Outdoor unit of air conditioner

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to an outdoor unit of an air conditioner. The outdoor unit of the air conditioner includes a housing including a base, a refrigerant pipe provided such that a refrigerant flows therethrough, a water pipe provided such that water flows therethrough, a plate heat exchanger disposed inside the housing and configured to exchange heat between water flowing along the water pipe and the refrigerant flowing along the refrigerant pipe, an expansion tank disposed inside the housing to be connected to the water pipe and configured to regulate a pressure in the water pipe, a control box disposed inside the housing and configured to accommodate a printed circuit board, a first bracket configured to fix the plate heat exchanger to the base, a second bracket configured to fix the expansion tank to the base and be fastened to the first bracket, and a third bracket configured to support the control box and be fastened to an upper surface of the second bracket.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an outdoor unit of an air conditioner.[Background Art]

[0002] An air conditioner is an apparatus that controls temperature, humidity, air flow, and distribution suitable for human activities using a refrigeration cycle. The main components for executing the refrigeration cycle include a compressor, a condenser, an evaporator, a blower fan, and the like.

[0003] Air conditioners include an ATW (air to water) heat pump type that uses air as a heat source and provides heating, cooling, and hot water supply through water.

[0004] An ATW heat pump type air conditioner includes a fin tube heat exchanger that exchanges heat between air and refrigerant, and a plate heat exchanger that exchanges heat between refrigerant and water. The water that has exchanged heat in the plate heat exchanger may be supplied to the device such as a fan coil unit, radiator, and underfloor pipe for floor heating / cooling.[Disclosure][Technical Problem]

[0005] The present disclosure is directed to providing an outdoor unit of an air conditioner having an improved structure to stably fix components such as a plate heat exchanger, an expansion tank, and a control box.

[0006] The present disclosure is directed to providing an outdoor unit of an air conditioner having an improved structure to reduce vibrations generated when components such as a plate heat exchanger and an expansion tank operate and reinforce the rigidity of the components to prevent damage.

[0007] The present disclosure is directed to providing an outdoor unit of an air conditioner having an improved structure to easily install and disassemble components such as a plate heat exchanger and an expansion tank.

[0008] Technical tasks to be achieved in the present disclosure are not limited to the technical tasks mentioned above, and other technical tasks not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description below.[Technical Solution]

[0009] An outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include: a housing including a base; a refrigerant pipe provided such that a refrigerant flows therethrough; a water pipe provided such that water flows therethrough; a plate heat exchanger disposed inside the housing and configured to exchange heat between water flowing along the water pipe and the refrigerant flowing along the refrigerant pipe; an expansion tank disposed inside the housing, connected to the water pipe, and configured to regulate a pressure in the water pipe; a control box disposed inside the housing and configured to accommodate a printed circuit board; a first bracket configured to fix the plate heat exchanger to the base; a second bracket configured to fix the expansion tank to the base and be fastened to the first bracket; and a third bracket configured to support the control box and be fastened to an upper surface of the second bracket.

[0010] An outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include: a housing including a base; a refrigerant pipe provided such that a refrigerant flows therethrough; a water pipe provided such that water flows therethrough; a plate heat exchanger disposed inside the housing and configured to exchange heat between the refrigerant flowing along the refrigerant pipe and water flowing along the water pipe; an expansion tank disposed inside the housing, connected to the water pipe, and configured to regulate a pressure in the water pipe; a control box disposed above the expansion tank and configured to accommodate a printed circuit board; a first bracket coupled to the base and configured to support the plate heat exchanger; a second bracket coupled to the base and the first bracket and configured to support the expansion tank; and a third bracket configured to support a lower portion of the control box and be supported at a lower portion thereof by the second bracket.

[0011] An outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include: a base; a water pipe provided such that water flows therethrough; a plate heat exchanger disposed on the base and configured to heat or cool water flowing along the water pipe; an expansion tank disposed on the base and configured to regulate a pressure in the water pipe; a control box disposed above the expansion tank; a first bracket configured to fix the plate heat exchanger to the base; a second bracket configured to fix the expansion tank to the base; and a third bracket configured to support a lower portion of the control box. The first bracket may be detachably fastened to the base. The second bracket may be detachably fastened to the base. The first bracket and the second bracket may be detachably fastened to each other. The third bracket may be detachably fastened to an upper portion of the second bracket. The third bracket may extend vertically upward from the upper portion of the second bracket to the lower portion of the control box.[Description of Drawings]

[0012] FIG. 1 is a view illustrating an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a view illustrating an outdoor unit of the air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 3 is an exploded view illustrating the outdoor unit of the air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 4 is a view illustrating that some components of the outdoor unit of the air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure are viewed from the front. FIG. 5 is a view illustrating that some components of the outdoor unit of the air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure are viewed from the rear. FIG. 6 is a view illustrating a state in which a plate heat exchanger and an expansion tank of the outdoor unit of the air conditioner are fixed to a base according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of area A in FIG. 6. FIG. 8 is an enlarged view of area B in FIG. 6. FIG. 9 is a view illustrating a state in which the plate heat exchanger and the expansion tank of the outdoor unit of the air conditioner are fixed to the base according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 10 is an exploded view illustrating the plate heat exchanger, the expansion tank, a first bracket, a second bracket, a connection bracket, etc., of the outdoor unit of the air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 11 is a view illustrating the plate heat exchanger, the expansion tank, the first bracket, the second bracket, a third bracket, etc., of the outdoor unit of the air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 12 is a view illustrating a state in which the second bracket and the third bracket of the outdoor unit of the air conditioner are fastened according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 13 is a view illustrating a state in which the second bracket and the third bracket of the outdoor unit of the air conditioner are separated according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 14 is a view illustrating a partition, ducts, control boxes, the third bracket, etc., of the outdoor unit of the air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Mode of the Disclosure]

[0013] Various embodiments of the present disclosure and the terms used therein 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 embodiments.

[0014] In connection with the explanation of the drawings, like reference numbers may be used for like or related components.

[0015] 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.

[0016] In the present disclosure, each of 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 one of the phrases, or all possible combinations thereof.

[0017] The term "and / or" includes any combination of a plurality of related items or any one of a plurality of related items.

[0018] Terms such as "first," "second," "primary," and "secondary" may simply be used to distinguish a given component from other corresponding components, and do not limit the corresponding components in any other aspect (e.g., importance or order).

[0019] 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 terms "functionally" or "communicatively," this means that any component may be connected to the other component directly (e.g., by wire), wirelessly, or through a third component.

[0020] The terms "includes" and "has" are intended to indicate that there are features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in the present disclosure, and do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0021] When any component is referred to as being "connected," "coupled," "supported" or "in contact" with another component, this includes a case in which the components are indirectly connected, coupled, supported, or in contact with each other through a third component as well as directly connected, coupled, supported, or in contact with each other.

[0022] When any component is referred to as being positioned "on" or "above" another component, this includes not only a case in which any component is in contact with another component but also a case in which another component is present between the two components.

[0023] Air conditioners according to various embodiments, which are apparatuses that perform functions such as air purification, ventilation, humidity control, cooling, and heating in an air conditioning space (hereinafter referred to as "indoor space"), refer to apparatuses equipped with at least one of these functions.

[0024] 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, an expansion device, and a second heat exchanger. All components of the heat pump device may be built into a single housing forming an appearance of the air conditioner, and such an air conditioner corresponds to a window-type air conditioner or a mobile air conditioner. On the other hand, some components of the heat pump device may be divided and built into a plurality of housings forming a single air conditioner, and such an air conditioner corresponds to a wall-mounted air conditioner, a stand-type air conditioner, and a system air conditioner.

[0025] The air conditioner including the plurality of housings may include at least one outdoor unit installed outdoors and at least one indoor unit installed indoors. As an example, the air conditioner may be configured such that a single outdoor unit and a single indoor unit are connected through a refrigerant pipe. As an example, the air conditioner may be configured such that a single outdoor unit is connected to two or more indoor units through refrigerant pipes. As an example, the air conditioner may be configured such that two or more outdoor units and two or more indoor units are connected through a plurality of refrigerant pipes.

[0026] The outdoor unit may be electrically connected to the indoor unit. For example, information (or commands) for controlling the air conditioner may be input through an input interface provided on the outdoor or indoor unit, and the outdoor unit and indoor unit may be operated simultaneously or sequentially in response to user input.

[0027] The air conditioner may include an outdoor heat exchanger provided in the outdoor unit and an indoor heat exchanger provided in the indoor unit.

[0028] The indoor unit is installed indoors. As an example, the indoor units may be classified into a ceiling-type indoor unit, a stand-type indoor unit, a wall-mounted indoor unit, etc., depending on an arrangement method. As an example, the ceiling-type indoor units may be classified into a four-way indoor unit, a one-way indoor unit, a duct-type indoor unit, etc., depending on a method in which air is discharged.

[0029] The air conditioner performs a cooling or heating function through a phase change process of the refrigerant circulating along a first heat exchanger and a second heat exchanger, and thus may include a compressor to compress the refrigerant in order to circulate the refrigerant. The compressor may draw in refrigerant gas through a suction hole to compress the refrigerant gas. The compressor may discharge high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant gas through a discharge hole. The compressor may be disposed inside the outdoor unit.

[0030] The refrigerant may circulate sequentially along the compressor, first heat exchanger, expansion device, and second heat exchanger through the refrigerant pipe, or sequentially along the compressor, second heat exchanger, expansion device, and first heat exchanger through the refrigerant pipe.

[0031] In a case in which one outdoor unit is connected to a plurality of indoor units, each of the plurality of indoor units may be operated independently depending on an operation mode set by a user. That is, some of the plurality of indoor units may be operated in a cooling mode, while the others of the plurality of indoor units may be operated in a heating mode.

[0032] In a case in which a plurality of outdoor units and a plurality of indoor units is connected to each other, the plurality of outdoor units may be all driven or at least some of them may not be driven depending on an operating load according to an amount of operation of the plurality of indoor units. In this case, the air conditioner may be configured such that the refrigerant is introduced into and circulates along an outdoor unit that is selectively driven through a flow path switching valve.

[0033] The air conditioner may include an expansion device in order to lower a pressure of the refrigerant to be introduced into a heat exchanger.

[0034] The expansion device may lower a temperature and pressure of the refrigerant by, for example, using a throttling effect. The expansion device may include an orifice capable of reducing a cross-sectional area of a flow path. The temperature and pressure of the refrigerant passed through the orifice may be lowered.

[0035] As an example, the expansion device may be implemented as an electronic expansion valve capable of adjusting an opening ratio (ratio of a cross-sectional area of a flow path of a valve in a partially opened state to a cross-sectional area of the flow path of the valve in a fully opened state). Depending on the opening rate of the electronic expansion valve, an amount of refrigerant passing through the expansion device may be controlled.

[0036] The air conditioner may further include a flow path switching valve disposed on a refrigerant circulation flow path. The flow path switching valve may include, for example, a four-way valve. The flow path switching valve may determine a refrigerant circulation route depending on the operation mode of the indoor unit (for example, cooling operation or heating operation). The flow path switching valve may be connected to a discharge side of the compressor.

[0037] The air conditioner may include an accumulator. The accumulator may be connected to an intake side of the compressor. A low-temperature and low-pressure refrigerant evaporated in the first heat exchanger or the second heat exchanger may be introduced into the accumulator.

[0038] When the refrigerant, which is 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 from which the refrigerant liquid has been separated to the compressor.

[0039] An outdoor fan may be provided adjacent to the outdoor heat exchanger. The outdoor fan may blow outdoor air to the outdoor heat exchanger to promote heat exchange between the refrigerant and the outdoor air.

