Outdoor unit of air conditioner and manufacturing method thereof

Abstract

This outdoor unit of an air conditioner comprises a first body and a second body fixed by means of a fastening member. The first body comprises: a first fixing plate which includes a first burring hole penetrated by a fastening member, and which supports the second body; a second fixing plate which includes a second burring hole penetrated by the fastening member, and which is in contact with one surface of the first fixing plate that is opposite to the second body; a first flange which is provided along the first burring hole, and which protrudes from the first fixing plate in the direction of passing through the second burring hole; and a second flange which is provided along the second burring hole, and which protrudes from the second fixing plate in the direction of moving away from the first fixing plate. The inner surface of the second flange is in contact with the outer surface of the first flange.

Description

Outdoor unit of air conditioner and manufacturing method thereof

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an outdoor unit of an air conditioner and a method for manufacturing 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 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. In addition, 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] Each component of the outdoor unit can be fastened to one another using fastening members such as screws. In a structure that fastens components using fastening members, a burring portion having a flange shape formed by burring processing can be applied to reinforce the rigidity of the fastening location and improve the fastening force.

[0006] Embodiments of the present disclosure provide an outdoor unit of an air conditioner having an improved structure for stably supporting a fastening member and a method for manufacturing the same.

[0007] Embodiments of the present disclosure provide an outdoor unit of an air conditioner and a method of manufacturing the same having an improved structure to prevent and / or reduce wear of screw threads of a burring flange and to prevent and / or reduce damage to the burring flange.

[0008] Embodiments of the present disclosure provide an outdoor unit of an air conditioner having an improved structure so as to enhance the fixing force between two bodies fixed to each other, and a method for manufacturing the same.

[0009] Embodiments of the present disclosure provide an outdoor unit of an air conditioner and a method of manufacturing the same having an improved structure to prevent and / or reduce injury to a worker or damage to parts such as wires due to a fixed structure.

[0010] Embodiments of the present disclosure provide an outdoor unit of an air conditioner having an improved structure to reduce the weight of the parts and a method for manufacturing the same.

[0011] Embodiments of the present disclosure provide an outdoor unit of an air conditioner having an improved structure to reduce the manufacturing cost of the product and a method for manufacturing the same.

[0012] 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.

[0013] An outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure may include a first body, and a second body that is provided to be fixed to the first body by a fastener. The first body may include a first fixing plate that includes a first burring hole configured to be penetrated by the fastener and is provided to support the second body, a second fixing plate that includes a second burring hole configured to be penetrated by the fastener and arranged to correspond to the first burring hole, and is provided to contact the other surface of the first fixing plate opposite to the one surface of the first fixing plate adjacent to the second body, a first flange that is provided along a periphery of the first burring hole and protrudes from the first fixing plate in a direction penetrating the second burring hole, and a second flange that is provided along a periphery of the second burring hole and protrudes from the second fixing plate in a direction away from the first fixing plate. The inner surface of the second flange can be in contact with the outer surface of the first flange.

[0014] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a method for manufacturing an outdoor unit of an air conditioner including a first body and a second body fixed to the first body by a fastening member may include: arranging a first fixing plate and a second fixing plate of the first body to be in contact with each other; sequentially penetrating the first fixing plate and the second fixing plate in a direction from the first fixing plate toward the second fixing plate using a burring tool, thereby forming a burring hole in the first body and a burring flange provided along a periphery of the burring hole; and sequentially positioning the second body, the first fixing plate, and the second fixing plate, and fixing the second body to the first body using the fastening member penetrating the second body and the burring hole.

[0015] An outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure may include a first body, and a second body that is provided to be fixed to the first body by a fastening member. The first body may include a first plate portion having a first burring hole configured to be penetrated by the fastening member and one surface of which is in contact with the second body, a second plate portion having a second burring hole configured to be penetrated by the fastening member, extending from one side of the first plate portion and in contact with the other surface of the first plate portion opposite to the one surface of the first plate portion, and a flange portion configured to support the fastening member, formed along a periphery of the second burring hole, and protruding in a direction away from the first plate portion from the second plate portion.

[0016] A fixing structure according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure may be a fixing structure configured to fix a target body and a support body using a fastening member. The support body may include a first fixing plate configured to support the target body and having a first burring hole configured to be penetrated by the fastening member, a second fixing plate configured to be penetrated by the fastening member and being provided to contact the other surface of the first fixing plate opposite to the one surface of the first fixing plate adjacent to the target body, a first flange provided along a periphery of the first burring hole and protruding from the first burring hole in a direction penetrating the second burring hole, and a second flange provided along a periphery of the second burring hole and protruding from the second fixing plate in a direction away from the first fixing plate. An inner peripheral surface of the second flange may be in contact with an outer peripheral surface of the first flange.

[0017] 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.

[0018] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary air conditioner according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0019] FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating an outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0020] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view showing an outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0021] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a front frame of an outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0022] FIG. 5 is a partially exploded perspective view illustrating the coupling relationship of various components of a housing included in an outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0023] FIG. 6 is a partially exploded perspective view illustrating the coupling relationship of various components of a housing included in an outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0024] FIG. 7 is a perspective view illustrating a portion of a fixing structure of a housing included in an outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0025] FIG. 8 is a perspective view illustrating a portion of a fixing structure of a housing included in an outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0026] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of various configurations of a housing included in an outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0027] FIG. 10 is a perspective view illustrating an example of a method for manufacturing a fixed structure in an outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0028] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an example of a method for manufacturing a fixed structure in an outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0029] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an example of a method for manufacturing a fixed structure in an outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0030] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an example of a process for combining various components of a housing in an outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0031] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an example of a process for combining various components of a housing in an outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0032] FIG. 15 is an enlarged perspective view of various configurations of a housing included in an outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0033] FIG. 16 is an exploded perspective view illustrating various configurations of a control box included in an outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0034] FIG. 17 is an enlarged perspective view illustrating various configurations of a control box included in an outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0035] FIG. 18 is a partial perspective view illustrating various components included in an outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0036] FIG. 19 is an exploded perspective view showing the coupling relationship between a base included in an outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to various embodiments of the present disclosure and a bracket coupled thereto.

[0037] FIG. 20 is a perspective view illustrating a portion of a fixing structure between components included in an outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0038] FIG. 21 is a perspective view illustrating a portion of a fixing structure between components included in an outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0039] FIG. 22 is a perspective view illustrating a portion of a fixing structure between components included in an outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0040] FIG. 23 is a perspective view illustrating a portion of a fixing structure between components included in an outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0041] FIG. 24 is a perspective view illustrating a portion of a fixing structure between components included in an outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0042] FIG. 25 is a perspective view illustrating a portion of a fixing structure between components included in an outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0043] 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.

[0044] In connection with the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related elements.

[0045] 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.

[0046] 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.

[0047] The term “and / or” includes any combination of a plurality of related described elements or any one of a plurality of related described elements.

[0048] 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).

[0049] 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.

[0050] 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.

[0051] 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.

[0052] 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.

[0053] 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.

[0054] 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.

[0055] 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.

[0056] 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.

[0057] 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.

[0058] 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.

[0059] 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.

[0060] 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.

[0061] 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.

[0062] 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.

[0063] 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.

[0064] 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.

[0065] 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.

[0066] 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 merge and flow through a single refrigerant pipe, then branch off again at some point and flow into multiple indoor units.

[0067] 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.

[0068] 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.

[0069] 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.

[0070] 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.

[0071] 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.

[0072] 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.

[0073] 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.

[0074] 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.

[0075] 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.

[0076] 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.

[0077] The housing may include an intake port through which indoor air may be drawn into the interior of the housing.

[0078] 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.

[0079] 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.

[0080] 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.

[0081] 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.

[0082] Blowers may include indoor fans and fan motors. For example, indoor fans may include axial fans, diffusion fans, crossflow fans, and centrifugal fans.

[0083] 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.

[0084] 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.

[0085] The indoor unit of the air conditioner may include an input interface comprising various input circuits. The input interface may include any type of user input means, including buttons, switches, a touch screen, and / or a touch pad. The user may directly input setting data (e.g., desired indoor temperature, operation mode settings for cooling / heating / dehumidification / air purification, outlet selection settings, and / or air volume settings) through the input interface.

[0086] 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.

[0087] 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.

[0088] The indoor unit of an air conditioner may include a power module containing various circuits. The power module may be connected to an external power source to supply power to components of the indoor unit.

[0089] 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.

[0090] 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.

[0091] 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.

[0092] 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.

[0093] 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.

[0094] 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.

[0095] 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.

[0096] 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.

[0097] 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.

[0098] 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.

[0099] 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.

[0100] 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.

[0101] A processor may include various processing circuits and may generate control signals for controlling the operation of an air conditioner based on instructions, applications, data, and / or programs stored in a memory. The processor may be hardware and 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.

[0102] 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.

[0103] 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.

[0104] Hereinafter, various embodiments according to the present disclosure will be described with reference to the attached drawings.

[0105] The terms "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", etc. used in the following description are 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 first front cover (180) and the second 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 rearward (-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 positioned may be defined as leftward (-Y direction), and the opposite direction may be defined as rightward (+Y direction).

[0106] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary air conditioner according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0107] 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.

[0108] 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.

[0109] 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.

[0110] 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.

[0111] 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.

[0112] A detailed description of the configuration of the outdoor unit (10) will be described later.

[0113] 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. In addition, 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.

[0114] 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.

[0115] 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.

[0116] 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.

[0117] An air conditioner (1) may include a refrigerant pipe (30) that transfers refrigerant between an indoor unit (20) and an outdoor unit (10) 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.

[0118] 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 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 to which the outdoor unit of the air conditioner according to the concept of the present disclosure can be applied, and the indoor unit, refrigerant pipe, etc. included therein can be provided in various ways.

[0119] 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 15.

[0120] Fig. 2 is a perspective view illustrating an outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. Fig. 3 is an exploded perspective view illustrating an outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0121] 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).

[0122] 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).

[0123] 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).

[0124] 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).

[0125] 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).

[0126] 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).

[0127] 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).

[0128] For example, the housing (100) can be formed to have a roughly box shape.

[0129] Below, an example of the structure of the housing (100) is described.

[0130] 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).

[0131] For example, the first front frame (110) may include a bell mouth (115) provided to guide the flow of air discharged through the exhaust port (111). The bell mouth (115) may be provided along the periphery of the exhaust port (111). The bell mouth (115) may be formed in an approximately cylindrical shape. The bell mouth (115) may extend toward the inside of the housing (100). The bell mouth (115) may extend rearward (in the -X direction) from a flat plate-shaped portion of the first front frame (110).

[0132] For example, the first front frame (110) including the bell mouse (115) can be formed as a single piece.

[0133] For example, the first front frame (110) may include a metal material. For example, the first front frame (110) may include a soft metal material, and the bell mouth (115) of the first front frame (110) may be formed through a process of drawing the soft metal material.

[0134] A detailed description of the structure of the first front frame (110) will be described later.

[0135] 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.

[0136] 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.

[0137] 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.

[0138] 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).

[0139] The first front frame (110) and the first rear frame (130) can be arranged opposite each other.

[0140] 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).

[0141] 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.

[0142] The second front frame (120) and the second rear frame (140) can be positioned opposite each other.

[0143] 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).

[0144] 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).

[0145] 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).

[0146] For example, the first side frame (150) can be arranged to extend in the front-back direction (X direction).

[0147] 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).

[0148] 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).

[0149] 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.

[0150] 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).

[0151] For example, the second side frame (160) can be arranged to extend in the front-back direction (X direction).

[0152] The first side frame (150) and the second side frame (160) can be arranged opposite each other.

[0153] 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.

[0154] 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).

[0155] The base (172) can be formed to have a roughly flat plate shape.

[0156] The housing (100) may include a top cover (171). The top cover (171) may form the upper surface of the outdoor unit (10).

[0157] 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.

[0158] 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).

[0159] The top cover (171) can be formed to have a roughly flat plate shape.

[0160] The top cover (171) and the base (172) can be positioned opposite each other.

[0161] The housing (100) may include a first front cover (180). The first front cover (180) may cover the front (+X) of the first front frame (110). The first front cover (180) may cover the front (+X) of the exhaust port (111). The first front cover (180) may be coupled to the first front frame (110). The first front cover (180) may form a part of the front exterior of the outdoor unit (10).

[0162] The first front cover (180) covers the exhaust port (111), but may include a grill (182, see FIG. 5) formed to allow air to be discharged from the exhaust port (111).

[0163] The housing (100) may include a second front cover (190). The second front cover (190) may cover the front (+X) of the second front frame (120). The second front cover (190) may be coupled to the second front frame (120). In addition, the second front cover (190) may be coupled to the first front frame (110). The second front cover (190) may form another part of the front exterior of the outdoor unit (10).

[0164] For example, the first front cover (180) and the second front cover (190) may be arranged side by side in the left-right direction (Y direction). The first front cover (180) and the second front cover (190) may be coupled to each other.

[0165] A detailed description of the structure of the first front cover (180) and the second front cover (190) will be described later.

[0166] Each component included in the housing (100) may be provided to be detachable from each other. For example, the first front cover (180) may be provided to be detachable from the first front frame (110). For example, the second front cover (190) may be provided to be detachable from the first front frame (110) and the second front frame (120). For example, the second front frame (120) may be provided to be detachable from the first front frame (110), the second side frame (160), the top cover (171), the base (172), etc. For example, the second side frame (160) may be provided to be detachable from the second front frame (120), the second rear frame (140), the top cover (171), the base (172), etc. For example, the top cover (171) may be provided to be detachable from the first front frame (110), the second front frame (120), the second rear frame (140), the first side frame (150), and the second side frame (160).

[0167] 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).

[0168] The configuration of the housing that can be included in the air conditioner according to the invention is not limited to that described above.

[0169] 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).

[0170] 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.

[0171] 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.

[0172] The outdoor heat exchanger (11) can be placed facing the inlet (131, 151) in the heat exchange room (R1).

[0173] 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.

[0174] 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).

[0175] 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).

[0176] 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).

[0177] 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).

[0178] 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).

[0179] 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).

[0180] 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 (23), and an expansion tank (22).

[0181] However, the concept of 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.

[0182] The outdoor unit (10) may include a plurality of printed circuit boards (PCBs) 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 outdoor unit (10) may include a control box (800, 900) configured to accommodate these plurality of printed circuit boards.

[0183] 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).

[0184] 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).

[0185] 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).

[0186] 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).

[0187] For example, the outdoor unit (10) may include a duct (17). The duct (17) may be provided so that the interior of the first control box (800) is connected to the heat exchange room (R1). The duct (17) may be provided so that the interior of the second control box (900) is connected to the heat exchange room (R1).

[0188] 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 (17) 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 (17). In addition, through this, for example, heat generated inside the control box (800, 900) can be released into the heat exchange room (R1) through the duct (17).

[0189] The configuration of the outdoor unit (10) described above is merely an example of an outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to the concept of the present disclosure, and the concept of 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 heat-exchanged and then discharged to the outside.

[0190] As described above, the outdoor unit (10) may include various components. Each component of the outdoor unit (10) may be supported, coupled, or fixed to one another by various structures. For example, each component of the outdoor unit (10) may be fixed to one another by a structure that is fastened by a fastening member such as a screw. In this case, each component of the outdoor unit (10) that is fixed to one another may be made separable from one another by releasing the fastening member.

[0191] Hereinafter, an exemplary structure for fixing some components of an outdoor unit (10) to each other will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 4 to 25.

[0192] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a front frame of an outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 5 is a partially exploded perspective view illustrating a coupling relationship between various components of a housing included in an outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 6 is a partially exploded perspective view illustrating a coupling relationship between various components of a housing included in an outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0193] Referring to FIGS. 4, 5, and 6 (which may also be referred to as FIGS. 4 to 6), some of the components of the housing (100) in the outdoor unit (10) of the air conditioner (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may be fixed to each other by a fastener (e.g., a fastener) (F). As an example, as illustrated, the fastener (F) may include a screw, as an example of a fastener.

[0194] The various configurations of the housing (100) can be fixed by being fastened to each other by a fastening member (F), and can be separated from each other by being released from the fastening member (F).

