Outdoor unit of air conditioner

Abstract

This outdoor unit of an air conditioner comprises: a heat exchange room; a machine room; a partition; a control box for accommodating a printed circuit board in the machine room; a heat sink for releasing heat from the printed circuit board; and a duct for discharging the heat from the heat sink to the heat exchange room. The duct includes: a duct inlet allowing air to flow therein; a duct outlet for discharging the air to the heat exchange room; a first flow path extending in a first direction from the duct inlet along a first portion of the heat sink; and a second flow path which connects the first flow path and the duct outlet, and in which a second portion of the heat sink extending in the first direction from the first portion is disposed. The width of the second flow path in the second direction is greater than the width of the first flow path in the second direction.

Description

Outdoor unit of air conditioner

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

[0002] An air conditioner is a device that uses a refrigeration cycle to regulate temperature, humidity, airflow, and air distribution to meet human needs. The main components of the refrigeration cycle include a compressor, condenser, evaporator, and blower fan.

[0003] Air conditioners can be divided into separate air conditioners in which the indoor and outdoor units are installed separately, and integrated air conditioners in which the indoor and outdoor units are installed together in one cabinet.

[0004] Among these, the outdoor unit of the split-type air conditioner may include an outdoor heat exchanger for exchanging heat with outdoor air, a compressor for compressing refrigerant, an expansion valve unit for decompressing the refrigerant, and a blower fan for generating air flow. The outdoor unit of the air conditioner includes a housing that accommodates the outdoor heat exchanger, the expansion valve unit, the compressor, and the blower fan. In addition, a control box that accommodates a printed circuit board assembly for controlling the air conditioner may be arranged inside the housing.

[0005] Embodiments of the present disclosure provide an outdoor unit of an air conditioner having an improved structure to improve accessibility to a control box.

[0006] Embodiments of the present disclosure provide an outdoor unit of an air conditioner having an improved structure to enhance the airtightness of a control box.

[0007] Embodiments of the present disclosure provide an outdoor unit of an air conditioner having an improved structure to enhance heat dissipation efficiency.

[0008] One aspect of the present disclosure provides an outdoor unit of an air conditioner having an improved structure that improves space efficiency within the product and enables miniaturization of the product.

[0009] The technical problems to be achieved in this document are not limited to the technical problems mentioned above, and other technical problems not mentioned can be clearly understood by a person having ordinary skill in the technical field to which the present invention belongs from the description below.

[0010] An outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a housing including a heat exchange room and a machine room, a partition configured to partition the heat exchange room and the machine room and including a partition opening, a fan disposed in the heat exchange room, a control box disposed in the machine room and configured to receive a printed circuit board, a heat sink configured to discharge heat generated in the printed circuit board to the outside of the control box and extending in a first direction, and a duct configured to discharge heat transferred from the heat sink to the heat exchange room. At least a portion of the heat sink may be located inside the duct. The duct may include a duct inlet configured to introduce air into the duct, a duct outlet connected to the partition opening and configured to discharge air into the heat exchange chamber, a first flow path extending in the first direction from the duct inlet along a first portion of the heat sink adjacent to the duct inlet, and a second flow path connecting the first flow path and the duct outlet, and in which a second portion of the heat sink extending in the first direction from the first portion of the heat sink is disposed. A width of the second flow path in a second direction different from the first direction may be greater than a width of the first flow path in the second direction.

[0011] An outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a heat exchange room in which a heat exchanger is arranged, a machine room partitioned from the heat exchange room, a control box arranged in the machine room and configured to accommodate electronic components, a heat sink mounted on the control box, and a duct including a duct inlet connected to the machine room, a duct outlet connected to the heat exchange room, and a duct flow path arranged between the duct inlet and the duct outlet and passing through the heat sink. The duct flow path may include a first flow path extending in a first direction from the duct inlet and passing through a portion of the heat sink adjacent to the duct inlet, and a second flow path positioned in the first direction with respect to the first flow path and passing through another portion of the heat sink. The second flow path may have a width in a second direction different from the first direction greater than a width of the first flow path in the second direction, and may extend toward the duct outlet along a third direction different from the first direction and the second direction.

[0012] An outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a housing including a heat exchange room and a machine room, a partition dividing the heat exchange room and the machine room, a fan disposed in the heat exchange room, a control box disposed in the machine room and configured to receive a printed circuit board, a plurality of heat transfer plates each extending in a first direction from a side adjacent to the printed circuit board and spaced apart from each other in a second direction different from the first direction, and a duct disposed in the machine room and connected to the heat exchange room through the partition. The duct may include a duct inlet configured to allow air to flow into the duct, a duct outlet connected to the partition and configured to discharge air to the heat exchange room, and a duct channel provided between the duct inlet and the duct outlet to pass through the plurality of heat transfer plates. The duct flow path may include a first flow path extending from the duct inlet in a third direction different from the first direction and the second direction along a portion adjacent to the duct inlet of the plurality of heat transfer plates, and a second flow path extending along the second direction so as to allow air from the plurality of heat transfer plates to flow toward the duct outlet.

[0013] The above and other aspects, features and advantages of specific embodiments of the present disclosure will become more apparent from the following detailed description considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0014] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating an example of an air conditioner according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0015] FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating an example of an outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0016] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view showing an outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0017] FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view showing various configurations of an outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0018] FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view illustrating various components of an outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0019] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a partition of an outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to various embodiments of the present disclosure, viewed from one direction.

[0020] FIG. 7 is a perspective view illustrating an example of a control box and duct of an outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0021] FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view showing the first control box and duct of the outdoor unit of the air conditioner according to various embodiments of the present disclosure, disassembled from each other.

[0022] FIG. 9 is an enlarged diagram illustrating a heat sink of an outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0023] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view illustrating various configurations of an outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0024] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view illustrating various configurations of an outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0025] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view illustrating various configurations of an outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0026] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional perspective view illustrating various configurations of an outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0027] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view illustrating various configurations of an outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0028] FIG. 15 is a partial perspective view illustrating various components, such as a control box, duct, and partition, of an outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0029] FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating an example of a printed circuit board accommodated in a control box of an outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0030] Fig. 17 is a table showing the experimental results of measuring the temperatures of the electronic components shown in Fig. 16 according to various embodiments.

[0031] FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view illustrating various configurations of an outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0032] It should be understood that the various embodiments of the present disclosure and the terminology used therein are not intended to limit the technical features described in the present disclosure to specific embodiments, but rather include various modifications, equivalents, or substitutes of the embodiments.

[0033] In connection with the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components.

[0034] 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.

[0035] In this disclosure, 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 the corresponding phrase, or all possible combinations thereof.

[0036] The term “and / or” includes any combination of a plurality of related described elements or any one of a plurality of related described elements.

[0037] 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).

[0038] 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,” that component can be connected to the other component directly (e.g., wired), wirelessly, or through a third component.

[0039] The terms “include” or “have” are intended to specify the presence of a feature, number, step, operation, component, part or combination thereof described in the present disclosure, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts or combinations thereof.

[0040] 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.

[0041] 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.

[0042] 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 may include a device having at least one of these functions.

[0043] 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. 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. 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.

[0044] 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.

[0045] 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.

[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] 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.

[0048] 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.

[0049] 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, it 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. While the refrigerant condenses in the indoor heat exchanger, it 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.

[0050] For example, an air conditioner performs a cooling or heating function through a phase change process of a refrigerant circulating between an outdoor heat exchanger and an indoor heat exchanger. To circulate the refrigerant, the air conditioner may include a compressor that compresses the refrigerant. The compressor can draw in refrigerant gas through an intake port and compress the refrigerant gas. The compressor can discharge high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant gas through an exhaust port. The compressor may be placed inside the outdoor unit.

[0051] 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.

[0052] For example, if an air conditioner has one outdoor unit and one indoor unit directly connected through a refrigerant pipe, the refrigerant may be arranged to circulate between one outdoor unit and one indoor unit through the refrigerant pipe.

[0053] For example, in an air conditioner, if one outdoor unit is connected to two or more indoor units via refrigerant pipes, the refrigerant can flow to multiple indoor units via refrigerant pipes branching from the outdoor unit. The refrigerant discharged from the multiple indoor units can be combined and circulated to the outdoor unit. For example, multiple indoor units can be directly connected in parallel to a single outdoor unit via separate refrigerant pipes.

[0054] Multiple indoor units can operate independently, for example, according to a user-defined operating mode. For example, some of the indoor units may operate in cooling mode, while others may operate in heating mode. In this case, the refrigerant may be selectively introduced into each indoor unit at high or low pressure along a designated circulation path via a flow switching valve, described later, and then discharged to the outdoor unit for circulation.

[0055] For example, when an air conditioner has two or more outdoor units and two or more indoor units connected through multiple refrigerant pipes, the refrigerant discharged from the multiple outdoor units may join and flow through a single refrigerant pipe, then branch off again at some point and flow into multiple indoor units.

[0056] Multiple outdoor units may 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 therein. 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.

[0057] 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.

[0058] 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.

[0059] 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.

[0060] 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.

[0061] 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.

[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 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.

[0064] An outdoor unit of an air conditioner may include an outdoor unit communication unit. The outdoor unit communication unit may include various communication circuits and may be configured to receive control signals 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 signals received through the outdoor unit communication unit. The outdoor unit may transmit sensing values ​​detected by an outdoor unit sensor to the control unit of the indoor unit through the outdoor unit communication unit.

[0065] 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.

[0066] The housing may include an intake port through which indoor air may be drawn into the interior of the housing.

[0067] 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.

[0068] 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.

[0069] 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.

[0070] 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.

[0071] Blowers may include indoor fans and fan motors. For example, indoor fans may include axial fans, diffusion fans, crossflow fans, and centrifugal fans.

[0072] 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.

[0073] 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.

[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 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.

[0075] 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.

[0076] 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.

[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 the components of the indoor unit.

[0078] 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.

[0079] 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.

[0080] 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.

[0081] 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.

[0082] 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.

[0083] 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. For example, 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.

[0084] 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. 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.

[0085] 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.

[0086] 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.

[0087] 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.

[0088] The outdoor unit control unit and the indoor unit control unit may each include a processor (e.g., at least one processor including a processing circuit) 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.

[0089] 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 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 nonvolatile memory, such as Read Only Memory (ROM), Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory (EPROM), and Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory (EEPROM), for storing data for a long period of time.

[0090] The processor may generate control signals for controlling the operation of the air conditioner based on instructions, applications, data, and / or programs stored in the memory. The processor, as hardware, may include logic circuits and arithmetic circuits. The processor may 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. A processor according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include various processing circuits and / or multiple processors. For example, the term "processor" as used herein, including in the claims, may include various processing circuits including at least one processor, and one or more of the at least one processor may be configured to individually and / or collectively perform various functions. As used herein, when "processor," "at least one processor," and "one or more processors" are described as being configured to perform various functions, these terms encompass, for example and without limitation, situations where one processor performs some of the recited functions and another processor performs other parts of the recited functions, as well as situations where a single processor can perform all of the recited functions. Additionally, the at least one processor may comprise a combination of processors that perform the various recited / disclosed functions, for example, in a distributed manner. The at least one processor may execute program instructions to achieve or perform the various functions.

[0091] 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.

[0092] 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.

[0093] Hereinafter, various embodiments according to the present disclosure will be described with reference to the attached drawings.

[0094] The terms “upper”, “lower”, “front”, “rear”, etc. used in the following description are defined based on the drawings, and the shape and position of each component are not limited by these terms. For example, referring to FIG. 2, the direction in which the exhaust grill (180) and the front cover (190) of the outdoor unit (10) of the air conditioner (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure are respectively directed may be defined as forward (+X direction), and the opposite direction may be defined as rear (-X direction). In addition, the vertical direction in which the top cover (171) of the outdoor unit (10) of the air conditioner (1) is directed may be defined as upward (+Z direction), and the opposite direction may be defined as downward (-Z direction). In addition, the direction in which the first side frame (150) of the outdoor unit (10) of the air conditioner (1) is located may be defined as the left direction (-Y direction), and the opposite direction may be defined as the right direction (+Y direction).

[0095] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating an example of an air conditioner according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0096] Referring to FIG. 1, an air conditioner (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include an indoor unit (20) placed in an indoor space and an outdoor unit (10) placed in an outdoor space.

[0097] An air conditioner (1) can absorb heat from within the air-conditioned space and release heat from the outside of the air-conditioned space in order to cool the air-conditioned space. In addition, the air conditioner (1) can absorb heat from the outside of the air-conditioned space and release heat into the air-conditioned space in order to heat the air-conditioned space.

[0098] The outdoor unit (10) can exchange heat with outdoor air outside the air-conditioned space. The outdoor unit (10) can perform heat exchange between the refrigerant and the outdoor air by utilizing a phase change of the refrigerant (e.g., evaporation or condensation). For example, the outdoor unit (10) can release heat from the refrigerant to the outdoor air by utilizing condensation of the refrigerant. Additionally, the outdoor unit (10) can absorb heat from the outdoor air into the refrigerant by utilizing evaporation of the refrigerant.

[0099] Although one outdoor unit (10) is illustrated in FIG. 1, the number of outdoor units (10) is not limited by that illustrated in FIG. 1. For example, the air conditioner (1) may include multiple outdoor units.

[0100] The outdoor unit (10) may include an outdoor heat exchanger (11, see FIG. 3) that exchanges heat with outdoor air and a compressor (12, see FIG. 3) that compresses refrigerant gas.

[0101] A detailed description of the configuration of the outdoor unit (10) will be described later.

[0102] The indoor unit (20) can exchange heat with indoor air within the air-conditioned space. The indoor unit (20) can perform heat exchange between the refrigerant and indoor air by utilizing a phase change (e.g., evaporation or condensation) of the refrigerant. For example, the indoor unit (20) can cool the air-conditioned space by absorbing heat from the indoor air into the refrigerant through evaporation of the refrigerant. The indoor unit (20) can heat the air-conditioned space by releasing heat from the refrigerant into the indoor air through condensation of the refrigerant.

[0103] The indoor unit (20) may include an indoor heat exchanger that exchanges heat with indoor air, an indoor blower fan that sucks and blows indoor air to allow the indoor air to pass through the indoor heat exchanger, and an expansion valve unit that decompresses and expands the refrigerant.

[0104] Although one indoor unit (20) is illustrated in FIG. 1, the number of indoor units (20) is not limited by that illustrated in FIG. 1. For example, the air conditioner (1) may include multiple indoor units. Different indoor units may be installed in different air conditioning spaces, respectively.

