Outdoor unit of air conditioner and air conditioner having same

Abstract

This air conditioner comprises an indoor unit and an outdoor unit. The outdoor unit comprises an outdoor unit housing, and a partition wall partitioning the inside of the outdoor unit housing into a first space and a second space. Also, the outdoor unit comprises a control box arranged in the first space, a fan which is arranged in the second space and discharges air to the outside of the outdoor unit housing, and a duct connecting the control box and the partition wall. The partition wall comprises a partition wall hole which allows the first space and the second space to be in communication with each other, the control box comprises a box hole which allows the first space and the inside of the control box to be in communication with each other, and the duct is provided to allow the partition wall hole and the box hole to be in communication with each other.

Description

Outdoor unit of air conditioner and air conditioner including same

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an outdoor unit of an air conditioner including a control box and an air conditioner including the same.

[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 a machine room in which a compressor for compressing refrigerant and an expansion valve unit for decompressing the refrigerant are placed. The machine room may include a refrigerant pipe through which refrigerant flows, which is connected to the compressor or expansion valve unit.

[0005] Additionally, the outdoor unit of the split air conditioner may include a control box that houses a printed circuit board assembly for controlling the air conditioner.

[0006] One aspect of the present disclosure provides an outdoor unit of an air conditioner having an improved structure to enhance safety when using a flammable refrigerant, and an air conditioner including the same.

[0007] One aspect of the present disclosure provides an outdoor unit of an air conditioner having an improved structure to reduce the risk of explosion in the event of a leak of a flammable refrigerant, and an air conditioner including the outdoor unit.

[0008] One aspect of the present disclosure provides an outdoor unit of an air conditioner configured to discharge leaked flammable refrigerant to the outside and an air conditioner including the outdoor unit.

[0009] One aspect of the present disclosure provides an outdoor unit of an air conditioner having an improved structure for effectively discharging heat generated in a control box and an air conditioner including the same.

[0010] 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.

[0011] An outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to the invention includes an outdoor unit housing. The outdoor unit of the air conditioner includes a partition wall that divides the interior of the outdoor unit housing into a first space and a second space. The outdoor unit of the air conditioner includes a control box disposed in the first space. The outdoor unit of the air conditioner includes a fan disposed in the second space and configured to discharge air to the outside of the outdoor unit housing. The outdoor unit of the air conditioner includes a duct connecting the control box and the partition wall. The partition wall includes a partition hole that communicates the first space and the second space. The control box includes a box hole that communicates the interior of the first space and the control box. The duct is provided to communicate the partition wall hole and the box hole.

[0012] An air conditioner according to the invention includes an indoor unit. The air conditioner includes an outdoor unit configured to be connected to the indoor unit. The outdoor unit includes an outdoor unit housing. The outdoor unit includes a partition wall dividing the interior of the outdoor unit housing into a first space and a second space. The outdoor unit includes a control box disposed in the first space. The outdoor unit includes a duct disposed in the first space and connecting the control box and the partition wall. The outdoor unit includes a fan disposed in the second space and configured to discharge air to the outside of the outdoor unit housing. The partition wall includes a partition hole connecting the first space and the second space. The control box includes a box hole communicating with the interior of the control box. The duct is configured to connect the partition wall hole and the box hole.

[0013] An outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to the invention includes an outdoor unit housing. The outdoor unit of the air conditioner includes a partition wall that divides the interior of the outdoor unit housing into a first space and a second space. The outdoor unit of the air conditioner includes a control box disposed in the first space. The outdoor unit of the air conditioner includes a fan disposed in the second space and configured to discharge air to the outside of the outdoor unit housing. The outdoor unit of the air conditioner includes a duct disposed between the control box and the partition wall. The outdoor unit housing includes a front cover disposed to cover the front of the outdoor unit housing toward which air discharged from the fan is directed. The partition wall includes a partition hole that communicates the first space with the second space. The control box includes a box hole that communicates the first space with the interior of the control box. The front cover includes an exhaust hole that communicates the first space with the exterior of the outdoor unit. The above duct connects the bulkhead hole and the box hole to communicate the interior of the control box with the second space.

[0014] FIG. 1 is a drawing illustrating an air conditioner according to one embodiment.

[0015] FIG. 2 is a drawing illustrating an outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to one embodiment.

[0016] Figure 3 is a drawing showing an exploded view of an outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to one embodiment.

[0017] FIG. 4 is a drawing showing only some components of an outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to one embodiment.

[0018] Figure 5 is an enlarged drawing showing the appearance of the bulkhead and duct combined in Figure 4.

[0019] Figure 6 is a drawing showing the duct and control box in Figure 4 in an exploded view.

[0020] Figure 7 is a drawing showing Figure 6 from a different angle.

[0021] Fig. 8 is a drawing illustrating a duct of an outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to one embodiment.

[0022] Figure 9 is a drawing showing the duct of Figure 8 from a different angle.

[0023] Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along line a-a' of Figure 4.

[0024] Fig. 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along line b-b' of Fig. 4.

[0025] It should be understood that the various embodiments and terms used in this document are not intended to limit the technical features described in this document to specific embodiments, but rather to include various modifications, equivalents, or substitutes of the embodiments.

[0026] In connection with the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components.

[0027] 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.

[0028] In this document, each of the phrases "A or B", "at least one of A and B", "at least one of A or B", "A, B, or C", "at least one of A, B, and C", and "at least one of A, B, or C" may include any one of the items listed together in that phrase, or all possible combinations thereof.

[0029] The term "and / or" includes any combination of a plurality of related described elements or any one of a plurality of related described elements.

[0030] 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).

[0031] When a component (e.g., a first component) is referred to as being "coupled" or "connected" to another component (e.g., a second component), with or without the terms "functionally" or "communicatively," it means that the component can be connected to the other component directly (e.g., wired), wirelessly, or through a third component.

[0032] The terms "include" or "have" are intended to specify the presence of a feature, number, step, operation, component, part or combination thereof described in this document, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts or combinations thereof.

[0033] 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.

[0034] 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.

[0035] An air conditioner according to various embodiments is a device that performs functions such as air purification, ventilation, humidity control, cooling or heating in an air-conditioned space (hereinafter referred to as “indoor”), and means a device equipped with at least one of these functions.

[0036] In one embodiment, an air conditioner may include a heat pump device to perform a cooling function or a heating function. The heat pump device may include a refrigeration cycle in which a refrigerant circulates along a compressor, a first heat exchanger, an expansion device, and a second heat exchanger. All components of the heat pump device may be housed in a single housing forming the exterior of the air conditioner, such as a window air conditioner or a portable air conditioner. On the other hand, some components of the heat pump device may be housed separately in multiple housings forming a single air conditioner, such as a wall-mounted air conditioner, a stand-alone air conditioner, and a system air conditioner.

[0037] 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.

[0038] 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.

[0039] 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.

[0040] 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.

