Outdoor unit of air conditioner

Abstract

An outdoor unit of an air conditioner is provided. The outdoor unit of the air conditioner comprises: a housing including a base; a refrigerant pipe provided to allow refrigerant to flow; a water pipe provided to allow water to flow; a plate-type heat exchanger disposed inside the housing and provided so as to exchange heat between water flowing along the water pipe and a refrigerant flowing along the refrigerant pipe; an expansion tank disposed inside the housing, connected to the water pipe, and provided so as to control pressure inside the water pipe; a control box disposed inside the housing and accommodating a printed circuit board; a first bracket that secures the plate-type heat exchanger to the base; a second bracket that secures the expansion tank to the base and is connected to the first bracket; and a third bracket that supports the control box and is connected to an upper surface of the second bracket.

Description

Outdoor unit of air conditioner

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

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

[0003] Air conditioners include the ATW (Air to Water) heat pump type, which uses air as a heat source and supplies heating, cooling, and hot water through water.

[0004] ATW heat pump type air conditioners include a fin-tube heat exchanger that exchanges heat between air and refrigerant, and a plate heat exchanger that exchanges heat between refrigerant and water. The water heat-exchanged in the plate heat exchanger is routed to a fan coil unit, radiator, and underfloor pipes for floor heating / cooling.

[0005] One aspect of the present disclosure provides an outdoor unit of an air conditioner having an improved structure so that components such as a plate heat exchanger, an expansion tank, and a control box can be stably fixed.

[0006] One aspect of the present disclosure provides an outdoor unit of an air conditioner having an improved structure that reduces vibrations generated when components such as a plate heat exchanger and an expansion tank operate and reinforces the rigidity of the components to prevent damage.

[0007] One aspect of the present disclosure provides an outdoor unit of an air conditioner having an improved structure so that components such as a plate heat exchanger and an expansion tank can be easily installed and disassembled.

[0008] 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.

[0009] An outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a housing including a base, a refrigerant pipe through which refrigerant flows, a water pipe through which water flows, a plate heat exchanger disposed inside the housing and configured to exchange heat between water flowing along the water pipe and refrigerant flowing along the refrigerant pipe, an expansion tank disposed inside the housing, connected to the water pipe, and configured to control pressure within the water pipe, a control box disposed inside the housing and configured to accommodate a printed circuit board, a first bracket that secures the plate heat exchanger to the base, a second bracket that secures the expansion tank to the base and is fastened to the first bracket, and a third bracket that supports the control box and is fastened to an upper surface of the second bracket.

[0010] An outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a housing including a base, a refrigerant pipe through which refrigerant flows, a water pipe through which water flows, a plate heat exchanger disposed within the housing and configured to exchange heat between refrigerant flowing along the refrigerant pipe and water flowing along the water pipe, an expansion tank disposed within the housing, connected to the water pipe, and configured to control pressure within the water pipe, a control box disposed above the expansion tank and configured to accommodate a printed circuit board, a first bracket coupled to the base and supporting the plate heat exchanger, a second bracket coupled to the base and the first bracket and supporting the expansion tank, and a third bracket supporting a lower portion of the control box and having a lower portion supported by the second bracket.

[0011] An outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a base, a water pipe through which water flows, a plate heat exchanger disposed on the base and configured to heat or cool water flowing along the water pipe, an expansion tank disposed on the base and configured to control pressure within the water pipe, a control box disposed above the expansion tank, a first bracket for fixing the plate heat exchanger to the base, a second bracket for fixing the expansion tank to the base, and a third bracket for supporting a lower portion of the control box. The first bracket may be detachably fastened to the base. The second bracket may be detachably fastened to the base. The first bracket and the second bracket may be detachably fastened to each other. The third bracket may be detachably fastened to an upper portion of the second bracket. It may extend vertically upward from an upper portion of the second bracket to a lower portion of the control box.

[0012] FIG. 1 is a drawing illustrating an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0013] FIG. 2 is a drawing illustrating an outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0014] FIG. 3 is a drawing showing an exploded view of an outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0015] FIG. 4 is a drawing showing some components of an outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, viewed from the front.

[0016] FIG. 5 is a drawing showing some components of an outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, viewed from the rear.

[0017] FIG. 6 is a drawing showing a plate heat exchanger and an expansion tank of an outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure fixed to a base.

[0018] Figure 7 is an enlarged view of A in Figure 6.

[0019] Figure 8 is an enlarged view of B in Figure 6.

[0020] FIG. 9 is a drawing showing a plate-type heat exchanger and an expansion tank of an outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure fixed to a base.

[0021] FIG. 10 is an exploded view showing the components of a plate heat exchanger, an expansion tank, a first bracket, a second bracket, a connecting bracket, etc. of an outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0022] FIG. 11 is a drawing illustrating the configurations of a plate heat exchanger, an expansion tank, a first bracket, a second bracket, a third bracket, etc. of an outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0023] FIG. 12 is a drawing showing a state in which a second bracket and a third bracket of an outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure are fastened.

[0024] FIG. 13 is a drawing showing a second bracket and a third bracket of an outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure separated.

[0025] FIG. 14 is a drawing showing the configurations of partitions, ducts, control boxes, third brackets, etc. of an outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0026] 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.

[0027] In connection with the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components.

[0028] 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.

[0029] 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.

[0030] The term “and / or” includes any combination of a plurality of related described elements or any one of a plurality of related described elements.

[0031] 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).

[0032] 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.

[0033] The terms “include” or “have” are intended to specify the presence of a feature, number, step, operation, component, part or combination thereof described in this document, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts or combinations thereof.

[0034] 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.

[0035] 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.

[0036] 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.

[0037] 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.

[0038] 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. For example, the air conditioner may be configured such that one outdoor unit is connected to two or more indoor units. For example, the air conditioner may be configured such that two or more outdoor units and two or more indoor units are connected.

[0039] 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.

[0040] The air conditioner may include an outdoor heat exchanger provided in the outdoor unit and an indoor heat exchanger provided in the indoor unit.

[0041] 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.

[0042] An air conditioner performs cooling or heating functions through a phase change process of a refrigerant circulating through a first heat exchanger and a second heat exchanger. To achieve this refrigerant circulation, the air conditioner may include a compressor that compresses the refrigerant. The compressor may intake refrigerant gas through an intake port and compress the refrigerant gas. The compressor may discharge high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant gas through an exhaust port. The compressor may be located inside the outdoor unit.

[0043] The refrigerant may circulate through the refrigerant pipe in the order of a compressor, a first heat exchanger, an expansion device, and a second heat exchanger, or in the order of a compressor, a second heat exchanger, an expansion device, and a first heat exchanger.

[0044] When one outdoor unit is connected to multiple indoor units, the multiple indoor units can operate independently according to the operating mode set by the user. That is, some of the multiple indoor units can operate in cooling mode, while others operate in heating mode.

[0045] When multiple outdoor units and multiple indoor units are connected to each other, all or at least some of the outdoor units may be operated, depending on the operating load of the multiple indoor units. In this case, the refrigerant may be introduced into and circulated through a selectively operated outdoor unit via a flow switching valve.

[0046] The air conditioner may include an expansion device to reduce the pressure of the refrigerant entering the heat exchanger.

[0047] 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.

[0048] 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.

[0049] 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.

[0050] 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 the first heat exchanger or the second heat exchanger.

[0051] 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.

[0052] 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.

[0053] 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.

[0054] 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.

[0055] 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.

[0056] The housing may include an intake port through which indoor air may be drawn into the interior of the housing.

[0057] 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.

[0058] 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.

[0059] 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.

[0060] 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.

[0061] Blowers may include indoor fans and fan motors. For example, indoor fans may include axial fans, diffusion fans, crossflow fans, and centrifugal fans.

[0062] An indoor heat exchanger can be placed between the blower and the exhaust, or between the intake and the blower. The indoor heat exchanger can absorb heat from the air drawn in through the intake, or transfer heat to the air drawn in through the intake.

[0063] 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.

[0064] The indoor unit of the air conditioner may include an input interface. The input interface may include any type of user input means, including buttons, switches, a touch screen, and / or a touch pad. The user can directly input setting data (e.g., desired indoor temperature, operating mode settings for cooling / heating / dehumidification / air purification, outlet selection settings, and / or air flow settings) through the input interface.

[0065] 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.

[0066] 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.

[0067] The indoor unit of the air conditioner may include a power module. The power module may be connected to an external power source to supply power to the components of the indoor unit.

[0068] 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.

[0069] 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.

[0070] 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.

[0071] 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.

[0072] 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.

[0073] 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.

[0074] 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.

[0075] 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.

[0076] 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.

[0077] 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.

[0078] 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.

[0079] 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.

[0080] The processor can generate control signals for controlling the operation of the air conditioner based on instructions, applications, data, and / or programs stored in memory. The processor, as hardware, may include logic circuits and arithmetic circuits. The processor can process data according to programs and / or instructions provided from the memory and generate control signals based on the processing results. The memory and the processor may be implemented as a single control circuit or as multiple circuits.

[0081] 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.

[0082] 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.

[0083] Hereinafter, embodiments according to the present disclosure will be described with reference to the attached drawings.

