Heat exchanger and air conditioner having same

Abstract

A heat exchanger may comprise: a plurality of refrigerant tubes configured to allow a refrigerant to flow therethrough, and including first and second refrigerant tubes arranged in a first direction; and a heat exchange fin coupled to the plurality of refrigerant tubes and extending in the first direction; a slit fin extending from one surface thereof and having a slit extending in the first direction between the first refrigerant tube and the second refrigerant tube \to allow air to pass therethrough in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, wherein the slit fin comprises: an upper surface extending in the first direction; a connection surface positioned on both sides of the upper surface in the first direction, extending from the upper surface, and connected to the one surface of the heat exchange fin; and a reinforcement portion formed on the upper surface and extending in the first direction.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application is a continuation of International Application No. PCT / KR2023 / 020103 designating the United States, filed on Dec. 7, 2023, in the Korean Intellectual Property Receiving Office and claiming priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0013337, filed on Jan. 31, 2023, in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the disclosures of each of which are incorporated by reference herein in their entireties.BACKGROUNDField

[0002] The disclosure relates to a heat exchanger and an air conditioner using the heat exchanger.Description of Related Art

[0003] Generally, an air conditioner may control temperature, humidity, and the like to be suitable for human activity using a refrigeration cycle. As components forming the refrigeration cycle, a compressor, a condenser, an evaporator, an expansion valve, and a blower fan are provided.

[0004] The air conditioner may be classified into a separated-type air conditioner, in which an indoor unit and an outdoor unit are installed separately, and an integrated-type air conditioner, in which the indoor unit and the outdoor unit are installed together in a single cabinet. Among them, the indoor unit of the separated-type air conditioner includes a heat exchanger for performing heat exchange with air sucked into a panel, and a blower fan for sucking indoor air into the panel and blowing the sucked air back into the room.

[0005] The heat exchanger may serve as a condenser or an evaporator as a component of the air conditioner. The heat exchanger is provided as a refrigerant pipe that guides refrigerant, and the refrigerant pipe is coupled to a plurality of heat exchange fins, so that heat exchange efficiency may be increased. The heat exchange fin may include a slit provided between refrigerant pipes to increase heat exchange efficiency.SUMMARY

[0006] Embodiments of the disclosure provide a heat exchanger including a slit fin with an improved structure, and an air conditioner including the same.

[0007] Embodiments of the disclosure provide a heat exchanger in which the flow velocity deviation of an airflow passing through a slit is relatively reduced, and an air conditioner including the same.

[0008] A heat exchanger, according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure, includes: a plurality of refrigerant tubes configured to allow refrigerant to flow therethrough and including a first refrigerant tube and a second refrigerant tube arranged in a first direction, and a heat exchange fin coupled to the plurality of refrigerant tubes and extending in the first direction, wherein heat exchange fin includes: a slit fin extending from one surface thereof and including a slit that extends in the first direction between the first refrigerant tube and the second refrigerant tube to allow air to pass therethrough in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, the slit fin including: an upper surface extending in the first direction, a connection surface positioned on both sides of the upper surface in the first direction, extending from the upper surface, and connected to the one surface of the heat exchange fin, and a reinforcement portion formed on the upper surface and extending in the first direction.

[0009] A heat exchanger, according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure, includes: a plurality of refrigerant tubes configured to allow refrigerant to flow therethrough and including a first refrigerant tube and a second refrigerant tube arranged to be spaced apart from each other in a first direction, and a heat exchange fin including one surface having a plurality of tube holes into which the plurality of refrigerant tubes are inserted and extending in the first direction. The heat exchange fin includes a slit fin extending from the one surface of the heat exchange fin and including a slit that extends in the first direction between the first refrigerant tube and the second refrigerant tube, to allow air to pass therethrough in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. The slit fin may include: an upper surface extending in the first direction, a connection surface positioned on both sides of the upper surface in the first direction, extending from the upper surface, and connected to the one surface of the heat exchange fin, and a reinforcement portion extending in the first direction on the upper surface, wherein a distance from the one surface of the heat exchange fin to the upper surface and a distance from the one surface of the heat exchange fin to the reinforcement portion are different.

[0010] An air conditioner, according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure, may include: a housing in which an inlet and an outlet are formed, a fan provided inside the housing, and configured to suck air from the inlet, and discharge the air to the outlet, and a heat exchanger configured to perform heat exchange on the air sucked into the housing through the inlet by the fan. The heat exchanger may include: a plurality of refrigerant tubes, configured to allow refrigerant to flow and include a first refrigerant tube and a second refrigerant tube arranged in a first direction, and a heat exchange fin coupled to the plurality of refrigerant tubes and extending in the first direction. The heat exchange fin may include: a slit fin including a slit extending in the first direction between the first refrigerant tube and the second refrigerant tube, and extending from one surface and configured to allow air to penetrate in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. The slit fin may include: an upper surface extending in the first direction, a connection surface positioned on both sides of the upper surface in the first direction, extending from the upper surface, and connected to the one surface of the heat exchange fin, and a reinforcement portion formed on the upper surface and extending in the first direction.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] The above and other aspects, features and advantages of certain embodiments of the present disclosure will be more apparent from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0012] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating an example air conditioner according to various embodiments;

[0013] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the air conditioner according to various embodiments;

[0014] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A′ shown in FIG. 1 according to various embodiments;

[0015] FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating a heat exchanger according to various embodiments;

[0016] FIG. 5 is a perspective view illustrating a heat exchange fin according to various embodiments;

[0017] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an enlarged plan view illustrating the heat exchange fin according to various embodiments;

[0018] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the heat exchange fin taken along line C-C′ shown in FIG. 6 according to various embodiments;

[0019] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the heat exchange fin taken along line D-D′ shown in FIG. 6 according to various embodiments;

[0020] FIG. 9 is an enlarged perspective view of portion B illustrating a reinforcing groove of the slit fin shown in FIG. 5 extending to a connection surface according to various embodiments;

[0021] FIG. 10 is a perspective view illustrating a heat exchange fin according to various embodiments;

[0022] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the heat exchange fin taken along line E-E′ shown in FIG. 10 according to various embodiments;

[0023] FIG. 12 is a perspective view illustrating a heat exchange fin according to various embodiments;

[0024] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the heat exchange fin taken along line F-F′ shown in FIG. 12 according to various embodiments;

[0025] FIG. 14 is a perspective view illustrating a heat exchange fin according to various embodiments;

[0026] FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the heat exchange fin taken along line G-G′ shown in FIG. 14 according to various embodiments;

[0027] FIG. 16 is a perspective view illustrating a heat exchange fin according to various embodiments;

[0028] FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of the heat exchange fin taken along line H-H′ shown in FIG. 16 according to various embodiments;

[0029] FIG. 18 is a graph illustrating a deformation amount of a slit fin according to various embodiments;

[0030] FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating a flow velocity of airflow passing through the heat exchange fin according to various embodiments; and

[0031] FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating a comparison of airflows in which flow velocity becomes uniform due to reinforcing grooves or reinforcing ribs passing through the heat exchange fin, according to various embodiments.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] Various example embodiments of the disclosure and terms used herein are not intended to limit the technical features described herein to specific embodiments, and should be understood to include various modifications, equivalents, or substitutions of the corresponding embodiments.

[0033] In describing of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related elements.

[0034] The singular form of a noun corresponding to an item may include one or more of the items unless clearly indicated otherwise in a related context.

[0035] In the disclosure, 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 or all possible combinations of the items listed together in the corresponding phrase among the phrases.

[0036] As used herein, the term “and / or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0037] Terms such as “1st”, “2nd”, “primary”, or “secondary” may be used simply to distinguish an element from other elements, without limiting the element in other aspects (e.g., importance or order).

[0038] When an element (e.g., a first element) is referred to as being “(functionally or communicatively) coupled” or “connected” to another element (e.g., a second element), the first element may be connected to the second element, directly (e.g., wired), wirelessly, or through a third element.

[0039] It will be understood that when the terms “includes”, “comprises”, “including”, and / or “comprising” are used in the disclosure, they specify the presence of the specified features, figures, steps, operations, components, members, or combinations thereof, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, figures, steps, operations, components, members, or combinations thereof.

[0040] When a given element is referred to as being “connected to”, “coupled to”, “supported by” or “in contact with” another element, it is to be understood that it may be directly or indirectly connected to, coupled to, supported by, or in contact with the other element. When a given element is indirectly connected to, coupled to, supported by, or in contact with another element, it is to be understood that it may be connected to, coupled to, supported by, or in contact with the other element through a third element.

[0041] It will also be understood that when an element is referred to as being “on” another element, it may be directly on the other element or intervening elements may also be present.

[0042] An air conditioner according to various embodiments may refer, for example, to a device that performs functions such as purification, ventilation, humidity control, cooling or heating in an air conditioning space (hereinafter referred to as “indoor space”), and in particular a device having at least one of these functions.

[0043] 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 is circulated through a compressor, a first heat exchanger, and an expansion device and a second heat exchanger. All of the components of the heat pump device may be embedded in a single housing forming an exterior of an air conditioner, which includes a window-type air conditioner or a portable air conditioner. On the other hand, some components of the heat pump device may be divided and embedded in a plurality of housings forming a single air conditioner, which includes a wall-mounted air conditioner, a stand-type air conditioner, and a system air conditioner.

[0044] 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. For example, the air conditioner may be provided such that a single outdoor unit and a single indoor unit are connected by a refrigerant pipe. Alternatively, the air conditioner may be provided such that a single outdoor unit is connected to two or more indoor units by a refrigerant pipe. Alternatively, the air conditioner may be provided such that two or more outdoor units and two or more indoor units are connected by a plurality of refrigerant pipes.

[0045] The outdoor unit may be electrically connected to the indoor unit. For example, information (or commands) for controlling the air conditioner may be received through an input interface provided in the outdoor unit or the indoor unit. The outdoor unit and the indoor unit may operate simultaneously or sequentially in response to a user input.

