Outdoor unit of air conditioner

Abstract

An outdoor unit of an air conditioner is disclosed. The outdoor unit includes a heat exchanger, a fan, and a safety guard. The fan is positioned at the downstream side of the heat exchanger so as to generate the flow of air passing through the heat exchanger. The safety guard has a plurality of main ribs and a plurality of auxiliary ribs, and is positioned at the downstream side of the fan. The plurality of auxiliary ribs intersect with the plurality of main ribs and connect the plurality of main ribs. A thickness reduction region with a reduced thickness is provided in a region of the auxiliary rib connected to the main rib.

Description

Outdoor unit of air conditioner

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

[0002] An air conditioner may have an indoor unit and an outdoor unit connected by refrigerant pipes. The outdoor unit utilizes the phase change of the refrigerant to exchange heat between the refrigerant and the outdoor air. The outdoor unit is equipped with a fan that generates a flow of cooling air, i.e., air that passes through the heat exchanger and is discharged to the outside. A safety guard is positioned downstream of the fan based on the direction of cooling air flow. The safety guard has a grid-like shape to form a cooling air discharge path, protect the fan, and prevent foreign substances from entering the outdoor unit.

[0003] An outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to one aspect of the present disclosure may include a heat exchanger, a fan, and a safety guard. The fan is located downstream of the heat exchanger and generates a flow of air passing through the heat exchanger. The safety guard has a plurality of main ribs and a plurality of auxiliary ribs and is located downstream of the fan. The plurality of auxiliary ribs intersect with the plurality of main ribs and connect the plurality of main ribs. A thickness reduction region is provided in the region where the auxiliary ribs are connected to the main ribs.

[0004] An outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to one aspect of the present disclosure may include a heat exchanger, a fan, and a safety guard. The fan is located downstream of the heat exchanger and generates a flow of air passing through the heat exchanger. The safety guard is located downstream of the fan. The safety guard includes a plurality of main ribs and a plurality of auxiliary ribs. At least one of the two sides of the plurality of main ribs in the arrangement direction is formed to be inclined with respect to the air blowing direction by the fan. The plurality of auxiliary ribs extend to intersect the plurality of main ribs and connect the plurality of main ribs. When two adjacent main ribs among the plurality of main ribs are referred to as first main ribs and second main ribs, respectively, the auxiliary rib includes a first part connected to the first main rib, a second part connected to the second main rib, and a third part connecting the first part and the second part between the first part and the second part. Based on the direction of airflow by the fan, the length of the first part is longer than the length of the second part, and the downstream end of the first part is located downstream of the downstream end of the second part.

[0005] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an outdoor unit according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0006] FIG. 2 is a partial front view of one embodiment of the safety guard illustrated in FIG. 1.

[0007] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line YY' of Figure 2.

[0008] Figures 4a to 4d are drawings showing various shapes of the downstream end of the first part of the auxiliary rib.

[0009] FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a safety guard according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0010] Figures 6a and 6b are drawings showing various shapes of the downstream end of the third part of the auxiliary rib.

[0011] FIG. 7 is a partial rear perspective view of a safety guard according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0012] FIG. 8 is a partial cross-sectional view of a safety guard according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0013] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of a safety guard according to a comparative example.

[0014] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of a safety guard according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0015] FIG. 11 is a schematic plan view of a safety guard according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0016] FIG. 12 is a schematic plan view of a safety guard according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0017] It should be understood that the various embodiments and terms used in this document are not intended to limit the technical features described in this document to specific embodiments, but rather to include various modifications, equivalents, or substitutes of the embodiments.

[0018] In connection with the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components.

[0019] The singular form of a noun corresponding to an item may include one or more of said items, unless the relevant context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0020] In this document, each of the phrases "A or B", "at least one of A and B", "at least one of A or B", "A, B, or C", "at least one of A, B, and C", and "at least one of A, B, or C" may include any one of the items listed together in that phrase, or all possible combinations thereof.

[0021] The term "and / or" includes any combination of a plurality of related described elements or any one of a plurality of related described elements.

[0022] Terms such as "first," "second," or "first" or "second" may be used simply to distinguish one component from another and do not qualify the components in any other respect (e.g., importance or order).

[0023] When a component (e.g., a first component) is referred to as being "coupled" or "connected" to another component (e.g., a second component), with or without the terms "functionally" or "communicatively," it means that the component can be connected to the other component directly (e.g., wired), wirelessly, or through a third component.

[0024] The terms "include" or "have" are intended to specify the presence of a feature, number, step, operation, component, part or combination thereof described in this document, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts or combinations thereof.

[0025] When a component is said to be “connected,” “coupled,” “supported,” or “in contact with” another component, this includes not only cases where the components are directly connected, coupled, supported, or in contact, but also cases where the components are indirectly connected, coupled, supported, or in contact through a third component.

[0026] When we say that a component is "on" another component, this includes not only cases where the component is in contact with the other component, but also cases where there is another component between the two components.

[0027] An air conditioner according to various embodiments is a device that performs functions such as air purification, ventilation, humidity control, cooling or heating in an air-conditioned space (hereinafter referred to as “indoor”), and means a device equipped with at least one of these functions.

[0028] In one embodiment, an air conditioner may include a heat pump device to perform a cooling function or a heating function. The heat pump device may include a refrigeration cycle in which a refrigerant circulates along a compressor, a first heat exchanger, an expansion device, and a second heat exchanger. All components of the heat pump device may be housed in a single housing forming the exterior of the air conditioner, such as a window air conditioner or a portable air conditioner. On the other hand, some components of the heat pump device may be housed separately in multiple housings forming a single air conditioner, such as a wall-mounted air conditioner, a stand-alone air conditioner, and a system air conditioner.

[0029] An air conditioner including a 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 configured such that one outdoor unit and one indoor unit are connected via a refrigerant pipe. For example, the air conditioner may be configured such that one outdoor unit is connected to two or more indoor units via refrigerant pipes. For example, the air conditioner may be configured such that two or more outdoor units and two or more indoor units are connected via a plurality of refrigerant pipes.

[0030] The outdoor unit can be electrically connected to the indoor unit. For example, information (or commands) for controlling the air conditioner can be input through an input interface provided on the outdoor or indoor unit, and the outdoor and indoor units can operate simultaneously or sequentially in response to user input.

[0031] 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.

[0032] An outdoor heat exchanger can utilize a phase change (e.g., evaporation or condensation) of the refrigerant to exchange heat between the refrigerant and the outdoor air. For example, while the refrigerant condenses in the outdoor heat exchanger, it releases heat to the outdoor air, and while the refrigerant flowing in the outdoor heat exchanger evaporates, it absorbs heat from the outdoor air.

[0033] Indoor units are installed indoors. For example, indoor units can be categorized into ceiling-mounted, stand-alone, and wall-mounted types depending on their placement. For example, ceiling-mounted indoor units can be categorized into four-way, one-way, and duct-type indoor units depending on how air is discharged.

[0034] Similarly, an indoor heat exchanger can utilize the phase change of the refrigerant (e.g., evaporation or condensation) to exchange heat between the refrigerant and indoor air. For example, while the refrigerant evaporates in the indoor unit, the refrigerant can absorb heat from the indoor air. The cooled indoor air can then be blown through the cooled indoor heat exchanger, thereby cooling the room. Furthermore, while the refrigerant condenses in the indoor heat exchanger, the refrigerant can release heat to the indoor air. By blowing the heated indoor air through the high-temperature indoor heat exchanger, the room can be heated.