[0105] In this way, the air conditioner (1) can perform heat exchange between the refrigerant and outdoor air outside the air conditioning space and heat exchange between the refrigerant and indoor air within the air conditioning space.

[0106] At this time, the air conditioner (1) may include a refrigerant pipe (30) that transfers refrigerant between the indoor unit (20) and the outdoor unit (10) in order to transfer heat between the outside of the air-conditioned space and the inside of the air-conditioned space. The refrigerant pipe (30) may allow refrigerant to flow between the outside of the air-conditioned space and the inside of the air-conditioned space. The indoor unit (20) and the outdoor unit (10) may be connected to each other through the refrigerant pipe (30) that transfers refrigerant.

[0107] The air conditioner (1) described above is merely an example of an air conditioner to which the outdoor unit of the air conditioner according to the present disclosure can be applied, and the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The air conditioner to which the outdoor unit of the air conditioner according to the present disclosure can be applied, and the configurations of the indoor unit, refrigerant pipe, etc. included therein can be provided in various ways.

[0108] Hereinafter, an outdoor unit (10) of an air conditioner (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure will be specifically described with reference to FIGS. 2 to 18.

[0109] Fig. 2 is a perspective view illustrating an example of an outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. Fig. 3 is an exploded perspective view illustrating an exploded outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0110] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, an outdoor unit (10) of an air conditioner (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include an outdoor heat exchanger (11) for exchanging heat with outdoor air, a compressor (12) for compressing refrigerant, an outdoor fan (13) for sucking and blowing outdoor air so that the outdoor air passes through the outdoor heat exchanger (11), and a housing (100) forming the exterior of the outdoor unit (10).

[0111] The housing (100) can form the exterior of the outdoor unit (10). Various components of the outdoor unit (10), such as the outdoor heat exchanger (11), compressor (12), outdoor fan (13), and control box (800, 900) to be described later, can be accommodated inside the housing (100).

[0112] The housing (100) may include an inlet (131, 151) formed to allow air to flow in and an outlet (111) formed to allow air to flow out. As the outdoor fan (13) rotates, air outside the housing (100) may flow in through the inlet (131, 151), and after exchanging heat with the outdoor heat exchanger (11), may be discharged to the outside of the housing (100) through the outlet (111).

[0113] The outdoor unit (10) may include a heat exchange chamber (R1) formed inside the housing (100). Outside air may be introduced into the heat exchange chamber (R1), and the introduced air may be discharged back to the outside. In the heat exchange chamber (R1), heat exchange may take place between the outdoor heat exchanger (11) and the air introduced from the outside. Components such as the outdoor heat exchanger (11) and the outdoor fan (13) may be arranged in the heat exchange chamber (R1).

[0114] The outdoor unit (10) may include a machine room (R2) formed inside the housing (100). Components such as a compressor (12) and a control box (800, 900) to be described later may be placed in the machine room (R2).

[0115] Inside the housing (100), the heat exchange room (R1) and the machine room (R2) can be partitioned from each other. The outdoor unit (10) can include a partition (16) that partitions the heat exchange room (R1) and the machine room (R2). The partition (16) can be arranged between the heat exchange room (R1) and the machine room (R2). For example, the heat exchange room (R1) and the machine room (R2) can be arranged in the left-right direction (Y direction) in the drawing, and the partition (16) can be arranged to extend in the front-back direction (X direction) and the up-down direction (Z direction) in the drawing to partition the heat exchange room (R1) and the machine room (R2).

[0116] The partition (16) may be coupled to the housing (100). For example, the partition (16) may be coupled to a base (172) to be described later. For example, the partition (16) may be coupled to a front frame (110, 120) to be described later. However, alternatively, the partition (16) may be formed integrally with a portion of the housing (100).

[0117] The detailed structure of the partition (16) will be described later.

[0118] For example, the housing (100) can be formed to have a roughly box shape.

[0119] Below, an example of the structure of the housing (100) is described.

[0120] The housing (100) may include a first front frame (110). The first front frame (110) may cover the front (+X direction) of the heat exchange chamber (R1). An exhaust port (111) may be formed in the first front frame (110).

[0121] The housing (100) may include a second front frame (120). The second front frame (120) may cover the front (+X direction) of the machine room (R2). For example, the second front frame (120) may be formed in a substantially flat plate shape.

[0122] For example, the first front frame (110) and the second front frame (120) may be arranged side by side in the left-right direction (Y direction). The first front frame (110) and the second front frame (120) may be coupled to each other.

[0123] For example, a plurality of heat dissipation holes may be formed in the second front frame (120) so that the machine room (R2) can be connected to the outside of the outdoor unit (10) and heat within the machine room (R2) can be released.

[0124] The housing (100) may include a first rear frame (130). The first rear frame (130) may form a part of the rear exterior of the outdoor unit (10). The first rear frame (130) may be arranged at the rear (-X direction) of the heat exchange chamber (R1). An inlet (131) may be formed in the first rear frame (130).

[0125] The first front frame (110) and the first rear frame (130) can be arranged opposite each other.

[0126] The housing (100) may include a second rear frame (140). The second rear frame (140) may form another part of the rear exterior of the outdoor unit (10). The second rear frame (140) may cover the rear (-X direction) of the machine room (R2).

[0127] For example, a plurality of heat dissipation holes may be formed in the second rear frame (140) so that the machine room (R2) can be connected to the outside of the outdoor unit (10) and heat within the machine room (R2) can be released.

[0128] The second front frame (120) and the second rear frame (140) can be positioned opposite each other.

[0129] The housing (100) may include a first side frame (150). The first side frame (150) may form one side of the outdoor unit (10) in the left direction (-Y direction).

[0130] The first side frame (150) can cover the heat exchange room (R1). The first side frame (150) can cover the heat exchange room (R1) from the left direction (-Y direction). An inlet (151) can be formed in the first side frame (150).

[0131] The first side frame (150) can be coupled to the first front frame (110). The first side frame (150) can be connected to the first rear frame (130).

[0132] For example, the first side frame (150) can be arranged to extend in the front-back direction (X direction).

[0133] The housing (100) may include a second side frame (160). The second side frame (160) may form one side of the outdoor unit (10) in the right direction (+Y direction).

[0134] The second side frame (160) can cover the machine room (R2). The second side frame (160) can cover the machine room (R2) in the right direction (+Y direction).

[0135] For example, a plurality of heat dissipation holes may be formed in the second side frame (160) so that the machine room (R2) can be connected to the outside of the outdoor unit (10) and heat within the machine room (R2) can be released.

[0136] The second side frame (160) can be coupled to the second front frame (120). The second side frame (160) can be coupled to the second rear frame (140).

[0137] For example, the second side frame (160) can be arranged to extend in the front-back direction (X direction).

[0138] The first side frame (150) and the second side frame (160) can be arranged opposite each other.

[0139] The housing (100) may include a base (172). The base (172) may form the bottom surface of the outdoor unit (10). The base (172) may be arranged on one side of the lower side (-Z direction) of the heat exchange room (R1) and the machine room (R2). The base (172) may support various components of the outdoor unit (10) accommodated inside the housing (100) from the lower side. For example, the base (172) may support components such as the outdoor heat exchanger (11), the compressor (12), the motor bracket (15), and the partition (16) from the lower side.

[0140] The base (172) can be coupled to the lower portion of each of the first front frame (110), the second front frame (120), the second rear frame (140), the first side frame (150), and the second side frame (160).

[0141] The base (172) can be formed to have a roughly flat plate shape.

[0142] The housing (100) may include a top cover (171). The top cover (171) may form the upper surface of the outdoor unit (10).

[0143] The top cover (171) can cover the upper side (+Z direction) of the heat exchange room (R1) and the machine room (R2). The top cover (171) can cover various parts of the outdoor unit (10) accommodated inside the housing (100) from the upper side.

[0144] The top cover (171) can be coupled to the upper portion of each of the first front frame (110), the second front frame (120), the second rear frame (140), the first side frame (150), and the second side frame (160).

[0145] The top cover (171) can be formed to have a roughly flat plate shape.

[0146] The top cover (171) and the base (172) can be positioned opposite each other.

[0147] The housing (100) may include an exhaust grille (180). The exhaust grille (180) may cover the front (+X) of the first front frame (110). The exhaust grille (180) may cover the front (+X) of the exhaust port (111). The exhaust grille (180) may be coupled to the first front frame (110). The exhaust grille (180) may form a part of the front exterior of the outdoor unit (10).

[0148] The exhaust grill (180) covers the exhaust port (111), but can be formed to have a shape roughly similar to a grill so that air can be discharged from the exhaust port (111).

[0149] The housing (100) may include a front cover (190). The front cover (190) may cover the front (+X) of the second front frame (120). The front cover (190) may be coupled to the second front frame (120). The front cover (190) may form another part of the front exterior of the outdoor unit (10).

[0150] For example, the exhaust grill (180) and the front cover (190) may be arranged side by side in the left-right direction (Y direction). The exhaust grill (180) and the front cover (190) may be coupled to each other.

[0151] Each component included in the housing (100) may be provided to be separable from each other. For example, the second front frame (120) may be provided to be separable from the first front frame (110), the second side frame (160), the top cover (171), the base (172), etc. For example, the second side frame (160) may be provided to be separable from the second front frame (120), the second rear frame (140), the top cover (171), the base (172), etc. For example, the top cover (171) may be provided to be separable from the first front frame (110), the second front frame (120), the second rear frame (140), the first side frame (150), the second side frame (160), etc.

[0152] Accordingly, when it is necessary to perform work such as inspecting, replacing, or repairing parts within the outdoor unit (10), the worker can perform the work by separating at least one component of the housing (100).

[0153] The configuration of the housing that can be included in the air conditioner according to the present disclosure is not limited to that described above.

[0154] An outdoor heat exchanger (11) may be provided to exchange heat with outdoor air. The outdoor heat exchanger (11) may be provided to allow refrigerant to flow therein. Heat exchange between the refrigerant and outdoor air may occur in the outdoor heat exchanger (11).

[0155] For example, during cooling operation of the air conditioner (1), high-pressure, high-temperature refrigerant gas is condensed in the outdoor heat exchanger (11), and while the refrigerant is condensed, the refrigerant can release heat to the outdoor air. During cooling operation of the air conditioner (1), the outdoor heat exchanger (11) can discharge refrigerant liquid.

[0156] During heating operation of the air conditioner (1), low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant liquid evaporates in the outdoor heat exchanger (11), and while the refrigerant evaporates, the refrigerant can absorb heat from the outdoor air. During heating operation of the air conditioner (1), the outdoor heat exchanger (11) can discharge refrigerant gas.

[0157] The outdoor heat exchanger (11) can be placed facing the inlet (131, 151) in the heat exchange room (R1).

[0158] The compressor (12) can compress refrigerant gas and discharge high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant gas. For example, the compressor (12) can include a motor and a compression mechanism, and the compression mechanism can compress refrigerant gas by the torque of the motor.

[0159] The outdoor unit (10) may include an outdoor fan (13) configured to circulate air, and a fan motor (14) that generates rotational force for rotating the outdoor fan (13).

[0160] For example, the outdoor unit (10) may include a motor bracket (15) that supports an outdoor fan (13) and a fan motor (14). The motor bracket (15) may be placed in a heat exchange room (R1).

[0161] For example, the outdoor unit (10) may include a plate heat exchanger (21). The plate heat exchanger (21) may be configured to exchange heat between a refrigerant and water. The plate heat exchanger (21) may be arranged inside the housing (100). For example, the plate heat exchanger (21) may be arranged in the machine room (R2).

[0162] For example, the outdoor unit (10) may include a water pipe (23) configured to allow water to flow in or discharge from the outside. The water pipe (23) may be connected to a plate heat exchanger (21). At least a portion of the water pipe (23) may be arranged inside the housing (100). For example, at least a portion of the water pipe (23) may be arranged in the machine room (R2).

[0163] Water introduced into the outdoor unit (10) from the outside through the water pipe (23) can exchange heat with the high-temperature refrigerant inside the plate heat exchanger (21). Inside the plate heat exchanger (21), the water can absorb heat from the high-temperature refrigerant and transfer it back to the outside of the outdoor unit (10) through the water pipe (23).

[0164] For example, the outdoor unit (10) may include an expansion tank (22). When the water temperature rises due to the plate heat exchanger (21), the volume inside the water pipe (23) may increase, and the expansion tank (22) may be provided to prevent and / or reduce a sudden increase in water pressure due to this. The expansion tank (22) may be placed inside the housing (100). For example, the expansion tank (22) may be placed in the machine room (R2).

[0165] In this way, the outdoor unit (10) according to one embodiment may include a part of a heating system that supplies hot water, including a plate heat exchanger (21), a water pipe (23), and an expansion tank (22).

[0166] However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and in an air conditioner according to one embodiment, the plate heat exchanger, water pipes, and expansion tank may be provided outside the outdoor unit. The air conditioner according to one embodiment may not be equipped with a heating system.

[0167] The outdoor unit (10) may include a plurality of printed circuit boards (PCBs) (81, 82, 83) (see FIGS. 4, 14, etc.) for controlling the operation of various components of the outdoor unit (10). Various electronic components may be mounted on the plurality of printed circuit boards (81, 82, 83). The outdoor unit (10) may include a control box (800, 900) provided to accommodate the plurality of printed circuit boards (81, 82, 83).

[0168] For example, the outdoor unit (10) may include a first control box (800). The first control box (800) may be accommodated inside the housing (100). The first control box (800) may be placed in the machine room (R2).

[0169] As illustrated in FIG. 3, for example, the first control box (800) may be located at the front of the machine room (R2) and may be covered by the second front frame (120).

[0170] For example, the outdoor unit (10) may include a second control box (900). The second control box (900) may be accommodated inside the housing (100). The second control box (900) may be placed in the machine room (R2).

[0171] As illustrated in FIG. 3, for example, the second control box (900) may be located on the right side of the machine room (R2) and may be covered by the second side frame (160).

[0172] The outdoor unit (10) may include a duct (400). The duct (400) may be connected to a control box (800, 900).

[0173] A duct (400) may be placed in the machine room (R2). The duct (400) may be provided to connect the internal space of the machine room (R2) with the heat exchange room (R1). The duct (400) may be provided to discharge heat generated within the control box (800, 900) to the heat exchange room (R1).

[0174] For example, the duct (400) may be provided so that the interior of the first control box (800) communicates with the heat exchange room (R1). For example, the duct (400) may be provided so that the interior of the second control box (900) communicates with the heat exchange room (R1).

