may include at least one antenna for wirelessly communicating with other devices. The outdoor unit may include an outdoor unit communication device. The outdoor unit communication device may also include at least one of a short-range wireless communication module and a long-range communication module. Each of the short-range wireless communication module and the long-range communication module may include various communication circuits.

[0086] The short-range wireless communication module may include but is not limited to a Bluetooth communication module, a Bluetooth low energy (BLE) communication module, a near-field communication module, a WLAN (Wi-Fi) communication module, a ZigBee communication module, an Infrared Data Association (IrDA) communication module, a Wi-Fi Direct (WFD) communication module, an ultra-wideband (UWB) communication module, an Ant+ communication module, a microwave (U-wave) communication module, and the like.

[0087] The long-distance communication module may include a communication module for performing various types of long-distance communications and may include a mobile communication device that transmits and receives wireless signals to and from at least one of a base station, an external terminal, and a server on a mobile communication network.

[0088] The indoor unit communication device can communicate with external devices such as servers, mobile devices, and other household appliances through a nearby access point (AP). The access point (AP) can connect the local area network (LAN) to which the air conditioner or user device is connected to the wide area network (WAN) to which the server is connected. The air conditioner or user device can be connected to the server via the wide area network (WAN). The indoor unit of the air conditioner may include an indoor unit controller to control the components of the indoor unit, including the blower. The outdoor unit of the air conditioner may include an outdoor unit controller to control the components in the outdoor unit, including the compressor. The indoor unit controller can communicate with the outdoor unit controller through the indoor unit communication device and the outdoor unit communication device. The outdoor unit communication device can send a control signal generated by the outdoor unit controller to the indoor unit communication device, or can send a control signal sent from the indoor unit communication device to the outdoor unit controller. That is, the outdoor unit and the indoor unit can also communicate in a two-way manner. The outdoor unit and the indoor unit can send and receive various signals generated when the air conditioner is running.

[0089] The outdoor unit controller can be electrically connected to the components in the outdoor unit and control the operation of each component in the assembly. For example, the outdoor unit controller can adjust the frequency of the compressor and control the flow switching valve to change the circulation direction of the refrigerant. The outdoor unit controller can also control the rotation speed of the outdoor fan. The outdoor unit controller can also generate a control signal to adjust the opening degree of the expansion valve. Under the control of the outdoor unit controller, the refrigerant can circulate along the refrigerant circulation loop including the compressor, flow switching valve, outdoor heat exchanger, expansion valve, and indoor heat exchanger.

[0090] The various temperature sensors included in the outdoor unit and the indoor unit can transmit electrical signals corresponding to the detected temperature to the outdoor unit controller and / or the indoor unit controller, respectively. For example, the humidity sensors included in the outdoor unit and the indoor unit can transmit electrical signals corresponding to the detected humidity to the outdoor unit controller and / or the indoor unit controller, respectively.

[0091] The indoor unit controller may receive user input from a user device, including a mobile device, via the indoor unit communication device, and may receive user input directly through an input interface or through a remote controller. The indoor unit controller may control components of the indoor unit, including the blower, in response to the received user input. The indoor unit controller may transmit information regarding the received user input to the outdoor unit controller of the outdoor unit.

[0092] The outdoor unit controller can control components in the outdoor unit, including the compressor, based on information about user input received from the indoor unit. For example, when a control signal corresponding to user input for selecting an operating mode such as cooling, heating, blowing, defrosting, or dehumidifying is received from the indoor unit, the outdoor unit controller can control components in the outdoor unit so that the air conditioner operates in accordance with the selected operating mode.

[0093] Each of the outdoor unit controller and the indoor unit controller may include a processor and a memory. The indoor unit controller may include at least one first processor and at least one first memory, and the outdoor unit controller may include at least one second processor and at least one second memory. Processors according to embodiments of the present disclosure may include various processing circuits and / or multiple processors. For example, as used herein (including the claims), the term "processor" may include various processing circuits, including at least one processor, wherein one or more of the at least one processor may be configured individually and / or collectively in a distributed manner to perform the various functions described herein. As used herein, when "processor," "at least one processor," and "one or more processors" are described as being configured to perform a number of functions, these terms encompass, for example, but not limited to, situations where one processor performs some of the described functions while another processor performs other described functions, as well as situations where a single processor may perform all of the described functions. Furthermore, the at least one processor may include a combination of processors that, for example, perform the various described / disclosed functions in a distributed manner. The at least one processor may execute program instructions to implement or perform the various functions.

[0094] The memory can remember / store various information required for the operation of the air conditioner. The memory can store instructions, applications, data and / or programs required for the operation of the air conditioner. For example, the memory can store various programs for the cooling operation, heating operation, dehumidification operation and / or defrost operation of the air conditioner. The memory can include volatile memory, such as static random access memory (S-RAM) and dynamic random access memory (D-RAM), for temporarily remembering data. In addition, the memory can include non-volatile memory, such as read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), and electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), for long-term data storage.

[0095] The processor can generate control signals for controlling the operation of the air conditioner based on instructions, applications, data, and / or programs stored in the memory. The processor, which comprises hardware, may include logic circuits and arithmetic circuits. The processor can process data according to programs and / or instructions provided from the memory and generate control signals based on the results of the processing. The memory and processor can be implemented as one control circuit or multiple circuits.

[0096] The indoor unit of the air conditioner may include an output interface. The output interface may be electrically connected to an indoor unit controller and, under the control of the indoor unit controller, may output information related to the operation of the air conditioner. For example, information such as operating mode, wind direction, air volume, and temperature selected by user input may be output. The output interface may also output sensing information obtained from indoor unit sensors or outdoor unit sensors and warning / error messages.

[0097] The output interface may include various output circuits as well as a display and a speaker. The speaker is an audio device that can output various sounds. The display can display information input by the user or information provided to the user as various graphical elements. For example, the operating information of the air conditioner can be displayed as at least one of an image and text. The display may also include an indicator that provides specific information. The display may include a liquid crystal display panel (LCD panel), a light emitting diode panel (LED panel), an organic light emitting diode panel (OLED panel), a micro LED panel, and / or multiple LEDs.

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

[0099] The terms "above", "below", "front", and "rear" used in the following description are defined based on the drawings, and the shapes and positions of the components are not limited by these terms. Figure 2 In the outdoor unit 10 of the air conditioner 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the direction in which each of the outlet grille 180 and the front cover 190 points can be defined as a forward direction (+X direction), and the direction opposite thereto can be defined as a backward direction (-X direction). The vertical direction in which the top cover 171 points in the outdoor unit 10 of the air conditioner 1 can be defined as an upward direction (+Z direction), and the direction opposite thereto can be defined as a downward direction (-Z direction). The direction in which the first side frame 150 is located in the outdoor unit 10 of the air conditioner 1 can be defined as a left direction (-Y direction), and the direction opposite thereto can be defined as a right direction (+Y direction).

[0100] Figure 1 is a perspective view illustrating an exemplary air conditioner according to various embodiments.

[0101] Reference Figure 1 , the air conditioner 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include an indoor unit 20 arranged in an indoor space and an outdoor unit 10 arranged in an outdoor space.

[0102] The air conditioner 1 can absorb the heat inside the air conditioner space and emit heat to the outside of the air conditioner space to cool the air conditioner space as the air conditioning object. In addition, the air conditioner 1 can absorb the heat outside the air conditioner space and emit heat inside the air conditioner space to heat the air conditioner space.

[0103] The outdoor unit 10 can exchange heat with the outdoor air outside the air conditioner space. The outdoor unit 10 can use the phase change of the refrigerant (e.g., evaporation or condensation) to exchange heat between the refrigerant and the outdoor air. For example, the outdoor unit 10 can also use the condensation of the refrigerant to release heat from the refrigerant to the outdoor air. In addition, the outdoor unit 10 can use the evaporation of the refrigerant to absorb heat from the outdoor air into the refrigerant.

[0104] Figure 1 One outdoor unit 10 is shown, but 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 10 .

[0105] The outdoor unit 10 may include an outdoor heat exchanger 200 (refer to FIG. Figure 3 ) and a compressor 12 (refer to Figure 3 ).

[0106] A description of the components in the outdoor unit 10 will be described in more detail below.

[0107] The indoor unit 20 can exchange heat with the indoor air within the air conditioning space. The indoor unit 20 can utilize the phase change (e.g., evaporation or condensation) of the refrigerant to perform heat exchange between the refrigerant and the indoor air. For example, the indoor unit 20 can cool the air conditioning space by absorbing heat from the indoor air into the refrigerant through evaporation of the refrigerant. Alternatively, the indoor unit 20 can heat the air conditioning space by dissipating heat from the refrigerant to the indoor air through condensation of the refrigerant.

[0108] The indoor unit 20 may include an indoor heat exchanger provided to exchange heat with indoor air, an indoor blow fan provided to suck and blow indoor air through the indoor heat exchanger, and an expansion valve unit provided to decompress and expand refrigerant.

[0109] Figure 1 One indoor unit 20 is shown, but the number of indoor units 20 is not limited to Figure 1For example, the air conditioner may include a plurality of indoor units 20. A plurality of different indoor units 20 may be installed in a plurality of different air conditioner spaces.

[0110] In this way, the air conditioner 1 can perform heat exchange between the refrigerant and the outdoor air outside the air conditioner space and heat exchange between the refrigerant and the indoor air inside the air conditioner space.

[0111] In this case, the air conditioner 1 may include a refrigerant pipe 30 provided to transfer refrigerant between the indoor unit 20 and the outdoor unit 10 to transfer heat between the outside of the air conditioner space and the inside of the air conditioner space. The refrigerant pipe 30 may allow the refrigerant to flow between the outside of the air conditioner space and the inside of the air conditioner space. The outdoor unit 10 may be connected to the indoor unit 20 through the refrigerant pipe 30 that transfers the refrigerant.

[0112] The air conditioner 1 described above is merely an example of an air conditioner to which the outdoor unit of the air conditioner according to the present disclosure can be applied, and the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The configuration of an air conditioner such as an outdoor unit to which the air conditioner according to the present disclosure can be applied and components included therein (such as an indoor unit and refrigerant piping) can be provided in various ways.

[0113] Figure 2 is a perspective view illustrating an example outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to various embodiments. Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of an outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to various embodiments.

[0114] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 3 The outdoor unit 10 of the air conditioner 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include an outdoor heat exchanger 200 provided to exchange heat with outdoor air, a compressor 12 provided to compress refrigerant, an outdoor fan 13 provided to suck and blow outdoor air so that the outdoor air passes through the outdoor heat exchanger 200, and a housing 100 forming the exterior of the outdoor unit 10.

[0115] The housing 100 may form the exterior of the outdoor unit 10. Various components in the outdoor unit 10, such as the outdoor heat exchanger 200, the compressor 12, the outdoor fan 13, etc., may be accommodated inside the housing 100.

[0116] The housing 100 may include inlet holes 131 and 151 formed to allow air to be introduced, and an exhaust hole 111 formed to allow air to be exhausted. When the outdoor fan 13 rotates, air outside the housing 100 may be introduced through the inlet holes 131 and 151, exchange heat with the outdoor heat exchanger 200, and then be exhausted to the outside of the housing 100 through the exhaust hole 111.

[0117] The outdoor unit 10 may include a heat exchange chamber R1 formed inside the housing 100. Outdoor air may be introduced into the heat exchange chamber R1, and the introduced air may be discharged back to the outside. In the heat exchange chamber R1, heat exchange may be performed between the outdoor heat exchanger 200 and the air introduced from the outside. In the heat exchange chamber R1, components such as the outdoor heat exchanger 200 and the outdoor fan 13 may be provided.

[0118] The outdoor unit 10 may include a machinery room R2 formed inside a housing 100. In the machinery room R2, components such as a compressor 12 and a control box 80 may be disposed.

[0119] Inside the housing 100, the heat exchange chamber R1 and the machine chamber R2 can be separated from each other. The outdoor unit 10 may include a partition 16 that divides the heat exchange chamber R1 and the machine chamber R2. The partition 16 may be disposed between the heat exchange chamber R1 and the machine chamber R2. As an example, the heat exchange chamber R1 and the machine chamber R2 may be arranged along the left-right direction (Y direction) in the drawings, and the partition 16 may be arranged to extend along the up-down direction (Z direction) in the drawings to separate the heat exchange chamber R1 and the machine chamber R2.

[0120] As an example, the housing 100 may be formed to have a substantially box shape.

[0121] An example of the structure of the housing 100 will be described below.

[0122] The housing 100 may include a first front frame 110 . The first front frame 110 may cover the front (+X direction) of the heat exchange chamber R1 . An exhaust hole 111 may be formed on the first front frame 110 .

[0123] The housing 100 may include a second front frame 120. The second front frame 120 may cover the front (+X direction) of the heat exchange chamber R1. As an example, the second front frame 120 may be formed in a substantially flat plate shape.

[0124] As an example, the first front frame 110 and the second front frame 120 may be arranged side by side in the left-right direction (Y direction).The first front frame 110 and the second front frame 120 may be coupled to each other.

[0125] As an example, a plurality of heat dissipation holes may be formed on the second front frame 120 so that the machine room R2 communicates with the outside of the outdoor unit 10 to dissipate heat inside the machine room R2.

[0126] The housing 100 may include a first rear frame 130. The first rear frame 130 may form a portion of the rear exterior of the outdoor unit 10. The first rear frame 130 may be disposed at the rear (-X direction) of the heat exchange chamber R1. An inlet hole 131 may be formed on the first rear frame 130.

[0127] The first front frame 110 and the first rear frame 130 may be arranged to face each other.

[0128] The housing 100 may include a second rear frame 140. The second rear frame 140 may form another portion of the rear exterior of the outdoor unit 10. The second rear frame 140 may cover the rear portion (-X direction) of the machinery room R2.

[0129] As an example, a plurality of heat dissipation holes may be formed on the second rear frame 140 so that the machinery room R2 may communicate with the outside of the outdoor unit 10 to dissipate heat inside the machinery room R2 .

[0130] The second front frame 120 and the second rear frame 140 may be arranged to face each other.

[0131] The housing 100 may include a first side frame 150. The first side frame 150 may form one surface of the outdoor unit 10 in a left direction (-Y direction).

[0132] The first side frame 150 may cover the heat exchange chamber R1 . The first side frame 150 may cover the heat exchange chamber R1 in the left direction (−Y direction). An inlet hole 151 may be formed on the first side frame 150 .

[0133] The first side frame 150 may be coupled to the first front frame 110 . The first side frame 150 may be connected to the first rear frame 130 .

[0134] As an example, the first side frame 150 may be provided to extend in the forward and rearward directions (X direction).

[0135] The housing 100 may include a second side frame 160. The second side frame 160 may form one surface of the outdoor unit 10 in the right direction (+Y direction).

[0136] The second side frame 160 may cover the machinery room R2. The second side frame 160 may cover the machinery room R2 in the right direction (+Y direction).

[0137] As an example, a plurality of heat dissipation holes may be formed on the second side frame 160 so that the machine room R2 communicates with the outside of the outdoor unit 10 to dissipate heat inside the machine room R2.

[0138] The second side frame 160 may be coupled to the second front frame 120. The second side frame 160 may be coupled to the second rear frame 140.

[0139] As an example, the second side frame 160 may be provided to extend in the forward and rearward directions (X direction).

[0140] The first side frame 150 and the second side frame 160 may be arranged to face each other.

[0141] The housing 100 may include a base 172. The base 172 may form the bottom surface of the outdoor unit 10. The base 172 may be disposed on one side of the heat exchange chamber R1 and the machinery chamber R2 in a downward direction (-Z direction). The base 172 may support various components of the outdoor unit 10 housed inside the housing 100 from the lower side of the housing 100.

[0142] The base 172 may be coupled to a lower portion of each of the first front frame 110 , the second front frame 120 , the second rear frame 140 , the first side frame 150 , and the second side frame 160 .

[0143] The base 172 may be formed to have a substantially flat plate shape.

[0144] The housing 100 may include a top cover 171. The top cover 171 may form an upper surface of the outdoor unit 10.

[0145] The top cover 171 may cover the upper sides (+Z direction) of the heat exchange chamber R1 and the machine chamber R2 . The top cover 171 may cover various components of the outdoor unit 10 accommodated inside the housing 100 from the upper side of the housing 100 .

[0146] The top cover 171 may be coupled to an upper portion of each of the first front frame 110 , the second front frame 120 , the second rear frame 140 , the first side frame 150 , and the second side frame 160 .

[0147] The top cover 171 may be formed to have a substantially flat plate shape.

[0148] The top cover 171 and the base 172 may be arranged to face each other.

