Outdoor unit of air conditioner

Abstract

The present invention relates to an outdoor unit of an air conditioner, characterized by comprising: a cabinet forming an appearance; a heat exchanger provided inside the cabinet to perform heat exchange between a refrigerant and air; and a fan provided inside the cabinet to discharge air that has passed through the heat exchanger to the outside, the cabinet comprising: a bottom plate providing a space on which the heat exchanger is placed; and a side plate fixed to the bottom plate, the outdoor unit of the air conditioner further comprising at least one fixing bracket fixing the heat exchanger to the bottom plate or the side plate.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an outdoor unit of an air conditioner. Background Technology

[0002] An air conditioner is a device that provides a comfortable environment by regulating indoor air (such as temperature and humidity). It generally consists of an indoor unit and an outdoor unit.

[0003] The indoor unit draws in indoor air, regulates the temperature through heat exchange, and then discharges it back into the room. The outdoor unit, on the other hand, uses refrigerant circulation to release the heat absorbed indoors to the outside or to transfer heat from the outside to the inside.

[0004] Air conditioners primarily perform cooling and heating functions, and can operate in appropriate modes according to season or environmental conditions. In cooling mode, the heat is absorbed from the indoor air through the heat exchanger of the indoor unit and released to the outside through the heat exchanger of the outdoor unit. Conversely, in heating mode, the refrigerant flows in the reverse direction, absorbing heat from the outside air in the heat exchanger of the outdoor unit and transferring it to the inside through the heat exchanger of the indoor unit.

[0005] In particular, the key function of the outdoor unit of an air conditioner is to compress and circulate the refrigerant, expelling heat from the room to the outside or transferring heat from the outside to the room. In cooling mode, the refrigerant evaporates in the indoor unit while absorbing heat from the room. After being compressed to a high-temperature / high-pressure state in the outdoor unit, it releases heat and is converted back into a liquid state. Then, it passes through the expansion valve to become a low-temperature / low-pressure state and moves to the indoor unit, repeating this process. In heating mode, this process operates in reverse, supplying heat to the room.

[0006] Recently, improving the performance and energy efficiency of outdoor air conditioning units has become an important issue, as has miniaturization to save installation space. Especially with the shrinking living spaces in urban areas, where space for outdoor units is limited, a technology is needed to optimize the internal structure of existing outdoor units for more efficient component configuration. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0008] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide an outdoor unit of an air conditioner that can overcome the constraints of installation space through miniaturization while maintaining performance.

[0009] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide an outdoor unit of an air conditioner that can improve space utilization by optimizing the internal structure in accordance with the miniaturization of the outdoor unit.

[0010] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide an outdoor unit of an air conditioner that minimizes the structure for fixing the heat exchanger.

[0011] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide an outdoor unit of an air conditioner that can directly use the existing structure to fix the heat exchanger.

[0012] Methods for solving problems

[0013] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides an outdoor unit of an air conditioner, characterized in that it includes: a cabinet forming an exterior; a heat exchanger disposed inside the cabinet for performing heat exchange between refrigerant and air; and a fan disposed inside the cabinet for discharging air that has passed through the heat exchanger to the outside. The cabinet includes: a base plate providing space for mounting the heat exchanger; and a side plate fixed to the base plate. The outdoor unit of the air conditioner further includes at least one fixing bracket for fixing the heat exchanger to the base plate or the side plate.

[0014] Alternatively, the fixed bracket may be configured to be connected to one end of the heat exchanger, and the outdoor unit of the air conditioner of the present invention may also include a fixing part for fixing the fixed bracket to the base plate or the side plate.

[0015] Alternatively, the mounting bracket may be configured to surround one end of the heat exchanger.

[0016] The fixing bracket may include: a first bracket, which is connected to the upper part of one end of the heat exchanger to fix the heat exchanger to the side plate; and a second bracket, which is connected to the lower part of one end of the heat exchanger to fix the heat exchanger to the base plate.

[0017] Alternatively, the side plate may include a first bend at one end that is bent toward the heat exchanger, and the first bracket may be fixed to the first bend.

[0018] Alternatively, the base plate may include a second bend formed by bending one end toward the heat exchanger, and the second bracket may be fixed to the second bend.

[0019] The fixing part may include: a first fixing part that fixes the first bracket to the first bending part; and a second fixing part that fixes the second bracket to the second bending part.

[0020] Alternatively, the outdoor unit of the air conditioner of the present invention may also include a partition, which divides the internal space of the cabinet into a first space and a second space where the heat exchanger is located, and the other end of the heat exchanger is fixed to the partition.

[0021] Alternatively, the outdoor unit of the air conditioner of the present invention may further include at least one third bracket, which is coupled to the other end of the heat exchanger to fix the heat exchanger to the partition.