[0040] The outdoor unit of the air conditioner may include at least one sensor. As an 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. As an example, the outdoor unit sensors may include a temperature sensor for detecting an air temperature around the outdoor unit, a humidity sensor for detecting an air humidity around the outdoor unit, a refrigerant temperature sensor for detecting a refrigerant temperature of the refrigerant pipe passing through the outdoor unit, or a refrigerant pressure sensor for detecting a refrigerant pressure of the refrigerant pipe passing through the outdoor unit.

[0041] The outdoor unit of the air conditioner may include an outdoor unit communication device. The outdoor unit communication device may be provided to receive a control signal from a controller of the indoor unit of the air conditioner, which will be described later. The outdoor unit may control an operation of the compressor, the outdoor heat exchanger, the expansion device, the flow path switching valve, the accumulator, or the outdoor fan based on a control signal received through the outdoor unit communication device. The outdoor unit may transmit a sensing value detected from the outdoor unit sensor to the controller of the indoor unit through the outdoor unit communication device.

[0042] The indoor unit of the air conditioner may include a housing, a blower for circulating air to the inside or outside of the housing, and an indoor heat exchanger for exchanging heat with air introduced into the housing.

[0043] The housing may include an intake hole. Indoor air may be introduced into the inside of the housing through the intake hole.

[0044] The indoor unit of the air conditioner may include a filter provided to filter out foreign substances in air to be introduced into the housing through the intake hole.

[0045] The housing may include a discharge hole. Air flowing inside the housing may be discharged to the outside of the housing through the discharge hole.

[0046] An airflow guide may be provided in the housing of the indoor unit to guide a direction of air to be discharged through the discharge hole. As an example, the airflow guide may include a blade positioned on the discharge hole. As an example, the airflow guide may include an auxiliary fan for regulating a discharge airflow. The airflow guide is not limited thereto and may be omitted.

[0047] An indoor heat exchanger and a blower disposed on a flow path connecting the intake hole and the discharge hole may be provided inside the housing of the indoor unit.

[0048] The blower may include an indoor fan and a fan motor. As an example, the indoor fan may include an axial fan, a diagonal flow fan, a crossflow fan, or a centrifugal fan.

[0049] The indoor heat exchanger may be disposed between the blower and the discharge hole, or between the intake hole and the blower. The indoor heat exchanger may absorb heat from air introduced through the intake hole or transfer heat to air introduced through the intake hole.

[0050] The indoor unit of the air conditioner may include a drain tray disposed below the indoor heat exchanger to collect condensate generated from the indoor heat exchanger. The condensate collected in the drain tray may be drained to the outside through a drain hose. The drain tray may be provided to support the indoor heat exchanger.

[0051] The indoor unit of the air conditioner may include an input interface. The input interface may include any type of user input means, including a button, switch, touch screen, and / or touch pad. The user may directly input setting data (for example, desired indoor temperature, settings of operation modes for cooling / heating / dehumidification / air purification, settings of discharge hole selection, and / or settings of wind volume) through the input interface.

[0052] The input interface may be connected to an external input device. For example, the input interface may be electrically connected to a wired remote controller. The wired remote controller may be installed at a specific location in an indoor space (e.g., a portion of a wall). The user may input setting data related to operations of the air conditioner by manipulating the wired remote controller. An electrical signal corresponding to the setting data obtained through the wired remote controller may be transmitted to the input interface. Also, the input interface may include an infrared sensor. The user may remotely input the setting data related to the operations of the air conditioner using a wireless remote controller. The setting data input through the wireless remote controller may be transmitted to the input interface as an infrared signal.

[0053] Also, the input interface may include a microphone. A voice command of the user may be obtained through the microphone. The microphone may convert the voice command of the user into an electrical signal and transmit the converted electrical signal to the indoor unit controller. The indoor unit controller may control the components of the air conditioner in order to execute a function corresponding to the voice command of the user. The setting data (for example, desired indoor temperature, settings of the operation modes for cooling / heating / dehumidification / air purification, settings of discharge hole selection, and / or settings of wind volume) obtained through the input interface may be transmitted to the indoor unit controller, which will be described later. As an example, the setting data obtained through the input interface may be transmitted to the outside, that is, the outdoor unit or a server, through an indoor unit communication device, which will be described later.

[0054] The indoor unit of the air conditioner may include a power module. The power module may be connected to an external power source to supply power to components of the indoor unit.

[0055] The indoor unit of the air conditioner may include an indoor unit sensor. The indoor unit sensor may be an environmental sensor disposed in a space inside or outside the housing. As an example, the indoor unit sensor may include one or more temperature sensors and / or humidity sensors disposed in a predetermined space inside or outside the housing of the indoor unit. As an example, the indoor unit sensor may include a refrigerant temperature sensor for detecting a refrigerant temperature of the refrigerant pipe passing through the indoor unit. As an example, the indoor unit sensor may include each refrigerant temperature sensor for detecting an inlet, middle, and / or outlet temperature of the refrigerant pipe passing through the indoor heat exchanger.

[0056] As an example, each environmental information detected by the indoor unit sensor may be transmitted to the indoor unit controller, which will be described later, or may be transmitted to the outside through the indoor unit communication device, which will be described later.

[0057] The indoor unit of the air conditioner may include the indoor unit communication device. The indoor unit communication device may include at least one of a short-range wireless communication module and a long-range communication module. The indoor unit communication device may include at least one antenna for wireless communication with other devices. The outdoor unit may include the 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.

[0058] The short-range wireless communication module may include, but is not limited thereto, 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, microwave (U-wave) communication module, and the like.

[0059] The long-range wireless communication module may include a communication module performing various types of long-range communication and may include a mobile communication device. The mobile communication device 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.

[0060] The indoor unit communication device may communicate with external devices such as a server, a mobile device, and another home appliance through a nearby access point (AP). The access point (AP) may connect a local area network (LAN) to which the air conditioner or a user device is connected to a wide area network (WAN) to which the server is connected. The air conditioner or the user device may be connected to the server via the wide area network (WAN). The indoor unit of the air conditioner may include the indoor unit controller to control the components of the indoor unit, including the blower. The outdoor unit of the air conditioner may include the outdoor unit controller to control components of the outdoor unit, including the compressor. The indoor unit controller may communicate with the outdoor unit controller through the indoor unit communication device and the outdoor unit communication device. The outdoor unit communication device may transmit a control signal generated by the outdoor unit controller to the indoor unit communication device, or may transmit a control signal transmitted from the indoor unit communication device to the outdoor unit controller. That is, the outdoor unit and the indoor unit may perform two-way communication. The outdoor and indoor units may transmit and receive various signals generated while the air conditioner is operating.

[0061] The outdoor unit controller may be electrically connected to the components of the outdoor unit and control an operation of each of the components. For example, the outdoor unit controller may adjust a frequency of the compressor and control the flow path switching valve to change a circulation direction of the refrigerant. The outdoor unit controller may control a rotational speed of the outdoor fan. The outdoor unit controller may also generate a control signal to adjust an opening degree of the expansion valve. Under the control of the outdoor unit controller, the refrigerant may circulate along a refrigerant circulation circuit including the compressor, flow path switching valve, outdoor heat exchanger, expansion valve, and indoor heat exchanger.

[0062] Various temperature sensors included in the outdoor and indoor units may transmit electrical signals corresponding to the detected temperatures, respectively, to the outdoor unit controller and / or the indoor unit controller. For example, the humidity sensors included in the outdoor and indoor units may transmit electrical signals corresponding to the detected humidity, respectively, to the outdoor unit controller and / or the indoor unit controller.

[0063] The indoor unit controller may obtain user input from the user device, including the mobile device, through the indoor unit communication device, and may obtain user input directly through the input interface or through the remote controller. The indoor unit controller may control the components of the indoor unit, including the blower, in response to the received user input. The indoor unit controller may transmit information about the received user input to the outdoor unit controller of the outdoor unit.

[0064] The outdoor unit controller may control the components of the outdoor unit, including the compressor, based on the information about the user input received from the indoor unit. For example, when a control signal corresponding to user input for selecting an operation mode such as a cooling operation, heating operation, blowing operation, defrosting operation, or dehumidification operation is received from the indoor unit, the outdoor unit controller may control the components of the outdoor unit so that the operation of the air conditioner corresponding to the selected operation mode is performed.

[0065] Each of the outdoor unit controller and the indoor unit controller may include a processor and 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.

[0066] The memory may remember / store a variety of information necessary for the operations of the air conditioner. The memory may store instructions, applications, data and / or programs necessary for the operations of the air conditioner. For example, the memory may store various programs for a cooling operation, heating operation, dehumidification operation, and / or defrosting operation of the air conditioner. The memory may include a volatile memory such as a static random access memory (S-RAM) and a dynamic random access memory (D-RAM) for temporarily remembering data. Also, the memory may include a non-volatile memory such as a read only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read only memory (EPROM), and an electrically erasable programmable read only memory (EEPROM) for long-term storage of data.

[0067] The processor may generate control signals for controlling the operations of the air conditioner based on instructions, applications, data, and / or programs stored in the memory. The processor, which is hardware, may include logic circuits and arithmetic circuits. The processor may process data according to the programs and / or instructions provided from the memory and generate control signals depending on the processed results. The memory and processor may be implemented as one control circuit or as a plurality of circuits.

[0068] The indoor unit of the air conditioner may include an output interface. The output interface may be electrically connected to the indoor unit controller and may output information related to the operations of the air conditioner under the control of the indoor unit controller. For example, information such as an operation mode, wind direction, wind volume, and temperature selected by user input may be output. The output interface may also output sensing information and warning / error messages obtained from the indoor unit sensor or the outdoor unit sensor.

[0069] The output interface may include a display and a speaker. The speaker is an audio device that may output various sounds. The display may display information input by the user or information provided to the user as various graphic elements. For example, operation information of the air conditioner may be displayed as at least one of an image and text. The display may also include an indicator providing 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 a plurality of LEDs.

[0070] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0071] The terms "upward," "downward," "forward," "rearward," etc., used in the description below are defined based on the drawings, and the shape and position of each component are not limited by these terms. For example, referring to FIG. 2, a direction to which a first front cover 180 and a second front cover 190 direct in an outdoor unit 10 of an air conditioner 1 may be defined as a forward direction (+X direction), and a direction opposite thereto may be defined as a rearward direction (-X direction). Also, a vertical direction to which a top cover 171 directs in the outdoor unit 10 of the air conditioner 1 may be defined as an upward direction (+Z direction), and a direction opposite thereto may be defined as a downward direction (-Z direction). Also, a direction to which a first side frame 150 is positioned in the outdoor unit 10 of the air conditioner 1 may be defined as a left direction (-Y direction), and a direction opposite thereto may be defined as a right direction (+Y direction).

[0072] FIG. 1 is a view illustrating an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0073] Referring to FIG. 1, the air conditioner 1 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include the outdoor unit 10 disposed in an outdoor space, an indoor unit 20A disposed in an indoor space, and a connection pipe 30 connecting the outdoor unit 10 and the indoor unit 20A.

[0074] The air conditioner 1 may absorb heat in the indoor space through the indoor unit 20A and release heat in the outdoor space through the outdoor unit 10, in order to cool an air conditioning space, which is an object of air conditioning. In addition, the air conditioner 1 may absorb heat in the outdoor space through the outdoor unit 10 and release heat in the indoor space through the indoor unit 20A, in order to heat the indoor space.