[0195] For example, as illustrated in FIGS. 4 to 6, the first front frame (110) and the first front cover (180) can be fixed to each other by a fastening member (F). The first front cover (180) can be fixed to the first front frame (110) by the fastening member (F). The first front frame (110) and the first front cover (180) can be fixed to each other by fastening by the fastening member (F), and can be separated from each other when fastening by the fastening member (F) is released.

[0196] The first front cover (180) may be coupled to one side of the first front frame (110). For example, the first front cover (180) may be coupled to one side (hereinafter, “front”) of the front (+X direction) of the first front frame (110). The front of the first front frame (110) may be one side of the first front frame (110) facing the outside of the outdoor unit (10).

[0197] For example, the first front frame (110) may include a first fixing member (112). The first fixing member (112) may be provided so that the first front cover (180) is fixed to the first front frame (110). The first front cover (180) may be fixed to the first fixing member (112) by a fastening member (F). The fastening member (F) may be coupled to the first fixing member (112) to fix the first front cover (180) to the first front frame (110), and may be separated from the first fixing member (112) to enable the first front cover (180) to be separated from the first front frame (110).

[0198] For example, as illustrated in FIG. 4, the first fixing portion (112) may be formed at a position adjacent to the edge portion of the first front frame (110). For example, a plurality of first fixing portions (112) may be provided, and some of the plurality of first fixing portions (112) may be formed at a position adjacent to the upper edge portion of the first front frame (110), and other some may be formed at a position adjacent to the lower edge portion of the first front frame (110). However, the position at which the first fixing portions (112) are formed on the first front frame (110) and the number of first fixing portions (112) formed on the first front frame (110) are not limited to those illustrated in FIG. 4.

[0199] The first fixing part (112) may include a burring hole (301). The burring hole (301) of the first fixing part (112) may be provided so that a fastening member (F) may pass through it. The burring hole (301) of the first fixing part (112) may be formed so that the fastening member (F) may pass through it. The burring hole (301) of the first fixing part (112) may be formed so that both sides of the first fixing part (112) in the front-back direction (X direction) may pass through it. The burring hole (301) of the first fixing part (112) may have a diameter large enough to allow the fastening member (F) to pass through it. For example, the diameter of the burring hole (301) of the first fixing member (112) may roughly correspond to the diameter of the fastening member (F) (in particular, the diameter of the body part (FB, see FIG. 9) of the fastening member (F). However, the diameter of the burring hole (301) of the first fixing member (112) may be smaller than the diameter of the head part (FH, see FIG. 9) of the fastening member (F).

[0200] The first front cover (180) may include a first frame coupling portion (181) that is provided to be coupled to the first front frame (110). The first front cover (180) may be fixed to the first fixing portion (112) of the first front frame (110) by the first frame coupling portion (181). The fastening member (F) may be coupled to the first frame coupling portion (181) to fix the first front cover (180) to the first front frame (110), and may be separated from the first frame coupling portion (181) to enable the first front cover (180) to be separated from the first front frame (110).

[0201] The first frame joint (181) may include a first cover hole (181a). The first cover hole (181a) may be provided so that a fastening member (F) may pass through it. The first cover hole (181a) may be formed so that the fastening member (F) may pass through it. The first cover hole (181a) may be formed so that both sides of the first frame joint (181) in the front-rear direction (X direction) may pass through it. The first cover hole (181a) may have a diameter sufficiently large so that the fastening member (F) may pass through it. For example, the diameter of the first cover hole (181a) may approximately correspond to the diameter of the fastening member (F) (in particular, the diameter of the body part (FB, see FIG. 9) of the fastening member (F). However, the diameter of the first cover hole (181a) may be smaller than the diameter of the head part (FH, see FIG. 9) of the fastening member (F).

[0202] The burring hole (301) and the first cover hole (181a) of the first fixing part (112) may be formed to be arranged at corresponding positions when the first front frame (110) and the first front cover (180) are fixed to each other. For example, when the first front frame (110) and the first front cover (180) are fixed to each other, the burring hole (301) of the first fixing part (112) and the first cover hole (181a) may be arranged parallel to each other in the front-back direction (X). More specifically, when the first front frame (110) and the first front cover (180) are fixed to each other, the first cover hole (181a) may be arranged forward (in the +X direction) of the burring hole (301) of the first fixing part (112).

[0203] With this structure, the first front frame (110) and the first front cover (180) can be fixed to each other by being fixed to each other by a fastening member (F) that penetrates the first cover hole (181a) and the burring hole (301) of the first fixing member (112). For example, the fastening member (F) can be fixed to each other by being arranged to sequentially penetrate the first cover hole (181a) and the burring hole (301) of the first fixing member (112). The fact that the fastening member (F) sequentially penetrates the first cover hole (181a) and the burring hole (301) of the first fixing member (112) may refer to, for example, that the body part (FB, see FIG. 9) of the fastening member (F) first penetrates the first cover hole (181a) and then penetrates the burring hole (301) of the first fixing member (112). The first cover hole (181a) may be located between the head part (FH, see FIG. 9) of the fastening member (F) and the burring hole (301) of the first fixing member (112).

[0204] The fastening member (F) may be arranged to fasten the first front frame (110) and the first front cover (180) by sequentially penetrating the burring hole (301) and the first cover hole (181a) of the first fixing part (112) that are arranged parallel to each other in one direction. For example, in a state where the burring hole (301) of the first fixing part (112) and the first cover hole (181a) are arranged parallel to each other in the front-back direction (X), the fastening member (F) may fasten the first front frame (110) and the first front cover (180) by penetrating the burring hole (301) and the first cover hole (181a) of the first fixing part (112) in the front-back direction (+X direction).

[0205] Since the first front frame (110) can be formed to have a thin and flat plate shape, a structure may be required to stably support the fastening member (F) when it penetrates the first front frame (110). In addition, when the work of fastening or unfastening the fastening member (F) to the first front frame (110) is repeated, a problem such as wear of the portion on the first front frame (110) where the fastening member (F) is fastened (for example, a portion forming a burring hole (301)) may occur, and therefore a structure may be required to prevent and / or suppress wear of the portion where the fastening member (F) is fastened and to reinforce the rigidity thereof.

[0206] Accordingly, the first fixing part (112) may include a burring flange (302) provided along the periphery of the burring hole (301). The burring flange (302) of the first fixing part (112) may extend from the burring hole (301) in a direction in which the fastening member (F) passes through the burring hole (301). The burring flange (302) of the first fixing part (112) may protrude from the flat portion of the first fixing part (112) in a direction away from the first front cover (180). For example, the burring flange (302) of the first fixing part (112) may be provided along the periphery of the burring hole (301) and may protrude rearward (in the -X direction) from the flat portion of the first fixing part (112).

[0207] For example, the burring hole (301) of the first fixing part (112) may have a roughly circular shape. The burring flange (302) of the first fixing part (112) may have a roughly cylindrical shape with a hollow portion corresponding to the burring hole (301).

[0208] The burring flange (302) of the first fixing member (112) may be provided to support a fastening member (F) penetrating the burring hole (301). The fastening member (F) may be supported by the burring flange (302) as the outer circumference of the body portion (FB, see FIG. 9) of the fastening member (F) comes into contact with the inner circumference of the burring flange (302) of the first fixing member (112).

[0209] By this configuration, the rigidity of the first fixing member (112) can be reinforced, the fastening member (F) can be stably supported by the first fixing member (112), and the first front cover (180) can be stably fixed to the first front frame (110).

[0210] For example, a screw thread may be formed on the inner surface of the burring flange (302) of the first fixing member (112). For example, the screw thread formed on the inner surface of the burring flange (302) may be formed in a spiral shape extending along the longitudinal direction and the circumferential direction of the burring flange (302). As illustrated in FIG. 9, a screw thread having a shape corresponding to the screw thread of the burring flange (302) may also be formed on the body portion (FB) of the fastening member (F), and the fastening member (F) may move along the screw thread of the burring flange (302) and be coupled to or separated from the first fixing member (112).

[0211] As illustrated in FIGS. 4 to 6, the first front frame (110) and the second front cover (190) can be fixed to each other by a fastening member (F). The second front cover (190) can be fixed to the first front frame (110) by the fastening member (F). The first front frame (110) and the second front cover (190) can be fixed to each other by fastening by the fastening member (F), and can be separated from each other when fastening by the fastening member (F) is released.

[0212] The second front cover (190) can be coupled to one side of the first front frame (110). For example, the second front cover (190) can be coupled to the front side of the first front frame (110).

[0213] For example, the first front frame (110) may include a second fixing member (113). The second fixing member (113) may be provided so that the second front cover (190) is fixed to the first front frame (110). The second front cover (190) may be fixed to the second fixing member (113) by a fastening member (F). The fastening member (F) may be coupled to the second fixing member (113) to fix the second front cover (190) to the first front frame (110), and may be separated from the second fixing member (113) to allow the second front cover (190) to be separated from the first front frame (110).

[0214] For example, as illustrated in FIG. 4, the second fixing portion (113) may be formed at a position adjacent to the edge portion of the first front frame (110). More specifically, the second fixing portion (113) may be positioned at a position adjacent to the edge portion (e.g., the right (+Y direction side) edge portion) adjacent to the second front cover (190) of the first front frame (110). For example, a plurality of second fixing portions (113) may be provided, and some of the plurality of second fixing portions (113) may be formed at a position adjacent to the upper portion of the right edge of the first front frame (110), and other some may be formed at a position adjacent to the lower portion of the right edge of the first front frame (110). In addition, for example, the second fixing portion (113) may be positioned in the right direction (+Y direction), which is a direction closer to the second front cover (190) than the first fixing portion (112). However, the position where the second fixing part (113) is formed on the first front frame (110) and the number of second fixing parts (113) formed on the first front frame (110) are not limited to those shown in FIG. 4.

[0215] The second fixing part (113) may include a burring hole (301). The burring hole (301) of the second fixing part (113) may be provided so that a fastening member (F) may pass through it. The burring hole (301) of the second fixing part (113) may be formed so that the fastening member (F) may pass through it. The burring hole (301) of the second fixing part (113) may be formed so that both sides of the second fixing part (113) in the front-back direction (X direction) are penetrated through it. The burring hole (301) of the second fixing part (113) may have a diameter large enough to allow the fastening member (F) to pass through it. For example, the diameter of the burring hole (301) of the second fixing member (113) may roughly correspond to the diameter of the fastening member (F) (in particular, the diameter of the body part (FB, see FIG. 9) of the fastening member (F). However, the diameter of the burring hole (301) of the second fixing member (113) may be smaller than the diameter of the head part (FH, see FIG. 9) of the fastening member (F).

[0216] The second front cover (190) may include a second frame coupling portion (191) that is provided to be coupled to the first front frame (110). The second front cover (190) may be fixed to the second fixing portion (113) of the first front frame (110) by the second frame coupling portion (191). The fastening member (F) may be coupled to the second frame coupling portion (191) to fix the second front cover (190) to the first front frame (110), and may be separated from the second frame coupling portion (191) to enable the second front cover (190) to be separated from the first front frame (110).

[0217] For example, the second frame joint (191) may include a second cover hole (191a). The second cover hole (191a) may be provided so that a fastening member (F) may pass through it. The second cover hole (191a) may be formed so that the fastening member (F) may pass through it. The second cover hole (191a) may be formed so that both sides of the second frame joint (191) in the front-rear direction (X direction) pass through it. The second cover hole (191a) may have a diameter sufficiently large so that the fastening member (F) may pass through it. For example, the diameter of the second cover hole (191a) may roughly correspond to the diameter of the fastening member (F) (e.g., the diameter of the body part (FB, see FIG. 9) of the fastening member (F). However, the diameter of the second cover hole (191a) may be smaller than the diameter of the head part (FH, see FIG. 9) of the fastening member (F).

[0218] The burring hole (301) and the second cover hole (191a) of the second fixing part (113) may be formed to be positioned at corresponding positions when the first front frame (110) and the second front cover (190) are fixed to each other. For example, when the first front frame (110) and the second front cover (190) are fixed to each other, the burring hole (301) and the second cover hole (191a) of the second fixing part (113) may be positioned parallel to each other in the front-back direction (X). For example, when the first front frame (110) and the second front cover (190) are fixed to each other, the second cover hole (191a) may be positioned forward (in the +X direction) of the burring hole (301) of the second fixing part (113).

[0219] With this structure, the first front frame (110) and the second front cover (190) can be fixed to each other by being fixed to each other by a fastening member (F) that penetrates the second cover hole (191a) and the burring hole (301) of the second fixing member (113). For example, the fastening member (F) can be fixed to each other by being arranged to sequentially penetrate the second cover hole (191a) and the burring hole (301) of the second fixing member (113). The fact that the fastening member (F) sequentially penetrates the second cover hole (191a) and the burring hole (301) of the second fixing member (113) may refer to, for example, that the body part (FB, see FIG. 9) of the fastening member (F) first penetrates the second cover hole (191a) and then penetrates the burring hole (301) of the second fixing member (113). In this case, the second cover hole (191a) may be located between the head part (FH, see FIG. 9) of the fastening member (F) and the burring hole (301) of the second fixing member (113).

[0220] The fastening member (F) may be arranged to fasten the first front frame (110) and the second front cover (190) by sequentially penetrating the burring hole (301) and the second cover hole (191a) of the second fixing part (113) that are arranged parallel to each other in one direction. For example, in a state where the burring hole (301) of the second fixing part (113) and the second cover hole (191a) are arranged parallel to each other in the front-back direction (X), the fastening member (F) may fasten the first front frame (110) and the second front cover (190) by penetrating the burring hole (301) and the second cover hole (191a) of the second fixing part (113) in the front-back direction (+X direction).

[0221] Just as the first fixing part (112) includes a burring flange (302), the second fixing part (113) may also include a burring flange (302) provided along the periphery of the burring hole (301). The burring flange (302) of the second fixing part (113) may extend from the burring hole (301) in a direction in which the fastening member (F) passes through the burring hole (301). The burring flange (302) of the second fixing part (113) may protrude from the flat portion of the second fixing part (113) in a direction away from the second front cover (190). For example, the burring flange (302) of the second fixing part (113) may be provided along the periphery of the burring hole (301) and may protrude rearward (in the -X direction) from the flat portion of the second fixing part (113).

[0222] For example, the burring hole (301) of the second fixing part (113) may have a roughly circular shape. At this time, for example, the burring flange (302) of the second fixing part (113) may have a roughly cylindrical shape with a hollow portion corresponding to the burring hole (301).

[0223] The burring flange (302) of the second fixing member (113) may be provided to support a fastening member (F) penetrating the burring hole (301). The fastening member (F) may be supported by the burring flange (302) as the outer circumference of the body portion (FB, see FIG. 9) of the fastening member (F) comes into contact with the inner circumference of the burring flange (302) of the second fixing member (113).

[0224] By this configuration, the rigidity of the second fixing member (113) can be reinforced, the fastening member (F) can be stably supported by the second fixing member (113), and the second front cover (190) can be stably fixed to the first front frame (110).

[0225] For example, a screw thread may be formed on the inner surface of the burring flange (302) of the second fixing member (113). For example, the screw thread formed on the inner surface of the burring flange (302) may be formed in a spiral shape extending along the longitudinal direction and the circumferential direction of the burring flange (302). As illustrated in FIG. 9, a screw thread having a shape corresponding to the screw thread of the burring flange (302) may also be formed on the body portion (FB) of the fastening member (F), and the fastening member (F) may move along the screw thread of the burring flange (302) and be coupled to or separated from the second fixing member (113).

[0226] With this configuration, the first front cover (180) and the second front cover (190) can be fixed to the first front frame (110) by the fastening member (F), respectively. In addition, the first front cover (180) and the second front cover (190) can be separated from the first front frame (110) as the fastening member (F) is released.

[0227] In addition to the configurations described above, various configurations of the outdoor unit (10) may be arranged to be fixed to each other by fastening members (F), and at this time, structures corresponding to the structures of the first and second fixing parts (112, 113) described above (e.g., burring hole (301), burring flange (302), etc.) may be applied to the fixing structures by the fastening members (F) between the respective configurations.

[0228] As described above, even if a burring flange (302) is provided in the fixing structure between the components of the outdoor unit (10) to support the fastening member (F) and reinforce the rigidity of the fixing member, there is a possibility that damage may occur to the fixing member, such as wear occurring on the inner surface of the burring flange (302), if the fastening and releasing operations of the fastening member (F) are performed repeatedly. In such a case, there is a possibility that the fastening member (F) may not be stably supported on the fixing member, or that the fastening member (F) may rotate during the process of fastening or releasing the fastening member (F).