[0035] That is, the air conditioner performs a cooling or heating function through a phase change process of the refrigerant circulating between the outdoor heat exchanger and the indoor heat exchanger. To circulate the refrigerant, the air conditioner may include a compressor that compresses the refrigerant. The compressor can suck in refrigerant gas through the suction port and compress the refrigerant gas. The compressor can discharge the high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant gas through the discharge port. The compressor may be placed inside the outdoor unit.

[0036] The refrigerant may circulate through the refrigerant pipe in the order of a compressor, an outdoor heat exchanger, an expansion device, and an indoor heat exchanger, or in the order of a compressor, an indoor heat exchanger, an expansion device, and an outdoor heat exchanger.

[0037] For example, in an air conditioner, if one outdoor unit and one indoor unit are directly connected through a refrigerant pipe, the refrigerant can be arranged to circulate between one outdoor unit and one indoor unit through the refrigerant pipe.

[0038] For example, in an air conditioner, if one outdoor unit is connected to two or more indoor units via refrigerant pipes, the refrigerant may flow to multiple indoor units via refrigerant pipes branching from the outdoor unit. The refrigerant discharged from the multiple indoor units may be combined and circulated to the outdoor unit. For example, multiple indoor units may be directly connected in parallel to a single outdoor unit via separate refrigerant pipes.

[0039] Multiple indoor units can operate independently, each according to a user-defined operating mode. That is, some indoor units can operate in cooling mode, while others can operate in heating mode. In this case, the refrigerant can be selectively introduced into each indoor unit at either high or low pressure along a designated circulation path via a flow-through valve, described later, and then discharged from the indoor unit to be circulated to the outdoor unit.

[0040] For example, when two or more outdoor units and two or more indoor units in an air conditioner are connected through multiple refrigerant pipes, the refrigerants discharged from the multiple outdoor units may merge and flow through one refrigerant pipe, then branch off again at some point and flow into multiple indoor units.

[0041] Multiple outdoor units may all be operated, or at least some may not be operated, depending on the operating load of the multiple indoor units. In this case, the refrigerant may be introduced into the outdoor unit, which is selectively operated, through a flow switching valve and circulated there. The air conditioner may include an expansion device to reduce the pressure of the refrigerant flowing into the heat exchanger. For example, the expansion device may be located within the indoor unit, the outdoor unit, or both.

[0042] An expansion device can, for example, utilize a throttling effect to lower the temperature and pressure of the refrigerant. The expansion device may include an orifice capable of reducing the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path. Refrigerant passing through the orifice may experience a decrease in temperature and pressure.

[0043] The expansion device may be implemented as, for example, an electronic expansion valve capable of controlling the opening ratio (the ratio of the cross-sectional area of ​​the valve's flow path when partially open to the cross-sectional area of ​​the valve's flow path when fully open). Depending on the opening ratio of the electronic expansion valve, the amount of refrigerant passing through the expansion device can be controlled.

[0044] The air conditioner may further include a flow diverter valve positioned along the refrigerant circulation path. The flow diverter valve may include, for example, a four-way valve. The flow diverter valve may determine the refrigerant circulation path depending on the indoor unit's operating mode (e.g., cooling operation or heating operation). The flow diverter valve may be connected to the discharge port of the compressor.

[0045] The air conditioner may include an accumulator. The accumulator may be connected to the suction port of the compressor. The accumulator may receive low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant vaporized in an indoor heat exchanger or an outdoor heat exchanger.

[0046] The accumulator can separate the refrigerant liquid from the refrigerant gas when a refrigerant mixture of refrigerant liquid and refrigerant gas is introduced, and provide the refrigerant gas from which the refrigerant liquid has been separated to the compressor.

[0047] 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.

[0048] The outdoor unit of the air conditioner may include at least one sensor. For example, the sensor of the outdoor unit may be provided as an environmental sensor. The outdoor unit sensor may be positioned at any location inside or outside the outdoor unit. For example, the outdoor unit sensor may include a temperature sensor for detecting the air temperature around the outdoor unit, a humidity sensor for detecting the air humidity around the outdoor unit, a refrigerant temperature sensor for detecting the refrigerant temperature of a refrigerant pipe passing through the outdoor unit, or a refrigerant pressure sensor for detecting the refrigerant pressure of a refrigerant pipe passing through the outdoor unit.

[0049] An outdoor unit of an air conditioner may include an outdoor unit communication unit. The outdoor unit communication unit may be configured to receive a control signal from a control unit of an indoor unit of the air conditioner, which will be described later. The outdoor unit may control the operation of a compressor, an outdoor heat exchanger, an expansion device, a flow switching valve, an accumulator, or an outdoor fan based on the control signal received through the outdoor unit communication unit. The outdoor unit may transmit a sensing value detected by an outdoor unit sensor to the control unit of the indoor unit through the outdoor unit communication unit.

[0050] The indoor unit of the air conditioner may include a housing, a blower for circulating air into or out of the housing, and an indoor heat exchanger for exchanging heat with air flowing into the interior of the housing.

[0051] The housing may include an intake port through which indoor air may be drawn into the interior of the housing.

[0052] The indoor unit of the air conditioner may include a filter that is provided to filter foreign substances in the air that flows into the housing through the intake port.

[0053] The housing may include an exhaust port. Air flowing within the housing may be discharged to the exterior of the housing through the exhaust port.

[0054] The housing of the indoor unit may be provided with an airflow guide that guides the direction of air discharged through the exhaust port. For example, the airflow guide may include blades positioned above the exhaust port. For example, the airflow guide may include an auxiliary fan for controlling the exhaust airflow. However, the airflow guide is not limited thereto and may be omitted.

[0055] An indoor heat exchanger and a blower may be provided inside the housing of the indoor unit, which are arranged on a path connecting the intake and exhaust ports.

[0056] Blowers may include indoor fans and fan motors. For example, indoor fans may include axial fans, diffusion fans, crossflow fans, and centrifugal fans.

[0057] An indoor heat exchanger may be positioned between the blower and the exhaust, or between the intake and the blower. The indoor heat exchanger may absorb heat from air drawn in through the intake or transfer heat to the air drawn in through the intake. The indoor heat exchanger may include heat exchange tubes through which refrigerant flows, and heat exchange fins in contact with the heat exchange tubes to increase the heat transfer surface area.

[0058] The indoor unit of the air conditioner may include a drain tray positioned below the indoor heat exchanger to collect condensate generated in the indoor heat exchanger. The condensate collected in the drain tray may be drained to the outside through a drain hose. The drain tray may be provided to support the indoor heat exchanger.

[0059] The indoor unit of the air conditioner may include an input interface. The input interface may include any type of user input means, including buttons, switches, a touch screen, and / or a touch pad. The user can directly input setting data (e.g., desired indoor temperature, operating mode settings for cooling / heating / dehumidification / air purification, outlet selection settings, and / or air flow settings) through the input interface.

[0060] The input interface may also be connected to an external input device. For example, the input interface may be electrically connected to a wired remote controller. The wired remote controller may be installed at a specific location in an indoor space (e.g., a portion of a wall). A user may input configuration data regarding the operation of the air conditioner by operating the wired remote controller. Electrical signals corresponding to the configuration data obtained through 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 configuration data regarding the operation of the air conditioner using a wireless remote controller. The configuration data input through the wireless remote controller may be transmitted to the input interface as an infrared signal.