[0149] The housing 100 may include an exhaust grill 180. The exhaust grill 180 may cover the front portion (+X direction) of the first front frame 110. The exhaust grill 180 may cover the front portion (+X direction) of the exhaust hole 111. The exhaust grill 180 may be coupled to the first front frame 110. The exhaust grill 180 may form a portion of the front exterior of the outdoor unit 10.

[0150] The exhaust hole grill 180 covers the exhaust hole 111 and may be formed to have a substantially grill shape so that air can be exhausted from the exhaust hole 111 .

[0151] The housing 100 may include a front cover 190. The front cover 190 may cover the front portion (+X direction) of the second front frame 120. The front cover 190 may be coupled to the second front frame 120. The front cover 190 may form another portion of the front exterior of the outdoor unit 10.

[0152] As an example, the exhaust hole grill 180 and the front cover 190 may be arranged side by side in the left-right direction (Y direction).The exhaust hole grill 180 and the front cover 190 may be coupled to each other.

[0153] Each component included in the housing 100 may be provided to be separable from each other. As an example, the second front frame 120 may be provided to be separable from the first front frame 110, the second side frame 160, the top cover 171, and the base 172. As an example, the second side frame 160 may be provided to be separable from the second front frame 120, the second rear frame 140, the top cover 171, and the base 172. As an example, the top cover 171 may be provided to be separable from the first front frame 110, the second front frame 120, the second rear frame 140, the first side frame 150, and the second side frame 160. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and at least some of the components of the housing 100 described above may be formed integrally with each other.

[0154] The configuration of a case that may be included in the air conditioner according to the present disclosure is not limited to what has been described above.

[0155] The outdoor heat exchanger 200 may be provided to exchange heat with outdoor air. The outdoor heat exchanger 200 may be provided so that refrigerant flows therein. In the outdoor heat exchanger 200, heat exchange between the refrigerant and the outdoor air may be performed.

[0156] For example, during cooling operation of the air conditioner 1, high-pressure and high-temperature refrigerant gas may condense in the outdoor heat exchanger 200, and the refrigerant condenses while dissipating heat to the outdoor air. During cooling operation of the air conditioner 1, the outdoor heat exchanger 200 may discharge refrigerant liquid.

[0157] During the heating operation of the air conditioner 1, the low temperature and low pressure refrigerant liquid evaporates in the outdoor heat exchanger 200 and absorbs heat from the outdoor air while evaporating. During the heating operation of the air conditioner 1, the outdoor heat exchanger 200 may discharge the refrigerant gas.

[0158] The outdoor heat exchanger 200 may be disposed to face the inlet holes 131 and 151 in the heat exchange chamber R1 .

[0159] An explanation of the outdoor heat exchanger 200 will be described in more detail below.

[0160] 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 through the torque of the motor.

[0161] The outdoor unit 10 may include an outdoor fan 13 provided to flow air, and a fan motor 14 provided to generate a rotation force to rotate the outdoor fan 13 .

[0162] As an example, the outdoor unit 10 may include a motor bracket 15 provided to support the outdoor fan 13 and the fan motor 14. The motor bracket 15 may be disposed in the heat exchange chamber R1.

[0163] As an example, the outdoor unit 10 may include a plate heat exchanger 21. The plate heat exchanger 21 may be provided to exchange heat between the refrigerant and water. The plate heat exchanger 21 may be provided inside the housing 100. As an example, the plate heat exchanger 21 may be provided in the machine room R2.

[0164] As an example, the outdoor unit 10 may include a water pipe 23 provided to allow water to be introduced from the outside or discharged to the outside. The water pipe 23 may be connected to the plate heat exchanger 21. At least a portion of the water pipe 23 may be disposed inside the housing 100. As an example, at least a portion of the water pipe 23 may be disposed inside the machine room R2.

[0165] Water introduced from the outside into the outdoor unit 10 through the water pipe 23 can exchange heat with the high-temperature refrigerant in the plate heat exchanger 21. The water in the plate heat exchanger 21 can absorb heat from the high-temperature refrigerant and be discharged back to the outside of the outdoor unit 10 through the water pipe 23.

[0166] As an example, the outdoor unit 10 may include an expansion tank 22. As the water temperature increases through the plate heat exchanger 21, the volume in the water pipe 23 may increase. Therefore, the expansion tank 22 may be provided to prevent and / or reduce a sudden increase in water pressure. The expansion tank 22 may be provided within the outdoor unit housing 100. As an example, the expansion tank 22 may be provided within the machinery room R2.

[0167] As such, the outdoor unit 10 according to the embodiment may include a portion of a heating system for supplying hot water, including the plate heat exchanger 21 , the water pipe 23 , and the expansion tank 22 .

[0168] However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and in the air conditioner according to the embodiment, the plate heat exchanger, the water pipe, and the expansion tank may be provided outside the outdoor unit.The air conditioner according to the embodiment may not be equipped with a heating system.

[0169] The outdoor unit 10 may include electronic components and a printed circuit board assembly (PBA) on which these components are mounted for controlling the operation of various components of the outdoor unit 10. The outdoor unit 10 may include one or more control boxes 80 in which the PCB assembly is housed.

[0170] As an example, the outdoor unit 10 may include a duct 17. The duct 17 may be provided to connect the inside of the control box 80 with the heat exchange chamber R1.

[0171] When the outdoor fan 13 is driven, air may flow from the inside of the control box 1000 to the heat exchange chamber R1 through the duct 17 by the suction force of the outdoor fan 13. Therefore, heat generated inside the control box 80 may be dissipated to the outside.

[0172] The configuration of the outdoor unit 10 described above is merely an example of an outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to the present disclosure, and the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to the present disclosure may be configured in various ways to allow outdoor air to be introduced through the inlet hole and to allow the introduced air to be discharged to the outside after heat exchange.

[0173] Below, refer to Figures 4 to 20 The outdoor heat exchanger 200 included in the outdoor unit 10 of the air conditioner 1 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure is described in more detail. In addition, hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, the outdoor heat exchanger 200 is referred to as "heat exchanger 200".

[0174] Figure 4 is a perspective view illustrating an example heat exchanger included in an outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to various embodiments. Figure 5 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of a heat exchanger included in an outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to various embodiments. Figure 6 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a refrigerant tube and heat exchanging fins of a heat exchanger included in an outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to various embodiments.

[0175] Reference Figure 4 、 Figure 5 and Figure 6 (Can be called Figures 4 to 6 ), the outdoor unit 10 of the air conditioner 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a heat exchanger 200.

[0176] The heat exchanger 200 may include a plurality of refrigerant tubes 211, 221, and 231. The plurality of refrigerant tubes 211, 221, and 231 may guide the flow of refrigerant for heat exchange with outdoor air. A flow path through which the refrigerant flows may be provided inside each of the plurality of refrigerant tubes 211, 221, and 231. Each of the plurality of refrigerant tubes 211, 221, and 231 may be provided in a hollow tube shape to allow the refrigerant, which is a fluid, to flow.

[0177] The plurality of refrigerant pipes 211, 221, and 231 may be connected to each other to form one refrigerant pipe by connecting pipes 260 coupled to each end of the plurality of refrigerant pipes 211, 221, and 231. In the present disclosure, the entire refrigerant pipe is defined on the premise that the refrigerant pipes 211, 221, and 231 are different from each other.

[0178] The heat exchanger 200 may include a plurality of heat exchanging fins 212, 222, and 232. Each of the plurality of heat exchanging fins 212, 222, and 232 may be coupled to some of the plurality of refrigerant tubes 211, 221, and 231. The plurality of heat exchanging fins 212, 222, and 232 may be coupled to the plurality of refrigerant tubes 211, 221, and 231 to expand a heat transfer area between the refrigerant and the outdoor air and improve heat exchange efficiency.

[0179] Each of the plurality of heat exchanging fins 212, 222, and 232 may be formed to have a substantially flat plate shape. The plurality of heat exchanging fins 212, 222, and 232 may be arranged along the direction in which the refrigerant tubes 211, 221, and 231 extend. In other words, the plurality of heat exchanging fins 212, 222, and 232 may be stacked along the direction in which the refrigerant tubes 211, 221, and 231 extend.

[0180] In order to improve heat exchange efficiency, it may be necessary to expand the heat transfer area between the plurality of refrigerant tubes 211, 221, 231 and the plurality of heat exchange fins 212, 222, 232 and the outdoor air. However, depending on the size of the product, when the plurality of refrigerant tubes 211, 221, and 231 and the entire plurality of refrigerant tubes 211, 221, and 231 are arranged side by side in one direction, space limitations may occur depending on the size of the product.

[0181] Therefore, if Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the plurality of refrigerant tubes 211 , 221 , and 231 included in the heat exchanger 200 may be arranged along a plurality of columns parallel to each other.

[0182] For example, the heat exchanger 200 may include a plurality of first refrigerant tubes 211. The plurality of first refrigerant tubes 211 may be arranged along a first column extending in a first direction Z. As an example, the first direction Z may be parallel to a vertical direction (upward and downward directions) of the outdoor unit 10, and the first column may be a vertical column of the outdoor unit 10.

[0183] The heat exchanger 200 may include a plurality of first heat exchange fins 212 coupled to the plurality of first refrigerant tubes 211. The plurality of first heat exchange fins 212 may be coupled to the outer circumferential surfaces of the plurality of first refrigerant tubes 211. The plurality of first heat exchange fins 212 may be penetrated by the plurality of first refrigerant tubes 211. The plurality of first heat exchange fins 212 may be in contact with the plurality of first refrigerant tubes 211. Therefore, the plurality of first heat exchange fins 212 may be provided to expand the heat transfer area between the plurality of first refrigerant tubes 211 and the outdoor air.

[0184] As an example, the plurality of first refrigerant tubes 211 may be arranged to penetrate the plurality of first heat exchange fins 212 and then may be coupled to the plurality of first heat exchange fins 212 through a tube expansion process in which each of the first refrigerant tubes 211 is expanded outward by a tube expansion device.

[0185] Each of the plurality of first heat exchanging fins 212 may extend in the first direction Z. For example, each of the plurality of first heat exchanging fins 212 may have a longer length in the first direction Z. The plurality of first heat exchanging fins 212 may be arranged in a horizontal direction (on the XY plane).

[0186] The heat exchanger 200 may include a first heat exchanging unit 210. The first heat exchanging unit 210 may include the plurality of first refrigerant tubes 211 and the plurality of first heat exchanging fins 212 described above.

[0187] As an example, the first heat exchange unit 210 may extend along the direction in which the plurality of first refrigerant tubes 211 are arranged, that is, the first direction Z. In addition, the first heat exchange unit 210 may extend along the direction in which the plurality of first heat exchange fins 212 are arranged. The width of the first refrigerant tubes 211 of the first heat exchange unit 210 in the radial direction may be provided to be shorter than the length of the first heat exchange unit 210 in the first direction Z and the length in the direction in which the plurality of first heat exchange fins 212 of the first heat exchange unit 210 are arranged.

[0188] The heat exchanger 200 may include a plurality of second refrigerant tubes 221. The plurality of second refrigerant tubes 221 may be arranged along a second column extending in the first direction Z. That is, the plurality of second refrigerant tubes 221 may be arranged along a second column parallel to the first column. As an example, the second column may be a vertical column of the outdoor unit 10.

[0189] The heat exchanger 200 may include a plurality of second heat exchange fins 222 coupled to the plurality of second refrigerant tubes 221. The plurality of second heat exchange fins 222 may be coupled to the outer circumferential surfaces of the plurality of second refrigerant tubes 221. The plurality of second heat exchange fins 222 may be penetrated by the plurality of second refrigerant tubes 221. The plurality of second heat exchange fins 222 may be in contact with the plurality of second refrigerant tubes 221. Therefore, the plurality of second heat exchange fins 222 may be provided to expand the heat transfer area between the plurality of second refrigerant tubes 221 and the outdoor air.

[0190] As an example, the plurality of second refrigerant tubes 221 may be arranged to penetrate the plurality of second heat exchanging fins 222 and then may be coupled to the plurality of second heat exchanging fins 222 through a tube expansion process in which each of the second refrigerant tubes 221 is expanded outward by a tube expansion device.

[0191] Each of the plurality of second heat exchanging fins 222 may extend in the first direction Z. For example, each of the plurality of second heat exchanging fins 222 may have a longer length in the first direction Z. The plurality of second heat exchanging fins 222 may be arranged in a horizontal direction (on the XY plane).

[0192] The heat exchanger 200 may include a second heat exchanging unit 220. The second heat exchanging unit 220 may include the plurality of second refrigerant tubes 221 and the plurality of second heat exchanging fins 222 described above.

[0193] As an example, the second heat exchange unit 220 may extend along the direction in which the plurality of second refrigerant tubes 221 are arranged, that is, the first direction Z. In addition, the second heat exchange unit 220 may extend along the direction in which the plurality of second heat exchange fins 222 are arranged. The width of the second refrigerant tubes 221 of the second heat exchange unit 220 in the radial direction may be provided to be shorter than the length of the second heat exchange unit 220 in the first direction Z and the length in the direction in which the plurality of second heat exchange fins 222 of the second heat exchange unit 220 are arranged.

[0194] The heat exchanger 200 may include a plurality of third refrigerant tubes 231. The plurality of third refrigerant tubes 231 may be arranged along a third column extending in the first direction Z. In other words, the plurality of third refrigerant tubes 231 may be arranged along a third column parallel to the first and second columns. As an example, the third column may be a vertical column of the outdoor unit 10.

[0195] The heat exchanger 200 may include a plurality of third heat exchange fins 232 coupled to the plurality of third refrigerant tubes 231. The plurality of third heat exchange fins 232 may be coupled to the outer circumferential surfaces of the plurality of third refrigerant tubes 231. The plurality of third heat exchange fins 232 may be penetrated by the plurality of third refrigerant tubes 231. The plurality of third heat exchange fins 232 may be in contact with the plurality of third refrigerant tubes 231. Therefore, the plurality of third heat exchange fins 232 may be provided to expand the heat transfer area between the plurality of third refrigerant tubes 231 and the outdoor air.

[0196] As an example, the plurality of third refrigerant tubes 231 may be arranged to penetrate the plurality of third heat exchange fins 232 and then may be coupled to the plurality of third heat exchange fins 232 through a tube expansion process in which each of the third refrigerant tubes 231 is expanded outward by a tube expansion device.

[0197] Each of the plurality of third heat exchanging fins 232 may extend in the first direction Z. For example, each of the plurality of third heat exchanging fins 232 may have a longer length in the first direction Z. The plurality of third heat exchanging fins 232 may be arranged in a horizontal direction (on the XY plane).

[0198] The heat exchanger 200 may include a third heat exchanging unit 230. The third heat exchanging unit 230 may include the plurality of third refrigerant tubes 231 and a plurality of third heat exchanging fins 232 described above.

[0199] As an example, the third heat exchange unit 230 may extend along the direction in which the plurality of third refrigerant tubes 231 are arranged, that is, the first direction Z. In addition, the third heat exchange unit 230 may extend along the direction in which the plurality of third heat exchange fins 232 are arranged. The width of the third refrigerant tubes 231 of the third heat exchange unit 230 in the radial direction may be provided to be shorter than the length of the third heat exchange unit 230 in the first direction Z and the length in the direction in which the plurality of third heat exchange fins 232 of the third heat exchange unit 230 are arranged.

[0200] The first to third heat exchange units 210 , 220 , and 230 may be arranged in a direction different from the first direction Z. As an example, the first to third heat exchange units 210 , 220 , and 230 may be arranged in a horizontal direction (on the XY plane).

[0201] As an example, the second heat exchange unit 220 may be provided between the first heat exchange unit 210 and the third heat exchange unit 230. As an example, the first heat exchange unit 210, the second heat exchange unit 220, and the third heat exchange unit 230 may be arranged along the width direction of each of the heat exchange units 210, 220, and 230.

[0202] As such, since the heat exchanger 200 includes the first heat exchange unit 210 , the second heat exchange unit 220 , and the third heat exchange unit 230 , a heat transfer area may be increased.

[0203] Each of the plurality of refrigerant tubes 211, 221, and 231 may need to be formed to have a longer length so that the heat transfer area between the refrigerant and the outside air can be expanded. However, if each of the plurality of refrigerant tubes 211, 221, and 231 is formed to be longer in only one direction depending on the size of the product, space limitations may occur.

[0204] Therefore, each of the plurality of refrigerant tubes 211 , 221 , 231 may be configured as a refrigerant tube having a hairpin shape.

[0205] For example, each of the plurality of first refrigerant tubes 211 may include a first return tube portion 211b provided on one side of the first refrigerant tube 211. The first return tube portion 211b may be formed to have a curved shape. The first return tube portion 211b may be formed to have a substantially 'U' shape. As an example, refrigerant flowing in one direction along the linear portion of each of the plurality of first refrigerant tubes 211 may turn within the first return tube portion 211b and flow in the opposite direction. The first return tube portion 211b may be provided at one end of the first heat exchange unit 210.