[0084] Meanwhile, the terms "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", etc. used in the following description are defined based on the drawings, and the shape and position of each component are not limited by these terms. For example, referring to FIG. 2, the direction in which the first front cover (180) and the second front cover (190) of the outdoor unit (10) of the air conditioner (1) face each may be defined as forward (+X direction), and the opposite direction may be defined as rear (-X direction). In addition, the vertical direction in which the top cover (171) of the outdoor unit (10) of the air conditioner (1) faces may be defined as upward (+Z direction), and the opposite direction may be defined as downward (-Z direction). In addition, the direction in which the first side frame (150) of the outdoor unit (10) of the air conditioner (1) is located may be defined as leftward (-Y direction), and the opposite direction may be defined as rightward (+Y direction).

[0085] FIG. 1 is a drawing illustrating an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0086] Referring to FIG. 1, an air conditioner (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include an outdoor unit (10) placed in an outdoor space, an indoor unit (20A) placed in an indoor space, and a connecting pipe (30) connecting the outdoor unit (10) and the indoor unit (20A).

[0087] An air conditioner (1) can absorb heat from indoors through an indoor unit (20A) and release heat to the outdoors through an outdoor unit (10) for cooling an air-conditioned space, i.e., an indoor space, which is the target of air conditioning. In addition, the air conditioner (1) can absorb heat from outdoors through an outdoor unit (10) and release heat to the outdoors through an indoor unit (20A) for heating the indoor space.

[0088] The outdoor unit (10) may include a fin tube heat exchanger (11, see FIG. 3) provided to exchange heat between outdoor air and a refrigerant, a compressor (12, see FIG. 3) provided to compress refrigerant gas, and a plate heat exchanger (PHE) (50, see FIG. 3) provided to exchange heat between the refrigerant and water.

[0089] The outdoor unit (10) can exchange heat between outdoor air and refrigerant using a fin-tube heat exchanger (11). The outdoor unit (10) can exchange heat between refrigerant and water using a plate heat exchanger (50). When the air conditioner (1) performs a heating function, the refrigerant absorbs heat from outdoor air in the fin-tube heat exchanger (11) and transfers the absorbed heat to water in the plate heat exchanger (50), thereby heating the water. When the air conditioner (1) performs a cooling function, the refrigerant absorbs heat from water in the plate heat exchanger (50), thereby cooling the water and releasing the heat to outdoor air in the fin-tube heat exchanger (11). Water heated or cooled by this process can be transferred to the indoor unit (20A) through a connecting pipe (30).

[0090] A detailed description of the configuration of the outdoor unit (10) will be described later.

[0091] The indoor unit (20A) can receive water heated or cooled from the outdoor unit (10) through a connecting pipe (30) and exchange heat with indoor air. The indoor unit (20A) can include a coil through which water flows and an indoor blower fan that is provided to suck and blow indoor air so that the indoor air passes through the coil. The coil can be connected to the connecting pipe (30) so as to receive water heated or cooled from the outdoor unit (10), and when air passes through the coil by the indoor blower fan, heat can be exchanged between the water flowing through the coil and the air. When the air conditioner (1) performs a heating function, water heated in the outdoor unit (10) can be transferred to the coil of the indoor unit (20A) through the connecting pipe (30), and indoor air can be heated by absorbing heat from the water flowing along the coil. When the air conditioner (1) performs a cooling function, cooled water from the outdoor unit (10) can be transferred to the coil of the indoor unit (20A) through the connecting pipe (30), and indoor air can transfer heat to the water flowing along the coil and be cooled. The indoor unit (20A) can be referred to as a fan coil unit.

[0092] Although FIG. 1 illustrates an example in which one outdoor unit (10) and one indoor unit (20A) are connected by a connecting pipe (30), the present invention is not limited thereto, and one outdoor unit (10) and two or more indoor units (20A) may be connected by a connecting pipe (30), or two or more outdoor units (10) and one indoor unit (20A) may be connected by a connecting pipe (30), or two or more outdoor units (10) and two or more indoor units (20A) may be connected by a connecting pipe (30).

[0093] In addition to the indoor unit (20A), water heated or cooled in the outdoor unit (10) can be supplied indoors through various routes. For example, a radiator (20B) connected to a connecting pipe (30) and through which water flows can be placed in an indoor space, and as the water heated or cooled in the outdoor unit (10) is transferred to the radiator (20B) through the connecting pipe (30), the air conditioner (1) can perform a heating or cooling function. Alternatively, for example, an underfloor pipe (20C) connected to a connecting pipe (30) and through which water flows can be placed on the floor of a building such as a home or office, and as the water heated or cooled in the outdoor unit (10) is transferred to the underfloor pipe (20C) through the connecting pipe (30), the air conditioner (1) can perform a heating or cooling function.

[0094] Although not shown in Fig. 1, a water tank may be provided between the outdoor unit (10), the indoor unit (20A), the radiator (20B), and the underfloor pipe (20C) to store water heated or cooled in the outdoor unit (10).

[0095] 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 included therein, etc., can be provided in various ways.

[0096] Hereinafter, the outdoor unit (10) of the air conditioner (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure will be specifically described with reference to FIGS. 2 to 14.

[0097] FIG. 2 is a drawing illustrating an outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 3 is a drawing illustrating an exploded view of an outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0098] 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 a fin-tube heat exchanger (11) configured to exchange heat between a refrigerant and outdoor air, a compressor (12) configured to compress the refrigerant, an outdoor fan (13) configured to suck and blow outdoor air so that the outdoor air passes through the fin-tube heat exchanger (11), a plate-type heat exchanger (50) configured to exchange heat between a refrigerant and water, and a housing (100) configured to accommodate various components of the outdoor unit (10).

[0099] The housing (100) can form the exterior of the outdoor unit (10). Various components of the outdoor unit (10), such as a fin tube heat exchanger (11), a compressor (12), an outdoor fan (13), and a plate heat exchanger (50), can be accommodated inside the housing (100).

[0100] 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 a fin-tube heat exchanger (11) and air introduced from the outside. Components such as a fin-tube heat exchanger (11), an outdoor fan (13), and the like may be arranged in the heat exchange chamber (R1).

[0101] 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 into the heat exchange chamber (R1) through the inlet (131, 151), and after exchanging heat with the fin tube heat exchanger (11), may be discharged outside the heat exchange chamber (R1) through the outlet (111).

[0102] The outdoor unit (10) may include a machine room (R2) formed inside the housing (100). Components such as a compressor (12), a plate heat exchanger (50), an expansion tank (60), and a control box (91, 92) may be placed in the machine room (R2).

[0103] 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 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).

[0104] 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).

[0105] For example, the housing (100) can be formed to have a roughly box shape.

[0106] Below, an example of the structure of the housing (100) is described in more detail.

[0107] 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).

[0108] 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.

[0109] The first front frame (110) and the second front frame (120) can be arranged side by side in the left-right direction (Y direction). The first front frame (110) and the second front frame (120) can be coupled to each other.

[0110] 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).

[0111] The first front frame (110) and the first rear frame (130) can be arranged opposite each other.

[0112] 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).

[0113] The second front frame (120) and the second rear frame (140) can be positioned opposite each other.

[0114] 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).

[0115] 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).

[0116] 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).

[0117] For example, the first side frame (150) can be arranged to extend in the front-back direction (X direction).

[0118] 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).

[0119] 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).

[0120] 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).

[0121] For example, the second side frame (160) can be arranged to extend in the front-back direction (X direction).

[0122] The first side frame (150) and the second side frame (160) can be arranged opposite each other.

[0123] 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 a fin tube heat exchanger (11), a compressor (12), a plate heat exchanger (50), an expansion tank (60), and a partition (16) from the lower side.

[0124] 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).

[0125] The base (172) can be formed to have a roughly flat plate shape.

[0126] The housing (100) may include a top cover (171). The top cover (171) may form the upper surface of the outdoor unit (10).

[0127] 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.

[0128] 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).

[0129] The top cover (171) can be formed to have a roughly flat plate shape.

[0130] The top cover (171) and the base (172) can be positioned opposite each other.

[0131] 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).

[0132] The first front cover (180) covers the exhaust port (111), and may include a grill formed to allow air to be discharged from the exhaust port (111).

[0133] 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).

[0134] The first front cover (180) and the second front cover (190) can be arranged side by side in the left-right direction (Y direction). The first front cover (180) and the second front cover (190) can be coupled to each other.

[0135] 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).

[0136] 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).

[0137] The configuration of the housing (100) that can be included in the air conditioner according to the idea of ​​the present disclosure is not limited to that described above, and some of the configurations of the housing (100) described above may be formed integrally with each other.

[0138] The outdoor unit (10) may include an outdoor fan (13) configured to circulate air. When the outdoor fan (13) rotates, air outside the housing (100) may be introduced into the heat exchange room (R1) through the inlet (131, 151) of the housing (100), and may be discharged through the outlet (111) after exchanging heat with the fin-tube heat exchanger (11). The outdoor fan (13) may include a fan motor that generates rotational force. The fan motor may be supported by a motor bracket fixed to a base (172). The outdoor fan (13), the fan motor, and the motor bracket supporting the same may be placed in the heat exchange room (R1).

[0139] The outdoor unit (10) may include a refrigerant pipe (80, see FIG. 4) through which refrigerant flows and a water pipe (70) through which water flows. The refrigerant flowing along the refrigerant pipe (80) may exchange heat with air in a fin-tube heat exchanger (11). The refrigerant flowing along the refrigerant pipe (80) and the water flowing along the water pipe (70) may exchange heat in a plate heat exchanger (50).