[0229] This can be particularly problematic when the portion where the burring flange (302) is formed is made of a thin or soft material. For example, some of the components of the outdoor unit (10) may be made of a thin material to reduce the overall weight of the product. For example, the first front frame (110) may be made of a thin, soft metal material so that a bell mouth (115) can be formed through drawing processing.

[0230] Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 7 to 25, a description will be given of a fixing structure between components of an improved outdoor unit (10) that can prevent and / or reduce damage to the burring flange (302), such as wear on the inner surface of the burring flange (302), reinforce the rigidity of the fixing structure, stably support the fastening member (F), and improve the fixing force by the fastening member (F).

[0231] FIG. 7 is a perspective view illustrating a portion of a fixing structure of a housing included in an outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 8 is a perspective view illustrating a portion of a fixing structure of a housing included in an outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of various configurations of a housing included in an outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0232] In describing an embodiment of the present disclosure with reference to FIGS. 7, 8, and 9 (which may also be referred to as FIGS. 7 to 9), the first front frame (110) is conveniently referred to as a 'first body (200)', and the first front cover (180) or the second front cover (190) fixed to the first front frame (110) is conveniently referred to as a 'second body (400)'. The second body (400) may be supported by the first body (200) as it is fixed to the first body (200), and the first body (200) may be referred to as a 'support body (200)' that supports the second body (400), and the second body (400) may be referred to as a 'target body (400)' that is a target to be fixed to the first body (200).

[0233] In addition, when describing one embodiment of the present disclosure with reference to FIGS. 7 to 9, the first fixing part (112) or the second fixing part (113) provided in the first body (200) is conveniently referred to as a fixing part (300). The fixing part (300) may have features and structures corresponding to the first fixing part (112) or the second fixing part (113), respectively.

[0234] In addition, when describing one embodiment of the present disclosure with reference to FIGS. 7 to 9, the first cover hole (181a) or the second cover hole (191a) formed in the second body (400) is conveniently referred to as a second body hole (410). The second body hole (410) may have features and structures corresponding to the first cover hole (181a) or the second cover hole (191a), respectively.

[0235] Referring to FIGS. 7 to 9, an outdoor unit (10) of an air conditioner (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a first body (200) and a second body (400) that is provided to be fixed to the first body (200) by a fastening member (F). The first body (200) and the second body (400) may be fastened to each other by the fastening member (F). As the fastening member (F) is released, the first body (200) and the second body (400) may become separable from each other.

[0236] The first body (200) may include a first fixing plate (310). The first fixing plate (310) may be provided on the fixing portion (300) of the first body (200). The first fixing plate (310) may be provided to support the second body (400). For example, one surface of the first fixing plate (310) may be in contact with the second body (400). As illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8, the front surface of the first fixing plate (310) may be in contact with the second body (400).

[0237] For example, the first fixed plate (310) may be formed to have a roughly flat plate shape.

[0238] The first fixed plate (310) may be formed to be penetrated by a fastening member (F). For example, the first fixed plate (310) may include a first burring hole (311) formed to be penetrated by the fastening member (F). For example, the first burring hole (311) may be formed in a shape that penetrates the first fixed plate (310) in the front-back direction (X).

[0239] The first burring hole (311) may be formed at a position corresponding to the second body hole (410). For example, the first burring hole (311) may be positioned at the rear (-X direction) of the second body hole (410). The fastening member (F) may sequentially penetrate the second body hole (410) and the first burring hole (311) to secure the second body (400) to the first body (200).

[0240] The first body (200) may include a second fixed plate (320). The second fixed plate (320) may be provided on the fixed portion (300) of the first body (200). The second fixed plate (320) may be provided to be in contact with the first fixed plate (310). For example, the second fixed plate (320) may be in contact with a surface opposite to a surface of the first fixed plate (310) adjacent to the second body (400). In other words, the second fixed plate (320) may be in contact with a surface opposite to a surface of the first fixed plate (310) that is in contact with the second body (400). As illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8, the second fixed plate (320) may be in contact with the rear surface of the first fixed plate (310). The first fixed plate (310) can be placed between the second fixed plate (320) and the second body (400).

[0241] For example, the second fixed plate (320) may be formed to have a roughly flat plate shape.

[0242] For example, the first fixed plate (310) and the second fixed plate (320) may have approximately the same thickness. For example, the first fixed plate (310) and the second fixed plate (320) may have approximately the same thickness in the direction in which they contact each other. The X-direction thickness of the first fixed plate (310) and the X-direction thickness of the second fixed plate (320) may be approximately the same.

[0243] The second fixed plate (320) may be formed to be penetrated by a fastening member (F). Specifically, the second fixed plate (320) may include a second burring hole (321) formed to be penetrated by the fastening member (F). For example, the second burring hole (321) may be formed in a shape that penetrates the second fixed plate (320) in the front-back direction (X).

[0244] The second burring hole (321) may be formed at a position corresponding to the second body hole (410). For example, the second burring hole (321) may be positioned at the rear (-X direction) of the second body hole (410).

[0245] In addition, the second burring hole (321) may be formed at a position corresponding to the first burring hole (311). The second burring hole (321) may be arranged to correspond to the first burring hole (311). For example, the second burring hole (321) may be arranged at the rear (-X direction) of the first burring hole (311). The first burring hole (311) may be arranged between the second body hole (410) and the second burring hole (321).

[0246] The fastening member (F) can sequentially penetrate the second body hole (410), the first burring hole (311), and the second burring hole (321) to secure the second body (400) to the first body (200).

[0247] The first body (200) may include a first flange (312). The first flange (312) may be provided on the fixing portion (300) of the first body (200). The first flange (312) may form a part of the burring flange (302) described above. The first flange (312) may be provided along the periphery of the first burring hole (311). The first flange (312) may protrude from the first fixing plate (310). For example, the first flange (312) may protrude from the first fixing plate (310) in a direction away from the second body (400). The first flange (312) may protrude from the first fixing plate (310) in a direction in which the second fixing plate (320) is positioned relative to the first fixing plate (310). As shown in FIGS. 7 to 9, the first flange (312) can protrude rearward (in the -X direction) from the first fixed plate (310).

[0248] The first flange (312) can penetrate the second fixed plate (320). The first flange (312) can penetrate the second burring hole (321). The first flange (312) can protrude from the first fixed plate (310) in a direction penetrating the second burring hole (321). The first flange (312) can contact the periphery of the second burring hole (321). The first flange (312) can support the inner periphery of the second burring hole (321).

[0249] The first burring hole (311) may be provided on one side of the first flange (312). For example, the first burring hole (311) may be provided on one side of the first flange (312) adjacent to the second body (400). In the step of fixing the second body (400) to the first body (200) using the fastening member (F), the fastening member (F) may enter the inside of the first flange (312) through the first burring hole (311).

[0250] For example, the first burring hole (311) may have a roughly circular shape. In this case, for example, the first flange (312) may have a roughly cylindrical shape with a hollow portion corresponding to the first burring hole (311). The hollow portion of the first flange (312) may be provided so that a fastening member (F) can pass through it.

[0251] The first flange (312) may be provided to support a fastening member (F). The fastening member (F) may be positioned to penetrate the first flange (312) when fixing the second body (400) to the first body (200), and may be supported by the first flange (312). The body portion (FB) of the fastening member (F) may be in contact with the inner circumferential surface of the first flange (312).

[0252] For example, a screw thread having a shape corresponding to the screw thread formed on the body portion (FB) of the fastening member (F) may be provided on the inner surface of the first flange (312).

[0253] The first body (200) may include a second flange (322). The second flange (322) may be provided on the fixing portion (300) of the first body (200). The second flange (322) may form a part of the burring flange (302) described above. The second flange (322) may be provided along the periphery of the second burring hole (321). The second flange (322) may protrude from the second fixing plate (320). For example, the second flange (322) may protrude from the second fixing plate (320) in a direction away from the second body (400). In addition, the second flange (322) may protrude from the second fixing plate (320) in a direction away from the first fixing plate (310). The second flange (322) can protrude from the second fixed plate (320) in the direction in which the second fixed plate (320) is positioned relative to the first fixed plate (310). As illustrated in FIGS. 7 to 9, the second flange (322) can protrude rearward (-X direction) from the second fixed plate (320). The first flange (312) and the second flange (322) can protrude in corresponding directions.

[0254] The second burring hole (321) may be provided on one side of the second flange (322). For example, the second burring hole (321) may be provided on one side of the second flange (322) adjacent to the second body (400). In the step of fixing the second body (400) to the first body (200) using the fastening member (F), the fastening member (F) may enter the inner side of the second flange (322) through the second burring hole (321).

[0255] For example, the second burring hole (321) may have a roughly circular shape. At this time, for example, the second flange (322) may have a roughly cylindrical shape with a hollow portion corresponding to the second burring hole (321). The hollow portion of the second flange (322) may be provided so that a fastening member (F) can pass through it.

[0256] The second flange (322) may be provided to support a fastening member (F). The fastening member (F) may be positioned to penetrate the second flange (322) when fastening the second body (400) to the first body (200), and may be supported by the second flange (322).

[0257] The second flange (322) may be arranged radially outer than the first flange (312). The first flange (312) may be arranged radially inner than the second flange (322). The first flange (312) may form the inner surface of the aforementioned burring flange (302), and the second flange (322) may form the outer surface of the aforementioned burring flange (302). The first flange (312) may be referred to as an 'inner flange (312)'. The second flange (322) may be referred to as an 'outer flange (322)'.

[0258] In one embodiment, the first flange (312) may be formed integrally with the first fixed plate (310). In addition, the second flange (322) may be formed integrally with the second fixed plate (320). Furthermore, the first fixed plate (310), the second fixed plate (320), the first flange (312), and the second flange (322) may each be formed integrally as a part of the first body (200). In this respect, the first flange (312) may be referred to as a 'first flange portion (312)' or an 'inner flange portion (312)', and the second flange (322) may be referred to as a 'second flange portion (322)' or an 'outer flange portion (322)'.

[0259] The first flange (312) and the second flange (322) may be in contact with each other. For example, the inner surface of the second flange (322) may be in contact with the outer surface of the first flange (312). The second flange (322) may be arranged to surround the outer surface of the first flange (312). The first flange (312) may support the second flange (322) from a radially inward side. The second flange (322) may support the first flange (312) from a radially outward side.

[0260] For example, as illustrated in FIG. 9, a portion of the first flange (312) may be in contact with the inner surface of the second flange (322), and another portion of the first flange (312) may be in contact with the circumference of the second burring hole (321) of the second fixed plate (320). The first flange (312) may extend toward the inner side of the second flange (322) by penetrating the second burring hole (321), and may support the second fixed plate (320) and the second flange (322) from the inner side.

[0261] In addition, as illustrated in FIG. 9, the second flange (322) can be in contact with the outer surface of a portion of the first flange (312), and the second fixing plate (320) can be in contact with the outer surface of another portion of the first flange (312). That is, the second fixing plate (320) and the second flange (322) can surround the outer surface of the first flange (312) and support the first flange (312) from the outside.

[0262] By the structure of the first flange (312) and the second flange (322) as described above, the thickness of the burring flange (302) provided in the fixing part (300) can be increased. That is, even if the thickness of the material constituting the fixing part (300) is not excessively thick, the thickness of the burring flange (302) can be provided to be sufficiently thick. Accordingly, the fastening member (F) can be stably supported by the burring flange (302). In addition, the rigidity of the burring flange (302) of the fixing part (300) can be improved, so that damage to the burring flange (302), such as wear on the inner surface of the burring flange (302) during repeated fastening and releasing of the fastening member (F), can be effectively prevented and reduced. In addition, by this structure, the fixing force of the fastening member (F) that fixes the first body (200) and the second body (400) to each other can be improved. In addition, since the fixing force by the fastening member (F) can be sufficiently secured by this structure, additional parts (e.g., nuts, etc.) for improving the fixing force may not be required, and the manufacturing cost of the product may be reduced.

[0263] In addition, due to the structure in which the first fixing plate (310) and the second fixing plate (320) are in contact with each other in this way, the protruding length of the burring flange (302) can increase. For example, even if the thickness of the material constituting the fixing part (300) is not excessively thick, the length of the burring flange (302) can be sufficiently long because the first fixing plate (310) and the second fixing plate (320) are arranged to overlap each other. Accordingly, the fastening member (F) can be more stably supported by the burring flange (302). In addition, the area of ​​the inner circumferential surface of the burring flange (302) where the body portion (FB) of the fastening member (F) is in contact increases, and wear of the inner circumferential surface of the burring flange (302) during repeated fastening and releasing of the fastening member (F) can be effectively prevented and reduced. In addition, the fixing force of the fastening member (F) that fixes the first body (200) and the second body (400) to each other can be improved.

[0264] The portion extending from the first fixed plate (310) of the fixed part (300) to the first flange (312) and the portion extending from the second fixed plate (320) to the second flange (322) can be arranged to be in contact with almost no gap formed therebetween. In other words, the first fixed plate (310) and the second fixed plate (320) are in contact with each other, the first flange (312) and the second flange (322) are in contact with each other, and the portion between the first fixed plate (310) and the first flange (312) and the portion between the second fixed plate (320) and the second flange (322) can also be in contact with each other. A first contact surface (S1) where the first fixed plate (310) and the second fixed plate (320) come into contact with each other and a second contact surface (S2) where the first flange (312) and the second flange (322) come into contact with each other can be connected to each other, and the second contact surface (S2) can extend from a portion adjacent to the second burring hole (321) of the first contact surface (S1).

[0265] By this structure, the rigidity of the burring flange (302) of the fixed part (300) can be further improved, and the fixing force of the fastening member (F) that fixes the first body (200) and the second body (400) can be further improved.

[0266] The first flange (312) may be formed integrally with the first fixed plate (310). For example, the first flange (312) may be formed in a process of forming a first burring hole (311) in the first fixed plate (310) by burring processing.

[0267] Likewise, the second flange (322) may be formed integrally with the second fixed plate (320). For example, the second flange (322) may be formed in a process of forming a second burring hole (321) in the second fixed plate (320) by burring processing.

[0268] A detailed description of the method for forming the first flange (312) and the second flange (322) will be described later.

[0269] For example, the first burring hole (311) and the second burring hole (321) may have their respective centers aligned with each other. Correspondingly, the longitudinal central axis of the first flange (312) and the longitudinal central axis of the second flange (322) may coincide with each other. For example, as illustrated in FIGS. 7 to 9, the first burring hole (311) and the second burring hole (321) may be arranged so that their respective centers are aligned with each other in the X direction. In addition, the longitudinal central axis of the first flange (312), which is a central axis passing through the center of the first flange (312) in the X direction, and the longitudinal central axis of the second flange (322), which is a central axis passing through the center of the second flange (322) in the X direction, may coincide with each other.

[0270] For example, the first flange (312) may extend to a position where the second flange (322) extends from the second fixed plate (320). For example, an end (312e) of the first flange (312) facing away from the first fixed plate (310) and an end (322e) of the second flange (322) facing away from the second fixed plate (320) may be parallel to each other. The inner surface of the second flange (322) may be substantially entirely covered by the first flange (312). However, alternatively, the end (312e) of the first flange (312) and the end (322e) of the second flange (322) may not be parallel to each other, and a portion of the inner surface of the second flange (322) may not be in contact with the outer surface of the first flange (312).

[0271] The following Tables 1, 2, and 3 (which may be referred to as Tables 1 to 3) show the results of an experiment in which the number of times the fastening and detaching operation of the fastening member (F) was repeated 10 times until the threads formed on the inner surface of the burring flange (302) were worn out while the operation of fastening and detaching the fastening member (F) to the fastening member (300) was repeated 10 times, for the case where the fastening member (300) provided on the first body (200) has the structure of Example 1 and the case where the structure of Example 2 is respectively shown. In each table, if the threads were not worn out even after the operation of fastening and detaching the fastening member (F) to the fastening member (300) was repeated 10 times, the value was recorded as 10 times.

[0272] Example 1 is an experiment conducted on a case where a single layer of burring flange was formed through burring processing on a single layer of fixing plates in a fixing portion (300) of a first body (200).