[0061] Additionally, the input interface may include a microphone. A user's voice command may be acquired through the microphone. The microphone may convert the user's voice command into an electrical signal and transmit the converted electrical signal to an indoor unit control unit. The indoor unit control unit may control components of the air conditioner to execute a function corresponding to the user's voice command. Setting data acquired through the input interface (e.g., desired indoor temperature, operation mode settings for cooling / heating / dehumidification / air purification, outlet selection settings, and / or air volume settings) may be transmitted to the indoor unit control unit, which will be described later. In one example, the setting data acquired through the input interface may be transmitted externally, i.e., to an outdoor unit or a server, through an indoor unit communication unit, which will be described later.

[0062] 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 the components of the indoor unit.

[0063] An indoor unit of an air conditioner may include an indoor unit sensor. The indoor unit sensor may be an environmental sensor positioned in a space inside or outside the housing. For example, the indoor unit sensor may include one or more temperature sensors and / or humidity sensors positioned 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 for detecting a refrigerant temperature of a refrigerant pipe passing through the indoor unit. For example, the indoor unit sensor may include respective refrigerant temperature sensors for detecting the inlet, middle, and / or outlet temperatures of the refrigerant pipe passing through the indoor heat exchanger.

[0064] For example, each environmental information detected by an indoor unit sensor can be transmitted to the indoor unit control unit described later or transmitted externally through the indoor unit communication unit described later.

[0065] The indoor unit of the air conditioner may include an indoor unit communication unit. The indoor unit communication unit may include at least one of a short-range communication module and a long-range communication module. The indoor unit communication unit may include at least one antenna for wireless communication with other devices. The outdoor unit may include an outdoor unit communication unit. The outdoor unit communication unit may also include at least one of a short-range communication module and a long-range communication module.

[0066] The short-range wireless communication module may include, but is not limited to, a Bluetooth communication module, a BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) communication module, a near field communication module, a WLAN (Wi-Fi) communication module, a Zigbee communication module, an infrared (IrDA, infrared Data Association) communication module, a WFD (Wi-Fi Direct) communication module, an UWB (ultrawideband) communication module, an Ant+ communication module, a microwave (uWave) communication module, etc.

[0067] The remote communication module may include a communication module that performs various types of remote communication and may include a mobile communication unit. The mobile communication unit transmits and receives wireless signals with at least one of a base station, an external terminal, and a server on a mobile communication network.

[0068] The indoor unit communication unit can communicate with external devices such as servers, mobile devices, and other home appliances through a nearby access point (AP). The access point (AP) can connect a local area network (LAN) to which the air conditioner or user device is connected to a wide area network (WAN) to which the server is connected. The air conditioner or user device can be connected to the server through the wide area network (WAN). The indoor unit of the air conditioner may include an indoor unit control unit that controls components of the indoor unit, including a blower, etc. The outdoor unit of the air conditioner may include an outdoor unit control unit that controls components of the outdoor unit, including a compressor, etc. The indoor unit control unit can communicate with the outdoor unit control unit through the indoor unit communication unit and the outdoor unit communication unit. The outdoor unit communication unit can transmit control signals generated by the outdoor unit control unit to the indoor unit communication unit, or transmit control signals transmitted from the indoor unit communication unit to the outdoor unit control unit. In other words, the outdoor unit and the indoor unit can communicate bidirectionally. The outdoor unit and the indoor unit can transmit and receive various signals generated during the operation of the air conditioner.

[0069] The outdoor unit control unit can be electrically connected to components of the outdoor unit and can control the operation of each component. For example, the outdoor unit control unit can adjust the frequency of the compressor and control the flow switching valve to change the circulation direction of the refrigerant. The outdoor unit control unit can adjust the rotation speed of the outdoor fan. In addition, the outdoor unit control unit can generate a control signal to adjust the opening degree of the expansion valve. Under the control of the outdoor unit control unit, the refrigerant can circulate along a refrigerant circulation circuit including the compressor, the flow switching valve, the outdoor heat exchanger, the expansion valve, and the indoor heat exchanger.

[0070] The various temperature sensors included in the outdoor and indoor units can transmit electrical signals corresponding to the detected temperatures to the outdoor unit control unit and / or the indoor unit control unit. For example, the humidity sensors included in the outdoor and indoor units can transmit electrical signals corresponding to the detected humidity to the outdoor unit control unit and / or the indoor unit control unit.

[0071] The indoor unit control unit can obtain user input from a user device, including a mobile device, via the indoor unit communication unit, and can obtain user input directly through the input interface or via a remote controller. The indoor unit control unit can control components of the indoor unit, including a blower, in response to the received user input. The indoor unit control unit can transmit information regarding the received user input to the outdoor unit control unit of the outdoor unit.

[0072] The outdoor unit control unit can control the components of the outdoor unit, including the compressor, based on information regarding 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 cooling operation, heating operation, ventilation operation, defrosting operation, or dehumidification operation, is received from the indoor unit, the outdoor unit control unit can control the components of the outdoor unit so that the air conditioner performs an operation corresponding to the selected operation mode.

[0073] The outdoor unit control unit and the indoor unit control unit may each include a processor and a memory. The indoor unit control unit may include at least one first processor and at least one first memory, and the outdoor unit control unit may include at least one second processor and at least one second memory.

[0074] The memory can store / remember various information necessary for the operation of the air conditioner. The memory can store instructions, applications, data, and / or programs necessary for the operation of the air conditioner. For example, the memory can store various programs for the cooling, heating, dehumidifying, and / or defrosting operations of the air conditioner. The memory can include volatile memory such as Static Random Access Memory (S-RAM) and Dynamic Random Access Memory (DRAM) for temporarily storing data. In addition, the memory can include non-volatile memory such as Read Only Memory (ROM), Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory (EPROM), and Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory (EEPROM) for long-term storage of data.

[0075] The processor can generate control signals for controlling the operation of the air conditioner based on instructions, applications, data, and / or programs stored in memory. The processor, as hardware, may include logic circuits and arithmetic circuits. The processor can process data according to programs and / or instructions provided from the memory and generate control signals based on the processing results. The memory and the processor may be implemented as a single control circuit or as multiple circuits.

[0076] An indoor unit of an air conditioner may include an output interface. The output interface is electrically connected to the indoor unit control unit and can output information related to the operation of the air conditioner under the control of the indoor unit control unit. For example, information such as an operating mode selected by a user input, wind direction, wind volume, and temperature may be output. Additionally, the output interface may output sensing information obtained from an indoor unit sensor or an outdoor unit sensor, as well as warning / error messages.

[0077] The output interface may include a display and a speaker. The speaker, as an audio device, can output various sounds. The display may display information input by the user or information provided to the user using various graphic elements. For example, operation information of an air conditioner may be displayed as at least an image or text. The display may also include an indicator that provides specific information. The display may include a liquid crystal display panel (LCD), a light emitting diode panel (LED), an organic light emitting diode panel (OLED), a micro LED panel, and / or a plurality of LEDs.

[0078] The present disclosure relates to an outdoor unit of an air conditioner or other air conditioner. The present disclosure provides an outdoor unit having a safety guard capable of reducing the flow resistance of air (cooling air). The present disclosure also provides an outdoor unit having a safety guard capable of preventing the introduction of foreign substances. The present disclosure also provides an outdoor unit having a safety guard with enhanced rigidity. However, the technical problems to be solved by the present disclosure are not limited to the technical problems mentioned above, and other technical problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art to which the present disclosure pertains from the description below.

[0079] Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the contents described in the attached drawings. The same reference numbers or symbols presented in each drawing indicate parts or components that perform substantially the same functions.