[0022] Alternatively, the third bracket may be configured to surround the other end of the heat exchanger, and the outdoor unit of the air conditioner of the present invention may also include a third fixing part for fixing the third bracket to the partition.

[0023] Furthermore, the present invention provides an outdoor unit of an air conditioner, characterized in that it includes: a cabinet forming an exterior; a heat exchanger disposed inside the cabinet for performing heat exchange between refrigerant and air; and a fan disposed inside the cabinet for exhausting air that has passed through the heat exchanger to the outside. The cabinet includes: a base plate providing space for mounting the heat exchanger; and side plates fixed to the base plate. At least one of the base plate and the side plates includes a mounting bracket for fixing the heat exchanger.

[0024] The fixing bracket may include: a first bracket that fixes the heat exchanger to the side plate; and a second bracket that fixes the heat exchanger to the base plate.

[0025] Alternatively, the first bracket may be configured to be connected to the upper part of one end of the heat exchanger, and the second bracket may be configured to be connected to the lower part of one end of the heat exchanger.

[0026] Alternatively, the first bracket may be configured to surround the upper part of one end of the heat exchanger, and the second bracket may be configured to surround the lower part of one end of the heat exchanger.

[0027] Alternatively, the outdoor unit of the air conditioner of the present invention may also include a partition, which divides the internal space of the cabinet into a first space and a second space where the heat exchanger is located, and the partition includes at least one third bracket connected to the other end of the heat exchanger.

[0028] Alternatively, the third support may be configured to surround the other end of the heat exchanger.

[0029] Invention Effects

[0030] This invention provides an outdoor unit for an air conditioner that can overcome space constraints through miniaturization while maintaining performance.

[0031] The present invention provides an outdoor unit of an air conditioner that can improve space utilization by optimizing the internal structure in accordance with the miniaturization of the outdoor unit.

[0032] The present invention provides an outdoor unit of an air conditioner that minimizes the structure for fixing the heat exchanger.

[0033] This invention provides an outdoor unit for an air conditioner that can directly utilize the existing structure to fix the heat exchanger. Attached Figure Description

[0034] Figure 1 An air conditioner according to the present invention is shown.

[0035] Figure 2 The outdoor unit of the air conditioner of the present invention is shown.

[0036] Figure 3 The internal structure of the outdoor unit of the air conditioner of the present invention is shown.

[0037] Figure 4 The fixed relationship between one end of the heat exchanger and the side plate is shown.

[0038] Figure 5 An example of the first support is shown.

[0039] Figure 6 Another example of the first support is shown.

[0040] Figure 7 The fixed relationship between one end of the heat exchanger and the base plate is shown.

[0041] Figure 8 An example of a second support is shown.

[0042] Figure 9 Another example of a second support is shown.

[0043] Figure 10 as well as Figure 11 The fixed relationship between the other end of the heat exchanger and the partition plate is shown.

[0044] Figure 12 An example of a third support is shown.

[0045] Figure 13 Another example of a third support is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0046] The structure of the apparatus or the control method described below are merely illustrative of embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Reference numerals used throughout the specification denote the same constituent elements.

[0047] Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, singular expressions include plural expressions. In this specification, terms such as “comprising,” “having,” or “possessing” are intended to specify the presence of features, numbers, steps, actions, constituent elements, components, or combinations thereof described in the specification, and therefore, unless specifically defined otherwise, do not preclude the presence or additional possibility of one or more other features or numbers, steps, actions, constituent elements, components, or combinations thereof.

[0048] Expressions such as “towards any direction,” “along any direction,” “side by side,” “vertically,” “centered on,” “based on,” “concentric,” or “coaxial” that indicate relative or absolute configuration not only refer to configuration in the strict sense, but also include states of relative displacement of angles or distances within tolerance or to achieve the same degree of functionality.

[0049] Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," and other ordinal terms used in this specification can be used to describe various constituent elements, but the constituent elements are not limited by these terms; the terms are only used to distinguish one constituent element from another. Therefore, a first constituent element can be referred to as a second constituent element, and similarly, a second constituent element can be referred to as a first constituent element.

[0050] Furthermore, the terms “front,” “rear,” “upper,” “lower,” “side surface,” “front end,” “rear end,” “upper end,” and “lower end” used in this specification are defined based on the accompanying drawings or on the arrangement / configuration of the structure or the structure. The shape and position of each structure are not limited by the terms used.

[0051] Furthermore, it should be noted that when describing the embodiments disclosed in this specification, if it is determined that a detailed description of relevant well-known technologies might obscure the spirit of the embodiments disclosed in this specification, then such detailed description will be omitted. Moreover, the accompanying drawings are only for the purpose of facilitating understanding of the embodiments disclosed in this specification and should not be construed as limiting the technical concepts disclosed in this specification to the drawings.