[0273] Example 2 is an experiment conducted on a case where two overlapping flanges are formed through burring processing on two overlapping fixing plates in a fixing portion (300) of a first body (200). That is, Example 2 is an experiment conducted on a case where the fixing portion (300) of the first body (200) includes a first fixing plate (310) and a second fixing plate (320) that are in contact with each other, and a first flange (312) and a second flange (322) that are in contact with each other.

[0274] In the experiments of Tables 1 to 3, the material constituting the first body (200) was selected as a type of hot-dip galvanized steel plate (GI, Galvanized Iron) (e.g., GI-SGCC (Steel Galvanized Cold Commercial)).

[0275] In the experiments in Tables 1 to 3, the thickness of the metal plate constituting the first body (200) was selected to be approximately 0.8 mm.

[0276] In the experiments in Tables 1 to 3, the diameter of the burring hole formed in the fixed part (300) was selected to be approximately 3.35 mm.

[0277] In the experiments of Tables 1 to 3, the structure of Example 1 was formed so that the length (approximately, the length from one side of the second body (400) of the fixed plate to the end of the burring flange (302)) at which the fastening member (F) can be fastened to the fixed portion (300) was approximately 1.5 mm, and the structure of Example 2 was formed so that the length at which the fastening member (F) can be fastened to the fixed portion (300) was approximately 3.1 mm.

[0278] In Tables 1 to 3, the torques applied when fastening the fastening member (F) to the fixed part (300) are different from each other. Table 1 shows the experimental results when the torque fastening the fastening member (F) to the fixed part (300) is 14 kgf*cm, Table 2 shows the experimental results when the torque fastening the fastening member (F) to the fixed part (300) is 23 kgf*cm, and Table 3 shows the experimental results when the torque fastening the fastening member (F) to the fixed part (300) is 26 kgf*cm.

[0279] Referring to Table 1, it can be seen that when the fastening member (F) is fastened to the fixed part (300) with a torque of 14 kgf*cm, no wear occurs on the burring flange during 10 repetitions of fastening and detaching the fastening member in both the structures of Example 1 and Example 2.

[0280] Referring to Table 2, when fastening a fastening member (F) to a fixed member (300) with a torque of 23 kgf*cm, in the structure of Example 1, wear occurred on the burring flange when fastening and detaching the fastening member were repeated an average of 8.6 times, whereas in the structure of Example 2, no wear occurred on the burring flange while fastening and detaching the fastening member were repeated 10 times.

[0281] Referring to Table 3, when fastening a fastening member (F) to a fixed member (300) with a torque of 26 kgf*cm, in the structure of Example 1, wear occurred on the burring flange when fastening and detaching the fastening member were repeated an average of 7.8 times, whereas in the structure of Example 2, no wear occurred on the burring flange while fastening and detaching the fastening member were repeated 10 times.

[0282] Number of times the fastening and separation of the fastening member was repeated Experimental times 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th Average Example 1101010101010 Example 2101010101010

[0283] Number of times the fastening and separation of the fastening member was repeated Experimental times 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th Average Example 151099108.6 Example 2101010101010

[0284] Number of times the fastening and separation of the fastening member was repeated Experimental times 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th Average Example 1105101047.8 Example 2101010101010

[0285] In this way, referring to Tables 1 to 3, since the fixing part (300) of the first body (200) includes the first fixing plate (310), the second fixing plate (320), the first flange (312), and the second flange (322), the rigidity of the fixing part (300) can be improved, and damage to the fixing part (300) due to wear or the like can be effectively prevented and reduced. In addition, when the fastening member (F) is fastened to the fastening member (300), even if a stronger torque is applied to the fastening member (F), the fastening part (300) is not damaged, so the fixing force of the fastening member (F) can be improved.

[0286] The first fixed plate (310) and the second fixed plate (320) can be connected to each other. The second fixed plate (320) can extend from one side of the first fixed plate (310). The second fixed plate (320) can extend from one side of the first fixed plate (310) toward the other side.

[0287] The first body (200) may include a connecting portion (330) connecting the first fixed plate (310) and the second fixed plate (320). The connecting portion (330) may be provided on one side of the first fixed plate (310). The connecting portion (330) may extend from one side of the first fixed plate (310) to the second fixed plate (320). The connecting portion (330) may have a bent shape so as to extend from one side of the first fixed plate (310) to the second fixed plate (320).

[0288] The connecting portion (330) may extend from one side of the first fixed plate (310), and the second fixed plate (320) may extend from the connecting portion (330) toward the opposite side. Through this, the second fixed plate (320) may face the first fixed plate (310). Through this, the second fixed plate (320) may come into contact with the first fixed plate (310).

[0289] The first fixed plate (310) and the second fixed plate (320) may be formed integrally. The second fixed plate (320) may be bent and extended from one side of the first fixed plate (310). For example, the bent portion from one side of the first fixed plate (310) may be formed as a connecting portion (330), and the second fixed plate (320) may be extended from the connecting portion (330). The first fixed plate (310), the connecting portion (330), and the second fixed plate (320) may be formed integrally. That is, the first fixed plate (310), the second fixed plate (320), and the connecting portion (330) may each be a part of the first body (200), and the entirety of the first fixed plate (310) may be formed integrally. In this respect, the first fixed plate (310) may be referred to as a 'first plate portion (310)', etc., and the second fixed plate (320) may be referred to as a 'second plate portion (320)', etc.

[0290] For example, the second fixed plate (320) may be bent in a direction opposite to the second body (400) from one side of the first fixed plate (310). As illustrated in FIGS. 7 to 9, the second fixed plate (320) may be bent rearward (in the -X direction) from one side of the first fixed plate (310) to contact the rear surface of the first fixed plate (310). In this case, the second fixed plate (320) may not be visible when a user views the product from the front (in the +X direction), thereby improving the quality of the product's appearance.

[0291] The first body (200) may include a cut hole (340). The cut hole (340) may be formed by cutting a portion of the first body (200). The cut hole (340) may be formed in a shape that penetrates the first body (200). For example, the cut hole (340) may be formed in a shape that penetrates both sides of the first body (200). For example, as illustrated in FIGS. 7 to 9, the cut hole (340) may be formed in a shape that penetrates the first body (200) in the front-back direction (X).

[0292] The cutting hole (340) may be provided on one side of the first fixing plate (310). The cutting hole (340) may be arranged parallel to the first fixing plate (310). For example, as illustrated in FIGS. 7 to 9, the cutting hole (340) may be arranged parallel to the first fixing plate (310) on the YZ plane.

[0293] The second fixed plate (320) may extend from one side adjacent to the cut hole (340) of the first fixed plate (310). For example, the second fixed plate (320) may extend from one side of the first fixed plate (310) in a direction opposite to the cut hole (340). A connecting portion (330) may be provided on one side of the first fixed plate (310) where the cut hole (340) is provided.

[0294] In one embodiment, the second fixed plate (320) can be brought into contact with the first fixed plate (310) by cutting a portion of the first body (200) to form a cut hole (340) and then bending the cut portion.

[0295] As the second fixed plate (320) is formed in the process of cutting a portion of the first body (200), the size of the cut hole (340) may be larger than the size of the second fixed plate (320). For example, the area of ​​the cut hole (340) may be larger than the area of ​​the second fixed plate (320). In addition, the X-direction thickness of the second fixed plate (320) may roughly correspond to the X-direction thickness of the cut hole (340).

[0296] If the size of the cut hole (340) is excessively large, there is a risk that foreign substances or insects may enter the inside of the first body (200) (e.g., the inside of the housing (100) of the outdoor unit (10)) through the cut hole (340). Therefore, the cut hole (340) may be formed with a horizontal (Y direction) and vertical (Z direction) width of 12 mm or less, respectively, to prevent and / or block foreign substances or insects from easily passing through the cut hole (340).

[0297] For example, when the cut hole (340) and the connecting portion (330) are located on one side of the first fixing plate (310), and the second fixing plate (320) extends from the connecting portion (330) toward the other side of the first fixing plate (310), a part (340a) of the edge of the cut hole (340) adjacent to the first fixing plate (310) may be closer to the other side of the first fixing plate (310) than the connecting portion (330). For example, a part (340a) of the edge of the above cut hole (340) may be provided on both sides of the connecting portion (330), and the two sides of the connecting portion (330) referred to herein may mean both sides in a direction orthogonal to the direction in which the second fixing plate (320) extends from the connecting portion (330). By this structure, it can be easier to bend the second fixed plate (320) on one side of the first fixed plate (310).

[0298] A detailed description of the process of forming the cutting hole (340) and the subsequent process of bending the second fixed plate (320) will be described later.

[0299] As the first fixed plate (310) and the second fixed plate (320) are formed integrally in this way, the manufacturing process of the product can be facilitated and the manufacturing cost of the product can be reduced. In addition, as the first fixed plate (310) and the second fixed plate (320) are formed integrally and the connecting portion (330) connecting the first fixed plate (310) and the second fixed plate (320) is formed by bending, sharp corners may not be formed at the boundary portion between the first fixed plate (310) and the second fixed plate (320), and injury to a worker or damage to parts such as wires due to the corners can be prevented and / or reduced.

[0300] FIG. 10 is a perspective view illustrating an example of a method for manufacturing a fixing structure in an outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 11 is a drawing illustrating an example of a method for manufacturing a fixing structure in an outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an example of a method for manufacturing a fixing structure in an outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0301] Referring to FIG. 10, in a method for manufacturing an outdoor unit (10) of an air conditioner (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a method for forming a fixing portion (300) in a first body (200) may include a step of cutting a portion of the first body (200) located on one side of a first fixing plate (310) from a metal plate which is a material of the first body (200). For example, a step of forming a cut hole (340) through trimming processing on one side of the first fixing plate (310) may be performed. By this step, the second fixing plate (320) may be made bendable with respect to the first fixing plate (310). After this step is performed, as illustrated in FIG. 10, the second fixing plate (320) may extend from one side of the first fixing plate (310) toward the inside of the cut hole (340).

[0302] Referring to FIG. 11, a step of bending a connecting portion (330) connecting a first fixed plate (310) and a second fixed plate (320) may be performed. By bending the connecting portion (330) provided on one side of the first fixed plate (310), the first fixed plate (310) and the second fixed plate (320) may be arranged to contact each other. For example, the connecting portion (330) may be bent so that the second fixed plate (320) contacts the back surface of the first fixed plate (310).

[0303] Referring to FIG. 12, a step of forming a burring hole (301) and a burring flange (302) in the first body (200) may be performed. The burring hole (301) and the burring flange (302) may be formed by burring processing. For example, by a step of sequentially penetrating the first fixing plate (310) and the second fixing plate (320) using a burring tool (T), the burring hole (301) and the burring flange (302) provided along the periphery of the burring hole (301) may be formed in the first body (200). As the burring tool (T) penetrates the first fixed plate (310) and the second fixed plate (320) in a direction from the first fixed plate (310) toward the second fixed plate (320), a burring hole (301) and a burring flange (302) can be formed in the first body (200). As the burring tool (T) penetrates the first fixed plate (310) and the second fixed plate (320) from a side (front side) of the first fixed plate (310) opposite the second fixed plate (320) toward a side (rear side) of the second fixed plate (320) opposite the first fixed plate (310), a burring hole (301) and a burring flange (302) can be formed in the first body (200). The burring tool (T) can simultaneously form a burring hole (301) and a burring flange (302) in the first fixed plate (310) and the second fixed plate (320) by simultaneously penetrating the first fixed plate (310) and the second fixed plate (320) in one movement.

[0304] In the step of forming a burring hole (301) and a burring flange (302) in the first body (200), a first burring hole (311) and a first flange (312) provided along the circumference thereof may be formed in the first fixing plate (310), and a second burring hole (321) and a second flange (322) provided along the circumference thereof may be formed in the second fixing plate (320). The first flange (312) formed in this process may be arranged to penetrate the second fixing plate (320). It may be in contact with the inner circumference of the second flange (322). The outer circumference of the first flange (312) formed in this process may be in contact with the inner circumference of the second flange (322).

[0305] For example, the step of forming a burring hole (301) and a burring flange (302) in the first body (200) may include a step of first forming a small-diameter piercing in the first fixing plate (310) and the second fixing plate (320), and then forming the burring hole (301) and the burring flange (302) while applying pressure to the periphery of the pierced portion using a burring tool (T). In this case, the burring flange (302) can be formed to have a smoother shape, which is advantageous in terms of worker safety and prevention / reduction of damage to components such as wires.

[0306] The step of forming a burring hole (301) and a burring flange (302) in the first body (200) may include a step of forming the burring hole (301) and the burring flange (302) while simultaneously breaking through the first fixing plate (310) and the second fixing plate (320) using a burring tool (T) without forming a piercing in the first fixing plate (310) and the second fixing plate (320). In this case, although there is a possibility that a crack may form at the end of the burring flange (302), which may cause injury to a worker or damage to a part, there is an advantage that manufacturing costs can be reduced.

[0307] After the burring hole (301) and the burring flange (302) are formed in the first body (200), for example, a step of forming screw threads on the inner surface of the burring flange (302) may be performed. The step of forming screw threads on the inner surface of the burring flange (302) may not be performed separately.

[0308] Through this process, the manufacturing step of the first body (200) in which the fixing part (300) is provided can be completed.

[0309] Thereafter, a step of fixing the first body (200) and the second body (400) using a fastening member (F) may be performed. For example, the second body (400) and the first body (200) may be positioned so that the second body (400), the first fixing plate (310), and the second fixing plate (320) can be positioned in sequence, and a step of fixing the second body (400) to the first body (200) using a fastening member (F) that sequentially penetrates the second body (400) and the burring hole (301) may be performed. For example, the second body (400) may be positioned to contact one surface of the first fixing plate (310), and then fixed to the first body (200) by a fastening member (F) that sequentially penetrates the second body (400) and the burring hole (301).

[0310] The method of forming a fixed part (300) provided in the first body (200) described above with reference to FIGS. 10 to 12 is merely an example, and the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0311] For example, the connecting portion (330) may be bent so that the second fixed plate (320) comes into contact with the front surface of the first fixed plate (310) rather than the back surface, and the burring tool (T) may sequentially penetrate the second fixed plate (320) and the first fixed plate (310) in a direction from the second fixed plate (320) toward the first fixed plate (310) to form a burring hole (301) and a burring flange (302). In this case, the second flange protruding from the second fixed plate (320) may penetrate the first fixed plate so that the outer circumference of the second flange comes into contact with the inner circumference of the first flange protruding from the first fixed plate (310).

[0312] The first fixed plate (310) and the second fixed plate (320) may not be formed integrally with each other. In this case, a burring hole and a burring flange may be formed by sequentially piercing the multiple fixed plates using a burring tool (T) while arranging multiple fixed plates that are separated from each other so that they are in contact with each other. The burring hole and the burring flange formed by this process may also have a structure similar to the burring hole and the burring flange formed by the process of FIGS. 10 to 12.

[0313] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an example of a process for combining various components of a housing in an outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an example of a process for combining various components of a housing in an outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0314] Referring to FIGS. 13 and 14, in an outdoor unit (10) of an air conditioner (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a first front cover (180) may be provided to be slidably movable relative to a first front frame (110). For example, the first front cover (180) may be provided to be slidably movable relative to the first front frame (110) when not fastened to the first front frame (110) by a fastening member (F).

[0315] The first front cover (180) may be provided to be movable between a first position (see FIG. 13) that is detachable from the first front frame (110) and a second position (see FIG. 14) that is restrained with respect to the first front frame (110). For example, as illustrated in FIGS. 13 and 14, the first front cover (180) may be provided to be movable in the horizontal direction (Y direction) between the first position and the second position. Even when the first front cover (180) is positioned at the second position, it is possible to move toward the first position, but it may be restrained from moving in a direction other than the first direction (for example, the front-back direction (X direction). For example, when the first front cover (180) is restrained in the first direction with respect to the first front frame (110) when it is at the second position, the first front cover (180) may be movable in a second direction that is different from the first direction between the first position and the second position with respect to the first front frame (110).