[0046] The air conditioner may include an outdoor heat exchanger provided in the outdoor unit, an indoor heat exchanger provided in the indoor unit, and a refrigerant pipe connecting the outdoor heat exchanger and the indoor heat exchanger.

[0047] The outdoor heat exchanger may be configured to exchange heat between a refrigerant and air from outdoor through a phase change of the refrigerant (e.g., evaporation or condensation). For example, while the refrigerant is condensed in the outdoor heat exchanger, the refrigerant may radiate heat to the outdoor air. While the refrigerant flowing in the outdoor heat exchanger evaporates, the refrigerant may absorb heat from the outdoor air.

[0048] The indoor unit is installed indoors. For example, according to the arrangement method of the indoor unit, the air conditioner may be classified into a ceiling-type indoor unit, a stand-type indoor unit, a wall-type indoor unit, and the like. For example, the ceiling-type indoor unit may be classified into a 4-way type indoor unit, a 1-way type indoor unit, a duct type indoor unit and the like according to a method of discharging air.

[0049] The indoor heat exchanger may be configured to exchange heat between a refrigerant and outdoor air through a phase change of the refrigerant (e.g., evaporation or condensation). For example, while the refrigerant evaporates in the indoor unit, the refrigerant may absorb heat from the indoor air. The indoor space may be cooled by blowing the indoor air cooled through the cooled indoor heat exchanger. While the refrigerant is condensed in the indoor heat exchanger, the refrigerant may radiate heat to the indoor air. The indoor space may be heated by blowing the indoor air heated through the high-temperature indoor heat exchanger.

[0050] For example, the air conditioner may perform a cooling or heating function by a phase change process of a refrigerant circulated between the outdoor heat exchanger and the indoor heat exchanger. To circulate the refrigerant, the air conditioner may include a compressor to compress the refrigerant. The compressor may draw refrigerant gas through an inlet and compress the refrigerant gas. The compressor may discharge high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant gas through an outlet. The compressor may be disposed inside the outdoor unit.

[0051] Through the refrigerant pipe, the refrigerant may be circulated sequentially through the compressor, the outdoor heat exchanger, the expansion device, and the indoor heat exchanger or sequentially circulated through the compressor, the indoor heat exchanger, the expansion device, and the outdoor heat exchanger.

[0052] For example, in the air conditioner, when a single outdoor unit and a single indoor unit are directly connected through a refrigerant pipe, the refrigerant may be circulated between the single outdoor unit and the single indoor unit through the refrigerant pipe.

[0053] For example, in the air conditioner, when a single outdoor unit is connected to two or more indoor units through a refrigerant pipe, the refrigerant may flow from the single outdoor unit to the plurality of indoor units through branched refrigerant pipes. Refrigerant discharged from the plurality of indoor units may be combined and circulated to the outdoor unit. For example, each of the plurality of indoor units may be directly connected in parallel to the single outdoor unit through a separate refrigerant pipe.

[0054] Each of the plurality of indoor units may be operated independently according to an operation mode set by a user. In other words, some of the plurality of indoor units may be operated in a cooling mode while others of the plurality of indoor units are operated in a heating mode. At that time, the refrigerant may be selectively introduced into each indoor unit in a high-pressure state or a low-pressure state, discharged, and circulated to the outdoor unit along a circulation path that is designated through a flow path switching valve to be described later.

[0055] For example, in the air conditioner, when two or more outdoor units and two or more indoor units are connected by the plurality of refrigerant pipes, refrigerant discharged from the plurality of outdoor units may be combined and flow through one refrigerant pipe, and then diverged again at a certain point and introduced into the plurality of indoor units.

[0056] The plurality of outdoor units may be driven or at least some of the plurality of outdoor units may not be driven, in accordance with to a driving load corresponding to an operating amount of the plurality of indoor units. At that time, the refrigerant may be provided through a flow path switching valve to be introduced into and circulated to an outdoor unit that is selectively driven. The air conditioner may include the expansion device to reduce the pressure of the refrigerant flowing into the heat exchanger. For example, the expansion device may be disposed inside the indoor unit or inside the outdoor unit, or disposed both inside the indoor unit and the outdoor unit.

[0057] The expansion device may reduce the temperature and pressure of the refrigerant using a throttling effect. The expansion device may include an orifice configured to reduce a cross-sectional area of a flow path. A temperature and pressure of the refrigerant passing through the orifice may be lowered.

[0058] For example, the expansion device may be implemented as an electronic expansion valve configured to adjust an opening ratio (a 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). According to the opening ratio of the electronic expansion valve, the amount of refrigerant passing through the expansion device may be adjusted.

[0059] The air conditioner may further include a flow path switching valve disposed on the refrigerant circulation path. The flow path switching valve may include a 4-way valve. The flow path switching valve may determine a refrigerant circulation path depending on an operation mode of the indoor unit (e.g., cooling operation or heating operation). The flow path switching valve may be connected to the outlet of the compressor.

[0060] The air conditioner may include an accumulator. The accumulator may be connected to the inlet of the compressor. A low-temperature and low-pressure refrigerant, which is evaporated in the indoor heat exchanger or the outdoor heat exchanger, may flow into the accumulator.

[0061] When a refrigerant mixture of refrigerant liquid and refrigerant gas is introduced, the accumulator may separate the refrigerant liquid from the refrigerant gas, and supply the refrigerant gas separated from the refrigerant liquid to the compressor.

[0062] An outdoor fan may be installed near 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.

[0063] The outdoor unit of the air conditioner may include at least one sensor. For example, the outdoor unit sensor may be provided as an environmental sensor. The outdoor unit sensor may be disposed at a given position of the inside or the outside of the outdoor unit. For example, the outdoor unit sensor may include a temperature sensor configured to detect an air temperature around the outdoor unit, an air humidity sensor configured to detect air humidity around the outdoor unit, or a refrigerant temperature sensor configured to detect a refrigerant temperature in a refrigerant pipe passing through the outdoor unit, or a refrigerant pressure sensor configured to detect a refrigerant pressure in a refrigerant pipe passing through the outdoor unit.

[0064] The outdoor unit of the air conditioner may include an outdoor unit communication circuitry. The outdoor unit communication circuitry may be configured to receive a control signal from an indoor unit controller of the air conditioner, which will be described later. Based on a control signal received through the outdoor unit communication circuitry, the outdoor unit may control the operation of the compressor, the outdoor heat exchanger, the expansion device, the flow path switching valve, the accumulator, or the outdoor fan. The outdoor unit may transmit a measurement value detected by the outdoor unit sensor to the indoor unit controller through the outdoor unit communication circuitry.

[0065] The indoor unit of the air conditioner may include a housing, a blower configured to circulate air inside or outside the housing, and the indoor heat exchanger configured to exchange heat with air introduced into the housing.

[0066] The housing may include an inlet. Indoor air may flow into the housing through the inlet.

[0067] The indoor unit of the air conditioner may include a filter configured to filter out foreign substance in air that is introduced into the inside of the housing through the inlet.

[0068] The housing may include an outlet. Air flowing inside the housing may be discharged to the outside of the housing through the outlet.

[0069] An airflow guide configured to guide a direction of air discharged through the outlet may be provided in the housing of the indoor unit. For example, the airflow guide may include a blade positioned in the outlet. For example, the airflow guide may include an auxiliary fan for regulating an exhaust airflow, but is not limited thereto. The airflow guide may be omitted.

[0070] The indoor heat exchanger and the blower arranged on a flow path connecting the inlet and the outlet may be disposed inside the housing of the indoor unit.

[0071] The blower may include an indoor fan and a fan motor. For example, the indoor fan may include an axial fan, a mixed-flow fan, a cross-flow fan and a centrifugal fan.

[0072] The indoor heat exchanger may be arranged between the blower and the outlet or between the inlet and the blower. The indoor heat exchanger may absorb heat from air introduced through the inlet or transfer heat to air introduced through the inlet. The indoor heat exchanger may include a heat exchange tube through which refrigerant flows, and heat exchange fins in contact with the heat exchange tube to increase a heat transfer area.

[0073] The indoor unit of the air conditioner may include a drain tray disposed below the indoor heat exchanger to collect condensed water generated in the indoor heat exchanger. The condensed water contained in the drain tray may be drained to the outside through a drain hose. The drain tray may be arranged to support the indoor heat exchanger.

[0074] 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, a switch, a touch screen and / or a touch pad. A user can directly input setting data (e.g., desired indoor temperature, cooling / heating / dehumidifying / air cleaning operation mode setting, outlet selection setting, and / or air volume setting) through the input interface.

[0075] 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 (e.g., a part of a wall) in an indoor space. A user may input setting data related to the operation of the air conditioner by manipulating the wired remote controller. An electrical signal corresponding to the setting data obtained by the wired remote controller may be transmitted to the input interface. In addition, the input interface may include an infrared sensor. A user may remotely input the setting data for operating the air conditioner using a wireless remote controller. The setting data received by the wireless remote controller may be transmitted to the input interface as an infrared signal.

[0076] In addition, the input interface may include a microphone. A user's voice command may be obtained through the microphone. The microphone may convert a user's voice command into an electrical signal and transmit the converted electrical signal to the indoor unit controller. The indoor unit controller may control components of the air conditioner to perform a function corresponding to the user's voice command. The setting data obtained through the input interface (e.g., desired indoor temperature, cooling / heating / dehumidifying / air cleaning operation mode setting, outlet selection setting, and / or air volume setting) may be transmitted to the indoor unit controller to be described later. For example, the setting data obtained through the input interface may be transmitted to the outside, that is, to the outdoor unit or a server through an indoor unit communication circuitry to be described later.

[0077] 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.