[0175] When the outdoor fan (13) is driven, the air inside the machine room (R2) can flow into the heat exchange room (R1) through the duct (400) by the suction force of the outdoor fan (13). Through this, for example, refrigerant gas that has leaked from a component inside the outdoor unit (10) and then flowed into the inside of the control box (800, 900) can flow into the heat exchange room (R1) through the duct (400). Heat generated inside the control box (800, 900) can be released into the heat exchange room (R1) through the duct (400).

[0176] The outdoor unit (10) may include a coupling duct (500). The coupling duct (500) may connect the partition (16) and the duct (400). The coupling duct (500) may be coupled to the partition (16) and the duct (400), respectively. Through this, when the outdoor fan (13) is driven, the air inside the machine room (R2) may sequentially pass through the duct (400) and the coupling duct (500) and flow into the heat exchange room (R1) by the suction force of the outdoor fan (13).

[0177] However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the coupling duct (500) may be formed integrally with the duct (400). Alternatively, the duct (400) may be connected to the partition (16) without the coupling duct (500).

[0178] The structure of the duct (400) and the combined duct (500) will be described later.

[0179] The configuration of the outdoor unit (10) described above is merely an example of an outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to the present disclosure, and the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to the concept of the present disclosure may be configured in various ways so that outside air can be introduced through an inlet, and the introduced air can be discharged to the outside after undergoing heat exchange.

[0180] FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view showing various configurations of an outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0181] Referring to FIG. 4, the outdoor unit (10) of the air conditioner (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a first control box (800) and a second control box (900).

[0182] The first control box (800) and the second control box (900) may each be provided to accommodate some of the printed circuit boards among the plurality of printed circuit boards provided in the outdoor unit (10).

[0183] For example, the outdoor unit (10) may include a first printed circuit board (81), a second printed circuit board (82), and a third printed circuit board (83). The first control box (800) and the second control box (900) may be provided to accommodate some of the board(s) of the first printed circuit board (81), the second printed circuit board (82), and the third printed circuit board (83, see FIG. 14), respectively.

[0184] For example, the first printed circuit board (81) can be accommodated in the first control box (800). For example, the second printed circuit board (82) can be accommodated in the second control box (900). For example, the third printed circuit board (83) can be accommodated in the second control box (900).

[0185] The first control box (800) may include a first case (810). For example, the first case (810) may be configured to accommodate a first printed circuit board (81). The first case (810) may include a first receiving space (811) formed to accommodate the first printed circuit board (81).

[0186] The first case (810) may be formed so that one side is open. That is, the first case (810) may include a first case opening (810a) formed on one side. For example, the first printed circuit board (81) may be introduced into or withdrawn from the interior of the first case (810) through the first case opening (810a). An operator may access the first printed circuit board (81) accommodated within the first case (810) through the first case opening (810a) to perform work.

[0187] For example, the first case opening (810a) may be formed on one side of the front (+X direction) of the first case (810). That is, the first case (810) may be formed so that the front (+X direction) is open.

[0188] For example, the first case (810) can be formed to have a roughly box shape.

[0189] The first control box (800) may include a first case cover (820) that is provided to be detachably coupled to the first case (810). The first case cover (820) may be coupled to the first case (810) to close the first case opening (810a). The first case cover (820) may be detached from the first case (810) to open the first case opening (810a). For example, a manufacturer of the first control box (800) may insert the first printed circuit board (811) into the first case (810) and then couple the first case cover (820) to the first case (810) to cover the internal space of the first case (810). A worker who wants to inspect the first printed circuit board (81) inside the first control box (800) or replace or repair a part can separate the first case cover (820) from the first case (810) to access the first printed circuit board (81).

[0190] For example, the first case cover (820) can be coupled to the front (+X direction) of the first case (810). That is, the first case cover (820) can cover the first printed circuit board (81) from the front (+X direction).

[0191] For example, the first case cover (820) may be formed in a roughly flat plate shape.

[0192] In this way, the first printed circuit board (81) inside the first case (810) can be protected from external impact, foreign substances entering from the outside, leaked refrigerant gas, etc. by the first case cover (820). In addition, when necessary, the first case cover (820) can be separated from the first case (810) so that the worker can access the first printed circuit board (81).

[0193] The second control box (900) may include a second case (910). For example, the second case (910) may be configured to accommodate a second printed circuit board (82) and a third printed circuit board (83, see FIG. 14). The second case (910) may include a second receiving space (911) formed to accommodate the second printed circuit board (82) and the third printed circuit board (83).

[0194] The second case (910) may be formed so that one side is open. That is, the second case (910) may include a second case opening (910a) formed on one side. For example, the second printed circuit board (82) and the third printed circuit board (83, see FIG. 14) may be introduced into or taken out of the interior of the second case (910) through the second case opening (910a). An operator may access the second printed circuit board (82) and the third printed circuit board (83) accommodated in the interior of the second case (910) through the second case opening (910a) to perform work.

[0195] For example, the second case opening (910a) may be formed on one side of the second case (910) in the right direction (+Y direction). For example, the second case (910) may be formed so that the right direction (+Y direction) is open. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the direction in which one side of the second case (910) is opened may be designed in various ways depending on factors such as the position of the second case (910) within the housing (100).

[0196] For example, the second case (910) can be formed to have a roughly box shape.

[0197] The second control box (900) may include a second case cover (920) that is provided to be detachably coupled to the second case (910). The second case cover (920) may be coupled to the second case (910) to close the second case opening (910a). The second case cover (920) may be detached from the second case (910) to open the second case opening (910a). For example, a manufacturer of the second control box (900) may insert the second printed circuit board (82) and the third printed circuit board (83, see FIG. 14) into the second case (910) and then couple the second case cover (920) to the second case (910) to cover the internal space of the second case (910). A worker who wants to inspect the second printed circuit board (82) and the third printed circuit board (83) inside the second control box (900) or replace or repair parts can separate the second case cover (920) from the second case (910) to access the second printed circuit board (82) and the third printed circuit board (83).

[0198] For example, the second case cover (920) can be coupled to the right side (+Y direction) of the second case (910). That is, the second case cover (920) can cover the second printed circuit board (82) and the third printed circuit board (83) in the right side (+Y direction).

[0199] For example, the second case cover (920) may be formed in a roughly flat plate shape.

[0200] In this way, the second printed circuit board (82) and the third printed circuit board (83, see FIG. 14) inside the second case (910) can be protected from external impact, foreign substances entering from the outside, leaked refrigerant gas, etc. by the second case cover (920). In addition, when necessary, the second case cover (920) can be separated from the second case (910) so that the worker can access the second printed circuit board (82) and the third printed circuit board (83).

[0201] A detailed description of the structure of the second control box (900) will be described later.

[0202] A plurality of printed circuit boards (81, 82, 83) provided in the outdoor unit (10) may be provided to supply power to various components of the outdoor unit (10), such as a compressor (12), a fan motor (14), a plate-type heat exchanger (21), and an expansion tank (22). The plurality of printed circuit boards (81, 82, 83) may be provided to control the operation of various components of the outdoor unit (10), such as the compressor (12), the fan motor (14), the plate-type heat exchanger (21), and the expansion tank (22). Alternatively, the plurality of printed circuit boards (81, 82, 83) may be provided to receive detection signals from various sensors (not shown) provided in the compressor (12), the outdoor heat exchanger (11), and the like. The plurality of printed circuit boards may be electrically connected to various components of the outdoor unit (10) by wires.

[0203] For example, the first printed circuit board (81), the second printed circuit board (82), and the third printed circuit board (83, see FIG. 14) may be electrically connected to various components of the outdoor unit (10) by wires. Alternatively, the first printed circuit board (81), the second printed circuit board (82), and the third printed circuit board (83) may be electrically connected to each other by wires. Alternatively, the first printed circuit board (81), the second printed circuit board (82), and the third printed circuit board (83) may be connected to devices (not shown) located outside the outdoor unit (10) by wires.

[0204] For example, the first printed circuit board (81) can be connected to the second printed circuit board (82) or the third printed circuit board (83) by wires passing through the first case (810) and the second case (910). For example, the first printed circuit board (81) can be connected to various components of the outdoor unit (10) by wires passing through the second case (910).

[0205] For example, the second printed circuit board (82) may be connected to the first printed circuit board (81) by wires passing through the first case (810) and the second case (910). For example, the second printed circuit board (82) may be connected to various components of the outdoor unit (10) by wires passing through the second case (910). For example, the second printed circuit board (82) may be connected to the third printed circuit board (83) by wires arranged inside the second case (910).

[0206] For example, the third printed circuit board (83) may be connected to the first printed circuit board (81) by wires passing through the first case (810) and the second case (910). For example, the third printed circuit board (83) may be connected to various components of the outdoor unit (10) by wires passing through the second case (910). For example, the third printed circuit board (83) may be connected to the third printed circuit board (83) by wires arranged inside the second case (910).

[0207] For example, the second control box (900) may include a noise filter unit (930) designed to reduce current noise. For example, the noise filter unit (930) may be coupled to the left side (-Y direction) of the second case (910).

[0208] The outdoor unit (10) may include a wire guide (50). The wire guide (50) may be provided to secure / support a portion of the wires connected to the first printed circuit board (81), the second printed circuit board (82), and the third printed circuit board (83). For example, the wire guide (50) may be coupled to and supported by the second control box (900).

[0209] The first control box (800) and the second control box (900) can be supported within the housing (100).

[0210] For example, the outdoor unit (10) may include a first support frame (60) provided inside the housing (100). As an example, the first support frame (60) may support the lower portions of the first control box (800) and the second control box (900). As an example, the first support frame (60) may be supported by the base (172).

[0211] For example, the outdoor unit (10) may include a second support frame (70) provided inside the housing (100). As an example, the second support frame (70) may support the lower portion of the second control box (900). As an example, the second support frame (70) may be supported by the first support frame (60).

[0212] The configuration of the first control box (800) and the second control box (900) described above is merely an example of control boxes that are provided to accommodate printed circuit boards and are included in the outdoor unit of the air conditioner according to the present disclosure, and the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0213] Meanwhile, as illustrated in FIGS. 2, 3, and 4 (which may be referred to as FIGS. 2 to 4), the control boxes (800, 900) may be installed such that each case cover (820, 920) faces the outer side of the housing (100). In other words, the control boxes (800, 900) may be installed such that each case opening (810a, 910a) of each case (810, 910) faces the outer side of the housing (100).

[0214] For example, the first control box (800) may be installed such that the first case cover (820) and the first case opening (810a) face the front (+X direction) of the outdoor unit (10). The first control box (800) may be installed such that the first case cover (820) and the first case opening (810a) face the front (+X direction) of the housing (100). The first control box (800) may be installed such that the first case cover (820) and the first case opening (810a) face the second front frame (120). The first control box (800) may be installed such that the first case cover (820) and the first case opening (810a) are positioned adjacent to the second front frame (120). By this structure, a worker who wants to access the first printed circuit board (81) can easily access the first printed circuit board (81) inside the first case (810) by separating the second front frame (120) from the front of the outdoor unit (10) and separating the first case cover (820) from the first case (810).

[0215] For example, the second control box (900) may be installed such that the second case cover (920) and the second case opening (910a) face the right side (+Y direction) of the outdoor unit (10). The second control box (900) may be installed such that the second case cover (920) and the second case opening (910a) face the right side (+Y direction) of the housing (100). The second control box (900) may be installed such that the second case cover (920) and the second case opening (910a) face the second side frame (160). The second control box (900) may be installed such that the second case cover (920) and the second case opening (910a) are positioned adjacent to the second side frame (160). By this structure, a worker who wants to access the second printed circuit board (82) or the third printed circuit board (83) can easily access the second printed circuit board (82) or the third printed circuit board (83) inside the second case (910) by separating the second side frame (160) from the right side of the outdoor unit (10) and separating the second case cover (920) from the second case (910).

[0216] An air conditioner (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure can operate by utilizing heat exchange occurring during the evaporation / condensation process of a refrigerant, as described above. Thus, various types of refrigerants can be used for the operation of the air conditioner (1).

[0217] However, some types of refrigerants that can be used in air conditioners (1) may contain highly flammable substances. For example, R290 refrigerant, which is a type of refrigerant that can be used in the refrigerant cycle of various types of air conditioners, including the air conditioner (1) according to one embodiment, is a natural hydrocarbon refrigerant that contains propane. It has the advantage of being an environmentally friendly refrigerant with a very low ozone depletion potential (ODP) and global warming potential (GWP), but has the disadvantage of being relatively highly flammable compared to other types of refrigerants.

[0218] Therefore, when a highly flammable type of refrigerant, such as R290 refrigerant, is used in an air conditioner (1) according to one embodiment, if the refrigerant leaks from various components within the outdoor unit (10), such as the compressor (12), the outdoor heat exchanger (11), or the refrigerant pipes connecting them, there is a risk that this may lead to a fire. In particular, if the leaked refrigerant flows into the control box (800, 900), the possibility of a fire may increase if the refrigerant is exposed to various electronic components or wires within the control box (800, 900).

[0219] As illustrated in FIGS. 2 to 4, the control box (800, 900) can be installed such that the case openings (810a, 910a) of each case (810, 910) face the outside of the housing (100), while at the same time, each case opening (810a, 910a) can be installed such that it is adjacent to the inside of the housing (100). With this structure, it is possible to prevent or reduce refrigerant leaking from various components within the outdoor unit (10) from flowing into the inside of the case (810, 910) through the case openings (810a, 910a).

[0220] FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view illustrating various components of an outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a partition of an outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to various embodiments of the present disclosure viewed from one direction. FIG. 7 is a perspective view illustrating an example of a control box and a duct of an outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a first control box and a duct of an outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to various embodiments of the present disclosure in an exploded state.

[0221] Referring to FIGS. 5, 6, 7 and 8 (which may be referred to as FIGS. 5 to 8), an outdoor unit (10) of an air conditioner (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a heat sink (300).

[0222] The heat sink (300) may be provided to release heat generated inside the first control box (800) to the outside of the first control box (800). For example, the heat sink (300) may be provided to release heat generated by the first printed circuit board (81) to the outside of the first control box (800). In other words, the heat sink (300) may be provided to release heat generated by the first printed circuit board (81) to the outside of the first case (810).

[0223] The heat sink (300) can be connected to the first printed circuit board (81). Heat generated in the first printed circuit board (81) can be conducted to the heat sink (300). The heat sink (300) can transfer heat to the surrounding air by convection of the air around the heat sink (300).