[0316] When the first front cover (180) is positioned at the first position, the first cover hole (181a) may be arranged not to be parallel to the burring hole (301) of the first fixing part (112). When the first front cover (180) is positioned at the second position, the first cover hole (181a) and the burring hole (301) of the first fixing part (112) may be arranged parallel to each other. For example, when the first front cover (180) is positioned at the second position, the first cover hole (181a) and the burring hole (301) of the first fixing part (112) may be arranged parallel to each other in the front-back direction (X). Accordingly, when the first front cover (180) is positioned at the second position, the fastening member (F) can sequentially penetrate the first cover hole (181a) and the burring hole (301) of the first fixing part (112), and the first front cover (180) can be fixed to the first front frame (110) by the fastening member (F).

[0317] The first front cover (180) may include a guide protrusion (181b). The guide protrusion (181b) may be provided to guide the first front cover (180) to move between a first position and a second position relative to the first front frame (110).

[0318] Referring to FIGS. 13 and 14, the first front frame (110) may include a guide hole (114) through which a guide protrusion (181b) may pass. The guide hole (114) may be provided so that the guide protrusion (181b) may pass through when the first front cover (180) is positioned between a first position and a second position with respect to the first front frame (110).

[0319] The guide hole (114) may be formed to have a shape that penetrates both sides of the first front frame (110). For example, the guide hole (114) may be formed to have a shape that penetrates in the front-back direction (X) by the guide protrusion (181b).

[0320] The guide protrusion (181b) can guide the sliding movement of the first front cover (180) relative to the first front frame (110) as it moves while being positioned to penetrate the guide hole (114). The guide protrusion (181b) can interfere with the edge portion of the guide hole (114) when the first front cover (180) is positioned at the first position or the second position.

[0321] The guide hole (114) may extend along the movement direction of the first front cover (180) relative to the first front frame (110). The distance between the first position and the second position of the first front cover (180) may correspond to the extension length of the guide hole (114). For example, the guide hole (114) may extend along the horizontal direction (Y).

[0322] As illustrated in FIG. 13, when the first front cover (180) is positioned to contact the front surface of the first front frame (110), the guide protrusion (181b) can pass through the guide hole (114). When the first front cover (180) is positioned at the first position, the guide protrusion (181b) can be positioned to pass through the guide hole (114). At this time, the guide protrusion (181b) may not be restricted from moving in the first direction (for example, the forward-backward direction (X)) with respect to the guide hole (114). Therefore, the first front cover (180) can be separated from the first front frame (110) at the first position.

[0323] As illustrated in Fig. 13, the first front cover (180) can move in a second direction (e.g., horizontal direction (Y)) with respect to the first front frame (110) while the guide protrusion (181b) penetrates the guide hole (114). The first front cover (180) can move in the second direction with respect to the first front frame (110) and can move between the first position and the second position.

[0324] As illustrated in Fig. 14, when the first front cover (180) is positioned at the second position, the guide protrusion (181b) may be positioned to penetrate the guide hole (114). At this time, the guide protrusion (181b) may be restricted from moving in the first direction (e.g., the forward / backward direction (X)) with respect to the guide hole (114). For example, when the first front cover (180) is positioned at the second position, the guide protrusion (181b) may be restricted from moving in the first direction by interfering with the back surface of the first front frame (110). As illustrated in FIG. 14, even if the guide protrusion (181b) is not always in contact with the back surface of the first front frame (110), when attempting to move the first front cover (180) in the first direction to separate it from the first front frame (110), the guide protrusion (181b) may interfere with the edge portion of the guide hole (114) after moving a small distance. Accordingly, in the second position, the first front cover (180) may be restrained in the first direction with respect to the first front frame (110) and may not be detachable from the first front frame (110).

[0325] As illustrated in Fig. 14, when the first front cover (180) is positioned at the second position, the position of the first front cover (180) relative to the first front frame (110) can be guided by the guide protrusion (181b), and the first cover hole (181a) of the first front cover (180) and the burring hole (301) of the first fixing portion (112) of the first front frame (110) can be arranged in parallel. Therefore, the process of fixing the first front cover (180) to the first front frame (110) using the fastening member (F) can be easily performed.

[0326] FIG. 15 is an enlarged perspective view of various configurations of a housing included in an outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0327] In describing some configurations of a housing included in an outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to various embodiments of the present disclosure with reference to FIG. 15, the same configurations as those of the examples illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 14 are given the same drawing reference numerals and the description may not be repeated here.

[0328] Referring to FIG. 15, a first front frame (110) included in an outdoor unit (10) of an air conditioner (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a first fixing portion (1112) provided to fix a first front cover (180). The first fixing portion (1112) may have features corresponding to the first fixing portion (112) in the examples described with reference to FIGS. 4 to 14.

[0329] The first fixed portion (1112) may include a first fixed plate (1310) and a second fixed plate (1320) that are in contact with each other. For example, the second fixed plate (1320) may extend from one side of the first fixed plate (1310). For example, the first fixed plate (1310) and the second fixed plate (1320) may be formed integrally with each other.

[0330] The first fixing part (1112) may be provided with a burring hole (not shown) and a burring flange (1302) provided along the circumference of the burring hole. The first front cover (180) may be fixed to the first front frame (110) by a fastening member (F) that sequentially penetrates the burring hole of the first front cover (180) and the first fixing part (1112). The burring hole may be formed so that the fastening member (F) penetrates the first fixing plate (1310) and the second fixing plate (1320). The burring flange (1302) may be provided to protrude from the first fixing plate (1310) and the second fixing plate (1320) and support the fastening member (F) that sequentially penetrates the first fixing plate (1310) and the second fixing plate (1320).

[0331] The first fixed portion (1112) may include a cut hole (1340) provided on one side of the first fixed plate (1310). The second fixed plate (1320) may be provided to be bendable relative to the first fixed plate (1310) as the cut hole (1340) is formed.

[0332] The guide protrusion (181b) provided on the first front cover (180) may be positioned to penetrate the cut hole (1340). For example, when the first front cover (180) is positioned between a first position where it is detachable from the first front frame (110) and a second position where it is bound to the first front frame (110), the guide protrusion (181b) may be positioned to penetrate the cut hole (1340). The guide protrusion (181b) is positioned to penetrate the cut hole (1340) and is movable along the cut hole (1340), thereby guiding the sliding movement of the first front cover (180) with respect to the first front frame (110). For example, the cut hole (1340) may perform a function corresponding to the guide hole (114) illustrated in FIGS. 13 and 14.

[0333] The guide protrusion (181b) may interfere with the first front frame (110) at the edge portion of the cut hole (1340). For example, when the first front cover (180) is in the second position, the guide protrusion (181b) may interfere with one surface of the second fixing plate (1320), and thus the first front cover (180) may be restrained with respect to the first front frame (110).

[0334] At a position where the guide protrusion (181b) is interfered with by the second fixing plate (1320), the first cover hole (181a) of the first front cover (180) and the burring hole of the first fixing part (1112) can be arranged in parallel, and the fastening member (F) can sequentially penetrate the first cover hole (181a) of the first front cover (180) and the burring hole of the first fixing part (1112) to fix the first front cover (180) to the first front frame (110).

[0335] Fig. 16 is an exploded perspective view illustrating various configurations of a control box included in an outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. Fig. 17 is an enlarged perspective view illustrating various configurations of a control box included in an outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0336] Referring to FIGS. 16 and 17, the configuration of the first control box (800), which is one of the control boxes included in the outdoor unit (10) of the air conditioner (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, will be described. However, the configuration of the first control box (800) described below can also be applied to the configuration of the second control box (900).

[0337] Referring to FIGS. 16 and 17, the outdoor unit (10) of the air conditioner (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a first control box (800). The first control box (800) may accommodate a printed circuit board (81).

[0338] For example, the first control box (800) may include a case (810) configured to accommodate a printed circuit board (81). An accommodation space (810a) for accommodating the printed circuit board (81) may be formed on the inside of the case (810).

[0339] The case (810) may be formed so that one side is open. For example, an opening may be formed on one side of the case (810). For example, a printed circuit board (811) may be inserted into or extracted from the interior of the case (810) through the opening of the case (810). An operator may access the printed circuit board (811) accommodated in the accommodation space (810a) through the opening of the case (810) to perform tasks such as inspection, replacement, and repair of components.

[0340] For example, the case (810) may be formed so that the front (+X direction) is open. That is, the opening of the case (810) may be formed in the front portion of the case (810).

[0341] The first control box (800) may include a case cover (820) that is provided to be detachably coupled to the case (810). The case cover (820) may be coupled to the case (810) to close the receiving space (810a) of the case (810). The case cover (820) may be detached from the case (810) to open the receiving space (810a) of the case (810). For example, a manufacturer of the first control box (800) may insert and install a printed circuit board (81) into the case (810) and then couple the case cover (820) to the case (810) to close the receiving space (810a). A worker who wishes to inspect the printed circuit board (81) inside the first control box (800) or replace or repair a component may detach the case cover (820) from the case (810) to access the printed circuit board (81).

[0342] For example, the case cover (820) can be coupled to the front (+X direction) of the case (810). That is, the case cover (820) can cover the printed circuit board (81) from the front (+X direction).

[0343] For example, the case cover (820) may be fixed to the case (810) by a fastening member (F). For example, the case (810) may include a cover fastening portion (811a) provided to allow the case cover (820) to be coupled, and the case cover (820) may include a case cover hole (820a) provided to be penetrated by the fastening member (F). The case cover (820) may be fixed to the case (810) by the fastening member (F) sequentially penetrating the case cover hole (820a) and the cover support portion (811a). The case cover (820) may be fixed to the case (810) when the fastening member (F) is fastened, and may be separated from the case (810) when the fastening member (F) is released.

[0344] In this way, the printed circuit board (81) inside the case (810) can be protected from external impacts, foreign substances entering from the outside, leaked refrigerant gas, etc. by the case cover (820) in normal times. In addition, when necessary, the case cover (820) can be separated, allowing the worker to access the printed circuit board (81).

[0345] For example, the first control box (800) may include a gasket (830) provided to seal a gap between a case (810) and a case cover (820). For example, the gasket (830) may be provided to seal a gap between the case (810) and the case cover (820) when the case cover (820) is coupled to the case (810). The gasket (830) may be provided to prevent and / or reduce foreign substances outside the case (810) or refrigerant leaking from components disposed in the machine room (R2) or the like from flowing into the case (810).

[0346] For example, the first control box (800) may include a heat sink (840). The heat sink (840) may be provided to dissipate heat generated inside the first control box (800) to the outside of the first control box (800). For example, the heat sink (840) may be provided to dissipate heat generated by the printed circuit board (81) to the outside of the case (810).

[0347] For example, the heat sink (840) may be coupled to the rear (-X direction) of the case (810). In this case, the heat sink (840) may be arranged to release heat generated by the printed circuit board (81) toward the rear (-X direction) of the case (810).

[0348] In one embodiment, the case (810) may include an outer case (811) and an inner case (812). The outer case (811) and the inner case (812) may be combined with each other to form one case (810).

[0349] For example, the outer case (811) may form the exterior of the first control box (800). The outer case (811) may be placed in the machine room (R2). The outer surface of the outer case (811) may be placed so as to be exposed to the machine room (R2).

[0350] The inner case (812) can be placed inside the outer case (811). For example, the inner case (812) can be coupled to the inside of the outer case (811).

[0351] The inner case (812) may be provided to accommodate a printed circuit board (81). The inner case (812) may form a receiving space (810a) in which the printed circuit board (81) is accommodated. The printed circuit board (81) may be installed on the inside of the inner case (812).

[0352] The case (810) may include a frame (813). The frame (813) may be provided along the edge of the opening of the case (810). For example, the frame (813) may have a shape extending from the edge of the opening of the case (810) toward the outside of the edge. For example, the frame (813) may be coupled to one side of the opening of the inner case (812). For example, the case cover (820) may cover at least a portion of the frame (813) while being coupled to the case (812).

[0353] For example, a flammable refrigerant may be used in the refrigerant cycle of an air conditioner (1). If the flammable refrigerant leaks from various components of the outdoor unit (10), there is a possibility of a fire occurring. Therefore, if a fire occurs due to refrigerant leaking inside the outdoor unit (10), it is important to prevent and / or reduce the spread of the fire. If a fire occurs outside the first control box (800), and the fire spreads to the inside of the control box (800), this may lead to a larger fire.

[0354] According to one embodiment, the outer case (811) forming the outer surface of the control box (800) is configured to include a metal material, thereby effectively preventing and / or reducing the spread of fire to the interior of the control box (800). The thickness of the outer case (811) required to prevent and / or reduce the spread of fire is not large, and if the thickness of the outer case (811) is excessively thick, the overall weight of the first control box (800) may increase, and therefore, the thickness of the outer case (811) may be determined to a degree sufficient to prevent and / or reduce the spread of fire.

[0355] However, when the thickness of the outer case (811) is reduced in this way, a structure may be required for fixing a part of the first control box (800) to the outer case (811) so that the fastening member (F) is stably supported when the fastening member (F) penetrates the outer case (811). In addition, when the work of fastening or unfastening the fastening member (F) to the outer case (811) is repeated, problems such as wear of the part of the outer case (811) where the fastening member (F) is fastened may occur. Therefore, in this case, a structure may be required for the outer case (811) to prevent and / or reduce wear of the part where the fastening member (F) is fastened and to reinforce the rigidity thereof.

[0356] For example, the cover coupling portion (811a) of the outer case (811) may include a fixing portion (300). The fixing portion (300) may be provided so that the inner case (812) is fixed to the outer case (811) by a fastening member (F). The fixing portion (300) provided in the cover coupling portion (811a) may have a configuration corresponding to the fixing portion (300) described with reference to FIGS. 7 to 9. The outer case (811) may correspond to the first body, and the case cover (820) may correspond to the second body, respectively.

[0357] For example, the cover joint (811a) may include a first fixed plate (310) that supports the case cover (820), a second fixed plate (320) that comes into contact with the first fixed plate (310), a burring hole provided in the first fixed plate (310) and the second fixed plate (320) and provided so that a fastening member (F) can pass through it, and a burring flange (302) provided along the periphery of the burring hole. The burring hole and the burring flange (302) may have a structure corresponding to the first burring hole (311), the second burring hole (321), the first flange (312), and the second flange (322) illustrated in FIGS. 7 to 9.

[0358] Additionally, the cover coupling portion (811a) may include a connecting portion (330) that connects the first fixed plate (310) and the second fixed plate (320). For example, the first fixed plate (310), the second fixed plate (320), and the connecting portion (330) may be formed integrally. Additionally, the cover coupling portion (811a) may include a cut hole (340) that is formed by cutting out one side of the first fixed plate (310).

[0359] Alternatively, for example, the outer case (811) may be provided with a fixing member that allows the inner case (812) described above to be fixed to the outer case (811) by a fastening member (F), and this fixing member may have features or structures corresponding to the fixing member (300) above.

[0360] In addition, various components included in the first control box (800) may be provided with a structure corresponding to the fixing member (300) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure for fixing between components.

[0361] A fixing structure between the components of the first control box (800) may be applied, as illustrated in the examples of FIGS. 13 to 15, in which a second body is provided to be movable relative to the first body, the second body includes a guide protrusion provided to guide sliding movement relative to the first body, and the first body includes a guide hole provided to allow the guide protrusion to pass through. In addition, such a guide hole may be, for example, a cut hole (340) of a fixing member (300).

[0362] Fig. 18 is a partial perspective view illustrating various components included in an outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. Fig. 19 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a coupling relationship between a base included in an outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to various embodiments of the present disclosure and a bracket coupled thereto.

[0363] Referring to FIGS. 18 and 19, the structure of an accumulator (18), which is one of several components included in an outdoor unit (10) of an air conditioner (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, and a bracket (18a) supporting the accumulator (18), will be described. However, the structure of the bracket (18a) described below can also be applied to brackets supporting other components included in the outdoor unit (10) in addition to the accumulator (18).

[0364] Referring to FIGS. 18 and 19, an outdoor unit (10) of an air conditioner (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include an accumulator (18). The accumulator (18) may be provided to accumulate a portion of the refrigerant flowing into the compressor (12). The accumulator (18) may be provided to discharge the accumulated refrigerant to the compressor (12) as needed. The accumulator (18) may be provided to separate the refrigerant discharged from the outdoor heat exchanger (11) into liquid and gas and supply the separated refrigerant to the compressor (12).

[0365] The accumulator (18) may be placed adjacent to the compressor (12). The accumulator (18) may be placed in the machine room (R2).