[0052] The embodiments disclosed herein will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0053] Figure 1 An air conditioner according to the present invention is shown, and the overall structure of the air conditioner is shown.

[0054] like Figure 1 As shown, the air conditioner 1000 of the present invention can be composed of an indoor unit 1 and an outdoor unit 2, and can perform various actions for harmonizing indoor air (for regulating the temperature, humidity, etc. of indoor air).

[0055] Air conditioner 1000 typically creates a desired indoor environment by performing cooling, heating, or dehumidification functions. For example, the cooling mode provides a comfortable environment by lowering the indoor air temperature, while the heating mode maintains a suitable indoor temperature even in cold seasons by raising the indoor air temperature. Furthermore, the dehumidification mode removes moisture from the indoor air, providing a comfortable indoor environment even during rainy seasons or in environments with high humidity.

[0056] The key to the 1000 air conditioner is the use of the heat exchange process of the refrigerant, which can be accomplished through the refrigerant circulation process between the indoor unit 1 and the outdoor unit 2.

[0057] When the air conditioner 1000 operates in cooling mode, the refrigerant vaporizes in the indoor heat exchanger (evaporator) inside the indoor unit 1 while absorbing heat from the surrounding air. During this process, the temperature of the indoor air decreases, and the cooled air can be evenly distributed throughout the indoor space by the indoor fan.

[0058] The refrigerant that absorbs heat becomes a gas and is transferred to the outdoor unit 2, where it is compressed into a high-temperature / high-pressure gas in the compressor 4 inside the outdoor unit 2.

[0059] The compressed refrigerant can condense in the outdoor heat exchanger 5 (condenser) while exchanging heat with the outside air. During this process, the heat absorbed indoors is released to the outside.

[0060] Subsequently, the refrigerant can pass through the pressure regulator (expansion valve) and become a low-temperature / low-pressure liquid state, and then be supplied back to the indoor unit 1, thus repeating the cooling process.

[0061] Conversely, in heating mode, the opposite principle can be applied, where heat is absorbed from the outside air in the outdoor unit 2 and supplied to the room in the indoor unit 1, causing the indoor temperature to rise.

[0062] Specifically, the indoor unit 1 may include an indoor heat exchanger (evaporator), which uses refrigerant supplied from the outdoor unit 2 to perform heat exchange with indoor air.

[0063] The indoor heat exchanger can perform the following functions: condensing or evaporating the refrigerant according to the operating mode of the air conditioner to regulate the temperature of the indoor air.

[0064] Furthermore, the indoor unit 1 may include an indoor fan that facilitates smooth heat exchange between the refrigerant and indoor air in the indoor heat exchanger. The indoor fan may be driven by a fan motor to forcefully draw in and expel indoor air to promote air circulation, thereby providing a uniform temperature distribution throughout the room.

[0065] On the other hand, the outdoor unit 2 works in conjunction with the indoor unit 1 to switch the state of the refrigerant. Generally, the outdoor unit 2 may include a compressor, an outdoor heat exchanger, a fan, etc., and performs the following functions: in cooling mode, it releases the heat absorbed in the indoor unit 1 to the outside; in heating mode, it absorbs external heat and supplies it to the room.

[0066] The following description is based on the case where the air conditioner 1000 of the present invention is configured as an air conditioner performing a cooling function. However, the present invention is not necessarily limited to performing a cooling function, and can also be applied to performing a heating or dehumidifying function.

[0067] Figure 2 The outdoor unit of the air conditioner of the present invention is shown.

[0068] like Figure 2 As shown, the outdoor unit 2 of the air conditioner of the present invention includes a cabinet 21, which has a certain strength in order to be used in the external environment and forms the appearance of the outdoor unit 2.

[0069] The cabinet 21 may be configured to include: a bottom plate 211 forming the lower surface of the outdoor unit 2; a front plate 212 fixed to the bottom plate 211 forming the front surface of the outdoor unit 2; a side plate 213 fixed to the bottom plate 211 forming the side surface of the outdoor unit 2; a rear plate 214 fixed to the bottom plate 211 forming the rear surface of the outdoor unit 2; and a top plate 215 forming the upper surface of the outdoor unit 2.

[0070] An air inlet 22 may be provided on the front panel 212 forming the front surface of the outdoor unit 2. The air inlet 22 is open, allowing the interior space of the outdoor unit 2 to communicate with the outside. Therefore, when the fan 3 (described later) is working, outside air can flow into the interior of the outdoor unit 2 through the air inlet 22.