[0075] The outdoor unit 10 may include a fin tube heat exchanger 11 (see FIG. 3) configured to exchange heat between outdoor air and a refrigerant, a compressor 12 (see FIG. 3) configured to compress refrigerant gas, and a plate heat exchanger (PHE) 50 (see FIG. 3) configured to exchange heat between the refrigerant and water.

[0076] The outdoor unit 10 may exchange heat between outdoor air and the refrigerant using the fin tube heat exchanger 11. The outdoor unit 10 may exchange heat between the refrigerant and water using a plate heat exchanger 50. When the air conditioner 1 performs a heating function, as the refrigerant absorbs heat from outdoor air in the fin tube heat exchanger 11 and transfers the absorbed heat to the water in the plate heat exchanger 50, water may be heated. When the air conditioner 1 performs a cooling function, as the refrigerant absorbs heat from water in the plate heat exchanger 50, the water may be cooled and the heat may be released to outdoor air in the fin tube heat exchanger 11. Water heated or cooled by this process may be delivered to the indoor unit 20A through the connection pipe 30.

[0077] A detailed description of a configuration of the outdoor unit 10 will be provided later.

[0078] The indoor unit 20A may receive heated or cooled water from the outdoor unit 10 through the connection pipe 30 and exchange heat with indoor air. The indoor unit 20A may include a coil through which water flows and an indoor blowing fan provided to draw in and blow indoor air so that the indoor air passes through the coil. The coil may be connected to the connection pipe 30 to receive heated or cooled water from the outdoor unit 10, and as air passes over the coil by the indoor blowing fan, heat may be exchanged between the water flowing through the coil and the air. When the air conditioner 1 performs the heating function, water heated in the outdoor unit 10 may be delivered to the coil of the indoor unit 20A through the connection pipe 30, and indoor air may be heated by absorbing heat from the water flowing along the coil. When the air conditioner 1 performs the cooling function, water cooled in the outdoor unit 10 may be delivered to the coil of the indoor unit 20A through the connection pipe 30, and indoor air may transfer heat to the water flowing along the coil and be cooled. The indoor unit 20A may be referred to as a fan coil unit.

[0079] Although FIG. 1 illustrates an example in which the one outdoor unit 10 and the one indoor unit 20A are connected by the connection pipe 30, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the one outdoor unit 10 and the two or more indoor units 20A may be connected by the connection pipe 30, or the two or more outdoor units 10 and the one indoor unit 20A may be connected by the connection pipe 30, or the two or more outdoor units 10 and the two or more indoor units 20A may be connected by the connection pipe 30.

[0080] In addition to the indoor unit 20A, water heated or cooled in the outdoor unit 10 may be supplied to the indoor space through various routes. For example, a radiator 20B connected to the connection pipe 30 and through which water flows may be disposed in the indoor space, and the air conditioner 1 may perform the heating or cooling function as water heated or cooled in the outdoor unit 10 is delivered to the radiator 20B through the connection pipe 30. Alternatively, for example, an under floor pipe 20C connected to the connection pipe 30 and through which water flows may be disposed on a floor of a building such as a home or office, and as water heated or cooled in the outdoor unit 10 is delivered to the under floor pipe 20C through the connection pipe 30, the air conditioner 1 may perform the heating or cooling function.

[0081] Although not shown in FIG. 1, a water tank may be provided between the outdoor unit 10, the indoor unit 20A, the radiator 20B, and the under floor pipe 20C to store water heated or cooled in the outdoor unit 10.

[0082] The air conditioner 1 described above is only an example of an air conditioner to which the outdoor unit of the air conditioner according to the present disclosure may be applied, and the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The configurations of an air conditioner to which the outdoor unit of the air conditioner according to the present disclosure may be applied and an indoor unit included therein, etc., may be variously provided.

[0083] Hereinafter, the outdoor unit 10 of the air conditioner 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be specifically described with reference to FIGS. 2 to 14.

[0084] FIG. 2 is a view illustrating an outdoor unit of the air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 3 is an exploded view illustrating the outdoor unit of the air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0085] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the outdoor unit 10 of the air conditioner 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include the fin tube heat exchanger 11 configured to exchange heat between the refrigerant and outdoor air, the compressor 12 configured to compress the refrigerant, an outdoor fan 13 configured to draw in and blow outdoor air so that the outdoor air passes through the fin tube heat exchanger 11, the plate heat exchanger 50 configured to exchange heat between the refrigerant and water, and a housing 100 configured to accommodate various components of the outdoor unit 10.

[0086] The housing 100 may form an exterior of the outdoor unit 10. Various components of the outdoor unit 10, such as the fin tube heat exchanger 11, the compressor 12, the outdoor fan 13, and the plate heat exchanger 50, may be accommodated inside the housing 100.

[0087] The outdoor unit 10 may include a heat exchange room R1 formed inside the housing 100. Outdoor air may be introduced into the heat exchange room R1, and the introduced air may be discharged back to the outside. In the heat exchange room R1, heat exchange may be performed between the fin tube heat exchanger 11 and air introduced from the outside. Components such as the fin tube heat exchanger 11 and the outdoor fan 13 may be disposed in the heat exchange room R1.

[0088] The housing 100 may include intake holes 131 and 151 formed to allow air to be drawn in and a discharge hole 111 formed to allow air to be discharged out. As the outdoor fan 13 rotates, air outside the housing 100 may be drawn into the heat exchange room R1 through the intake holes 131 and 151, exchange heat with the fin tube heat exchanger 11, and then be discharged to the outside of the heat exchange room R1 through the discharge hole 111.

[0089] The outdoor unit 10 may include a machine room R2 formed inside the housing 100. In the machine room R2, components such as the compressor 12, the plate heat exchanger 50, an expansion tank 60, and control boxes 91 and 92 may be disposed.

[0090] Inside the housing 100, the heat exchange room R1 and the machine room R2 may be partitioned from each other. The outdoor unit 10 may include a partition 16 provided to partition the heat exchange room R1 and the machine room R2. The partition 16 may be disposed between the heat exchange room R1 and the machine room R2. As an example, the heat exchange room R1 and the machine room R2 may be disposed in a left-right direction (Y direction) in the drawing, and the partition 16 may extend in a front-rear direction (X direction) and an up-down direction (Z direction) in the drawing to partition the heat exchange room R1 and the machine room R2.

[0091] The partition 16 may be coupled to the housing 100. As an example, the partition 16 may be coupled to a base 172, which will be described later. As an example, the partition 16 may be coupled to front frames 110 and 120, which will be described later. However, unlike this, the partition 16 may be formed integrally with some components of the housing 100.

[0092] As an example, the housing 100 may be formed to have a substantially box shape.

[0093] Hereinafter, an example of the structure of the housing 100 will be described in more detail.

[0094] The housing 100 may include the first front frame 110. The first front frame 110 may cover the front (+X direction) of the heat exchange room R1. The discharge hole 111 may be formed on the first front frame 110.

[0095] The housing 100 may include the second front frame 120. The second front frame 120 may cover the front (+X direction) of the machine room R2. As an example, the second front frame 120 may be formed in a substantially flat plate shape.

[0096] 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.

[0097] The housing 100 may include a first rear frame 130. The first rear frame 130 may form one part of a rear exterior of the outdoor unit 10. The first rear frame 130 may be disposed at the rear (-X direction) of the heat exchange room R1. The intake hole 131 may be formed on the first rear frame 130.

[0098] The first front frame 110 and the first rear frame 130 may be arranged to face each other.

[0099] The housing 100 may include a second rear frame 140. The second rear frame 140 may form the other part of the rear exterior of the outdoor unit 10. The second rear frame 140 may cover the rear (-X direction) of the machine room R2.

[0100] The second front frame 120 and the second rear frame 140 may be arranged to face each other.

[0101] The housing 100 may include the first side frame 150. The first side frame 150 may form one surface of the outdoor unit 10 in the left direction (-Y direction).

[0102] The first side frame 150 may cover the heat exchange room R1. The first side frame 150 may cover the heat exchange room R1 in the left direction (-Y direction). The intake hole 151 may be formed on the first side frame 150.

[0103] 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.

[0104] As an example, the first side frame 150 may be disposed to extend in the front-rear direction (X direction).

[0105] 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).

[0106] The second side frame 160 may cover the machine room R2. The second side frame 160 may cover the machine room R2 in the right direction (+Y direction).

[0107] 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.

[0108] As an example, the second side frame 160 may be disposed to extend in the front-rear direction (X direction).

[0109] The first side frame 150 and the second side frame 160 may be arranged to face each other.

[0110] The housing 100 may include the base 172. The base 172 may form a bottom surface of the outdoor unit 10. The base 172 may be disposed on lower sides (-Z direction) of the heat exchange room R1 and the machine room R2. The base 172 may support various components of the outdoor unit 10 accommodated inside the housing 100 from the lower sides. As an example, the base 172 may support components such as the fin tube heat exchanger 11, the compressor 12, the plate heat exchanger 50, the expansion tank 60, and the partition 16 from the lower side.

[0111] 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.

[0112] The base 172 may be formed to have a substantially flat plate shape.

[0113] The housing 100 may include the top cover 171. The top cover 171 may form an upper surface of the outdoor unit 10.

[0114] The top cover 171 may cover upper sides (+Z direction) of the heat exchange room R1 and the machine room R2. The top cover 171 may cover various components of the outdoor unit 10 accommodated inside the housing 100 from the upper sides.

[0115] 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.

[0116] The top cover 171 may be formed to have a substantially flat plate shape.

[0117] The top cover 171 and the base 172 may be disposed to face each other.

[0118] The housing 100 may include the first front cover 180. The first front cover 180 may cover the front (+X) of the first front frame 110. The first front cover 180 may cover the front (+X) of the discharge hole 111. The first front cover 180 may be coupled to the first front frame 110. The first front cover 180 may form one part of a front exterior of the outdoor unit 10.

[0119] The first front cover 180 may include a grill formed to cover the discharge hole 111 and allow air to be discharged from the discharge hole 111.

[0120] The housing 100 may include the second front cover 190. The second front cover 190 may cover the front (+X) of the second front frame 120. The second front cover 190 may be coupled to the second front frame 120. Additionally, the second front cover 190 may be coupled to the first front frame 110. The second front cover 190 may form the other part of the front exterior of the outdoor unit 10.

[0121] The first front cover 180 and the second front cover 190 may be arranged side by side in the left-right direction (Y direction). The first front cover 180 and the second front cover 190 may be coupled to each other.

[0122] Each of components included in the housing 100 may be provided to be detachable. As an example, the first front cover 180 may be provided to be detachable from the first front frame 110. As an example, the second front cover 190 may be provided to be detachable from the first front frame 110 and the second front frame 120. As an example, the second front frame 120 may be provided to be detachable from the first front frame 110, the second side frame 160, the top cover 171, the base 172, etc. As an example, the second side frame 160 may be provided to be detachable from the second front frame 120, the second rear frame 140, the top cover 171, the base 172, etc. As an example, the top cover 171 may be provided to be detachable from the first front frame 110, the second front frame 120, the second rear frame 140, the first side frame 150, the second side frame 160, etc.

[0123] Accordingly, when it is necessary to perform work such as inspecting, replacing, or repairing components within the outdoor unit 10, a worker may perform the work by separating at least one component of the housing 100.

[0124] The components of the housing 100 that may be included in the air conditioner according to the present disclosure are not limited to those described above, and some of the components of the housing 100 described above may be formed integrally with each other.