[0366] The accumulator (18) may be supported by the base (172). For example, the outdoor unit (10) may include a bracket (18a) that supports the accumulator (18), and the bracket (18a) may be supported by the base (172). The base (172) may include a bracket support (172a) that is provided to support the bracket (18a), and for example, the bracket (18a) may be coupled to the bracket support (172a) and supported by the base (172).

[0367] Although FIGS. 18 and 19 illustrate an example in which three brackets (18a) support an accumulator (18), the number of brackets (18a) is not limited thereto in the spirit of the present disclosure.

[0368] The bracket (18a) can be fixed to the accumulator (18). For example, the bracket (18a) can be fixed to the accumulator (18) by a welding process.

[0369] The bracket (18a) can be fixed to the base (172). For example, the bracket (18a) can be connected to the base (172) by a fastening member (F). The bracket (18a) can include a bracket hole (18aa) through which the fastening member (F) passes.

[0370] Vibrations generated during the operation of the compressor (12) may be transmitted to components inside the outdoor unit (10), such as the accumulator (18). If the fixing force of the fastening member (F) that fixes the components to the components of the housing, such as the base (172), is not sufficiently large, the components that were fixed to the housing (100) by the fastening member (F) may come off from the fixed position as the fastening member (F) comes off. For example, vibrations generated from the compressor (12) may be transmitted to the accumulator (18). At this time, if the fixing force of the fastening member (F) that fixes the bracket (18a) to the base (172) is not sufficient, there is a risk that the bracket (18a) may come off from the base (172), and there is a risk that the accumulator (18) may come off from the fixed position.

[0371] To prevent and / or reduce such problems, the bracket support (172a) of the base (172) may include a fixing member (300) to which the bracket (18a) is fixed. The fixing member (300) may be provided to fix the bracket (18a) to the base (172) by a fastening member (F).

[0372] The fixing member (300) provided on the bracket support member (172a) may have a configuration corresponding to the fixing member (300) described with reference to FIGS. 7 to 9. The base (172) may correspond to the first body, and the bracket (18a) may correspond to the second body. The bracket hole (18aa) may correspond to the second body hole.

[0373] For example, the bracket support member (172a) may include a first fixing plate (310) that supports the bracket (18a), a second fixing plate (320) that comes into contact with the first fixing plate (310), a burring hole provided in the first fixing plate (310) and the second fixing plate (320) and provided so that a fastening member (F) can pass through it, and a burring flange (302) provided along the circumference of the burring hole. The burring hole and the burring flange (302) may have a structure corresponding to the first burring hole (311), the second burring hole (321), the first flange (312), and the second flange (322) illustrated in FIGS. 7 to 9.

[0374] Additionally, the bracket support member (172a) may include a connecting member (330) that connects the first fixing plate (310) and the second fixing plate (320). For example, the first fixing plate (310), the second fixing plate (320), and the connecting member (330) may be formed integrally. Additionally, the bracket support member (172a) may include a cut hole (340) that is formed by cutting out one side of the first fixing plate (310).

[0375] In addition, various configurations of the housing (100) may be provided with a structure corresponding to the fixing member (300) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure to fix components of the outdoor unit (10).

[0376] A fixing structure between the housing (100) and other components of the outdoor unit (10) may be applied, as illustrated in the examples of FIGS. 13 to 15, in which a second body is provided to be movable relative to a first body, the second body includes a guide protrusion provided to guide sliding movement relative to the first body, and the first body includes a guide hole provided to allow the guide protrusion to pass through. In addition, such a guide hole may be, for example, a cut hole (340) of a fixing member (300).

[0377] FIG. 20 is a perspective view illustrating a portion of a fixing structure between components included in an outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 21 is a perspective view illustrating a portion of a fixing structure between components included in an outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0378] In describing the fixing structure between components included in the outdoor unit of the air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure with reference to FIGS. 20 and 21, the same components as those in the examples illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 19 are given the same drawing reference numerals and the description may not be repeated here.

[0379] Referring to FIGS. 20 and 21, the first body (200) included in the outdoor unit (10) of the air conditioner (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a fixing part (300-1) provided to fix the second body (400).

[0380] Although the second body (400) is not illustrated in FIGS. 20 and 21, the second body (400) described below may have a structure corresponding to the second body (400) described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 19.

[0381] Similar to or identical to the fixing member (300) according to the previous embodiment, the fixing member (300-1) of FIGS. 20 and 21 may include a first fixing plate (310) and a second fixing plate (320). A first burring hole (311) may be formed in the first fixing plate (310), and a second burring hole (321) may be formed in the second fixing plate (320). The fixing member (300-1) may include a first flange (312) provided along the periphery of the first burring hole (311) and protruding from the first fixing plate (310), and a second flange (322) provided along the periphery of the second burring hole (321) and protruding from the second fixing plate (320). As described above, the inner circumference of the second flange (322) and the outer circumference of the first flange (312) may be in contact with each other.

[0382] For example, a screw thread having a shape corresponding to the screw thread formed on the body portion (FB) of the fastening member (F) may be provided on the inner surface of the first flange (312).

[0383] Additionally, the fixed portion (300-1) may include a third fixed plate (350-1). The third fixed plate (350-1) may be in contact with the second fixed plate (320). For example, the third fixed plate (350-1) may be in contact with the other surface of the second fixed plate (320) opposite to the surface that is in contact with the first fixed plate (310). The second fixed plate (320) may be positioned between the third fixed plate (350-1) and the first fixed plate (310). As illustrated in FIGS. 20 and 21, the third fixed plate (350-1) may be in contact with the rear surface of the second fixed plate (320).

[0384] For example, the third fixed plate (350-1) can be formed to have a roughly flat plate shape.

[0385] For example, the third fixed plate (350-1) may have a thickness that is approximately the same as the thickness of each of the first fixed plate (310) and the second fixed plate (320). For example, the first fixed plate (310), the second fixed plate (320), and the third fixed plate (350-1) may have thicknesses in the direction in which they contact each other that are approximately the same. The first fixed plate (310), the second fixed plate (320), and the third fixed plate (350-1) may have thicknesses in the X direction that are approximately the same.

[0386] The third fixed plate (350-1) may be provided to be penetrated by a fastening member (F). The third fixed plate (350-1) may include a third burring hole (351-1). The third burring hole (351-1) may be formed to be penetrated by the fastening member (F). For example, the third burring hole (351-1) may be formed in a shape that penetrates the third fixed plate (350-1) in the front-back direction (X).

[0387] The third burring hole (351-1) may be formed at a position corresponding to the second body hole (410) of the second body (400). For example, the third burring hole (351-1) may be positioned at the rear (-X direction) of the second body hole (410).

[0388] Additionally, the third burring hole (351-1) may be formed at a position corresponding to the first burring hole (311) and the second burring hole (321). For example, the third burring hole (351-1) may be positioned at the rear (-X direction) of the first burring hole (311) and the second burring hole (321). The second burring hole (321) may be positioned between the first burring hole (311) and the third burring hole (351-1).

[0389] The fastening member (F) can sequentially penetrate the second body hole (410), the first burring hole (311), the second burring hole (321), and the third burring hole (351-1) to secure the second body (400) to the first body (200).

[0390] The fixed portion (300-1) may include a third flange (352-1). The third flange (352-1) may form a part of the aforementioned burring flange (302). The third flange (352-1) may be provided along the periphery of the third burring hole (351-1). The third flange (352-1) may protrude from the third fixed plate (350-1). For example, the third flange (352-1) may protrude from the third fixed plate (350-1) in a direction away from the second body (400). The third flange (352-1) may protrude from the third fixed plate (350-1) in a direction away from the first fixed plate (310). The third flange (352-1) can protrude from the third fixed plate (350-1) in a direction away from the second fixed plate (320). The third flange (352-1) can protrude from the third fixed plate (350-1) in a direction in which the third fixed plate (350-1) is positioned relative to the second fixed plate (320). As illustrated in FIGS. 20 and 21, the third flange (352-1) can protrude rearward (in the -X direction) from the third fixed plate (350-1).

[0391] The third burring hole (351-1) may be provided on one side of the third flange (352-1). For example, the third burring hole (351-1) may be provided on one side of the third flange (352-1) adjacent to the second body (400). In the step of fixing the second body (400) to the first body (200) using the fastening member (F), the fastening member (F) may enter the inside of the third flange (352-1) through the third burring hole (351-1).

[0392] For example, the third burring hole (351-1) may have a roughly circular shape. In this case, for example, the third flange (352-1) may have a roughly cylindrical shape with a hollow portion corresponding to the third burring hole (351-1). The hollow portion of the third flange (352-1) may be provided so that a fastening member (F) can pass through it.

[0393] The third flange (352-1) may be provided to support a fastening member (F). The fastening member (F) may be positioned to penetrate the third flange (352-1) when fastening the second body (400) to the first body (200), and may be supported by the third flange (352-1).

[0394] The third flange (352-1) may be positioned radially outer than the first flange (312) and the second flange (322). The first flange (312) and the second flange (322) may be positioned radially inner than the third flange (352-1). The first flange (312) may form the inner surface of the aforementioned burring flange (302), and the third flange (352-1) may form the outer surface of the aforementioned burring flange (302).

[0395] The third flange (352-1) may be in contact with the second flange (322). For example, the inner surface of the third flange (352-1) may be in contact with the outer surface of the second flange (322). The third flange (352-1) may be arranged to surround the outer surface of the second flange (322). The second flange (322) may support the third flange (352-1) from a radially inner side. The third flange (352-1) may support the second flange (322) from a radially outer side.

[0396] The centers of the first burring hole (311), the second burring hole (321), and the third burring hole (351-1) may be arranged parallel to each other. Correspondingly, the longitudinal central axis of the first flange (312), the longitudinal central axis of the second flange (322), and the longitudinal central axis of the third flange (352-1) may coincide with each other.

[0397] For example, the end of the first flange (312) facing away from the first fixed plate (310), the end of the second flange (322) facing away from the second fixed plate (320), and the end of the third flange (352-1) facing away from the third fixed plate (350-1) may be parallel to each other.

[0398] As described above, for example, the first fixed plate (310) and the second fixed plate (320) may be connected to each other. The second fixed plate (320) may extend from one side of the first fixed plate (310). The fixed portion (300-1) may include a first connecting portion (330) connecting the first fixed plate (310) and the second fixed plate (320).

[0399] Likewise, as an example, the first fixed plate (310) and the third fixed plate (350-1) may be connected to each other. The third fixed plate (350-1) may extend from one side of the first fixed plate (310). The third fixed plate (350-1) may extend from one side of the first fixed plate (310) toward the other side.

[0400] For example, the third fixed plate (350-1) may extend from the side facing the second fixed plate (320) based on the first fixed plate (310).

[0401] The fixed portion (300-1) may include a second connecting portion (360-1) connecting the first fixed plate (310) and the third fixed plate (350-1). The second connecting portion (360-1) may be provided on one side of the first fixed plate (310). The second connecting portion (360-1) may extend from one side of the first fixed plate (310) to the third fixed plate (350-1). The second connecting portion (360-1) may have a bent shape so as to extend from one side of the first fixed plate (310) to the third fixed plate (350-1).

[0402] The second connecting portion (360-1) may extend from one side of the first fixing plate (310), and the third fixing plate (350-1) may extend from the second connecting portion (360-1) toward the opposite side. Through this, the third fixing plate (350-1) may face the first fixing plate (310) and the second fixing plate (320). Through this, the third fixing plate (350-1) may come into contact with the second fixing plate (320).

[0403] The third fixed plate (350-1) can be bent in a direction opposite to the second body (400) from one side of the first fixed plate (310). As shown in FIGS. 20 and 21, the third fixed plate (350-1) can be bent rearward (-X direction) from one side of the first fixed plate (310) to contact the rear surface of the second fixed plate (320).

[0404] The first fixed plate (310) and the third fixed plate (350-1) may be formed integrally. The third fixed plate (350-1) may be bent and extended from one side of the first fixed plate (310). For example, the bent portion from one side of the first fixed plate (310) may be formed as a second connecting portion (360-1), and the third fixed plate (350-1) may be extended from the second connecting portion (360-1). The first fixed plate (310), the second connecting portion (360-1), and the third fixed plate (350-1) may be formed integrally.

[0405] For example, the fixed part (300-1) may include a first cut hole (340). The first cut hole (340) may be formed by cutting a portion of the first body (200). For example, the second fixed plate (320) may be provided to be bendable with respect to the first fixed plate (310) as the first cut hole (340) is formed by cutting a portion of the first body (200). The first cut hole (340) may have features corresponding to the cut hole (340) of the fixed part (300) described above with reference to FIGS. 7 to 9 , and a detailed description thereof may not be repeated.

[0406] The fixed portion (300-1) may include a second cut hole (370-1). The second cut hole (370-1) may be formed by cutting a portion of the first body (200). The second cut hole (370-1) may be formed in a shape that allows the first body (200) to penetrate.

[0407] The second cutting hole (370-1) may be provided on one side of the first fixing plate (310). The second cutting hole (370-1) may be arranged parallel to the first fixing plate (310). For example, as illustrated in FIGS. 20 and 21, the second cutting hole (370-1) may be arranged parallel to the first fixing plate (310) on the YZ plane.

[0408] The third fixed plate (350-1) may extend from a side adjacent to the second cut hole (370-1) of the first fixed plate (310). For example, the third fixed plate (350-1) may extend from a side of the first fixed plate (310) in a direction opposite to the second cut hole (370-1). A second connecting portion (360-1) may be provided on a side of the first fixed plate (310) where the second cut hole (370-1) is provided.

[0409] The third fixed plate (350-1) can be provided to be bendable relative to the first fixed plate (310) by forming a second cut hole (370-1) by cutting a portion of the first body (200).

[0410] In one embodiment, the third fixed plate (350-1) can be brought into contact with the second fixed plate (320) by cutting a portion of the first body (200) to form a second cut hole (370-1) and then bending the cut portion.

[0411] As the third fixed plate (350-1) is formed in the process of cutting a portion of the first body (200), the size of the second cut hole (370-1) may be larger than the size of the third fixed plate (350-1). For example, the area of ​​the second cut hole (370-1) may be larger than the area of ​​the third fixed plate (350-1). In addition, the X-direction thickness of the second cut hole (370-1) may roughly correspond to the X-direction thickness of the third fixed plate (350-1).

[0412] The fixed part (300-1) illustrated in FIGS. 20 and 21 can be manufactured through a step of forming a first cutting hole (340) and a second cutting hole (370-1) by cutting a part of the first body (200), bending the first connecting part (330) to place the second fixing plate (320) in contact with the first fixing plate (310), bending the second connecting part (360-1) to place the third fixing plate (350-1) in contact with the second fixing plate (320), and then sequentially penetrating the first fixing plate (310), the second fixing plate (320), and the third fixing plate (350-1) using a burring tool to form burring holes (311, 321, 351-1) and flanges (312, 322, 352-1).

[0413] Due to the structure of the first flange (312), the second flange (322), and the third flange (352-1) as described above, the thickness of the burring flange (302) provided on the fixed portion (300) can be increased. In addition, due to the structure in which the first fixed plate (310), the second fixed plate (320), and the third fixed plate (350-1) contact each other as described above, the protruding length of the burring flange (302) can be increased.

[0414] FIG. 22 is a perspective view illustrating a portion of a fixing structure between components included in an outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 23 is a perspective view illustrating a portion of a fixing structure between components included in an outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0415] In describing the fixing structure between components included in the outdoor unit of the air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure with reference to FIGS. 22 and 23, the same components as those in the examples illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 19 are given the same drawing reference numerals and the description may not be repeated here.

[0416] Referring to FIGS. 22 and 23, the first body (200) included in the outdoor unit (10) of the air conditioner (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a fixing part (300-2) provided to fix the second body (400).

[0417] Although the second body (400) is not illustrated in FIGS. 22 and 23, the second body (400) described below may have a structure corresponding to the second body (400) described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 19.

[0418] As with the fixing member (300) according to the previous embodiment, the fixing member (300-2) of FIGS. 22 and 23 may include a first fixing plate (310) and a second fixing plate (320). A first burring hole (311) may be formed in the first fixing plate (310), and a second burring hole (321) may be formed in the second fixing plate (320). The fixing member (300-2) may include a first flange (312) provided along the periphery of the first burring hole (311) and protruding from the first fixing plate (310), and a second flange (322) provided along the periphery of the second burring hole (321) and protruding from the second fixing plate (320). As described above, the inner circumference of the second flange (322) and the outer circumference of the first flange (312) may be in contact with each other.