[0206] Each of the plurality of second refrigerant tubes 221 may include a second return pipe portion 221b provided on one side of the second refrigerant tube 221. The second return pipe portion 221b may be formed to have a curved shape. The second return pipe portion 221b may be formed to have a substantially 'U' shape. As an example, refrigerant flowing in one direction along the linear portion of each of the plurality of second refrigerant tubes 221 may turn within the second return pipe portion 221b and flow in the opposite direction. The second return pipe portion 221b may be provided at one end of the second heat exchange unit 220.

[0207] Each of the plurality of third refrigerant tubes 231 may include a third return pipe portion 231b provided on one side of the third refrigerant tube 231. The third return pipe portion 231b may be formed to have a curved shape. The third return pipe portion 231b may be formed to have a substantially 'U' shape. As an example, refrigerant flowing in one direction along the linear portion of each of the plurality of third refrigerant tubes 231 may turn within the third return pipe portion 231b and flow in the opposite direction. The third return pipe portion 231b may be provided at one end of the third heat exchange unit 230.

[0208] In order to more effectively expand the heat transfer area of ​​the heat exchanger 200 compared to the size of the product, the heat exchanger 200 may be formed to have a curved shape.

[0209] As an example, the heat exchanger 200 may include a first linear portion 200A extending in one direction, a second linear portion 200B extending in a direction different from the first linear portion 200A, and a curved portion 200C provided between the first linear portion 200A and the second linear portion 200B. The curved portion 200C may be formed to be curved.

[0210] As an example, the first linear portion 200A may be disposed to face the inlet hole 151 of the first side frame 150 (see FIG. Figure 3 As an example, the second linear portion 200B may be provided to face the inlet hole 131 of the first rear frame 130 (see Figure 3 ).

[0211] As an example, each of the return pipe portions 211 b , 221 b , 231 b of the plurality of refrigerant pipes 211 , 221 , 231 may be provided at one end of the first linear portion 200A opposite to the curved portion 200C, respectively.

[0212] The process of forming the curved heat exchanger 200 will be described in more detail below.

[0213] As described above, since the heat exchanger 200 includes a plurality of heat exchange units 210, 220, and 230, the plurality of heat exchange units 210, 220, and 230 may need to be maintained in a stable and fixed position relative to each other. If the plurality of heat exchange units 210, 220, and 230 are not fixed to each other, collisions, interferences, etc. may occur between the heat exchange units 210, 220, and 230 when the product is moved or when the product is operated, and thus damage may occur in the heat exchanger 200, or vibrations or noises may occur during use.

[0214] This can be particularly problematic because the multiple heat exchange units 210, 220, and 230 include multiple refrigerant tubes 211, 221, and 231 arranged along multiple columns extending longer in the vertical direction Z of the outdoor unit 10, and multiple heat exchange fins 212, 222, and 232 penetrating therethrough, so the individual heat exchange units 210, 220, and 230 can be easily moved when not properly secured.

[0215] Furthermore, as described above, in the case where the heat exchanger 200 has a curved shape by including the first linear portion 200A, the second linear portion 200B, and the curved portion 200C, since the heat exchanger 200 may be more likely to be placed in an unstable state, fixing the plurality of heat exchange units 210, 220, and 230 may be more important.

[0216] Therefore, the heat exchanger 200 of the air conditioner 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a structure provided to support both sides of the heat exchanger 200 .

[0217] For example, the heat exchanger 200 may include the holders 300, 400, and 500 provided to support one side of the heat exchanger 200. As an example, the holders 300, 400, and 500 may be provided to support one side of the first linear portion 200A.

[0218] The heat exchanger 200 may include a first retaining body 300 provided to support one side of the first heat exchange unit 210. The first retaining body 300 may be provided to support the plurality of first refrigerant tubes 211. The first retaining body 300 may be provided to contact one first heat exchange fin 212a provided on one side among the plurality of first heat exchange fins 212. The first retaining body 300 may be provided in parallel with one first heat exchange fin 212a provided on one side in the direction in which the plurality of first heat exchange fins 212 are arranged.

[0219] As an example, the first holding body 300 may be coupled to the plurality of first refrigerant tubes 211. As an example, the first holding body 300 may be penetrated by the plurality of first refrigerant tubes 211.

[0220] As an example, the plurality of first refrigerant tubes 211 may be arranged to penetrate the first holding body 300 and then may be coupled to the first holding body 300 through a tube expansion process in which each of the first refrigerant tubes 211 is expanded outward by a tube expansion device.

[0221] As an example, the first holding body 300 may be provided to support one side of the first heat exchange unit 210 in which the first return pipe portion 211 b is provided.

[0222] The first holding body 300 may extend in a direction parallel to the first direction Z. The first holding body 300 may extend along the first column.

[0223] The heat exchanger 200 may include a second retaining body 400 provided to support one side of the second heat exchange unit 220. The second retaining body 400 may be provided to support the plurality of second refrigerant tubes 221. The second retaining body 400 may be provided to contact one second heat exchange fin 222a provided on one side of the plurality of second heat exchange fins 222. The second retaining body 400 may be provided in parallel with one second heat exchange fin 222a provided on one side in the direction in which the plurality of second heat exchange fins 222 are arranged.

[0224] As an example, the second holding body 400 may be coupled with the plurality of second refrigerant tubes 221. As an example, the second holding body 400 may be penetrated by the plurality of second refrigerant tubes 221.

[0225] As an example, the plurality of second refrigerant tubes 221 may be arranged to penetrate the second holding body 400 and then may be coupled to the second holding body 400 through a tube expansion process in which each of the second refrigerant tubes 221 is expanded outward by a tube expansion device.

[0226] As an example, the second holding body 400 may be provided to support one side of the second heat exchange unit 220 in which the second return pipe portion 221 b is provided.

[0227] The second holding body 400 may extend in a direction parallel to the first direction Z. The second holding body 400 may extend along the second column.

[0228] The heat exchanger 200 may include a third retaining member 500 provided to support one side of the third heat exchange unit 230. The third retaining member 500 may be provided to support the plurality of third refrigerant tubes 231. The third retaining member 500 may be provided to contact one third heat exchange fin 232a provided on one side of the plurality of third heat exchange fins 232. The third retaining member 500 may be provided in parallel with one third heat exchange fin 232a provided on one side in the direction in which the plurality of third heat exchange fins 232 are arranged.

[0229] As an example, the third holding body 500 may be coupled to the plurality of third refrigerant tubes 231. As an example, the third holding body 500 may be penetrated by the plurality of third refrigerant tubes 231.

[0230] As an example, the plurality of third refrigerant tubes 231 may be arranged to penetrate the third holding body 500 and then may be coupled to the third holding body 500 through a tube expansion process in which each of the third refrigerant tubes 231 is expanded outward by a tube expansion device.

[0231] As an example, the third holding body 500 may be provided to support one side of the third heat exchange unit 230 in which the third return pipe portion 231 b is provided.

[0232] The third holding body 500 may extend in a direction parallel to the first direction Z. The third holding body 500 may extend along the third column.

[0233] The first retaining body 300, the second retaining body 400, and the third retaining body 500 can be coupled to each other. As an example, as will be described in more detail below, the first retaining body 300 and the second retaining body 400 can be coupled to each other, and the second retaining body 400 and the third retaining body 500 can be coupled to each other. In other words, the first retaining body 300, the second retaining body 400, and the third retaining body 500 can be fixed to each other. Therefore, the first heat exchange unit 210, the second heat exchange unit 220, and the third heat exchange unit 230 can be stably fixed to each other on one side of the heat exchanger 200.

[0234] The holders 300, 400, and 500 may be supported by the base 172 of the outdoor unit 10. As an example, the first holder 300 may be fastened to the base 172 with screws and thus may be supported by the base 172. Therefore, the heat exchanger 200 may be stably supported on the base 172.

[0235] The heat exchanger 200 may further include an end plate 800 provided to support the other side of the heat exchanger 200. As an example, the end plate 800 may be provided to support one side of the second linear portion 200B.

[0236] As an example, the end plate 800 may be provided to support the plurality of first refrigerant tubes 211. As an example, the end plate 800 may be coupled to the plurality of first refrigerant tubes 211. As an example, the end plate 800 may be penetrated by the plurality of first refrigerant tubes 211.

[0237] As an example, the plurality of first refrigerant tubes 211 are disposed to penetrate the end plate 800 and may then be coupled to the end plate 800 through a tube expansion process in which each of the first refrigerant tubes 211 is expanded outward by a tube expansion device.

[0238] As an example, the end plate 800 may be provided to support the other side opposite to the one side of the first heat exchange unit 210 supported by the first holding body 300 .

[0239] As an example, the end plate 800 may be provided to be in contact with one first heat exchanging fin disposed on the other side opposite to the first holding body 300 among the plurality of first heat exchanging fins 212 .

[0240] As an example, the end plate 800 may be provided to support the plurality of second refrigerant tubes 221. As an example, the end plate 800 may be coupled to the plurality of second refrigerant tubes 221. As an example, the end plate 800 may be penetrated by the plurality of second refrigerant tubes 221.

[0241] As an example, the plurality of second refrigerant tubes 221 are disposed to penetrate the end plate 800 and may then be coupled to the end plate 800 through a tube expansion process in which each of the second refrigerant tubes 221 is expanded outward by a tube expansion device.

[0242] As an example, the end plate 800 may be provided to support the other side opposite to the one side of the second heat exchange unit 220 supported by the second holding body 400 .

[0243] As an example, the end plate 800 may be provided to be in contact with one second heat exchanging fin disposed on the other side opposite to the second holding body 400 among the plurality of second heat exchanging fins 222 .

[0244] As an example, the end plate 800 may be provided to support the plurality of third refrigerant tubes 231. As an example, the end plate 800 may be coupled to the plurality of third refrigerant tubes 231. As an example, the end plate 800 may be penetrated by the plurality of third refrigerant tubes 231.

[0245] As an example, the plurality of third refrigerant tubes 231 are disposed to penetrate the end plate 800 and may then be coupled to the end plate 800 through a tube expansion process in which each of the third refrigerant tubes 231 is expanded outward by a tube expansion device.

[0246] As an example, the end plate 800 may be provided to support the other side opposite to the one side of the third heat exchange unit 230 supported by the third holding body 500 .

[0247] As an example, the end plate 800 may be provided to be in contact with one third heat exchanging fin disposed on the other side opposite to the third holding body 500 among the plurality of third heat exchanging fins 232 .

[0248] According to an embodiment, the end plate 800 may be integrally formed to support all of the first heat exchange unit 210 , the second heat exchange unit 220 , and the third heat exchange unit 230 .

[0249] The end plate 800 may be supported by the base 172 of the outdoor unit 10. As an example, the end plate 800 may be fastened to the base 172 with screws and thus may be supported by the base 172. Therefore, the heat exchanger 200 may be stably supported on the base 172.

[0250] With this configuration, the first, second, and third retaining bodies 300, 400, and 500 can support one side of the heat exchanger 200 and can respectively secure the first, second, and third heat exchange units 210, 220, and 230 on one side. Furthermore, the end plate 800 can support the other side of the heat exchanger 200 and can respectively secure the first, second, and third heat exchange units 210, 220, and 230 on the other side.

[0251] Figure 7 is a diagram illustrating an example holding body included in an outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to various embodiments. Figure 8 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of a holding body included in an outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to various embodiments. Figure 9 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of a holding body included in an outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to various embodiments.

[0252] The following will refer to Figures 7 to 9 The first holding body 300 , which is one holding body among the plurality of holding bodies 300 , 400 , and 500 included in the outdoor unit 10 of the air conditioner 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, is described in more detail.

[0253] Reference Figure 7 、 Figure 8 and Figure 9 (which can be called Figures 7 to 9 ), the first holding body 300 included in the outdoor unit 10 of the air conditioner 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a first support plate 310 and extensions 320 and 330 extending from the first support plate 310.

[0254] The first support plate 310 may be provided to support the plurality of first refrigerant tubes 211. The first support plate 310 may be coupled to the plurality of first refrigerant tubes 211. As an example, the first support plate 310 may be penetrated by the plurality of first refrigerant tubes 211. The first support plate 310 may include a tube penetration portion 311, and the plurality of first refrigerant tubes 211 may be arranged to penetrate the tube penetration portion 311.

[0255] The first support plate 310 may be provided to contact one first heat exchanging fin 212a disposed on one side among the plurality of first heat exchanging fins 212. The first retaining body 300 may be provided in parallel with one first heat exchanging fin 212a disposed on one side in a direction in which the plurality of first heat exchanging fins 212 are arranged.

[0256] The first support plate 310 may be disposed parallel to one first heat exchanging fin 212a. The first support plate 310 may extend along a first direction Z. The first support plate 310 may extend along a first column.

[0257] As an example, the first support plate 310 may be formed to have a substantially flat plate shape.

[0258] As an example, the first retaining body 300 may include a first extension portion 320. The first extension portion 320 may extend from the first support plate 310. For example, the first extension portion 320 may extend from one side of the first support plate 310 along the second direction Y. Here, the second direction Y may be orthogonal to the first direction Z. As an example, the second direction Y may be parallel to the horizontal direction of the outdoor unit 10.

[0259] The first extension portion 320 may extend from the first support plate 310 along the third direction X. For example, the first extension portion 320 may extend from the first support plate 310 along the third direction X away from the first heat exchanging fins 212. Here, the third direction X may be orthogonal to the first direction Z and the second direction Y, respectively. As an example, the third direction X may be parallel to the front-to-back direction of the outdoor unit 10, and the first extension portion 320 may extend substantially from the first support plate 310 toward the front (+X direction).

[0260] The first extension portion 320 may include a first end 320 a connected to the first support plate 310 and a second end 320 b opposite to the first end 320 a , of both ends in the third direction X. As an example, the first end 320 a of the first extension portion 320 may be a rear end of the first extension portion 320 , and the second end 320 b may be a front end of the first extension portion 320 .

[0261] In other words, the first extension portion 320 may extend from the first end 320a toward the second end 320b along the third direction X. As an example, the first extension portion 320 may be formed to have a substantially flat plate shape.

[0262] As an example, the first extension portion 320 may include a first through-hole 324. The first through-hole 324 may be formed to allow a fastening member to penetrate the first extension portion 320. As an example, the first through-hole 324 may be formed to allow the first extension portion 320 to penetrate therein along the second direction Y. However, this does not necessarily mean that the first through-hole 324 must be penetrated by the fastening member, and it is sufficient as long as the first through-hole 324 can be provided so that it can be penetrated by the fastening member when necessary, and the fastening member can fasten the first extension portion 320 to a portion adjacent to the first extension portion 320 (for example, a portion of the holding body other than the first holding body 300 that contacts the first extension portion 320).

[0263] As an example, the first through hole 324 can be formed by a flanging process. For example, the first through hole 324 can be formed by a flanging process in which a tool penetrates the first extension portion 320 from a side of the first extension portion 320 opposite the second extension portion 330 toward the second extension portion 330, as will be described in more detail below. Thus, the first extension portion 320 can be provided with a flanging portion 324a formed during the formation of the first through hole 324. The flanging portion 324a of the first through hole 324 can be formed along the circumference of the first through hole 324. The flanging portion 324a of the first through hole 324 can extend from a surface of the first extension portion 320 facing the second extension portion 330 toward the second extension portion 330. With this configuration, the flange portion 324a of the first through hole 324 can be provided to support the fastening member when the fastening member penetrates the first through hole 324, and since the fastening member is stably supported by the flange portion 324a, the fastening between the retaining bodies 300, 400 and 500 can be more firmly maintained.

[0264] The first through-hole 324 may correspond to the first fastening hole 424 of the third extension portion 420 of the second holding body 400 , which will be described in more detail below.

[0265] As an example, the first extension portion 320 may include a first retaining body opening 323. The first retaining body opening 323 may be formed when the first extension portion 320 is penetrated.

[0266] As an example, the first retaining body opening 323 may extend from the second end 320b of the first extending portion 320 in a direction toward the first end 320a. For example, the first retaining body opening 323 may extend from the second end 320b of the first extending portion 320 toward the first end 320a along the third direction X. In other words, the first retaining body opening 323 may be formed to have a shape that is concavely recessed from the second end 320b of the first extending portion 320 in a direction toward the first end 320a.

[0267] As an example, the first holding body opening 323 may be provided on one side of the first through hole 324 in the first direction Z. As an example, Figures 7 to 9 As shown, the first holding body opening 323 may be provided on a vertical upper side (+Z direction) above the first through hole 324 .