[0041] Indoor units are installed indoors. For example, depending on how they are placed, indoor units can include ceiling-mounted, stand-alone, and wall-mounted indoor units. For example, ceiling-mounted indoor units can include four-way, one-way, and duct-type indoor units, depending on how the air is discharged.

[0042] Similarly, an indoor heat exchanger can utilize the phase change of the refrigerant (e.g., evaporation or condensation) to exchange heat between the refrigerant and indoor air. For example, while the refrigerant evaporates in the indoor unit, the refrigerant can absorb heat from the indoor air. The cooled indoor air can then be blown through the cooled indoor heat exchanger, thereby cooling the room. Furthermore, while the refrigerant condenses in the indoor heat exchanger, the refrigerant can release heat to the indoor air. By blowing the heated indoor air through the high-temperature indoor heat exchanger, the room can be heated.

[0043] That is, the air conditioner performs a cooling or heating function through a phase change process of the refrigerant circulating between the outdoor heat exchanger and the indoor heat exchanger. To circulate the refrigerant, the air conditioner may include a compressor that compresses the refrigerant. The compressor can suck in refrigerant gas through the suction port and compress the refrigerant gas. The compressor can discharge the high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant gas through the discharge port. The compressor may be placed inside the outdoor unit.

[0044] The refrigerant may circulate through the refrigerant pipes 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.

[0045] 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.

[0046] 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.

[0047] Multiple indoor units can operate independently, each according to a user-defined operating mode. That is, some indoor units can operate in cooling mode, while others operate in heating mode. In this case, the refrigerant can be selectively introduced into each indoor unit at either high or low pressure along a designated circulation path via a flow-through valve, described later, and then discharged to the outdoor unit for circulation.

[0048] 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.

[0049] Multiple outdoor units may all be operated, or at least some may not be operated, depending on the operating load of the multiple indoor units. In this case, the refrigerant may be introduced into the outdoor unit, which is selectively operated, through a flow switching valve and circulated there. The air conditioner may include an expansion device to reduce the pressure of the refrigerant flowing into the heat exchanger. For example, the expansion device may be located within the indoor unit, the outdoor unit, or both.

[0050] 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.

[0051] 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.

[0052] 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.

[0053] 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.

[0054] 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.

[0055] 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.

[0056] 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.

[0057] An outdoor unit of an air conditioner may include an outdoor unit communication unit. The outdoor unit communication unit may be configured to receive a control signal from a control unit of an indoor unit of the air conditioner, which will be described later. The outdoor unit may control the operation of a compressor, an outdoor heat exchanger, an expansion device, a flow switching valve, an accumulator, or an outdoor fan based on the control signal received through the outdoor unit communication unit. The outdoor unit may transmit a sensing value detected by an outdoor unit sensor to the control unit of the indoor unit through the outdoor unit communication unit.

[0058] 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.

[0059] The housing may include an intake port through which indoor air may be drawn into the interior of the housing.

[0060] 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.

[0061] 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.

[0062] 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.

[0063] 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.

[0064] Blowers may include indoor fans and fan motors. For example, indoor fans may include axial fans, diffusion fans, crossflow fans, and centrifugal fans.

[0065] 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.

[0066] 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.

[0067] 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.

[0068] 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.

[0069] Additionally, the input interface may include a microphone. A user's voice command may be acquired through the microphone. The microphone may convert the user's voice command into an electrical signal and transmit the converted electrical signal to an indoor unit control unit. The indoor unit control unit may control components of the air conditioner to execute a function corresponding to the user's voice command. Setting data acquired through the input interface (e.g., desired indoor temperature, operation mode settings for cooling / heating / dehumidification / air purification, outlet selection settings, and / or air volume settings) may be transmitted to the indoor unit control unit, which will be described later. In one example, the setting data acquired through the input interface may be transmitted externally, i.e., to an outdoor unit or a server, through an indoor unit communication unit, which will be described later.

[0070] 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.

[0071] 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.

[0072] 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.

[0073] 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.

[0074] 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.

[0075] The long-distance communication module may include a communication module that performs various types of long-distance 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.

[0076] The indoor unit communication unit can communicate with external devices such as servers, mobile devices, and other home appliances through a nearby access point (AP). The access point (AP) can connect a local area network (LAN) to which the air conditioner or user device is connected to a wide area network (WAN) to which the server is connected. The air conditioner or user device can be connected to the server through the wide area network (WAN). The indoor unit of the air conditioner may include an indoor unit control unit that controls components of the indoor unit, including a blower, etc. The outdoor unit of the air conditioner may include an outdoor unit control unit that controls components of the outdoor unit, including a compressor, etc. The indoor unit control unit can communicate with the outdoor unit control unit through the indoor unit communication unit and the outdoor unit communication unit. The outdoor unit communication unit can transmit control signals generated by the outdoor unit control unit to the indoor unit communication unit, or transmit control signals transmitted from the indoor unit communication unit to the outdoor unit control unit. In other words, the outdoor unit and the indoor unit can communicate bidirectionally. The outdoor unit and the indoor unit can transmit and receive various signals generated during the operation of the air conditioner.

[0077] The outdoor unit control unit can be electrically connected to components of the outdoor unit and can control the operation of each component. For example, the outdoor unit control unit can adjust the frequency of the compressor and control the flow switching valve to change the circulation direction of the refrigerant. The outdoor unit control unit can adjust the rotation speed of the outdoor fan. In addition, the outdoor unit control unit can generate a control signal to adjust the opening degree of the expansion valve. Under the control of the outdoor unit control unit, the refrigerant can circulate along a refrigerant circulation circuit including the compressor, the flow switching valve, the outdoor heat exchanger, the expansion valve, and the indoor heat exchanger.

[0078] 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.

[0079] 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.

[0080] 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.

[0081] The outdoor unit control unit and the indoor unit control unit may each include a processor and a memory. The indoor unit control unit may include at least one first processor and at least one first memory, and the outdoor unit control unit may include at least one second processor and at least one second memory.

[0082] 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.

[0083] The processor can generate control signals for controlling the operation of the air conditioner based on instructions, applications, data, and / or programs stored in memory. The processor, as hardware, may include logic circuits and arithmetic circuits. The processor can process data according to programs and / or instructions provided from the memory and generate control signals based on the processing results. The memory and the processor may be implemented as a single control circuit or as multiple circuits.

[0084] 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.

[0085] 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.

[0086] Hereinafter, an outdoor unit of an air conditioner and an air conditioner including the outdoor unit according to various embodiments will be specifically described with reference to the drawings.

[0087] FIG. 1 is a drawing illustrating an air conditioner according to one embodiment.

[0088] 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.

[0089] 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.

[0090] 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 the phase change of the refrigerant. 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.

[0091] 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 a plurality of outdoor units (10).

[0092] The outdoor unit (10) may include an outdoor heat exchanger (11) that exchanges heat with outdoor air and a compressor (12) that compresses refrigerant gas.

[0093] A detailed description of the configuration of the outdoor unit (10) will be described later.