[0140] The water pipe (70) may be provided to allow water to flow in from the outside of the housing (100) or to discharge water to the outside of the housing (100). The water pipe (70) may be connected to the aforementioned connecting pipe (30) to deliver heated or cooled water to an indoor unit (20A) or the like (see FIG. 1). At least a portion of the water pipe (70) may be arranged inside the housing (100). For example, at least a portion of the water pipe (70) may be arranged in the machine room (R2).

[0141] The fin tube heat exchanger (11) of the outdoor unit (10) may be provided so that refrigerant flows therein. The fin tube heat exchanger (11) may include one or more heat exchange tubes through which the refrigerant flows, and a plurality of plate-shaped fins in contact with the heat exchange tubes. Thus, the fin tube heat exchanger (11) may be provided so as to exchange heat between the refrigerant flowing along the refrigerant tubes (80) and the air flowing by the fan (13).

[0142] The fin-tube heat exchanger (11) of the outdoor unit (10) can perform heat exchange between the refrigerant and the outdoor air by utilizing the phase change (e.g., evaporation or condensation) of the refrigerant. For example, the fin-tube heat exchanger (11) can release the heat of the refrigerant to the outdoor air by utilizing the condensation of the refrigerant. In addition, the fin-tube heat exchanger (11) can absorb the heat of the outdoor air into the refrigerant by utilizing the evaporation of the refrigerant.

[0143] For example, during the cooling operation of the air conditioner (1), high-pressure, high-temperature refrigerant gas is condensed in the fin-tube heat exchanger (11), and while the refrigerant is condensed, the refrigerant can release heat to the outdoor air. During the cooling operation of the air conditioner (1), the fin-tube heat exchanger (11) can discharge refrigerant liquid. In addition, during the heating operation of the air conditioner (1), low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant liquid is evaporated in the fin-tube heat exchanger (11), and while the refrigerant is evaporating, the refrigerant can absorb heat from the outdoor air. During the heating operation of the air conditioner (1), the fin-tube heat exchanger (11) can discharge refrigerant gas.

[0144] The fin tube heat exchanger (11) can be arranged to face the inlet (131, 151) in the heat exchange room (R1).

[0145] The compressor (12) of the outdoor unit (10) 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.

[0146] The plate heat exchanger (21) of the outdoor unit (10) may be provided to exchange heat between the refrigerant and water. Specifically, the plate heat exchanger (50) may be provided to exchange heat between water flowing along the water pipe (70) and the refrigerant flowing along the refrigerant pipe (80).

[0147] The plate heat exchanger (50) can be connected to a water pipe (70). In addition, the plate heat exchanger (50) can be connected to a refrigerant pipe (80). Water can be introduced from the outside of the plate heat exchanger (50) into the inside of the plate heat exchanger (50) through the water pipe (70), and refrigerant can be introduced from the outside of the plate heat exchanger (50) into the inside of the plate heat exchanger (50) through the refrigerant pipe (80), and the water and refrigerant flowing along the inside of the plate heat exchanger (50) can exchange heat with each other. Thereafter, the water can be discharged to the outside of the plate heat exchanger (50) through the water pipe (70), and the refrigerant can be discharged to the outside of the plate heat exchanger (50) through the refrigerant pipe (80).

[0148] The plate heat exchanger (50) may include a plurality of heat transfer plates, and may be arranged so that refrigerant and water alternately flow between the plurality of heat transfer plates, thereby causing heat exchange between the refrigerant and water.

[0149] The plate heat exchanger (50) may be placed inside the housing (100). For example, the plate heat exchanger (50) may be placed in the machine room (R2). The plate heat exchanger (50) may be supported by a base (172). The plate heat exchanger (50) may be fixed to the base (172).

[0150] The outdoor unit (10) may include an expansion tank (60). The expansion tank (60) may be provided to regulate the pressure within the water pipe (70). The expansion tank (60) may be connected to the water pipe (70). The expansion tank (60) may be connected to the water pipe (70) via an expansion tank connection pipe (71).

[0151] In detail, when the water temperature rises or falls due to the heat exchange operation in the plate heat exchanger (50), the volume inside the water pipe (70) may change. The expansion tank (60) may be provided to prevent the water pressure from suddenly rising or falling due to such a change in volume and to prevent water overflow or air inflow. The expansion tank (60) may be placed inside the housing (100). For example, the expansion tank (60) may be placed in the machine room (R2).

[0152] The expansion tank (60) may be placed inside the housing (100). For example, the expansion tank (60) may be placed in the machine room (R2). The expansion tank (60) may be supported by the base (172). The expansion tank (60) may be fixed to the base (172).

[0153] In this way, the outdoor unit (10) according to one embodiment can constitute a part of a heat pump heating and cooling system that supplies hot or cold water to indoor components, including a plate heat exchanger (50), an expansion tank (60), and a water pipe (70).

[0154] 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 one or more control boxes designed to accommodate these plurality of printed circuit boards.

[0155] For example, the outdoor unit (10) may include a first control box (91). The first control box (91) may be placed inside the housing (100). For example, the first control box (91) may be placed in the machine room (R2). For example, the first control box (91) may be placed above (in the +Z direction) the plate heat exchanger (50) and the expansion tank (60).

[0156] As illustrated in FIG. 3, for example, the first control box (91) may be located on the right side of the machine room (R2) and may be covered by the second side frame (160).

[0157] For example, the outdoor unit (10) may include a second control box (92). The second control box (92) may be placed inside the housing (100). As an example, the second control box (900) may be placed in the machine room (R2). As an example, the second control box (92) may be placed above (in the +Z direction) the plate heat exchanger (50) and the expansion tank (60).

[0158] As illustrated in FIG. 3, for example, the second control box (92) may be located at the front of the machine room (R2) and may be covered by the second front frame (120).

[0159] The outdoor unit (10) may include a duct (17). The duct (17) may be provided so that the interior of the first control box (91) is connected to the heat exchange room (R1). Alternatively, the duct (17) may be provided so that the interior of the second control box (92) is connected to the heat exchange room (R1). Specifically, the partition (16) may include a partition opening (16a, see FIG. 14) formed to connect the heat exchange room (R1) and the machine room (R2), and the duct (17) may be connected to the partition opening (16a) to connect the interior of the first control box (91) or the interior of the second control box (92) and the heat exchange room (R1).

[0160] In detail, the duct (17) may include a first duct (17a) coupled to the first control box (91) and the second control box (92), and a second duct (17b) coupled to the first duct (17a) and the partition opening (16a). The first duct (17a) may connect the interior of the first control box (91) or the interior of the second control box (92) with the second duct (17b). The second duct (17b) may connect the interior of the first duct (17a) with the heat exchange room (R1).

[0161] 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) and the partition opening (16a) 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 interior of the first control box (91) or the second control box (92) can be discharged into the heat exchange room (R1) through the duct (17). In addition, through this, for example, heat generated inside the first control box (91) or the second control box (92) can be discharged into the heat exchange room (R1) through the duct (17).

[0162] The configuration of the outdoor unit (10) described above is only an example of the outdoor unit of the air conditioner according to the concept of the present disclosure, and the concept of the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0163] FIG. 4 is a drawing illustrating some components of an outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, viewed from the front. FIG. 5 is a drawing illustrating some components of an outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, viewed from the rear.

[0164] Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, the outdoor unit (10) of the air conditioner (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a first bracket (200) that supports a plate-type heat exchanger (50). The first bracket (200) may also be referred to as a 'plate-type heat exchanger bracket (200)'.

[0165] The first bracket (200) can be in contact with the plate heat exchanger (50). Specifically, the first bracket (200) can be in contact with at least a portion of the outer surface of the plate heat exchanger (50). The first bracket (200) can cover at least a portion of the outer surface of the plate heat exchanger (50) and support the plate heat exchanger (50).

[0166] The first bracket (200) may be placed inside the housing (100). The first bracket (200) may be placed on the base (172). For example, the first bracket (200) may be placed in the machine room (R2).

[0167] The first bracket (200) may be supported by the base (172). The first bracket (200) may be supported by the base (172) by being in contact with the inner surface of the base (172). The inner surface of the base (172) as referred to herein may include a surface of the base (172) facing the inside of the housing (100). That is, the inner surface of the base (172) may include the upper surface of the base (172).

[0168] The first bracket (200) is supported by the base (172), and the plate heat exchanger (50) is supported by the first bracket (200), so that the plate heat exchanger (50) can be supported by the base (172).

[0169] The first bracket (200) can secure the plate heat exchanger (50) to the base (172). The first bracket (200) can be coupled to the base (172). The first bracket (200) can be coupled to the plate heat exchanger (50).

[0170] For example, the first bracket (200) may include a material with high rigidity, such as a metal alloy.

[0171] A detailed description of the structure of the first bracket (200) will be described later.

[0172] The outdoor unit (20) of the air conditioner (1) may include a second bracket (300) that supports an expansion tank (60). The second bracket (300) may also be referred to as an 'expansion tank bracket (300)'.

[0173] The second bracket (300) can be in contact with the expansion tank (60). Specifically, the second bracket (300) can be in contact with at least a portion of the outer surface of the expansion tank (60). The second bracket (300) can cover at least a portion of the outer surface of the expansion tank (60) and support the expansion tank (60).

[0174] The second bracket (300) may be placed inside the housing (100). The second bracket (300) may be placed on the base (172). For example, the second bracket (300) may be placed in the machine room (R2).