[0268] The first retaining body opening 323 may correspond to the third retaining body opening 423 of the third extension portion 420 of the second retaining body 400 , which will be described in more detail below.

[0269] An explanation of the function of the first holding body opening 323 will be described in more detail below.

[0270] As an example, a plurality of first through holes 324 may be formed on the first extension portion 320. Figure 7 As shown, a plurality of first through holes 324 may be arranged side by side along the first direction Z on the first extension portion 320. Figure 7 As shown, one of the plurality of first through holes 324 may be formed at an upper portion of the first extension portion 320 or a portion adjacent thereto, and another may be formed at a lower portion of the first extension portion 320 or a portion adjacent thereto.

[0271] As an example, the plurality of first through holes 324 formed on the first extension portion 320 may be formed to correspond to each other.

[0272] As an example, a plurality of first retaining body openings 323 may be formed on the first extension portion 320. Figure 7 As shown, a plurality of first retaining body openings 323 may be arranged side by side along the first direction Z on the first extension portion 320. Figure 7 As shown, one of the plurality of first holding body openings 323 may be formed at an upper portion of the first extending portion 320 or a portion adjacent thereto, and another may be formed at a lower portion of the first extending portion 320 or a portion adjacent thereto.

[0273] As an example, the plurality of first holding body openings 323 formed on the first extending portion 320 may be formed to correspond to each other.

[0274] The structure of the first extension portion 320 described above is merely an example of a structure of the first extension portion 320 that may be provided on the first holding body 300, and the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, Figures 7 to 9 An embodiment is shown in which the first extension portion 320 extends along the longitudinal direction of the first support plate 310 and extends to have a length corresponding to the first support plate 310 in the first direction Z, but differently from this, the first extension portion 320 may not extend along the longitudinal direction of the first support plate 310, or the length in the first direction Z may be longer or shorter than the first support plate 310. For example, the first through hole 324 may not be formed by a flanging process, so that a structure such as a flanging portion 324a may not be provided. For example, the first retaining body opening 323 may not have the shape of an opening extending from the first end 320a of the first extension portion 320, but may be formed in the shape of a hole with the first end 320a closed. For example, the first through hole 324 may be provided on the vertical upper side (+Z direction) above the first retaining body opening 323. For example, a plurality of first through holes 324 may be formed to have different shapes. For example, the number of first through holes 324 formed on the first extension portion 320 may be the same as that of the first through hole 324 formed on the first extension portion 320. Figure 7For example, the plurality of first retaining body openings 323 may be formed to have different shapes. For example, the number of first retaining body openings 323 formed on the first extension 320 may be different from the number of Figure 7 Quantities shown vary.

[0275] As an example, the first holding body 300 may include a second extension 330. The second extension 330 may extend from the first support plate 310. For example, the second extension 330 may extend from the other side of the first support plate 310 along the second direction Y, the other side being opposite to the first extension 320. The second extension 330 may be disposed on one side of the first extension 320 along the second direction Y. The first extension 320 and the second extension 330 may be disposed facing each other along the second direction Y.

[0276] The second extension portion 330 may extend from the first support plate 310 in the third direction X. For example, the second extension portion 330 may extend from the first support plate 310 in the third direction to be away from the first heat exchanging fins 212. As an example, the second extension portion 330 may extend from the first support plate 310 substantially toward the front (+X direction).

[0277] The second extension portion 330 may include a first end 330 a connected to the first support plate 310 and a second end 330 b opposite to the first end 330 a , of both ends in the third direction X. As an example, the first end 330 a of the second extension portion 330 may be a rear end of the second extension portion 330 , and the second end 330 b may be a front end of the second extension portion 330 .

[0278] In other words, the second extension portion 330 may extend from the first end 330 a toward the second end 330 b along the third direction X. As an example, the second extension portion 330 may be formed to have a substantially flat plate shape.

[0279] As an example, the second extension portion 330 may include a second through-hole 334. The second through-hole 334 may be formed to allow a fastening member to penetrate the second extension portion 330. As an example, the second through-hole 334 may be formed to allow the second extension portion 330 to penetrate therein along the second direction Y. However, this does not necessarily mean that the second through-hole 334 must be penetrated by the fastening member, and it is sufficient as long as the second through-hole 334 can be provided so that it can be penetrated by the fastening member when necessary, and the fastening member can fasten the second extension portion 330 to a portion adjacent to the second extension portion 330 (for example, a portion of the holding body other than the first holding body 300 that contacts the second extension portion 330).

[0280] As an example, the portion around the second through hole 334 of the second extension portion 330 may be formed flat. In other words, the second extension portion 330 may not have a structure such as the flange portion 324a.

[0281] The second through hole 334 may correspond to the first fastening hole 334 of the second extension portion 330 of the first holding body 300, which will be described in more detail below. The second through hole 334 may correspond to the second fastening hole 434 of the fourth extension portion 430 of the second holding body 400, which will be described in more detail below.

[0282] As an example, the second extension portion 330 may include a third through-hole 335. The third through-hole 335 may be formed to allow a fastening member to penetrate the second extension portion 330. As an example, the third through-hole 335 may be formed to allow the second extension portion 330 to penetrate therein along the second direction Y. However, this does not necessarily mean that the third through-hole 335 must be penetrated by the fastening member, and it is sufficient as long as the third through-hole 335 can be provided so that it can be penetrated by the fastening member when necessary, and the fastening member can fasten the second extension portion 330 to a portion adjacent to the second extension portion 330 (for example, a portion of the holding body other than the first holding body 300 that contacts the second extension portion 330).

[0283] As an example, the third through hole 335 can be formed by a flanging process. For example, the third through hole 335 can be formed by a flanging process in which a tool penetrates the second extension portion 330 from a side of the second extension portion 330 opposite the first extension portion 320 toward the first extension portion 320. Thus, the second extension portion 330 can be provided with a flanging portion 335a formed during the formation of the third through hole 335. The flanging portion 335a of the third through hole 335 can be formed along the circumference of the third through hole 335. The flanging portion 335a of the third through hole 335 can extend from a surface of the second extension portion 330 facing the first extension portion 320 in a direction toward the first extension portion 320. With this configuration, the flange portion 335a of the third through hole 335 can be provided to support the fastening member when the fastening member penetrates the third through hole 335, and since the fastening member is stably supported by the flange portion 335a, the fastening between the retaining bodies 300, 400 and 500 can be more firmly maintained.

[0284] The third through hole 335 may correspond to the second fastening hole 525 of the fifth extension portion 520 of the third holding body 500 , which will be described in more detail below.

[0285] As an example, the second extension portion 330 may include a second retaining body opening 333. The second retaining body opening 333 may be formed when the second extension portion 330 is penetrated.

[0286] As an example, the second retaining body opening 333 may extend from the second end 330b of the second extending portion 330 in a direction toward the first end 330a. For example, the second retaining body opening 333 may extend from the second end 330b of the second extending portion 330 toward the first end 330a along the third direction X. In other words, the second retaining body opening 333 may be formed to have a shape that is concavely recessed from the second end 330b of the second extending portion 330 in a direction toward the first end 330a.

[0287] As an example, the second holding body opening 333 may be provided on one side of the second through hole 334 along the first direction Z. As an example, Figures 7 to 9 As shown, the second holding body opening 333 may be provided on a vertical upper side (+Z direction) above the second through hole 334 .

[0288] As an example, the second holding body opening 333 may be provided on the other side of the third through hole 335 along the first direction Z. As an example, Figures 7 to 9 As shown, the second holding body opening 333 may be provided on a vertical lower side (−Z direction) below the third through hole 335 .

[0289] The second holding body opening 333 may be formed to have a smaller size than the first holding body opening 323. For example, the second holding body opening 333 may be formed so that the length in the first direction Z is shorter than that of the first holding body opening 323.

[0290] An explanation of the function of the second holding body opening 333 will be described in more detail below.

[0291] As an example, a plurality of second through holes 334 may be formed on the second extension portion 330. Figure 7 As shown, a plurality of second through holes 334 may be arranged side by side along the first direction Z on the second extension portion 330. Figure 7 As shown, one of the plurality of second through holes 334 may be formed at an upper portion of the second extension 330 or a portion adjacent thereto, and another may be formed at a lower portion of the second extension 330 or a portion adjacent thereto.

[0292] As an example, the plurality of second through holes 334 formed on the second extension portion 330 may be formed to correspond to each other.

[0293] As an example, a plurality of third through holes 335 may be formed on the second extension portion 330. Figure 7 As shown, a plurality of third through holes 335 may be arranged side by side along the first direction Z on the second extension portion 330. Figure 7As shown, one of the plurality of third through holes 335 may be formed at an upper portion of the second extension portion 330 or a portion adjacent thereto, and another may be formed at a lower portion of the second extension portion 330 or a portion adjacent thereto.

[0294] As an example, the plurality of third through holes 335 formed on the second extension portion 330 may be formed to correspond to each other.

[0295] As an example, a plurality of second holding body openings 333 may be formed on the second extension portion 330. Figure 7 As shown, a plurality of second holding body openings 333 may be arranged side by side along the first direction Z on the second extension portion 330. Figure 7 As shown, one of the plurality of second holding body openings 333 may be formed at an upper portion of the second extending portion 330 or a portion adjacent thereto, and another may be formed at a lower portion of the second extending portion 330 or a portion adjacent thereto.

[0296] As an example, the plurality of second holding body openings 333 formed on the second extending portion 330 may be formed to correspond to each other.

[0297] The structure of the second extension portion 330 described above is merely an example of the structure of the second extension portion 330 that may be provided on the first holding body 300, and the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Figures 7 to 9 While the second extension 330 is shown extending longitudinally along the first support plate 310 and having a length corresponding to that of the first support plate 310 in the first direction Z, the second extension 330 may not extend longitudinally along the first support plate 310, or may be longer or shorter than the first support plate 310 in the first direction Z. For example, the third through-hole 335 may not be formed by flanging, eliminating the need for structures such as the flanging 335a. For example, the second retaining body opening 333 may not be an opening extending from the first end 330a of the second extension 330, but may instead be a hole with the first end 330a closed. For example, the second through-hole 334 may be positioned vertically above the second retaining body opening 333 (in the +Z direction). For example, the third through-hole 335 may be positioned vertically below the second retaining body opening 333 (in the -Z direction). For example, multiple second through-holes 334 may be formed to have different shapes. For example, the number of the second through holes 334 formed on the second extension portion 330 may be the same as Figure 7 For example, the plurality of third through holes 335 may be formed to have different shapes. For example, the number of the third through holes 335 formed on the second extension 330 may be different from the number of the third through holes 335 shown in FIG. Figure 7For example, the plurality of second retaining body openings 333 may be formed to have different shapes. For example, the number of second retaining body openings 333 formed on the second extension 330 may be different from the number of Figure 7 Quantities shown vary.

[0298] In order to make it easier for the manufacturer to determine the position of the first retaining body 300 without confusion when installing the first retaining body 300 to the first heat exchange unit 210, the first extension portion 320 and the second extension portion 330 of the first retaining body 300 may be formed to have different shapes. As an example, the first extension portion 320 and the second extension portion 330 may be formed to have different lengths extending from the first support plate 310. For example, Figure 8 As shown, at least a portion of the second extension portion 330 may be formed such that a length extending from the first support plate 310 is different from a length of the first extension portion 320 extending from the first support plate 310 .

[0299] like Figures 7 to 9 As shown, the second extension portion 330 includes a first portion 331 extending from the first support plate 310 by a first length l1, and a second portion 332 extending from the first support plate 310 by a second length l2 longer than the first length l1. For example, the first portion 331 of the second extension portion 330 may extend from the first support plate 310 by the first length l1 along the third direction X. The second portion 332 of the second extension portion 330 may extend from the first support plate 310 by a second length l2 along the third direction X.

[0300] In this case, as an example, at least a majority of the first extension portion 320 may extend from the first support plate 310 by the second length l2.

[0301] With this configuration, the manufacturer of the heat exchanger 200 can easily distinguish the first extension portion 320 from the second extension portion 330 by recognizing the difference in the extension lengths of the first extension portion 320 and the second extension portion 330. Therefore, the manufacturer of the heat exchanger 200 can efficiently perform the process of mounting the first retaining body 300 to the first heat exchange unit 210, and can reduce the manufacturing time and manufacturing costs of the product.

[0302] As an example, the second through hole 334 may be formed in the second portion 332 of the second extension 330. As an example, the third through hole 335 may be formed in the second portion 332 of the second extension 330. As an example, the second retaining body opening 333 may be formed in the second portion 332 of the second extension 330. As an example, the first retaining body opening 323 may be disposed such that its position in the first direction Z (e.g., vertical height) corresponds to at least a portion of the second portion 332 of the second extension 330.

[0303] As will be described in more detail below, because the second through hole 334, the third through hole 335 and the second retaining body opening 333 are configurations for coupling between multiple retaining bodies 300, 400 and 500, and because these configurations are provided in the second portion 332 of the second extension 330, and the second portion 332 of the second extension 330 has a relatively long length extending from the first support plate 310, the efficiency of the coupling process between the multiple retaining bodies 300, 400 and 500 can be improved.

[0304] Similarly, because the first retaining body opening 323 is a configuration for coupling between multiple retaining bodies 300, 400 and 500, when the position of the first retaining body opening 323 in the first direction Z corresponds to the second portion 332 of the second extension portion 330, the efficiency of the coupling process between the multiple retaining bodies 300, 400 and 500 can be improved.

[0305] As an example, a plurality of second portions 332 of the second extensions 330 may be provided. Figure 7 As shown, the plurality of second portions 332 of the second extension 330 may be spaced apart from each other in the first direction Z and arranged side by side. Figure 7 As shown, one of the plurality of second portions 332 of the second extension 330 may be formed on an upper portion of the second extension 330 or a portion adjacent thereto, and another may be formed at a lower portion of the second extension 330 or a portion adjacent thereto.

[0306] As an example, the plurality of second portions 332 of the second extension 330 may be formed to correspond to each other.

[0307] However, the lengths of the first extension portion 320 and the second extension portion 330 extending from the first support plate 310 are not limited to those described above. For example, the first extension portion 320 and the second extension portion 330 may have lengths corresponding to each other extending from the first support plate 310. The first extension portion 320 may include a first portion extending from the first support plate 310 by a first length and a second portion extending by a second length longer than the first length, and at least a majority of the second extension portion 330 may be formed to extend by the second length.

[0308] Reference above Figures 7 to 9 The first holding body 300 is described merely as an example of a holding body for a heat exchanger included in the outdoor unit of the air conditioner according to the present disclosure, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0309] On the other hand, in the outdoor unit 10 of the air conditioner 1 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, referring to Figures 4 to 6 The second holding body 400 and the third holding body 500 described above may also have the same Figures 7 to 9 The first holding body 300 has the same structure as the first holding body 300.

[0310] Therefore, the types of retaining bodies 300, 400, and 500, which are components used to secure heat exchanger 200, can be unified. In this case, the molds used to manufacture retaining bodies 300, 400, and 500 can be unified, and the time and cost required to manufacture, manage, and operate the molds can be reduced. Furthermore, using retaining bodies 300, 400, and 500 as a unified component can prevent and / or reduce waste of components and materials. Furthermore, the overall manufacturing time and cost of heat exchanger 200 can be reduced.

[0311] In the case where each of the multiple components arranged side by side to support the multiple heat exchange units 210, 220 and 230 is designed to have a simple structure, even if the multiple components can be manufactured using the same mold to have the same structure, a process for forming an additional structure to couple these components may be required, or a requirement for additional components may be expected.

[0312] However, as will be described in more detail below, the first retaining body 300, the second retaining body 400 and the third retaining body 500 can not only be manufactured to have the same structure using the same mold, but can also be designed to be easily fastened to each other through a simple fastening process using fastening members.

[0313] Figure 10 is a diagram illustrating an example heat exchanger included in an outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to various embodiments. Figure 11 According to various embodiments Figure 10 Magnified view of area A in FIG.

[0314] Reference Figure 10 and Figure 11 , the first holding body 300 , the second holding body 400 , and the third holding body 500 included in the outdoor unit 10 of the air conditioner 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may each be disposed at one side of the heat exchanger 200 along the second direction Y.

[0315] For example, the second holding body 400 may be disposed on one side of the first holding body 300 along the second direction Y, and the third holding body 500 may be disposed on one side of the second holding body 400 along the second direction Y. The second holding body 400 may be disposed between the first holding body 300 and the third holding body 500 .

[0316] As an example, among the first, second, and third retaining bodies 300, 400, and 500, the first retaining body 300 may be positioned closest to the first side frame 150. In other words, among the first, second, and third retaining bodies 300, 400, and 500, the first retaining body 300 may be positioned at the outermost side of the heat exchange chamber R1. Conversely, among the first, second, and third retaining bodies 300, 400, and 500, the third retaining body 500 may be positioned farthest from the first side frame 150. In other words, among the first, second, and third retaining bodies 300, 400, and 500, the third retaining body 500 may be positioned at the innermost side of the heat exchange chamber R1.