[0094] 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 in 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. Additionally, the indoor unit (20) can heat the air-conditioned space by releasing heat from the refrigerant into the indoor air through condensation.

[0095] 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.

[0096] 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 (20). Different indoor units (20) may be installed in different air conditioning spaces, respectively.

[0097] And in Fig. 1, the indoor unit (20) is illustrated as a ceiling-type 1-way indoor unit in which air is discharged in one direction, but this is merely an example, and the indoor unit (20) may include a ceiling-type indoor unit, a stand-type indoor unit, a wall-mounted indoor unit, etc. In addition, it goes without saying that the ceiling-type indoor unit may include a duct-type indoor unit and a 4-way indoor unit in which air is discharged in all directions.

[0098] 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.

[0099] At this time, the air conditioner (1) may include a connecting pipe (30) for transferring refrigerant between the indoor unit (20) and the outdoor unit (10) in order to move heat between the outside of the air-conditioned space and the inside of the air-conditioned space. The connecting pipe (30) may allow the refrigerant to flow between the outside of the air-conditioned space and the inside of the air-conditioned space. The outdoor unit (10) may be provided to be connected to the indoor unit (20). More specifically, the indoor unit (20) and the outdoor unit (10) may be connected to each other through the connecting pipe (30) for transferring the refrigerant. The type of the refrigerant may include a flammable refrigerant and a non-flammable refrigerant. In addition, the type of the refrigerant may include a refrigerant having a heavier-than-air property and a refrigerant having a lighter-than-air property.

[0100] The air conditioner (1) described above is merely an example of an air conditioner (1) to which the outdoor unit (10) of the air conditioner according to the concept of the present disclosure can be applied, and the concept of the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The configuration of the air conditioner (1) to which the outdoor unit (10) of the air conditioner according to the concept of the present disclosure can be applied, the indoor unit (20), the connecting pipe (30), etc. included therein can be provided in various ways.

[0101] Hereinafter, an outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be specifically described with reference to FIGS. 2 to 11.

[0102] Fig. 2 is a drawing illustrating an outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to one embodiment. Fig. 3 is a drawing illustrating an exploded view of an outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to one embodiment.

[0103] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, an outdoor unit (10) of an air conditioner 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, a fan (13) for sucking outdoor air into the interior of the outdoor unit housing (100) and exhausting the air back to the exterior of the outdoor unit housing (100) so that the outdoor air passes through the outdoor heat exchanger (11), and an outdoor unit housing (100) forming the exterior of the outdoor unit (10).

[0104] The outdoor unit 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), fan (13), refrigerant pipe (18) and control box (141, 142) described later, can be accommodated inside the outdoor unit housing (100).

[0105] The outdoor unit housing (100) may include an air inlet (131) formed to allow air to flow in and a fan air outlet (111) formed to allow air to flow out. As the fan (13) rotates, air outside the outdoor unit housing (100) may flow in through the air inlet (131), and after exchanging heat with the outdoor heat exchanger (11), may be discharged to the outside of the outdoor unit housing (100) through the fan air outlet (111).

[0106] The outdoor unit (10) may include a partition wall (180). The partition wall (180) may extend upward (in the +Z direction) from the base (172) (described later).

[0107] The partition wall (180) can partition the interior of the outdoor unit housing (100) into a first space (R1) and a second space (R2). For example, the first space (R1) and the second space (R2) can be arranged in the left-right direction (+-Y direction) on the drawing, and the partition wall (180) can be arranged to extend in the up-down direction (+-Z direction) on the drawing and partition the interior of the outdoor unit housing (100).

[0108] That is, the outdoor unit (10) can include a first space (R1) formed inside the outdoor unit housing (100). Components such as a compressor (12) and a control box (141, 142) to be described later can be placed in the first space (R1).

[0109] Additionally, the outdoor unit (10) may include a second space (R2) formed inside the outdoor unit housing (100). The second space (R2) may be arranged to allow heat exchange of the refrigerant to occur.

[0110] More specifically, outside air can be introduced into the second space (R2), and the introduced air can be discharged back to the outside. In the second space (R2), heat exchange can take place between the outdoor heat exchanger (11) and the air introduced from the outside. Components such as the outdoor heat exchanger (11), a fan (13), and the like can be arranged in the second space (R2).

[0111] For example, the outdoor unit housing (100) can be formed to have a roughly box shape.

[0112] Below, an example of the structure of the outdoor unit housing (100) is described.

[0113] The outdoor unit housing (100) may include a first front cover (120). The first front cover (120) may cover the front (+X direction) of the first space (R1). That is, the first front cover (120) may be provided to cover the front of the outdoor unit (10).

[0114] More specifically, the first front cover (120) may be provided to cover a portion of the first space (R1) that is open in a direction parallel to the direction in which the rotation axis (T) of the fan (13) extends.

[0115] The outdoor unit housing (100) may include a second front cover (110). The second front cover (110) may cover the front of the second space (R2). A fan air outlet (111) may be formed in the second front cover (110).

[0116] For example, the first front cover (120) may be formed in a substantially flat plate shape. For convenience of explanation, the first front cover (120) will be referred to and described as a "front cover (120)" in the following. Accordingly, the outdoor unit housing (100) may be described and expressed as including a front cover (120) that is provided to cover the front of the outdoor unit (10).

[0117] The front cover (120) may include a front exhaust hole (121). The front exhaust hole (121) may connect the first space (R1) with the outside of the outdoor unit (10) so that when refrigerant leaks from the refrigerant pipe (18) accommodated in the outdoor unit housing (100), the refrigerant leaked into the first space (R1) is discharged to the outside of the outdoor unit (10). That is, the front exhaust hole (121) may be formed to penetrate the front cover (120).

[0118] The front exhaust holes (121) may be provided in multiple numbers. That is, the front cover (120) may include multiple front exhaust holes (121). The multiple front exhaust holes (121) may be arranged in a vertical direction on one surface of the front cover (120). In the drawing, the multiple front exhaust holes (121) are shown as being located on the side (+Y side) of the front cover (120), but this is only an example, and the multiple front exhaust holes (121) may be formed in various locations of the front cover (120) to communicate the first space (R1) with the outside.

[0119] Depending on the type, the leaked refrigerant may have properties that make it heavier than air. Therefore, the leaked refrigerant may accumulate in the lower part of the space where the refrigerant pipe (18) is arranged. At this time, since a plurality of front exhaust holes (121) arranged vertically are formed on one surface of the front cover (120), the leaked refrigerant accumulated in the first space (R1) where the refrigerant pipe (18) is arranged can be exhausted to the outside through the plurality of front exhaust holes (121).

[0120] The front cover (120) may include a front cover extension (122). The front cover extension (122) may be formed to cover a portion of the side of the outdoor unit (10) when the front cover (120) covers the front of the outdoor unit (10).

[0121] For example, the second front cover (110) and the front cover (120, the first front cover) may be arranged side by side in the left-right direction. The second front cover (110) and the front cover (120, the first front cover) may be coupled to each other.