[0071] Furthermore, an air intake grille 221 may be provided on the front panel 212, which protects the air intake 22 and prevents external foreign matter from entering. The air intake grille 221 may be configured as a grid structure including multiple openings, and may be configured at appropriate intervals and sizes to allow external air to flow in smoothly. Moreover, the air intake grille 221 may be configured to be separable from the air intake 22 for maintenance, etc.

[0072] Figure 3 The internal structure of the outdoor unit of the air conditioner of the present invention is shown.

[0073] like Figure 3 As shown, the outdoor unit 2 of the air conditioner of the present invention can be configured to include a heat exchanger 5 (condenser), a fan 3, and a compressor 4.

[0074] A compressor 4, which compresses and circulates refrigerant, can be installed inside the outdoor unit 2. The compressor 4 performs the following function: after compressing the refrigerant supplied from the indoor unit 1 to a high-temperature / high-pressure state, it transfers it to the heat exchanger 5. In this process, the compressor 4 compresses the refrigerant, making it a high-energy, high-temperature / high-pressure state, thereby efficiently utilizing the refrigerant's thermal energy. The refrigerant compressed by the compressor 4 can move to the heat exchanger 5.

[0075] Furthermore, a compressor mounting section 41 can be provided on the base plate 211, which provides space for mounting the compressor 4. The compressor mounting section 41 can prevent the compressor 4 from moving or being damaged inside the outdoor unit 2 due to vibration or external impact, and plays a role in dissipating the heat generated in the outdoor unit 2.

[0076] The heat exchanger 5 performs the following functions: it performs heat exchange between the refrigerant and the outside air, causing the refrigerant supplied from the indoor unit 1 to condense. When the refrigerant flows into the heat exchanger 5 under high temperature / high pressure, the heat exchanger 5 transfers the heat of the refrigerant to the outside air through heat exchange between the refrigerant and the outside air. As a result, the refrigerant loses heat and its temperature drops, becoming condensed, and can then be resupplyed to the indoor unit 1.

[0077] To improve the heat exchange efficiency of the heat exchanger 5, the heat exchanger 5 can be configured with a large surface area. A larger surface area maximizes the contact area between the refrigerant and the outside air, thereby performing heat exchange more efficiently. For example, by arranging multiple fins or heat exchange tubes of various shapes inside the heat exchanger, the contact between the outside air and the refrigerant is increased, thereby releasing the heat from the refrigerant more effectively, resulting in improved heat exchange efficiency of the heat exchanger 5.

[0078] The function of the fan 3 is to ensure smooth airflow through the heat exchanger 5 and to exhaust the air through the heat exchanger 5 to the outside of the outdoor unit 2. In other words, the fan 3 can maintain a constant airflow and expel the heat generated in the heat exchanger 5 to the outside.

[0079] The fan 3 is configured to rotate via a fan motor 31, and while rotating, it can regulate the airflow to expel heat. The fan motor 31 causes the fan 3 to rotate at a certain speed, thereby maintaining a constant airflow and expelling the heat absorbed in the heat exchanger 5 to the outside.

[0080] Furthermore, the fan 3 needs to be stably fixed inside the outdoor unit 2. If the fan 3 is not stably fixed, not only will the vibration generated during rotation reduce its performance, but in the long run, it will also reduce its durability and increase noise generated by the system. Therefore, the fan 3 should be configured to rotate stably at a fixed position within the outdoor unit 2.

[0081] Therefore, the fan motor 31 can be stably supported by the fan motor bracket 32 ​​so that the fan 3 can rotate in a fixed position. The fan motor bracket 32 ​​performs the function of fixing the fan motor 31 to the fan 3, and can fix the fan motor bracket 32 ​​to the cabinet 21 to minimize the vibration generated by the fan 3, thereby allowing the fan 3 to rotate smoothly.

[0082] On the other hand, a partition 23 can be provided inside the outdoor unit 2 to divide the internal space into two spaces: a first space 23a, which is equipped with electrical components such as the compressor 4 or control box assembly 7; and a second space 23b, which is equipped with the heat exchanger 5.

[0083] The partition 23 physically divides the internal space of the outdoor unit 2 into a first space 23a and a second space 23b, which helps optimize the functional characteristics of each space. For example, the first space 23a contains electrical components such as the compressor 4, and is therefore equivalent to the area for the circulation of refrigerant under high temperature and high pressure. Conversely, the second space 23b contains the heat exchanger 5 and the fan 3, and is therefore equivalent to the space where heat exchange between air and refrigerant is completed. Therefore, by dividing the two spaces, the partition 23 can minimize the mutual influence between the first space 23a, where high temperature / high pressure refrigerant flows, and the second space 23b, where relatively cold air flows.

[0084] Furthermore, the partition 23 can also prevent the heat exchanger 5 from becoming less efficient or from unnecessary heat transfer by blocking vibrations or heat that may be generated in the first space 23a from being transferred to the second space 23b.