[0317] The first retaining body 300 and the second retaining body 400 may be in contact with each other. As an example, the first retaining body 300 and the second retaining body 400 may be in contact with each other in the second direction Y. Here, the expression "the first retaining body 300 and the second retaining body 400 are in contact with each other in the second direction Y" may mean, for example, that the normal direction of the surfaces of the first retaining body 300 and the second retaining body 400 in contact with each other is parallel to the second direction Y.

[0318] The first retaining body 300 and the second retaining body 400 may be in contact with and coupled to each other. As an example, the first retaining body 300 and the second retaining body 400 may be in contact with and fastened to each other by a first fastening member F1. As an example, the first fastening member F1 may penetrate and fasten the first retaining body 300 and the second retaining body 400 in the second direction Y.

[0319] like Figure 10 As shown, the first retaining member 300 and the second retaining member 400 can be fastened to each other by a plurality of first fastening members F1. As an example, the first retaining member 300 and the second retaining member 400 can be fastened to each other by one of the first fastening members F1 penetrating the upper portion thereof and one of the first fastening members F1 penetrating the lower portion thereof. Thus, the first retaining member 300 and the second retaining member 400 can be more securely fixed.

[0320] The second holding body 400 and the third holding body 500 may be in contact with each other. As an example, the second holding body 400 and the third holding body 500 may be in contact with each other in the second direction Y. Here, the expression "the second holding body 400 and the third holding body 500 are in contact with each other in the second direction Y" may mean, for example, that the normal direction of the surfaces of the second holding body 400 and the third holding body 500 in contact with each other is parallel to the second direction Y.

[0321] The second retaining body 400 and the third retaining body 500 may be in contact with and coupled to each other. As an example, the second retaining body 400 and the third retaining body 500 may be in contact with and fastened to each other by a second fastening member F2. As an example, the second fastening member F2 may penetrate and fasten the second retaining body 400 and the third retaining body 500 in the second direction Y.

[0322] like Figure 10 As shown, the second retaining member 400 and the third retaining member 500 can be fastened to each other by a plurality of second fastening members F1. As an example, the second retaining member 400 and the third retaining member 500 can be fastened to each other by one of the second fastening members F1 penetrating the upper portion thereof and one of the second fastening members F1 penetrating the lower portion thereof. Thus, the second retaining member 400 and the third retaining member 500 can be more securely fixed.

[0323] In the heat exchanger 200 according to the embodiment, the plurality of first refrigerant tubes 211 and the plurality of second refrigerant tubes 221 may be disposed such that their positions in the first direction Z are different from each other. Likewise, the plurality of second refrigerant tubes 221 and the plurality of third refrigerant tubes 231 may be disposed such that their positions in the first direction Z are different from each other. For example, assuming that N first refrigerant tubes 211 are arranged along a first column in the first heat exchange unit 210, N second refrigerant tubes 221 are arranged along a second column in the second heat exchange unit 220, and N third refrigerant tubes 231 are arranged along a third column in the third heat exchange unit 230 (N is an integer of 1 or greater), then for any integer K between 1 and N, the second refrigerant tube 221 located at the Kth position from the second refrigerant tube 221 disposed at the top in the second column can be located a predetermined length further up (in the +Z direction) in the first direction Z than the first refrigerant tube 211 located at the Kth position from the first refrigerant tube 211 disposed at the top in the first column and the third refrigerant tube 231 located at the Kth position from the third refrigerant tube 231 disposed at the top in the third column. With this arrangement, the heat exchange efficiency of the heat exchanger 200 can be further improved.

[0324] In this case, because the first holding body 300, the second holding body 400, and the third holding body 500 are formed to have shapes corresponding to each other, the second holding body 400 can be disposed higher than the first holding body 300 and the third holding body 500 by a predetermined length in the first direction Z. The upper end of the second holding body 400 in the first direction Z can be positioned above the upper end of the first holding body 300 in the first direction Z and the upper end of the third holding body 500 in the first direction Z. The lower end of the second holding body 400 in the first direction Z can be positioned above the lower end of the first holding body 300 in the first direction Z and the lower end of the third holding body 500 in the first direction Z.

[0325] As an example, the third retaining body 500 may be installed in the third heat exchange unit 230 at a position opposite to the positions at which the first retaining body 300 and the second retaining body 400 are installed in the first heat exchange unit 210 and the second heat exchange unit 220, respectively, along the first direction Z. That is, the third retaining body 500 may be installed in the third heat exchange unit 230 at a position corresponding to a rotation of the first retaining body 300 or the second retaining body 400 by 180 degrees around the third direction X axis.

[0326] Hereinafter, the structures of the first holding body 300, the second holding body 400 and the third holding body 500 will be described in more detail. In the description of the structures of the second holding body 400 and the third holding body 500, it will be assumed that the second holding body 400 and the third holding body 500 have the same dimensions as those of the reference numerals. Figures 7 to 9 The second holding body 400 and the third holding body 500 will be described with reference to the structure of the first holding body 300 .

[0327] The first extension portion 320 of the first holding body 300 may extend in the second direction Y from the other end of the first support plate 310 opposite to the end adjacent to the second holding body 400 .

[0328] The second extension portion 330 of the first holding body 300 may extend in the second direction Y from one of the two ends of the first support plate 310 adjacent to the second holding body 400 .

[0329] The second extension 330 may be disposed on one side of the first extension 320 along the second direction Y. For example, the second extension 330 may be disposed on a side of the first extension 320 facing the second holding body 400 . The second extension 330 may be disposed between the first extension 320 and the second holding body 400 .

[0330] The second extension portion 330 may be in contact with the second holding body 400. The second extension portion 330 may be coupled to the second holding body 400.

[0331] The first return pipe portions 211 b of the plurality of first refrigerant tubes 211 may be disposed between the first extension portion 320 and the second extension portion 330 .

[0332] The second retaining body 400 may include a second support plate 410. The second support plate 410 may be provided to support the plurality of second refrigerant tubes 221. The second support plate 410 may be coupled to the plurality of second refrigerant tubes 221. The second support plate 410 may be penetrated by the plurality of second refrigerant tubes 221. The second support plate 410 may be provided to contact one second heat exchange fin 222a disposed on one side of the plurality of second heat exchange fins 222. The second support plate 410 may be disposed parallel to the one second heat exchange fin 222a disposed on one side in the direction in which the plurality of second heat exchange fins 222 are arranged.

[0333] As an example, the second support plate 410 may be formed to have a shape corresponding to that of the first support plate 310 .

[0334] The second retaining body 400 may include a third extension portion 420. The third extension portion 420 may extend from the second support plate 410. The third extension portion 420 may extend from one side of the second support plate 410 in the second direction Y. For example, the third extension portion 420 may extend from one end of the second support plate 410 adjacent to the first retaining body 300 in the second direction Y. The third extension portion 420 may extend from the second support plate 410 in the third direction X.

[0335] As an example, the third extension portion 420 may be formed to have a shape corresponding to the first extension portion 320 .

[0336] The second retaining body 400 may include a fourth extension 430. The fourth extension 430 may extend from the second support plate 410. The fourth extension 430 may extend from the other side of the second support plate 410 opposite the third extension 420 in the second direction Y. For example, the fourth extension 430 may extend from one of the two ends of the second support plate 410 in the second direction Y, the other end opposite the end adjacent to the first retaining body 300. The fourth extension 430 may extend from the second support plate 410 in the third direction X.

[0337] As an example, the fourth extension portion 430 may be formed to have a shape corresponding to the second extension portion 330 .

[0338] The fourth extension portion 430 may be provided on one side of the third extension portion 420 along the second direction Y. For example, the fourth extension portion 430 may be provided on a side of the third extension portion 420 facing the third holding body 500. The third extension portion 420 may be provided between the fourth extension portion 430 and the first holding body 300. The fourth extension portion 430 may be provided between the third extension portion 420 and the third holding body 500.

[0339] The third extension portion 420 may be in contact with the first holding body 300. The third extension portion 420 may be coupled to the first holding body 300.

[0340] The fourth extension portion 430 may be in contact with the third holding body 500. The fourth extension portion 430 may be coupled to the third holding body 500.

[0341] The second return pipe portions 221 b of the plurality of second refrigerant tubes 221 may be disposed between the third extension portion 420 and the fourth extension portion 430 .

[0342] The third retaining body 500 may include a third support plate 510. The third support plate 510 may be configured to support the plurality of third refrigerant tubes 231. The third support plate 510 may be coupled to the plurality of third refrigerant tubes 231. The third support plate 510 may be penetrated by the plurality of third refrigerant tubes 231. The third support plate 510 may be provided so as to contact one second heat exchange fin 232a disposed on one side of the plurality of third heat exchange fins 232. The third support plate 510 may be disposed parallel to one third heat exchange fin 232a disposed on one side along the direction in which the plurality of third heat exchange fins 232 are arranged.

[0343] As an example, the third support plate 510 may be formed to have a shape corresponding to the first support plate 310 .

[0344] The third retaining body 500 may include a fifth extension 520. The fifth extension 520 may extend from the third support plate 510. The fifth extension 520 may extend from one side of the second support plate 410 in the second direction Y. For example, the fifth extension 520 may extend from one end of the fifth support plate 510 adjacent to the second retaining body 400 in the second direction Y. The fifth extension 520 may extend from the third support plate 510 in the third direction X.

[0345] As an example, the fifth extension portion 520 may be formed to have a shape corresponding to the second extension portion 330 .

[0346] The third holding body 400 may include a sixth extension 530. The sixth extension 530 may extend from the third support plate 510. The sixth extension 530 may extend from the other side of the second support plate 410 in the second direction Y, the other side being opposite to the fifth extension 520. For example, the sixth extension 530 may extend from one of the ends of the fifth support plate 510 in the second direction Y, the other end being opposite to the end adjacent to the second holding body 400. The sixth extension 530 may extend from the third support plate 510 in the third direction X.

[0347] As an example, the sixth extension portion 530 may be formed to have a shape corresponding to the first extension portion 320 .

[0348] The sixth extension 530 may be disposed on one side of the fifth extension 520 along the second direction Y. For example, the sixth extension 530 may be disposed on a side of the fifth extension 520 opposite to the direction toward the second holding body 400. The fifth extension 520 may be disposed between the sixth extension 530 and the second holding body 400.

[0349] The fifth extension portion 520 may be in contact with the second holding body 400. The fifth extension portion 520 may be coupled to the second holding body 400.

[0350] The third return pipe portions 231 b of the plurality of third refrigerant tubes 231 may be disposed between the fifth extension portion 520 and the sixth extension portion 530 .

[0351] The second extension portion 330 of the first holding body 300 and the third extension portion 420 of the second holding body 400 may contact each other. When the second extension portion 330 and the third extension portion 420 are coupled in a state of contacting each other, the first holding body 300 and the second holding body 400 may be coupled to each other.

[0352] As an example, the second extension portion 330 and the third extension portion 420 may contact each other in the second direction Y. That is, a normal direction of a surface where the second extension portion 330 and the third extension portion 420 contact each other may be parallel to the second direction Y.

[0353] As an example, the second extension portion 330 and the third extension portion 420 may be provided to be fastened by the first fastening member F1 The first fastening member F1 may fasten the second extension portion 330 and the third extension portion 420 by penetrating the second extension portion 330 and the third extension portion 420 .

[0354] The second extension portion 330 and the third extension portion 420 may be arranged to contact each other along the direction in which the first fastening member F1 penetrates the second extension portion 330 and the third extension portion 420. As an example, the first fastening member F1 may be provided to penetrate the second extension portion 330 and the third extension portion 420 in the second direction Y, and the second extension portion 330 and the third extension portion 420 may be arranged to contact each other in the second direction Y. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and when the direction in which the first fastening member F1 penetrates the second extension portion 330 and the third extension portion 420 is a direction oblique to the second direction Y, the second extension portion 330 and the third extension portion 420 may be arranged to contact each other in a direction oblique to the second direction Y.

[0355] The second extending portion 330 may be referred to as a first coupling portion 330. The third extending portion 420 may be referred to as a second coupling portion 420.

[0356] The fourth extension 430 of the second holding body 400 and the fifth extension 520 of the third holding body 500 may contact each other. When the fourth extension 430 and the fifth extension 520 are coupled in a contacting state, the second holding body 400 and the third holding body 500 may be coupled to each other.

[0357] As an example, the fourth extension portion 430 and the fifth extension portion 520 may contact each other in the second direction Y. That is, a normal direction of a surface where the fourth extension portion 430 and the fifth extension portion 520 contact each other may be parallel to the second direction Y.

[0358] As an example, the fourth extension portion 430 and the fifth extension portion 520 may be provided to be fastened by the second fastening member F2 . The second fastening member F2 may fasten the fourth extension portion 430 and the fifth extension portion 520 by penetrating the fourth extension portion 430 and the fifth extension portion 520 .

[0359] The fourth extension portion 430 and the fifth extension portion 520 may be arranged to contact each other in the direction in which the second fastening member F2 penetrates the fourth extension portion 430 and the fifth extension portion 520. As an example, the second fastening member F2 may be provided to penetrate the fourth extension portion 430 and the fifth extension portion 520 in the second direction Y, and the fourth extension portion 430 and the fifth extension portion 520 may be arranged to contact each other in the second direction Y. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and when the direction in which the second fastening member F2 penetrates the fourth extension portion 430 and the fifth extension portion 520 is a direction oblique to the second direction Y, the fourth extension portion 430 and the fifth extension portion 520 may be arranged to contact each other in a direction oblique to the second direction Y.

[0360] The fourth extension portion 430 may be referred to as a third coupling portion 430. The fifth extension portion 520 may be referred to as a fourth coupling portion 520.

[0361] The return pipe portions 211b, 221b, and 231b of the plurality of refrigerant pipes 211, 221, and 231 can be protected from external impact because one side thereof in the second direction Y (the -Y direction side based on the drawing) can be covered by the first extension portion 320. In particular, as described above, most of the first extension portion 320 can extend from the first support plate 310 by the second length l2 (see FIG. Figure 9 ), thus the return pipe portions 211b, 221b and 231b can be more effectively protected from external impact.

[0362] The return pipes 211b, 221b, and 231b of the plurality of refrigerant pipes 211, 221, and 231 can be protected from external impact because the other side thereof in the second direction Y (the +Y direction side based on the drawing) can be covered by the fifth extension portion 520. In particular, since the sixth extension portion 530 is formed to have a shape corresponding to the first extension portion 320, most of the fifth extension portion 520 can extend from the third support plate 510 by the second length l2 (see FIG. Figure 9 ), so the return pipe portions 211b, 221b and 231b can be more effectively protected from external impact.

[0363] Figure 12 is a perspective view illustrating a state before a plurality of holding bodies are coupled in an outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to various embodiments. Figure 13 is a perspective view illustrating a state after a plurality of holding bodies are coupled in an outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to various embodiments. Figure 14 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of a heat exchanger included in an outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to various embodiments.

[0364] Reference Figure 12 、 Figure 13 and Figure 14 (which can be called Figures 12 to 14 ), the first retaining body 300 and the second retaining body 400 included in the outdoor unit 10 of the air conditioner 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may be provided to be fastened to each other by a first fastening member F1 penetrating the second extension portion 330 and the third extension portion 420.

[0365] As an example, the first fastening member F1 may include a screw.

[0366] The second extension portion 330 may include a first fastening hole 334. The first fastening hole 334 of the second extension portion 330 may be provided so that the first fastening member F1 penetrates therethrough. The first fastening hole 334 of the second extension portion 330 may have the same Figures 7 to 9 The second through hole 334 is configured accordingly.

[0367] The third extension portion 420 may include a first fastening hole 424. The first fastening hole 424 of the third extension portion 420 may be provided so that the first fastening member F1 penetrates therethrough. The first fastening hole 424 of the third extension portion 420 may have the same Figures 7 to 9 The first through hole 324 is configured accordingly.

[0368] The third extension portion 420 may include a flange portion 424a formed along the circumference of the first fastening hole 424. The flange portion 424a formed on the circumference of the first fastening hole 424 of the third extension portion 420 may have the same Figures 7 to 9The burring portion 324 a formed on the circumference of the first through hole 324 described above corresponds to the configuration.

[0369] The first fastening member F1 may be provided to penetrate the first fastening hole 334 of the second extension portion 330 and the first fastening hole 424 of the third extension portion 330. Figure 12 and Figure 13 For example, the first fastening member F1 may be provided to move from left (−Y direction side) to right (+Y direction side) in the second direction Y and sequentially penetrate the first fastening hole 334 of the second extension 330 and the first fastening hole 424 of the third extension 330 .