[0122] The outdoor unit housing may include a rear frame (130). The rear frame (130) may be provided to cover the rear (-X direction) of the outdoor unit housing.

[0123] The rear frame (130) may include a first rear frame (133). The first rear frame (133) may form a part of the rear exterior of the outdoor unit (10). The first rear frame (133) may be positioned at the rear of the second space (R2). An airflow inlet (131) may be formed in the first rear frame (133).

[0124] The first rear frame (133) can be arranged so that one side faces the second front cover (110).

[0125] The rear frame (130) may include a second rear frame (132). The second rear frame (132) may form another part of the rear exterior of the outdoor unit (10). The second rear frame (132) may cover the rear of the first space (R1).

[0126] The second rear frame (132) can be arranged so that one side faces the front cover (120).

[0127] The outdoor unit housing (100) may include a first side cover (160). The first side cover (160) may form one side of the outdoor unit (10) in the right direction (+Y direction). That is, the first side cover (160) may be provided to cover the side of the outdoor unit (10). For example, the first side cover (160) may be formed in a substantially flat plate shape.

[0128] The outdoor unit housing (100) may include a second side cover (150). The second side cover (150) may form one side of the outdoor unit (10) in the left direction (-Y direction).

[0129] The second side cover (150) can cover the second space (R2). The second side cover (150) can cover the second space (R2) from the left side. A lateral airflow inlet (151) can be formed in the second side cover (150).

[0130] The second side cover (150) can be coupled to the second front cover (110). The second side cover (150) can be connected to the first rear frame (133).

[0131] For example, the second side cover (150) can be arranged to extend in the front-back direction (+-X direction).

[0132] Hereinafter, for the convenience of explanation, the first side cover (160) will be referred to and described as a 'side cover (160)'. Accordingly, the side cover (160) can be expressed and described as forming one side of the outdoor unit housing (100) in the right direction (+Y direction) of the outdoor unit (10).

[0133] The side cover (160) can be coupled to the front cover (120). The side cover (160) can be coupled to the second rear frame (132).

[0134] For example, the side cover (160) can be arranged to extend in the front-back direction (+-X direction).

[0135] The side cover (160) can be arranged so that one side faces the second side cover (150).

[0136] For example, the side cover (160) may include a plurality of side exhaust holes (121) that allow the first space (R1) to communicate with the outside of the outdoor unit (10). Through the plurality of side exhaust holes (121), air within the first space (R1) can flow from the first space (R1) to the outside.

[0137] A plurality of side exhaust holes (121) can be arranged in the front-back direction (+-X direction) on one surface of the side cover (160).

[0138] A plurality of side exhaust holes (21) may be located on the lower side of the side cover (160). When refrigerant flows out from the refrigerant pipe (18), the flowed out refrigerant may flow into the first space (R1). The flowed out refrigerant may have a property that is heavier than air depending on the type. Therefore, the flowed out refrigerant may accumulate on the lower side of the space where the refrigerant pipe (18) is arranged. At this time, since a plurality of side exhaust holes (121) are formed on the lower side of the side cover (160), the flowed out refrigerant accumulated on the lower side of the space where the refrigerant pipe (18) is arranged can be exhausted to the outside through the plurality of side exhaust holes (121).

[0139] The outdoor unit 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 lower side of the first space (R1) and the second space (R2). The base (172) may support various components of the outdoor unit (10) accommodated inside the outdoor unit housing (100) from the lower side.

[0140] The base (172) can be coupled to the lower portion of each of the first front cover (120), the second front cover (110), the second rear frame (132), the first side cover (160), and the second side cover (150).

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

[0142] The outdoor unit 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 portion of the first space (R1) and the second space (R2). The top cover (171) can cover various components of the outdoor unit (10) accommodated inside the outdoor unit housing (100) from the upper side.

[0144] The top cover (171) can be coupled to the upper portion of each of the first front cover (120), the second front cover (110), the second rear frame (132), the first side cover (160), and the second side cover (150).

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

[0146] The top cover (171) can be positioned so that one side faces the base (172).

[0147] The outdoor unit housing (100) may include an exhaust grille (193). The exhaust grille (193) may cover the front of the second front cover (110). The exhaust grille (193) may cover the front of the fan air outlet (111). The exhaust grille (193) may be coupled to the second front cover (110). The exhaust grille (193) may form a part of the front (+X direction) exterior of the outdoor unit (10).

[0148] The exhaust grill (193) covers the fan air outlet (111), but can be formed to roughly include the shape of a grill so that air can be discharged from the fan air outlet (111).

[0149] The outdoor unit housing (100) may include an outer cover (191). The outer cover (191) may cover the front cover (120) from the front. The outer cover (191) may be coupled to the front cover (120).

[0150] The outer cover (191) can form another part of the front (+X direction) exterior of the outdoor unit (10).

[0151] For example, the exhaust grill (193) and the outer cover (191) can be arranged side by side in the left-right direction (+-Y direction). The exhaust grill (193) and the outer cover (191) can be combined with each other.

[0152] Each component included in the outdoor unit housing (100) may be provided to be detachable from one another. For example, the front cover (120) may be provided to be detachable from the second front cover (110), the side cover (160), the top cover (171), the base (172), etc.

[0153] For example, the side cover (160) may be provided to be detachable from the front cover (120), the second rear frame (132), the top cover (171), the base (172), etc.

[0154] For example, the top cover (171) may be provided to be detachable from the first front cover (120), the second front cover (110), the second rear frame (132), the first side cover (160), and the second side cover (150).

[0155] 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 outdoor unit housing (100).

[0156] The configuration of the outdoor unit housing (100) that can be included in the air conditioner (1) according to the invention of the present disclosure is not limited to that described above.

[0157] 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).

[0158] 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.

[0159] Additionally, 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.

[0160] The outdoor heat exchanger (11) can be placed facing the air inlet (131) in the second space (R2).

[0161] 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.

[0162] The outdoor unit (10) of the air conditioner may include a refrigerant pipe (18). The refrigerant pipe (18) may be arranged inside the outdoor unit housing (100). The refrigerant pipe (18) may be connected to various devices in the first space (R1) through which the refrigerant flows, thereby allowing the refrigerant to flow.

[0163] The outdoor unit (10) may include a control box (141, 142). The outdoor unit (10) may include a plurality of printed circuit boards (not shown) 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. The plurality of printed circuit boards may be accommodated in the control box (141, 142). The control box (141, 142) may be placed in the first space (R1).

[0164] More specifically, the printed circuit board provided in the control box (141, 142) can be electrically connected to various components of the outdoor unit (10), such as the compressor (12), the fan motor (14), the plate heat exchanger (21), and the expansion tank (22). Through this, the printed circuit board can be provided to control the operation of various components of the outdoor unit (10). Alternatively, the printed circuit board can be provided to receive detection signals from various sensors provided in the compressor (12), the outdoor heat exchanger (11), and the like.