[0125] The outdoor unit 10 may include the outdoor fan 13 configured to flow air. When the outdoor fan 13 rotates, air outside the housing 100 may be drawn into the heat exchange room R1 through the intake holes 131 and 151 of the housing 100, exchange heat with the fin tube heat exchanger 11, and then be discharged through the discharge hole 111. The outdoor fan 13 may include a fan motor configured to generate a rotational force. The fan motor may be supported by a motor bracket fixed to the base 172. The outdoor fan 13, the fan motor, and the motor bracket supporting them may be disposed in the heat exchange room R1.

[0126] The outdoor unit 10 may include a refrigerant pipe 80 through which the refrigerant flows (see FIG. 4) and a water pipe 70 through which water flows. The refrigerant flowing along the refrigerant pipe 80 may exchange heat with air in the fin tube heat exchanger 11. The refrigerant flowing along the refrigerant pipe 80 and the water flowing along the water pipe 70 may exchange heat in the plate heat exchanger 50.

[0127] The water pipe 70 may be provided to allow water to be introduced from the outside of the housing 100 or to allow water to be discharged to outside of the housing 100. The water pipe 70 may be connected to the connection pipe 30 described above to deliver heated or cooled water to the indoor unit 20A and the like (see FIG. 1). The water pipe 70 may be disposed at least partially inside the housing 100. As an example, the water pipe 70 may be disposed at least partially inside the machine room R2.

[0128] The fin tube heat exchanger 11 of the outdoor unit 10 may be configured such that the refrigerant flows therein. The fin tube heat exchanger 11 may include one or more heat exchange tubes through which the refrigerant flows, and a plurality of plate-shaped fins in contact with the heat exchange tubes. Accordingly, the fin tube heat exchanger 11 may be configured to exchange heat between the refrigerant flowing along the refrigerant pipe 80 and air flowing by the fan 13.

[0129] The fin tube heat exchanger 11 of the outdoor unit 10 may perform heat exchange between the refrigerant and the outdoor air by utilizing a phase change of the refrigerant (e.g., evaporation or condensation). For example, the fin tube heat exchanger 11 may release heat from the refrigerant to the outside air by utilizing the condensation of the refrigerant. Additionally, the fin tube heat exchanger 11 may absorb heat from the outdoor air into the refrigerant by utilizing the evaporation of the refrigerant.

[0130] For example, during the cooling operation of the air conditioner 1, high-pressure and high-temperature refrigerant gas is condensed in the fin tube heat exchanger 11, and while the refrigerant gas is condensed, the refrigerant may release heat to the outdoor air. During the cooling operation of the air conditioner 1, the fin tube heat exchanger 11 may discharge refrigerant liquid. Additionally, during the heating operation of the air conditioner 1, low-temperature and low-pressure refrigerant liquid evaporates in the fin tube heat exchanger 11, and while the refrigerant liquid evaporates, the refrigerant may absorb heat from the outdoor air. During the heating operation of the air conditioner 1, the fin tube heat exchanger 11 may discharge refrigerant gas.

[0131] The fin tube heat exchanger 11 may be disposed in the heat exchange room R1 to face the intake holes 131 and 151.

[0132] The compressor 12 of the outdoor unit 10 may compress refrigerant gas and discharge 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 refrigerant gas by torque of the motor.

[0133] The plate heat exchanger 21 of the outdoor unit 10 may be configured to exchange heat between the refrigerant and water. In detail, the plate heat exchanger 50 may be configured to exchange heat between water flowing along the water pipe 70 and the refrigerant flowing along the refrigerant pipe 80.

[0134] The plate heat exchanger 50 may be connected to the water pipe 70. Additionally, the plate heat exchanger 50 may be connected to the refrigerant pipe 80. Water may be introduced into the inside of the plate heat exchanger 50 from the outside of the plate heat exchanger 50 through the water pipe 70, the refrigerant may be introduced into the inside of the plate heat exchanger 50 from the outside of the plate heat exchanger 50 through the refrigerant pipe 80, and water and the refrigerant flowing along the inside of the plate heat exchanger 50 may exchange heat with each other. After that, the water may be discharged to the outside of the plate heat exchanger 50 again through the water pipe 70, and the refrigerant may be discharged to the outside of the plate heat exchanger 50 through the refrigerant pipe 80.

[0135] The plate heat exchanger 50 may include a plurality of heat transfer plates and may be configured such that the refrigerant and water alternately flow between the plurality of heat transfer plates to exchange heat between the refrigerant and the water.

[0136] The plate heat exchanger 50 may be disposed inside the housing 100. As an example, the plate heat exchanger 50 may be disposed in the machine room R2. The plate heat exchanger 50 may be supported by the base 172. The plate heat exchanger 50 may be fixed to the base 172.

[0137] The outdoor unit 10 may include the expansion tank 60. The expansion tank 60 may be configured to regulate a pressure within the water pipe 70. The expansion tank 60 may be connected to the water pipe 70. The expansion tank 60 may be connected to the water pipe 70 through an expansion tank connection pipe 71.

[0138] In detail, a volume inside the water pipe 70 may change when a water temperature rises or falls due to a heat exchange operation in the plate heat exchanger 50, and thus the expansion tank 60 may be configured to prevent a pressure of water from suddenly rising or falling due to such a change in volume and to prevent water overflow or air inflow. The expansion tank 60 may be disposed inside the housing 100. As an example, the expansion tank 60 may be disposed in the machine room R2.

[0139] The expansion tank 60 may be disposed inside the housing 100. As an example, the expansion tank 60 may be disposed in the machine room R2. The expansion tank 60 may be supported by the base 172. The expansion tank 60 may be fixed to the base 172.

[0140] As such, the outdoor unit 10 according to an embodiment may form part of a heat pump heating and cooling system that supplies hot or cold water to indoor components by including the plate heat exchanger 50, the expansion tank 60, and the water pipe 70.

[0141] The outdoor unit 10 may include a plurality of printed circuit boards (PCBs) for controlling operations of various components of the outdoor unit 10. Various electronic components may be mounted on the plurality of printed circuit boards. The outdoor unit 10 may include one or more control boxes configured to accommodate such a plurality of printed circuit boards.

[0142] For example, the outdoor unit 10 may include the first control box 91. The first control box 91 may be disposed inside the housing 100. As an example, the first control box 91 may be disposed in the machine room R2. As an example, the first control box 91 may be disposed further upward (+Z direction) than the plate heat exchanger 50 and the expansion tank 60.

[0143] As illustrated in FIG. 3, as an example, the first control box 91 may be positioned on a right portion of the machine room R2 and may be covered by the second side frame 160.

[0144] For example, the outdoor unit 10 may include the second control box 92. The second control box 92 may be disposed inside the housing 100. As an example, the second control box 92 may be disposed in the machine room R2. As an example, the second control box 92 may be disposed further upward (+Z direction) than the plate heat exchanger 50 and the expansion tank 60.

[0145] As illustrated in FIG. 3, as an example, the second control box 92 may be positioned at a front portion of the machine room R2 and may be covered by the second front frame 120.

[0146] The outdoor unit 10 may include a duct 17. The duct 17 may be provided such that the inside of the first control box 91 is connected to the heat exchange room R1. Alternatively, the duct 17 may be provided such that the inside of the second control box 92 is connected to the heat exchange room R1. In detail, the partition 16 may include a partition opening 16a (see FIG. 14) formed to connect the heat exchange room R1 and the machine room R2, and the duct 17 may be connected to the partition opening 16a to connect the inside of the first control box 91 or the inside of the second control box 92 and the heat exchange room R1.

[0147] In detail, the duct 17 may include a first duct 17a coupled to the first control box 91 and the second control box 92, and a second duct 17b coupled to the first duct 17a and the partition opening 16a. The first duct 17a may connect the inside of the first control box 91 or the inside of the second control box 92 with the second duct 17b. The second duct 17b may connect the inside of the first duct 17a with the heat exchange room R1.

[0148] When the outdoor fan 13 is operated, air inside the machine room R2 may flow into the heat exchange room R1 through the duct 17 and the partition opening 16a by an intake force of the outdoor fan 13. Through this, for example, refrigerant gas leaked from a component inside the outdoor unit 10 and then flowed into the inside of the first control box 91 or the second control box 92 may be discharged to the heat exchange room R1 through the duct 17. Additionally, through this, heat generated, for example, inside the first control box 91 or the second control box 92 may be discharged to the heat exchange room R1 through the duct 17.

[0149] The configuration of the outdoor unit 10 described above is only an example of the outdoor unit of the air conditioner according to the present disclosure, and the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0150] FIG. 4 is a view illustrating that some components of the outdoor unit of the air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure are viewed from the front. FIG. 5 is a view illustrating that some components of the outdoor unit of the air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure are viewed from the rear.

[0151] Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, the outdoor unit 10 of the air conditioner 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a first bracket 200 configured to support the plate heat exchanger 50. The first bracket 200 may also be referred to by a term such as 'plate heat exchanger bracket 200'.

[0152] The first bracket 200 may be in contact with the plate heat exchanger 50. In detail, the first bracket 200 may be in contact with at least a portion of an outer surface of the plate heat exchanger 50. The first bracket 200 may support the plate heat exchanger 50 by covering at least a portion of the outer surface of the plate heat exchanger 50.

[0153] The first bracket 200 may be disposed inside the housing 100. The first bracket 200 may be disposed on the base 172. As an example, the first bracket 200 may be disposed in the machine room R2.

[0154] The first bracket 200 may be supported by the base 172. The first bracket 200 may be supported by the base 172 by being in contact with an inner surface of the base 172. Herein, the inner surface of the base 172 may include one surface of the base 172 facing the inside of the housing 100. That is, the inner surface of the base 172 may include an upper surface of the base 172.

[0155] As the first bracket 200 is supported by the base 172 and the plate heat exchanger 50 is supported by the first bracket 200, the plate heat exchanger 50 may be supported by the base 172.

[0156] The first bracket 200 may fix the plate heat exchanger 50 to the base 172. The first bracket 200 may be coupled to the base 172. The first bracket 200 may be coupled to the plate heat exchanger 50.

[0157] As an example, the first bracket 200 may include a material having high rigidity, such as a metal alloy.

[0158] A detailed description of the structure of the first bracket 200 will be provided later.

[0159] The outdoor unit 10 of the air conditioner 1 may include a second bracket 300 configured to support the expansion tank 60. The second bracket 300 may also be referred to by a term such as 'expansion tank bracket 300'.

[0160] The second bracket 300 may be in contact with the expansion tank 60. In detail, the second bracket 300 may be in contact with at least a portion of an outer surface of the expansion tank 60. The second bracket 300 may support the expansion tank 60 by covering at least a portion of the outer surface of the expansion tank 60.

[0161] The second bracket 300 may be disposed inside the housing 100. The second bracket 300 may be disposed on the base 172. As an example, the second bracket 300 may be disposed in the machine room R2.

[0162] The second bracket 300 may be supported by the base 172. The second bracket 300 may be supported by the base 172 by being in contact with the inner surface of the base 172.

[0163] As the second bracket 300 is supported by the base 172 and the expansion tank 60 is supported by the second bracket 300, the expansion tank 60 may be supported by the base 172.

[0164] The second bracket 300 may fix the expansion tank 60 to the base 172. The second bracket 300 may be coupled to the base 172. The second bracket 300 may be coupled to the expansion tank 60.

[0165] As an example, the second bracket 300 may include a material having high rigidity, such as a metal alloy.

[0166] A detailed description of the structure of the second bracket 300 will be provided later.

[0167] The outdoor unit 10 of the air conditioner 1 may include a third bracket 400 configured to support one or more control boxes. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 4, the third bracket 400 may support the first control box 91. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 4, the third bracket 400 may support the second control box 92. The third bracket 400 may also be referred to by a term such as 'control box bracket 400'.