[0175] The second bracket (300) can be supported by the base (172). The second bracket (300) can be supported by the base (172) by being in contact with the inner surface of the base (172).

[0176] The second bracket (300) is supported by the base (172), and the expansion tank (60) is supported by the second bracket (300), so that the expansion tank (60) can be supported by the base (172).

[0177] The second bracket (300) can secure the expansion tank (60) to the base (172). The second bracket (300) can be coupled to the base (172). The second bracket (300) can be coupled to the expansion tank (60).

[0178] For example, the second bracket (300) may include a material with high rigidity, such as a metal alloy.

[0179] A detailed description of the structure of the second bracket (300) will be described later.

[0180] The outdoor unit (10) of the air conditioner (1) may include a third bracket (400) that supports one or more control boxes. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 4, the third bracket (400) may support a first control box (91). For example, as illustrated in FIG. 4, the third bracket (400) may support a second control box (92). The third bracket (400) may also be referred to as a "control box bracket (400)."

[0181] The third bracket (400) can support the lower portion of the first control box (91). The third bracket (400) can be in contact with the lower portion of the first control box (91). Specifically, the third bracket (400) can include a first mounting portion (411) on which the first control box (91) is mounted. For example, the first mounting portion (411) can extend approximately in the horizontal direction (Y). For example, the first mounting portion (411) can extend approximately in the front-back direction (X). The third bracket (400) can be coupled to the lower portion of the first control box (91).

[0182] The third bracket (400) can support the lower portion of the second control box (92). The third bracket (400) can be in contact with the lower portion of the second control box (92). Specifically, the third bracket (400) can include a second mounting portion (412) on which the second control box (92) is mounted. For example, the second mounting portion (412) can extend approximately in the horizontal direction (Y). For example, the second mounting portion (412) can extend approximately in the front-back direction (X). The third bracket (400) can be coupled to the lower portion of the second control box (92).

[0183] The third bracket (400) can be supported by the second bracket (300). The third bracket (400) can be supported by the second bracket (300) by coming into contact with the second bracket (300). As a result, the first control box (91) and the second control box (92) can be supported by the second bracket (300). The third bracket (400) can be coupled to the second bracket (300).

[0184] Additionally, the third bracket (400) may be supported by the partition (16). Specifically, the third bracket (400) may be supported by the partition (16) by being coupled to a duct (17) coupled to the partition (16), particularly, to the second duct (17b). Thus, the first control box (91) and the second control box (92) may be supported by the partition (16). The third bracket (400) may be coupled to the second duct (17b).

[0185] As the second bracket (300) and the partition (16) are each supported by the base (172), the third bracket (400) can be supported by the base (172), and the first control box (91) and the second control box (92) can be supported by the base (172).

[0186] For example, the third bracket (400) may include a material with high rigidity, such as a metal alloy.

[0187] A detailed description of the structure of the third bracket (400) will be described later.

[0188] By these configurations, the components placed in the machine room (R2) of the outdoor unit (10) can be supported by the base (172). Meanwhile, vibration may occur in the plate heat exchanger (50) as the refrigerant and water flow in and out, respectively. In addition, vibration may occur in the expansion tank (60) as water may flow in or out to adjust the pressure in the water pipe (70). In this way, when vibration occurs in the plate heat exchanger (50) or the expansion tank (60), there is a risk that each component of the outdoor unit (10) may be damaged or come out of its fixed position, and there is a risk that noise due to the vibration may be generated. In particular, the expansion tank connecting pipe (71) connecting the expansion tank (60) and the water pipe (70) may have a relatively thin thickness as illustrated in FIG. 5, which may increase the risk of damage due to vibration. Therefore, a structure is required to more efficiently fix the plate heat exchanger (50) and the expansion tank (60) so as to reduce vibrations that may occur when the plate heat exchanger (50) and the expansion tank (60) operate and to reinforce the rigidity of the parts.

[0189] FIG. 6 is a drawing showing a plate-type heat exchanger and an expansion tank of an outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure fixed to a base. FIG. 7 is an enlarged drawing of A of FIG. 6. FIG. 8 is an enlarged drawing of B of FIG. 9 is a drawing showing a plate-type heat exchanger and an expansion tank of an outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure fixed to a base. FIG. 10 is an exploded drawing showing components such as a plate-type heat exchanger, an expansion tank, a first bracket, a second bracket, and a connecting bracket of an outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0190] Referring to FIGS. 6 to 10, the first bracket (200) of the outdoor unit (10) of the air conditioner (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure can support the plate-type heat exchanger (50) by fixing the plate-type heat exchanger (50) to the base (172). The second bracket (300) of the outdoor unit (10) can support the expansion tank (60) by fixing the expansion tank (60) to the base (172). The first bracket (200) and the second bracket (300) are fixed to each other to more efficiently support the plate-type heat exchanger (50) and the expansion tank (60).

[0191] The first bracket (200) can be in contact with the outer surface of the plate heat exchanger (50). The first bracket (200) can be in contact with one surface of the plate heat exchanger (50) that faces the inner surface of the housing (100) in a horizontal direction (e.g., X direction or Y direction).

[0192] For example, the first bracket (200) may be in contact with the front surface of the plate heat exchanger (50). The first bracket (200) may include a front cover portion (210) that is in contact with the front surface of the plate heat exchanger (50). The front cover portion (210) may support the plate heat exchanger (50) from the front (+X direction).

[0193] For example, the first bracket (200) may be in contact with one lateral surface of the plate heat exchanger (50). Specifically, the first bracket (200) may be in contact with the other surface of the plate heat exchanger (50) opposite to the surface facing the expansion tank (60). As illustrated in FIGS. 6 to 10, when the plate heat exchanger (50) is arranged in the left direction (-Y direction) of the expansion tank (60), the first bracket (200) may be in contact with the left side of the plate heat exchanger (50). The first bracket (200) may include a side cover (220) that is in contact with the side of the plate heat exchanger (50). The side cover (220) may support the plate heat exchanger (50) laterally (for example, in the left direction, -Y direction). The side cover (220) can support the plate heat exchanger (50) from the side opposite to the expansion tank (60). As the side cover (220) and the expansion tank (60) of the first bracket (200) support the plate heat exchanger (50) from the left and right sides, respectively, the plate heat exchanger (50) can be effectively prevented from moving in the left and right directions.

[0194] For example, the front cover part (210) and the side cover part (220) can be formed as one piece.

[0195] The first bracket (200) can be coupled to at least one surface of the plate heat exchanger (50). Specifically, the first bracket (200) can be fastened to at least one surface of the plate heat exchanger (50) that is in contact with the first bracket (200). For example, the front cover portion (210) of the first bracket (200) can be coupled to the front surface of the plate heat exchanger (50).

[0196] The first bracket (200) can be fastened to the plate heat exchanger (50) by a fastening member (F). For example, the fastening member (F) can include a screw, a bolt, a nut, etc. As the first bracket (200) is fastened to the plate heat exchanger (50) by the fastening member (F), the first bracket (200) and the plate heat exchanger (50) can be more firmly fixed, and the first bracket (200) can support the plate heat exchanger (50) more efficiently.

[0197] However, this is not limited thereto, and the first bracket (200) may be coupled to the plate heat exchanger (50) in various ways. In addition, unlike as shown, the side cover portion (220) of the first bracket (200) may be coupled to one lateral surface of the plate heat exchanger (50).

[0198] The first bracket (200) may include a first support portion (240) supported by a base (172). The first support portion (240) may be in contact with the base (172). The first support portion (240) may be provided at the lower portion of the first bracket (200).

[0199] The first bracket (200) can be detachably fastened to the base (172). The first support member (240) can include a first base fastening portion (241) fastened to the base (172). The first base fastening portion (241) can be detachably fastened to the base (172) by a fastening member (F). For example, the fastening member (F) can include a screw, a bolt, a nut, etc. As the first base fastening portion (241) is fastened to the base (172) by the fastening member (F), the first bracket (200) can be fixed to the base (172), and the plate heat exchanger (50) can be more firmly fixed to the base (172).

[0200] For example, the first base fastening part (241) may be provided at the front part of the first bracket (200). The first base fastening part (241) may be located forward (in the +X direction) from the plate heat exchanger (50). The first base fastening part (241) may extend forward (in the +X direction) from the lower end of the front cover part (210). The first base fastening part (241) may be formed integrally with the front cover part (210). However, the position of the first base fastening part (241) is not limited thereto, and the first base fastening part (241) may be provided at various positions of the first bracket (200).

[0201] The first support portion (240) may be provided in plurality. The plurality of first support portions (240) may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other at the bottom of the first bracket (200). For example, some of the plurality of first support portions (240) may extend from the bottom of the front cover portion (210), and other portions may extend from the bottom of the side cover portion (220). In this case, as an example, some of the plurality of first support portions (240) may be fastened to the base (172) by a fastening member (F), such as the first base fastening portion (241), but as illustrated in FIG. 9, other portions of the plurality of first support portions (240) may be in contact with the base (172) without being coupled to the base (172).

[0202] The second bracket (300) of the outdoor unit (10) can be in contact with the outer surface of the expansion tank (60). For example, the second bracket (300) can be in contact with the upper surface of the expansion tank (60). For example, the second bracket (300) can be in contact with the lower surface of the expansion tank (60). For example, the second bracket (300) can be in contact with the front surface of the expansion tank (60). For example, the second bracket (300) can be in contact with the rear surface of the expansion tank (60). Alternatively, unlike as shown in the drawing, the second bracket (300) may be in contact with the left or right surface of the expansion tank (60). In this way, the second bracket (300) can support the expansion tank (60) in the vertical direction (Z) and the front-back direction (X), respectively.