[0165] The outdoor unit (10) may include a cable guide (23). The cable guide (23) may have a role of supporting and guiding a cable connected to a printed circuit board of a control box (141, 142).

[0166] The outdoor unit (10) may include a duct (200). The duct (200) may be provided to connect the control box (141, 142) and the bulkhead (180). A detailed description of the duct (200) will be described later.

[0167] The outdoor unit (10) may include a fan (13) that is provided to circulate air and a fan motor (14) that generates rotational force for the fan (13) to rotate.

[0168] For example, the outdoor unit (10) may include a motor bracket (15) that supports a fan (13) and a fan motor (14). The motor bracket (15) may be placed in the second space (R2).

[0169] 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 outdoor unit housing (100). For example, the plate heat exchanger (21) may be arranged in the first space (R1).

[0170] For example, the outdoor unit (10) may include a water pipe that is provided to allow water to flow in or discharge from the outside. The water pipe may be connected to a plate heat exchanger (21). At least a portion of the water pipe may be arranged inside the outdoor unit housing (100). For example, at least a portion of the water pipe may be arranged in the first space (R1).

[0171] Water introduced into the outdoor unit (10) through a water pipe from the outside can exchange heat with a high-temperature refrigerant inside a plate heat exchanger (21). Inside the plate heat exchanger (21), water can absorb heat from the high-temperature refrigerant and transfer it back to the outside of the outdoor unit (10) through a water pipe.

[0172] 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 may increase, and the expansion tank (22) may be provided to prevent the water pressure from suddenly increasing due to this. The expansion tank (22) may be arranged inside the outdoor unit housing (100). For example, the expansion tank (22) may be arranged in the first space (R1).

[0173] In this way, the outdoor unit (10) according to one embodiment can constitute a part of a heating system that supplies hot water, including a plate heat exchanger (21), a water pipe, and an expansion tank (22).

[0174] However, the idea of ​​the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and in an air conditioner (1) according to one embodiment, the plate heat exchanger (21), the water pipe, and the expansion tank (22) may be provided outside the outdoor unit (10). Alternatively, the air conditioner (1) according to one embodiment may not be equipped with a heating system.

[0175] FIG. 4 is a drawing showing only some components of an outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to one embodiment. FIG. 5 is an enlarged drawing showing the combined appearance of the bulkhead and duct in FIG. 4. FIG. 6 is an exploded drawing showing the duct and control box in FIG. 4. FIG. 7 is a drawing showing FIG. 6 from a different angle.

[0176] Referring to FIGS. 4 to 7, the bulkhead (180) may include a bulkhead hole (183) that connects the first space (R1) and the second space (R2). The bulkhead hole (183) may be formed on the upper side of the bulkhead (180). The bulkhead hole (183) may be formed to penetrate the bulkhead (180). Although the bulkhead hole (183) is illustrated as being approximately rectangular, this is merely an example, and the shape and size of the bulkhead hole (183) may be provided in various ways.

[0177] The bulkhead (180) may include a first bulkhead surface (181) arranged to face the first space (R1). The bulkhead (180) may include a second bulkhead surface (182) arranged to face the second space (R2).

[0178] The outdoor unit (10) may include a support (173) that supports the control box (141). The support (173) may be connected to the base (172) and placed in the first space (R1).

[0179] The support (173) may include a first support portion (173a) extending upward from the base (172). The first support portion (173a) may be positioned to be spaced apart from the bulkhead (180). The first support portion (173a) may be coupled to the base (172).

[0180] The support (173) may include a second support (173b) extending from the first support (173a) toward the second bulkhead surface (182) in a direction parallel to the base (172).

[0181] The first support member (173a) can be extended to approximately the height at which the bulkhead hole (183) is formed. The control box (141) can be positioned on the upper side of the first space (R1) by the first support member (173a). The control box (141) can be positioned within the first space (R1) by being secured to the second support member (173b). Since the support member (173) positions the control box (141) on the upper side of the first space (R1), even if refrigerant flows into the first space (R1), the phenomenon of refrigerant flowing into the control box (141) can be prevented.

[0182] The control box (141) may include a box hole (1415). The box hole (1415) may connect the first space (R1) and the interior of the control box (141).

[0183] The box hole (1415) may be formed on one side (1414) of the control box (141) that is arranged to face the second space (R2). The box hole (1415) may be formed on the upper side of the one side (1414) of the control box (141). Since the box hole (1415) is formed on the upper side of the one side (1414) of the control box (141), even if a leaked refrigerant flows into the first space (R1), the phenomenon of the refrigerant flowing into the interior of the control box (141) can be prevented.

[0184] The plurality of exhaust holes (121) arranged in the front cover (120) described above may be arranged to be positioned lower than the box hole (1415). Accordingly, the refrigerant leaking into the first space (R1) can be discharged to the outside by the plurality of exhaust holes (121) before it accumulates at the position of the box hole (1415).

[0185] The control box (141) may include a box cover (1413). A printed circuit board may be placed inside the control box (141) and then the box cover (1413) may be combined to accommodate the printed circuit board.

[0186] The control box (141) may include a heat sink (1416). Heat generated from a printed circuit board inside the control box (141) may be discharged to the first space (R1) through the heat sink (1416). In addition, heat generated from the printed circuit board may be discharged to the outside of the control box (141) through a box hole (1415). A detailed description thereof will be provided later.

[0187] The outdoor unit (10) may include a duct (200). The duct (200) may be placed between the control box (141) and the bulkhead (180). The duct (200) may connect the control box (141) and the bulkhead (180) to each other.

[0188] The duct (200) can be formed to extend in the left-right direction (+-Y direction) in the drawing to connect the control box (141) and the bulkhead (180). Depending on the type of outdoor unit (10), the spacing between the bulkhead (180) and the control box (141) may be different, and the duct (200) can be manufactured to extend to various lengths to connect the control box (141) and the bulkhead (180).

[0189] The duct (200) can be connected to the bulkhead (180). For example, a connecting member (211, 212, 213, 214) can be formed on the edge portion (210) (described later) of the duct (200) arranged to face the second space (R2).

[0190] The connecting members (211, 212, 213, 214) are provided so as to be mountable on the bulkhead (180) and can connect the duct (200) to the bulkhead (180). The connecting members (211, 212, 213, 214) can be formed along the edge portion (210). Although the number of connecting members (211, 212, 213, 214) is shown as four in the drawing, this is only an example and various numbers can be provided to connect the bulkhead (180) and the duct (200).

[0191] The duct (200) may include a first opening (220) connected to the bulkhead hole (183). The first opening (220) may be provided to communicate the exterior and the interior of the duct (200). The size of the first opening (220) may be formed to correspond to the size of the bulkhead hole (183).

[0192] More specifically, a first opening (220) may be formed on one side (210) of a duct (200) arranged to face the second space (R2). The duct (200) may be coupled to the bulkhead (180) so that the bulkhead hole (183) and the first opening (220) correspond to each other.