[0168] The third bracket 400 may support a lower portion of the first control box 91. The third bracket 400 may be in contact with the lower portion of the first control box 91. In detail, the third bracket 400 may include a first seating portion 411 on which the first control box 91 is seated. As an example, the first seating portion 411 may extend substantially in a horizontal direction Y. As an example, the first seating portion 411 may extend substantially in the front-rear direction X. The third bracket 400 may be coupled to the lower portion of the first control box 91.

[0169] The third bracket 400 may support a lower portion of the second control box 92. The third bracket 400 may be in contact with the lower portion of the second control box 92. In detail, the third bracket 400 may include a second seating portion 412 on which the second control box 92 is seated. As an example, the second seating portion 412 may extend substantially in the horizontal direction Y. As an example, the second seating portion 412 may extend substantially in the front-rear direction X. The third bracket 400 may be coupled to the lower portion of the second control box 92.

[0170] The third bracket 400 may be supported by the second bracket 300. The third bracket 400 may be supported by the second bracket 300 by being in contact with the second bracket 300. Accordingly, the first control box 91 and the second control box 92 may be supported by the second bracket 300. The third bracket 400 may be coupled to the second bracket 300.

[0171] Additionally, the third bracket 400 may be supported by the partition 16. In detail, the third bracket 400 may be supported by the partition 16 by being coupled to the duct 17, in particular the second duct 17b, which is coupled to the partition 16. Accordingly, the first control box 91 and the second control box 92 may be supported by the partition 16. The third bracket 400 may be coupled to the second duct 17b.

[0172] As the second bracket 300 and the partition 16 are each supported by the base 172, the third bracket 400 may be supported by the base 172, and the first control box 91 and the second control box 92 may be supported by the base 172.

[0173] As an example, the third bracket 400 may include a material having high rigidity, such as a metal alloy.

[0174] A detailed description of the structure of the third bracket 400 will be provided later.

[0175] By these configurations, the components disposed in the machine room R2 of the outdoor unit 10 may be supported by the base 172. On the other hand, vibration may occur in the plate heat exchanger 50 as the refrigerant and water are introduced into, flow through, and discharged from the plate heat exchanger 50, respectively. Additionally, water may be introduced into or discharged from the expansion tank 60 in order to regulate the pressure within the water pipe 70, vibration may occur in the expansion tank 60. As such, when vibration occurs in the plate heat exchanger 50 or the expansion tank 60, there is a risk that each component of the outdoor unit 10 may be damaged or deviated from a fixed position thereof, and noise due to the vibration may be generated. In particular, the expansion tank connection pipe 71 connecting the expansion tank 60 and the water pipe 70 may have a relatively thin thickness as illustrated in FIG. 5, which may increase the risk of damage due to vibration. Therefore, a structure is required to more efficiently fix the plate heat exchanger 50 and the expansion tank 60 so as to reduce vibrations that may occur when the plate heat exchanger 50 and the expansion tank 60 operate and to reinforce the rigidity of parts.

[0176] FIG. 6 is a view illustrating a state in which a plate heat exchanger and an expansion tank of the outdoor unit of the air conditioner are fixed to a base according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of area A in FIG. 6. FIG. 8 is an enlarged view of area B in FIG. 6. FIG. 9 is a view illustrating a state in which the plate heat exchanger and the expansion tank of the outdoor unit of the air conditioner are fixed to the base according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 10 is an exploded view illustrating the plate heat exchanger, the expansion tank, a first bracket, a second bracket, a connection bracket, etc., of the outdoor unit of the air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0177] Referring to FIGS. 6 to 10, the first bracket 200 of the outdoor unit 10 of the air conditioner 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may support the plate heat exchanger 50 by fixing the plate heat exchanger 50 to the base 172. The second bracket 300 of the outdoor unit 10 may support the expansion tank 60 by fixing the expansion tank 60 to the base 172. The first bracket 200 and the second bracket 300 may be fixed to each other to more efficiently support the plate heat exchanger 50 and the expansion tank 60.

[0178] The first bracket 200 may be in contact with the outer surface of the plate heat exchanger 50. The first bracket 200 may be in contact with one surface of the plate heat exchanger 50 facing an inner surface of the housing 100 in the horizontal direction (e.g., X direction or Y direction).

[0179] As an example, the first bracket 200 may be in contact with a front surface of the plate heat exchanger 50. The first bracket 200 may include a front surface cover part 210 in contact with the front surface of the plate heat exchanger 50. The front surface cover part 210 may support the plate heat exchanger 50 from the front (+X direction).

[0180] As an example, the first bracket 200 may be in contact with one surface of the plate heat exchanger 50 in a lateral direction. In detail, the first bracket 200 may be in contact with the other surface opposite to one surface of the plate heat exchanger 50 facing the expansion tank 60. As illustrated in FIGS. 6 to 10, when the plate heat exchanger 50 is disposed in the left direction of the expansion tank 60 (-Y direction), the first bracket 200 may be in contact with a left surface of the plate heat exchanger 50. The first bracket 200 may include a side surface cover part 220 in contact with a side surface of the plate heat exchanger 50. The side surface cover part 220 may support the plate heat exchanger 50 from a side (e.g., -Y direction which is the left direction). The side surface cover part 220 may support the plate heat exchanger 50 on a side opposite to the expansion tank 60. As the side surface cover part 220 of the first bracket 200 and the expansion tank 60 support the plate heat exchanger 50 on the left and right sides, respectively, the plate heat exchanger 50 may be effectively prevented from moving in the left-right direction.

[0181] As an example, the front surface cover part 210 and the side surface cover part 220 may be formed integrally.

[0182] The first bracket 200 may be coupled to at least one surface of the plate heat exchanger 50. In detail, the first bracket 200 may be fastened to at least one surface of the plate heat exchanger 50 in contact with the first bracket 200. For example, the front surface cover part 210 of the first bracket 200 may be coupled to the front surface of the plate heat exchanger 50.

[0183] The first bracket 200 may be fastened to the plate heat exchanger 50 by a fastening member F. For example, the fastening member F may include a screw, a bolt, a nut, etc. As the first bracket 200 is fastened to the plate heat exchanger 50 by the fastening member F, the first bracket 200 and the plate heat exchanger 50 may be more firmly fixed, and the first bracket 200 may support the plate heat exchanger 50 more efficiently.

[0184] However, the first bracket 200 is not limited thereto and may be coupled to the plate heat exchanger 50 in various ways. Additionally, unlike what is shown, the side surface cover part 220 of the first bracket 200 may be coupled to one surface of the plate heat exchanger 50 in the lateral direction.

[0185] The first bracket 200 may include a first support part 240 supported by the base 172. The first support part 240 may be in contact with the base 172. The first support part 240 may be provided at a lower portion of the first bracket 200.

[0186] The first bracket 200 may be detachably fastened to the base 172. The first support part 240 may include a first base fastening part 241 fastened to the base 172. The first base fastening part 241 may be detachably fastened to the base 172 by the fastening member F. For example, the fastening member F may include a screw, a bolt, a nut, etc. As the first base fastening part 241 is fastened to the base 172 by the fastening member F, the first bracket 200 may be fixed to the base 172, and may more firmly fix the plate heat exchanger 50 to the base 172.

[0187] As an example, the first base fastening part 241 may be provided at a front portion of the first bracket 200. The first base fastening part 241 may be positioned at the front (+X direction) from the plate heat exchanger 50. The first base fastening part 241 may extend to the front (+X direction) from a lower end of the front surface cover part 210. The first base fastening part 241 may be formed integrally with the front surface cover part 210. However, the position of the first base fastening part 241 is not limited thereto, and the first base fastening part 241 may be provided at various positions of the first bracket 200.

[0188] The first support part 240 may be provided in plurality. The plurality of first support parts 240 may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other at the lower portion of the first bracket 200. For example, some parts of the plurality of first support parts 240 may extend from a lower portion of the front surface cover part 210, and the other parts may extend from a lower portion of the side surface cover part 220. In this case, as an example, some parts of the plurality of first support parts 240 may be fastened to the base 172 by the fastening member F, such as the first base fastening part 241, but as illustrated in FIG. 9, the other parts of the plurality of first support parts 240 may be in contact with the base 172 without being coupled to the base 172.

[0189] The second bracket 300 of the outdoor unit 10 may be in contact with the outer surface of the expansion tank 60. For example, the second bracket 300 may be in contact with an upper surface of the expansion tank 60. For example, the second bracket 300 may be in contact with a lower surface of the expansion tank 60. For example, the second bracket 300 may be in contact with a front surface of the expansion tank 60. For example, the second bracket 300 may be in contact with a rear surface of the expansion tank 60. Alternatively, unlike what is shown in the drawing, the second bracket 300 may be in contact with a left surface or a right surface of the expansion tank 60. As such, the second bracket 300 may support the expansion tank 60 in each of the vertical direction Z and the front-rear direction X.

[0190] In detail, the second bracket 300 may include an upper surface cover bracket 310 covering the upper surface of the expansion tank 60 and a lower surface cover bracket 320 covering the lower surface of the expansion tank 60. As an example, the upper surface cover bracket 310 may cover not only the upper surface of the expansion tank 60 but also the front surface thereof. Additionally, as an example, the lower surface cover bracket 320 may cover not only the lower surface of the expansion tank 60 but also the rear surface thereof.

[0191] Unlike this, the upper surface cover bracket 310 may cover the upper and rear surfaces of the expansion tank 60, and the lower surface cover bracket 320 may cover the lower and front surfaces of the expansion tank 60. Alternatively, the upper surface cover bracket 310 may cover only the upper surface of the expansion tank 60, or the lower surface cover bracket 320 may cover only the lower surface of the expansion tank 60.

[0192] The upper surface cover bracket 310 and the lower surface cover bracket 320 may be coupled to each other. In detail, the upper surface cover bracket 310 and the lower surface cover bracket 320 may be fastened to each other by the fastening member F. For example, the fastening member F may include a screw, a bolt, a nut, etc. Accordingly, a process of coupling the second bracket 300 to the expansion tank 60 so that the second bracket 300 is in contact with each of the front surface, rear surface, upper surface, and lower surface of the expansion tank 60 may be easily performed. However, unlike this, the upper surface cover bracket 310 and the lower surface cover bracket 320 may be formed integrally with each other.

[0193] The second bracket 300 may be coupled to the expansion tank 60. The second bracket 300 may be coupled to at least one surface of the expansion tank 60 in contact with the second bracket 300. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 10, the second bracket 300 may be coupled to each of the upper surface, lower surface, front surface, and rear surface of the expansion tank 60.

[0194] For example, the second bracket 300 may include a coupling groove 300a formed by being concavely recessed on an inner side of the second bracket 300 in contact with the expansion tank 60, and the expansion tank 60 may include a rib 60a inserted into the coupling groove 300a. When the rib 60a is inserted into the coupling groove 300a, the expansion tank 60 and the second bracket 300 may be coupled.

[0195] The rib 60a may be formed in a shape of protruding from the outer surface of the expansion tank 60. For example, the rib 60a may be formed on the upper surface, lower surface, front surface, and rear surface of the expansion tank 60, and the coupling groove 300a may be formed at a position corresponding to the rib 60a. The rib 60a may be formed along an edge of the expansion tank 60. The coupling groove 300a may be formed on an inner surface of the upper surface cover bracket 310 in contact with the expansion tank 60 and on an inner surface of the lower surface cover bracket 320 in contact with the expansion tank 60.