[0419] For example, a screw thread having a shape corresponding to the screw thread formed on the body portion (FB) of the fastening member (F) may be provided on the inner surface of the first flange (312).

[0420] Additionally, the fixed portion (300-2) may include a third fixed plate (350-2). The third fixed plate (350-2) may be in contact with the second fixed plate (320). For example, the third fixed plate (350-2) may be in contact with the other surface of the second fixed plate (320) opposite to the surface that is in contact with the first fixed plate (310). The second fixed plate (320) may be positioned between the third fixed plate (350-2) and the first fixed plate (310). As illustrated in FIGS. 22 and 23, the third fixed plate (350-2) may be in contact with the rear surface of the second fixed plate (320).

[0421] For example, the third fixed plate (350-2) can be formed to have a roughly flat plate shape.

[0422] For example, the third fixed plate (350-2) may have a thickness approximately equal to that of each of the first fixed plate (310) and the second fixed plate (320). For example, the first fixed plate (310), the second fixed plate (320), and the third fixed plate (350-2) may have thicknesses approximately equal to each other in the direction in which they contact each other. The first fixed plate (310), the second fixed plate (320), and the third fixed plate (350-2) may have thicknesses approximately equal to each other in the X direction.

[0423] The third fixed plate (350-2) may be provided to be penetrated by a fastening member (F). The third fixed plate (350-2) may include a third burring hole (351-2). The third burring hole (351-2) may be formed to be penetrated by the fastening member (F). For example, the third burring hole (351-2) may be formed in a shape that penetrates the third fixed plate (350-2) in the front-back direction (X).

[0424] The third burring hole (351-2) may be formed at a position corresponding to the second body hole (410) of the second body (400). For example, the third burring hole (351-2) may be positioned at the rear (-X direction) of the second body hole (410).

[0425] Additionally, the third burring hole (351-2) may be formed at a position corresponding to the first burring hole (311) and the second burring hole (321). For example, the third burring hole (351-2) may be positioned at the rear (-X direction) of the first burring hole (311) and the second burring hole (321). The second burring hole (321) may be positioned between the first burring hole (311) and the third burring hole (351-2).

[0426] The fastening member (F) can sequentially penetrate the second body hole (410), the first burring hole (311), the second burring hole (321), and the third burring hole (351-2) to secure the second body (400) to the first body (200).

[0427] The fixed portion (300-2) may include a third flange (352-2). The third flange (352-2) may form a part of the aforementioned burring flange (302). The third flange (352-2) may be provided along the periphery of the third burring hole (351-2). The third flange (352-2) may protrude from the third fixed plate (350-2). For example, the third flange (352-2) may protrude from the third fixed plate (350-2) in a direction away from the second body (400). The third flange (352-2) may protrude from the third fixed plate (350-2) in a direction away from the first fixed plate (310). The third flange (352-2) can protrude from the third fixed plate (350-2) in a direction away from the second fixed plate (320). The third flange (352-2) can protrude from the third fixed plate (350-2) in a direction in which the third fixed plate (350-2) is positioned relative to the second fixed plate (320). As illustrated in FIGS. 22 and 23, the third flange (352-2) can protrude rearward (in the -X direction) from the third fixed plate (350-2).

[0428] The third burring hole (351-2) may be provided on one side of the third flange (352-2). For example, the third burring hole (351-2) may be provided on one side of the third flange (352-2) adjacent to the second body (400). In the step of fixing the second body (400) to the first body (200) using the fastening member (F), the fastening member (F) may enter the inside of the third flange (352-2) through the third burring hole (351-2).

[0429] For example, the third burring hole (351-2) may have a roughly circular shape. At this time, for example, the third flange (352-2) may have a roughly cylindrical shape with a hollow portion corresponding to the third burring hole (351-2). The hollow portion of the third flange (352-2) may be provided so that a fastening member (F) can pass through it.

[0430] The third flange (352-2) may be provided to support a fastening member (F). The fastening member (F) may be positioned to penetrate the third flange (352-2) when fastening the second body (400) to the first body (200), and may be supported by the third flange (352-2).

[0431] The third flange (352-2) may be positioned radially outer than the first flange (312) and the second flange (322). The first flange (312) and the second flange (322) may be positioned radially inner than the third flange (352-2). The first flange (312) may form the inner surface of the aforementioned burring flange (302), and the third flange (352-2) may form the outer surface of the aforementioned burring flange (302).

[0432] The third flange (352-2) may be in contact with the second flange (322). For example, the inner surface of the third flange (352-2) may be in contact with the outer surface of the second flange (322). The third flange (352-2) may be arranged to surround the outer surface of the second flange (322). The second flange (322) may support the third flange (352-2) from a radially inner side. The third flange (352-2) may support the second flange (322) from a radially outer side.

[0433] The centers of the first burring hole (311), the second burring hole (321), and the third burring hole (351-2) may be arranged parallel to each other. Correspondingly, the longitudinal central axis of the first flange (312), the longitudinal central axis of the second flange (322), and the longitudinal central axis of the third flange (352-2) may coincide with each other.

[0434] For example, the end of the first flange (312) facing away from the first fixed plate (310), the end of the second flange (322) facing away from the second fixed plate (320), and the end of the third flange (352-2) facing away from the third fixed plate (350-2) may be parallel to each other.

[0435] As described above, for example, the first fixed plate (310) and the second fixed plate (320) may be connected to each other. The second fixed plate (320) may extend from one side of the first fixed plate (310). The fixed portion (300-2) may include a first connecting portion (330) connecting the first fixed plate (310) and the second fixed plate (320).

[0436] For example, the second fixed plate (320) and the third fixed plate (350-2) may be connected to each other. The third fixed plate (350-2) may extend from one side of the second fixed plate (320). The third fixed plate (350-2) may extend from one side of the second fixed plate (320) toward the other side.

[0437] For example, the third fixed plate (350-2) may extend from a side opposite to the first connecting portion (330) of the second fixed plate (320).

[0438] The fixed portion (300-2) may include a second connecting portion (360-2) connecting the second fixed plate (320) and the third fixed plate (350-2). The second connecting portion (360-2) may be provided on one side of the second fixed plate (320). The second connecting portion (360-2) may extend from one side of the second fixed plate (320) to the third fixed plate (350-2). The second connecting portion (360-2) may have a bent shape so as to extend from one side of the second fixed plate (320) to the third fixed plate (350-2).

[0439] The second connecting portion (360-2) may extend from one side of the second fixed plate (320), and the third fixed plate (350-2) may extend from the second connecting portion (360-2) toward the opposite side. Through this, the third fixed plate (350-2) may face the second fixed plate (320). Through this, the third fixed plate (350-2) may contact the second fixed plate (320).

[0440] The third fixed plate (350-2) can be bent in a direction opposite to the second body (400) from one side of the second fixed plate (320). As shown in FIGS. 22 and 23, the third fixed plate (350-2) can be bent rearward (-X direction) from one side of the second fixed plate (320) to contact the rear surface of the second fixed plate (320).

[0441] The second fixed plate (320) and the third fixed plate (350-2) may be formed integrally. The third fixed plate (350-2) may be bent and extended from one side of the second fixed plate (320). For example, the bent portion from one side of the second fixed plate (320) may be formed as a second connecting portion (360-2), and the third fixed plate (350-2) may extend from the second connecting portion (360-2). The second fixed plate (320), the second connecting portion (360-2), and the third fixed plate (350-2) may be formed integrally. Furthermore, the configuration from the first fixed plate (310) to the third fixed plate (350-2) may be formed integrally.

[0442] As described above, for example, the fixed portion (300-2) may include a cut hole (340). The cut hole (340) may be formed by cutting a portion of the first body (200). For example, the second fixed plate (320) and the third fixed plate (350-2) formed integrally may be provided to be bendable with respect to the first fixed plate (310) as the first cut hole (340) is formed by cutting a portion of the first body (200).

[0443] As the second fixed plate (320) and the third fixed plate (350-2) are formed in the process of cutting a portion of the first body (200), the size of the cut hole (340) may be larger than the sizes of the second fixed plate (320) and the third fixed plate (350-2). For example, the area of ​​the cut hole (340) may be larger than the areas of the second fixed plate (320) and the third fixed plate (350-2). In addition, the X-direction thickness of the cut hole (340) may approximately correspond to the X-direction thickness of each of the second fixed plate (320) and the third fixed plate (350-2).

[0444] The fixed part (300-2) illustrated in FIGS. 22 and 23 can be manufactured through a step of forming a cutting hole (340) by cutting a part of the first body (200), bending the first connecting part (330) to place the second fixed plate (320) in contact with the first fixed plate (310), bending the second connecting part (360-2) to place the third fixed plate (350-2) in contact with the second fixed plate (320), and then sequentially penetrating the first fixed plate (310), the second fixed plate (320), and the third fixed plate (350-2) using a burring tool to form burring holes (311, 321, 351-2) and flanges (312, 322, 352-2).

[0445] Due to the structure of the first flange (312), the second flange (322), and the third flange (352-2) as described above, the thickness of the burring flange (302) provided on the fixed portion (300) can be increased. In addition, due to the structure in which the first fixed plate (310), the second fixed plate (320), and the third fixed plate (350-2) contact each other as described above, the protruding length of the burring flange (302) can be increased.

[0446] FIG. 24 is a perspective view illustrating a portion of a fixing structure between components included in an outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 25 is a perspective view illustrating a portion of a fixing structure between components included in an outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0447] In describing the fixing structure between components included in the outdoor unit of the air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure with reference to FIGS. 24 and 25, the same components as the components of the examples illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 19 are given the same drawing reference numerals and the description may not be repeated.

[0448] Referring to FIGS. 24 and 25, the first body (200) included in the outdoor unit (10) of the air conditioner (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a fixing part (300-3) provided to fix the second body (400).

[0449] Although the second body (400) is not illustrated in FIGS. 24 and 25, the second body (400) described below may have a structure corresponding to the second body (400) described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 19.

[0450] As with the fixing member (300) according to the previous embodiment, the fixing member (300-3) of FIGS. 24 and 25 may include a first fixing plate (310) and a second fixing plate (320). A first burring hole (311) may be formed in the first fixing plate (310), and a second burring hole (321) may be formed in the second fixing plate (320). The fixing member (300-3) may include a first flange (312) provided along the periphery of the first burring hole (311) and protruding from the first fixing plate (310), and a second flange (322) provided along the periphery of the second burring hole (321) and protruding from the second fixing plate (320). As described above, the inner circumference of the second flange (322) and the outer circumference of the first flange (312) may be in contact with each other.

[0451] In addition, the fixed portion (300-3) may include a third fixed plate (350-3). The third fixed plate (350-3) may be in contact with the first fixed plate (310). In addition, the third fixed plate (350-3) may be in contact with the second body (400). For example, the third fixed plate (350-3) may be in contact with the other surface of the first fixed plate (310) opposite to the surface that is in contact with the second fixed plate (320). The third fixed plate (350-3) may be disposed between the first fixed plate (310) and the second body (400). As illustrated in FIGS. 24 and 25, the third fixed plate (350-3) may be in contact with the front surface of the first fixed plate (310).

[0452] For example, the third fixed plate (350-3) can be formed to have a roughly flat plate shape.

[0453] For example, the third fixed plate (350-3) may have a thickness approximately equal to that of each of the first fixed plate (310) and the second fixed plate (320). For example, the first fixed plate (310), the second fixed plate (320), and the third fixed plate (350-3) may have thicknesses approximately equal to each other in the direction in which they contact each other. The first fixed plate (310), the second fixed plate (320), and the third fixed plate (350-3) may have thicknesses approximately equal to each other in the X direction.

[0454] The third fixed plate (350-3) may be provided to be penetrated by a fastening member (F). The third fixed plate (350-3) may include a third burring hole (351-3). The third burring hole (351-3) may be formed to be penetrated by the fastening member (F). For example, the third burring hole (351-3) may be formed in a shape that penetrates the third fixed plate (350-3) in the front-back direction (X).

[0455] The third burring hole (351-3) may be formed at a position corresponding to the second body hole (410) of the second body (400). For example, the third burring hole (351-3) may be positioned at the rear (-X direction) of the second body hole (410).

[0456] Additionally, the third burring hole (351-3) may be formed at a position corresponding to the first burring hole (311) and the second burring hole (321). For example, the third burring hole (351-3) may be positioned in front (+X direction) of the first burring hole (311) and the second burring hole (321). The first burring hole (311) may be positioned between the second body hole (410) of the second body (400) and the third burring hole (351-3).

[0457] The fastening member (F) can sequentially penetrate the second body hole (410), the third burring hole (351-3), the first burring hole (311), and the second burring hole (321) to secure the second body (400) to the first body (200).

[0458] The fixed portion (300-3) may include a third flange (352-3). The third flange (352-3) may form a part of the aforementioned burring flange (302). The third flange (352-3) may be provided along the periphery of the third burring hole (351-3). The third flange (352-3) may protrude from the third fixed plate (350-3). For example, the third flange (352-3) may protrude from the third fixed plate (350-3) in a direction away from the second body (400). The third flange (352-3) may protrude from the third fixed plate (350-3) in a direction penetrating the first burring hole (311) and / or the second burring hole (321). The third flange (352-3) can protrude from the third fixed plate (350-3) in the direction in which the first fixed plate (310) is positioned relative to the third fixed plate (350-3). As illustrated in FIGS. 24 and 25, the third flange (352-3) can protrude rearward (in the -X direction) from the third fixed plate (350-3).

[0459] The third burring hole (351-3) may be provided on one side of the third flange (352-3). For example, the third burring hole (351-3) may be provided on one side of the third flange (352-3) adjacent to the second body (400). In the step of fixing the second body (400) to the first body (200) using the fastening member (F), the fastening member (F) may enter the inside of the third flange (352-3) through the third burring hole (351-3).

[0460] For example, the third burring hole (351-3) may have a roughly circular shape. At this time, for example, the third flange (352-3) may have a roughly cylindrical shape with a hollow portion corresponding to the third burring hole (351-3). The hollow portion of the third flange (352-3) may be provided so that a fastening member (F) can pass through it.

[0461] The third flange (352-3) may be provided to support a fastening member (F). The fastening member (F) may be positioned to penetrate the third flange (352-3) when fastening the second body (400) to the first body (200), and may be supported by the third flange (352-3).

[0462] The third flange (352-3) may be positioned radially inwardly relative to the first flange (312) and the second flange (322). The first flange (312) and the second flange (322) may be positioned radially outwardly relative to the third flange (352-3). The second flange (322) may form the outer surface of the aforementioned burring flange (302), and the third flange (352-3) may form the inner surface of the aforementioned burring flange (302).

[0463] For example, a screw thread having a shape corresponding to the screw thread formed on the body portion (FB) of the fastening member (F) may be provided on the inner surface of the third flange (352-3).

[0464] The third flange (352-3) may be in contact with the first flange (312). For example, the outer surface of the third flange (352-3) may be in contact with the outer surface of the first flange (312). The first flange (312) and the second flange (322) may be arranged to surround the outer surface of the third flange (352-3). The third flange (352-3) may support the first flange (312) and the second flange (322) from a radially inward side. The first flange (312) and the second flange (322) may support the third flange (352-3) from a radially outward side.

[0465] The centers of the first burring hole (311), the second burring hole (321), and the third burring hole (351-3) may be arranged parallel to each other. Correspondingly, the longitudinal central axis of the first flange (312), the longitudinal central axis of the second flange (322), and the longitudinal central axis of the third flange (352-3) may coincide with each other.

[0466] For example, the end of the first flange (312) facing away from the first fixed plate (310), the end of the second flange (322) facing away from the second fixed plate (320), and the end of the third flange (352-3) facing away from the third fixed plate (350-3) may be parallel to each other.

[0467] As described above, for example, the first fixed plate (310) and the second fixed plate (320) may be connected to each other. The second fixed plate (320) may extend from one side of the first fixed plate (310). The fixed portion (300-3) may include a first connecting portion (330) connecting the first fixed plate (310) and the second fixed plate (320).