[0224] The heat sink (300) may be positioned at least partially outside the first control box (800). For example, at least a majority of the heat sink (300) may be positioned outside the first control box (800). Due to this arrangement, the heat sink (300) can efficiently transfer heat to the air outside the first control box (800).

[0225] The heat sink (300) may be mounted on the first control box (800). For example, the first case (810) may include a heat sink mounting portion (812) provided to mount the heat sink (300). The heat sink mounting portion (812) may be formed on one side of the first case (810).

[0226] For example, the heat sink (300) may penetrate one side of the first case (810) and be connected to the first printed circuit board (81). For example, the heat sink (300) may be connected to the first printed circuit board (81) by penetrating a heat sink mounting portion (812). The heat sink mounting portion (812) may be arranged so that the heat sink (300) may be disposed therethrough. For example, the heat sink mounting portion (812) may include an opening formed so that the heat sink (300) may be able to pass therethrough.

[0227] The heat sink (300) can be mounted on the side opposite to the first case opening (810a) of the first control box (800). The heat sink mounting portion (812) can be positioned opposite to the first case opening (810a).

[0228] As described above, the first control box (800) in the machine room (R2) can be installed such that the first case opening (810a) and the first case cover (820) face the front (+X direction) of the housing (100). Accordingly, the heat sink (300) can be mounted on the rear (-X direction) of the first control box (800). In other words, the heat sink (300) can be mounted on the rear (-X direction) of the first case (810). The heat sink mounting portion (812) can be formed on the rear of the first case (810).

[0229] With this structure, the heat sink (300) can be arranged to release heat toward the rear (-X direction) of the first case (810).

[0230] A detailed description of the structure of the heat sink (300) will be described later.

[0231] An outdoor unit (10) of an air conditioner (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a duct (400).

[0232] The duct (400) may be placed inside the housing (100). For example, the duct (400) may be placed in the machine room (R2). The duct (400) may be arranged to be connected to the internal space of the machine room (R2). For example, the duct (400) may be placed entirely in the machine room (R2). For example, the duct (400) may pass through the partition (16) so that most of the duct (400) is placed in the machine room (R2), but a portion of the duct (400) is placed in the heat exchange room (R1).

[0233] The duct (400) may be provided to connect the internal space of the machine room (R2) and the heat exchange room (R1). For example, the duct (400) may be provided to connect a space located outside the duct (400) and inside the machine room (R2) to the heat exchange room (R1). When the outdoor fan (13) of the heat exchange room (R1) is driven, air inside the machine room (R2) can flow into the heat exchange room (R1) through the duct (400).

[0234] The duct (400) may be arranged to accommodate the heat sink (300). The heat sink (300) may be positioned so that at least a portion of the heat sink (300) is located within the duct (400). The duct (400) may cover the heat sink (300).

[0235] The duct (400) may be arranged on one side of the first control box (800). Specifically, the duct (400) may be positioned in a direction in which the heat sink (300) is mounted with respect to the first control box (800). For example, the duct (400) may be arranged at the rear (-X direction) of the first control box (800) to accommodate the heat sink (300).

[0236] For example, the duct (400) may be placed on one side of the second control box (900). As illustrated in FIG. 5, the duct (400) may be placed in the left direction (-Y direction) of the second control box (900).

[0237] As the outdoor fan (13) of the heat exchange room (R1) is driven, air flowing from the inside of the machine room (R2) to the heat exchange room (R1) can exchange heat with the heat sink (300) as it passes through the heat sink (300). That is, the heat sink (300) can be arranged to exchange heat with the air flowing inside the duct (400). The heat sink (300) can receive heat generated inside the first control box (800) and can transfer the received heat back to the air flowing inside the duct (400).

[0238] In this way, the duct (400) can discharge heat transferred from the heat sink (300) to the heat exchange room (R1). Alternatively, the duct (400) can be provided to discharge refrigerant gas leaking inside the machine room (R2) to the heat exchange room (R1).

[0239] For example, the duct (400) may be connected to the heat exchange room (R1) through the partition (16). The duct (400) may be connected to the partition (16) and may be connected to the heat exchange room (R1) through a portion connected to the partition (16).

[0240] For example, the partition (16) may include a partition opening (16a). The partition opening (16a) may be formed by opening a portion of the partition (16). The partition opening (16a) may be provided so that the heat exchange room (R1) and the machine room (R2) are connected to each other.

[0241] For example, the partition opening (16a) may have a shape in which the partition (16) penetrates horizontally (Y direction). When the outdoor fan (13) of the heat exchange room (R1) is driven, air on the machine room (R2) side can flow horizontally through the partition opening (16a) into the heat exchange room (R1).

[0242] The duct (400) can be connected to the partition opening (16a). The duct (400) can be connected to the heat exchange room (R1) through the partition opening (16a). The interior space of the duct (400) can be connected to the heat exchange room (R1) through the partition opening (16a). That is, when the outdoor fan (13) of the heat exchange room (R1) is driven, the air inside the machine room (R2) can flow into the heat exchange room (R1) through the duct (400) and the partition opening (16a). The air inside the duct (400) can be discharged into the heat exchange room (R1) through the partition opening (16a).

[0243] The distance between the first control box (800) and the partition (16) may vary depending on the horizontal (Y-direction) length of the machine room (R2). For example, as the horizontal (Y-direction) length of the machine room (R2) increases, the distance between the first control box (800) and the partition (16) may increase. In this case, the duct (400) and the partition (16) arranged on one side of the first control box (800) may be arranged to have a predetermined distance from each other.

[0244] Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, the outdoor unit (10) may include a coupling duct (500) provided between the duct (400) and the partition (16). The coupling duct (500) may connect the duct (400) and the partition (16). The coupling duct (500) may extend from the duct (400) to the partition (16).

[0245] The coupling duct (500) may be arranged inside the housing (100). For example, the coupling duct (500) may be arranged in the machine room (R2). The coupling duct (500) may be arranged to be connected to the internal space of the machine room (R2). For example, the coupling duct (500) may be arranged entirely in the machine room (R2). Alternatively, for example, the coupling duct (500) may pass through the partition (16) so that most of the duct is arranged in the machine room (R2), while a portion of the duct is arranged in the heat exchange room (R1).

[0246] A coupling duct (500) may be provided to connect the interior of the duct (400) (e.g., a duct passage (430) described below) and the heat exchange room (R1). The coupling duct (500) may be provided to exhaust air within the duct (400) to the heat exchange room (R1). The air within the duct (400) may be exhausted to the heat exchange room (R1) through the coupling duct (500).

[0247] The coupling duct (500) may be connected to the duct (400). For example, the coupling duct (500) may be connected to a duct outlet (420) described below. The coupling duct (500) may be connected to the internal space of the duct (400) via the duct outlet (420).

[0248] For example, the coupling duct (500) may include a coupling duct inlet (510) connected to the duct (400). The coupling duct inlet (510) may be provided so that air inside the duct (400) may be introduced into the interior of the coupling duct (500). Air discharged from the duct (400) through the duct outlet (420) may be introduced into the coupling duct (500) through the coupling duct inlet (510).

[0249] For example, the coupling duct inlet (510) may be formed so that at least one side of the coupling duct (500) is open. The coupling duct inlet (510) may be formed so that one side adjacent to the duct (400) of the coupling duct (500) is open.

[0250] For example, the coupling duct inlet (510) may have a shape in which one side of the coupling duct (500) is penetrated in a horizontal direction (Y direction). As illustrated in FIG. 6, the coupling duct inlet (510) may have a shape in which one side of the right side (+Y direction) of the coupling duct (500) is penetrated in a horizontal direction (Y direction). Air discharged from the duct (400) may pass through the coupling duct inlet (510) in a horizontal direction (Y direction) and be introduced into the interior of the coupling duct (500).

[0251] For example, the coupling duct (500) may be coupled to the duct (400). For example, the duct (400) may include a coupling duct connection portion (403) connected to the coupling duct (500). A duct outlet (420), which will be described later, may be provided at the coupling duct connection portion (403). The coupling duct connection portion (403) may be arranged to penetrate the coupling duct inlet (510) of the coupling duct (500). The coupling duct connection portion (403) may be coupled to the coupling duct (500) by penetrating the coupling duct inlet (510). In this way, at least a portion of the coupling duct connection portion (403) may be located inside the coupling duct (500). By this structure, it is possible to prevent and / or reduce air discharged from the duct (400) from leaking through the space between the coupling duct connection (403) and the coupling duct inlet (510).

[0252] For example, the outdoor unit (10) may further include a sealing member (600) (e.g., a seal) provided to seal a gap between the coupling duct connection portion (403) and the coupling duct inlet (510). For example, the sealing member (600) may be arranged on the outer circumference of the coupling duct connection portion (403). For example, the sealing member (600) may be arranged along the periphery of the coupling duct inlet (510). For example, the sealing member (600) may be provided to contact the inner surface of the coupling duct (500) on the side where the coupling duct inlet (510) is formed.

[0253] The coupling duct (500) may be connected to the partition (16). For example, the coupling duct (500) may be connected to the partition opening (16a). The coupling duct (500) may be connected to the heat exchange room (R1) through the partition opening (16a).

[0254] For example, the coupling duct (500) may include a coupling duct outlet (520) connected to the partition (16). The coupling duct outlet (520) may be provided so that air inside the coupling duct (500) is discharged to the heat exchange room (R1) through the partition (16). The coupling duct outlet (520) may be provided at a position corresponding to the partition opening (16a). The air inside the coupling duct (500) may be discharged to the heat exchange room (R1) through the coupling duct outlet (520) and the partition opening (16a).

[0255] For example, the coupling duct outlet (520) may be formed so that at least one side of the coupling duct (500) is open. The coupling duct outlet (520) may be formed so that one side adjacent to the partition (16) of the coupling duct (500) is open.

[0256] For example, the coupling duct outlet (520) may have a shape in which one side of the coupling duct (500) is penetrated in a horizontal direction (Y direction). As illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6, the coupling duct outlet (520) may have a shape in which one side of the left side (-Y direction) of the coupling duct (500) is penetrated in a horizontal direction (Y direction). The air inside the coupling duct (500) may pass through the outlet (520) in a horizontal direction (Y direction) and be discharged to the heat exchange room (R1).

[0257] For example, the coupling duct outlet (520) may have a larger size than the coupling duct inlet (510). However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the size of the coupling duct outlet (520) and the size of the coupling duct inlet (510) may be substantially the same, or the size of the coupling duct outlet (520) may be smaller than the size of the coupling duct inlet (510).

[0258] For example, the coupling duct (500) may be coupled to the partition (16). For example, the coupling duct (500) may include a hook-shaped partition coupling portion (501), and the partition coupling portion (501) may be hook-coupled to the partition (16) by penetrating a duct coupling portion (16b) formed in the partition (16). However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the coupling duct (500) may be coupled to the partition (16) in various ways.

[0259] The coupling duct (500) may include a coupling duct passage (530) formed inside the coupling duct (500). The coupling duct passage (530) may be provided between the coupling duct inlet (510) and the coupling duct outlet (520). The coupling duct passage (530) may extend from the coupling duct inlet (510) to the coupling duct outlet (520).

[0260] For example, the size of the coupling duct passage (530) may be larger than the size of the coupling duct inlet (510). For example, the size of a cross-section of the coupling duct passage (530) cut in a direction perpendicular to the direction of air flow (e.g., a cross-section cut in the XZ plane) may be larger than the size of the coupling duct inlet (510). However, this is not limited thereto, and the coupling duct passage (530) may have various sizes.

[0261] By this configuration, when the outdoor fan (13) of the heat exchange room (R1) is driven, the air inside the machine room (R2) can sequentially pass through the duct (400) and the coupling duct (500) and flow into the heat exchange room (R1).

[0262] For example, the coupling duct (500) may be coupled to the first control box (800). For example, the coupling duct (500) may be coupled to the first control box (800) by a screw fastening method or the like. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the coupling duct (500) may be coupled to and supported by various components of the outdoor unit (10).

[0263] The configuration of the coupling duct (500) described above is merely an example of a structure that allows the duct (400) and the partition (16) to be connected, and the concept of the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The outdoor unit (10) according to the concept of the present disclosure may include coupling ducts of various structures. As illustrated in FIG. 15 and described later with reference to FIG. 15, the duct (400) may also be directly connected to the partition (16).

[0264] Below, the structure of the duct (400) is described in more detail.

[0265] The duct (400) may include a duct inlet (410) configured to allow air to flow into the duct (400). The duct inlet (410) may be configured to allow air to flow into the duct (400) from a space that is outside the duct (400) and inside the machine room (R2). The duct inlet (410) may be configured to allow air to flow into the duct (400). The duct inlet (410) may be configured to move air into the duct (400).

[0266] The duct inlet (410) may be formed so that at least one side of the duct (400) is open. The internal space of the machine room (R2) may be connected to the internal space of the duct (400) (particularly, the duct flow path (430) described below) through the duct inlet (410).

[0267] For example, as illustrated in FIG. 7, the duct inlet (410) may be provided at the bottom of the duct (400). For example, as illustrated in FIG. 7, the duct inlet (410) may be formed to have a shape that penetrates vertically (in the Z direction) through the bottom of the duct (400). In this case, air in the internal space of the machine room (R2) may pass through the duct inlet (410) in the vertical direction (in the Z direction) and be introduced into the interior of the duct (400).

[0268] The duct (400) may include a duct outlet (420) that is provided to discharge air inside the duct (400) to the outside of the duct (400). The duct outlet (420) may be provided to discharge air inside the duct (400) to the heat exchange room (R1). In other words, the duct outlet (420) may be provided to discharge air to the heat exchange room (R1).

[0269] The duct outlet (420) may be formed so that at least one side of the duct (400) is open. The heat exchange room (R1) may be connected to the internal space of the duct (400) (particularly, the duct passage (430) described below) through the duct outlet (420).

[0270] For example, the duct outlet (420) may be formed on one side adjacent to the heat exchange room (R1) of the duct (400). For example, as illustrated in FIG. 7, the duct outlet (420) may be formed on a left-hand side (-Y direction) of the duct (400). For example, as illustrated in FIG. 7, the duct outlet (420) may be formed to have a shape that penetrates horizontally (Y direction) on one side adjacent to the heat exchange room (R1) of the duct (400). In this case, air inside the duct (400) may pass through the duct outlet (420) in the horizontal direction (Y direction) and be introduced into the duct (400).