[0196] By this configuration, the expansion tank 60 and the second bracket 300 may be firmly fixed to each other, and the second bracket 300 may support the expansion tank 60 more efficiently. In particular, the second bracket 300 may stably support the expansion tank 60 to prevent the expansion tank 60 from moving in the front-rear direction X, the left-right direction Y, and the vertical direction Z.

[0197] However, unlike this, the second bracket 300 and the expansion tank 60 may be fastened to each other by a fastening member such as a screw, a bolt, a nut, etc., or by various other methods.

[0198] The second bracket 300 may include a second support part 340 supported by the base 172. The second support part 340 may be in contact with the base 172. The second support part 340 may be provided at a lower portion of the second bracket 300. That is, the second support part 340 may be provided at a lower portion of the lower surface cover bracket 320.

[0199] The second bracket 300 may be detachably fastened to the base 172. The second support part 340 may include a second base fastening part 341 fastened to the base 172. The second base fastening part 341 may be detachably fastened to the base 172 by the fastening member F. For example, the fastening member F may include a screw, a bolt, a nut, etc. As the second base fastening part 341 is fastened to the base 172 by the fastening member F, the second bracket 300 may be fixed to the base 172, and may more firmly fix the plate heat exchanger 50 to the base 172.

[0200] As an example, the second base fastening part 341 may be positioned in the lateral direction Y from the expansion tank 60. In detail, as illustrated in FIG. 8, the second base fastening part 341 may be positioned in the right direction (+Y direction) from the expansion tank 60. However, the second base fastening part 341 is not limited thereto and may be provided at various positions of the second bracket 300.

[0201] As an example, the second base fastening part 341 may be fastened to an edge portion 172a of the base 172. The edge portion 172a of the base 172 may be provided along an edge of the base 172. As an example, the edge portion 172a of the base 172 may extend substantially in the vertical direction Z. The second base fastening part 341 may include a first portion 341a facing the edge portion 172a of the base 172. The first part 341a of the second base fastening part 341 may extend in a vertical direction (e.g., downward (-Z direction)) from the lower surface cover bracket 320 to face the edge portion 172a of the base 172. The second base fastening part 341 may be fastened to the base 172 by the fastening member F penetrating the first part 341a and the edge portion 172a of the base 172.

[0202] The second base fastening part 341 may further include a second portion 341b extending from an end of the first portion 341a. In detail, the second portion 341b of the second base fastening part 341 may extend substantially in the horizontal direction Y from a lower end of the first portion 341a. The second portion 341b of the second base fastening part 341 may be in contact with the base 172 substantially in the vertical direction Z. Accordingly, the second base fastening part 341 may be more stably supported by the base 172.

[0203] The second support part 340 may be provided in plurality. The plurality of second support parts 340 may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other at the lower portion of the second bracket 300. The plurality of second support parts 340 may be arranged to face each other. For example, some parts of the plurality of second support parts 340 may extend to the right side (+Y direction) from the lower portion of the second bracket 300, and the other parts may extend to the left side (-Y direction) from the lower portion of the second bracket 300. As an example, some parts of the plurality of second support parts 340 may be fastened to the base 172 by the fastening member F, such as the second base fastening part 341, but as illustrated in FIG. 9, the other parts of the plurality of second support parts 340 may be in contact with the base 172 without being coupled to the base 172.

[0204] The plate heat exchanger 50 and the expansion tank 60 may have a structure of supporting each other so that they may be more stably fixed with respect to the base 172.

[0205] In detail, the plate heat exchanger 50 and the expansion tank 60 may be in contact with each other. For example, the plate heat exchanger 50 and the expansion tank 60 may be in contact with each other in the horizontal direction Y. In this case, a surface of the plate heat exchanger 50 in contact with the expansion tank 60 may be an opposite surface to a surface of the plate heat exchanger 50 in contact with the first bracket 200. As illustrated in the drawing, the plate heat exchanger 50 may be disposed on the left side (-Y direction side) of the expansion tank 60, but unlike this, the plate heat exchanger 50 may also be disposed on the right side (+ Y direction side) of the expansion tank 60. Alternatively, unlike what is shown in the drawing, the plate heat exchanger 50 and the expansion tank 60 may be arranged in the front-rear direction X.

[0206] Additionally, the first bracket 200 and the second bracket 300 may be coupled to each other. In detail, the first bracket 200 and the second bracket 300 may be fastened to each other by the fastening member F. The first bracket 200 and the second bracket 300 may be detachably coupled to each other by the fastening member F. For example, the fastening member F may include a screw, a bolt, a nut, etc. As the first bracket 200 and the second bracket 300 are coupled to each other, the plate heat exchanger 50 and the expansion tank 60 may be supported more efficiently on the base 172.

[0207] In detail, the first bracket 200 may include a second bracket fastening part 230 provided to be fastened with the second bracket 300. The first bracket 200 may be fastened with the second bracket 300 by a fastening member F penetrating the second bracket fastening part 230 and the second bracket 300.

[0208] The second bracket fastening part 230 of the first bracket 200 may be in contact with at least one side of the second bracket 300. As an example, the second bracket fastening part 230 of the first bracket 200 may be in contact with a front surface of the second bracket 300. As an example, the second bracket fastening part 230 of the first bracket 200 may extend from the front surface cover part 210. In detail, the second bracket fastening part 230 of the first bracket 200 may extend in the lateral direction Y from the front surface cover part 210. In this case, the first bracket 200 and the second bracket 300 may be fastened to each other by the fastening member F penetrating the first bracket 200 and the second bracket 300 in the front-rear direction X. However, the position at which the second bracket fastening part 230 is provided in the first bracket 200 is not limited thereto, and the second bracket fastening part 230 of the first bracket 200 may be provided in various positions of being in contactable with the second bracket 300.

[0209] The coupling structure between the first bracket 200 and the second bracket 300 is not limited to that described above, and the first bracket 200 and the second bracket 300 may be coupled to each other by various structures.

[0210] When the first base fastening part 241 of the first bracket 200, which is a part fastened to the base 172, is positioned in a first direction from the plate heat exchanger 50, the second base fastening part 341 of the second bracket 300, which is a part fastened to the base 172, may be positioned in a second direction different from the first direction from the expansion tank 60. In this case, because the first bracket 200 and the second bracket 300 are coupled to each other, the plate heat exchanger 50 and the expansion tank 60 may be more firmly fixed with respect to the base 172. As an example, the first direction and the second direction may be different directions. As illustrated in FIGS. 6 to 10, the first direction may be the front direction (+X direction) and the second direction may be the right direction (+Y direction), but is not limited thereto.

[0211] The outdoor unit 10 may include a connection bracket 500 configured to support the plate heat exchanger 50 and the expansion tank 60. In detail, as illustrated in FIG. 9, the connection bracket 500 may connect the plate heat exchanger 50 and the second bracket 300.

[0212] The connection bracket 500 may include a plate heat exchanger coupling part 510 provided to be coupled to the plate heat exchanger 50. The plate heat exchanger coupling part 510 may be in contact with at least a portion of the outer surface of the plate heat exchanger 50. For example, the plate heat exchanger coupling part 510 may be detachably fastened to the plate heat exchanger 50 by the fastening member F. For example, the fastening member F may include a screw, a bolt, a nut, etc.

[0213] The plate heat exchanger coupling part 510 may support the plate heat exchanger 50. For example, the plate heat exchanger coupling part 510 may support the plate heat exchanger 50 in a direction different from a direction in which the plate heat exchanger 50 and the expansion tank 60 are arranged to each other. As illustrated in FIG. 9, the plate heat exchanger 50 and the expansion tank 60 may be arranged parallel to each other in the left-right direction Y, and in this case, the plate heat exchanger coupling part 510 may cover a rear surface of the plate heat exchanger 50. That is, the plate heat exchanger coupling part 510 may be coupled to the rear surface of the plate heat exchanger 50.

[0214] The connection bracket 500 may be fastened to the other surface of the plate heat exchanger 50 opposite to one surface of the plate heat exchanger 50 to which the first bracket 200 is fastened. In other words, the plate heat exchanger coupling part 510 may be disposed to face the front surface cover part 210 of the first bracket 200. In detail, the front surface cover part 210 of the first bracket 200 may support the plate heat exchanger 50 from the front (+X direction), and the plate heat exchanger coupling part 510 may support the plate heat exchanger 50 from the rear (-X direction). Accordingly, the plate heat exchanger 50 may be stably supported in the front-rear direction X.

[0215] The connection bracket 500 may include a second bracket coupling part 530 provided to be coupled to the second bracket 300. The second bracket coupling part 530 may be in contact with at least a portion of the second bracket 300. For example, the second bracket coupling part 530 may be detachably fastened to the second bracket 300 by the fastening member F. For example, the fastening member F may include a screw, a bolt, a nut, etc.

[0216] The second bracket coupling part 530 may support the plate heat exchanger 50. For example, the second bracket coupling part 530 may support the plate heat exchanger 50 in a direction different from the direction in which the plate heat exchanger 50 and the expansion tank 60 are arranged to each other. As illustrated in FIG. 9, the plate heat exchanger 50 and the expansion tank 60 may be arranged parallel to each other in the left-right direction Y, and in this case, the second bracket coupling part 530 may cover a rear surface of the second bracket 300. That is, the second bracket coupling part 530 may be coupled to the rear surface of the second bracket 300.

[0217] The connection bracket 500 may be fastened to the other side of the second bracket 300 opposite to one side of the second bracket 300 to which the first bracket 200 is fastened. In other words, the second bracket coupling part 530 of the connection bracket 500 may be disposed to face the second bracket fastening part 230 of the first bracket 200. In detail, the second bracket fastening part 230 of the first bracket 200 may support the second bracket 300 from the front (+X direction), and the second bracket coupling part 530 of the connection bracket 500 may support the second bracket 300 from the rear (-X direction). Accordingly, the expansion tank 60 and the second bracket 300 may be stably supported in the front-rear direction X.

[0218] The connection bracket 500 may include a connection part 520 provided to connect the plate heat exchanger coupling part 510 and the second bracket coupling part 530. For example, the plate heat exchanger coupling part 510, the connection part 520, and the second bracket coupling part 530 may be formed integrally.

[0219] The connection bracket 500 may not be coupled to the base 172. Furthermore, the connection bracket 500 may be disposed to be spaced apart from the base 172.

[0220] By the structure of the connection bracket 500 as described above, the plate heat exchanger 50 and the expansion tank 60 may be more stably fixed to each other, and the plate heat exchanger 50 and the expansion tank 60 may be more efficiently supported on the base 172. On the other hand, unlike as described above, the connection bracket 500 may be coupled to the first bracket 200 without being directly coupled to the plate heat exchanger 50. Alternatively, the connection bracket 500 may be coupled to the expansion tank 60 without being coupled to the second bracket 300.

[0221] FIG. 11 is a view illustrating the plate heat exchanger, the expansion tank, the first bracket, the second bracket, a third bracket, etc., of the outdoor unit of the air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 12 is a view illustrating a state in which the second bracket and the third bracket of the outdoor unit of the air conditioner are fastened according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 13 is a view illustrating a state in which the second bracket and the third bracket of the outdoor unit of the air conditioner are separated according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 14 is a view illustrating a partition, ducts, control boxes, the third bracket, etc., of the outdoor unit of the air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0222] Referring to FIGS. 11 to 14, the third bracket 400 of the outdoor unit 10 of the air conditioner 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may support the control boxes 91 and 92. In detail, the third bracket 400 may support the lower portion of each of the first control box 91 and the second control box 92. The first control box 91 and the second control box 92 may be seated on the third bracket 400. For example, the first control box 91 may be seated on the first seating portion 411. The second control box 92 may be seated on the second seating portion 412. Accordingly, weights of the first control box 91 and the second control box 92 may be applied to the third bracket 400.