[0203] In detail, the second bracket (300) may include an upper cover bracket (310) that covers the upper surface of the expansion tank (60) and a lower cover bracket (320) that covers the lower surface of the expansion tank (60). For example, the upper cover bracket (310) may cover not only the upper surface of the expansion tank (60) but also the front surface. In addition, for example, the lower cover bracket (320) may cover not only the lower surface of the expansion tank (60) but also the rear surface.

[0204] Alternatively, the upper cover bracket (310) may cover the upper surface and the rear surface of the expansion tank (60), and the lower cover bracket (320) may cover the lower surface and the front surface of the expansion tank (60). Alternatively, the upper cover bracket (310) may cover only the upper surface of the expansion tank (60), or the lower cover bracket (320) may cover only the lower surface of the expansion tank (60).

[0205] The upper cover bracket (310) and the lower cover bracket (320) can be coupled to each other. Specifically, the upper cover bracket (310) and the lower cover bracket (320) can be coupled to each other by a fastening member (F). For example, the fastening member (F) may include a screw, a bolt, a nut, etc. Accordingly, the process of coupling the second bracket (300) to the expansion tank (60) so as to be in contact with the front, rear, upper, and lower surfaces of the expansion tank (60) can be easily performed. However, alternatively, the upper cover bracket (310) and the lower cover bracket (320) may be formed integrally with each other.

[0206] The second bracket (300) can be coupled to the expansion tank (60). The second bracket (300) can be coupled to at least one surface of the expansion tank (60) that is in contact with the second bracket (300). For example, as illustrated in FIG. 10, the second bracket (300) can be coupled to the upper surface, lower surface, front surface, and rear surface of the expansion tank (60), respectively.

[0207] For example, the second bracket (300) may include a joining groove (300a) that is formed by being concavely sunken on the inner side that contacts the expansion tank (60) of the second bracket (300), and the expansion tank (60) may include a rib (60a) that is inserted into the joining groove (300a). When the rib (60a) is inserted into the joining groove (300a), the expansion tank (60) and the second bracket (300) may be joined.

[0208] The rib (60a) may be formed in a shape protruding from the outer surface of the expansion tank (60). For example, the rib (60a) may be formed on the upper surface, lower surface, front surface, and rear surface of the expansion tank (60), and the joining groove (300a) may be formed at a position corresponding to the rib (60a). The rib (60a) may be formed along the rim of the expansion tank (60). The joining groove (300a) may be formed on the inner surface of the upper cover bracket (310) that contacts the expansion tank (60), and on the inner surface of the lower cover bracket (320) that contacts the expansion tank (60).

[0209] By this configuration, the expansion tank (60) and the second bracket (300) can be firmly fixed to each other, and the second bracket (300) can support the expansion tank (60) more efficiently. In particular, the second bracket (300) can stably support the expansion tank (60) so as to prevent it from moving in the forward-backward direction (X), the left-right direction (Y), and the vertical direction (Z).

[0210] However, unlike this, the second bracket (300) and the expansion tank (60) can be fastened to each other by fastening members such as screws, bolts, nuts, etc., or can be combined by various other methods.

[0211] The second bracket (300) may include a second support portion (340) supported by the base (172). The second support portion (340) may be in contact with the base (172). The second support portion (340) may be provided at the lower portion of the second bracket (300). That is, the second support portion (340) may be provided at the lower portion of the lower cover bracket (320).

[0212] The second bracket (300) can be detachably fastened to the base (172). The second support member (340) can include a second base fastening portion (341) fastened to the base (172). The second base fastening portion (341) can be detachably fastened to the base (172) by a fastening member (F). For example, the fastening member (F) can include a screw, a bolt, a nut, etc. As the second base fastening portion (341) is fastened to the base (172) by the fastening member (F), the first bracket (200) can be fixed to the base (172), and the plate heat exchanger (50) can be more firmly fixed to the base (172).

[0213] For example, the second base fastening portion (341) may be positioned in the lateral direction (Y) from the expansion tank (60). Specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 8, the second base fastening portion (341) may be positioned in the right direction (+Y direction) from the expansion tank (60). However, this is not limited thereto, and the second base fastening portion (341) may be provided at various locations of the second bracket (300).

[0214] For example, the second base fastening portion (341) may be fastened to the edge portion (172a) of the base (172). The edge portion (172a) of the base (172) may be provided along the edge of the base (172). For example, the edge portion (172a) of the base (172) may extend approximately in the vertical direction (Z). The second base fastening portion (341) may include a first portion (341a) facing the edge portion (172a) of the base (172). The first portion (341a) of the second base fastening portion (341) may extend from the lower cover bracket (320) in the vertical direction (e.g., downward (-Z direction)) to face the edge portion (172a) of the base (172). The second base fastening portion (341) can be fastened to the base (172) by a fastening member (F) penetrating the first portion (341a) and the edge portion (172a) of the base (172).

[0215] The second base fastening portion (341) may further include a second portion (341b) extending from an end of the first portion (341a). Specifically, the second portion (341b) of the second base fastening portion (341) may extend in a substantially horizontal direction (Y) from the lower end of the first portion (341a). The second portion (341b) of the second base fastening portion (341) may contact the base (172) in a substantially vertical direction (Z). As a result, the second base fastening portion (341) may be more stably supported by the base (172).

[0216] The second support portion (340) may be provided in plurality. The plurality of second support portions (340) may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other at the bottom of the second bracket (300). The plurality of second support portions (340) may be arranged to face each other. For example, some of the plurality of second support portions (340) may extend to the right (+Y direction) from the bottom of the second bracket (300), and other portions may extend to the left (-Y direction) from the bottom of the second bracket (300). For example, some of the plurality of second support portions (340) may be fastened to the base (172) by a fastening member (F), such as the second bracket fastening portion (341). However, as illustrated in FIG. 9, other portions of the plurality of second support portions (340) may be in contact with the base (172) without being coupled to the base (172).

[0217] The plate heat exchanger (50) and the expansion tank (60) may have a structure that supports each other so that they can be more stably fixed to the base (172).

[0218] In detail, the plate heat exchanger (50) and the expansion tank (60) may be in contact with each other. For example, the plate heat exchanger (50) and the expansion tank (60) may be in contact with each other in the horizontal direction (Y). At this time, the surface of the plate heat exchanger (50) in contact with the expansion tank (60) may be an opposite surface to the surface of the plate heat exchanger (50) in contact with the first bracket (200). As shown in the drawing, the plate heat exchanger (50) may be arranged on the left side (-Y direction side) of the expansion tank (60), but alternatively, the plate heat exchanger (50) may be arranged on the right side (+Y direction side) of the expansion tank (60). Alternatively, unlike as shown in the drawing, the plate heat exchanger (50) and the expansion tank (60) may be arranged in the front-back direction (X) of each other.

[0219] In addition, the first bracket (200) and the second bracket (300) can be coupled to each other. Specifically, the first bracket (200) and the second bracket (300) can be coupled to each other by a fastening member (F). The first bracket (200) and the second bracket (300) can be detachably coupled to each other by the fastening member (F). For example, the fastening member (F) can include a screw, a bolt, a nut, etc. As the first bracket (200) and the second bracket (300) are coupled to each other, the plate heat exchanger (50) and the expansion tank (60) can be supported more efficiently on the base (172).

[0220] In detail, the first bracket (200) may include a second bracket fastening portion (230) that is arranged to be fastened to the second bracket (300). The first bracket (200) may be fastened to the second bracket (300) by a fastening member (F) that penetrates the second bracket fastening portion (230) and the second bracket (300).

[0221] The second bracket fastening portion (230) of the first bracket (200) can be in contact with at least one side of the second bracket (300). For example, the second bracket fastening portion (230) of the first bracket (200) can be in contact with the front surface of the second bracket (300). For example, the second bracket fastening portion (230) of the first bracket (200) can extend from the front cover portion (210). Specifically, the second bracket fastening portion (230) of the first bracket (200) can extend in the lateral direction (Y) from the front cover portion (210). In this case, the first bracket (200) and the second bracket (300) can be fastened to each other by a fastening member (F) that penetrates the first bracket (200) and the second bracket (300) in the front-back direction (X). However, the position at which the second bracket fastening portion (230) is provided in the first bracket (200) is not limited thereto, and the second bracket fastening portion (230) of the first bracket (200) may be provided at various positions where it can come into contact with the second bracket (300).

[0222] The joint structure between the first bracket (200) and the second bracket (300) is not limited to that described above, and the first bracket (200) and the second bracket (300) can be joined to each other by various structures.

[0223] When the first base fastening portion (241), which is a part connected to the base (172) of the first bracket (200), is positioned in a first direction from the plate heat exchanger (50), the second base fastening portion (341), which is a part connected to the base (172) of the second bracket (300), may be positioned in a second direction different from the first direction from the expansion tank (60). In this case, since the first bracket (200) and the second bracket (300) are coupled to each other, the plate heat exchanger (50) and the expansion tank (60) may be more firmly fixed to the base (172). For example, the first direction and the second direction may be different directions. As illustrated in FIGS. 6 to 10, the first direction may be forward (+X direction) and the second direction may be rightward (+Y direction), but is not limited thereto.