[0080] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an outdoor unit (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a partial front view of one embodiment of a safety guard (30) illustrated in FIG. 1. Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, an outdoor unit (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a heat exchanger (10), a fan (20), and a safety guard (30). The fan (20) generates a flow of air passing through the heat exchanger (10). In the present embodiment, the fan (20) may be positioned downstream of the heat exchanger (10) with respect to the air blowing direction. The safety guard (30) is positioned downstream of the fan (20) with respect to the air blowing direction. The safety guard (30) may include a plurality of main ribs (310) and a plurality of auxiliary ribs (320). The plurality of auxiliary ribs (320) intersect the plurality of main ribs (310). A plurality of auxiliary ribs (320) connect a plurality of main ribs (310). The main ribs (310) and auxiliary ribs (320) will be described in detail later.

[0081] The heat exchanger (10) is an air-cooled heat exchanger that exchanges heat between air and refrigerant. Air is supplied to the heat exchanger (10) by a fan (20), and heat is exchanged between the refrigerant flowing along the inside of the heat exchanger (10) and the air. As a result, a vapor-liquid phase change of the refrigerant can occur inside the heat exchanger (10). Although not shown in the drawing, the outdoor unit (1) may further include a compressor. The compressor can compress a low-temperature, low-pressure gaseous refrigerant into a high-temperature, high-pressure gaseous refrigerant. The compressor is connected to the heat exchanger (10). By compressing the refrigerant using the compressor in the preceding stage of the heat exchanger (10), the vapor-liquid phase change of the refrigerant can be easily performed at a high temperature. Although not shown in the drawing, the outdoor unit (1) may include at least one sensor. For example, the sensor may include a temperature sensor for detecting the air temperature around the outdoor unit (1), a humidity sensor for detecting the air humidity around the outdoor unit (1), a refrigerant temperature sensor for detecting the refrigerant temperature of the refrigerant pipe passing through the outdoor unit (1), a refrigerant pressure sensor for detecting the refrigerant pressure of the refrigerant pipe passing through the outdoor unit (1), etc. The outdoor unit (1) may further include a processor. The processor may control the operation of the components of the outdoor unit (1). In one embodiment, the processor may be implemented by a hardware circuit such as a central processing unit (CPU), a microprocessor, a chipset, or a system-on-chip (SOC).

[0082] The outdoor unit (1) has a housing (40) forming an exterior. The housing (40) may be formed of one or more parts. Components forming the outdoor unit (1), such as a heat exchanger (10) and a fan (20), are accommodated inside the housing (40). An exhaust port (42) through which air is discharged is provided on the front surface (41) of the housing (40). A safety guard (30) is installed in the exhaust port (42). Air introduced into the housing (40) by the fan (20) absorbs heat of the refrigerant while passing through the heat exchanger (10) and is then discharged to the outside of the housing (40) through the safety guard (30). The safety guard (30) has a structure capable of preventing foreign substances from being introduced into the housing (40) through the exhaust port (42). The safety guard (30) has a structure capable of securing a flow path for the exhausted air.

[0083] As described above, the safety guard (30) has a plurality of main ribs (310) and a plurality of auxiliary ribs (320). In order to reduce or prevent the risk of damage to the safety guard (30) due to external impact, the plurality of auxiliary ribs (320) connect the plurality of main ribs (310) to each other to reinforce the rigidity of the safety guard (30). In order to secure an air flow path, the safety guard (30) has a lattice structure.

[0084] The blowing direction by the fan (20) is indicated as Z1. Each of the plurality of main ribs (310) extends in a direction intersecting the blowing direction (Z1). The extension direction of the plurality of main ribs (310) is indicated as Z2. In the present embodiment, by way of example, the extension direction (Z2) is orthogonal to the blowing direction (Z1). The plurality of main ribs (310) are arranged at intervals in an array direction intersecting the blowing direction (Z1) and the extension direction (Z2). The array direction is indicated as Z3. In the present embodiment, by way of example, the array direction (Z3) is orthogonal to the blowing direction (Z1) and the extension direction (Z2).

[0085] Each of the plurality of auxiliary ribs (320) intersects with the plurality of main ribs (310) and sequentially connects the plurality of main ribs (310). In the present embodiment, the plurality of auxiliary ribs (320) extend in the arrangement direction (Z3) of the plurality of main ribs (310). The plurality of auxiliary ribs (320) are arranged at intervals in a direction intersecting the extension direction thereof. In the present embodiment, the plurality of auxiliary ribs (320) are arranged at intervals in the extension direction (Z2) of the plurality of main ribs (310). By the plurality of main ribs (310) and the plurality of auxiliary ribs (320), a plurality of grid flow paths (31) are formed, which are opened in the airflow direction (Z1) of the safety guard (30) and have a horizontal interval (31L) and a vertical interval (31T). The air that passes through the heat exchanger (10) and is induced by the fan (20) is discharged to the outside of the housing (40) through the plurality of grid flow paths (31).

[0086] Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line YY' of Fig. 2. Referring to Fig. 3, two adjacent main ribs are respectively referred to as a first main rib (310A) and a second main rib (310B). For example, the first main rib (310A) is a relatively upper rib, and the second main rib (310B) is a relatively lower rib. The auxiliary rib (320) may include a first portion (321), a second portion (322), and a third portion (323). The first portion (321) is connected to the first main rib (310A). For example, the first portion (321) is connected to the lower surface (310A-b) of the first main rib (310A) and extends in the arrangement direction (Z3) toward the second main rib (310B). The second portion (322) is connected to the second main rib (310B). For example, the second portion (322) is connected to the upper surface (320B-a) of the second main rib (310B) and extends in the arrangement direction (Z3) toward the first main rib (310A). The third portion (323) connects the first portion (321) and the second portion (322) between the first portion (321) and the second portion (322).

[0087] For example, the auxiliary rib (320) may have an upstream end (320U). The first, second, and third portions (321)(322)(323) each extend from the upstream end (320U) in the blowing direction (Z1). The first, second, and third portions (321)(322)(323) each have a downstream end (321D)(322D)(323D). The downstream end (323D) of the third portion (323) connects the downstream ends (321D)(322D) of the first portion (321) and the second portion (322). The downstream ends (321D)(322D)(323D) of the first, second, and third portions (321)(322)(323) form the downstream end (320D) of the auxiliary rib (320). The upstream end (310U) of the main rib (310) may be located upstream or downstream of the upstream end (320U) of the auxiliary rib (320). In the present embodiment, the upstream end (310U) of the main rib (310) is located downstream of the upstream end (320U) of the auxiliary rib (320). The downstream end (320D) of the auxiliary rib (320) may be located upstream of the downstream end (310D) of the main rib (310). In other words, the downstream end portions (321D)(322D)(323D) of the first, second, and third portions (323) are positioned upstream of the downstream end portion (310D) of the main rib (310). Accordingly, the downstream end portions (321D)(322D)(323D) of the auxiliary rib (320) do not protrude outward from the downstream end portion (310D) of the main rib (310).