[0223] The third bracket 400 may be supported by the second bracket 300. In detail, a lower portion of the third bracket 400 may be supported by the second bracket 300. The lower portion of the third bracket 400 may be supported by an upper surface 311 of the second bracket 300. The third bracket 400 may be supported by the second bracket 300 by having one end in contact with the upper surface 311 of the second bracket 300. Accordingly, the first control box 91 and the second control box 92 may be stably supported as the third bracket 400 is supported by the second bracket 300. Additionally, because the weights of the first control box 91 and the second control box 92 are transferred to the second bracket 300 through the third bracket 400, the second bracket 300 and the expansion tank 60 may be more firmly fixed to the base 172. Furthermore, the first bracket 200 and the plate heat exchanger 50, which are fixed to the second bracket 300, may also be more firmly fixed to the base 172. In addition, due to this, vibrations occurring when the plate heat exchanger 50 and the expansion tank 60 each operate may be reduced, and the rigidity of parts may be reinforced.

[0224] The third bracket 400 may be coupled with the second bracket 300. The third bracket 400 may be coupled to an upper portion of the second bracket 300. The third bracket 400 may be coupled to the upper surface 311 of the second bracket 300. As the third bracket 400 is coupled to the upper surface 311 of the second bracket 300, the third bracket 400 may be fixed to the second bracket 300 and transfer a load to the upper portion of the second bracket 300.

[0225] In detail, the third bracket 400 may be fastened to the upper portion of the second bracket 300. The third bracket 400 may be fastened to the upper surface 311 of the second bracket 300. The third bracket 400 may be detachably fastened to the second bracket 300 by the fastening member F. For example, the fastening member F may include a screw, a bolt, a nut, etc. As the third bracket 400 is fastened to the second bracket 300 by the fastening member F, the third bracket 400 and the second bracket 300 may be more firmly fixed. The control boxes 91 and 92 and the third bracket 400 may be stably supported by the second bracket 300, and the third bracket 400 may efficiently transfer the load to the second bracket 300.

[0226] A portion of the third bracket 400 may extend between the first control box 91 and the second bracket 300. In detail, a portion of the third bracket 400 may extend between the lower portion of the first control box 91 and the upper portion of the second bracket 300.

[0227] As an example, a portion of the third bracket 400 may extend in the vertical direction Z between the first control box 91 and the second bracket 300. The third bracket 400 may extend vertically upward (+Z direction) from the upper portion of the second bracket 300 to the lower portion of the first control box 91. The third bracket 400 may extend in the vertical direction Z of the housing 100 between the upper surface 311 of the second bracket 300 and the lower surface of the first control box 91. The third bracket 400 may include a first extension part 421 extending along the vertical direction Z of the housing 100 between the lower portion of the first control box 91 and the upper surface 311 of the second bracket 300. Accordingly, the weights of the first control box 91 and the second control box 92 may be further transferred vertically downward (-Z direction) to the upper surface 311 of the second bracket 300 through the first extension part 421 of the third bracket 400.

[0228] A lower end of the third bracket 400 may be in contact with the upper surface 311 of the second bracket 300 in the vertical direction Z of the housing 100. In other words, a lower end of the first extension part 421 may be in contact with the upper surface 311 of the second bracket 300 in the vertical direction Z.

[0229] The third bracket 400 may include an upper surface coupling part 430 provided to be coupled to the upper portion of the second bracket 300. The upper surface coupling part 430 may be coupled to the upper surface 311 of the second bracket 300. The upper surface coupling part 430 may be fastened to the upper surface 311 of the second bracket 300.

[0230] The upper surface coupling part 430 may extend from the first extension part 421. In detail, the upper surface coupling part 430 may extend from the lower end of the first extension part 421. As an example, the upper surface coupling part 430 may extend in the horizontal direction Y from the lower end of the first extension part 421 and thus may be in contact with the upper surface 311 of the second bracket 300.

[0231] Third bracket support parts 311a and 311b may be provided on the upper surface 311 of the second bracket 300 to support the third bracket 400. The upper surface coupling part 430 may be fastened to the at least one third bracket support part 311a. As an example, the third bracket 400 may be detachably fastened to the second bracket 300 by the fastening member F sequentially penetrating the upper surface coupling part 430 and the third bracket support part 311a.

[0232] As an example, the upper surface coupling part 430 may be formed integrally with the first extension part 421.

[0233] As illustrated in FIGS. 12 and 13, a portion of the first extension part 421 may also be fastened to the upper portion of the second bracket 300. A portion of the first extension part 421 may be fastened to the at least one third bracket support part 311b provided on an upper surface of the second bracket 300. As an example, the third bracket 400 may be detachably fastened to the second bracket 300 by the fastening member F sequentially penetrating a portion of the first extension part 421 and the third bracket support part 311b.

[0234] The first seating portion 411, on which at least a portion of the lower portion of the first control box 91 is seated, may be connected to the first extension part 421. The first seating portion 411 may extend from the first extension part 421. As an example, the first seating portion 411 may extend from the first extension part 421 along the horizontal direction (X or Y direction) of the housing 100. As an example, the first seating portion 411 may extend from an upper end of the first extension part 421. In other words, the first extension part 421 may extend downward (-Z direction) from the first seating portion 411.

[0235] In an embodiment, the lower surface of the first control box 91 and the lower surface of the second control box 92 may have different heights in the vertical direction Z. In this case, the first control box 91 and the second control box 92 may not be seated together on the first seating portion 411 extending in the horizontal direction (X or Y direction).

[0236] Therefore, the third bracket 400 may include a second extension part 422 extending between the lower portion of the second control box 92 and the first seating portion 411. As an example, the second extension part 422 may extend in the vertical direction Z between the lower surface of the second control box 92 and the first seating portion 411. As an example, the first extension part 421 may extend from one end of the first seating portion 411, and the second extension part 422 may extend from the other end of the first seating portion 411.

[0237] In a case where the lower surface of the first control box 91 is lower than the lower surface of the second control box 92 as illustrated in FIGS. 11 to 14, the second extension part 422 may extend vertically upward (+Z direction) from the first seating portion 411 toward the second control box 92.

[0238] The second seating portion 412, on which at least a portion of the lower portion of the second control box 92 is seated, may be connected to the second extension part 422. That is, the second extension part 422 may connect the first seating portion 411 and the second seating portion 412. The second seating portion 412 may extend between the first seating portion 411 and the second extension part 422. As an example, the second seating portion 412 may extend along the horizontal direction (X or Y direction) of the housing 100 from the second extension part 422. As an example, the second seating portion 412 may extend from an upper end of the second extension part 422. In other words, the second extension part 422 may extend downward (-Z direction) from the second seating portion 412.

[0239] As an example, the first extension part 421, the first seating portion 411, the second extension part 422, and the second seating portion 412 may be formed integrally with each other.

[0240] By this configuration, the first control box 91 and the second control box 92 may be each supported by the third bracket 400, and the weights of the first control box 91 and the second control box 92 may be transferred to the second bracket 300 by the third bracket 400.

[0241] The first control box 91 and the second control box 92 may be fixed to each other, and the third bracket 400 may be coupled to at least one of the first control box 91 and the second control box 92.

[0242] For example, as illustrated in FIG. 14, the third bracket 400 may be coupled to the second control box 92. The third bracket 400 may include a control box fastening part 422a fastened to the second control box 92 by the fastening member F. As an example, the control box fastening part 422a may be provided on the second extension part 422, but a position thereof is not limited thereto.

[0243] Unlike this, the third bracket 400 may also be coupled to the first control box 91.

[0244] Unlike this, the third bracket 400 may also be coupled to each of the first control box 91 and the second control box 92.

[0245] The structure in which the third bracket 400 is fixed to the first control box 91 or the second control box 92 may be provided variously.

[0246] As described above, in an embodiment, the third bracket 400 may be supported by the partition 16. In detail, the other end opposite to one end of the third bracket 400 coupled to the second bracket 300 may be supported by the partition 16.

[0247] As an example, the third bracket 400 may be coupled to the second duct 17b to be supported on the partition 16. The other end opposite to the one end of the third bracket 400 coupled to the second bracket 300 may be coupled to the second duct 17b.

[0248] The third bracket 400 may include a duct coupling part 412a provided to be coupled to a bracket coupling part 17ba provided on one side of the second duct 17b. As an example, the duct coupling part 412a may be coupled to the duct coupling part 412a by a screw. As an example, the duct coupling part 412a may be coupled to the duct coupling part 412a by a hook structure. As an example, the duct coupling part 412a may be provided at one end of the second seating portion 412.

[0249] The third bracket 400 may be supported by the second bracket 300 in the upper surface coupling part 430 and may be supported by the partition 16 and the second duct 17b in the duct coupling part 412a opposite to the upper surface coupling part 430.

[0250] By this structure, the third bracket 400 may be supported more stably and support the first control box 91 and the second control box 92 more stably.

[0251] However, the third bracket 400 is not limited thereto and may not be fixed to the partition 16 or the duct 17. In various embodiments, the third bracket 400 may be supported only by the second bracket 300 by being coupled to the second bracket 300, or may be supported by being coupled to another structure of the outdoor unit 10 other than the partition 16 or the duct 17 and the second bracket 300.

[0252] Hereinafter, steps of installing the plate heat exchanger 50 and the expansion tank 60 in the machine room R2 of the outdoor unit 10 will be described as an example with reference to FIGS. 6 to 14.

[0253] First, a step of installing the plate heat exchanger 50 in the machine room R2 by fastening the first bracket 200 and the connection bracket 500 to the plate heat exchanger 50 and fastening the first bracket 200 to the base 172 may be performed. In addition, a step of installing the expansion tank 60 in the machine room R2 by fastening the second bracket 300 to the expansion tank 60 and fastening the second bracket 300 to the base 172 may be performed.

[0254] Thereafter, a step of fastening the first bracket 200 and the second bracket 300 and fastening the connection bracket 500 and the second bracket 300 may be performed. Accordingly, the plate heat exchanger 50 and the expansion tank 60 may be supported with each other.

[0255] Thereafter, a step of seating the third bracket 400 on the upper surface of the second bracket 300 and then fastening the third bracket 400 be performed. In addition, a step of fastening the other end of the third bracket 400 to the second duct 17b may be performed.

[0256] Hereinafter, steps of separating the plate heat exchanger 50 or the expansion tank 60 from the machine room R2 of the outdoor unit 10 will be described as an example with reference to FIGS. 6 to 14.

[0257] Before separating the plate heat exchanger 50 or the expansion tank 60 from the machine room R2, the components such as the second front cover 190, the second front frame 120, and the second side frame 160 may be in a state of being separated from the base 172.

[0258] In a process of separating the plate heat exchanger 50, a step of releasing the fastening of the first bracket 200 and the second bracket 300 may be performed. Additionally, a step of releasing the fastening of the connection bracket 500 and the plate heat exchanger 50 or releasing the fastening of the connection bracket 500 and the second bracket 300 may be performed. Additionally, a step of releasing the fastening of the first bracket 200 and the base 172 may be performed. Through these steps, the plate heat exchanger 50 may be separated from the machine room R2.