[0271] The duct (400) may include a duct passage (430). The duct passage (430) may be formed inside the duct (400). The duct passage (430) may be provided between the duct inlet (410) and the duct outlet (420). The duct passage (430) may be formed to extend from the duct inlet (410) to the duct outlet (420).

[0272] The duct path (430) may be arranged to allow air to flow. When the outdoor fan (13) inside the heat exchange room (R1) is driven, air introduced through the duct inlet (410) may flow along the duct path (430) toward the duct outlet (420) and may be discharged to the outside of the duct (400) through the duct outlet (420).

[0273] The duct passage (430) may be arranged to pass through the heat sink (300). The heat sink (300) may be placed in the duct passage (430). Air flowing along the duct passage (430) may flow along the heat sink (300).

[0274] The duct (400) may cover one side of the first control box (800). For example, the duct (400) may cover one side of the first case (810). For example, the duct (400) may be coupled to one side of the first control box (800) where the heat sink (300) is mounted. For example, the duct (400) may cover the side opposite to the side where the first case opening (810a) of the first case (810) is formed.

[0275] For example, as illustrated in FIG. 8, the duct flow path (430) may be formed in the space between the duct (400) and the first control box (800) as the duct (400) covers one side of the first control box (800). For example, the first flow path (431), the second flow path (432), and the third flow path (433) described below may be formed in the space between the duct (400) and the first control box (800) as the duct (400) covers one side of the first control box (800).

[0276] The duct (400) can be coupled to the first control box (800). The duct (400) can be coupled to one side of the first control box (800). For example, the duct (400) can be coupled to one side of the first control box (800) where the heat sink (300) is mounted. For example, the duct (400) can be coupled to a side opposite to the side where the first case opening (810a) of the first case (810) is formed. For example, the duct (400) can be coupled to one side of the rear (-X direction) of the first control box (800).

[0277] The duct (400) may include a first control box coupling portion (401) coupled to the first control box (800). For example, the first control box coupling portion (401) may be coupled to one side of the rear (-X direction) of the first control box (800). For example, the first control box coupling portion (401) may be coupled to one side of the rear (-X direction) of the first case (810).

[0278] The first control box coupling part (401) can be coupled to the first case (810) by various methods such as screw fastening.

[0279] For example, the duct (400) may be connected to the internal space of the first control box (800), i.e., the first receiving space (811). For example, the duct path (430) may be connected to the first receiving space (811). The duct (400) may include a first control box connecting hole (401a) formed to connect the duct path (430) and the first receiving space (811). A first duct connecting hole (813) corresponding to the first control box connecting hole (401a) may be formed in the first case (810).

[0280] As the duct passage (430) and the first receiving space (811) are connected, when the outdoor fan (13) of the heat exchange room (R1) is driven, the refrigerant gas flowing into the first receiving space (811) can be discharged through the duct passage (430) and flow into the heat exchange room (R1). As the duct passage (430) and the first receiving space (811) are connected, the heat inside the first control box (800) can be more efficiently released through the duct passage (430).

[0281] For example, the first control box connection hole (401a) may be provided in the first control box joint portion (401) of the duct (400). The first control box connection hole (401a) may have a shape that penetrates the first control box joint portion (401).

[0282] For example, the first duct connection hole (813) may be formed on one side of the rear (-X direction) of the first case (810).

[0283] For example, the duct (400) may cover one side of the second control box (900). For example, the duct (400) may cover one side of the second case (910). For example, the duct (400) may cover the side opposite to the side where the second case opening (910a) of the second case (910) is formed.

[0284] For example, as illustrated in FIG. 8, the duct path (430) may be formed in the space between the duct (400) and the second control box (900) as the duct (400) covers one side of the second control box (900). For example, the fourth path (434) described below may be formed in the space between the duct (400) and the second control box (900) as the duct (400) covers one side of the second control box (900).

[0285] The duct (400) can be coupled to the second control box (900). The duct (400) can be coupled to one side of the second control box (900). For example, the duct (400) can be coupled to the side opposite to the side where the second case opening (910a) of the second case (910) is formed. For example, the duct (400) can be coupled to the left side (-Y direction) of the second control box (900).

[0286] The duct (400) may include a second control box coupling portion (402) coupled to a second control box (900). For example, the second control box coupling portion (402) may be coupled to the left side (-Y direction) of the second control box (900). For example, the second control box coupling portion (402) may be coupled to the left side (-Y direction) of the second case (910).

[0287] The second control box coupling part (402) can be coupled to the second case (910) by various methods such as screw fastening.

[0288] For example, the duct (400) may be connected to the internal space of the second control box (900), i.e., the second receiving space (911). For example, the duct path (430) may be connected to the second receiving space (911). The second control box connecting portion (402) may be formed so that one side covering the second control box (900) is open. The second case (910) may include a second duct connecting hole (913, see FIG. 12) formed to connect the duct path (430) and the second receiving space (911). As the second control box connecting portion (402) covers the second duct connecting hole (913), the duct path (430) and the second receiving space (911) may be connected.

[0289] As the duct passage (430) and the second receiving space (911) are connected, when the outdoor fan (13) of the heat exchange room (R1) is driven, the refrigerant gas flowing into the second receiving space (911) can be discharged through the duct passage (430) and flow into the heat exchange room (R1). In addition, as the duct passage (430) and the second receiving space (911) are connected, heat inside the second control box (900) can be released through the duct passage (430).

[0290] For example, the second duct connection hole (913, see FIG. 12, etc.) may be formed in the left direction (-Y direction) of the second case (910).

[0291] FIG. 9 is an enlarged diagram illustrating a heat sink of an outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0292] Referring to FIG. 9, the heat sink (300) of the outdoor unit (10) of the air conditioner (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may be arranged to exchange heat with air passing through the heat sink (300) in approximately one direction. For example, the heat sink (300) may be arranged to receive heat generated from the first printed circuit board (81) and transfer the heat to air passing through the heat sink (300) in approximately one direction. The direction of air flow passing through the heat sink (300) is defined as a first direction (Z). The heat sink (300) may extend along the first direction (Z). For example, the heat sink (300) may extend along the vertical direction (Z) of the outdoor unit (10).

[0293] For example, a heat sink (300) may include a plurality of heat transfer plates (301). The plurality of heat transfer plates (301) may be arranged inside a duct (400). The plurality of heat transfer plates (301) may be covered by the duct (400). A duct passage (430) may be provided to pass through the plurality of heat transfer plates (301).

[0294] Each of the heat transfer plates (301) may be formed in a plate shape made of a material with high thermal conductivity (e.g., metal). Each of the heat transfer plates (301) may be arranged to transfer heat inside the first control box (800) to the air inside the duct (400).

[0295] Each of the heat transfer plates (301) may extend from a side adjacent to the first printed circuit board (81). For example, each of the heat transfer plates (301) may extend in a second direction (X) from a side adjacent to the first printed circuit board (81). For example, each of the heat transfer plates (301) may extend rearward (in the -X direction) from a side adjacent to the first printed circuit board (81).

[0296] Each of the heat transfer plates (301) may extend along a first direction (Z). For example, the heat transfer plates (301) may extend to have a long length in the first direction (Z). The first direction (Z) may be approximately orthogonal to a second direction (X) in which the heat transfer plates (301) extend from a side adjacent to the first printed circuit board (81).

[0297] A plurality of heat transfer plates (301) may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other along a third direction (Y). For example, the direction in which the heat transfer plates (301) extend (the first direction (Z) or the second direction (X)) and the direction in which the plurality of heat transfer plates (301) are arranged (the third direction (Y)) may be approximately orthogonal to each other. For example, the heat transfer plates (301) may be arranged to be approximately orthogonal to the direction in which the plurality of heat transfer plates (301) are arranged.

[0298] However, in contrast, the first direction (Z), second direction (X), and third direction (Y) described above may not be orthogonal to each other.

[0299] A heat transfer path (302) may be formed between a plurality of heat transfer plates (301) that are spaced apart from each other. In other words, a heat transfer path (302) may be formed between a pair of adjacent heat transfer plates (301) among the plurality of heat transfer plates (301). The heat transfer path (302) may be provided to allow air to flow. That is, the plurality of heat transfer plates (301) may be provided to exchange heat with air flowing along the heat transfer path (302). The heat transfer path (302) may form a part of a duct path (430).

[0300] The heat transfer path (302) may extend along the first direction (Z). For example, air flowing along the heat transfer path (302) may flow in the first direction (Z) and exchange heat with a plurality of heat transfer plates (301). Air introduced into the heat transfer path (302) from one side of the heat sink (300) in the first direction (Z) may flow along the first direction (Z) and exchange heat with the heat sink (300), and may escape from the heat sink (300) from the other side of the heat sink (300) in the first direction (Z). For example, as illustrated in FIG. 9, air passing through a heat sink (300) flows into a heat transfer path (302) from the bottom of the heat sink (300), flows upward (in the +Z direction) along the heat transfer path (302), exchanges heat with a plurality of heat transfer plates (301), and can escape from the heat transfer path (302) at the top of the heat sink (300).

[0301] In this way, the heat sink (300) includes a plurality of heat transfer plates (301), and as a heat transfer path (302) is formed between the plurality of heat transfer plates (301), the heat transfer area of ​​the heat sink (300) is expanded, so that heat dissipation efficiency can be improved.

[0302] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view illustrating various components of an outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view illustrating various components of an outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view illustrating various components of an outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional perspective view illustrating various components of an outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0303] Referring to FIGS. 10, 11, 12 and 13 (which may be referred to as FIGS. 10 to 13), a duct flow path (430) formed inside a duct (400) of an outdoor unit (10) of an air conditioner (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a portion extending in a first direction (Z) and a portion extending in a second direction (Y).

[0304] As described above, the first control box (800) can be installed so that the first case opening (810a) and the first case cover (820) face the front (+X direction) of the housing (100). In addition, the heat sink (300) can be mounted on the rear of the first control box (800).

[0305] Likewise, as described above, the second control box (900) may be installed so that the second case opening (910a) and the second case cover (920) face the right side (+Y direction) of the housing (100). Here, as illustrated, the second control box (900) may be disposed to the right side (+Y direction) relative to the first control box (800), and the heat sink (300) may be disposed to the left side (-Y direction) of the second control box (900). In this case, if the heat sink (300) is disposed so that the heat transfer path (302) extends along the horizontal direction (Y direction), in order to secure a space for air to flow into one side of the heat transfer path (302), the second control box (900) and the heat sink (300) may need to be disposed so that there is a sufficient horizontal distance between them (Y direction). Therefore, the horizontal distance (Y direction) of the machine room (R2) can increase, and the overall size of the product can increase.

[0306] For this reason, the heat sink (300) may be positioned so that the heat transfer path (302) extends along the vertical direction (Z direction). In other words, the heat sink (300) may be positioned so that air passes through the heat sink (300) along the vertical direction (Z direction).

[0307] For various reasons, the heat sink (300) may be positioned so that the heat transfer path (302) extends along the vertical direction (Z direction).

[0308] Each portion of the duct flow path (430) inside the duct (400) may have a predetermined width in the front-back direction (X direction). As described above, the heat sink (300) may extend from a side adjacent to the first printed circuit board (81). For example, each of the plurality of heat transfer plates (301) included in the heat sink (300) may extend rearward (-X direction) from a side adjacent to the first printed circuit board (81). For example, each of the plurality of heat transfer plates (301) may extend in the front-back direction (X direction). Accordingly, at least a portion of the duct flow path (430) passing through the plurality of heat transfer plates (301) may have a width that at least corresponds to or is wider than the front-back direction (X direction) width of each of the plurality of heat transfer plates (301).

[0309] Since the heat exchange room (R1) and the machine room (R2) are arranged horizontally (Y direction) to each other, air passing through the heat sink (300) in the vertical direction (Z direction) can flow in the horizontal direction (Y direction) and be discharged to the heat exchange room (R1). Accordingly, the duct flow path (430) inside the duct (400) may include a vertical flow path extending in the vertical direction (Z direction) so that the air passes through the heat sink (300) in the vertical direction (Z direction), and a horizontal flow path extending in the horizontal direction (Y direction) so that the air that has escaped from the heat sink (300) flows in the horizontal direction (Y direction) toward the heat exchange room (R1).

[0310] Hereinafter, the direction along which the heat transfer path (302) of the heat sink (300) extends may be referred to as the first direction (Z). In other words, the heat sink (300) may be arranged so that air passes through the heat sink (300) in the first direction (Z). The heat sink (300) may extend along the first direction (Z). A portion of the duct path (430) provided so that air passes through the heat sink (300) in the first direction (Z) may extend along the first direction (Z). As described above, the first direction (Z) may include the vertical direction (Z) of the outdoor unit (10). However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the first direction along which the heat transfer path (302) of the heat sink (300) extends may include a direction inclined with respect to the vertical direction of the outdoor unit (10).

[0311] In addition, below, the direction of the width of each part of the duct flow path (430) inside the duct (400) may be referred to as a second direction (X). The second direction (X) may be a different direction from the first direction (Z) in which air passes through the heat sink (300). In addition, the second direction (X) may be a direction parallel to the direction in which the heat sink (300) extends from the side adjacent to the first control box (800) (or the side adjacent to the first printed circuit board (81)). In other words, the second direction (X) may be a direction parallel to the direction in which each of the plurality of heat transfer plates (301) extends from the side adjacent to the first control box (800) (or the side adjacent to the first printed circuit board (81)). For example, the second direction (X) may be a direction orthogonal to the first direction (Z) in which air passes through the heat sink (300). As described above, the second direction (X) may include the front-back direction (X) of the outdoor unit (10). However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the second direction, which is the width direction of the duct passage (430), may be a direction inclined with respect to the front-back direction (X) of the outdoor unit (10). In addition, the second direction, which is the width direction of the duct passage (430), may not be a direction orthogonal to the first direction (Z).

[0312] In addition, below, the direction in which a part of the duct passage (430) extends so that the air that has escaped from the heat sink (300) flows toward the heat exchange room (R1) may be referred to as a third direction (Y). In other words, a part of the duct passage (430) may extend along the first direction (Z), and another part of the duct passage (430) may extend along the third direction (Y). The third direction (Y) may be a different direction from the first direction (Z) and the second direction (X). For example, the third direction (Y) may be a direction orthogonal to the first direction (Z). Furthermore, for example, the third direction (Y) may be a direction orthogonal to the second direction (X). As described above, the third direction (Y direction) may include the horizontal direction (Y) of the outdoor unit (10). However, the third direction in which a portion of the duct passage (430) extends so that air that has escaped from the heat sink (300) flows toward the heat exchange room (R1) may include a direction inclined with respect to the horizontal direction of the outdoor unit (10). The third direction in which a portion of the duct passage (430) extends so that air that has escaped from the heat sink (300) flows toward the heat exchange room (R1) may not be a direction orthogonal to the first direction (Z) and the second direction (X).