[0078] The indoor unit of the air conditioner may include an indoor unit sensor. The indoor unit sensor may be an environmental sensor disposed inside or outside the housing. For 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. For example, the indoor unit sensor may include a refrigerant temperature sensor configured to detect a refrigerant temperature of a refrigerant pipe passing through the indoor unit. For example, the indoor unit sensor may include a refrigerant temperature sensor each configured to detect a temperature of an entrance, a middle portion and / or an exit of the refrigerant pipe passing through the indoor heat exchanger.

[0079] For example, each environmental information detected by the indoor unit sensor may be transmitted to the indoor unit controller to be described later or transmitted to the outside through the indoor unit communication circuitry to be described later.

[0080] The indoor unit of the air conditioner may include the indoor unit communication circuitry. The indoor unit communication circuitry may include at least one of a short-range wireless communication module and a long-range wireless communication module. The indoor unit communication circuitry may include at least one antenna for wirelessly communicating with other devices. The outdoor unit may include the outdoor unit communication circuitry. The outdoor unit communication circuitry may also include at least one of a short-range wireless communication module and a long-range wireless communication module.

[0081] The short-range wireless communication module may include a Bluetooth communication module, a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) communication module, a near field communication module, a WLAN (Wi-Fi) communication module, and a Zigbee communication module, an infrared data association (IrDA) communication module, a Wi-Fi Direct (WFD) communication module, an ultrawideband (UWB) communication module, an Ant+ communication module, a microwave (uWave) communication module, etc., but is not limited thereto.

[0082] The long-range wireless communication module may include a communication module that performs various types of long-range wireless communication, and may include a mobile communication circuitry. The mobile communication circuitry transmits and receives radio signals with at least one of a base station, an external terminal, and a server in a mobile communication network.

[0083] The indoor unit communication circuitry may communicate with an external device such as a server, a mobile device and other home appliances through an access point (AP). The AP may connect a local area network (LAN), to which an air conditioner or a user device is connected, to a wide area network (WAN) to which a server is connected. The air conditioner or the user device may be connected to the server through the WAN. The indoor unit of the air conditioner may include the indoor unit controller configured to control components of the indoor unit including the blower. The outdoor unit of the air conditioner may include an outdoor unit controller configured 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 circuitry and the outdoor unit communication circuitry. The outdoor unit communication circuitry may transmit a control signal generated by the outdoor unit controller to the indoor unit communication circuitry, or transmit a control signal, which is transmitted from the indoor unit communication circuitry, to the outdoor unit controller. In other words, the outdoor unit and the indoor unit may perform bi-directional communication. The outdoor unit and the indoor unit may transmit and receive various signals generated during the operation of the air conditioner.

[0084] The outdoor unit controller may be electrically connected to components of the outdoor unit and may control the operation of each component. 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 adjust a rotational speed of the outdoor fan. In addition, the outdoor unit controller may generate a control signal to adjust the opening degree of the expansion valve. Under the control of the outdoor unit controller, the refrigerant may be circulated along the refrigerant circulation circuit including the compressor, the flow path switching valve, the outdoor heat exchanger, the expansion valve, and the indoor heat exchanger.

[0085] Various temperature sensors included in the outdoor unit and the indoor unit may transmit electrical signals corresponding to detected temperatures to the outdoor unit controller and / or the indoor unit controller. For example, the humidity sensors included in the outdoor unit and the indoor unit may respectively transmit electrical signals corresponding to the detected humidity to the outdoor unit controller and / or the indoor unit controller.

[0086] The indoor unit controller may obtain an input (e.g., a user input) from a user device including a mobile device through the indoor unit communication circuitry, or directly obtain a user input through the input interface or the remote controller. The indoor unit controller may control components of the indoor unit including the blower in response to the received user input. The indoor unit controller may transmit information related to the received user input to the outdoor unit controller of the outdoor unit.

[0087] The outdoor unit controller may control components of the outdoor unit including the compressor based on the information related to the user input received from the indoor unit. For example, when a control signal corresponding to a user input for selecting an operation mode such as a cooling operation, a heating operation, a fan operation, a defrosting operation, or a dehumidifying operation is received from the indoor unit, the outdoor unit controller may control components of the outdoor unit to perform an operation of the air conditioner corresponding to the selected operation mode.

[0088] The outdoor unit controller and the indoor unit controller may include a processor and a memory, respectively. The indoor unit controller may include at least one a first processor and at least one a first memory, and the outdoor unit controller may include at least one a second processor and at least one a second memory.

[0089] The memory may record / store various types of information necessary for the operation of the air conditioner. The memory may store instructions, applications, data and / or programs necessary for the operation of the air conditioner. For example, the memory may store various programs for the cooling operation, the heating operation, the dehumidifying operation, and / or the defrosting operation of the air conditioner. The memory may include volatile memory, such as a static random access memory (S-RAM) and a dynamic random access memory (D-RAM) for temporarily storing data. In addition, 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.

[0090] The processor may include various processing circuitry and generate a control signal for controlling an operation of the air conditioner based on instructions, applications, data, and / or programs stored in the memory. The processor may be hardware and may include a logic circuit and an arithmetic circuit. The processor may process data according to a program and / or instructions provided from the memory, and may generate a control signal according to a processing result. The memory and the processor may be implemented as one control circuit or as a plurality of circuits.

[0091] 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 output information related to the operation of the air conditioner under the control of the indoor unit controller. For example, the output interface may output information, such as an operation mode selected by a user input, a wind direction, a wind volume, and a temperature. In addition, the output interface may output sensing information obtained from the indoor unit sensor or the outdoor unit sensor, and output warning / error messages.

[0092] The output interface may include a display and a speaker. The speaker may be a sound device and configured to output various sounds. The display may display information, which is input by a user or provided to a user, as various graphic elements. For example, operational information of the air conditioner may be displayed as at least one of an image and text. In addition, the display may include an indicator that provides specific information. The display may include a liquid crystal display (LCD) panel, a light emitting diode (LED) panel, an organic light emitting diode (OLED) panel, a micro-LED panel, and / or a plurality of LEDs.

[0093] A refrigeration cycle of an air conditioner comprises a compressor, a condenser, an expansion valve, and an evaporator. The refrigeration cycle circulates through a series of processes including compression-condensation-expansion-evaporation, and may supply conditioned air that has exchanged heat with a refrigerant.

[0094] The compressor compresses refrigerant gas into a high-temperature, high-pressure state and discharges it, and the discharged refrigerant gas flows into the condenser. The condenser condenses the compressed refrigerant into a liquid state and releases heat to the surroundings during the condensation process.

[0095] The expansion valve expands the high-temperature, high-pressure liquid refrigerant condensed in the condenser into a low-pressure liquid refrigerant. The evaporator evaporates the refrigerant expanded in the expansion valve and returns the low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant gas to the compressor. The evaporator is arranged to perform heat exchange using the latent heat of evaporation of the refrigerant, thereby achieving a cooling effect. Through such a cycle, the air conditioner may regulate the temperature of an indoor space.

[0096] The outdoor unit of an air conditioner refers to the part comprising the compressor and the outdoor heat exchanger in the cooling cycle. The indoor unit of an air conditioner includes an indoor heat exchanger, and the expansion valve may be located in either the indoor unit or the outdoor unit. The indoor heat exchanger and the outdoor heat exchanger function as either a condenser or an evaporator. When the indoor heat exchanger is used as a condenser, the air conditioner becomes a heater, and when used as an evaporator, the air conditioner becomes a cooler.

[0097] In describing the heat exchanger according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a wall-mounted air conditioner installed on a wall will be described as an example, but the type of air conditioner is not limited thereto, and it may also be applied to stand-type air conditioners or ceiling-type air conditioners.

[0098] Hereinafter, various example embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in greater detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. A refrigerant pipe may be a refrigerant tube described below.

[0099] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating an example air conditioner according to various embodiments. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the air conditioner according to various embodiments. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A′ shown in FIG. 1 according to various embodiments.

[0100] With reference to FIGS. 1, 2 and 3 (which may be referred to as FIGS. 1 to 3), the air conditioner 1 may include housings 10 and 20 including an inlet 11 and an outlet 12, a heat exchanger 100 that performs heat exchange with air introduced into the housings 10 and 20, and a fan 40 that is provided to introduce air through the inlet 11 and discharge the air through the outlet 12. The fan 40 may be the above-described indoor fan 40.

[0101] The housings 10 and 20 may form an overall exterior of the air conditioner 1. The housings 10 and 20 may include a first housing 10 and a second housing 20 that covers a rear side of the first housing 10. The housings 10 and 20 may be provided with the inlet 11, through which air is introduced, and the outlet 12, through which air is discharged.

[0102] The inlet 11 may be positioned on an upper surface of the first housing 10. The inlet 11 may be positioned on a front surface or a side surface of the first housing 10. The inlet 11 may have a grille shape to prevent and / or reduce foreign substances from being introduced.

[0103] The outlet 12 may be positioned on a bottom surface of the housings 10 and 20. The outlet 12 may be formed by a first discharge end portion 13 of the first housing 10 and a second discharge end portion 24 of the second housing 20. The outlet 12 may be formed on a front surface of the first housing 10.

[0104] Because the air conditioner 1 according to the present disclosure is installed on a wall such that a rear surface of the housings 10 and 20 faces the wall, the inlet 11 and the outlet 12 may be formed on an upper surface, bottom surface, front surface, or left and right side surfaces of the housings 10 and 20.

[0105] The second housing 20 may be coupled to the first housing 10. The second housing 20 may cover the rear surface of the first housing 10. The second housing 20 may include a flow path forming portion 21. The flow path forming portion 21 may be formed to guide air, which has passed through the fan 40, to the outlet 12. The second discharge end portion 24 may be positioned at a lower end of the flow path forming portion 21.

[0106] The second housing 20 may include a fan support portion 22 that rotatably supports the fan 40. The second housing 20 may include a driving device mounting portion 23 on which a fan driving device 70 is mounted. The driving device mounting portion 23 may be positioned at the other side opposite to one side at which the fan support portion 22 is positioned.