[0088] Air passes through the grid flow passages (31) and is discharged to the outside of the housing (40). A pair of adjacent main ribs (310) and a pair of adjacent auxiliary ribs (320) form side walls in the extension direction (Z2) and the arrangement direction (Z3) of the grid flow passage (31), respectively. The main flow direction of the air passing through the grid flow passage (31) is the blowing direction (Z1), but in reality, the air flows in a spiral direction with the blowing direction (Z1) as its axis, as indicated by reference numeral TA in Fig. 1, due to the rotation of the fan (20). Therefore, the length of the auxiliary ribs (320) in the blowing direction (Z1) together with the cross-sectional area perpendicular to the blowing direction (Z1) of the grid flow passage (31) can also affect the flow rate of the air passing through the grid flow passage (31). As the length of the blowing direction (Z1) of the auxiliary rib (320) becomes longer, the amount of air blocked by the auxiliary rib (320) among the air flowing in a spiral direction along the grid flow path (31) increases, and the flow resistance of the air may increase. By forming the downstream end portions (321D) (322D) (323D) of the auxiliary rib (320) to be located upstream of the downstream end portion (310D) of the main rib (310), the length of the blowing direction (Z1) of the auxiliary rib (320) can be relatively shortened, thereby reducing the flow resistance of the air, and increasing the flow rate of the air passing through the grid flow path (31) having a cross-sectional area in the given blowing direction (Z1). In addition, since the cross-sectional area of ​​the grid flow path (31) can be made smaller to secure the same air flow rate, it is advantageous in preventing the introduction of foreign substances through the grid flow path (31).

[0089] The first part (321) of the auxiliary rib (320) has a significant length in the extension direction of the auxiliary rib (320) (the array direction (Z3) in this embodiment). For example, the downstream end (321D) of the first part (321) has a length (321W) in the array direction (Z3). As illustrated in FIG. 3, the downstream end (321D) of the first part (321) may be a straight line extending parallel to the array direction (Z3). The downstream end (321D) of the first part (321) may have various shapes as long as it has a significant length in the array direction (Z3). For example, FIGS. 4A to 4D show various shapes of the downstream end (321D) of the first part (321) of the auxiliary rib (320). As illustrated in FIG. 4a, the downstream end (321D) of the first portion (321) may be a straight line that slopes upstream with respect to the arrangement direction (Z3) as it goes toward the second main rib (310B). As illustrated in FIG. 4b, the downstream end (321D) of the first portion (321) may be a curved line that is convex toward the downstream. As illustrated in FIG. 4c, the downstream end (321D) of the first portion (321) may be a straight line that slopes downstream with respect to the arrangement direction (Z3) as it goes toward the second main rib (310B). As illustrated in FIG. 4d, the downstream end (321D) of the first portion (321) may be a curved line that is concave toward the upstream.

[0090] In this way, according to the configuration in which the downstream end (321D) of the first part (321) of the auxiliary rib (320) has a significant length (321W) in the arrangement direction (Z3), the rigidity against the load applied to the main rib (310) can be strengthened. Accordingly, the reduction in the cross-sectional area of ​​the lattice flow path (31) due to the sagging of the main rib (310) and the resulting decrease in the air flow rate can be reduced or prevented. The risk of damage to the safety guard (30) due to an external force applied to the safety guard (30) can be reduced or prevented. The arrangement interval of the auxiliary ribs (320) can be made relatively large. This means an increase in the horizontal length (31L) of the lattice flow path (31) in FIG. 2, which is advantageous for increasing the air flow rate.

[0091] As an example, the lengths of the first part (321) and the second part (322) may be different with respect to the blowing direction (Z1). For example, referring to FIG. 3, the length (321L) of the first part (321) in the blowing direction (Z1) may be longer than the length (322L) of the second part (322) in the blowing direction (Z1). That is, with respect to the blowing direction (Z1), the downstream end (321D) of the first part (321) may be located further downstream than the downstream end (322D) of the second part (322). According to this configuration, not only is the exhaust passage for air flowing in a spiral direction, as indicated by TA in Fig. 1, increased by the area (FA1) between the downstream end (321D) of the first portion (321) and the downstream end (322D) of the second portion (322), but the air resistance by the auxiliary rib (320) can be reduced as the length (322L) of the blowing direction (Z1) of the second portion (322) is shortened. Accordingly, the flow rate of air passing through the grid flow path (31) can be further increased.

[0092] As an example, the length (321W) of the downstream end (321D) of the first portion (321) and the length (322W) of the downstream end (321D) of the second portion (322) may be different from each other based on the extension direction of the auxiliary rib (320), i.e., the arrangement direction (Z3). For example, as illustrated in FIG. 3, the length (321W) of the downstream end (321D) of the first portion (321) may be longer than the length (322W) of the downstream end (322D) of the second portion (322) based on the arrangement direction (Z3). With such a configuration, the rigidity of the first portion (321) is strengthened, which may be advantageous in preventing sagging of the main rib (310) and strengthening the rigidity of the safety guard (30).

[0093] Fig. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a safety guard (30) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 5 corresponds to the YY' cross-sectional view of Fig. 2. Referring to Fig. 5, the length (321W) of the downstream end (321D) of the first portion (321) with respect to the arrangement direction (Z3) may be shorter than the length (322W) of the downstream end (322D) of the second portion (322). According to this configuration, the first portion (321) having a relatively long length (321L) in the blowing direction (Z1) has a relatively short length (321W) in the arrangement direction (Z3). Therefore, the amount of air blocked by the first portion (321) among the air flowing in the spiral direction can be reduced, and the flow resistance due to the first portion (321) can also be reduced, so that the flow rate of air passing through the lattice flow path (31) can be increased.

[0094] Referring again to FIG. 3, the downstream end (323D) of the third portion (323) connects the downstream end (321D) of the first portion (321) and the downstream end (322D) of the second portion (322). For example, as illustrated in FIG. 3, the downstream end (323D) of the third portion (323) may have a diagonal shape inclined with respect to the array direction (Z3). With such a configuration, the amount of air flowing in a spiral direction blocked by the third portion (323) can be reduced, and the flow resistance caused by the third portion (323) can be reduced. In addition, the strength of the first portion (321) can be reinforced. The shape of the downstream end (323D) of the third portion (323) is not limited thereto. Figures 6a and 6b are drawings showing various shapes of the downstream end (323D) of the third portion (323) of the auxiliary rib (320). As illustrated in Figure 6a, the downstream end (323D) of the third portion (323) may have a concave curved shape toward the upstream side. As illustrated in Figure 6b, the downstream end (323D) of the third portion (323) may have a convex curved shape toward the downstream side. Although not illustrated in the drawings, the downstream end (323D) of the third portion (323) may have various shapes, such as a combination of two or more diagonal lines, a combination of diagonal lines and curves, etc. The downstream end (323D) of the third portion (323) may have various shapes suitable for increasing the flow rate of air passing through the grid flow path (31), reinforcing the strength of the first portion (321), etc.

[0095] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a thickness reduction region in which the thickness is reduced may be provided in a region of the auxiliary rib (320) connected to the main rib (310). The 'thickness' associated with the auxiliary rib (320) is a thickness in a direction orthogonal to the extension direction of the auxiliary rib (320). In the present embodiment, the 'thickness' associated with the auxiliary rib (320) is a thickness in the extension direction (Z2) of the main rib (310). At least one of the first portion (321) and the second portion (322) of the auxiliary rib (320) may have a thickness reduction region whose thickness is thinner than that of the third portion (323) of the auxiliary rib (320). According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, at least one of the first portion (321) and the second portion (322) of the auxiliary rib (320) may have a thickness reduction region whose thickness is thinner than that of the main rib (310). The 'thickness' associated with the main rib (310) is the thickness in the array direction (Z3) orthogonal to the extension direction (Z2) of the main rib (310). For example, the thickness reduction region may include a region where the first and second portions (321) (322) are connected to the main rib (310).