[0313] The duct (400) may include a first flow path (431) extending from a duct inlet (410). The first flow path (431) may constitute a portion of the duct flow path (430). Specifically, the first flow path (431) may extend from the duct inlet (410) in a first direction (Z). The first flow path (431) may be configured to allow air introduced through the duct inlet (410) to flow along the first direction (Z). For example, the first flow path (431) may be configured to allow air introduced through the duct inlet (410) to flow upward (in the +Z direction).

[0314] A portion of a heat sink (300) may be disposed in the first flow path (431). Specifically, a first portion (310) of the heat sink (300) adjacent to a duct inlet (410) may be disposed in the first flow path (431). The first flow path (431) may extend in a first direction (Z) along the first portion (310) of the heat sink (300). The first flow path (431) may be arranged such that air introduced through the duct inlet (410) flows along the first portion (310) of the heat sink (300).

[0315] For example, the first euro (431) may extend from a position approximately parallel to one side (300a) of the heat sink (300) in the first direction (Z). In this case, the one side (300a) of the heat sink (300) in the first direction (Z) may be one side of the heat sink (300) adjacent to the duct inlet (410).

[0316] The duct (400) may include a second flow path (432) connecting the first flow path (431) and the duct outlet (420). The second flow path (432) may include a portion of the duct flow path (430). For example, the second flow path (432) may be positioned in a first direction (Z) with respect to the first flow path (431). The second flow path (432) may extend in a third direction (Y) different from the first direction (Z) toward the duct outlet (420). The second flow path (432) may be arranged to allow air from the first flow path (431) to flow in the third direction (Y) toward the duct outlet (420). For example, the third direction (Y) along which the second flow path (432) extends may be approximately orthogonal to the first direction (Z) along which the first flow path (431) extends. For example, the second flow path (432) may extend in a horizontal direction (Y) toward the duct outlet (420). However, this is not limited thereto, and the third direction (Y) in which the second flow path (432) extends and the first direction (Z) in which the first flow path (431) extends may have an angle other than 90 degrees.

[0317] A portion of the heat sink (300) may be disposed in the second flow path (432). Specifically, a second portion (320) of the heat sink (300) may be disposed in the second flow path (432). The second portion (320) of the heat sink (300) may include a portion extending in a first direction (Z) from the first portion (310). For example, the second portion (320) of the heat sink (300) may include a portion extending upward (in the +Z direction) from the first portion (310).

[0318] By this structure, air introduced into the duct (400) through the duct inlet (410) flows in the first direction (Z) along the first flow path (431) and exchanges heat with the first part (310) of the heat sink (300), flows a little further in the first direction (Z) along the second flow path (432) and exchanges heat with the second part (320) of the heat sink (300), and then flows in the third direction (Y) along the second flow path (432) to reach the duct outlet (420).

[0319] At this time, if the width of the first flow path (431) in the second direction (X) is excessively wide, the air may not be able to sufficiently reach the second part (320) of the heat sink (300). For example, if the width of the first flow path (431) in the second direction (X) is excessively wide compared to the width of the heat sink (300) in the second direction (X), the air that flows along the heat transfer flow path (302) of the heat sink (300) after being introduced into the first flow path (431) may escape from the heat transfer flow path (302) before reaching the second part (320) of the heat sink (300). Each of the plurality of heat transfer plates (301) extends in the second direction (X) from the side adjacent to the first printed circuit board (81) and is arranged to be spaced apart from each other along the third direction (Y), so that one side (300c) of the heat transfer path (302) in the second direction (X) adjacent to the first printed circuit board (81) may be closed, while the other side (300d) in the opposite second direction (X) may be open. Accordingly, some of the air flowing along the heat transfer path (302) may escape from the heat transfer path (302) through the other side (300d) in the second direction (X). Accordingly, if a significant portion of the air flowing along the heat transfer path (302) escapes through the other side (300d) in the second direction (X) and does not reach the second part (320) of the heat sink (300), heat exchange may not be efficiently performed in the second part (320) of the heat sink (300), and heat inside the first control box (80) may not be efficiently dissipated.

[0320] To solve this problem, the first flow path (431) may be formed so that its width in the second direction (X) is similar to or at least not excessively wide compared to the width of the first part (310) of the heat sink (300) in the second direction (X). Furthermore, the width of the first flow path (431) in the second direction (X) may roughly correspond to the width of the first part (310) of the heat sink (300) in the second direction (X). Since the width of the first flow path (431) is relatively narrow, the air flowing along the first part (310) of the heat sink (300) can be effectively prevented / suppressed from escaping from the first part (310). In addition, when the width of the first flow path (431) is narrow, the velocity of the air flowing along it can increase, so that the air can efficiently reach the second part (320) of the heat sink (300).

[0321] The duct (400) may include a cover wall (440). The cover wall (440) may be provided to cover a first portion (310) of the heat sink (300). The cover wall (440) may cover the first portion (310) of the heat sink (300) in a second direction (X). The cover wall (440) may cover the first flow path (431) in the second direction (X). The cover wall (440) may form the first flow path (431). The cover wall (440) may cover the other side (300d) of the first portion (310) of the sink (300) in the second direction (X). The cover wall (440) can prevent and / or reduce air from escaping from the first portion (310) of the heat sink (300) and guide it to efficiently reach the second portion (320) of the heat sink (300).

[0322] By the structure of the first flow path (431) as described above, the air flowing along the heat sink (300) can be prevented / reduced from escaping from the first part (310), and can be arranged to efficiently flow along the first direction (Z) toward the second part (320) of the heat sink (300). That is, by the structure of the first flow path (431) as described above, the air introduced into one side (300a) of the heat sink (300) in the first direction (Z) can be arranged to efficiently flow to the other side (300b) of the heat sink (300) in the first direction (Z).

[0323] The second flow path (432) may be formed so that its width in the second direction (X) is wider than the width of the first flow path (431) in the second direction (X). Specifically, the second flow path (432) may include a first portion (432a) positioned on one side of the first flow path (431) in the first direction (Z), and a second portion (432b) positioned on one side of the first portion (432a) in the second direction (X). The first portion (432a) of the second flow path (432) may extend from the first flow path (431) in the first direction (Z), and the second portion (432b) may extend from the first portion (432a) in the second direction (Z). The second portion (320) of the heat sink (300) may be disposed on the first portion (432a) of the second flow path (432). The second part (432b) can be positioned between the first part (432a) in the first direction (Z) of the first euro (431) and the third euro (433) to be described later.

[0324] In the first part (432a) of the second flow path (432), most of the air can flow along the first direction (Z), but it may be almost impossible to flow along the third direction (Y) due to the arrangement of the plurality of heat transfer plates (301). Therefore, the second flow path (432) is formed to have a wider width in the second direction (X) than the first flow path (431), and includes a second part (432b) in which the heat transfer plates (301) are not arranged so that the air can flow along the third direction (Y), so that the air can efficiently flow in the third direction (Y) toward the duct outlet (420). That is, in the first part (432a) of the second euro (432), heat exchange occurs between the heat sink (300) and the air, and in the second part (432b) of the second euro (432), air that has escaped from the heat sink (300) can flow toward the duct outlet (420).

[0325] In addition, the second flow path (432) is wider in the second direction (X) than the first flow path (431), thereby securing a wide flow path area, reducing air flow resistance, and increasing the air flow rate.

[0326] The duct (400) may include an extension wall (450). The extension wall (450) may extend from the cover wall (440). The extension wall (450) may extend in a direction different from the direction in which the cover wall (440) extends.

[0327] For example, the extension wall (450) may extend in the second direction (X) from an end opposite to the duct inlet (410) of the cover wall (440). That is, as illustrated in the drawing, the extension wall (450) may extend rearward (in the -X direction) from the top of the cover wall (440).

[0328] The second flow path (432) may be arranged in the first direction (Z direction) with respect to the extension wall (450). For example, the second portion (432b) of the second flow path (432) may be arranged in the first direction (Z direction) with respect to the extension wall (450). For example, as illustrated in the drawing, the extension wall (450) may form the bottom surface of the second portion (432b) of the second flow path (432).

[0329] By the structure of the first euro (431) and the second euro (432) as described above, the heat transfer efficiency between the heat sink (300) and the air can be improved, and the heat dissipation efficiency of the heat sink (300) can be improved.

[0330] For example, the length of the first euro (431) in the first direction (Z) may be longer than the length of the second euro (432) in the first direction (Z).

[0331] The first flow path (431) may include a first portion (431a) adjacent to the duct inlet (410) and a second portion (431b) positioned on one side of the first portion (431a) in the first direction (Z). The second portion (431b) of the first flow path (431) may be positioned between the first portion (431a) and the second flow path (432). The second portion (431b) of the first flow path (431) may extend from the first portion (431a) toward the second flow path (432).

[0332] At this time, the second part (431b) of the first flow path (431) may be formed so that the width in the second direction (X) becomes wider as it moves from the first part (431a) toward the second flow path (432). However, the width in the second direction (X) of the first part (431a) of the first flow path (431) may be substantially constant.

[0333] In response to the shape of the first flow path (431), the cover wall (440) may include an inclined portion (442) that moves away from the heat sink (300) in the second direction (X) as it moves in the first direction (Z) from the first flow path (431) toward the second flow path (432). The inclined portion (442) may correspond to the second portion (431b) of the first flow path (431). The inclined portion (442) may guide the flow of air so that the air flowing along the first flow path (431) can efficiently flow toward the second portion (432b) of the second flow path (432). In contrast, the cover wall (440) may include a flat portion (441) that extends in a direction substantially parallel to the first direction (Z). For example, the inclined portion (442) may extend from the flat portion (441) in a direction inclined with respect to the first direction (Z).

[0334] By the structure of the first flow path (431) as described above, air flowing along the first flow path (431) can be guided to flow to the second part (432b) of the second flow path (432). In addition, by the structure of the first flow path (431) as described above, the overall air flow in the duct flow path (430) can be made smooth.

[0335] However, this is not limited to this, and the first euro (431) may have a constant width overall.

[0336] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the duct (400) may further include a third flow path (433). The third flow path (433) may include a portion of the duct flow path (430). The third flow path (433) may be provided in the first direction (Z) from a side (300b) opposite to the duct inlet (410) of the heat sink (300). The third flow path (433) may be formed on a side (e.g., an upward (+Z direction) side as illustrated) in the first direction (Z) with respect to the second portion (320) of the heat sink (300). The third flow path (433) may be positioned in the first direction (Z) with respect to the first portion (432a) of the second flow path (432). The third euro (433) can extend in the first direction (Z) from the first part (432a) of the second euro (432).

[0337] As the third euro (433) is formed, resistance to the flow of air in the first direction (Z) of the other side (300b) of the heat sink (300) can be prevented / reduced, and the flow of air passing through the heat sink (300) in the first direction (Z) can be made smoother.

[0338] For example, the length of the first flow path (431) in the first direction (Z) may be longer than the length of the third flow path (433) in the first direction (Z). Also, for example, the length of the second flow path (432) in the first direction (Z) may be longer than the length of the third flow path (433) in the first direction (Z).

[0339] The third flow path (433) may extend along the third direction (Y). Specifically, the third flow path (433) may extend along the third direction (Y) toward the duct outlet (420). With this structure, at least a portion of the air that escapes from the heat sink (300) in the first direction (Z) may flow along the third flow path (433) toward the duct outlet (420).

[0340] The width of the third flow path (433) in the second direction (X) may be narrower than the width of the second flow path (432) in the second direction (X). This can prevent / reduce air from unnecessarily diffusing and flowing in the third flow path (433) positioned in the first direction (Z) with respect to the heat sink (300).

[0341] As described below, the duct (400) may include a fourth flow path (434) extending from the second control box (900) toward the duct outlet (420). The fourth flow path (434) may be partitioned from the second flow path (432) and the third flow path (433). At this time, at least a portion of the fourth flow path (434) may be positioned in a first direction (Z) with respect to the second flow path (432) and in a second direction (X) with respect to the third flow path (433). As illustrated in the drawing, at least a portion (434b) of the fourth flow path (434) may be positioned upward (+Z) with respect to a second portion (432b) of the second flow path (432) and rearward (-X) with respect to the third flow path (433). By this structure, the width of the third euro (433) in the second direction (X) may be narrower than the width of the second euro (432) in the second direction (X).

[0342] The third flow path (433) may be connected to the second flow path (432). At this time, some of the air in the third flow path (433) may flow toward the second flow path (432). As a result, some of the air that flows into the third flow path (433) from the heat sink (300) may flow back into the second flow path (432) and flow along the second flow path (432), and the other part may flow along the third flow path (433).

[0343] The duct (400) may include a flow guide (461) that guides air within the third flow path (433) to flow from the third flow path (433) toward the second flow path (432). The flow guide (461) may be provided on one side of the third flow path (433). For example, the flow guide (461) may be provided on one side of the third flow path (433) in the second direction (X). As illustrated, the flow guide (461) may be provided at the rear (-X direction) of the third flow path (433).

[0344] For example, the euro guide (461) may be formed to be inclined so that the farther away from the third euro (433) in the second direction (X), the closer it becomes to the second euro (432) in the first direction (Z). As illustrated, the euro guide (461) may be formed to be inclined so that it extends rearward (-X) as it faces downward (-Z).

[0345] For example, the euro guide (461) may include at least a portion of the euro partition wall (460) described below.

[0346] By this structure, the third flow path (433) can be arranged so that the width in the second direction (X) increases as it gets closer to the second flow path (432) in the first direction (Z). As illustrated in the drawing, the third flow path (433) can be formed so that the width in the front-back direction (X) increases as it gets closer to the downward (-Z direction).

[0347] By this structure, the air within the third flow path (433) can efficiently flow into the second flow path (432).

[0348] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the duct (400) may further include a connecting passage (435). The connecting passage (435) may include a portion of the duct passage (430). The connecting passage (435) may connect the second passage (432) and the duct outlet (420). In addition, the connecting passage (435) may connect the third passage (433) and the duct outlet (420). For example, the duct outlet (420) may be provided at one end of the connecting passage (435) in the third direction (Y).