[0107] A controller 26 for controlling an operation of the air conditioner 1 may be mounted in the second housing 20. The controller 26 may be positioned at one end of the second housing 20. The controller 26 may be disposed adjacent to the fan driving device 70.

[0108] The air conditioner 1 may include an airflow guide 30 that is provided to open and close the outlet 12. The airflow guide 30 may be provided to be rotatable on the outlet 12. The airflow guide 30 may be provided to be rotatable with respect to the housings 10 and 20. The airflow guide 30 may be rotatably coupled to a drain tray 60. The airflow guide 30, as rotating with respect to the housings 10 and 20, may adjust a direction of airflow discharged from the outlet 12.

[0109] The heat exchanger 100 may be provided to cover a front side and an upper side of the fan 40. The heat exchanger 100 may be disposed adjacent to the fan 40. The heat exchanger 100 may be disposed on a flow path of air between the inlet 11 and the fan 40. Air introduced through the inlet 11 may be discharged through the outlet 12 after being heat-exchanged via the heat exchanger 100. Although not illustrated in the drawings, the heat exchanger 100 may also be disposed on a flow path of air between the fan 40 and the outlet 12.

[0110] The air conditioner 1 may include the drain tray 60 that is provided to collect condensate generated from the heat exchanger 100. The drain tray 60 may be disposed below the heat exchanger 100. The drain tray 60 may be connected to a drain hose (not illustrated) that extends to the outside of the housings 10 and 20, and may discharge collected condensate to the outside of the housings 10 and 20.

[0111] The airflow guide 30 may include a guide coupling portion 31. The drain tray 60 may include a guide support portion 61. The guide coupling portion 31 of the airflow guide 30 may be rotatably coupled to the guide support portion 61 of the drain tray 60.

[0112] The fan 40 may be disposed inside the housings 10 and 20. The fan 40 may be a cross-flow fan extending along the same direction as a length direction of the housings 10 and 20. The fan 40 may be rotatably coupled to the second housing 20.

[0113] The air conditioner 1 may include the fan driving device 70 for driving the fan 40. The fan driving device 70 may be coupled to the fan 40. The fan driving device 70 may be mounted in the second housing 20.

[0114] The air conditioner 1 may include a stabilizer 50 that is provided to guide air around the fan 40. The stabilizer 50 may be provided to determine a blowing direction of the fan 40. The stabilizer 50 may be mounted to the drain tray 60. The stabilizer 50 may be installed at an inner end of the drain tray 60. The stabilizer 50 may form a discharge flow path P2 together with the flow path forming portion 21. The stabilizer 50 may form a portion of an upper portion of the discharge flow path P2, and the flow path forming portion 21 may form a lower portion of the discharge flow path P2.

[0115] The stabilizer 50 may separate an air suction flow path and an air discharge flow path of the fan 40. The stabilizer 50 may extend along a rotation axis direction of the fan 40 such that the fan 40 is partitioned into an introduction portion and a discharge portion. By the stabilizer 50, the fan 40 may be separated into a portion where air is introduced and a portion where air is discharged, and accordingly, by preventing and / or blocking air discharged from the fan 40 from being introduced back into the fan 40, an airflow may be stabilized. The stabilizer 50 may form a flow branching point of air blown by the fan 40, and may guide the blown air to the outlet 12.

[0116] The drain tray 60 and the stabilizer 50 may prevent or block air that has passed through the discharge flow path P2 from moving back to the heat exchanger 100. The drain tray 60 and the stabilizer 50 may partition an intake flow path P1 and the discharge flow path P2. As the drain tray 60 and the stabilizer 50 partition the intake flow path P1 and the discharge flow path P2, all of the air that has passed through the heat exchanger 100 may be discharged to the outlet 12. Accordingly, the air conditioner 1 may prevent and / or reduce a degradation of heat exchange performance, and may prevent and / or reduce a loss of air volume.

[0117] FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating an example heat exchanger according to various embodiments. FIG. 5 is a perspective view illustrating a heat exchange fin according to various embodiments.

[0118] With reference to FIGS. 4 and 5, the heat exchanger 100 may include a plurality of refrigerant tubes 110 that are provided to allow refrigerant to flow therethrough, and a heat exchange fin 120 that are disposed on outer sides of the plurality of refrigerant tubes 110.

[0119] The plurality of refrigerant tubes 110 may be open inside such that fluid refrigerant may flow therein, and may form a flow path through which the refrigerant flows. To efficiently release or absorb heat around by compressing or expanding while the refrigerant flows along the flow path formed in the refrigerant tubes 110, a plurality of heat exchange fins 120 may be coupled to the refrigerant tubes 110.

[0120] The heat exchange fin 120 illustrated in FIG. 4 is not a single configuration, but FIG. 4 is a view illustrating the plurality of heat exchange fins 120. Accordingly, the heat exchange fin 120 of the heat exchanger 100 according to the present disclosure may be provided in plurality.

[0121] A plurality of heat exchange fins 120 may be disposed to be spaced apart from each other at a predetermined interval in a direction perpendicular to a direction in which the refrigerant tube 110 extends. The heat exchange fin 120 may include a material of aluminum alloy having high thermal conductivity.

[0122] The heat exchange fin 120 may be joined to an outer surface of the refrigerant tube 110, and may serve to substantially increase a heat exchange area between outside air and the refrigerant tube 110.

[0123] As an interval at which the heat exchange fins 120 are stacked becomes narrower, a greater number of heat exchange fins 120 may be disposed. However, when an interval between the heat exchange fins 120 becomes excessively narrow, the heat exchange fins 120 may act as resistance to a flow of outside air introduced toward the heat exchanger 100. Accordingly, in order to minimize and / or reduce pressure loss, the interval of the heat exchange fins 120 may be appropriately adjusted.

[0124] The heat exchanger 100 may include a support plate 101 that is positioned at an outer side of the heat exchanger 100. The support plate 101 may be provided so that a connecting pipe (not illustrated) connected to the refrigerant tube 110 is mounted. The support plate 101 may be disposed at one side of the refrigerant tube 110 to support an open end of the refrigerant tube 110.

[0125] For example, the refrigerant tube 110 may be a portion into which refrigerant is introduced, and may be disposed in parallel along one side of the support plate 101. At ends of the plurality of refrigerant tubes 110, a header may be coupled so that refrigerant exchange between adjacent refrigerant tubes 110 is performed.

[0126] The refrigerant tubes 110 may be disposed in a plurality of rows. The plurality of refrigerant tubes 110 may include a first refrigerant tube 110a and a second refrigerant tube 110b that are arranged in a first direction (e.g., X direction) in parallel with each other.

[0127] The heat exchange fin 120 may be provided to have a length direction along the first direction (e.g., X direction). The heat exchange fin 120 may be provided to be coupled to the plurality of refrigerant tubes 110, including the first refrigerant tube 110a and the second refrigerant tube 110b that are arranged in the first direction (e.g., X direction).

[0128] The plurality of refrigerant tubes 110 may be arranged in a first row L1 and a second row L2, spaced apart from each other in the first direction (e.g., X direction). The plurality of refrigerant tubes 110 disposed in the second row L2 may be provided between the plurality of refrigerant tubes 110 disposed in the first row L1, and the plurality of refrigerant tubes 110 disposed in the first row L1 may be provided between the plurality of refrigerant tubes 110 disposed in the second row L2.

[0129] Among the plurality of refrigerant tubes 110 disposed in the first row L1, a pair of adjacent refrigerant tubes 110 may be connected to each other, and among the plurality of refrigerant tubes 110 disposed in the second row L2, a pair of adjacent refrigerant tubes 110 may be connected to each other. A refrigerant tube 110 positioned at the topmost or bottommost of the plurality of refrigerant tubes 110 disposed in the first row L1 may be connected to a refrigerant tube 110 positioned at the topmost or bottommost of the plurality of refrigerant tubes 110 disposed in the second row L2.

[0130] The heat exchange fin 120 may include a base plate 121 coupled to the plurality of refrigerant tubes 110. The base plate 121 may include a plurality of tube holes 122 that are provided so that the plurality of refrigerant tubes 110 penetrate therethrough, and a plurality of support ribs 123 that surround the respective tube holes 122 and support the plurality of refrigerant tubes 110.

[0131] The plurality of tube holes 122 provided in the base plate 121 may be provided at different positions such that the plurality of refrigerant tubes 110 provided in the first row L1 and the second row L2 are inserted therein. More specifically, the plurality of tube holes 122 may be respectively positioned in the first row L1 and the second row L2, arranged to be spaced apart from each other in the first direction (e.g., X direction) for each row, and tube holes 122 positioned in the second row L2 may be provided between the tube holes 122 positioned in the first row L1.

[0132] The heat exchange fin 120 may include a slit fin 130 extending in the first direction (e.g., X direction) from a base surface 121a of the base plate 121. The slit fin 130 may form a slit 131 that is provided between the plurality of tube holes 122 arranged in the first direction (e.g., X direction). The slit 131 may be provided such that air passing through the heat exchange fin 120 passes therethrough in a second direction (e.g., Y direction) that is perpendicular to the first direction (e.g., X direction). The slit fin 130 may extend in the first direction (e.g., X direction) and be cut and spaced apart on both sides in the second direction (e.g., Y direction) from the base plate 121 to form the slit 131.

[0133] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an enlarged plan view of the heat exchange fin according to various embodiments. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the heat exchange fin taken along line C-C′ shown in FIG. 6 according to various embodiments. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the heat exchange fin taken along line D-D′ shown in FIG. 6 according to various embodiments. FIG. 9 is an enlarged view of portion B illustrating a reinforcing groove of the slit fin shown in FIG. 5 extending to a connection surface according to various embodiments.