[0096] A plurality of main ribs (310) and a plurality of auxiliary ribs (320) can be formed integrally. For example, the safety guard (30) can be manufactured by plastic injection molding. Referring to Fig. 3, a first part (321) of an auxiliary rib (320) is connected to a first main rib (310A) located relatively above in a "T" shape. A second part (322) of an auxiliary rib (320) is connected to a second main rib (310B) located relatively below in a "T" shape. The auxiliary rib (320) connects a plurality of main ribs (310) to maintain the rigidity of the safety guard (30) as a whole, thereby preventing damage, deformation, etc. of the safety guard (30) due to external impact. From this point of view, the thicker the auxiliary rib (320), the more advantageous it is.

[0097] In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3, the length (321W) of the first part (321) of the auxiliary rib (320) is longer than the length (322W) of the second part (322) with respect to the blowing direction (Z1). In the area of ​​the first part (321) in the blowing direction (Z1) that overlaps with the second part (322) in the arrangement direction (Z3), the first and second parts (321) (322) of the main rib (310) and the auxiliary rib (320) are connected in a “+” shape. In contrast, in the remaining area of ​​the first part (321), i.e., the area that does not overlap with the second part (322) in the arrangement direction (Z3), the first part (321) of the main rib (310) and the auxiliary rib (320) are connected in a “T” shape. If the thickness of the first part (321) of the auxiliary rib (320) is thick, shrinkage due to molding may occur in the area (310A-a1) (310B-a1) that overlaps the aforementioned remaining area of ​​the first part (321) of the auxiliary rib (320) in the arrangement direction (Z3) among the upper surfaces (310A-a) (310B-a) of the main rib (320), for example, the first and second main ribs (310A) (310B) in FIG. 3. Since the area (310A-a1) (310B-a1) where shrinkage occurs is an area that is easily noticeable from the outside of the safety guard (30), the appearance of the safety guard (30) and the outdoor unit (1) may be degraded. In addition, the turning off of the main rib (310) may cause bending of the main rib (310), which may distort the grid flow path (31), resulting in a reduction in the cross-sectional area of ​​the grid flow path (31) and a consequent decrease in the air flow rate. In addition, the turning off of the main rib (310) may reduce the strength of the safety guard (30).

[0098] Fig. 7 is a partial rear perspective view of a safety guard (30) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to Fig. 7, the thickness (310-T) of the main rib (310) in the arrangement direction (Z3) and the thickness (323-T) of the auxiliary rib (320) in the extension direction (Z2) may be the same or different. The auxiliary rib (320) has a first portion (321), a second portion (322), and a third portion (323). As described above, the length of the first portion (321) (Fig. 3: 321W) is longer than the length of the second portion (322) (Fig. 3: 322W) based on the blowing direction (Z1). In this case, the first portion (321) may have a thickness reduction region (321C). The reduced thickness region (321C) includes a region where the first portion (321) and the main rib (310) are connected. The thickness (321C-T) of the reduced thickness region (321C) may be thinner than the thickness (323-T) of the third portion (323). The first portion (321) of the auxiliary rib (320) may be thinner than the third portion (323) as a whole. Only the reduced thickness region (321C), which includes a region where the auxiliary rib (320) is connected to at least the lower surface (310-a) of the main rib (310), may be thinner than the thickness (323-T) of the third portion (323). The thickness of the first portion (321) excluding the reduced thickness region (321C) may be the same as the thickness (323-T) of the third portion (323). The thickness of the second part (322) may be the same as the thickness (323-T) of the third part (323). Accordingly, the auxiliary rib (320) as a whole has a shape in which thick and thin parts are repeated in the arrangement direction (Z3).

[0099] The thickness (321C-T) of the thickness reduction region (321C) may be thinner than the thickness (310-T) of the main rib (310). The thickness (321C-T) of the thickness reduction region (321C) may be determined to such an extent that mold shrinkage does not occur in the main rib (310). The thickness (321C-T) of the thickness reduction region (321C) may be, for example, about 40 to 80% of the thickness (310-T) of the main rib (310). With this configuration, mold shrinkage of the upper surface (310-a) of the main rib (310) due to the thickness of the auxiliary rib (320) can be prevented, and accompanying sagging of the main rib (310), reduction in strength, and the like can be reduced or prevented.

[0100] Referring back to FIG. 2, the horizontal length (31L) and the vertical length (31T) of the grid flow path (31) affect the flow rate of air passing through the grid flow path (31). The longer the horizontal and vertical lengths (31L) (31T) of the grid flow path (31), the greater the air flow rate. The vertical length (31T) of the grid flow path (31) is regulated for the purpose of preventing the introduction of foreign substances. In the regulation for preventing the introduction of foreign substances, the vertical length (31T) of the grid flow path (31) is defined as the shortest distance in the arrangement direction (Z3) of two adjacent main ribs (310). Therefore, a method is required to satisfy the regulation on the vertical length (31T) while increasing the actual gap between two adjacent main ribs (310).

[0101] Fig. 8 is a partial cross-sectional view of a safety guard (30) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 8 corresponds to the YY' cross-sectional view of Fig. 2. Referring to Fig. 8, as one embodiment, at least one of both sides (Fig. 8: 310-a, 310-b) of the arrangement direction (Z3) of the main ribs (310) may be formed to be inclined with respect to the blowing direction (Z1). For example, at least a part of the upper surface (Fig. 8: 310-a) of the main rib (310) may be formed to be inclined in a direction approaching the lower surface (310-b) of another adjacent main rib (310) toward the upstream side with respect to the blowing direction (Z1). For example, at least a portion (310-b1) of the lower surface (310-b) of the main rib (310) may be formed to be inclined in a direction away from the upper surface (310-a) of another adjacent main rib (310) toward the upstream side with respect to the blowing direction (Z1). In one embodiment, the main rib (310) may be formed to be inclined overall with respect to the blowing direction (Z1).

[0102] For example, in Fig. 8, if two adjacent main ribs are referred to as first and second main ribs (310A) (310B), respectively, a grid flow path (31) is formed between the first and second main ribs (310A) (310B). The upper surfaces (310A-a) (310B-a) of the first and second main ribs (310A) (310B) are formed to be inclined at least partially with respect to the blowing direction (Z1). For example, the upper surface (310B-a) of the second main rib (310B) is formed to be inclined at least partially upward in the opposite direction of the air flow direction, that is, in the direction approaching the lower surface (310A-b) of the first main rib (310A) as it goes upstream. The vertical length (31T) of the grid flow path (31) is defined as the closest distance between the upper surface (310B-a) of the second main rib (310B) and the lower surface (310A-b) of the first main rib (310A). On the other hand, the maximum vertical length (31TM) between the first and second main ribs (310A) (310B) at the outlet side of the grid flow path (31), i.e., the downstream side, is greater than the vertical length (31T) of the grid flow path (31) which is the subject of regulation due to the upper surface (310B-a) sloping downward toward the downstream side. Therefore, the purpose of preventing foreign matter from being introduced can be achieved while at the same time increasing the actual vertical spacing of the grid flow path (31), so that the flow rate of air passing through the grid flow path (31) can be increased.

[0103] The inclination angle (θ1) of the upper surface (310-a) of the main rib (310) with respect to the blowing direction (Z1) may be determined so that the vertical length (31T) of the grid flow path (31) is suitable for the purpose of preventing foreign substances from entering, taking into account the length of the blowing direction (Z1) of the main rib (310), and / or so as to satisfy the regulations of each country according to product liability. For example, the inclination angle (θ1) may be approximately 1 to 20 degrees. The upper surface (310A-a) of the first main rib (310A) may have the same shape as the upper surface (310B-a) of the second main rib (310B).