[0193] The duct (200) may include a border portion (210) formed along the outer periphery of the first opening (220). The duct (200) may be arranged such that the border portion (210) faces the second space (R2). When the duct (200) is coupled with the bulkhead (180), the border portion (210) may be arranged to be in close contact with the bulkhead (180). In other words, when the duct (200) is coupled with the bulkhead (180), the border portion (210) may be arranged to be in close contact with the second bulkhead surface (182) of the bulkhead (180).

[0194] Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the phenomenon of leaked refrigerant, etc., flowing into the first space (R1) into the duct (200) through the first opening (220).

[0195] The duct (200) may include a duct side portion (232) and a duct upper portion (234) extending in the left-right direction (+-Y direction) from the edge portion (210). The duct side portion (232) and the duct upper portion (234) may extend to a position where the control box (141) is placed so that the control box (141) and the duct (200) are coupled.

[0196] The duct (200) may include a second opening (240) connected to the box hole (1415). The second opening (240) may be formed on one side (233) of the duct (200) facing in a direction opposite to the direction toward the second space (R2). In other words, the one side (233) of the duct (200) may be provided to face the edge portion (210). The one side (233) of the duct (200) described above may also be expressed as the one side (233) of the duct (200) adjacent to the second opening (240).

[0197] The duct (200) can be coupled with the control box (141). When the duct (200) is coupled with the control box (141), the second opening (240) can be provided to communicate with the box hole (1415). In other words, the interior of the control box (141) can be communicated with the interior of the duct (200) through the box hole (1415) and the second opening (240). The size of the second opening (240) can be formed to correspond to the size of the box hole (1415).

[0198] When the duct (200) is combined with the control box (141), one side (233) of the duct (200) where the second opening (240) is formed can be arranged to be in close contact with one side (1414) of the control box (141) where the box hole (1415) is formed. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent refrigerant, etc., leaking into the first space (R1) from flowing into the interior of the duct (200) and the control box (141) through the second opening (240) and the box hole (1415).

[0199] Since the first opening (220) of the duct (200) communicates with the bulkhead hole (183) of the bulkhead (180), and the second opening (240) communicates with the box hole (1415) of the control box (141), the duct (200) can communicate the bulkhead hole (183) and the box hole (1415).

[0200] In addition, the bulkhead hole (183) is provided to communicate with the second space (R2), and the box hole (1415) is provided to communicate with the inside of the control box (141), so that as a result, the duct (200) can communicate the inside of the control box (141) with the second space (R2).

[0201] When the fan (13) placed in the second space (R2) operates to exhaust air to the outside of the outdoor unit housing (100), the pressure in the second space (R2) may be lowered compared to the pressure in the internal space of the duct (200) and the control box (141). Accordingly, the air inside the control box (141) may flow to the second space (R2) through the duct (200) and ultimately be exhausted to the outside of the outdoor unit housing (100).

[0202] Through this, the leaked refrigerant that has entered the interior of the control box (141) can be smoothly discharged from the interior of the control box (141) to the exterior of the outdoor unit housing (100). In addition, the heat generated from the printed circuit board can be smoothly discharged from the interior of the control box (141) to the exterior of the outdoor unit housing (100). Therefore, the safety of use of the outdoor unit (10) can be further improved.

[0203] The size of the first opening (220) may be formed larger than the size of the second opening (240). That is, the size of the partition wall hole (183) may also be formed larger than the size of the box hole (1415). Therefore, when the fan (13) operates and air flows from the inside of the control box (141) to the second space (R2), the speed of the air flowing in the box hole (1415) may be faster than the speed of the air flowing in the partition wall hole (183) according to Bernoulli's Principle. Since the speed of the air flowing to the outside from the box hole (1415) is relatively fast, the refrigerant inside the control box (141) can be discharged more effectively.

[0204] The duct (200) may include a third opening (250) that connects the first space (R1) and the interior of the duct (200). The third opening (250) may be formed on one side (233) of the duct (200) facing in a direction opposite to the direction toward the first space (R1). The third opening (250) may be arranged on a side of the second opening (240).

[0205] The third opening (250) may be positioned to be located rearward (in the -X direction) of the second opening (240). The third opening (250) may have an approximately rectangular shape, but is not limited thereto and may be formed in various shapes.

[0206] The first space (R1) can be connected to the second space (R2) through the duct (200) by the third opening (250). When refrigerant leaks, the refrigerant leaked into the first space (R1) can flow into the duct (200) through the third opening (250) and flow into the second space (R2) to be discharged to the outside of the outdoor unit housing (100).

[0207] More specifically, when the fan (13) operates, the pressure in the second space (R2) may become lower than the pressure inside the duct (200) and the first space (R1). Therefore, the internal air of the first space (R1) may be introduced into the opening 3 and flow into the second space (R2) through the duct (200), and may be discharged to the outside of the outdoor unit housing (100) by the fan (13).

[0208] Accordingly, the refrigerant leaked inside the first space (R1) can be discharged from the first space (R1) to the outside of the outdoor unit housing (100). The heat discharged to the first space (R1) through the heat sink (1416) of the control box (141) can also be discharged to the outside of the outdoor unit housing (100) through the above process.

[0209] The third opening (250) may be formed at the upper end of the duct (200). In other words, the third opening (250) may be formed at the upper end of one side of the duct (200).

[0210] Even when the fan (13) is not operating, since the third opening (250) is formed at the upper end of the duct (200), the leaked refrigerant flowing into the first space (R1) can be prevented from flowing into the interior of the duct (200). Through this, the phenomenon of the leaked refrigerant flowing into the third opening (250) when the fan (13) is not operating being prevented from flowing into the box hole (1415) through the duct (200) can be prevented.

[0211] The size of the third opening (250) may be formed smaller than the size of the bulkhead hole (183). Therefore, when the fan (13) operates and air flows from the first space (R1) to the second space (R2), the speed of the air flowing in the third opening (250) may be faster than the speed of the air flowing in the bulkhead hole (183) due to Bernoulli's principle. Since the speed of the air flowing from the first space (R1) into the duct (200) is relatively fast, the leaked refrigerant settled in the first space (R1) can be discharged more effectively.

[0212] Fig. 8 is a drawing illustrating a duct of an outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to one embodiment. Fig. 9 is a drawing illustrating the duct of Fig. 8 from a different angle.

[0213] Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, the duct (200) may include a lower surface (231) formed on the lower side of the duct (200). The lower surface (231) may be formed to slope downward in a direction from the first space (R1) toward the second space (R2). In other words, the lower surface (231) may be formed such that the portion facing the first space (R1) is higher than the portion facing the second space (R2).

[0214] When air flows in the duct (200) by the fan (13), heat exchange occurs in the outdoor unit (10), so that water vapor may be liquefied by the temperature difference and formed inside the duct (200). The liquefied water may flow to the lower surface (231) by gravity. The water that has flowed to the lower surface (231) may be discharged from the inside of the duct (200) to the first space (R1) because the lower surface (231) is formed to slope downward from the first space (R1) to the second space (R2) (F). Therefore, the phenomenon of water accumulating inside the duct (200) can be prevented.