[0134] With reference to FIGS. 6, 7, 8 and 9 (which may be referred to as FIGS. 6 to 9), the first row L1 in the heat exchange fin 120 may be one side where air is introduced, compared to the second row L2, and the second row L2 may be the other side where air is discharged, compared to the first row L1. That is, air may be introduced toward the first row L1 of the heat exchange fin 120, and may flow in the second direction (e.g., Y direction) perpendicular to the first direction (e.g., X direction) by passing through the second row L2. The fan 40 (see FIG. 3) may be disposed in the second direction (e.g., Y direction) of the heat exchange fin 120.

[0135] The heat exchange fin 120 may include a first tube hole 122a disposed in the first row L1, and a second tube hole 122b and a third tube hole 122c. The heat exchange fin 120 may include a fourth tube hole 122d and a fifth tube hole 122e disposed in the second row L2. The fourth tube hole 122d disposed in the second row L2 may be provided between the first tube hole 122a and the second tube hole 122b, and the fifth tube hole 122e may be provided between the second tube hole 122b and the third tube hole 122c.

[0136] The heat exchange fin 120 may include first to fifth support ribs 123a, 123b, 123c, 123d and 123e that surround each of the first to fifth tube holes 122a, 122b, 122c, 122d and 122e. The first to fifth support ribs 123a, 123b, 123c 123d and 123e may protrude in a direction (e.g., Z direction) in which a plurality of refrigerant tubes 110 (see FIG. 4) extend.

[0137] Between the first tube hole 122a and the second tube hole 122b, a first slit fin 130a and a second slit fin 130b may be provided to be parallel to each other in the second direction (e.g., Y direction), and between the second tube hole 122b and the third tube hole 122c, a third slit fin 130c and a fourth slit fin 130d may be arranged to be parallel to each other in the second direction (e.g., Y direction). Likewise, between the fourth tube hole 122d and the fifth tube hole 122e, a fifth slit fin 130e and a sixth slit fin 130f, which are disposed to be parallel to each other in the second direction (e.g., Y direction), may be provided.

[0138] A pair of slit fins 130 positioned at corresponding positions in the first direction (e.g., X direction) may be arranged to be symmetric to each other in the second direction (e.g., Y direction) with respect to a center line CL connecting centers of an adjacent pair of refrigerant tubes 110 among the plurality of refrigerant tubes 110 disposed in the same row.

[0139] More specifically, the first slit fin 130a and the second slit fin 130b may be symmetric to each other in the second direction (e.g., Y direction) with respect to a center line CL connecting centers of the first tube hole 122a and the second tube hole 122b, and the third slit fin 130c and the fourth slit fin 130d may be symmetric to each other in the second direction (e.g., Y direction) with respect to a center line CL connecting centers of the second tube hole 122b and the third tube hole 122c. In addition, the fifth slit fin 130e and the sixth slit fin 130f may be symmetric to each other in the second direction (e.g., Y direction) with respect to a center line CL connecting centers of the fourth tube hole 122d and the fifth tube hole 122e.

[0140] The plurality of slit pins 130 may be provided between the plurality of refrigerant tubes 110 so as to efficiently perform heat exchange of the refrigerant tubes 110 due to air passing through heat exchange fins 120 that are arranged in parallel to each other and disposed between adjacent refrigerant tubes 110 (see FIG. 4).

[0141] The slit fin 130 may include an upper surface 132 that is spaced in a third direction (e.g., Z direction) from the base surface 121a to allow air to pass, and a slit 131 formed between the upper surface 132 and the base plate 121. The slit fin 130 may be provided that the upper surface 132 may extend in the first direction (e.g., X direction) so that the slit 131 extends in the first direction (e.g., X direction), and may be spaced in parallel to the base plate 121 in the third direction (e.g., Z direction). In addition, the upper surface 132 may be provided to face a direction in which the plurality of refrigerant tubes 110 extend.

[0142] One end and the other end of the upper surface 132 in the first direction (e.g., X direction) may be connected to the base plate 121, and one end of the upper surface 132 in the first direction (e.g., X direction) may be connected to the base plate 121 through a first connection surface 134, and the other end of the upper surface 132 in the first direction (e.g., X direction) may be connected to the base surface 121a through a second connection surface 135.

[0143] A length XL of the slit fin 130 in the first direction (e.g., X direction) may be provided to be longer than a width XW in the second direction (e.g., Y direction), which is perpendicular to the first direction (e.g., X direction). The length XL of the slit fin 130 in the first direction (e.g., X direction) may be a shortest distance in the first direction (e.g., X direction) from an uppermost end of the first connection surface 134 to a lowermost end of the second connection surface 135. The width XW of the slit fin 130 in the second direction (e.g., Y direction) may be a width in the second direction (e.g., Y direction) of the slit fin 130.

[0144] The slit fin 130 may extend in the first direction (e.g., X direction) such that the length XL of the slit 131 in the first direction (e.g., the X direction) becomes the length direction thereof. When the rigidity of the slit fin 130 is not sufficiently strong, the upper surface 132 may be bent toward the base plate 121, as illustrated in FIG. 8.

[0145] To avoid this, a plurality of slit fins 130 may include a reinforcement portion 133 formed on the upper surface 132. The reinforcement portion 133 may include a reinforcing groove 133 that extends in the first direction (e.g., X direction) on the upper surface 132.

[0146] The reinforcing groove 133 may be provided at a center Xs in the second direction (e.g., Y direction) of the upper surface 132. The reason why the reinforcing groove 133 is positioned at the center Xs of the upper surface 132 is that, because each of the slit fins 130 has the first direction (e.g., X direction) as its length direction, the center Xs in the second direction (e.g., Y direction) tends to have lower strength and be prone to deformation. That is, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, by positioning the reinforcing groove 133 at the center Xs in the second direction (e.g., Y direction) of the upper surface 132, even when the slit fin 130 is provided to be long in the first direction (e.g., X direction), it is possible to prevent and / or reduce the center Xs in the second direction (e.g., Y direction) of the slit fin 130 from being deformed, thereby allowing the slit fin 130 to be relatively disposed long in the first direction (e.g., X direction).

[0147] The reinforcing groove 133 may be provided in a shape that is formed on the upper surface 132 and is rounded toward the base plate 121. As illustrated in FIG. 7, the reinforcing groove 133 may be positioned at a height different from the upper surface 132 in the third direction (e.g., Z direction) from the base surface 121a. For example, a spacing distance D2 from the reinforcing groove 133 to the base surface 121a may be provided to be different from a spacing distance D1 from the upper surface 132 to the base surface 121a. The spacing distance D2 from one surface of the reinforcing groove 133 to the base surface 121a may be shorter than the spacing distance D1 from the upper surface 132 to the base surface 121a.

[0148] As illustrated in the drawings, the reinforcing groove 133 may extend from the upper surface 132 to the first connection surface 134 and the second connection surface 135. According to a structure in which the reinforcing groove 133 extends to the first connection surface 134 and the second connection surface 135, the reinforcing groove 133 may make the strength of the slit fin 130 relatively stronger than a structure in which the reinforcing groove 133 does not extend to the first connection surface 134 and the second connection surface 135.

[0149] The reinforcing groove 133 may be provided only on the upper surface 132, and may not extend to the first connection surface 134 and the second connection surface 135.

[0150] According to a structure in which the reinforcing groove 133 is provided on the upper surface 132 of the slit fin 130, each of the slit fins 130 may be disposed between the plurality of refrigerant tubes 110 and may continuously extend in the first direction (e.g., X direction), such that the length XL of the slit fin 130 in the first direction (e.g., X direction) may be provided to be relatively long.

[0151] The slit fin 130 may have the length XL in the first direction (e.g., X direction) that becomes longer as the slit fin 130 gets farther from the center line CL so as to reduce air resistance of air passing through the heat exchange fin 120 (see FIG. 4).

[0152] Although not separately illustrated in the drawings, a plurality of slit fins 130 may be provided between a pair of tube holes 122 that are positioned adjacent to each other in the same row L1 or L2, and the length XL in the first direction (e.g., X direction) may become longer as the plurality of slit fins 130 get farther from the center line CL.

[0153] In such a structure, a slit fin 130 having the longest length XL in the first direction (e.g., X direction) may be separated in the first direction (e.g., X direction) due to a problem of rigidity, and a gap may be provided therebetween. A flow velocity of air passing through the gap and a flow velocity of air passing through the slit 131 may have a relatively large deviation.

[0154] If the slit fin 130 is separated in the first direction (e.g., X direction) and provided in plurality in order to prevent / reduce an upper surface 132 of at least one slit fin 130 from being deformed toward the base surface 121a, an air velocity at a portion passing through the gap between the separated slit fins 130 may be significantly higher than that at other portions. In this state, when air is interfered with the fan 40 (see FIG. 3), noise may increase due to the air having a large flow velocity deviation. In order to reduce such noise, the slit fin 130 may be configured that a single continuous slit 131 needs to be provided between adjacent refrigerant tubes 110 disposed in the same row. To this end, the slit fin 130 may be provided to have a relatively long length in the first direction (e.g., X direction) by including the reinforcing groove 133 provided on the upper surface 132.

[0155] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, because the reinforcing groove 133 is provided on the upper surface 132, the length XL of the slit fin 130 in the first direction (e.g., X direction) may be provided to be longer than that of a structure in which the reinforcing groove 133 is not provided, and a flow velocity of air passing through the slit 131 may become relatively more uniform without the above-described gap.

[0156] For example, air passing through each slit 131 may become relatively uniform in flow velocity according to position after passing through the heat exchange fin 120 (see FIG. 18). Accordingly, the air passing through each slit 131 may have reduced noise that may occur due to interference with the fan 40 in a structure in which the reinforcing groove 133 is not provided.

[0157] In addition, because the slit fin 130 is provided to have a relatively long length XL in the first direction (e.g., X direction), a spacing distance XG between the slit fin 130 and the adjacent refrigerant tube 110 may be relatively reduced. A spacing distance from the slit fin 130 to the adjacent refrigerant tube 110 disposed in the same row L may be provided to be the same as each other.