[0085] On the other hand, traditionally, one end of the heat exchanger is bent into a 'U' shape to increase the heat exchange area between the refrigerant and the air and optimize airflow. This type of heat exchanger can ensure a larger heat exchange area within the same volume and improve heat dissipation performance by guiding the airflow inside the outdoor unit evenly.

[0086] However, recently there has been a demand not only for more efficient use of limited installation spaces such as building exteriors or terraces, but also for smaller outdoor units in the context of industry requirements such as reducing manufacturing costs and improving transportation efficiency.

[0087] Therefore, in order to meet the miniaturization requirements mentioned above, the shape of the internal components of the outdoor unit also needs to be changed.

[0088] For example, the heat exchanger can be changed from the existing U-shaped design to a simpler plate structure, which helps to reduce the overall size of the outdoor unit. When the heat exchanger is configured as a plate structure, it can ensure sufficient heat exchange area between the refrigerant and the air while minimizing its volume, thus making it suitable for the internal structure of a smaller outdoor unit. Furthermore, by configuring it as a plate shape, it is easier to manufacture and the structure is simplified, thereby reducing production costs and making more efficient use of installation space.

[0089] However, when the heat exchanger is changed to a plate structure, the way it is connected with the original frame or support structure must also be changed, which requires a new connection method.

[0090] Figure 4 The fixed relationship between one end of the heat exchanger and the side plate is shown.

[0091] like Figure 4As shown, the outdoor unit 2 of the air conditioner of the present invention can be configured such that it includes a first bracket 61 for fixing the heat exchanger 5 to the side plate 213.

[0092] The first bracket 61 may be configured to be coupled to the upper part of one end 51 of the heat exchanger to fix the heat exchanger 5 to the side plate 213.

[0093] Specifically, the first bracket 61 is configured such that one end surrounds and is connected to one end 51 of the heat exchanger, and the other end of the first bracket 61 is fixed to the side plate 213. As a result, the first bracket 61 fixes the heat exchanger 5 to the side plate 213 between the heat exchanger 5 and the side plate 213.

[0094] In this case, the outdoor unit 2 of the air conditioner of the present invention may further include a first fixing part 612 for fixing the first bracket 61 to the side plate 213, and the first bracket 61 and the side plate 213 are fixed by the first fixing part 612.

[0095] Figure 4 Although the first fixing part 612 is shown to be made of bolts and used to fix the first bracket 61 to the side plate 213, it is not necessarily limited to this. Other fixing methods are also possible as long as the first bracket 61 can be fixed to the side plate 213.

[0096] In particular, the first bracket 61 may be configured to surround the upper part of one end 51 of the heat exchanger, and may be used together with the second bracket 62 (described later) to fix the heat exchanger 51 to the side plate 213, the second bracket 62 being configured to surround the lower part of one end 51 of the heat exchanger.

[0097] In this case, the first bracket 61 and the second bracket 62 are preferably configured as follows: they are positioned symmetrically with respect to the midpoint in the height direction and surround one end of the heat exchanger 51, so that the heat exchanger 5 can bear equal support force from the side plate 213. However, this is not necessarily the case; other configurations are also possible as long as the heat exchanger 5 can be stably fixed to the side plate 213.

[0098] Figure 5 An example of the first support is shown.

[0099] like Figure 5 As shown, the side plate 213 may be configured such that one end of it is bent toward the heat exchanger 5 to form a first bent portion 611, and the first bracket 61 is fixed to the first bent portion 611.

[0100] When the first bracket 61 is fixed to the side plate 213, which is simply configured as a planar shape, the fixing force is relatively insufficient, which may cause the heat exchanger 5 to shift its position due to vibrations or external impacts during operation. Therefore, if the heat exchanger 5 is not securely fixed, the heat exchange efficiency may be reduced, and in the long run, the performance of the air conditioner itself may be adversely affected due to weakening or deformation of the fixing parts.

[0101] Therefore, the first bracket 61 is preferably configured as a first bend 611, which extends and bends from one end of the side plate 213 toward the heat exchanger 5. The bend in the side plate 213 provides relatively higher rigidity compared to a flat surface, making the structure more robust and enabling more efficient dispersion of vibrations generated from the heat exchanger 5 or loads from external sources.

[0102] Moreover, the first bending portion 611 not only improves the strength of the fixed part, but also increases the bonding force between the side plate 213 and the first bracket 61.

[0103] Figure 6 Another example of the first support is shown.

[0104] like Figure 6 As shown, the side plate 213 can be configured such that it includes a first bracket 61 for fixing the heat exchanger 5. In other words, the first bracket 61 can be configured to be disposed on the side plate 213 itself to fix the heat exchanger 5 to the side plate 213.