[0370] As an example, the first fastening hole 334 of the second extension portion 330 may be formed to have a larger size than the first fastening hole 424 of the third extension portion 420. As an example, the first fastening hole 334 of the second extension portion 330 may be formed to have a slit shape that is narrow in one direction (e.g., as shown in FIG. Figures 7 to 9 The length in the third direction X) is greater than the length in another direction (e.g., Figures 7 to 9 The length in the first direction Z) shown is longer.

[0371] The first fastening hole 334 of the second extension 330 may be formed to be larger than a diameter of a body (a portion where threads are formed) of the first fastening member F1 and may be formed to be smaller than a diameter of a head of the first fastening member F1 .

[0372] With this configuration, the manufacturer of the heat exchanger 200 can easily fasten the first holding body 300 and the second holding body 400 using the first fastening member F1.

[0373] As described above, the first extension 320 may include a first retaining body opening 323. As an example, the first retaining body opening 323 may be formed to have a shape through which the first extension 320 passes in the direction in which the first fastening member F1 penetrates the first fastening hole 334, 424. As an example, the first retaining body opening 323 may be formed to have a shape through which the first extension 320 passes in the second direction Y.

[0374] The first fastening hole 334 of the second extension portion 330 may be provided at one side of the first holding body opening 323 in a direction in which the first fastening member F1 penetrates the first fastening hole 334 of the second extension portion 330 .

[0375] As an example, the first fastening member F1 may be provided to penetrate the first fastening hole 334 of the second extension 330 in the second direction Y, and the first fastening hole 334 of the second extension 330 may be disposed along the second direction Y at one side of the first holding body opening 323 .

[0376] As an example, the first fastening hole 334 of the second extending portion 330 may be provided such that its position in the first direction Z corresponds to at least a portion of the first holding body opening 323 .

[0377] The first fastening hole 334 of the second extension portion 330 may be formed to have a smaller size than the first holding body opening 323 .

[0378] The first fastening hole 424 of the third extension 420 may be provided at one side of the first holding body opening 323 in a direction in which the first fastening member F1 penetrates the first fastening hole 424 of the third extension 420 .

[0379] As an example, the first fastening member F1 may be provided to penetrate the first fastening hole 424 of the third extension 420 in the second direction Y, and the first fastening hole 424 of the third extension 420 may be disposed along the second direction Y at one side of the first holding body opening 323 .

[0380] As an example, the first fastening hole 424 of the third extending portion 420 may be provided such that its position in the first direction Z corresponds to at least a portion of the first holding body opening 323 .

[0381] The first fastening hole 424 of the third extension 420 may be formed to have a smaller size than the first holding body opening 323 .

[0382] Since the first extension portion 320 includes the first retaining body opening 323, during the process of fastening the first retaining body 300 and the second retaining body 400, entry of the first fastening member F1 and entry of a fastening tool (not shown) may not be blocked by the first extension portion 320. Therefore, the manufacturer of the heat exchanger 200 may efficiently perform the process of fastening the first retaining body 300 and the second retaining body 400.

[0383] As described above, the first retaining body opening 323 may extend from the second end 320b of the first extending portion 320. In this case, during the process of fastening the first retaining body 300 and the second retaining body 400, the manufacturer can more easily position the first fastening member F1 at the fastening position, and the process of fastening the first retaining body 300 and the second retaining body 400 can be performed more efficiently.

[0384] Reference Figure 12 and Figure 13 , the second holding body 400 and the third holding body 500 included in the outdoor unit 10 of the air conditioner 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may be provided to be fastened to each other by a second fastening member F2 penetrating the fourth extension 430 and the fifth extension 520 .

[0385] As an example, the second fastening member F2 may include a screw.

[0386] The fourth extension 430 may include a second fastening hole 434. The second fastening hole 434 of the fourth extension 430 may be provided so that the second fastening member F2 penetrates therethrough. The second fastening hole 434 of the fourth extension 430 may have the same Figures 7 to 9 The second through hole 334 is configured accordingly.

[0387] The fifth extension 520 may include a second fastening hole 525. The second fastening hole 525 of the fifth extension 520 may be provided so that the second fastening member F2 penetrates therethrough. The second fastening hole 525 of the fifth extension 520 may have the same Figures 7 to 9 The third through hole 335 is described as corresponding to the configuration.

[0388] The fifth extension 520 may include a flange portion 525a formed along the circumference of the second fastening hole 525. The flange portion 525a formed on the circumference of the second fastening hole 525 of the fifth extension 520 may have the same Figures 7 to 9 The burring portion 335 a formed on the circumference of the third through hole 335 corresponds to the configuration described above.

[0389] The second fastening member F2 may be provided to penetrate the second fastening hole 434 of the fourth extension portion 430 and the second fastening hole 525 of the fifth extension portion 520. Figure 12 and Figure 13 For example, the second fastening member F2 may be provided to move from left (-Y direction side) to right (+Y direction side) in the second direction Y and sequentially penetrate the second fastening hole 434 of the fourth extension 430 and the second fastening hole 525 of the fifth extension 520.

[0390] As an example, the second fastening hole 434 of the fourth extension portion 430 may be formed to have a larger size than the second fastening hole 525 of the fifth extension portion 520 .

[0391] The second fastening hole 434 of the fourth extension 430 may be formed to be larger than a diameter of a body (a portion on which threads are formed) of the second fastening member F2 and may be formed to be smaller than a diameter of a head of the second fastening member F2.

[0392] With this configuration, the manufacturer of the heat exchanger 200 can easily fasten the second holding body 400 and the third holding body 500 using the second fastening member F2.

[0393] As described above, the second extension 330 may include a second retaining body opening 333. As an example, the second retaining body opening 333 may be formed to have a shape through which the second extension 330 passes in the direction in which the second fastening member F2 penetrates the second fastening hole 434, 525. As an example, the second retaining body opening 333 may be formed to have a shape through which the second extension 330 passes in the second direction Y.

[0394] The second holder opening 333 may be provided on one side of the first holder opening 323 in a direction in which the second fastening member F2 penetrates the second fastening hole 434, 525. As an example, the second holder opening 333 may be provided along the second direction Y on one side of the first holder opening 323.

[0395] The second fastening hole 434 of the fourth extension 430 may be provided at one side of the second holding body opening 333 in a direction in which the second fastening member F2 penetrates the second fastening hole 434 of the fourth extension 430 .

[0396] As an example, the second fastening member F2 may be provided to penetrate the second fastening hole 434 of the fourth extension 430 in the second direction Y, and the second fastening hole 434 of the fourth extension 430 may be provided along the second direction Y at one side of the second holding body opening 333 .

[0397] As an example, the second fastening hole 434 of the fourth extension portion 430 may be provided such that its position in the first direction Z corresponds to at least a portion of the second holding body opening 333 .

[0398] The second fastening hole 434 of the fourth extension 430 may be formed to have a smaller size than the second holding body opening 333 .

[0399] The second fastening hole 525 of the fifth extension 520 may be provided at one side of the second holding body opening 333 in a direction in which the second fastening member F2 penetrates the second fastening hole 525 of the fifth extension 520 .

[0400] As an example, the second fastening member F2 may be provided to penetrate the second fastening hole 525 of the fifth extension 520 in the second direction Y, and the second fastening hole 525 of the fifth extension 520 may be disposed along the second direction Y at one side of the second holding body opening 333 .

[0401] As an example, the second fastening hole 525 of the fifth extension 530 may be provided such that its position in the first direction Z corresponds to at least a portion of the second holding body opening 333 .

[0402] The second fastening hole 525 of the fifth extension 530 may be formed to have a smaller size than the second holding body opening 333 .

[0403] As described above, the second retaining body opening 333 and the first fastening hole 334 of the second extension portion 330 can be arranged along the first direction Z. In this case, the length of the first retaining body opening 323 extending in the first direction Z can be set to be longer than the length of the second retaining body opening 333 extending in the first direction. For example, when the second retaining body opening 333 is arranged above the first fastening hole 334 of the second extension portion 330, the first retaining body opening 323 can be provided to have a length substantially corresponding to the length from the upper end of the second retaining body opening 333 to the lower end of the first fastening hole 334 of the second extension portion 330, or to extend in the first direction Z by a length equal to or longer than the corresponding length. Conversely, for example, when the second retaining body opening 333 is arranged below the first fastening hole 334 of the second extension portion 330, the first retaining body opening 323 can be provided to have a length substantially corresponding to the length from the lower end of the second retaining body opening 333 to the upper end of the first fastening hole 334 of the second extension portion 330, or to extend in the first direction Z by a length equal to or longer than the corresponding length.

[0404] A portion of the first retaining body opening 323 and the first fastening holes 334 and 424 may be disposed so that their positions correspond to each other in the first direction Z. Furthermore, another portion of the first retaining body opening 323, the second retaining body opening 333, and the second fastening holes 434 and 525 may be disposed so that their positions correspond to each other in the first direction Z.

[0405] In addition, the third extension portion 420 may include a third retaining body opening 423. The third retaining body opening 423 may be formed by penetrating the third extension portion 420.

[0406] As an example, the third holding body opening 423 may be formed to correspond to the reference Figures 7 to 9 A first holding body opening 323 is depicted.

[0407] At least a portion of the third holder opening 423 may be provided on one side of the second holder opening 333 in the direction in which the second fastening member F2 penetrates the second fastening holes 434, 525. As an example, at least a portion of the second holder opening 333 may be provided on one side of the second holder opening 333 along the second direction Y.

[0408] At least a portion of the third holding body opening 423 may be disposed such that its position in the first direction Z corresponds to that of the second holding body opening 422. At least a portion of the third holding body opening 423 may be disposed such that its position in the first direction Z corresponds to that of the second fastening holes 434 and 525.

[0409] The third holding body opening 423 may be provided between the second holding body opening 333 and the second fastening holes 434 and 525 .

[0410] Thus, since the second extension portion 330 includes the second retaining body opening 333 and the third extension portion 420 includes the third retaining body opening 423, during the process of fastening the second retaining body 400 and the third retaining body 500, entry of the second fastening member F2 and entry of a fastening tool (not shown) may not be blocked by the second extension portion 330 and the third extension portion 420. Therefore, the manufacturer of the heat exchanger 200 can efficiently perform the process of fastening the second retaining body 400 and the third retaining body 500.

[0411] With the above configuration, the heat exchanger 200 can be stably fixed using only the plurality of holders 300, 400, 500 and the fastening members F1 and F2 for coupling the holders without additional components, so that the number of components required to manufacture the product can be reduced and the manufacturing cost can be reduced.

[0412] Furthermore, the heat exchanger 200 can be effectively secured by a simple process of fastening the plurality of retaining members 300, 400, and 500 using the fastening members F1 and F2, thereby reducing manufacturing time and costs. Furthermore, when the plurality of retaining members 300, 400, and 500 are fastened to one another using the fastening members F1 and F2, the fastening is unlikely to be released, thereby improving the durability of the components.

[0413] Furthermore, because the heat exchanger 200 can be manufactured through such a simple manufacturing process, it is easier to design a system to automate the process.

[0414] Figure 15 is a diagram illustrating a state before a heat exchanger included in an outdoor unit of an air conditioner is bent according to various embodiments. Figure 16 is a diagram illustrating a state after a heat exchanger included in an outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to various embodiments is bent.

[0415] Reference Figure 15 and Figure 16 , the heat exchanger 200 included in the outdoor unit 10 of the air conditioner 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may be manufactured through a process of bending the heat exchanger extending in one direction.

[0416] Reference Figure 15, the first heat exchange unit 210 before bending can be formed by arranging the plurality of first refrigerant tubes 211 to sequentially penetrate the first retaining body 300, the plurality of first heat exchange fins 212, and the end plate 800. The second heat exchange unit 220 before bending can be formed by arranging the plurality of second refrigerant tubes 221 to sequentially penetrate the second retaining body 400, the plurality of second heat exchange fins 222, and the end plate 800. The third heat exchange unit 230 before bending can be formed by arranging the plurality of third refrigerant tubes 231 to sequentially penetrate the third retaining body 500, the plurality of third heat exchange fins 232, and the end plate 800.

[0417] When the tube expansion process is performed by inserting a tube expansion device into one end of a plurality of refrigerant tubes 211, 212 and 231 on the opposite side of the return pipe portions 211b, 221b and 231b, the plurality of first refrigerant tubes 211 can be respectively coupled to the first retaining body 300, the plurality of first heat exchange fins 212 and the end plate 800, the plurality of second refrigerant tubes 221 can be respectively coupled to the second retaining body 400, the plurality of second heat exchange fins 222 and the end plate 800, and the plurality of third refrigerant tubes 231 can be respectively coupled to the third retaining body 500, the plurality of third heat exchange fins 232 and the end plate 800.

[0418] In this case, the first heat exchange unit 210, the second heat exchange unit 220, and the third heat exchange unit 230 may be provided to have different extension lengths. Figure 15 As shown, the first heat exchange unit 210 may be provided longer than the second heat exchange unit 220, and the second heat exchange unit 220 may be provided longer than the third heat exchange unit 230. Here, a step of a predetermined length s1 may be formed between one end of the first heat exchange unit 210 in the direction in which the first retaining body 300 is provided and one end of the second heat exchange unit 220 in the direction in which the second retaining body 400 is provided. In addition, a step of a predetermined length s2 may be formed between one end of the second heat exchange unit 220 in the direction in which the second retaining body 400 is provided and one end of the third heat exchange unit 230 in the direction in which the third retaining body 500 is provided.

[0419] By bending the heat exchanger 200 extending in one direction, it is possible to form Figure 16 When the process of bending the heat exchanger 200 is completed, one end of the first heat exchange unit 210 in the direction in which the first retaining body 300 is provided, one end of the second heat exchange unit 220 in the direction in which the second retaining body 400 is provided, and one end of the third heat exchange unit 230 in the direction in which the third retaining body 500 is provided may be arranged in parallel with each other, and may not form a straight line as shown in FIG. Figure 15 Steps s1 and s2 are shown.

[0420] When the process of bending the heat exchanger 200 is completed, as shown in FIG. Figures 10 to 14 As described above, a process of fastening the first, second, and third holders 300, 400, and 500 to each other using the fastening members F1 and F2 may be performed, and thus, the first, second, and third heat exchange units 210, 220, and 230 may be stably fixed to each other.

[0421] Figure 17 is a perspective view illustrating a heat exchanger included in an outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to various embodiments. Figure 18 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of a heat exchanger included in an outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to various embodiments.

[0422] In reference Figure 17 and Figure 18 In describing the heat exchanger included in the outdoor unit of the air conditioner according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, the same reference numerals may be assigned to the heat exchanger as those in the outdoor unit. Figures 1 to 16 The components are the same as those shown in , and their description may not be repeated here.

[0423] Reference Figure 17 and Figure 18 , the heat exchanger 200 included in the outdoor unit 10 of the air conditioner 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a first heat exchange unit 210 and a second heat exchange unit 220 , and may not include a third heat exchange unit 230 .

[0424] The heat exchanger 200 may include a first holding body 300 supporting one side of the first heat exchange unit 210 . Figure 17 and Figure 18 The configuration of the first holding body 300 shown corresponds to that of the reference Figures 1 to 16 The configuration of the first holding body 300 has been described above, and thus a detailed description thereof will not be repeated here.

[0425] The heat exchanger 200 may include a second holding body 400 supporting one side of the second heat exchange unit 220 . Figure 17 and Figure 18 The configuration of the second holding body 400 shown corresponds to that of the reference Figures 1 to 16 The configuration of the second holding body 400 has been described above, and thus a detailed description thereof will not be repeated here.

[0426] The first holding body 300 and the second holding body 400 may be in contact with and coupled to each other. For example, the second extension portion 330 of the first holding body 300 and the third extension portion 420 of the second holding body 400 may be in contact with and coupled to each other.

[0427] As an example, the first holding body 300 and the second holding body 400 may be fastened to each other by a first fastening member F1 penetrating the second extension portion 330 and the third extension portion 420 .

[0428] Figure 17 and Figure 18 The configuration shown for fastening the first holding body 300 and the second holding body 400 corresponds to the configuration shown in FIG. Figures 7 to 16 The structure of the configuration is unknown, so its detailed description will not be repeated here.

[0429] As such, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the two holding bodies 300 and 400 may be coupled to each other, and the two heat exchange units 210 and 220 may be supported and stably fixed by the holding bodies 300 and 400 , respectively.

[0430] Figure 19 is a perspective view illustrating a heat exchanger included in an outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to various embodiments. Figure 20 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of a heat exchanger included in an outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to various embodiments.