[0158] According to such a structure, condensate flowing along outer surfaces of the plurality of refrigerant tubes 110 may be guided to flow in the first direction (e.g., X direction) along the slit fins 130.

[0159] For example, condensate may exist on the support rib 123 that support the refrigerant tube 110, and when the slit fin 130 is positioned relatively close to the support rib 123, the condensate may flow from the support rib 123 to the slit fin 130. To this end, the condensate may be guided to the drain tray 60 (see FIG. 2).

[0160] FIG. 10 is a perspective view illustrating an example heat exchange fin according to various embodiments. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the heat exchange fin taken along line E-E′ shown in FIG. 10 according to various embodiments.

[0161] With reference to FIGS. 10 and 11, a heat exchange fin according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. The heat exchange fin 220 may include a first slit fin 230a and a second slit fin 230b that are provided between a first tube hole 222a and a second tube hole 222b positioned in the same row.

[0162] The first slit fin 230a and the second slit fin 230b may be disposed symmetrically to each other in the second direction (e.g., Y direction) with respect to a center line CL connecting centers of the first tube hole 222a and the second tube hole 222b. Each of the first slit fin 230a and the second slit fin 230b may include an upper surface 232 parallel to a base plate 221 in the third direction (e.g., Z direction), a first connection surface 234 connecting one end in the first direction (e.g., X direction) of the upper surface 232 to a base surface 221a, and a second connection surface 235 connecting the other end in the first direction (e.g., X direction) of the upper surface 232 to the base surface 221a.

[0163] The first slit fin 230a may include a first reinforcing groove 233aa and a second reinforcing groove 233ab arranged symmetrically to each other with respect to a center Xs in the second direction (e.g., Y direction) of the upper surface 232. The second slit fin 230b may include a first reinforcing groove 233ba and a second reinforcing groove 233bb arranged symmetrically to each other with respect to the center Xs in the second direction (e.g., Y direction) of the upper surface 232.

[0164] Each of the first reinforcing grooves 233aa and 233ba may be positioned upstream with respect to each of the second reinforcing grooves 233ab and 233bb. That is, air may flow toward the fan 40 (see FIG. 3) by passing through a slit 231a of the first slit fin 230a and a slit 231b of the second slit fin 230b.

[0165] A length XL in the first direction (e.g., X direction) of the slit fin 230 may be provided to be longer than in a case where a reinforcing groove 233 is not provided. Even according to such a structure, because each slit fin 230 may be disposed between refrigerant tubes 110 (see FIG. 4) disposed in the same row and be provided to be relatively long in the first direction (e.g., X direction), and include continuous slits 231, a velocity deviation between a portion passing through the slits 231 and a portion not passing through the slits 231 may be reduced. Accordingly, even if the airflow passing through the base plate 221, the slits 231, and the like is interfered with the fan 40, noise may be prevented and / or reduced.

[0166] In addition, as the length XL in the first direction (e.g., X direction) of the slit fin 230 becomes relatively longer, a spacing distance XG between the support rib 223 and the slit fin 230 may be relatively reduced, and thus condensate collected on the support rib 223 by the plurality of refrigerant tubes 110 may be guided in the first direction (e.g., X direction), so that drainability may be improved.

[0167] FIG. 12 is a perspective view illustrating an example heat exchange fin according to various embodiments. FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the heat exchange fin taken along line F-F′ shown in FIG. 12 according to various embodiments.

[0168] With reference to FIGS. 12 and 13, a base plate 321 may include a first tube hole 322a and a second tube hole 322b that are provided in the same row and spaced apart from each other. A center line CL connecting centers of a first tube hole 322a and a second tube hole 322b may extend in the first direction (e.g., X direction), and a first slit fin 330a and a second slit fin 330b provided between the first tube hole 322a and the second tube hole 322b may be symmetric with respect to the center line CL in the second direction (e.g., Y direction).

[0169] The first slit fin 330a and the second slit fin 330b may each include a reinforcement portion 333 positioned at a center Xs in a width direction of the upper surface 332 and protruding therefrom. The reinforcement portion 333 may include a reinforcing rib 333. The reinforcing rib 333 may be provided to be convex outward from the upper surface 332. The reinforcing rib 333 may be formed in a rounded shape.

[0170] The reinforcing rib 333 may be provided at a position different from the upper surface 332 in the third direction (e.g., Z direction) from a base surface 321a. A spacing distance D3 in the third direction (e.g., Z direction) from the reinforcing rib 333 to the base surface 321a may be greater than a spacing distance D1 in the third direction (e.g., Z direction) from the upper surface 332 to the base surface 321a.

[0171] The reinforcing rib 333 may extend in the first direction (e.g., X direction), which is a length direction of the slit fin 330, and thereby the slit fin 330 may be prevented / reduced from being deformed toward the base plate 321 at a center Xs in the second direction (e.g., Y direction) of the upper surface 332.

[0172] According to such a structure, as described above, a length XL of the slit fin 330 in the first direction (e.g., X direction) may be provided to be relatively long so that the slit 331 is not interrupted, and a flow velocity deviation of airflow contacting the fan 40 (see FIG. 2) may be reduced. At the same time, condensate may be guided to flow in the first direction (e.g., X direction) from a support rib 323 that supports each of the refrigerant tubes 110 (see FIG. 4).

[0173] FIG. 14 is a perspective view illustrating an example heat exchange fin according to various embodiments. FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the heat exchange fin taken along line G-G′ shown in FIG. 14 according to various embodiments.

[0174] With reference to FIGS. 14 and 15, a first slit fin 430a and a second slit fin 430b may be positioned at positions symmetric to each other in an airflow direction (e.g., Y direction) with respect to a center line CL connecting centers of a first tube hole 422a and a second tube hole 422b that are provided in the same row.

[0175] Each of the first slit fin 430a and the second slit fin 430b may include a pair of reinforcing ribs 433 provided on an upper surface 432. For example, a reinforcing rib 433a of the first slit fin 430a may include a first reinforcing rib 433aa provided at a portion where air is introduced, and a second reinforcing rib 433ab positioned downstream of the first reinforcing rib 433a in the direction of airflow. A relationship between a first reinforcing rib 433ba and a second reinforcing rib 433bb of the second slit fin 430b may also correspond thereto.

[0176] The first reinforcing rib 433aa and the second reinforcing rib 433ab of the first slit fin 430a may be provided symmetrically to each other with respect to a center Xs in the second direction (e.g., Y direction) of the upper surface 432, and the first reinforcing rib 433ba and the second reinforcing rib 433bb of the second slit fin 430b may be provided symmetrically to each other with respect to the center Xs in the second direction (e.g., Y direction) of the upper surface 432.

[0177] Even according to such a structure, rigidity in the first direction (e.g., X direction) of the slit fin 430 may be reinforced, and thus, a length XL in the first direction (e.g., X direction) of the slit fin 430 may be relatively longer than that of a structure in which the reinforcing ribs 433 are not provided.

[0178] Even according to such a structure, because the slit 431 may extend long in the first direction (e.g., X direction) without being interrupted, noise may be reduced by a structure in which a flow velocity deviation of air is reduced. In addition, because a spacing distance XG between the slit fin 430 and an adjacent support rib 423 may be relatively reduced, a flow direction of condensate that may exist on the support rib 423 may be guided.

[0179] FIG. 16 is a perspective view illustrating an example heat exchange fin according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of the heat exchange fin taken along line H-H′ shown in FIG. 16 according to various embodiments.

[0180] With reference to FIGS. 16 and 17, a base plate 521 may include a first tube hole 522a and a second tube hole 522b that are disposed in the same row. A first slit fin 530, a second slit fin 540, and a third slit fin 550 may be provided between the first tube hole 522a and the second tube hole 522b,

[0181] The first slit fin 530 may be disposed downstream of the second slit fin 540 and the third slit fin 550 with respect to an airflow direction, and airflow passing through a first slit 531 may flow toward the fan 40 (see FIG. 3). The second slit fin 540 may be positioned upstream of the third slit fin 550 with respect to the airflow direction. For example, the third slit fin 550 may be disposed between the first slit fin 530 and the second slit fin 540.

[0182] The second slit fin 540 and the third slit fin 550 may respectively include a second slit 541 and a third slit 551. However, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a length in the first direction (e.g., X direction) of the second slit fin 540 may be provided to be longer than a length in the first direction (e.g., X direction) of the third slit fin 550, and a length XL in the first direction (e.g., X direction) of the first slit fin 530 may be provided to be longer than a length in the first direction (e.g., X direction) of the second slit fin 540.

[0183] A reinforcing groove 533 may be provided at a center Xs in the second direction (e.g., Y direction) of an upper surface 532 of the first slit fin 530, so that the length XL in the first direction (e.g., X direction) of the first slit fin 530 may be provided to be longer than that in a structure of a slit fin in which the reinforcing groove 533 is not provided. In this way, the first slit fin 530 in which the reinforcing groove 533 is provided on the upper surface 532 may have enhanced rigidity, and the length XL may be provided to be longer. As a result, a flow velocity deviation of airflow passing through the first slit 531 may be reduced, and simultaneously, a spacing distance XG from the first support rib 523a and second support rib 523b may be reduced.

[0184] FIG. 18 is a graph illustrating a deformation amount of a slit fin according to various embodiments. With reference to FIG. 18, the slit fin 130, 230, 330, 430 or 530 in which the reinforcing groove 133, 233, 533 or the reinforcing rib 333 or 433 is provided, and the slit fin in which the reinforcing groove 133, 233 or 533 or the reinforcing rib 333 or 433 is not provided will be compared in terms of deformation amount.