[0349] For example, the connecting passage (435) may have a width in the first direction (Z) that is wider than the width of the second passage (432) in the first direction (Z). For example, the connecting passage (435) may have a width in the first direction (Z) that is wider than the width of the third passage (433) in the first direction (Z).

[0350] For example, the width of the connecting passage (435) in the second direction (X) may be wider than the width of the first passage (431) in the second direction (X). For example, the width of the connecting passage (435) in the second direction (X) may be wider than the width of the third passage (433) in the second direction (X). For example, the width of the connecting passage (435) in the second direction (X) may roughly correspond to the width of the second passage (432) in the second direction (X).

[0351] For example, the connecting duct (435) may be formed on the inside of the aforementioned connecting duct connection portion (403). The connecting duct connection portion (403) may be provided along the perimeter of the connecting duct (430).

[0352] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view illustrating various configurations of an outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0353] Referring to FIG. 14, a duct (400) of an outdoor unit (10) of an air conditioner (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a fourth flow path (434). The fourth flow path (434) may be formed on the inside of the duct (400). The fourth flow path (434) may be covered by the duct (400). The fourth flow path (434) may include a portion of the duct flow path (430).

[0354] For example, the fourth flow path (434) may be connected to the second control box (900). The fourth flow path (434) may connect the second control box (900) and the duct outlet (420). The fourth flow path (434) may extend from the second control box (900) toward the duct outlet (420). The fourth flow path (434) may be configured to discharge heat generated within the second control box (900) through the duct outlet (420). The fourth flow path (434) may be configured to discharge refrigerant gas introduced into the second case (910).

[0355] For example, the fourth euro (434) can be connected through the second control box (900) and the second duct connection hole (913).

[0356] For example, the fourth flow path (434) may be connected to the first control box (800). The fourth flow path (434) may be connected to the interior of the first case (810). The fourth flow path (434) may connect the interior of the first case (810) to the duct outlet (420). The fourth flow path (434) may be provided to discharge heat generated within the first control box (800) through the duct outlet (420). The fourth flow path (434) may be provided to discharge refrigerant gas introduced into the interior of the first case (810).

[0357] For example, the fourth euro (434) can be connected to the first control box (800) through the first duct connection hole (813) and the first control box connection hole (401a).

[0358] The fourth flow path (434) may be separated from the first flow path (431), the second flow path (432), and the third flow path (433) described above. In particular, the duct (400) may include a flow partition wall (460) provided to separate the fourth flow path (434) from the second flow path (432) and the third flow path (433).

[0359] For example, the fourth flow path (434) may include a first portion (434a) extending along a first direction (Z) and a second portion (434b) extending from the first portion (434a) along a third direction (Y). For example, the second portion (434b) of the fourth flow path (434) may extend from one end of the first portion (434a) of the fourth flow path (434) in the first direction (Z). As illustrated, the second portion (434b) of the fourth flow path (434) may extend from an upper end of the first portion (434a) of the fourth flow path (434).

[0360] At this time, the second part (434b) of the fourth flow path (434) can be positioned in the first direction (Z) with respect to the second flow path (432). In addition, the second part (434b) of the fourth flow path (434) can be positioned in the second direction (X) with respect to the third flow path (433). The second part (434b) of the fourth flow path (434) can flow along the third direction (Y) in parallel with the second flow path (432) and the third flow path (433).

[0361] FIG. 15 is a partial perspective view illustrating various components, such as a control box, duct, and partition, of an outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0362] In describing a part of the configuration of the outdoor unit (10) of the air conditioner (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure with reference to FIG. 15, the same configuration as the configuration of the various embodiments described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 14 may be given the same drawing reference numerals and the description may not be repeated.

[0363] Referring to FIG. 15, the outdoor unit (10) of the air conditioner (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a duct (400-1). The duct (400-1) illustrated in FIG. 15 may have a structure and features corresponding to the duct (400) illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 14, and a detailed description thereof may not be repeated.

[0364] At this time, the duct (400-1) in the embodiment illustrated in Fig. 15 may be directly coupled to the partition (16). That is, the outdoor unit (10) of the air conditioner (1) in Fig. 15 may not include a coupling duct (500).

[0365] The duct (400-1) can be directly connected to the heat exchange room (R1) through the partition opening (16a), and air flowing along the duct flow path (430-1) inside the duct (400-1) can be directly discharged to the heat exchange room (R1) through the duct outlet (420-1) of the duct (400-1).

[0366] For example, the duct (400-1) may include a partition connection portion (403) that is coupled to the partition (16). The partition connection portion (403) may be arranged to penetrate the partition opening (16a). For example, the duct outlet (420-1) may be formed on the inside of the partition connection portion (403).

[0367] For example, the outdoor unit (10) may include a sealing member (600-1) provided to seal the gap between the partition connecting portion (403) and the partition opening (16a).

[0368] FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating an example of a printed circuit board accommodated in a control box of an outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 17 is a table showing experimental results of measuring the temperatures of electronic components illustrated in FIG. 16 according to various embodiments.

[0369] Referring to FIGS. 16 and 17, the heat dissipation efficiency according to the shape of the duct in various embodiments is described.

[0370] Referring to Fig. 16, electronic components (P1, P2, P3) (which may also be referred to as a first electronic component (P1), a second electronic component (P2), and a third electronic component (P3)) may be mounted on a first printed circuit board (81) included in an outdoor unit (10) of an air conditioner (1). The printed circuit board (81) on which the electronic components (P1, P2, P3) are mounted may be accommodated in a first control box (800).

[0371] For example, a first electronic component (P1) may be mounted on a first printed circuit board (81). As an example, the first electronic component (P1) may include an insulated-gate bipolar transistor (IGBT).

[0372] A second electronic component (P2) may be mounted on the first printed circuit board (81). For example, the second electronic component (P2) may include an insulated-gate bipolar transistor (IGBT).

[0373] A third electronic component (P3) may be mounted on the first printed circuit board (81). For example, the third electronic component (P3) may include an intelligent power module (IPM).

[0374] For example, a first printed circuit board (81) on which a first electronic component (P1), a second electronic component (P2), and a third electronic component (P3) are mounted can be configured as a power supply board of an outdoor unit (10).

[0375] However, the types of electronic components (P1, P2, P3) mounted on the first printed circuit board (81) are not limited thereto, and the first printed circuit board (81) may include various types of printed circuit board assemblies.

[0376] For example, the first electronic component (P1), the second electronic component (P2), and the third electronic component (P3) may be arranged along the first direction (Z). As illustrated in Fig. 16, the first electronic component (P1) may be arranged above (in the +Z direction) the second electronic component (P2), and the second electronic component (P2) may be arranged above (in the +Z direction) the third electronic component (P3).

[0377] Referring to FIG. 17, experimental results measuring the temperature (T1) of the first electronic component (P1), the temperature (T2) of the second electronic component (P2), and the temperature (T3) of the third electronic component (P3) for three examples of shapes that the duct (400) may have in the present disclosure ('Duct Shape Example #1', 'Duct Shape Example #2', and 'Duct Shape Example #3' of FIG. 17) are described. Depending on each example of the shape of the duct (400), the structure of the duct flow path (430) may also vary. In each example, the heat sink (300) is described on the premise that the heat transfer flow path (302) is arranged so that it extends along the first direction (Z) within the duct (400).

[0378] As a first example (duct shape example #1, hereinafter referred to as 'duct (400) of the first shape'), the duct (400) of the first shape may include a flow path extending in a first direction (Z) from a duct inlet (410) and a flow path extending in a third direction (Y) toward a duct outlet (420). Inside the duct (400) of the first shape, air introduced into the duct inlet (410) may flow along the first direction (Z) and exchange heat with the heat sink (300), and then may leave the heat sink (300) and flow along the third direction (Y) to be discharged to the heat exchange room (R1) through the duct outlet (420).

[0379] The duct (400) of the first shape may not be provided with a cover wall (440, see Fig. 10, etc.) for forming a first flow path (431, see Fig. 10, etc.) having a relatively narrow width in the second direction (X). In other words, the duct (400) of the first shape may not include a structure provided to prevent / reduce air from escaping from the first part (310) of the heat sink (300).

[0380] At this time, referring to FIG. 17, in the example where the duct (400) of the first shape is applied, it can be seen that the temperature (T3) of the third electronic component (P3) is measured to be relatively low at 76.4 degrees Celsius, whereas the temperatures (T1) of the first electronic component (P1) and the temperature (T2) of the second electronic component (P2) are measured to be relatively high at 86.1 degrees Celsius and 85.0 degrees Celsius, respectively. Through this, it can be seen that in the example where the duct (400) of the first shape is applied, the heat dissipation efficiency of the upper part of the heat sink (300) is relatively lower than that of the lower part.

[0381] As a second example (duct shape example #2, hereinafter referred to as 'second-shaped duct (400)'), the second-shaped duct (400) may include a first flow path (431) in which a first part (310) of a heat sink (300) is arranged and extends in a first direction (Z) from a duct inlet (410), and a second flow path (432) in which a second part (320) of a heat sink (300) is arranged and is positioned in a first direction (Z) (more specifically, upward (+Z direction)) with respect to the first flow path (431) and extends in a third direction (Y) toward the duct outlet (420). At this time, the width of the first flow path (431) in the second direction (X) may be smaller than the width of the second flow path (432) in the second direction (X), as in the structure of the duct (400) described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 15. However, unlike the structure of the duct (400) described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 15, the duct (400) of the second shape may not have a structure of a third flow path (433) formed on one side of the first direction (Z) with respect to the second part (320) of the heat sink (300). In other words, the duct (400) of the second shape may not have a flow path formed on the other end (300b) opposite to the one end (300a) of the duct inlet (410) of the heat sink (300).

[0382] Inside the duct (400) of the second shape, air introduced into the duct inlet (410) can flow along the first flow path (431) and exchange heat with the first part (310) of the heat sink (300), and some of the air can escape from the heat sink (300) and flow in the third direction (Y) along the second flow path (432), and other air can flow to the third flow path (433) and then flow in the third direction (Y). The air that has flowed along the second flow path (432) or the third flow path (433) can be discharged to the heat exchange room (R1) through the duct outlet (420).

[0383] At this time, referring to FIG. 17, in the example where the duct (400) of the second shape is applied, the temperature (T1) of the first electronic component (P1) and the temperature (T2) of the second electronic component (P2) are measured to be 79.3 degrees Celsius and 78.2 degrees Celsius, respectively, which are relatively lower than in the example where the duct (400) of the first shape is applied. Through this, it can be seen that the heat dissipation efficiency of the upper part of the heat sink (300) is further improved in the example where the duct (400) of the second shape is applied compared to the example where the duct (400) of the first shape is applied.

[0384] However, referring to Fig. 17, it can be seen that in the example where the duct (400) of the second shape is applied, the temperature (T3) of the third electronic component (P3) is measured to be relatively high at 80.8 degrees Celsius. Through this, it can be seen that in the example where the duct (400) of the second shape is applied, air can flow smoothly from the first part (310) of the heat sink (300) to the second part (320), but the flow of air from the first part (310) of the heat sink (300) to the outside of the heat sink (300) is blocked, so that the heat dissipation efficiency of the lower part of the heat sink (300) is relatively reduced.

[0385] As a third example (duct shape example #3, hereinafter referred to as 'third shape duct (400)'), the third shape duct (400) may have the same structure as the structure of the duct (400) described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 15. That is, the third shape duct (400) may include a first flow path (431), a second flow path (432), and a third flow path (433).

[0386] At this time, referring to FIG. 17, it can be seen that in the example where the duct (400) of the third shape is applied, the temperature (T3) of the third electronic component (P3) is measured to be relatively lower at 77.1 degrees Celsius compared to the example where the duct (400) of the second shape is applied. Furthermore, it can be seen that in the example where the duct (400) of the third shape is applied, the temperature (T1) of the first electronic component (P1) and the temperature (T2) of the second electronic component (P2) are measured to be relatively lower at 76.6 degrees Celsius and 75.1 degrees Celsius, respectively, compared to the example where the duct (400) of the second shape is applied. Through this, it can be seen that the overall heat dissipation efficiency of the heat sink (300) is improved in the example where the duct (400) of the third shape is applied compared to the example where the duct (400) of the second shape is applied.

[0387] FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view illustrating various configurations of an outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0388] In describing various components included in the outdoor unit (10) of the air conditioner (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure with reference to FIG. 18, the same drawing reference numerals may be assigned to the same components as those described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 15, and the description may not be repeated.

[0389] Referring to FIG. 18, the outdoor unit (10) of the air conditioner (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a heat sink (300-1) provided to dissipate heat generated within the first control box (800). For example, the heat sink (300-1) may be provided to dissipate heat generated from the first printed circuit board (81) and electronic components mounted thereon.

[0390] A heat sink (300-1) may be placed inside a duct (400). The heat sink (300-1) may be arranged to exchange heat with air flowing along the inside of the duct (400). The heat sink (300-1) may be arranged to exchange heat with air flowing from a duct inlet (410) toward a duct outlet (420). The heat sink (300-1) may release heat received from a first control box (800) to the air inside the duct (400), and the air inside the duct (400) may flow from the duct inlet (410) to the duct outlet (420) and be discharged to a heat exchange room (R1).

[0391] As described above, in one embodiment of the present disclosure, the heat sink (300-1) can allow air to flow in a first direction (Z) into the heat transfer path of the heat sink (300-1). The air that has exchanged heat with the heat sink (300-1) can flow in a third direction (Y) and be discharged into the heat exchange chamber (R1).

[0392] In other words, air outside the duct (400) can flow along the first direction (Z) and enter the duct (400) through the duct inlet (410) to reach the heat sink (300-1). Air that has exchanged heat with the heat sink (300-1) can flow along the third direction (Y) and be discharged to the heat exchange room (R1) through the duct outlet (420).

[0393] In one embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 18, the heat sink (300-1) may include a first portion (310-1) extending along a first direction (Z) and a second portion (330-1) extending along a third direction (Y). The first portion (310-1) of the heat sink (300-1) may extend along the first direction (Z) from one end (300a-1) adjacent to the duct inlet (410) of the heat sink (300-1). The second portion (330-1) of the heat sink (300-1) may extend along the third direction (Y) from the other end (300b-1) adjacent to the duct outlet (420) of the heat sink (300-1).

[0394] The first part (310-1) of the heat sink (300-1) may be arranged so that air passes along the first direction (Z). The first part (310-1) of the heat sink (300-1) may be arranged so that air introduced from one end (300a-1) of the heat sink (300-1) to the first part (310-1) flows along the first direction (Z). A heat transfer path through which air flows in the first part (310-1) of the heat sink (300-1) may extend along the first direction (Z).