[0224] The outdoor unit (10) may include a connecting bracket (500) that supports a plate heat exchanger (50) and an expansion tank (60). Specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 9, the connecting bracket (500) may connect the plate heat exchanger (50) and a second bracket (300).

[0225] The connecting bracket (500) may include a plate heat exchanger coupling portion (510) coupled to the plate heat exchanger (50). The plate heat exchanger coupling portion (510) may contact at least a portion of the outer surface of the plate heat exchanger (50). For example, the plate heat exchanger coupling portion (510) may be detachably coupled to the plate heat exchanger (50) by a fastening member (F). For example, the fastening member (F) may include a screw, a bolt, a nut, or the like.

[0226] The plate heat exchanger coupling (510) can support the plate heat exchanger (50). For example, the plate heat exchanger coupling (510) can support the plate heat exchanger (50) in a direction different from the direction in which the plate heat exchanger (50) and the expansion tank (60) are arranged relative to each other. As illustrated in FIG. 9, the plate heat exchanger (50) and the expansion tank (60) can be arranged parallel to each other in the left-right direction (Y), and in this case, the plate heat exchanger coupling (510) can cover the rear surface of the plate heat exchanger (50). That is, the plate heat exchanger coupling (510) can be coupled to the rear surface of the plate heat exchanger (50).

[0227] The connecting bracket (500) can be fastened to the other surface of the plate heat exchanger (50) opposite to the surface to which the first bracket (200) of the plate heat exchanger (50) is fastened. In other words, the plate heat exchanger connecting portion (510) can be arranged to face the front cover portion (210) of the first bracket (200). Specifically, the front cover portion (210) of the first bracket (200) can support the plate heat exchanger (50) from the front (+X direction), and the plate heat exchanger connecting portion (510) can support the plate heat exchanger (50) from the rear (-X direction). As a result, the plate heat exchanger (50) can be stably supported in the front-back direction (X).

[0228] The connecting bracket (500) may include a second bracket coupling portion (530) coupled to the second bracket (300). The second bracket coupling portion (530) may contact at least a portion of the second bracket (300). For example, the second bracket coupling portion (530) may be detachably coupled to the second bracket (300) by a coupling member (F). For example, the coupling member (F) may include a screw, a bolt, a nut, or the like.

[0229] The second bracket coupling portion (530) can support the plate heat exchanger (50). For example, the second bracket coupling portion (530) can support the plate heat exchanger (50) in a direction different from the direction in which the plate heat exchanger (50) and the expansion tank (60) are arranged relative to each other. As illustrated in FIG. 9, the plate heat exchanger (50) and the expansion tank (60) can be arranged parallel to each other in the left-right direction (Y), and at this time, the second bracket coupling portion (530) can cover the rear surface of the second bracket (300). That is, the second bracket coupling portion (530) can be coupled to the rear surface of the second bracket (300).

[0230] The connecting bracket (500) can be connected to the other side of the second bracket (300) opposite to the side to which the first bracket (200) of the second bracket (300) is connected. In other words, the second bracket connecting portion (530) of the connecting bracket (500) can be arranged to face the second bracket connecting portion (230) of the first bracket (200). Specifically, the bracket connecting portion (230) of the first bracket (200) can support the second bracket (300) from the front (+X direction), and the second bracket connecting portion (530) of the connecting bracket (500) can support the second bracket (300) from the rear (-X direction). As a result, the expansion tank (60) and the second bracket (300) can be stably supported in the front-back direction (X).

[0231] The connecting bracket (500) may include a plate heat exchanger connecting portion (510) and a second bracket connecting portion (530) and a connecting portion (520). For example, the plate heat exchanger connecting portion (510), the connecting portion (520), and the second bracket connecting portion (530) may be formed integrally.

[0232] The connecting bracket (500) may not be coupled to the base (172). Furthermore, the connecting bracket (500) may be positioned spaced apart from the base (172).

[0233] By the structure of the connecting bracket (500) as described above, the plate heat exchanger (50) and the expansion tank (60) can be more stably fixed to each other, and the plate heat exchanger (50) and the expansion tank (60) can be more efficiently supported on the base (172). Meanwhile, unlike what has been described above, the connecting bracket (500) may not be directly connected to the plate heat exchanger (50) but may be connected to the first bracket (200). Alternatively, the connecting bracket (500) may not be connected to the second bracket (300) but may be connected to the expansion tank (60).

[0234] FIG. 11 is a drawing illustrating components such as a plate heat exchanger, an expansion tank, a first bracket, a second bracket, and a third bracket of an outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 12 is a drawing illustrating a state in which a second bracket and a third bracket of an outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure are fastened. FIG. 13 is a drawing illustrating a state in which a second bracket and a third bracket of an outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure are separated. FIG. 14 is a drawing illustrating components such as a partition, ducts, control boxes, and a third bracket of an outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0235] Referring to FIGS. 11 to 14, the third bracket (400) of the outdoor unit (10) of the air conditioner (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure can support the control boxes (91, 92). Specifically, the third bracket (400) can support the lower portions of each of the first control box (91) and the second control box (92). The first control box (91) and the second control box (92) can be mounted on the third bracket (400). For example, the first control box (91) can be mounted on the first mounting portion (411). The second control box (92) can be mounted on the second mounting portion (412). Thus, the weights of the first control box (91) and the second control box (92) can be applied to the third bracket (400).

[0236] The third bracket (400) can be supported by the second bracket (300). Specifically, the lower portion of the third bracket (400) can be supported by the second bracket (300). The lower portion of the third bracket (400) can be supported by the upper surface (311) of the second bracket (300). The third bracket (400) can be supported by the second bracket (300) by having one end in contact with the upper surface (311) of the second bracket (300). Accordingly, as the third bracket (400) is supported by the second bracket (300), the first control box (91) and the second control box (92) can be stably supported. In addition, since the weight of the first control box (91) and the second control box (92) is transferred to the second bracket (300) through the third bracket (400), the second bracket (300) and the expansion tank (60) can be more firmly fixed to the base (172). Furthermore, the first bracket (200) and the plate heat exchanger (50) fixed to the second bracket (300) can also be more firmly fixed to the base (172). In addition, due to this, vibrations generated when the plate heat exchanger (50) and the expansion tank (60) each operate can be reduced, and the rigidity of the parts can be reinforced.

[0237] The third bracket (400) can be coupled with the second bracket (300). The third bracket (400) can be coupled to the upper portion of the second bracket (300). The third bracket (400) can be coupled to the upper surface (311) of the second bracket (300). As the third bracket (400) is coupled to the upper surface (311) of the second bracket (300), it can be fixed to the second bracket (300) and transmit a load to the upper portion of the second bracket (300).

[0238] In detail, the third bracket (400) can be fastened to the upper portion of the second bracket (300). The third bracket (400) can be fastened to the upper surface (311) of the second bracket (300). The third bracket (400) can be detachably fastened to the second bracket (300) by a fastening member (F). For example, the fastening member (F) can include a screw, a bolt, a nut, etc. As the third bracket (400) is fastened to the second bracket (300) by the fastening member (F), the third bracket (400) and the second bracket (300) can be more firmly fixed. The control boxes (91, 92) and the third bracket (400) can be stably supported by the second bracket (300), and the third bracket (400) can efficiently transfer a load to the second bracket (300).

[0239] A portion of the third bracket (400) may extend between the first control box (91) and the second bracket (300). Specifically, a portion of the third bracket (400) may extend between the lower portion of the first control box (91) and the upper portion of the second bracket (300).

[0240] For example, a portion of the third bracket (400) may extend in the vertical direction (Z) between the first control box (91) and the second bracket (300). The third bracket (400) may extend vertically upward (+Z direction) from the upper portion of the second bracket (300) to the lower portion of the first control box (91). The third bracket (400) may extend in the vertical direction (Z) of the housing (100) between the upper surface (311) of the second bracket (300) and the lower surface of the first control box (91). The third bracket (400) may include a first extension portion (421) that extends along the vertical direction (Z) of the housing (100) between the lower portion of the first control box (91) and the upper surface (311) of the second bracket (300). In this way, the weight of the first control box (91) and the second control box (92) can be transferred vertically downward (-Z direction) to the upper surface (311) of the second bracket (300) through the first extension (421) of the third bracket (400).

[0241] The lower end of the third bracket (400) can be in contact with the upper surface (311) of the second bracket (300) in the vertical direction (Z) of the housing (100). In other words, the lower end of the first extension (421) can be in contact with the upper surface (311) of the second bracket (300) in the vertical direction (Z).

[0242] The third bracket (400) may include an upper surface coupling portion (430) that is provided to be coupled to the upper portion of the second bracket (300). The upper surface coupling portion (430) may be coupled to the upper surface (311) of the second bracket (300). The upper surface coupling portion (430) may be fastened to the upper surface (311) of the second bracket (300).

[0243] The upper surface coupling portion (430) may extend from the first extension portion (421). Specifically, the upper surface coupling portion (430) may extend from the lower end of the first extension portion (421). For example, the upper surface coupling portion (430) may extend in a horizontal direction (Y) from the lower end of the first extension portion (421), thereby contacting the upper surface (311) of the second bracket (300).

[0244] A third bracket support portion (311a, 311b) may be provided on the upper surface (311) of the second bracket (300) to support the third bracket (400). The upper surface coupling portion (430) may be fastened to at least one third bracket support portion (311a). For example, the third bracket (400) may be detachably fastened to the second bracket (300) by a fastening member (F) that sequentially penetrates the upper surface coupling portion (430) and the third bracket support portion (311a).