[0185] In FIG. 18, the X-axis may be a value ofXL2XW2*10(-2).TheXL2XW2*10(-2)may be a value obtained by dividing the square of the length XL of the slit fin 130, 230, 330, 430, 530, etc. in the length direction by the square of the width XW of the slit fin 130, 230, 330, 430, 530, etc. in the width direction, and then dividing the resultant value by 100.In FIG. 18, the Y-axis may represent a deformation amount (unit: mm) in the third direction (e.g., Z direction) of the center Xs in the second direction (e.g., Y direction) of the upper surface 132, 232, 332, 432, or 532 of the slit fin 130, 230, 330, 430, 530, etc., as illustrated in FIG. 8. The deformation amount at the center Xs of the slit fin 130, 230, 330, 430, 530, etc. may be the deformation amount at a portion among portions where the upper surface 132, 232, 332, 432, or 532 is bent toward the base plate 121, 221, 321, 421, or 521, in which the deformation occurs the most.As for the X-axis, when the X value increases, it indicates that the width XW of the slit fin 130, 230, 330, 430, 530, etc. becomes smaller and the length XL becomes longer. Conversely, as the X value decreases, it indicates that the width XW of the slit fin 130, 230, 330, 430, 530, etc. increases and the length XL becomes shorter.

[0188] A solid line may represent a deformation amount according to a slit fin without a reinforcing groove or a reinforcing rib, and a dotted line may represent a deformation amount according to a slit fin 130, 230, 330, 430, or 530 in which a reinforcing groove 133, 233, or 533 or a reinforcing rib 333 or 433 is provided.

[0189] As can be seen from FIG. 18, in case of a slit fin without a reinforcing groove or a reinforcing rib, the maximum deformation amount may increase up to 0.15 mm as the X value increases, that is, as the length XL increases or the width XW decreases. In case of the slit fin 130, 230, 330, 430, or 530 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure in which the reinforcing groove 133, 233, or 533 or the reinforcing rib 333 or 433 is provided, as the X value increases, that is, as the length XL increases or the width XW decreases, the maximum deformation amount may increase to less than 0.05 mm.

[0190] In case of a slit fin without a reinforcing groove or reinforcing rib, as the X value decreases, that is, as the length XL becomes shorter or the width XW becomes wider, the maximum deformation amount may increase up to 0.02 mm or 0.04 mm. In case of the slit fin 130, 230, 330, 430, or 530 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure in which the reinforcing groove 133, 233, or 533 or the reinforcing rib 333 or 433 is provided, as the X value decreases, that is, as the length XL becomes shorter or the width XW becomes wider, the maximum deformation amount may increase to less than 0.02 mm to 0.03 mm.

[0191] Although it may vary depending on the X value, the slit fin 130, 230, 330, 430, or 530 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure in which the reinforcing groove 133, 233, or 533 or the reinforcing rib 333 or 433 is provided may always have a smaller deformation amount at the center Xs in the second direction (Y direction) than a case where such reinforcing groove or reinforcing rib is not provided.

[0192] For example, the slit fin 130, 230, 330, 430, or 530 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure in which the reinforcing groove 133, 233, or 533 or the reinforcing rib 333 or 433 is provided may reduce the deformation amount by 7% to 70% compared to a case where such reinforcing groove or reinforcing rib is not provided.

[0193] The range of the slit fin 130, 230, 330, 430, or 530 may be adjusted within a range where the deformation amount is less than 0.03 mm. In case of a slit fin without a reinforcing groove or reinforcing rib, it may be applicable only in a range where the X value is less than 0.64 (e.g., a range where XL is 8 mm or less, or XW is 1 mm or more). However, in case of the slit fin 130, 230, 330, 430, or 530 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure in which the reinforcing groove 133, 233, or 533 or the reinforcing rib 333 or 433 is provided, it may be applicable even when the X value is greater than 0.64, up to 1.3. That is, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, even if the length XL of the slit fin 130, 230, 330, 430, or 530 is made longer, the deformation amount may not become large, and thus, the ranges of the length XL or the width XW may be more widely applicable.

[0194] The spacing distance XG between the slit fin 130, 223, 323, 423, or 523 and the support rib 123, 223, 323, 423, or 523 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may be provided to be 1.5 mm or less.

[0195] FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating a flow velocity of airflow passing through the heat exchange fin according to various embodiments. FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating a comparison of airflows in which flow velocity becomes uniform due to reinforcing grooves or reinforcing ribs passing through the heat exchange fin, according to various embodiments.

[0196] With reference to FIG. 19, a flow velocity deviation resulting from air passing through the heat exchange fin 120 may be illustrated. According to the structure illustrated in FIG. 19, because the slit fin 130 of the heat exchange fin 120 extends without being separated in the length direction, the flow velocity deviation may be smaller than in a case where it is separated.

[0197] In case of the dotted line in FIG. 20, it may be a line indicating a flow velocity of air passing through a slit fin without the reinforcing groove 133, 233, or 533 or the reinforcing rib 333 or 433, and in case of the solid line in FIG. 20, it may be a line indicating a flow velocity of air passing through the slit fin 130, 230, 330, or 430 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure in which the reinforcing groove 133, 233, or 533 or the reinforcing rib 333 or 433 is provided.

[0198] With reference to FIG. 20, the horizontal axis may represent a flow velocity of airflow passing through the heat exchange fin 120, and the unit may be m / s. The vertical axis may represent a position along the second direction (e.g., Y direction) of the slit fin 130, and the unit may be mm. In case of a slit fin without the reinforcing groove 133, 233, or 533 or the reinforcing rib 333 or 433, a deviation between a flow velocity of air passing through a portion where the slit fin separates (approximately near 0) and a flow velocity of air passing through the slit fin may be relatively large. In this case, the air may be interfered with the rotating fan 40 (see FIG. 2), and when the airflow has a relatively large deviation, the airflow may be interfered with the fan 40, resulting in irregular noise generation.

[0199] In case of the slit fin 130, 230, 330, or 430 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure in which the reinforcing groove 133, 233, or 533 or the reinforcing rib 333 or 433 is provided so that the slit fin is not separated, the flow velocity deviation of the air may be relatively smaller than that in case of a slit fin without the reinforcing groove 133, 233, or 533 or the reinforcing rib 333 or 433. According to the structure of an embodiment of the present disclosure in which the flow velocity deviation is relatively small, interference with the fan 40 may be relatively reduced, and thus, noise may be reduced.

[0200] According to an embodiment, a heat exchanger 100 includes a plurality of refrigerant tubes 110 provided to allow refrigerant to flow therethrough and including a first refrigerant tube 110a and a second refrigerant tube 110b arranged in a first direction X, and a heat exchange fin 120 coupled to the plurality of refrigerant tubes 110 and extending in the first direction X. The heat exchange fin 120 may include a slit fin 130, 230, 330, 430, or 530 extending from one surface 121a, 221a, 321a, 421a, or 521a thereof and including a slit 131, 231, 331, 431, or 531 that extends in the first direction X between the first refrigerant tube 110a and the second refrigerant tube 110b, so as to allow air to pass therethrough in a second direction Y perpendicular to the first direction. The slit fin 130, 230, 330, 430, or 530 may include an upper surface 132, 232, 332, 432, or 532 extending in the first direction X, a connection surface 134 and 135, 234 and 235, 334 and 335, 434 and 435, or 534 and 535 positioned on both sides in the first direction X of the upper surface 132, 232, 332, 432, or 532, extending from the upper surface, and connected to the one surface 121a, 221a, 321a, 421a, or 521a of the heat exchange fin, and a reinforcement portion 133, 233, 333, 433, or 533 formed on the upper surface 132, 232, 332, 432, or 532 and extending in the first direction X. Because a length of the slit fin 130, 230, 330, 430, or 530 is provided to be relatively long due to the structure of the reinforcement portion 133, 233, 333, 433, or 533, a velocity deviation of airflow passing through the heat exchange fin 120 may be reduced, and noise may thereby be reduced. In addition, as the length of the slit fin 130, 230, 330, 430, or 530 increases, drainability of condensate from the refrigerant tube 110 may be improved.

[0201] The upper surface 132 may be provided to face a direction in which the plurality of refrigerant tubes extend.

[0202] The reinforcement portion 133, 233, or 533 may be a reinforcing groove 133, 233, or 533 that is provided on the upper surface 132, 232, or 532 and is provided to face the one surface 121a, 221a, or 521a of the heat exchanger.

[0203] The reinforcing groove 133, 233, or 533 may be formed at a center Xs in the second direction Y of the upper surface 132, 232, or 532. According to such a structure, because the reinforcing groove 133, 233, or 533 is formed at the center Xs in the second direction Y of the upper surface 132, 232, or 532, rigidity of the slit fin 130, 230, or 530 may be relatively improved.

[0204] The reinforcing groove 133, 233, or 533 formed on the upper surface 132, 232, or 532 may extend to the connection surface 134 and 135, 234 and 235, or 533 and 534. According to such a structure, because the reinforcing groove 133, 233, or 533 extends to the connection surface 134 and 135, 234 and 235, or 533 and 534, rigidity of the slit fin 130, 230, or 530 may be relatively enhanced.

[0205] The reinforcing groove 233 may include a first reinforcing groove 233aa or 233ba and a second reinforcing groove 233ab or 233bb that are provided symmetrically with respect to the center Xs in the second direction Y of the upper surface 232.

[0206] The reinforcing groove 133, 233, or 533 may be provided in a rounded shape from the upper surface 132, 232, or 532.

[0207] The reinforcement portion 333 or 433 may be a reinforcing rib 333 or 433 that protrudes from the upper surface 332 or 432.

[0208] The reinforcing rib 333 or 433 may be formed at the center Xs in the second direction Y of the upper surface 332 or 432. According to such a structure, because the reinforcing rib 333 or 433 is formed at the center Xs in the second direction Y of the upper surface 332 or 432, rigidity of the slit fin 330 or 430 may be relatively improved.

[0209] The reinforcing rib 333 or 433 may be provided in a rounded shape.