[0259] In a process of separating the expansion tank 60, a step of releasing the fastening of the third bracket 400 and the second bracket 300 may be performed. Additionally, a step of releasing the fastening of the first bracket 200 and the second bracket 300 may be performed. Additionally, a step of releasing the fastening of the connection bracket 500 and the second bracket 300 or releasing the fastening of the connection bracket 500 and the plate heat exchanger 50 may be performed. Additionally, a step of releasing the fastening of the second bracket 300 and the base 172 may be performed. Through these steps, the expansion tank 60 may be separated from the machine room R2.

[0260] Although in the above embodiment, it is described that the outdoor unit 10 includes the plurality of control boxes 91 and 92 and the third bracket 400 supports the plurality of control boxes 91 and 92, unlike this, the third bracket 400 may be configured to support a single control box.

[0261] Although in the above embodiment, it is described that the third bracket 400 is fastened to the upper surface of the second bracket 300, unlike this, the third bracket 400 may be fastened directly to an upper surface of the plate heat exchanger 50. Alternatively, the third bracket 400 may be fastened to an upper surface of the first bracket 200 or the upper surface of the expansion tank 60.

[0262] In addition, unlike the above embodiments, the outdoor unit 10 may be equipped with various components, such as an accumulator for separating low-temperature and low-pressure refrigerant into gas phase and liquid phase and supplying only the gas phase refrigerant to a compressor, a receiver for storing a part of the refrigerant to control a flow rate of the entire refrigerant circulating in a refrigeration cycle, and a sub-cooler that is an auxiliary cooling device for cooling the refrigerant. The outdoor unit 10 may include brackets supporting these components, and the above brackets may have features corresponding to the first bracket 200 and the second bracket 300 described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 14. Additionally, the above brackets may support and be fastened to the third bracket 400 described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 14. The above components may be connected and supported by a bracket having features corresponding to the connection bracket 500 described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 14.

[0263] Although in the above embodiment, it is described that the air conditioner 1 includes an ATW (air to water) heat pump system for exchanging heat between air and a refrigerant and heat between the refrigerant and water with reference to FIGS. 1 to 14, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, the air conditioner 1 may include a heat pump system in which the refrigerant flows between the outdoor unit 10 and the indoor unit 20A to transfer heat, and the present disclosure may also be applied to an example in which brackets are included to support various components included in the outdoor unit 10.

[0264] An outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a housing 100 including a base 172, a refrigerant pipe 80 provided such that a refrigerant flows therethrough, a water pipe 70 provided such that water flows therethrough, a plate heat exchanger 50 disposed inside the housing and configured to exchange heat between water flowing along the water pipe and the refrigerant flowing along the refrigerant pipe, an expansion tank 60 disposed inside the housing, connected to the water pipe, and configured to regulate a pressure in the water pipe, a control box 91 disposed inside the housing and configured to accommodate a printed circuit board, a first bracket 200 configured to fix the plate heat exchanger to the base, a second bracket 300 configured to fix the expansion tank to the base and be fastened to the first bracket, and a third bracket 400 configured to support the control box and be fastened to an upper surface 311 of the second bracket.

[0265] The third bracket may be configured to support a lower portion of the control box.

[0266] The third bracket may include an extension part 421 extending along a vertical direction of the housing between the lower portion of the control box and the upper surface of the second bracket.

[0267] The third bracket may further include an upper surface coupling part 430 fastened to the upper surface of the second bracket. The upper surface coupling part may extend in a horizontal direction from a lower end of the extension part.

[0268] The third bracket may include a seating portion 411 on which a portion of the lower portion of the control box is seated. The seating portion may extend from the extension part along a horizontal direction of the housing.

[0269] The first bracket may be configured to be in contact with one surface of the plate heat exchanger facing an inner surface of the housing in the horizontal direction.

[0270] The first bracket may be configured to be fastened to the one surface of the plate heat exchanger.

[0271] The first bracket may be configured to be in contact with the other surface opposite to one surface of the plate heat exchanger facing the expansion tank.

[0272] The second bracket may be configured to be in contact with an upper surface of the expansion tank.

[0273] The second bracket may include an upper surface cover bracket 310 covering the upper surface of the expansion tank, and a lower surface cover bracket 320 covering a lower surface of the expansion tank. The upper surface cover bracket and the lower surface cover bracket may be configured to be fastened to each other by a fastening member.

[0274] The outdoor unit of the air conditioner may further include a connection bracket 500 configured to connect the plate heat exchanger and the second bracket.

[0275] The connection bracket may be configured to be fastened to the other surface of the plate heat exchanger opposite to one surface of the plate heat exchanger to which the first bracket is fastened.

[0276] The connection bracket may be configured to be fastened to the other surface of the second bracket opposite to one surface of the second bracket to which the first bracket is fastened.

[0277] The connection bracket may be disposed to be spaced apart from the base.

[0278] A portion 241 of the first bracket fastened to the base may be positioned in a first direction from the plate heat exchanger. A portion 341 of the second bracket fastened to the base may be positioned in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction from the expansion tank.

[0279] An outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a housing 100 including a base 172, a refrigerant pipe 80 provided such that a refrigerant flows therethrough, a water pipe 70 provided such that water flows therethrough, a plate heat exchanger 50 disposed inside the housing and configured to exchange heat between the refrigerant flowing along the refrigerant pipe and water flowing along the water pipe, an expansion tank 60 disposed inside the housing, connected to the water pipe and configured to regulate a pressure in the water pipe, a control box 91 disposed above the expansion tank and configured to accommodate a printed circuit board, a first bracket 200 coupled to the base and configured to support the plate heat exchanger, a second bracket 300 coupled to the base and the first bracket and configured to support the expansion tank, and a third bracket 400 configured to support a lower portion of the control box and be supported at a lower portion thereof by the second bracket.

[0280] The third bracket may extend in a vertical direction of the housing between an upper surface of the second bracket and a lower surface of the control box.

[0281] A lower end of the third bracket may be in contact with the upper surface of the second bracket in the vertical direction of the housing.

[0282] The outdoor unit of the air conditioner may further include a fan 13 disposed in the housing, a fin tube heat exchanger 11 disposed in the housing and configured to exchange heat between the refrigerant flowing along the refrigerant pipe and air flowing by the fan, and a partition 16 provided to partition the inside of the housing into a heat exchange room in which the fan and the fin tube heat exchanger are disposed and a machine room in which the plate heat exchanger, the expansion tank and the control box are disposed. An other end 412a of the third bracket opposite to one end 430 of the third bracket coupled to the second bracket may be supported by the partition.

[0283] An outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a base 172, a water pipe 70 provided such that water flows therethrough, a plate heat exchanger 50 disposed on the base and configured to heat or cool water flowing along the water pipe, an expansion tank 60 disposed on the base and configured to regulate a pressure in the water pipe, a control box 91 disposed above the expansion tank, a first bracket 200 configured to fix the plate heat exchanger to the base, a second bracket 300 configured to fix the expansion tank to the base, and a third bracket 400 configured to support a lower portion of the control box. The first bracket 200 may be detachably fastened to the base 172. The second bracket 300 may be detachably fastened to the base 172. The first bracket 200 and the second bracket 300 may be detachably fastened to each other. The third bracket 400 may be detachably fastened to an upper portion of the second bracket 300 and extend vertically upward from the upper portion of the second bracket to the lower portion of the control box.

[0284] According to the present disclosure, an outdoor unit of an air conditioner includes a first bracket supporting a plate heat exchanger, a second bracket supporting an expansion tank, and a third bracket supporting a control box, and the first bracket, the second bracket, and the third bracket are fixed to each other, so that components of the outdoor unit, such as the plate heat exchanger, the expansion tank, and the control box, can be stably fixed.

[0285] According to the present disclosure, the outdoor unit of the air conditioner includes the first bracket supporting the plate heat exchanger, the second bracket supporting the expansion tank, and the third bracket supporting the control box, and the first bracket, the second bracket, and the third bracket are fixed to each other, so that vibrations occurring when the components operate can be reduced, and the rigidity of the components can be reinforced, thereby preventing damage.

[0286] According to the present disclosure, in the outdoor unit of the air conditioner, the third bracket is coupled to an upper surface of the second bracket, so that the plate heat exchanger and the expansion tank can be efficiently fixed to a base and movements due to the vibrations can be reduced.

[0287] According to the present disclosure, a process of installing or disassembling components such as the plate heat exchanger and the expansion tank to or from a machine room can be easily performed by fastening structures of the brackets.

[0288] Effects according to the present disclosure are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art to which the present disclosure belongs from the fallowing description.

[0289] The foregoing has illustrated and described specific embodiments. However, it will be understood by those of skilled in the art that the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various changes and modifications may be made without departing from the technical idea of the present disclosure described in the following claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. An outdoor unit of an air conditioner comprising: a housing comprising a base; a refrigerant pipe provided such that a refrigerant flows therethrough; a water pipe provided such that water flows therethrough; a plate heat exchanger disposed inside the housing and configured to exchange heat between water flowing along the water pipe and the refrigerant flowing along the refrigerant pipe; an expansion tank disposed inside the housing, connected to the water pipe, and configured to regulate a pressure in the water pipe; a control box disposed inside the housing and configured to accommodate a printed circuit board; a first bracket configured to fix the plate heat exchanger to the base; a second bracket configured to fix the expansion tank to the base and be fastened to the first bracket; and a third bracket configured to support the control box and be fastened to an upper surface of the second bracket.

2. The outdoor unit of the air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein the third bracket is configured to support a lower portion of the control box.

3. The outdoor unit of the air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein the third bracket comprises: an extension part extending along a vertical direction of the housing between a lower portion of the control box and the upper surface of the second bracket.

4. The outdoor unit of the air conditioner according to claim 3, wherein the third bracket further comprises: an upper surface coupling part fastened to the upper surface of the second bracket, and the upper surface coupling part extends in a horizontal direction from a lower end of the extension part.

5. The outdoor unit of the air conditioner according to claim 3, wherein the third bracket comprises: a seating portion on which a portion of the lower portion of the control box is seated, and the seating portion extends from the extension part along a horizontal direction of the housing.

6. The outdoor unit of the air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein the first bracket is configured to be in contact with one surface of the plate heat exchanger facing an inner surface of the housing in a horizontal direction.

7. The outdoor unit of the air conditioner according to claim 6, wherein the first bracket is configured to be fastened to the one surface of the plate heat exchanger.

8. The outdoor unit of the air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein the first bracket is configured to be in contact with another surface opposite to one surface of the plate heat exchanger facing the expansion tank.

9. The outdoor unit of the air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein the second bracket is configured to be in contact with an upper surface of the expansion tank.

10. The outdoor unit of the air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein the second bracket comprises: an upper surface cover bracket covering an upper surface of the expansion tank; and a lower surface cover bracket covering a lower surface of the expansion tank, and the upper surface cover bracket and the lower surface cover bracket are configured to be fastened to each other by a fastening member.

11. The outdoor unit of the air conditioner according to claim 1, further comprising: a connection bracket configured to connect the plate heat exchanger and the second bracket.

12. The outdoor unit of the air conditioner according to claim 11, wherein the connection bracket is configured to be fastened to another surface of the plate heat exchanger opposite to one surface of the plate heat exchanger to which the first bracket is fastened.

13. The outdoor unit of the air conditioner according to claim 11, wherein the connection bracket is configured to be fastened to another surface of the second bracket opposite to one surface of the second bracket to which the first bracket is fastened.

14. The outdoor unit of the air conditioner according to claim 11, wherein the connection bracket is disposed to be spaced apart from the base.

15. The outdoor unit of the air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein a portion of the first bracket fastened to the base is positioned in a first direction from the plate heat exchanger, and a portion of the second bracket fastened to the base is positioned in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction from the expansion tank.

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