[0431] In reference Figure 19 and Figure 20 In describing the heat exchanger included in the outdoor unit of the air conditioner according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, the same reference numerals may be assigned to the heat exchanger as those in the outdoor unit. Figures 1 to 16 The components are the same as those shown in , and their description may not be repeated here.

[0432] Reference Figure 19 and Figure 20 The heat exchanger 200 included in the outdoor unit 10 of the air conditioner 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a first heat exchange unit 210 , a second heat exchange unit 220 , a third heat exchange unit 230 , and a fourth heat exchange unit 240 .

[0433] Figure 19 and Figure 20 The configuration of the first heat exchange unit 210, the second heat exchange unit 220 and the third heat exchange unit 230 shown corresponds to the configuration of the reference Figures 1 to 16 The configurations of the first heat exchange unit 210 , the second heat exchange unit 220 , and the third heat exchange unit 230 have been described above, and thus a detailed description thereof will not be repeated here.

[0434] The fourth heat exchange unit 240 may include a plurality of fourth refrigerant tubes 241. The plurality of fourth refrigerant tubes 241 may guide the flow of refrigerant for heat exchange with outdoor air. A flow path through which the refrigerant flows may be provided inside each of the plurality of fourth refrigerant tubes 241. Each of the plurality of fourth refrigerant tubes 241 may be provided in the shape of a hollow tube so that the refrigerant as a fluid can flow.

[0435] The plurality of fourth refrigerant tubes 241 may be arranged along a fourth column extending in the first direction Z. As an example, the first direction Z may be parallel to a vertical direction (up-down direction) of the outdoor unit 10 , and the fourth column may be a vertical column of the outdoor unit 10 .

[0436] Each of the plurality of fourth refrigerant tubes 241 may be formed as a refrigerant tube having a hairpin shape.

[0437] For example, each of the plurality of fourth refrigerant tubes 241 may include a fourth return pipe portion 241b provided on one side of each of the fourth refrigerant tubes 241. The fourth return pipe portion 241b may be formed to have a curved shape. The fourth return pipe portion 241b may be formed to have a substantially 'U' shape. As an example, refrigerant flowing in one direction along the linear portion of each of the plurality of fourth refrigerant tubes 241 may return from the fourth return pipe portion 241b and flow in the opposite direction. The fourth return pipe portion 241b may be provided at one end of the fourth heat exchange unit 240.

[0438] The plurality of first refrigerant tubes 211 , the plurality of second refrigerant tubes 221 , the plurality of third refrigerant tubes 231 , and the plurality of fourth refrigerant tubes 241 may form one refrigerant tube by being connected to one another by a connection tube 260 coupled to one end of the refrigerant tube.

[0439] The heat exchanger 200 may include a plurality of fourth heat exchange fins 242 coupled to the plurality of fourth refrigerant tubes 241. The plurality of fourth heat exchange fins 242 may be coupled to the outer circumferential surfaces of the plurality of fourth refrigerant tubes 241. The plurality of fourth heat exchange fins 242 may be penetrated by the plurality of fourth refrigerant tubes 241. The plurality of fourth heat exchange fins 242 may be in contact with the plurality of fourth refrigerant tubes 241. Therefore, the plurality of fourth heat exchange fins 242 may be provided to expand the heat transfer area between the plurality of fourth refrigerant tubes 241 and the outdoor air.

[0440] Each of the plurality of fourth heat exchanging fins 242 may extend in the first direction Z. For example, each of the plurality of fourth heat exchanging fins 242 may have a longer length in the first direction Z. The plurality of fourth heat exchanging fins 242 may be arranged in a horizontal direction (on the XY plane).

[0441] As an example, the fourth heat exchange portion 240 may extend along the first direction Z, which is the direction in which the plurality of fourth refrigerant tubes 241 are arranged. In addition, the fourth heat exchange unit 240 may extend along the direction in which the plurality of fourth heat exchange fins 242 are arranged. The width of the fourth refrigerant tubes 241 of the fourth heat exchange unit 240 in the radial direction may be provided to be shorter than the length of the fourth heat exchange unit 240 in the first direction Z and the length in the direction in which the plurality of fourth heat exchange fins 242 of the fourth heat exchange unit 240 are arranged.

[0442] The first heat exchange unit 210 , the second heat exchange unit 220 , the third heat exchange unit 230 , and the fourth heat exchange unit 240 may be arranged in a direction different from the first direction Z. As an example, the first heat exchange unit 210 , the second heat exchange unit 220 , the third heat exchange unit 230 , and the fourth heat exchange unit 240 may be arranged in a horizontal direction (on the XY plane).

[0443] As an example, the second heat exchange unit 220 may be disposed between the first heat exchange unit 210 and the third heat exchange unit 230, and the third heat exchange unit 230 may be disposed between the third heat exchange unit 230 and the fourth heat exchange unit 240. As an example, the first heat exchange unit 210, the second heat exchange unit 220, the third heat exchange unit 230, and the fourth heat exchange unit 240 may be arranged along a width direction of each of the heat exchange units 210, 220, 230, and 240.

[0444] The heat exchanger 200 may include a first holding body 300 supporting one side of the first heat exchange unit 210 . Figure 19 and Figure 20 The configuration of the first holding body 300 shown corresponds to that of the reference Figures 1 to 16 The configuration of the first holding body 300 has been described above, and thus a detailed description thereof will not be repeated here.

[0445] The heat exchanger 200 may include a second holding body 400 supporting one side of the second heat exchange unit 220 . Figure 19 and Figure 20 The configuration of the second holding body 400 shown corresponds to that of the reference Figures 1 to 16 The configuration of the second holding body 400 has been described above, and thus a detailed description thereof will not be repeated here.

[0446] The heat exchanger 200 may include a third holding body 500 supporting one side of the third heat exchange unit 230 . Figure 19 and Figure 20 The configuration of the third holding body 500 shown corresponds to that of the reference Figures 1 to 16 The configuration of the third holding body 500 has been described above, and thus a detailed description thereof will not be repeated here.

[0447] The heat exchanger 200 may include a fourth holding body 600. The fourth holding body 600 may be provided to support one side of the fourth heat exchange unit 240. As an example, the fourth holding body 600 may be provided to support one side of the first linear portion 200A.

[0448] The fourth retaining body 600 may be provided to support the plurality of fourth refrigerant tubes 241. The fourth retaining body 600 may be provided to contact one fourth heat exchanging fin 242a provided on one side among the plurality of fourth heat exchanging fins 242. The fourth retaining body 600 may be provided in parallel with the one fourth heat exchanging fin 242a provided on one side in the direction in which the plurality of fourth heat exchanging fins 242 are arranged.

[0449] As an example, the fourth holding body 600 may be coupled to the plurality of fourth refrigerant tubes 241. As an example, the fourth holding body 600 may be penetrated by the plurality of fourth refrigerant tubes 241.

[0450] As an example, the fourth holding body 600 may be provided to support one side of the fourth heat exchange unit 240 in which the fourth return pipe portion 241 b is provided.

[0451] The fourth holding body 600 may extend in a direction parallel to the first direction Z. The fourth holding body 600 may extend along a fourth column.

[0452] As an example, the fourth holding body 600 may be provided with a Figures 7 to 9 The first holding body 300 has the same structure as described above.

[0453] The fourth retaining body 600 may include a fourth support plate 610. The fourth support plate 610 may be provided to support the plurality of fourth refrigerant tubes 241. The fourth support plate 610 may be coupled to the plurality of fourth refrigerant tubes 241. The fourth support plate 610 may be penetrated by the plurality of fourth refrigerant tubes 241. The fourth support plate 610 may be provided to contact one fourth heat exchange fin 242a disposed on one side of the plurality of second heat exchange fins 242. The fourth support plate 610 may be disposed parallel to the one fourth heat exchange fin 242a disposed on one side in the direction in which the plurality of fourth heat exchange fins 242 are arranged.

[0454] As an example, the fourth support plate 610 may be formed to have a shape corresponding to the first support plate 310 .

[0455] The fourth holding body 600 may include a seventh extension 620. The seventh extension 620 may extend from the fourth support plate 610. The seventh extension 620 may extend from one side of the fourth support plate 610 along the second direction Y. For example, the seventh extension 620 may extend from one end of the fourth support plate 610 adjacent to the third holding body 500 in the second direction Y. The seventh extension 620 may extend from the fourth support plate 610 along the third direction X.

[0456] As an example, the seventh extension portion 620 may be formed to have a shape corresponding to the second extension portion 330 .

[0457] The fourth holding body 600 may include an eighth extension 630. The eighth extension 630 may extend from the fourth support plate 610. The eighth extension 630 may extend from the other side of the fourth support plate 610 opposite to the seventh extension 620 along the second direction Y. For example, the eighth extension 630 may extend from the other side of the fourth support plate 610 opposite to the end adjacent to the third holding body 500 in the second direction Y. The eighth extension 630 may extend from the fourth support plate 610 along the third direction X.

[0458] As an example, the eighth extension portion 630 may be formed to have a shape corresponding to the first extension portion 320 .

[0459] The eighth extension portion 630 may be disposed on one side of the seventh extension portion 620 along the second direction Y. For example, the eighth extension portion 630 may be disposed on a side of the seventh extension portion 620 opposite to the direction toward the third holding body 500. The seventh extension portion 620 may be disposed between the eighth extension portion 630 and the third holding body 500.

[0460] The fourth return pipe portions 241 b of the plurality of fourth refrigerant tubes 241 may be disposed between the seventh extension portion 620 and the eighth extension portion 630 .

[0461] The fourth holding body 600 may be disposed at one side of the third holding body 500 in the second direction Y. The third holding body 500 may be disposed between the second holding body 400 and the fourth holding body 600 .

[0462] As an example, the fourth holding body 600 among the first holding body 300, the second holding body 400, the third holding body 500, and the fourth holding body 600 may be disposed farthest from the first side frame 150. In other words, the fourth holding body 600 among the first holding body 300, the second holding body 400, the third holding body 500, and the fourth holding body 600 may be disposed at the innermost side of the heat exchange chamber R1.

[0463] In the heat exchanger 200 according to the embodiment, the plurality of third refrigerant tubes 231 and the plurality of fourth refrigerant tubes 241 may be arranged such that their positions in the first direction Z are different from each other. For example, assuming that N third refrigerant tubes 231 are arranged along the third column in the third heat exchange portion 230 and N fourth refrigerant tubes 241 are arranged along the fourth column in the fourth heat exchange portion 240 (N is an integer of 1 or greater), for any integer K between 1 and N, the fourth refrigerant tube 241 located at the Kth position from the fourth refrigerant tube 241 disposed at the top in the fourth column may be located closer to the upper side (+Z direction) in the first direction Z by a predetermined length than the third refrigerant tube 231 located at the Kth position from the third refrigerant tube 231 disposed at the top in the third column. As an example, in the position in the first direction Z, the fourth refrigerant tube 241 located at the Kth position from the fourth refrigerant tube 241 set at the top in the fourth column can be provided to basically correspond to the second refrigerant tube 221 located at the Kth position from the second refrigerant tube 221 set at the top in the second column.

[0464] In this case, the fourth holding body 600 may be disposed higher than the third holding body 500 by a predetermined length in the first direction Z. An upper end of the fourth holding body 600 in the first direction Z may be located above an upper end of the third holding body 500 in the first direction Z. A lower end of the fourth holding body 600 in the first direction Z may be located above a lower end of the third holding body 500 in the first direction Z.

[0465] As an example, the second holding body 400 and the fourth holding body 600 may be disposed such that positions thereof in the first direction Z correspond to each other.

[0466] As an example, as with the third retaining body 500, the fourth retaining body 600 may be installed in the fourth heat exchange unit 240 at a position opposite to the positions at which the first retaining body 300 and the second retaining body 400 are respectively installed in the first heat exchange unit 210 and the second heat exchange unit 220, along the first direction Z. That is, the fourth retaining body 600 may be installed in the fourth heat exchange unit 240 at a position corresponding to a rotation of the first retaining body 300 or the second retaining body 400 by 180 degrees around the third direction X axis.

[0467] The return pipe portions 211b, 221b, 231b of the plurality of refrigerant tubes 211, 221, 231 may be covered by the first extension portion 320 on one side along the second direction Y (-Y direction side based on the drawing) and may be covered by the eighth extension portion 630 on the other side (+Y direction side based on the drawing).

[0468] The first holding body 300 and the second holding body 400 may be in contact with and coupled to each other. For example, the second extension portion 330 of the first holding body 300 and the third extension portion 420 of the second holding body 400 may be in contact with and coupled to each other.

[0469] As an example, the first holding body 300 and the second holding body 400 may be fastened to each other by a first fastening member F1 penetrating the second extension portion 330 and the third extension portion 420 .

[0470] Figure 19 and Figure 20 The structure for fastening the first holding body 300 and the second holding body 400 shown corresponds to the structure of the reference Figures 7 to 16 The structure described in the previous section is omitted, so its detailed description will not be repeated here.

[0471] The second holding body 400 and the third holding body 500 may contact and couple with each other. For example, the fourth extension portion 430 of the second holding body 400 and the fifth extension portion 520 of the third holding body 500 may contact and couple with each other.

[0472] As an example, the second holding body 400 and the third holding body 500 may be fastened to each other by a second fastening member F2 penetrating the fourth extension 430 and the fifth extension 520 .

[0473] Figure 19 and Figure 20 The structure for fastening the second holding body 400 and the third holding body 500 shown corresponds to the structure of the reference Figures 7 to 16 The structure described in the previous section is omitted, so its detailed description will not be repeated here.

[0474] The sixth extension 530 of the third holding body 500 and the seventh extension 620 of the fourth holding body 600 may contact each other. When the sixth extension 530 and the seventh extension 620 are coupled in a contacting state, the third holding body 500 and the fourth holding body 600 may be coupled to each other.

[0475] As an example, the sixth extension portion 530 and the seventh extension portion 620 may contact each other in the second direction Y. That is, a normal direction of a surface where the sixth extension portion 530 and the seventh extension portion 620 contact each other may be parallel to the second direction Y.

[0476] As an example, the sixth extension portion 530 and the seventh extension portion 620 may be provided to be fastened by a third fastening member F3 The third fastening member F3 may fasten the sixth extension portion 530 and the seventh extension portion 620 by penetrating the sixth extension portion 530 and the seventh extension portion 620 .

[0477] As an example, the third fastening member F3 may also include a screw.

[0478] The sixth extension portion 530 and the seventh extension portion 620 may be arranged to contact each other in a direction in which the third fastening member F3 penetrates the sixth extension portion 530 and the seventh extension portion 620. As an example, the third fastening member F3 may be provided to penetrate the sixth extension portion 530 and the seventh extension portion 620 in the second direction Y, and the sixth extension portion 530 and the seventh extension portion 620 may be arranged to contact each other in the second direction Y. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and when the direction in which the third fastening member F3 penetrates the sixth extension portion 530 and the seventh extension portion 620 is a direction oblique to the second direction Y, the sixth extension portion 530 and the seventh extension portion 620 may be arranged to contact each other in a direction oblique to the second direction Y.

[0479] The sixth extending portion 530 may be referred to as a fifth coupling portion 530 . The seventh extending portion 620 may be referred to as a sixth coupling portion 620 .

[0480] The sixth extension portion 530 may include a third fastening hole 534 (see Figures 12 to 14 ). The third fastening hole 534 of the sixth extension portion 530 may have the same Figures 7 to 9 The first through hole 324 of the first holding body 300 is configured accordingly.

[0481] The sixth extension 530 may include a flange portion 534a formed along the circumference of the third fastening hole 534. The flange portion 534a formed on the circumference of the third fastening hole 534 of the sixth extension 530 may have the same Figures 7 to 9 The burring portion 324 a formed on the circumference of the first through hole 324 described above corresponds to the configuration.

[0482] The seventh extension 620 may include a third fastening hole (not shown) formed at a position corresponding to the third fastening hole 534 of the sixth extension 530. The third fastening hole of the seventh extension 620 may have the same shape as the reference Figures 7 to 9 The second through hole 334 of the first holding body 300 is configured accordingly.

[0483] The third fastening member F3 may be provided to penetrate the third fastening hole of the seventh extension portion 620 and the third fastening hole 534 of the sixth extension portion 530. Figure 20 For example, the third fastening member F3 may be provided to move from right (+Y direction side) to left (−Y direction side) in the second direction Y and sequentially penetrate the third fastening hole of the seventh extension 620 and the third fastening hole 534 of the sixth extension 530.

[0484] The eighth extension portion 630 may include a fourth holding body opening 633. The fourth holding body opening 633 may be formed by penetrating the eighth extension portion 630.