[0210] The slit fin 130, 230, 330, 430, or 530 may include a first slit fin 130e, 230a, 330a, 430a, or 530a and a second slit fin 130f, 230b, 330b, 430b, or 530b that is positioned downstream of the first slit fin with respect to an airflow direction. The second slit fin 130f, 230b, 330b, 430b, or 530b may be provided such that a spacing distance to the first refrigerant tube 110a is the same as a spacing distance to the second refrigerant tube 110b.

[0211] The upper surface 132, 232, 332, 432, or 532 may be provided to be parallel to the one surface 121a, 221a, 321a, 421a, or 521a of the heat exchange fin in a third direction Z, which is perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction.

[0212] The slit fin 130, 230, 330, 430, or 530 may be formed to have a length in the first direction X of 8 mm or more.

[0213] The slit fin 130, 230, 330, 430, or 530 may be provided such that a square of a length XL in the first direction X over a square of a width XW in the second direction Y of the upper surface 132, 232, 332, 432, or 532 is 130 or less.

[0214] The heat exchange fin 120 may further include a base plate 121, 221, 321, 421, or 521 including a tube hole 122, 222, 322, 422, or 522 into which the first refrigerant tube 110a is inserted, and a support rib 123, 223, 323, 423, or 523 protruding from the base plate 121, 221, 321, 421, or 521 along an edge of the tube hole 122, 222, 322, 422, or 522 in a direction Z in which a plurality of refrigerant tubes extend, to support the first refrigerant tube. A spacing distance XG between the slit fin 130, 230, 330, 430, or 530 and the support rib 123, 223, 323, 423, or 523 may be provided to be 1.5 mm or less.

[0215] A heat exchanger 100 according to an embodiment includes a plurality of refrigerant tubes 110 provided to allow refrigerant to flow therethrough and including a first refrigerant tube 110a and a second refrigerant tube 110b arranged to be spaced apart from each other in a first direction X, and a heat exchange fin 120 including one surface 121a, 221a, 321a, 421a, or 521a including a plurality of tube holes 122, 222, 322, 422, or 522 into which the plurality of refrigerant tubes 110 are inserted, and extending in the first direction X. The heat exchange fin 120 includes a slit fin 130, 230, 330, 430, or 530 extending from the one surface 121a, 221a, 321a, 421a, or 521a of the heat exchange fin and including a slit 131, 231, 331, 431, or 531 that extends in the first direction X between the first refrigerant tube 110a and the second refrigerant tube 110b, so as to allow air to pass therethrough in a second direction Y perpendicular to the first direction X. The slit fin 130, 230, 330, 430, or 530 includes an upper surface 132, 232, 332, 432, or 532 extending in the first direction X, a connection surface 134 and 135, 234 and 235, 334 and 335, 434 and 435, or 534 and 535 positioned on both sides of the upper surface 132, 232, 332, 432, or 532 in the first direction X, extended from the upper surface, and connected to the one surface 121a, 221a, 321a, 421a, or 521a of the heat exchange fin, and

[0216] A reinforcement portion 133, 233, 333, 433, or 533 extending in the first direction X on the upper surface 132, 232, 332, 432, or 532, and provided such that a distance D1 from the one surface 121a, 221a, 321a, 421a, or 521a of the heat exchange fin to the upper surface 132, 232, 332, 432, or 532 and a distance D2 or D3 from the one surface 121a, 221a, 321a, 421a, or 521a of the heat exchange fin to the reinforcement portion are different. Because a length of the slit fin 130, 230, 330, 430, or 530 is provided to be relatively long due to the structure of the reinforcement portion 133, 233, 333, 433, or 533, a velocity deviation of airflow passing through the heat exchange fin 120 may be reduced, and noise may thereby be reduced. In addition, as the length of the slit fin 130, 230, 330, 430, or 530 increases, drainability of condensate from the refrigerant tube 110 may be improved.

[0217] The reinforcement portion 133, 233, or 533 may be a reinforcing groove 133, 233, or 533 that is provided on the upper surface 132, 232, or 532 and is provided in a rounded shape to face the one surface 121a, 221a, 321a, 421a, or 521a of the heat exchanger.

[0218] The reinforcing groove 133, 233, or 533 formed on the upper surface 132, 232, or 532 may extend to the connection surface 134 and 135, 234 and 235, or 534 and 535. According to such a structure, because the reinforcing groove 133, 233, or 533 extends to the connection surface 134 and 135, 234 and 235, or 533 and 534, rigidity of the slit fin 130, 230, or 530 may be relatively enhanced.

[0219] The reinforcement portion 333 or 433 may be a reinforcing rib 333 or 433 that protrudes from the upper surface 332 or 432.

[0220] An air conditioner 1 according to an embodiment may include housings 10 and 20 in which an inlet 11 and an outlet 12 are formed, a fan 40 that is provided inside the housings 10 and 20 and sucks air from the inlet 11 and discharges the air to the outlet 12, and a heat exchanger 100 that is provided to perform heat exchange on the air sucked into the housings 10 and 20 through the inlet 11 by the fan 40. The heat exchanger 100 includes a plurality of refrigerant tubes 110 provided to allow refrigerant to flow therethrough and including a first refrigerant tube 110a and a second refrigerant tube 110b arranged in a first direction X, and a heat exchange fin 120 coupled to the plurality of refrigerant tubes 110 and extending in the first direction X. The heat exchange fin 120 may include a slit fin 130, 230, 330, 430, or 530 extending from one surface 121a, 221a, 321a, 421a, or 521a thereof and including a slit 131, 231, 331, 431, or 531 that extends in the first direction X between the first refrigerant tube 110a and the second refrigerant tube 110b, so as to allow air to pass therethrough in a second direction Y perpendicular to the first direction. The slit fin 130, 230, 330, 430, or 530 may include an upper surface 132, 232, 332, 432, or 532 extending in the first direction X, connection surface 134 and 135, 234 and 235, 334 and 335, 434 and 435, or 534 and 535 positioned on both sides in the first direction X of the upper surface 132, 232, 332, 432, or 532, extending from the upper surface, and connected to the one surface 121a, 221a, 321a, 421a, or 521a of the heat exchange fin, and a reinforcement portion 133, 233, 333, 433, or 533 formed on the upper surface 132, 232, 332, 432, 532 and extending in the first direction X. Because a length of the slit fin 130, 230, 330, 430, or 530 is provided to be relatively long due to the structure of the reinforcement portion 133, 233, 333, 433, or 533, a velocity deviation of airflow passing through the heat exchange fin 120 may be reduced, and noise may thereby be reduced. In addition, as the length of the slit fin 130, 230, 330, 430, or 530 increases, drainability of condensate from the refrigerant tube 110 may be improved.

[0221] The effects according to the spirit of the present disclosure are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned may be clearly understood by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure pertains from the following description.

[0222] While the disclosure has been illustrated and described with reference to various example embodiments, it will be understood that the various example embodiments are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. It will be further understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications, alternatives and / or variations of the various example embodiments may be made without departing from the true technical spirit and full technical scope of the disclosure, including the appended claims and their equivalents. It will also be understood that any of the embodiment(s) described herein may be used in conjunction with any other embodiment(s) described herein.

Claims

1. A heat exchanger, comprising:a plurality of refrigerant tubes configured to allow refrigerant to flow therethrough and including a first refrigerant tube and a second refrigerant tube arranged in a first direction; anda heat exchange fin coupled to the plurality of refrigerant tubes and extending in the first direction,wherein the heat exchange fin comprises: a slit fin extending from one surface thereof and including a slit extending in the first direction between the first refrigerant tube and the second refrigerant tube to allow air to pass therethrough in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, andwherein the slit fin comprises:an upper surface extending in the first direction;a connection surface positioned on both sides of the upper surface in the first direction, extending from the upper surface, and connected to the one surface of the heat exchange fin; anda reinforcement portion formed on the upper surface and extending in the first direction.

2. The heat exchanger of claim 1, whereinthe upper surface faces a direction in which the plurality of refrigerant tubes extend.

3. The heat exchanger of claim 1, whereinthe reinforcement portion includes a reinforcing groove provided on the upper surface and facing the one surface of the heat exchanger.

4. The heat exchanger of claim 3, whereinthe reinforcing groove is provided at a center in the second direction of the upper surface.

5. The heat exchanger of claim 3, whereinthe reinforcing groove provided on the upper surface extends to the connection surface.

6. The heat exchanger of claim 3, whereinthe reinforcing groove includes a first reinforcing groove and a second reinforcing groove symmetric to each other with respect to a center in the second direction of the upper surface.

7. The heat exchanger of claim 3, whereinthe reinforcing groove has a rounded shape from the upper surface.

8. The heat exchanger of claim 1, whereinthe reinforcement portion comprises a reinforcing rib protruding from the upper surface.

9. The heat exchanger of claim 8, whereinthe reinforcing rib is provided at a center in the second direction of the upper surface.

10. The heat exchanger of claim 8, whereinthe reinforcing rib has a rounded shape.

11. The heat exchanger of claim 1, whereinthe slit fin includes:a first slit fin; anda second slit fin positioned downstream of the first slit fin with respect to an airflow direction, andwherein the second slit fin is provided such that a spacing distance to the first refrigerant tube is the same as a spacing distance to the second refrigerant tube.

12. The heat exchanger of claim 1, whereinthe upper surface is parallel to the one surface of the heat exchange fin in a third direction perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction.

13. The heat exchanger of claim 1, whereinthe slit fin has a length in the first direction of 8 mm or more.

14. The heat exchanger of claim 2, whereinthe slit fin has a square of a length in the first direction over a square of a width in the second direction of the upper surface is 130 or less.

15. The heat exchanger of claim 1, whereinthe heat exchange fin further comprises:a base plate including a tube hole configured to receive the first refrigerant tube; anda support rib protruding from the base plate along an edge of the tube hole in a direction in which the plurality of refrigerant tubes extend, and configured to support the first refrigerant tube, andwherein a spacing distance between the slit fin and the support rib 1.5 mm or less.

Images