[0245] For example, the upper surface joint (430) can be formed integrally with the first extension (421).

[0246] In addition, as illustrated in FIGS. 12 and 13, a portion of the first extension portion (421) may also be fastened to the upper portion of the second bracket (300). A portion of the first extension portion (421) may be fastened to at least one third bracket support portion (311b) provided on the upper surface of the second bracket (300). For example, the third bracket (400) may be detachably fastened to the second bracket (300) by a fastening member (F) that sequentially penetrates a portion of the first extension portion (421) and the third bracket support portion (311b).

[0247] A first mounting portion (411) on which at least a portion of the lower portion of the first control box (91) is mounted can be connected to a first extension portion (421). The first mounting portion (411) can extend from the first extension portion (421). For example, the first mounting portion (411) can extend from the first extension portion (421) along the horizontal direction (X or Y direction) of the housing (100). For example, the first mounting portion (411) can extend from the upper end of the first extension portion (421). In other words, the first extension portion (421) can extend downward (in the -Z direction) from the first mounting portion (411).

[0248] In one embodiment, the lower surface of the first control box (91) and the lower surface of the second control box (92) may have different heights in the vertical direction (Z). In this case, the first control box (91) and the second control box (92) may not be mounted together on the first mounting portion (411) extending in the horizontal direction (X or Y direction).

[0249] Accordingly, the third bracket (400) may include a second extension portion (422) extending between the lower portion of the second control box (92) and the first mounting portion (411). For example, the second extension portion (422) may extend in the vertical direction (Z) between the lower surface of the second control box (92) and the first mounting portion (411). For example, the first extension portion (421) may extend from one end of the first mounting portion (411), and the second extension portion (422) may extend from the other end of the first mounting portion (411).

[0250] If, as shown in FIGS. 11 to 14, the lower surface of the first control box (91) is lower than the lower surface of the second control box (92), the second extension portion (422) can extend vertically upward (in the +Z direction) from the first mounting portion (411) toward the second control box (92).

[0251] The second mounting portion (412), on which at least a portion of the lower portion of the second control box (92) is mounted, may be connected to the second extension portion (422). That is, the second extension portion (422) may connect the first mounting portion (411) and the second mounting portion (412). The second mounting portion (412) may extend between the first mounting portion (411) and the second extension portion (422). For example, the second mounting portion (412) may extend from the second extension portion (422) along the horizontal direction (X or Y direction) of the housing (100). For example, the second mounting portion (412) may extend from the upper end of the second extension portion (422). In other words, the second extension portion (422) may extend downward (in the -Z direction) from the second mounting portion (412).

[0252] For example, the first extension portion (421), the first anchor portion (411), the second extension portion (422), and the second anchor portion (412) may be formed integrally with each other.

[0253] By this configuration, the first control box (91) and the second control box (92) can be supported by the third bracket (400), respectively, and the weight of the first control box (91) and the second control box (92) can be transferred to the second bracket (300) by the third bracket (400).

[0254] The first control box (91) and the second control box (92) can be fixed to each other, and the third bracket (400) can be coupled to at least one of the first control box (91) and the second control box (92).

[0255] For example, as illustrated in FIG. 14, the third bracket (400) may be coupled to the second control box (92). The third bracket (400) may include a control box fastening portion (422a) that is provided to be fastened to the second control box (92) by a fastening member (F). As an example, the control box fastening portion (422a) may be provided in the second extension portion (422), but its location is not limited thereto.

[0256] Alternatively, the third bracket (400) may be coupled to the first control box (91).

[0257] Alternatively, the third bracket (400) may be coupled to each of the first control box (91) and the second control box (92).

[0258] The structure in which the third bracket (400) is fixed to the first control box (91) or the second control box (92) can be provided in various ways.

[0259] As described above, in one embodiment, the third bracket (400) may be supported by the partition (16). Specifically, the third bracket (400) may have one end, opposite to the one coupled to the second bracket (300), supported by the partition (16).

[0260] For example, the third bracket (400) may be coupled to the second duct (17b) and supported on the partition (16). The third bracket (400) may have one end coupled to the second bracket (300) and the other end coupled to the second duct (17b).

[0261] The third bracket (400) may include a duct coupling portion (412a) that is provided to be coupled to a bracket coupling portion (17ba) provided on one side of the second duct (17b). For example, the duct coupling portion (412a) may be coupled to the duct coupling portion (412a) by a screw. For example, the duct coupling portion (412a) may be coupled to the duct coupling portion (412a) by a hook structure. For example, the duct coupling portion (412a) may be provided on one end of the second mounting portion (412).

[0262] The third bracket (400) can be supported by the second bracket (300) at the upper surface joint (430) and can be supported by the partition (16) and the second duct (17b) at the duct joint (412a) opposite to the upper surface joint (430).

[0263] By this structure, the third bracket (400) can be supported more stably, and the first control box (91) and the second control box (92) can be supported more stably.

[0264] However, this is not limited thereto, and the third bracket (400) may not be fixed to the partition (16) or the duct (17). In various embodiments, the third bracket (400) may be coupled to the second bracket (300) and supported only by the second bracket (300), or may be coupled to and supported by other structures of the outdoor unit (10) other than the partition (16) or the duct (17) and the second bracket (300).

[0265] Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 6 to 14, an example will be described of a step of installing a plate heat exchanger (50) and an expansion tank (60) in the machine room (R2) of the outdoor unit (10).

[0266] First, a step of installing the plate heat exchanger (50) in the machine room (R2) by fastening the first bracket (200) and the connecting bracket (500) to the plate heat exchanger (50) and fastening the first bracket (200) to the base (172) may be performed. In addition, a step of installing the expansion tank (60) in the machine room (R2) by fastening the second bracket (300) to the expansion tank (60) and fastening the second bracket (300) to the base (172) may be performed.

[0267] Thereafter, a step of fastening the first bracket (200) and the second bracket (300) and fastening the connecting bracket (500) and the second bracket (300) can be performed. As a result, the plate heat exchanger (50) and the expansion tank (60) can be supported with each other.

[0268] Thereafter, a step of securing the third bracket (400) to the upper surface of the second bracket (300) and then fastening it can be performed. In addition, a step of fastening the other end of the third bracket (400) to the second duct (17b) can be performed.

[0269] Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 6 to 14, an example will be described of a step of separating a plate heat exchanger (50) or an expansion tank (60) from the machine room (R2) of the outdoor unit (10).

[0270] Before separating the plate heat exchanger (50) or expansion tank (60) from the machine room (R2), components such as the second front cover (190), the second front frame (120), and the second side frame (160) may be separated from the base (172).

[0271] In the process of separating the plate heat exchanger (50), a step of releasing the fastening between the first bracket (200) and the second bracket (300) may be performed. In addition, a step of releasing the fastening between the connecting bracket (500) and the plate heat exchanger (50) or the fastening between the connecting bracket (500) and the second bracket (300) may be performed. In addition, a step of releasing the fastening between the first bracket (200) and the base (172) may be performed. Through such steps, the plate heat exchanger (50) can be separated from the machine room (R2).

[0272] In the process of separating the expansion tank (60), a step of releasing the fastening between the third bracket (400) and the second bracket (300) may be performed. In addition, a step of releasing the fastening between the first bracket (200) and the second bracket (300) may be performed. In addition, a step of releasing the fastening between the connecting bracket (500) and the second bracket (300) or the fastening between the connecting bracket (500) and the plate heat exchanger (50) may be performed. In addition, a step of releasing the fastening between the second bracket (300) and the base (172) may be performed. Through these steps, the expansion tank (60) can be separated from the machine room (R2).

[0273] In the above, an embodiment in which the outdoor unit (10) includes a plurality of control boxes (91, 92) and the third bracket (400) supports the plurality of control boxes (91, 92) has been described, but alternatively, the third bracket (400) may be provided to support one control box.

[0274] In the above, an embodiment in which the third bracket (400) is fastened to the upper surface of the second bracket (300) has been described, but the third bracket (400) may also be fastened directly to the upper surface of the plate heat exchanger (50). Alternatively, the third bracket (400) may be fastened to the upper surface of the first bracket (200) or the upper surface of the expansion tank (60).

[0275] In addition, unlike the above embodiment, the outdoor unit (10) may be equipped with various components, such as an accumulator that separates low-temperature and low-pressure refrigerant into gas phase and liquid phase and supplies only the gas phase refrigerant to the compressor, a receiver that stores some of the refrigerant to control the total refrigerant flow rate circulating in the refrigeration cycle, and a sub-cooler that is an auxiliary cooling device that cools the refrigerant. The outdoor unit (10) may include brackets that support these components, and the above brackets may have features corresponding to the first bracket (200) and the second bracket (300) described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 14. In addition, the above brackets may support the third bracket (400) described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 14 and may be fastened to the third bracket (400). The above components may be connected and supported by a bracket having features corresponding to the connecting bracket (500) described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 14.

[0276] In the above, with reference to FIGS. 1 to 14, an embodiment in which an air conditioner (1) includes an ATW (Air to Water) heat pump system that heat-exchanges air and refrigerant and heat-exchanges refrigerant and water has been described, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and the air conditioner (1) may include a heat pump system in which refrigerant flows between an outdoor unit (10) and an indoor unit (20A) to transfer heat, and the idea of ​​the present disclosure may also be applied to an example including brackets that support various components included in the outdoor unit (10).