[0215] The lower surface (231) of the duct (200) may be arranged to extend to one side (182) of the bulkhead (180) facing the second space (R2) (see Fig. 10). Accordingly, water flowing from the lower surface (231) can be discharged more smoothly into the first space (R1).

[0216] Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along line a-a' of Fig. 4. Fig. 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along line b-b' of Fig. 4.

[0217] The cutting line of 'a-a' is arranged to pass through the second opening (240) and the box hole (1415) among some components of the outdoor unit (10) illustrated in Fig. 4. And the cutting line of 'b-b' is arranged to pass through the third opening (250) among some components of the outdoor unit (10) illustrated in Fig. 4.

[0218] Below, the process of air flow when the fan rotates is examined in detail with reference to FIGS. 10 and 11.

[0219] Referring to Fig. 10, when the fan (13) operates, a negative pressure is formed in the second space (R2), so that the air inside the control box (141) can flow into the interior of the duct (200) through the box hole (1415) and the second opening (240) (G1). The air that has flowed into the interior of the duct (200) can flow into the second space (R2) through the first opening (220) and the partition hole (183) (G2). Thereafter, the air that has flowed into the second space (R2) can be discharged to the outside of the outdoor unit housing (100) through the fan airflow outlet (111) and the exhaust outlet grill (193).

[0220] Through this, any leaked refrigerant or heat present inside the control box (141) can be smoothly discharged to the outside of the outdoor unit housing (100).

[0221] Referring to Fig. 11, when the fan (13) operates, a negative pressure is formed in the second space (R2), so that the air inside the first space (R1) can flow into the interior of the duct (200) through the third opening (250) (G3). The air that has flowed into the interior of the duct can flow into the second space (R2) through the first opening (220) and the partition wall hole (183) (G4). Thereafter, the air that has flowed into the second space (R2) can be discharged to the outside of the outdoor unit housing (100) through the fan airflow outlet (111) and the exhaust grill (193).

[0222] Through this, any leaked refrigerant or heat existing inside the first space (R1) can be smoothly discharged to the outside of the outdoor unit housing (100).

[0223] According to one embodiment, an outdoor unit (10) of an air conditioner includes an outdoor unit housing (100). The outdoor unit (10) of the air conditioner includes a partition wall (180) that divides the interior of the outdoor unit housing (100) into a first space (R1) and a second space (R2). The outdoor unit (10) of the air conditioner includes a control box (141) arranged in the first space (R1). The outdoor unit (10) of the air conditioner includes a fan (13) arranged in the second space (R2) and provided to discharge air to the outside of the outdoor unit housing (100). The outdoor unit (10) of the air conditioner includes a duct (200) that connects the control box (141) and the partition wall (180). The partition wall (180) includes a partition wall hole (183) that communicates the first space (R1) and the second space (R2). The above control box (141) includes a box hole (1415) that connects the first space (R1) and the interior of the control box (141). The duct (200) is provided to connect the bulkhead hole (183) and the box hole (1415).

[0224] When the fan (13) above operates, the air inside the control box (141) may be arranged to flow through the duct (200) to the second space (R2) and be discharged to the outside of the outdoor unit housing (100).

[0225] The above duct (200) may include a first opening (220) connected to the bulkhead hole (183) and a second opening (240) connected to the box hole (1415). The size of the first opening (220) may be formed to be larger than the size of the second opening (240).

[0226] The above duct (200) may further include a border portion (210) formed along the outer periphery of the first opening (220). The duct (200) may be provided so as to be coupled with the partition wall (180). When the duct (200) is coupled with the partition wall (180), the border portion (210) may be provided so as to be in close contact with the partition wall (180).

[0227] The above-mentioned frame portion (210) may include a connecting member (211, 212, 213, 214) that can be mounted on the partition wall (180) so that the duct (200) is connected to the partition wall (180).

[0228] The above duct (200) may be provided so as to be coupled with the control box (141). When the duct (200) is coupled with the control box (141), one side (233) of the duct (200) adjacent to the second opening (240) may be provided so as to be in close contact with the control box (141).

[0229] The size of the above bulkhead hole (183) can be formed to be larger than the size of the above box hole (1415).

[0230] The outdoor unit housing (100) may include a cover (120) provided to cover a portion of the first space (R1) that is open in a direction parallel to the direction in which the rotation axis (T) of the fan (13) extends. The cover (120) may include an exhaust hole (121) that connects the first space (R1) to the outside of the outdoor unit (10) so that, when refrigerant leaks from the refrigerant pipe (18) accommodated in the outdoor unit housing (100), the refrigerant leaked into the first space (R1) is discharged to the outside of the outdoor unit (10).

[0231] The above exhaust hole (121) may include a plurality of exhaust holes (121) arranged in a vertical direction. The plurality of exhaust holes (121) may be arranged to be located lower than the box hole (1415).

[0232] The above box hole (1415) can be formed at the upper part of the control box (141).

[0233] The lower surface (231) of the above duct (200) can be formed to slope downward in a direction from the first space (R1) toward the second space (R2).

[0234] The lower surface (231) of the above duct (200) may be arranged to extend to one side of the partition wall (180) facing the second space (R2).

[0235] The above duct (200) may further include a third opening (250) that communicates with the first space (R1) so that the first space (R1) communicates with the second space (R2) through the duct (200). When the fan (13) operates, air inside the first space (R1) may be arranged to flow through the duct (200) to the second space (R2) and be discharged to the outside of the outdoor unit housing (100).

[0236] The third opening (250) may be formed at the upper end of the duct (200). The third opening (250) may be formed to have a size smaller than the size of the bulkhead hole (183).

[0237] The outdoor unit (10) of the above air conditioner may further include a support (173) that extends from the lower surface of the outdoor unit housing (100) to support the control box (141) so as to position the control box (141) on the upper side of the first space (R1).

[0238] An air conditioner (1) according to one embodiment includes an indoor unit (20). The air conditioner (1) includes an outdoor unit (10) that is provided to be connected to the indoor unit (20). The outdoor unit (10) includes an outdoor unit housing (100). The outdoor unit (10) includes a partition wall (180) that divides the interior of the outdoor unit housing (100) into a first space (R1) and a second space (R2). The outdoor unit (10) includes a control box (141) that is provided in the first space (R1). The outdoor unit (10) includes a duct (200) that is provided in the first space (R1) and connects the control box (141) and the partition wall (180). The outdoor unit (10) includes a fan (13) that is provided in the second space (R2) and discharges air to the outside of the outdoor unit housing (100). The above-mentioned partition wall (180) includes a partition wall hole (183) that connects the first space (R1) and the second space (R2). The above-mentioned control box (141) includes a box hole (1415) that connects with the interior of the above-mentioned control box (141). The above-mentioned duct (200) is provided to connect the above-mentioned partition wall hole (183) and the above-mentioned box hole (1415).