[0105] In this case, the first bracket 61 is integrally formed with the side plate 213, and for this purpose, at least a portion of the side plate 213 can be formed to protrude, thus serving the function of the first bracket 61.

[0106] As described above, the first bracket 61 with a protruding shape can be formed during the manufacturing process of the side plate 213 by stamping, bending, or riveting. For example, if the side plate 213 is made of metal, the metal plate can be stamped to make the first bracket 61 protrude and become integral with the side plate 213.

[0107] Furthermore, the first bracket 61 can be formed on the side plate 213 in various ways according to the process. For example, it can be constructed by bending the side plate 213 to form at least a portion of the side plate 213 into a bracket shape; or by welding the first bracket 61 to the side plate 213; or by forming the desired shape on the side plate 213 through a stamping or punching process and embedding the first bracket 61 therein.

[0108] Figure 7 The fixed relationship between one end of the heat exchanger and the base plate is shown.

[0109] like Figure 7 As shown, the outdoor unit 2 of the air conditioner of the present invention can be configured such that it includes a second bracket 62 for fixing the heat exchanger 5 to the base plate 211.

[0110] The second bracket 62 can be configured to be connected to the lower part of one end 51 of the heat exchanger to fix the heat exchanger 5 to the base plate 211.

[0111] Specifically, the second bracket 62 is configured such that one end surrounds and is connected to one end 51 of the heat exchanger, and the other end of the second bracket 62 is fixed to the base plate 211. As a result, the second bracket 62 fixes the heat exchanger 5 to the base plate 211 between the heat exchanger 5 and the base plate 211.

[0112] In this case, the outdoor unit 2 of the air conditioner of the present invention may further include a second fixing part 622 for fixing the second bracket 62 to the base plate 211, and the second bracket 62 and the base plate 211 are fixed by the second fixing part 622.

[0113] Figure 7 Although the second fixing part 622 is shown to be made of bolts and used to fix the second bracket 62 to the base plate 211, it is not necessarily limited to this. Other fixing methods are also possible as long as the second bracket 62 can be fixed to the base plate 211.

[0114] In particular, the second bracket 62 can be configured to surround the lower part of one end 51 of the heat exchanger, and can be used together with the first bracket 61 to fix the heat exchanger 5 to the side plate 213, wherein the first bracket 61 is configured to surround the upper part of one end 51 of the heat exchanger.

[0115] In this case, it is preferable that the first bracket 61 and the second bracket 62 are configured to be symmetrically positioned with reference to the midpoint in the height direction, and to surround one end of the heat exchanger 51, so that the heat exchanger 5 can bear equal support force from the side plate 213. However, it is not necessarily limited to this, and other configurations are also possible as long as the heat exchanger 5 can be stably fixed to the side plate 213.

[0116] Figure 8 An example of a second support is shown.

[0117] like Figure 8As shown, the base plate 211 may include a second bent portion 621 formed by bending one end toward the heat exchanger 5, and the second bracket 62 is fixed to the second bent portion 621.

[0118] When the second bracket 62 is fixed to the base plate 211, which is simply configured as a planar shape, the fixing force is relatively insufficient, which may cause the heat exchanger 5 to shift its position due to vibrations or external impacts during operation. Therefore, if the heat exchanger 5 is not firmly fixed, the heat exchange efficiency may be reduced, and in the long run, the performance of the air conditioner itself may be adversely affected due to weakening or deformation of the fixing parts.

[0119] Therefore, the second bracket 62 is preferably configured as a second bent portion 621, which extends and bends from one end of the base plate 211 toward the heat exchanger 5. The bent portion of the base plate 211 provides relatively higher rigidity compared to a flat surface, making the structure more robust and enabling more efficient dispersion of vibrations generated from the heat exchanger 5 or loads from external sources.

[0120] Moreover, the second bending portion 621 not only improves the strength of the fixed part, but also increases the bonding force between the base plate 211 and the second bracket 62.

[0121] Figure 9 Another example of a second support is shown.

[0122] like Figure 9 As shown, the base plate 211 can be configured to include the second bracket 62 for fixing the heat exchanger 5. In other words, the second bracket 62 can be configured to be disposed on the base plate 211 itself to fix the heat exchanger 5 to the base plate 211.

[0123] In this case, the second bracket 62 is integrally formed with the base plate 211, and can be configured such that at least a portion of the base plate 211 protrudes to serve as the second bracket 62.

[0124] The protruding second bracket 62 described above can be formed during the manufacturing process of the base plate 211 through stamping, bending, or riveting. For example, if the base plate 211 is made of metal, the metal plate can be stamped to make the second bracket 62 protrude and become integral with the base plate 211.