[0277] An outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a housing (100) including a base (172), a refrigerant pipe (80) through which refrigerant flows, a water pipe (70) through which water flows, a plate heat exchanger (50) disposed inside the housing and configured to exchange heat between water flowing along the water pipe and refrigerant flowing along the refrigerant pipe, an expansion tank (60) disposed inside the housing, connected to the water pipe, and configured to control pressure within the water pipe, a control box (91) disposed inside the housing and accommodating a printed circuit board, a first bracket (200) for fixing the plate heat exchanger to the base, a second bracket (300) for fixing the expansion tank to the base and fastened to the first bracket, and a third bracket (400) for supporting the control box and fastened to an upper surface (311) of the second bracket.

[0278] The above third bracket can support the lower part of the control box.

[0279] The third bracket may include an extension (421) extending along the vertical direction of the housing between the lower portion of the control box and the upper surface of the second bracket.

[0280] The third bracket may further include an upper surface coupling portion (430) that is fastened to the upper surface of the second bracket. The upper surface coupling portion may extend horizontally from the lower end of the extension portion.

[0281] The third bracket may include a mounting portion (411) on which a portion of the lower portion of the control box is mounted. The mounting portion may extend from the extension portion along the horizontal direction of the housing.

[0282] The above first bracket can be in contact with one surface of the plate heat exchanger that faces the inner surface of the housing in a horizontal direction.

[0283] The above first bracket can be fastened to the above one surface of the plate heat exchanger.

[0284] The above first bracket can be in contact with the other surface opposite to the one surface facing the expansion tank of the plate heat exchanger.

[0285] The above second bracket can be in contact with the upper surface of the expansion tank.

[0286] The second bracket may include an upper cover bracket (310) that covers the upper surface of the expansion tank, and a lower cover bracket (320) that covers the lower surface of the expansion tank. The upper cover bracket and the lower cover bracket may be fastened to each other by a fastening member.

[0287] The outdoor unit of the above air conditioner may further include a connecting bracket (500) connecting the plate heat exchanger and the second bracket.

[0288] The above connecting bracket can be fastened to the other side of the plate heat exchanger opposite to the side to which the first bracket of the plate heat exchanger is fastened.

[0289] The above connecting bracket can be fastened to the other side of the second bracket opposite to the side to which the first bracket of the second bracket is fastened.

[0290] The above connecting bracket can be positioned apart from the base.

[0291] A portion (241) of the first bracket that is connected to the base may be positioned in a first direction from the plate heat exchanger. A portion (341) of the second bracket that is connected to the base may be positioned in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction from the expansion tank.

[0292] An outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a housing (100) including a base (172), a refrigerant pipe (80) through which refrigerant flows, a water pipe (70) through which water flows, a plate heat exchanger (50) disposed within the housing and configured to exchange heat between refrigerant flowing along the refrigerant pipe and water flowing along the water pipe, an expansion tank (60) disposed within the housing, connected to the water pipe, and configured to control pressure within the water pipe, a control box (91) disposed above the expansion tank and accommodating a printed circuit board, a first bracket (200) coupled to the base and supporting the plate heat exchanger, a second bracket (300) coupled to the base and the first bracket and supporting the expansion tank, and a third bracket (400) supporting a lower portion of the control box and having a lower portion supported by the second bracket.

[0293] The third bracket may extend in the vertical direction of the housing between the upper surface of the second bracket and the lower surface of the control box.

[0294] The lower end of the third bracket can be in contact with the upper surface of the second bracket in the vertical direction of the housing.

[0295] The outdoor unit of the air conditioner may further include a fan (13) disposed in the housing, a fin tube heat exchanger (11) disposed in the housing and configured to exchange heat between refrigerant flowing along the refrigerant pipe and air flowing by the fan, and a partition (16) dividing the interior of the housing into a heat exchange room in which the fan and the fin tube heat exchanger are disposed and a machine room in which the plate heat exchanger, the expansion tank, and the control box are disposed. The other end (412a) of the third bracket, which is opposite to the one end (430) coupled to the second bracket, may be supported by the partition.

[0296] An outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a base (172), a water pipe (70) through which water flows, a plate heat exchanger (50) disposed on the base and disposed to heat or cool water flowing along the water pipe, an expansion tank (60) disposed on the base and disposed to control pressure within the water pipe, a control box (91) disposed above the expansion tank, a first bracket (200) for fixing the plate heat exchanger to the base, a second bracket (300) for fixing the expansion tank to the base, and a third bracket (400) for supporting a lower portion of the control box. The first bracket (200) may be detachably fastened to the base (172). The second bracket (300) may be detachably fastened to the base (172). The first bracket (200) and the second bracket (300) can be detachably fastened to each other. The third bracket (400) can be detachably fastened to the upper portion of the second bracket (300) and can extend vertically upward from the upper portion of the second bracket to the lower portion of the control box.

[0297] According to the idea of ​​the present disclosure, the outdoor unit of the air conditioner includes a first bracket supporting a plate heat exchanger, a second bracket supporting an expansion tank, and a third bracket supporting a control box, and the first bracket, the second bracket, and the third bracket are fixed to each other, so that components of the outdoor unit, such as the plate heat exchanger, the expansion tank, and the control box, can be stably fixed.

[0298] According to the idea of ​​the present disclosure, the outdoor unit of the air conditioner includes a first bracket for supporting a plate heat exchanger, a second bracket for supporting an expansion tank, and a third bracket for supporting a control box, and the first bracket, the second bracket, and the third bracket are fixed to each other, so that vibrations generated when the parts operate can be reduced, and the rigidity of the parts can be reinforced to prevent damage.

[0299] According to the idea of ​​the present disclosure, the outdoor unit of the air conditioner has a third bracket coupled to the upper surface of the second bracket, so that the plate heat exchanger and the expansion tank can be efficiently fixed to the base and movement due to vibration can be reduced.

[0300] According to the idea of ​​the present disclosure, the process of installing or disassembling components such as a plate heat exchanger, expansion tank, etc. in a machine room can be easily performed by the fastening structure of the brackets.

[0301] 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.

[0302] The above illustrates and describes specific embodiments. However, the invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that various modifications and implementations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the claims below.

Claims

1. Housing including base; A refrigerant pipe provided to allow refrigerant to flow; A water pipe provided to allow water to flow; A plate heat exchanger arranged inside the housing and configured to exchange heat between water flowing along the water pipe and refrigerant flowing along the refrigerant pipe; An expansion tank disposed inside the housing, connected to the water pipe, and configured to regulate pressure within the water pipe; A control box disposed inside the housing and accommodating a printed circuit board; A first bracket for fixing the plate heat exchanger to the base; a second bracket that secures the expansion tank to the base and is connected to the first bracket; and An outdoor unit of an air conditioner, comprising a third bracket supporting the above control box and fastened to the upper surface of the second bracket.

2. In paragraph 1, The above third bracket is an outdoor unit of an air conditioner that supports the lower part of the above control box.

3. In paragraph 1, An outdoor unit of an air conditioner, wherein the third bracket includes an extension extending along the vertical direction of the housing between the lower portion of the control box and the upper surface of the second bracket.

4. In paragraph 3, The third bracket further includes an upper surface joining portion that is fastened to the upper surface of the second bracket, An outdoor unit of an air conditioner in which the upper surface joint extends horizontally from the lower end of the extension.

5. In paragraph 3, The third bracket includes a mounting portion on which a portion of the lower portion of the control box is mounted, The above-mentioned fixing member is an outdoor unit of an air conditioner that extends along the horizontal direction of the housing from the above-mentioned extension member.

6. In paragraph 1, The above first bracket is an outdoor unit of an air conditioner that is in contact with one surface of the plate heat exchanger that faces the inner surface of the housing in a horizontal direction.

7. In paragraph 6, The above first bracket is an outdoor unit of an air conditioner that is attached to one surface of the plate heat exchanger.

8. In paragraph 1, The above first bracket is an outdoor unit of an air conditioner in contact with one surface facing the expansion tank of the plate heat exchanger and the other surface being opposite to it.

9. In paragraph 1, The above second bracket is an outdoor unit of an air conditioner that comes into contact with the upper surface of the expansion tank.

10. In paragraph 1, The second bracket above, A top cover bracket covering the top surface of the above expansion tank, Including a lower cover bracket covering the lower surface of the above expansion tank, An outdoor unit of an air conditioner in which the upper surface cover bracket and the lower surface cover bracket are connected to each other by a connecting member.

11. In paragraph 1, An outdoor unit of an air conditioner further comprising a connecting bracket connecting the plate heat exchanger and the second bracket.

12. In paragraph 11, The above connecting bracket is an outdoor unit of an air conditioner, which is attached to the other surface of the plate-type heat exchanger opposite to the surface to which the first bracket of the plate-type heat exchanger is attached.

13. In paragraph 11, The above connecting bracket is an outdoor unit of an air conditioner, which is connected to the other side of the second bracket opposite to the side to which the first bracket of the second bracket is connected.

14. In paragraph 11, The above connecting bracket is an outdoor unit of an air conditioner placed apart from the above base.

15. In paragraph 1, A portion of the first bracket connected to the base is located in the first direction from the plate heat exchanger, An outdoor unit of an air conditioner, wherein a portion of the second bracket connected to the base is located in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction from the expansion tank.

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