[0104] Referring again to FIG. 8, a portion (310A-b1) of the lower surface (310A-b) of the first main rib (310A) is formed to slope in a direction away from the upper surface (310B-a) of the second main rib (310B) as it goes upstream. The aforementioned slope of a portion (310-b1) of the lower surface (310A-b) of the first main rib (310A) increases the vertical spacing of the grid flow paths (31) on the upstream side without affecting the vertical length (31T) of the grid flow paths (31) that are subject to regulation, thereby reducing the flow resistance.

[0105] The inclination angle (θ2) of the lower surface (310-b) of the main rib (310) with respect to the blowing direction (Z1) can be appropriately determined in consideration of the length of the main rib (310) in the blowing direction (Z1). For example, the inclination angle (θ2) can be about 1 to 20 degrees. The inclination angle (θ2) can be the same as the inclination angle (θ1) or different. When the inclination angle (θ1) and the inclination angle (θ2) are the same, the main rib (310) is inclined overall with respect to the blowing direction (Z1), and the overall inclination angle of the main rib (310) with respect to the blowing direction (Z1) can be about 1 to 20 degrees. The lower surface (310B-b) and a portion thereof (310B-b1) of the second main rib (310B) may have the same shape as the lower surface (310A-b) and a portion thereof (310A-b1) of the first main rib (310A).

[0106] According to this configuration, by increasing the actual vertical spacing of the grid flow path (31), it is possible to secure an appropriate air flow rate while preventing foreign matter from entering and satisfying the regulations on the vertical spacing (31T) according to the product liability regulations. In addition, the inclination angle of the main rib (310), the thickness of the main rib (310), the spacing between the main ribs (310), and the length of the blowing direction (Z1) of the main rib (310) can be determined so that the inside of the outdoor unit is not easily visible through the spacing between the main ribs (310).

[0107] Fig. 9 is a schematic diagram of a safety guard (3000) according to a comparative example. Referring to Fig. 9, the safety guard (3000) according to the comparative example has a horizontal and vertical length of 579 mm and 653 mm, respectively. The horizontal and vertical lengths of the grid flow path (3010) are 58 mm and 12 mm, respectively. The length of the main rib (3100) in the blowing direction (Z1) is 11 mm, and the thickness is 2.5 mm. The upper and lower surfaces of the main rib (1300) are parallel to the blowing direction (Z1). The auxiliary rib (3200) has a uniform length of 6 mm in the blowing direction (Z1). The thickness of the auxiliary rib (3200) is uniform at 1.8 mm. The safety guard (3000) is fixed at four corners by screws.

[0108] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of a safety guard (30) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to FIG. 10, the safety guard (30) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure has a horizontal and vertical length of 711 mm and 788 mm, respectively. The horizontal and vertical lengths of the grid flow path (31) are 84 mm and 16 mm, respectively. The length of the main rib (310) in the blowing direction (Z1) is 18 mm, and the thickness is 2.5 mm. The inclination angle (θ1) of the upper surface of the main rib (310) with respect to the blowing direction (Z1) is 6 degrees. The auxiliary rib (320) has a shape as shown in FIG. 3. The length of the second part (322) of the auxiliary rib (320) in the blowing direction (Z1) is 8 mm. The overall thickness of the auxiliary rib (320) is 1.9 mm, and the thickness (321C-T) of the thickness reduction region (321C) is approximately 0.93 mm, which is approximately 62.8% of the thickness of the main rib (310). The safety guard (30) is fixed at the four corners by screws.

[0109] Hereinafter, the load-deformation simulation results for a safety guard according to a comparative example (Fig. 9: 3000) and a safety guard according to an embodiment of the present disclosure (Fig. 10: 30) are described. The load is applied to points expected to be major failure points in a ball drop test. In this simulation, a load of 50 N is applied to two points (F1, F2) adjacent to the center of each of the safety guard (3000) and the safety guard (30) and two points (F3, F4) diagonally about 1 / 4 distance from one corner. Table 1 shows the load-deformation simulation results.

[0110] Safety guard according to comparative example (3000) Safety guard according to embodiment (30) F1 F2 F3 F4 F1 F2 F3 F4 Stress (MPa) 34.6 28.3 33.2 26.7 10.19.4 9.4 8.2 Displacement (mm) 17.3 17.2 11.5 10.26.5 6.8 4.33.7

[0111] Referring to Table 1, in the case of the safety guard (30) according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, the stress is about 1 / 3 or less than that of the safety guard (3000) according to the comparative example. In addition, in the case of the safety guard (30) according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, the deformation amount is about 1 / 2.5 or less than that of the safety guard (3000) according to the comparative example. This means that the safety guard (30) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure has higher rigidity than the safety guard (3000) according to the comparative example, and thus can withstand greater external impact. In addition, the horizontal and vertical lengths of the grid flow path (31) of the safety guard (30) according to the present disclosure are greater than those of the safety guard (3000) according to the comparative example. This means that by applying an inclination angle (θ1) to the main rib (310), the vertical length for preventing foreign matter from being introduced can be secured while simultaneously expanding the actual cross-sectional area of ​​the grid flow path (31). Therefore, a relatively large amount of air can pass through the grid flow path (31), thereby increasing the heat exchange efficiency of the heat exchanger (10).

[0112] The extension direction and arrangement direction of the main ribs and auxiliary ribs are not limited to the above-described embodiments. For example, the main ribs and auxiliary ribs may be arranged radially. Fig. 11 is a schematic plan view of a safety guard (30R) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to Fig. 11, the safety guard (30R) has a plurality of main ribs (310R) and a plurality of auxiliary ribs (320R) connecting them. The extension direction (Z2) of the plurality of main ribs (310R) is a circumferential direction perpendicular to the blowing direction (Z1). The arrangement direction (Z3) of the plurality of main ribs (310R) is a radial direction perpendicular to the blowing direction (Z1) and the extension direction (Z2). The plurality of main ribs (310R) are arranged to be spaced apart from each other in the radial direction. A plurality of auxiliary ribs (320R) intersect with a plurality of main ribs (310R) and connect the plurality of main ribs (310R). In one embodiment, the plurality of auxiliary ribs (320R) may extend radially and be arranged at intervals in the circumferential direction. The description of the main ribs (310) and auxiliary ribs (320) described above applies equally to the main ribs (310R) and auxiliary ribs (320R).

[0113] The main ribs and the auxiliary ribs may not be orthogonal to each other. Fig. 12 is a schematic plan view of a safety guard (30X) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to Fig. 12, the safety guard (30X) has a plurality of main ribs (310) and a plurality of auxiliary ribs (320X) connecting them. The extension direction (Z2) of the plurality of main ribs (310R) is orthogonal to the blowing direction (Z1). The plurality of main ribs (310) are arranged to be spaced apart from each other in an arrangement direction (Z3) orthogonal to the blowing direction (Z1) and the extension direction (Z2). The plurality of auxiliary ribs (320X) intersect the plurality of main ribs (310) and connect the plurality of main ribs (310). The plurality of auxiliary ribs (320X) extend obliquely with respect to the arrangement direction (Z3) of the plurality of main ribs (310). A plurality of auxiliary ribs (320X) are arranged at intervals in an inclined direction with respect to the extension direction (Z2) of a plurality of main ribs (310). The description of the main ribs (310) and auxiliary ribs (320) described above applies equally to the main ribs (310) and auxiliary ribs (320X).

[0114] An outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to one aspect of the present disclosure comprises: a heat exchanger; a fan positioned downstream of the heat exchanger to generate a flow of air passing through the heat exchanger; a safety guard positioned downstream of the fan, the safety guard including a plurality of main ribs and a plurality of auxiliary ribs intersecting and connecting the plurality of main ribs; and a thickness reduction region having a thickness reduction in a region of the auxiliary ribs connected to the main ribs.