[0468] Likewise, as an example, the first fixed plate (310) and the third fixed plate (350-3) may be connected to each other. The third fixed plate (350-3) may extend from one side of the first fixed plate (310). The third fixed plate (350-3) may extend from one side of the first fixed plate (310) toward the other side.

[0469] For example, the third fixed plate (350-3) may extend from the side facing the second fixed plate (320) based on the first fixed plate (310).

[0470] The fixed portion (300-3) may include a second connecting portion (360-3) connecting the first fixed plate (310) and the third fixed plate (350-3). The second connecting portion (360-3) may be provided on one side of the first fixed plate (310). The second connecting portion (360-3) may extend from one side of the first fixed plate (310) to the third fixed plate (350-3). The second connecting portion (360-3) may have a bent shape so as to extend from one side of the first fixed plate (310) to the third fixed plate (350-3).

[0471] The second connecting portion (360-3) may extend from one side of the first fixing plate (310), and the third fixing plate (350-3) may extend from the second connecting portion (360-3) toward the opposite side. Through this, the third fixing plate (350-3) may face the first fixing plate (310). Through this, the third fixing plate (350-3) may come into contact with the first fixing plate (310).

[0472] The third fixed plate (350-3) can be bent in a direction from one side of the first fixed plate (310) toward the second body (400). As shown in FIGS. 24 and 25, the third fixed plate (350-3) can be bent forward (in the +X direction) from one side of the first fixed plate (310) to come into contact with the front surface of the first fixed plate (310).

[0473] The first fixed plate (310) and the third fixed plate (350-3) may be formed integrally. The third fixed plate (350-3) may be bent and extended from one side of the first fixed plate (310). For example, the bent portion from one side of the first fixed plate (310) may be formed as a second connecting portion (360-3), and the third fixed plate (350-3) may be extended from the second connecting portion (360-3). The first fixed plate (310), the second connecting portion (360-3), and the third fixed plate (350-3) may be formed integrally.

[0474] For example, the fixed part (300-3) may include a first cut hole (340). The first cut hole (340) may be formed by cutting a portion of the first body (200). For example, the second fixed plate (320) may be provided to be bendable with respect to the first fixed plate (310) as the first cut hole (340) is formed by cutting a portion of the first body (200). The first cut hole (340) may have features corresponding to the cut hole (340) of the fixed part (300) described above with reference to FIGS. 7 to 9 , and a detailed description thereof may not be repeated herein.

[0475] The fixed portion (300-3) may include a second cut hole (370-3). The second cut hole (370-3) may be formed by cutting a portion of the first body (200). The second cut hole (370-3) may be formed in a shape that allows the first body (200) to penetrate.

[0476] The second cutting hole (370-3) may be provided on one side of the first fixing plate (310). The second cutting hole (370-3) may be arranged parallel to the first fixing plate (310). For example, as illustrated in FIGS. 24 and 25, the second cutting hole (370-3) may be arranged parallel to the first fixing plate (310) on the YZ plane.

[0477] The third fixed plate (350-3) may extend from a side adjacent to the second cut hole (370-3) of the first fixed plate (310). For example, the third fixed plate (350-3) may extend from a side of the first fixed plate (310) in a direction opposite to the second cut hole (370-3). A second connecting portion (360-3) may be provided on a side of the first fixed plate (310) where the second cut hole (370-3) is provided.

[0478] The third fixed plate (350-3) can be provided to be bendable relative to the first fixed plate (310) as a part of the first body (200) is cut to form a second cut hole (370-3).

[0479] In one embodiment, the third fixed plate (350-3) can be brought into contact with the second fixed plate (320) by cutting a portion of the first body (200) to form a second cut hole (370-3) and then bending the cut portion.

[0480] As the third fixed plate (350-3) is formed in the process of cutting a portion of the first body (200), the size of the second cut hole (370-3) may be larger than the size of the third fixed plate (350-3). For example, the area of ​​the second cut hole (370-3) may be larger than the area of ​​the third fixed plate (350-3). In addition, the X-direction thickness of the second cut hole (370-3) may roughly correspond to the X-direction thickness of the third fixed plate (350-3).

[0481] The fixed part (300-3) illustrated in FIGS. 24 and 25 can be manufactured through a step of forming a first cutting hole (340) and a second cutting hole (370-3) by cutting a part of the first body (200), bending the first connecting part (330) to place the second fixing plate (320) in contact with the first fixing plate (310), bending the second connecting part (360-3) to place the third fixing plate (350-3) in contact with the second fixing plate (320), and then sequentially penetrating the third fixing plate (350-3), the first fixing plate (310), and the second fixing plate (320) using a burring tool to form burring holes (311, 321, 351-3) and flanges (312, 322, 352-3).

[0482] Due to the structure of the first flange (312), the second flange (322), and the third flange (352-3) as described above, the thickness of the burring flange (302) provided on the fixed portion (300) can be increased. In addition, due to the structure in which the first fixed plate (310), the second fixed plate (320), and the third fixed plate (350-3) contact each other as described above, the protruding length of the burring flange (302) can be increased.

[0483] The fixing structure between the components included in the outdoor unit (10) of the air conditioner (1) described above with reference to FIGS. 1 to 25 can be applied to various components, such as the indoor unit (20) of the air conditioner (1), in addition to the outdoor unit (10). Furthermore, the fixing structure between the components described in the present disclosure can be applied to the fixing structure between the components in various products in addition to the air conditioner (1).

[0484] An outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure may include a first body, and a second body provided to be fixed to the first body by a fastening member. The first body may include a first fixing plate provided to support the second body and including a first burring hole configured to be penetrated by the fastening member and arranged to correspond to the first burring hole, a second fixing plate provided to be in contact with a surface of the first fixing plate opposite to a surface adjacent to the second body, a first flange provided along a periphery of the first burring hole and protruding from the first fixing plate in a direction penetrating the second burring hole, and a second flange provided along a periphery of the second burring hole and protruding from the second fixing plate in a direction away from the first fixing plate. An inner peripheral surface of the second flange (322) may be in contact with an outer peripheral surface of the first flange.

[0485] The second fixed plate and the second flange may surround the outer circumferential surface of the first flange.

[0486] The first fixed plate and the second fixed plate can be connected to each other.

[0487] The first body may further include a connecting portion connecting the first fixed plate and the second fixed plate. The connecting portion may extend from one side of the first fixed plate. The second fixed plate may extend from the connecting portion toward the other side so as to face the first fixed plate.

[0488] The first fixed plate and the second fixed plate may be formed integrally. The second fixed plate may be bent and extended from one side of the first fixed plate.

[0489] The above first body may further include a cut hole provided on one side of the first fixed plate.

[0490] The second fixed plate may extend from one side of the first fixed plate in a direction opposite to the cut hole.

[0491] The size of the above-mentioned cutting hole may be larger than the size of the second fixing plate.

[0492] The second body may be movable in a second direction different from the first direction between a first position separable from the first body and a second position constrained in a first direction with respect to the first body. The second body may further include a guide protrusion configured to guide the second body to move between the first position and the second position with respect to the first body. The guide protrusion may be arranged to penetrate the cut hole when the second body is positioned between the first position and the second position.

[0493] The longitudinal central axis of the first flange and the longitudinal central axis of the second flange may coincide with each other.

[0494] The end portion of the first flange protruding from the first fixed plate and the end portion of the second flange protruding from the second fixed plate may be parallel to each other.

[0495] The above first fixed plate may be arranged to contact the second body.

[0496] The first body may include a third burring hole configured to be penetrated by the fastening member, a third fixing plate that contacts the other side of the second fixing plate opposite to the side that contacts the first fixing plate, and a third flange that is provided along the periphery of the third burring hole and protrudes from the third fixing plate in a direction away from the second fixing plate. An inner peripheral surface of the third flange may contact an outer peripheral surface of the second flange.

[0497] The first body may include a third burring hole configured to be penetrated by the fastening member, a third fixing plate disposed between the first fixing plate and the second body, and a third flange provided along the periphery of the third burring hole and protruding away from the third fixing plate in a direction away from the second body. An inner circumferential surface of the first flange may be in contact with an outer circumferential surface of the third flange.

[0498] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a method for manufacturing an outdoor unit of an air conditioner including a first body and a second body fixed to the first body by a fastening member may include: arranging a first fixing plate and a second fixing plate of the first body to be in contact with each other; sequentially penetrating the first fixing plate and the second fixing plate in a direction from the first fixing plate toward the second fixing plate using a burring tool, thereby forming a burring hole and a burring flange provided along a periphery of the burring hole in the first body (200); and sequentially positioning the second body, the first fixing plate, and the second fixing plate, and fixing the second body to the first body using the fastening member penetrating the second body and the burring hole.

[0499] Forming a burring hole and a burring flange provided along the circumference of the burring hole in the first body may include forming a first burring hole in the first fixing plate and a first flange provided along the circumference of the first burring hole and protruding so as to penetrate the second fixing plate; and forming a second burring hole in the second fixing plate and a second flange provided along the circumference of the second burring hole and protruding in a direction away from the first fixing plate and in contact with an outer peripheral surface of the first flange.

[0500] The second fixed plate may extend from one side of the first fixed plate. Arranging the first fixed plate and the second fixed plate to be in contact with each other may include bending a connecting portion connecting the first fixed plate and the second fixed plate so that the second fixed plate is in contact with the first fixed plate.

[0501] The method for manufacturing the outdoor unit of the air conditioner may further include cutting a portion of the first body located on one side of the first fixed plate so that the second fixed plate can be bent relative to the first fixed plate.

[0502] An outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure may include a first body, and a second body that is provided to be fixed to the first body by a fastening member. The first body may include a first plate portion having a first burring hole formed to be penetrated by the fastening member and one surface of which is in contact with the second body, a second plate portion having a second burring hole formed to be penetrated by the fastening member, extending from one side of the first plate portion and in contact with the other surface of the first plate portion opposite to the one surface, and a flange portion that supports the fastening member, is formed along a periphery of the second burring hole, and protrudes from the second plate portion in a direction away from the first plate portion.

[0503] The above flange portion may be an outer flange portion. The first body may further include an inner flange portion that supports the fastening member, is formed along the periphery of the first burring hole, and protrudes from the first plate portion in a direction penetrating the second burring hole. The inner peripheral surface of the outer flange portion may be in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the inner flange portion.

[0504] According to the invention of the present disclosure, the outdoor unit of the air conditioner includes a fixed structure including a first flange and a second flange that are in contact with each other, so that the fastening member can be stably supported.

[0505] According to the invention of the present disclosure, an outdoor unit of an air conditioner includes a fixed structure including a first flange and a second flange that are in contact with each other, thereby effectively preventing and / or reducing damage to the burring flange due to wear of screw threads or the like.

[0506] According to the idea of ​​the present disclosure, the outdoor unit of the air conditioner includes a fixing structure including a first fixing plate and a second fixing plate that are in contact with each other, so that the fastening member can be stably supported.

[0507] According to the idea of ​​the present disclosure, an outdoor unit of an air conditioner includes a fixing structure including a first fixing plate and a second fixing plate that are in contact with each other, thereby effectively preventing and / or reducing damage to a burring flange due to wear of screw threads or the like.

[0508] According to the idea of ​​the present disclosure, the fixed structure of the outdoor unit of the air conditioner can stably support the fastening member, and damage to the burring flange of the fixed structure can be prevented and / or reduced, thereby improving the fixing force between two bodies fixed by the fixed structure.

[0509] According to the idea of ​​the present disclosure, the fixed structure of the outdoor unit of the air conditioner can stably support the fastening member, and damage to the burring flange of the fixed structure is prevented and / or reduced, so that the part can be manufactured using a thin material, thereby reducing the weight of the part.

[0510] According to the concept of the present disclosure, the fixing structure of the outdoor unit of the air conditioner may not require additional parts to improve fixing strength, so that the manufacturing cost of the product may be reduced.

[0511] According to the idea of ​​the present disclosure, the outdoor unit of the air conditioner has a first fixed plate and a second fixed plate formed integrally with each other, so that injury to a worker or damage to parts such as wires can be prevented and / or reduced due to the connection portion between the first fixed plate and the second fixed plate.

[0512] The effects according to the idea of ​​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.

[0513] 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 may be used in conjunction with any other embodiment(s) described herein.

Claims

1. First body; and A second body is provided to be fixed to the first body by a fastening member; The above first body, A first fixing plate including a first burring hole configured to be penetrated by the above fastening member and provided to support the second body; A second fixed plate configured to penetrate through the fastening member and including a second burring hole arranged to correspond to the first burring hole, and arranged to contact the other surface of the first fixed plate opposite to the one surface of the first fixed plate adjacent to the second body; A first flange provided along the circumference of the first burring hole and protruding in a direction penetrating the second burring hole from the first fixing plate; and A second flange is provided along the perimeter of the second burring hole and protrudes from the second fixing plate in a direction away from the first fixing plate; An outdoor unit of an air conditioner in which the inner surface of the second flange is in contact with the outer surface of the first flange.

2. In paragraph 1, An outdoor unit of an air conditioner, wherein the second fixed plate and the second flange surround the outer surface of the first flange.

3. In paragraph 1, An outdoor unit of an air conditioner, wherein the first fixed plate and the second fixed plate are connected to each other.

4. In paragraph 3, The above first body, Further comprising a connecting member connecting the first fixed plate and the second fixed plate; The above connecting portion extends from one side of the first fixed plate, An outdoor unit of an air conditioner, wherein the second fixed plate extends toward the other side from the connecting portion so as to face the first fixed plate.

5. In paragraph 3, The above first fixed plate and the above second fixed plate are formed integrally, An outdoor unit of an air conditioner in which the second fixed plate is extended by bending from one side of the first fixed plate.

6. In paragraph 1, The above first body, An outdoor unit of an air conditioner further comprising a cutting hole provided on one side of the first fixed plate.

7. In paragraph 6, An outdoor unit of an air conditioner in which the second fixed plate extends in a direction opposite to the cut hole from the one side of the first fixed plate.

8. In paragraph 6, An outdoor unit of an air conditioner in which the size of the above-mentioned cutting hole is larger than the size of the above-mentioned second fixed plate.

9. In paragraph 6, The second body is configured to be moveable along a second direction different from the first direction between a first position separable from the first body and a second position constrained in a first direction with respect to the first body, The second body further includes a guide protrusion configured to guide the second body to move between the first position and the second position relative to the first body; An outdoor unit of an air conditioner in which the above guide protrusion is positioned to penetrate the cut hole when the second body is positioned between the first position and the second position.

10. In paragraph 1, An outdoor unit of an air conditioner, wherein the longitudinal central axis of the first flange and the longitudinal central axis of the second flange are coincident with each other.

11. In paragraph 1, An outdoor unit of an air conditioner, wherein the end portion protruding from the first fixed plate of the first flange and the end portion protruding from the second fixed plate of the second flange are parallel to each other.

12. In paragraph 1, An outdoor unit of an air conditioner in which the first fixed plate is provided to be in contact with the second body.

13. In paragraph 1, The above first body, A third fixing plate including a third burring hole configured to penetrate through the above fastening member, and contacting the other side of the second fixing plate opposite to the one side of the second fixing plate contacting the first fixing plate; and A third flange is provided along the perimeter of the third burring hole and protrudes from the third fixing plate in a direction away from the second fixing plate; An outdoor unit of an air conditioner in which the inner surface of the third flange is in contact with the outer surface of the second flange.

14. In paragraph 1, The above first body, A third fixing plate including a third burring hole configured to be penetrated by the above fastening member and arranged between the first fixing plate and the second body; and A third flange is provided along the perimeter of the third burring hole and protrudes away from the third fixed plate in a direction away from the second body; An outdoor unit of an air conditioner in which the inner surface of the first flange is in contact with the outer surface of the third flange.

15. A method for manufacturing an outdoor unit of an air conditioner including a first body and a second body fixed to the first body by a fastening member, Positioning the first fixed plate and the second fixed plate of the first body so as to be in contact with each other; By sequentially penetrating the first fixed plate and the second fixed plate in a direction from the first fixed plate to the second fixed plate using a burring tool, a burring hole and a burring flange provided along the circumference of the burring hole are formed in the first body; and A method for manufacturing an outdoor unit of an air conditioner, comprising: sequentially positioning the second body, the first fixing plate, and the second fixing plate, and fixing the second body to the first body using the fastening member penetrating the second body and the burring hole.

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