[0125] Furthermore, the second support 62 can be formed on the base plate 211 in various ways according to the process. For example, it can be constructed by bending the base plate 211 to form at least a portion of the base plate 211 into a support shape; or by welding the second support 62 additionally to the base plate 211; or by forming the base plate 211 into the desired shape through a stamping or punching process and embedding the second support 62 therein.

[0126] As a result, the upper and lower parts of one end 51 of the heat exchanger are fixed by the first bracket 61 and the second bracket 62 respectively, thereby enabling the heat exchanger 5 to be stably fixed to the side plate 213.

[0127] Figure 10 as well as Figure 11 The fixed relationship between the other end of the heat exchanger and the partition plate is shown.

[0128] like Figure 10 As shown, the outdoor unit 2 of the air conditioner of the present invention may be configured such that the partition 23 further includes a partition plate 23, which divides the internal space of the cabinet 21 into a first space 23a and a second space 23b in which the heat exchanger 5 is located, and the other end 52 of the heat exchanger is fixed to the partition plate 23.

[0129] Furthermore, the outdoor unit 2 of the air conditioner of the present invention may be configured to include at least one third bracket 63, which is combined with the other end 52 of the heat exchanger to fix the heat exchanger 5 to the partition 23.

[0130] The third support 63 can be configured such that one end surrounds and is connected to the other end 52 of the heat exchanger, and the other end of the third support 63 is fixed to the partition 23. As a result, the third support 63 fixes the heat exchanger 5 to the partition 23.

[0131] In this case, the outdoor unit 2 of the air conditioner of the present invention may further include a third fixing part 631 for fixing the third bracket 63 to the partition 23, wherein the third bracket 63 and the partition 23 are fixed by the third fixing part 631.

[0132] Specifically, the partition 23 may include: a first surface 231, one end of which is fixed to the front plate 212; a second surface 232, which extends from the other end of the first surface 231 and is bent; and a third surface 233, which extends from the second surface 232 and is fixed to the rear plate 214 (see reference). Figure 11 The third fixing part 631 fixes the third bracket 63 to the third surface 233.

[0133] The partition 23 is not simply a planar shape that divides the internal space of the cabinet 21, but is configured to include the first surface 231, the second surface 232 and the third surface 233, which can efficiently divide the internal space of the cabinet 21 and maximize the utilization of the internal space.

[0134] In particular, the second surface 232, which extends from the first surface 231 and bends, increases the rigidity of the partition 23, thereby maintaining the structural stability of the cabinet 21 under external impact or changes in internal pressure and efficiently separating the internal space of the cabinet 21.

[0135] Figure 12 An example of a third support is shown.

[0136] like Figure 12 As shown, the partition 23 can be configured such that: a first surface 231, one end of which is fixed to the front plate 212; a second surface 232, which extends from the other end of the first surface 231 and is bent; and a third surface 233, which extends from the second surface 232 and is fixed to the rear plate 214, and the third bracket 63 is fixed to the third surface 233.

[0137] In this configuration, the outdoor unit 2 of the air conditioner of the present invention may further include a third fixing part 631 for fixing the third bracket 63 to the partition 23, wherein the third bracket 63 and the partition 23 are fixed by the third fixing part 631. In other words, the third fixing part 631 may be configured to fix the third bracket 63 to the third surface 233.

[0138] Figure 12 Although the third fixing part 631 is shown to be made of bolts and used to fix the third bracket 63 to the partition 23, it is not necessarily limited to this. Other fixing methods are also possible as long as the third bracket 63 can be fixed to the partition 23.

[0139] Furthermore, the outdoor unit 2 of the air conditioner of the present invention may be configured to further include a support portion 632 for supporting the heat exchanger 5.

[0140] The support portion 632 can be configured to surround the other end 52 of the heat exchanger to prevent the heat exchanger 5 from falling off or moving during operation, and to suppress changes in the position of the heat exchanger 5 by providing stable support.

[0141] Figure 13 Another example of a third support is shown.

[0142] like Figure 13As shown, the partition 23 can be configured to include the third bracket 63 for fixing the heat exchanger 5. In other words, the third bracket 63 can be configured to be disposed on the partition 23 itself to fix the heat exchanger 5 to the partition 23.

[0143] In this case, the third support 63 is integral with the partition 23, and can be configured such that at least a portion of the partition 23 protrudes, thus serving the function of the third support 63.

[0144] The protruding third support 63 described above can be formed during the manufacturing process of the partition 23 by stamping, bending, or riveting. For example, if the partition 23 is made of metal, the metal sheet can be stamped to make the third support 63 protrude and become integral with the partition 23.

[0145] Furthermore, the third support 63 can be formed in the partition 23 in various ways according to the process. For example, the third support 63 can be constructed by bending the partition 23 to form at least a portion of the partition 23 into a support shape; or by welding the third support 63 additionally to the partition 23; or by forming the desired shape in the partition 23 through a stamping or punching process and embedding the third support 63 therein.