[0485] As an example, the fourth holding body opening 633 may be formed to have a shape through which the eighth extension 630 penetrates in a direction in which the third fastening member F3 penetrates the third fastening hole of the seventh extension 620 and the third fastening hole 534 of the sixth extension 530. As an example, the fourth holding body opening 633 may be formed to have a shape through which the eighth extension 630 penetrates in the second direction Y.

[0486] As an example, the fourth holding body opening 633 may be formed to correspond to the reference Figures 7 to 9 A first holding body opening 323 is depicted.

[0487] The third fastening hole of the seventh extension portion 620 may be provided at one side of the fourth holding body opening 633 in a direction in which the third fastening member F3 penetrates the third fastening hole of the seventh extension portion 620 .

[0488] As an example, the third fastening member F3 may be provided to penetrate the third fastening hole of the seventh extension 620 in the second direction Y, and the third fastening hole of the seventh extension 620 may be disposed along the second direction Y at one side of the fourth holding body opening 633 .

[0489] As an example, the third fastening hole of the seventh extending portion 620 may be provided such that its position in the first direction Z corresponds to at least a portion of the fourth holding body opening 633 .

[0490] The third fastening hole of the seventh extension portion 620 may be formed to have a smaller size than the fourth holding body opening 633 .

[0491] The third fastening hole 534 of the sixth extension portion 530 may be provided at one side of the fourth holding body opening 633 in a direction in which the third fastening member F3 penetrates the third fastening hole 534 of the sixth extension portion 530 .

[0492] As an example, the third fastening member F3 may be provided to penetrate the first fastening hole 424 of the third extension 420 in the second direction Y, and the first fastening hole 424 of the third extension 420 may be disposed at one side of the fourth holding body opening 633 along the second direction Y.

[0493] As an example, the third fastening hole 534 of the sixth extending portion 530 may be provided such that its position in the first direction Z corresponds to at least a portion of the fourth holding body opening 633 .

[0494] The third fastening hole 534 of the sixth extension portion 530 may be formed to have a smaller size than the fourth holding body opening 633 .

[0495] Since the eighth extending portion 630 includes the fourth holding body opening 633, during the process of fastening the third holding body 500 and the fourth holding body 600, entry of the third fastening member F3 and entry of a fastening tool (not shown) may not be blocked by the eighth extending portion 630. Therefore, the process of fastening the third holding body 500 and the fourth holding body 600 may be efficiently performed.

[0496] As such, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the four holders 300 , 400 , 500 , and 600 may be coupled to each other, and the four heat exchange units 210 , 220 , 230 , and 240 may be supported and stably fixed by the holders 300 , 400 , 500 , and 600 , respectively.

[0497] The configuration of the heat exchanger of the air conditioner according to the present disclosure may be applied to an indoor unit as well as an outdoor unit of the air conditioner.

[0498] An outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure may include: a plurality of first refrigerant tubes arranged along a first column extending in a first direction; a plurality of second refrigerant tubes arranged along a second column parallel to the first column; a first retaining body including a first support plate supporting the plurality of first refrigerant tubes, a first extension extending from one side of the first support plate, and a second extension extending from the other side of the first support plate; and a second retaining body including a second support plate supporting the plurality of second refrigerant tubes, a third extension extending from one side of the second support plate, and a fourth extension extending from the other side of the second support plate. The second extension may be disposed between the first extension and the second retaining body. The third extension may be disposed between the fourth extension and the first retaining body. The second and third extensions may contact and be coupled to each other.

[0499] The second extension portion may extend from one side of the first support plate in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction. The third extension portion may extend from one side of the second support plate in the second direction. A normal direction of a surface where the second extension portion and the third extension portion contact each other may be parallel to the second direction.

[0500] The second extension portion may include a fastening hole configured to allow the second extension portion to be fastened to the third extension portion via a fastener. The first extension portion may include a retaining body opening. The fastening hole may be provided on one side of the retaining body opening in a direction in which the fastener is configured to penetrate the fastening hole.

[0501] The fastening hole may be provided such that a position thereof in the first direction corresponds to at least a portion of the holding body opening.

[0502] The first extension portion may include a first end connected to the first support plate and a second end opposite to the first end. The holding body opening may extend in a direction from the second end of the first extension portion toward the first end.

[0503] The second extension portion may further include a first portion extending from the first support plate by a first length, and a second portion extending from the first support plate by a second length longer than the first length. At least a portion of the second portion of the second extension portion may be positioned such that its position in the first direction corresponds to the position of the retaining body opening. A fastening hole may be formed in the second portion of the second extension portion.

[0504] The first extension portion and the third extension portion may have shapes corresponding to each other.The second extension portion and the fourth extension portion may have shapes corresponding to each other.

[0505] The outdoor unit of the air conditioner may further include: a plurality of third refrigerant tubes arranged along a third column parallel to the first column and the second column; and a third retaining body configured to support the plurality of third refrigerant tubes. The second retaining body may be disposed between the first retaining body and the third retaining body.

[0506] The third retaining body may include a third support plate through which the plurality of third refrigerant tubes penetrate, a fifth extension extending from one side of the third support plate, and a sixth extension extending from the other side of the third support plate. The fifth extension may be disposed between the sixth extension and the second retaining body. The fourth extension and the fifth extension may contact and be coupled to each other.

[0507] The fourth extension portion may include a fastening hole configured to allow the fourth extension portion to be fastened to the fifth extension portion via a fastener. The second extension portion may include a retaining body opening. The fastening hole may be provided on one side of the retaining body opening in a direction in which the fastener is configured to penetrate the fastening hole.

[0508] The second extension may include a first fastening hole configured to allow the second extension to be fastened to the third extension via a first fastener. The fourth extension may include a second fastening hole configured to allow the fourth extension to be fastened to the fifth extension via a second fastener. The first extension may include a first retaining body opening. The second extension may include a second retaining body opening. The first fastening hole may be disposed on one side of the first retaining body opening in a direction in which the first fastener is configured to penetrate the first fastening hole. The second retaining body opening may be disposed on one side of the first retaining body opening 323 in a direction in which the second fastener is configured to penetrate the second fastening hole. The second fastening hole may be disposed on one side of the second retaining body opening in a configuration direction in which the second fastener is configured to penetrate the second fastening hole.

[0509] The second holding body opening and the first fastening hole may be arranged along the first direction.A length of the first holding body opening extending in the first direction may be provided to be longer than a length of the second holding body opening extending in the first direction.

[0510] A portion of the first retaining body opening and the first fastening hole may be arranged so that their positions in the first direction correspond to each other. Another portion of the first retaining body opening, the second retaining body opening, and the second fastening hole may be arranged so that their positions in the first direction correspond to each other.

[0511] The third extension may include a third holding body opening. At least a portion of the third holding body opening may be provided on one side of the second holding body opening in a direction in which the second fastener is configured to penetrate the second fastening hole.

[0512] The first extension portion, the third extension portion, and the sixth extension portion may have shapes corresponding to each other. The second extension portion, the fourth extension portion, and the fifth extension portion may have shapes corresponding to each other.

[0513] An outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure may include: a plurality of first refrigerant tubes arranged along a first column extending in a first direction; a plurality of first heat exchange fins, each extending in the first direction and penetrated by the plurality of first refrigerant tubes; a plurality of second refrigerant tubes arranged along a second column parallel to the first column, each extending in the first direction and penetrated by the plurality of second refrigerant tubes; a first retaining body arranged parallel to one of the first heat exchange fins disposed on one side in the direction in which the plurality of first heat exchange fins are arranged and supporting the plurality of first refrigerant tubes; and a second retaining body arranged parallel to one of the second heat exchange fins disposed on one side in the direction in which the plurality of second heat exchange fins are arranged and supporting the plurality of second refrigerant tubes. The first retaining body may include a first support plate contacting one of the first heat exchange fins, a first extension extending from one of the ends of the first support plate opposite to the end adjacent to the second retaining body in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction, and a second extension extending from one of the ends of the first support plate adjacent to the second retaining body in a second direction. The second retaining body may include a second support plate in contact with one of the second heat exchange fins, a third extension extending from one of the second support plate's ends in the second direction that is adjacent to the first retaining body, and a fourth extension extending from the other of the second support plate's ends in the second direction that is opposite to the end adjacent to the first retaining body. The second extension and the third extension may be fastened by a first fastener configured to penetrate the second extension and the third extension in the second direction.

[0514] The second extension portion may include a fastening hole configured to allow the second extension portion to be fastened to the third extension portion via the first fastener. The first extension portion may include a retaining body opening. The fastening hole may be provided on one side of the retaining body opening in a direction in which the first fastener is configured to penetrate the fastening hole.

[0515] The outdoor unit of the air conditioner may further include: a plurality of third refrigerant tubes arranged along a third row parallel to the first and second rows; a plurality of third heat exchange fins, each extending in the first direction and penetrated by the plurality of third refrigerant tubes; and a third retaining body arranged parallel to a third heat exchange fin positioned to one side in the direction in which the plurality of third heat exchange fins are arranged and configured to support the plurality of third refrigerant tubes. The third retaining body may include a third support plate contacting a third heat exchange fin, a fifth extension extending from one of the ends of the third support plate in the second direction adjacent to the second retaining body, and a sixth extension extending from one of the ends of the third support plate in the second direction opposite to the other end adjacent to the second retaining body. The fourth and fifth extensions may be fastened by a second fastener configured to penetrate the fourth and fifth extensions in the second direction.

[0516] The second extension may include a first fastening hole configured to allow the second extension to be fastened to the third extension via a first fastener. The fourth extension may include a second fastening hole configured to allow the fourth extension to be fastened to the fifth extension via a second fastener. The first extension may include a first retaining body opening. The second extension may include a second retaining body opening. The first fastening hole may be disposed on one side of the first retaining body opening along the second direction. The second retaining body opening may be disposed on one side of the first retaining body opening along the second direction. The second fastening hole may be disposed on one side of the second retaining body opening along the second direction.

[0517] A heat exchanger according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure may include: a first heat exchange unit including a plurality of first refrigerant tubes arranged along a first row extending in a first direction and a plurality of first heat exchange fins in contact with the plurality of first refrigerant tubes; a second heat exchange unit including a plurality of second refrigerant tubes arranged along a second row parallel to the first row and a plurality of second heat exchange fins in contact with the plurality of second refrigerant tubes; a first retaining body supporting one side of the first heat exchange unit; and a second retaining body supporting one side of the second heat exchange unit. The first retaining body may include a first support plate penetrated by the first refrigerant tubes, and a first coupling portion extending from one of the ends of the first support plate adjacent to the second retaining body in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction. The second retaining body may include a second support plate penetrated by the second refrigerant tubes, and a second coupling portion extending from one of the ends of the second support plate adjacent to the first retaining body in a second direction to contact and couple to the first coupling portion.

[0518] According to the present disclosure, the heat exchanger can be stably held at a fixed position by the holding body.

[0519] According to the present disclosure, a heat exchanger can be stably fixed using only a plurality of holding bodies and fastening members for coupling the holding bodies without requiring additional components, so that the number of components and manufacturing costs can be reduced.

[0520] According to the present disclosure, by fastening the plurality of holding bodies using the fastening member, the heat exchanger can be efficiently fixed, and the manufacturing time and manufacturing cost can be reduced.

[0521] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to easily fasten a retaining body by providing retaining body openings on some of the extending parts provided in a plurality of retaining bodies, thereby reducing manufacturing time and manufacturing costs.

[0522] According to the present disclosure, the types of a plurality of holding bodies for fixing a heat exchanger are unified, thereby reducing manufacturing time and manufacturing costs.

[0523] Effects obtainable from the present disclosure are not limited to the above-mentioned effects, and other effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description.

[0524] Although the present disclosure has been shown and described with reference to various exemplary embodiments, it should be understood that the various exemplary embodiments are intended to be illustrative rather than restrictive. Those skilled in the art will further understand that the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments and that various changes and modifications may be made without departing from the true spirit and full scope of the present disclosure, including the appended claims and their equivalents. It will also be understood that any embodiment described herein may be used in conjunction with any other embodiment described herein.

Claims

1. An outdoor unit of an air conditioner, comprising: a plurality of first refrigerant tubes arranged along a first column extending in a first direction; a plurality of second refrigerant tubes arranged along a second column parallel to the first column; a first holding body comprising a first support plate supporting the plurality of first refrigerant tubes, a first extending portion extending from one side of the first support plate, and a second extending portion extending from the other side of the first support plate; as well as a second holding body including a second support plate supporting the plurality of second refrigerant tubes, a third extending portion extending from one side of the second support plate, and a fourth extending portion extending from the other side of the second support plate, wherein the second extension portion is disposed between the first extension portion and the second holding body, The third extension portion is provided between the fourth extension portion and the first holding body, and The second extension portion and the third extension portion contact and are coupled to each other.

2. The outdoor unit according to claim 1, wherein The second extension portion extends from one side of the first support plate in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction. The third extension portion extends from one side of the second support plate in the second direction, and A normal direction of a surface of the second extension portion and the third extension portion in contact with each other is parallel to the second direction.

3. The outdoor unit according to claim 1, wherein The second extension portion includes a fastening hole configured to allow the second extension portion to be fastened to the third extension portion by a fastener, The first extension includes a retaining body opening, and The fastening hole is provided on one side of the opening of the holding body in a direction in which the fastener is configured to penetrate the fastening hole.

4. The outdoor unit according to claim 3, wherein: The fastening holes are provided such that positions of the fastening holes in the first direction correspond to at least a portion of the holding body opening.

5. The outdoor unit according to claim 3, wherein The first extension portion includes a first end connected to the first support plate and a second end opposite to the first end, and The retaining body opening extends in a direction from the second end toward the first end of the first extension portion. The outdoor unit according to claim 3 , wherein: The second extension portion further includes a first portion extending from the first support plate to a first length and a second portion extending from the first support plate to a second length longer than the first length. At least a portion of the second portion of the second extension is disposed so that a position of the second portion in the first direction corresponds to the holding body opening, and The fastening hole is formed in the second portion of the second extension.

7. The outdoor unit according to claim 1, wherein The first extension portion and the third extension portion have shapes corresponding to each other, and The second extension portion and the fourth extension portion have shapes corresponding to each other.

8. The outdoor unit according to claim 1, further comprising: a plurality of third refrigerant tubes arranged along a third column parallel to the first column and the second column; as well as a third holding body configured to support the plurality of third refrigerant tubes, The second holding body is arranged between the first holding body and the third holding body.

9. The outdoor unit according to claim 8, wherein The third holding body comprises: a third support plate penetrated by the plurality of third refrigerant tubes; a fifth extending portion extending from one side of the third support plate; and a sixth extending portion, extending from the other side of the third support plate, The fifth extension portion is provided between the sixth extension portion and the second holding body, and The fourth extension portion and the fifth extension portion contact and are coupled to each other.

10. The outdoor unit according to claim 9, wherein The fourth extension portion includes a fastening hole configured to allow the fourth extension portion to be fastened to the fifth extension portion by a fastener, The second extension includes a retaining body opening, and The fastening hole is provided on one side of the opening of the holding body in a direction in which the fastener is configured to penetrate the fastening hole.

11. The outdoor unit according to claim 9, wherein The second extension portion includes a first fastening hole configured to allow the second extension portion to be fastened to the third extension portion by a first fastener. The fourth extension portion includes a second fastening hole configured to allow the fourth extension portion to be fastened to the fifth extension portion by a second fastener. The first extension includes a first retaining body opening, The second extension includes a second retaining body opening, The first fastening hole is provided on one side of the opening of the first holding body in a direction in which the first fastener is configured to penetrate the first fastening hole. The second holding body opening is provided on one side of the first holding body opening in a direction in which the second fastener is configured to penetrate the second fastening hole, and The second fastening hole is provided at one side of the opening of the second holding body in a direction in which the second fastening member is configured to penetrate the second fastening hole.

12. The outdoor unit according to claim 11, wherein The second retaining body opening and the first fastening hole are arranged along the first direction, and A length of the first holding body opening extending along the first direction is longer than a length of the second holding body opening extending along the first direction.

13. The outdoor unit according to claim 11, wherein A portion of the first holding body opening and the first fastening hole are arranged so that positions of the portion of the first holding body opening and the first fastening hole correspond to each other in the first direction, and The other portion of the first holding body opening, the second holding body opening, and the second fastening hole are arranged so that their positions in the first direction correspond to each other.

14. The outdoor unit according to claim 11, wherein The third extension includes a third retaining body opening, and At least a portion of the third holding body opening is provided on one side of the second holding body opening in a direction in which the second fastening member is configured to penetrate the second fastening hole.

15. The outdoor unit according to claim 9, wherein The first extension portion, the third extension portion, and the sixth extension portion have shapes corresponding to each other, and The second extension portion, the fourth extension portion, and the fifth extension portion have shapes corresponding to each other.

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