[0395] The second part (330-1) of the heat sink (300-1) may be arranged so that air passes along the third direction (Y). The second part (330-1) of the heat sink (300-1) may be arranged so that air flows along the third direction (Y) and is discharged through the other end (300b-1) of the heat sink (300-1). The heat transfer path through which air flows in the second part (330-1) of the heat sink (300-1) may extend along the third direction (Y).

[0396] The heat sink (300-1) may include a connection portion (320-1) connecting a first portion (310-1) and a second portion (330-1). In the heat sink (300-1), air may sequentially pass through the first portion (310-1), the connection portion (320-1), and the second portion (330-1) to exchange heat.

[0397] The connection portion (320-1) of the heat sink (300-1) may extend in a different direction from the first portion (310-1) and the second portion (330-1). That is, the connection portion (320-1) of the heat sink (300-1) may be arranged so that the direction of air flow changes from the first direction (Z) to the third direction (Y).

[0398] For example, the connecting portion (320-1) of the heat sink (300-1) may have a curved shape to connect the first portion (310-1) and the second portion (330-1). For example, the connecting portion (320-1) of the heat sink (300-1) may have a curved shape.

[0399] A heat sink (300-1) may include a plurality of heat transfer plates. The plurality of heat transfer plates may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other. A heat transfer path through which air flows may be formed between a pair of adjacent heat transfer plates among the plurality of heat transfer plates.

[0400] Each of the heat transfer plates of the heat sink (300-1) may include a portion extending in a first direction (Z) and a portion extending in a third direction (Y). Furthermore, each of the heat transfer plates of the heat sink (300-1) may include a connecting portion that connects the portion extending in the first direction (Z) and the portion extending in the third direction (Y), and extends in a direction different from the first direction (Z) and the third direction (Y).

[0401] Likewise, the heat transfer path of the heat sink (300-1) may include a portion extending in a first direction (Z) and a portion extending in a third direction (Y). Furthermore, the heat transfer path of the heat sink (300-1) may include a connecting portion that connects the portion extending in the first direction (Z) and the portion extending in the third direction (Y), and extends in a direction different from the first direction (Z) and the third direction (Y). At the connecting portion of the heat transfer path, the direction of air flow may change from the first direction (Z) to the third direction (Y).

[0402] In FIG. 18, an example is shown in which the length of the first part (310-1) of the heat sink (300-1) in the first direction (Z) is shorter than the length of the second part (330-1) of the heat sink (300-1) in the third direction (Y), but alternatively, the length of the first part (310-1) in the first direction (Z) may be longer than the length of the second part (330-1) in the third direction (Y), or the length of the first part (310-1) in the first direction (Z) and the length of the second part (330-1) in the third direction (Y) may be approximately equal to each other.

[0403] As illustrated in Fig. 18, in order for the heat sink (300-1) to cover a wider area at the rear (-X direction) of the first control box (800), a wider gap between the heat transfer plates may be provided at the connection portion (320-1) of the heat sink (300-1) than at other portions. However, this is not limited thereto, and the gap between a plurality of heat transfer plates in the heat sink (300-1) may be provided uniformly.

[0404] The shape of the heat sink (300-1) can be provided in various ways depending on the shape of the first control box (800), the shape of the duct (400), the structure inside the machine room (R2), etc.

[0405] By this configuration, air that has exchanged heat with the heat sink (300-1) can be discharged to the heat exchange room (R1), and air can enter the heat sink (300-1) in the first direction (Z), thereby reducing the width of the outdoor unit (10) in the third direction (Y).

[0406] By applying a heat sink (300-1) of this shape in one embodiment of the present disclosure, the duct (400) may not have a complex structure forming a first flow path (431), a second flow path (432), and a third flow path (433) therein as in the aforementioned embodiment, and the flow path structure for dissipating heat to the heat exchange room (R1) may be further simplified. In addition, by using the simplified duct (400) structure as described above, a wider free space can be secured inside the machine room (R2).

[0407] Additionally, in one example of the present disclosure, the heat sink may be arranged such that a heat transfer path extends in the horizontal direction (Y). For example, the heat sink may include a plurality of heat transfer plates each extending in a second direction (X) from the side of the first printed circuit board (81), the plurality of heat transfer plates may be arranged relative to each other along the first direction (Z), and a heat transfer path extending in a third direction (Y) may be formed between the plurality of heat transfer plates. Air may flow in the third direction (Y) and, after exchanging heat with the heat sink, be discharged to the heat exchange room (R1). At this time, a separation space may be provided between the heat sink and the second control box (900) for air to flow into the heat sink.

[0408] An outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a housing including a heat exchange room and a machine room, a partition configured to partition the heat exchange room and the machine room and including a partition opening, a fan disposed in the heat exchange room, a control box disposed in the machine room and configured to receive a printed circuit board, a heat sink configured to discharge heat generated in the printed circuit board to the outside of the control box and extending in a first direction, and a duct configured to discharge heat transferred from the heat sink to the heat exchange room. At least a portion of the heat sink may be located inside the duct. The duct may include a duct inlet configured to introduce / move air into the duct, a duct outlet connected to the partition opening and configured to discharge air into the heat exchange chamber, a first flow path extending in the first direction from the duct inlet along a first portion of the heat sink adjacent to the duct inlet, and a second flow path connecting the first flow path and the duct outlet, and in which a second portion of the heat sink extending in the first direction from the first portion of the heat sink is disposed. A width of the second flow path in a second direction different from the first direction may be greater than a width of the first flow path in the second direction.

[0409] The second euro may extend along a third direction different from the first direction and the second direction toward the duct outlet.

[0410] The first direction, the second direction and the third direction may be orthogonal to each other.

[0411] The above duct may further include a third flow path provided in the first direction from a side opposite to the duct inlet of the heat sink.

[0412] The width of the third euro in the second direction may be smaller than the width of the second euro in the second direction.

[0413] The second euro may include a first portion located between the first euro and the third euro in the first direction, and a second portion located on one side of the first portion of the second euro in the second direction.

[0414] The duct may further include a flow guide configured to guide air within the third flow path to flow from the third flow path toward the second flow path.

[0415] The above euro guide may be formed to be inclined so as to approach the second euro in the first direction and move away from the third euro in the second direction.

[0416] The third euro may extend in a third direction different from the first direction and the second direction toward the duct outlet.

[0417] The printed circuit board may include a first printed circuit board, the control box may include a first control box, and the outdoor unit of the air conditioner may further include a second control box disposed in the machine room and configured to accommodate a second printed circuit board. The duct may further include a fourth flow path extending from the second control box toward the duct outlet and being partitioned from the second flow path and the third flow path. At least a portion of the fourth flow path may be positioned in the first direction with respect to the second flow path and in the second direction with respect to the third flow path.

[0418] The duct may further include a cover wall covering the first portion of the heat sink in the second direction.

[0419] The cover wall may include a sloped portion that is inclined in the first direction from the first euro toward the second euro and away from the heat sink in the second direction.

[0420] The duct may further include an extension wall extending in the second direction from an end of the cover wall opposite the duct inlet. The second flow path may be arranged in the first direction with respect to the extension wall.

[0421] The duct may further include a connecting passage connecting the second passage and the duct outlet. The width of the connecting passage in the first direction may be greater than the width of the second passage in the first direction.

[0422] The heat sink may include a plurality of heat transfer plates extending in the second direction from a side adjacent to the printed circuit board. Each of the plurality of heat transfer plates may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other along a third direction different from the first and second directions. The second flow path may extend along the third direction toward the duct outlet.

[0423] An outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a heat exchange room in which a heat exchanger is arranged, a machine room partitioned from the heat exchange room, a control box arranged in the machine room and configured to accommodate electronic components, a heat sink mounted on the control box, and a duct including a duct inlet connected to the machine room, a duct outlet connected to the heat exchange room, and a duct flow path arranged between the duct inlet and the duct outlet and passing through the heat sink. The duct flow path may include a first flow path extending in a first direction from the duct inlet and passing through a portion of the heat sink adjacent to the duct inlet, and a second flow path positioned in the first direction with respect to the first flow path and passing through another portion of the heat sink. The second flow path may have a width in a second direction different from the first direction greater than a width of the first flow path in the second direction, and may extend toward the duct outlet along a third direction different from the first direction and the second direction.

[0424] The duct path may further include a third path extending in an opposite direction to the first path from at least a portion of the second path where the other portion of the heat sink of the second path is disposed.

[0425] The third euro may have a width in the second direction that increases as it gets closer to the second euro in the first direction.

[0426] The first flow path may further include a first portion adjacent to the duct inlet, and a second portion located between the first portion and the second flow path, the width of which in the second direction increases as it moves from the first portion toward the second flow path.

[0427] An outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a housing including a heat exchange room and a machine room, a partition dividing the heat exchange room and the machine room, a fan disposed in the heat exchange room, a control box disposed in the machine room and configured to receive a printed circuit board, a plurality of heat transfer plates each extending in a first direction from a side adjacent to the printed circuit board and spaced apart from each other in a second direction different from the first direction, and a duct disposed in the machine room and connected to the heat exchange room through the partition. The duct may include a duct inlet configured to allow air to flow into the duct, a duct outlet connected to the partition and configured to discharge air to the heat exchange room, and a duct channel provided between the duct inlet and the duct outlet to pass through the plurality of heat transfer plates. The duct flow path may include a first flow path extending from the duct inlet in a third direction different from the first direction and the second direction along a portion adjacent to the duct inlet of the plurality of heat transfer plates, and a second flow path extending along the second direction so as to allow air from the plurality of heat transfer plates to flow toward the duct outlet.

[0428] According to the present disclosure, the outdoor unit of the air conditioner can have improved accessibility to the control box due to the arrangement of the control box.

[0429] According to the present disclosure, the airtightness of the control box of the outdoor unit of the air conditioner can be improved due to the arrangement of the control box.

[0430] According to the present disclosure, the heat dissipation efficiency of the outdoor unit of the air conditioner can be improved by improving the shape and structure, such as the width of the duct passage.

[0431] According to the present disclosure, the space efficiency of the outdoor unit of the air conditioner can be improved by the arrangement of the heat sink and the shape of the duct path, and the product can be made smaller.

[0432] The effects according to the present disclosure are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains from the description below.

[0433] While the present disclosure has been illustrated and described with reference to various embodiments, it will be understood that these various embodiments are illustrative and not limiting. It will also be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and detail may be made without departing from the true spirit and scope of the present disclosure, including the appended claims and their equivalents. It will also be understood that any embodiment(s) described herein can be used in conjunction with any other embodiment(s) described herein.

Claims

1. A housing including a heat exchange room and a machine room; A partition configured to partition the heat exchange room and the machine room, the partition including a partition opening; A fan placed in the above heat exchange room; A control box arranged in the above machine room and configured to accommodate a printed circuit board; A heat sink configured to radiate heat generated from the printed circuit board to the outside of the control box and extending along the first direction; and A duct configured to discharge heat transferred from the heat sink to the heat exchange room; At least a portion of said heat sink is located inside said duct, The above duct, A duct inlet configured to introduce air into the interior of the duct; A duct outlet connected to the above partition opening and configured to discharge air into the heat exchange room; a first flow path extending in the first direction from the duct inlet along a first portion of the heat sink adjacent to the duct inlet; and A second duct is provided connecting the first duct and the duct outlet, and a second portion of the heat sink is arranged extending in the first direction from the first portion of the heat sink; An outdoor unit of an air conditioner, wherein the width of the second direction, which is different from the first direction, of the second euro is greater than the width of the first euro in the second direction.

2. In paragraph 1, The outdoor unit of the air conditioner, wherein the second duct extends in a third direction different from the first direction and the second direction toward the duct outlet.

3. In paragraph 2, An outdoor unit of an air conditioner, wherein the first direction, the second direction, and the third direction are perpendicular to each other.

4. In paragraph 1, The above duct, An outdoor unit of an air conditioner further comprising a third flow path provided in the first direction from a side opposite to the duct inlet of the heat sink.

5. In paragraph 4, An outdoor unit of an air conditioner, wherein the width of the third euro in the second direction is smaller than the width of the second euro in the second direction.

6. In paragraph 4, The above second euro is, A first portion located between the first euro and the third euro in the first direction; and An outdoor unit of an air conditioner, comprising a second portion located on one side of the first portion of the second euro in the second direction.

7. In paragraph 4, The above duct, An outdoor unit of an air conditioner further comprising a flow guide configured to guide air within the third flow path to flow from the third flow path toward the second flow path.

8. In paragraph 7, An outdoor unit of an air conditioner in which the above-mentioned euro guide is formed to be inclined so as to approach the second euro in the first direction and move away from the third euro in the second direction.

9. In paragraph 4, The outdoor unit of the air conditioner, wherein the third euro extends in a third direction different from the first direction and the second direction toward the duct outlet.

10. In paragraph 4, The above printed circuit board includes a first printed circuit board, The above control box includes a first control box, The outdoor unit of the above air conditioner is, Further comprising a second control box arranged in the machine room and configured to accommodate a second printed circuit board; The above duct, Further comprising a fourth duct extending from the second control box toward the duct outlet and being separated from the second duct and the third duct; An outdoor unit of an air conditioner, wherein at least a portion of the fourth euro is located in the first direction with respect to the second euro and in the second direction with respect to the third euro.

11. In paragraph 1, The above duct, An outdoor unit of an air conditioner further comprising a cover wall covering the first portion of the heat sink in the second direction.

12. In paragraph 11, The above cover wall, An outdoor unit of an air conditioner including an inclined portion extending in the first direction from the first euro toward the second euro and away from the heat sink in the second direction.

13. In paragraph 11, The above duct, Further comprising an extension wall extending in the second direction from one end of the cover wall opposite the duct inlet; The above second euro is an outdoor unit of an air conditioner arranged in the first direction with respect to the extension wall.

14. In paragraph 1, The above duct, Further comprising a connecting duct connecting the second duct and the duct outlet; An outdoor unit of an air conditioner, wherein the width of the connecting passage in the first direction is greater than the width of the second passage in the first direction.

15. In paragraph 1, The heat sink includes a plurality of heat transfer plates extending in the second direction from a side adjacent to the printed circuit board, Each of the plurality of heat-conducting plates is arranged spaced apart from each other along a third direction different from the first direction and the second direction, The above second euro is an outdoor unit of an air conditioner extending along the third direction toward the above duct outlet.

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