[0146] Furthermore, as described above, the outdoor unit 2 of the air conditioner of the present invention may be configured to further include a support portion 632 for supporting the heat exchanger 5.

[0147] The support portion 632 can be configured to surround the other end 52 of the heat exchanger to prevent the heat exchanger 5 from falling off or moving during operation, and to suppress changes in the position of the heat exchanger 5 by providing stable support.

[0148] This invention can be implemented in various forms, and its scope of claim is not limited to the above-described embodiments. Therefore, when modified embodiments include the constituent elements of the claims of this invention, they should be considered to fall within the scope of this invention.

Claims

1. An outdoor unit of an air conditioner, characterized in that, include: The cabinet, which forms its appearance; A heat exchanger, located inside the cabinet, performs heat exchange between the refrigerant and the air; as well as A fan, located inside the cabinet, exhausts the air that has passed through the heat exchanger to the outside. The cabinet includes: A base plate that provides space for mounting the heat exchanger; as well as Side plates, which are fixed to the base plate. The outdoor unit of the air conditioner also includes at least one fixing bracket for fixing the heat exchanger to the base plate or the side plate.

2. The outdoor unit of the air conditioner according to claim 1, characterized in that, The mounting bracket is configured to be connected to one end of the heat exchanger. The outdoor unit of the air conditioner also includes a fixing part for fixing the fixing bracket to the base plate or the side plate.

3. The outdoor unit of the air conditioner according to claim 2, characterized in that, The fixed bracket is configured to surround one end of the heat exchanger.

4. The outdoor unit of the air conditioner according to claim 3, characterized in that, The fixing bracket includes: A first bracket, which engages with the upper part of one end of the heat exchanger to secure the heat exchanger to the side plate; and The second bracket is attached to the lower part of one end of the heat exchanger to fix the heat exchanger to the base plate.

5. The outdoor unit of the air conditioner according to claim 4, characterized in that, The side plate includes a first bend formed by bending one end toward the heat exchanger. The first bracket is fixed to the first bend.

6. The outdoor unit of the air conditioner according to claim 5, characterized in that, The base plate includes a second bend formed by bending one end toward the heat exchanger. The second bracket is fixed to the second bend.

7. The outdoor unit of the air conditioner according to claim 6, characterized in that, The fixing part includes: A first fixing part, which fixes the first bracket to the first bent part; and The second fixing part fixes the second bracket to the second bending part.

8. The outdoor unit of the air conditioner according to claim 7, characterized in that, The outdoor unit of the air conditioner also includes a partition that divides the interior space of the cabinet into a first space and a second space where the heat exchanger is located. The other end of the heat exchanger is fixed to the partition plate.

9. The outdoor unit of the air conditioner according to claim 8, characterized in that, The outdoor unit of the air conditioner also includes at least one third bracket, which is connected to the other end of the heat exchanger to fix the heat exchanger to the partition.

10. The outdoor unit of the air conditioner according to claim 9, characterized in that, The third support is configured to surround the other end of the heat exchanger. The outdoor unit of the air conditioner also includes a third fixing part for fixing the third bracket to the partition.

11. An outdoor unit of an air conditioner, characterized in that, include: The cabinet, which forms its appearance; A heat exchanger, located inside the cabinet, performs heat exchange between the refrigerant and the air; as well as A fan, located inside the cabinet, exhausts the air that has passed through the heat exchanger to the outside. The cabinet includes: A base plate that provides space for mounting the heat exchanger; as well as Side plates, which are fixed to the base plate. At least one of the base plate and the side plate includes a mounting bracket for fixing the heat exchanger.

12. The outdoor unit of the air conditioner according to claim 11, characterized in that, The fixing bracket includes: A first bracket, which secures the heat exchanger to the side plate; and The second bracket secures the heat exchanger to the base plate.

13. The outdoor unit of the air conditioner according to claim 12, characterized in that, The first support is configured to be connected to the upper part of one end of the heat exchanger. The second bracket is configured to be attached to the lower part of one end of the heat exchanger.

14. The outdoor unit of the air conditioner according to claim 13, characterized in that, The first support is configured to surround the upper part of one end of the heat exchanger. The second support is configured to surround the lower part of one end of the heat exchanger.

15. The outdoor unit of the air conditioner according to claim 14, characterized in that, The outdoor unit of the air conditioner also includes a partition that divides the interior space of the cabinet into a first space and a second space where the heat exchanger is located. The partition includes at least one third support that is coupled to the other end of the heat exchanger.

16. The outdoor unit of the air conditioner according to claim 15, characterized in that, The third support is configured to surround the other end of the heat exchanger.

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