[0115] As an example, when two adjacent main ribs are referred to as the first main rib and the second main rib, respectively, the auxiliary rib may include a first portion connected to the first main rib, a second portion connected to the second main rib, and a third portion connecting the first portion and the second portion between the first portion and the second portion. Based on the blowing direction by the fan, the length of the first portion may be longer than the length of the second portion. The thickness reduction region may be provided in the first portion.

[0116] As an example, the thickness of the thickness reduction region may be 40 to 80% of the thickness of the main rib.

[0117] As an example, based on the blowing direction, the downstream ends of the first portion and the second portion may be positioned upstream of the downstream end of the main rib.

[0118] As an example, based on the blowing direction, the downstream end of the second part may be located upstream of the downstream end of the first part.

[0119] As an example, the downstream end of the third portion may be in the form of a diagonal line connecting the downstream end of the first portion and the downstream end of the second portion.

[0120] As an example, the downstream end of the third portion may be in a curved shape connecting the downstream end of the first portion and the downstream end of the second portion.

[0121] As an example, based on the extension direction of the auxiliary rib, the length of the downstream end of the first portion may be longer than the length of the downstream end of the second portion.

[0122] As an example, based on the extension direction of the auxiliary rib, the length of the downstream end of the first portion may be shorter than the length of the downstream end of the second portion.

[0123] As an example, at least one of the upper and lower surfaces of the plurality of main ribs may be inclined with respect to the blowing direction based on the arrangement direction of the plurality of main ribs.

[0124] An outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to one aspect of the present disclosure comprises: a heat exchanger; a fan positioned downstream of the heat exchanger and generating a flow of air passing through the heat exchanger; A safety guard including a plurality of main ribs, at least one of which is inclined with respect to the blowing direction by the fan, and a plurality of auxiliary ribs extending to intersect the plurality of main ribs and connecting the plurality of main ribs, and located on the downstream side of the fan; wherein when two adjacent main ribs are respectively referred to as first main ribs and second main ribs, the auxiliary rib includes a first part connected to the first main rib, a second part connected to the second main rib, and a third part connecting the first part and the second part between the first part and the second part, and based on the blowing direction by the fan, the length of the first part is longer than the length of the second part, and a downstream end of the first part is located on the downstream side than a downstream end of the second part.

[0125] As an example, the downstream end of the third portion may be connected to the downstream end of the first portion and the downstream end of the second portion.

[0126] As an example, the downstream end of the first portion may have a length in the extension direction of the auxiliary rib.

[0127] As an example, a thickness reduction region having a reduced thickness may be provided in a connection region between the first portion and the main rib.

[0128] As an example, the thickness of the thickness reduction region may be 40 to 80% of the thickness of the main rib.

[0129] The technical effects to be achieved in this document are not limited to the technical effects mentioned above, and other technical effects not mentioned can be clearly understood by a person having ordinary skill in the technical field to which the present disclosure pertains from the description of this document.

[0130] Although the embodiments have been described in detail above, the scope of the present invention is not limited thereto, and various modifications and improvements made by those skilled in the art using the basic concept of the present invention defined in the following claims also fall within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. Heat exchanger (10); A fan (20) positioned downstream of the heat exchanger and generating a flow of air passing through the heat exchanger; It includes a plurality of main ribs (310), a plurality of auxiliary ribs (320) intersecting the plurality of main ribs and connecting the plurality of main ribs, and a safety guard (30) located on the downstream side of the fan; An outdoor unit of an air conditioner having a thickness reduction region (321C) provided in an area of ​​the auxiliary rib connected to the main rib, the thickness of which is reduced.

2. In paragraph 1, When the two adjacent main ribs are called the first main rib (310A) and the second main rib (310B), The above auxiliary rib includes a first part (321) connected to the first main rib, a second part (322) connected to the second main rib, and a third part (323) connecting the first part and the second part between the first part and the second part. Based on the blowing direction (Z1) by the above fan, the length (321L) of the first part is longer than the length (322L) of the second part. The above thickness reduction area is an outdoor unit of an air conditioner provided in the first section.

3. In paragraph 2, An outdoor unit of an air conditioner in which the thickness of the above thickness reduction region (321C-T) is 40 to 80% of the thickness of the above main rib (310-T).

4. In paragraph 2 or 3, An outdoor unit of an air conditioner in which the downstream ends (321D)(322D) of the first part and the second part are located upstream of the downstream end (310D) of the main rib based on the above-mentioned blowing direction.

5. In any one of paragraphs 2 to 3, An outdoor unit of an air conditioner in which, based on the above-mentioned blowing direction, the downstream end (322D) of the second part is located upstream of the downstream end (321D) of the first part.

6. In paragraph 5, An outdoor unit of an air conditioner in which the downstream end (323D) of the third section is in a diagonal shape connecting the downstream end (321D) of the first section and the downstream end (322D) of the second section.

7. In paragraph 5, An outdoor unit of an air conditioner in which the downstream end (323D) of the third section is in a curved shape connecting the downstream end (321D) of the first section and the downstream end (322D) of the second section.

8. In any one of paragraphs 2 to 7, An outdoor unit of an air conditioner, wherein the length (321W) of the downstream end of the first portion is longer than the length (322W) of the downstream end of the second portion, based on the extension direction of the auxiliary rib.

9. In any one of paragraphs 2 to 7, An outdoor unit of an air conditioner, wherein the length (321W) of the downstream end of the first portion is shorter than the length (322W) of the downstream end of the second portion, based on the extension direction of the auxiliary rib.

10. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 9, An outdoor unit of an air conditioner, wherein at least one of the upper surface (310-a) and the lower surface (310-b) of the plurality of main ribs is inclined with respect to the blowing direction based on the arrangement direction (Z2) of the plurality of main ribs.

11. Heat exchanger (10); A fan (20) positioned downstream of the heat exchanger and generating a flow of air passing through the heat exchanger; A safety guard (30) is provided, which comprises a plurality of main ribs (310) having at least one side (310-a)(310-b) of the array direction (Z3) inclined with respect to the blowing direction (Z1) by the fan, and a plurality of auxiliary ribs (320) extending to intersect the plurality of main ribs and connecting the plurality of main ribs, and is located on the downstream side of the fan. When the two adjacent main ribs are called the first main rib (310A) and the second main rib (310B), The above auxiliary rib includes a first part (321) connected to the first main rib, a second part (322) connected to the second main rib, and a third part (323) connecting the first part and the second part between the first part and the second part. Based on the blowing direction (Z1) by the above fan, the length (321L) of the first part is longer than the length (322L) of the second part. An outdoor unit of an air conditioner in which the downstream end (321D) of the first part is located downstream from the downstream end (322D) of the second part.

12. In paragraph 11, An outdoor unit of an air conditioner in which the downstream end (323D) of the third section connects the downstream end (321D) of the first section and the downstream end (322D) of the second section.

13. In paragraph 11 or 12, An outdoor unit of an air conditioner, wherein the downstream end (321D) of the first section has a length (321W) in the extension direction of the auxiliary rib.

14. In any one of paragraphs 11 to 13, An outdoor unit of an air conditioner having a thickness reduction region (321C) having a thickness reduction region provided in a connection region between the first portion and the main rib.

15. In paragraph 14, An outdoor unit of an air conditioner in which the thickness of the above thickness reduction region (321C-T) is 40 to 80% of the thickness of the above main rib (310-T).

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