[0239] When the fan (13) above operates, the air inside the control box (141) may be arranged to flow through the duct (200) to the second space (R2) and be discharged to the outside of the outdoor unit housing (100).

[0240] The outdoor unit housing (100) may include a cover provided to cover a portion of the first space (R1) that is open in a direction parallel to the direction in which the rotation axis (T) of the fan (13) extends. The cover may include an exhaust hole (121) that connects the first space (R1) with the outside of the outdoor unit (10) so that, when refrigerant leaks from the refrigerant pipe (18) accommodated in the outdoor unit housing (100), the refrigerant leaked into the first space (R1) is discharged to the outside of the outdoor unit (10). The exhaust hole (121) may be arranged to be located lower than the box hole (1415).

[0241] The above duct (200) may be provided so as to be coupled with the partition wall (180) and the control box (141). The duct (200) may include a first opening (220) connected to the partition wall hole (183), a border portion (210) formed along the outer periphery of the first opening (220), and a second opening (240) connected to the box hole (1415). When the duct (200) is coupled to the partition wall (180), the border portion (210) may be provided so as to be in close contact with the partition wall (180). When the duct (200) is coupled to the control box (141), one surface (233) of the duct (200) adjacent to the second opening (240) may be provided so as to be in close contact with the control box (141).

[0242] An outdoor unit (10) of an air conditioner according to one embodiment includes an outdoor unit housing (100). The outdoor unit (10) of the air conditioner includes a partition wall (180) that divides the interior of the outdoor unit housing (100) into a first space (R1) and a second space (R2). The outdoor unit (10) of the air conditioner includes a control box (141) arranged in the first space (R1). The outdoor unit (10) of the air conditioner includes a fan (13) arranged in the second space (R2) and configured to discharge air to the outside of the outdoor unit housing (100). The outdoor unit (10) of the air conditioner includes a duct (200) arranged between the control box (141) and the partition wall (180). The outdoor unit housing (100) includes a front cover (120) arranged to cover the front of the outdoor unit housing (100) toward which the air discharged from the fan (13) is directed. The partition wall (180) includes a partition wall hole (183) that connects the first space (R1) and the second space (R2). The control box (141) includes a box hole (1415) that connects the first space (R1) and the inside of the control box (141). The front cover (120) includes an exhaust hole (121) that connects the first space (R1) with the outside of the outdoor unit (10). The duct (200) connects the partition wall hole (183) and the box hole (1415) to connect the inside of the control box (141) with the second space (R2).

[0243] According to the concept of the present disclosure, a duct is provided to partition the box hole from the inside of the outdoor unit housing, thereby preventing leaking refrigerant from flowing into the inside of the control box, thereby improving safety.

[0244] According to the idea of ​​the present disclosure, a second opening connected to the box hole is formed on the upper side of the duct, thereby preventing leaking refrigerant from flowing into the control box through the second opening, thereby improving stability.

[0245] According to the concept of the present disclosure, leaking refrigerant can be discharged to the outside through an exhaust hole connected to the first space of the outdoor unit housing, thereby improving safety during use.

[0246] According to the invention of the present invention, the interior of the control box is connected to a second space in which a fan is placed through a duct, so that heat generated in the control box can be effectively discharged.

[0247] The effects that can be obtained from the present disclosure are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other effects that are not mentioned can be clearly understood by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure belongs from the description below.

[0248] The above illustrates and describes specific embodiments. However, the invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that various modifications and implementations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the claims below.

Claims

1. Outdoor unit housing; A partition wall dividing the interior of the outdoor unit housing into a first space and a second space; A control box placed in the first space above; A fan arranged in the second space and configured to discharge air to the outside of the outdoor unit housing; and A duct connecting the above control box and the above bulkhead; including; The above bulkhead includes a bulkhead hole that connects the first space and the second space, The above control box includes a box hole that connects the first space and the interior of the control box, An outdoor unit of an air conditioner in which the above duct is provided to connect the above bulkhead hole and the above box hole.

2. In paragraph 1, An outdoor unit of an air conditioner, wherein when the above fan operates, air inside the control box flows through the duct to the second space and is discharged to the outside of the outdoor unit housing.

3. In paragraph 1, The above duct, A first opening connected to the above bulkhead hole and Including a second opening connected to the above box hole, An outdoor unit of an air conditioner in which the size of the first opening is formed larger than the size of the second opening.

4. In paragraph 3, The above duct, Further comprising a border formed along the outer periphery of the first opening, It is designed to be combined with the above bulkhead, An outdoor unit of an air conditioner, wherein when the above duct is connected to the above bulkhead, the edge portion is provided to be in close contact with the above bulkhead.

5. In paragraph 4, An outdoor unit of an air conditioner, wherein the above-mentioned frame part includes a joining member mountable to the bulkhead so that the above-mentioned duct is joined to the bulkhead.

6. In paragraph 3, The above duct is provided so as to be connected to the above control box, An outdoor unit of an air conditioner, wherein when the above duct is combined with the above control box, one side of the duct adjacent to the second opening is provided to be in close contact with the above control box.

7. In paragraph 1, An outdoor unit of an air conditioner in which the size of the above-mentioned bulkhead hole is formed larger than the size of the above-mentioned box hole.

8. In paragraph 1, The above outdoor unit housing includes a cover provided to cover a portion of the first space that is open in a direction parallel to the direction in which the rotational axis of the fan extends, The above cover is an outdoor unit of an air conditioner including an exhaust hole that connects the first space with the outside of the outdoor unit so that when refrigerant leaks from a refrigerant pipe accommodated in the outdoor unit housing, the refrigerant leaked into the first space is discharged to the outside of the outdoor unit.

9. In paragraph 8, The above exhaust hole includes a plurality of exhaust holes arranged in a vertical direction, An outdoor unit of an air conditioner, wherein the plurality of exhaust holes are positioned lower than the box hole.

10. In paragraph 1, The above box hole is an outdoor unit of an air conditioner formed at the upper part of the above control box.

11. In paragraph 1, An outdoor unit of an air conditioner, wherein the lower surface of the above duct is formed to slope downward in a direction from the first space toward the second space.

12. In paragraph 11, An outdoor unit of an air conditioner in which the lower surface of the above duct is provided to extend to one side of the above bulkhead facing the above second space.

13. In paragraph 2, The above duct further includes a third opening communicating with the first space such that the first space communicates with the second space through the duct, An outdoor unit of an air conditioner in which, when the fan operates, air inside the first space flows through the duct into the second space and is discharged to the outside of the outdoor unit housing.

14. In paragraph 13, The third opening above is, formed at the upper part of the above duct, An outdoor unit of an air conditioner formed to a size smaller than the size of the above-mentioned bulkhead hole.

15. In paragraph 1, An outdoor unit of an air conditioner further comprising a support member extending from the lower surface of the outdoor unit housing to support the control box so as to position the control box at the upper side of the first space.

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