Outdoor unit of air conditioner

Abstract

Provided is an outdoor unit of an air conditioner, the outdoor unit having an improved structure. The outdoor unit of the air conditioner comprises: a housing having an outlet and an inlet; an air blowing fan disposed inside the housing to make air flow; a heat exchanger provided in the housing to exchange heat with outside air flowing in via the inlet; a machine room provided on one side of the air blowing fan; a partition installed in the housing to partition the machine room; and a guide that is provided in at least a portion of the partition to guide air to the outlet, and includes a first portion having a first height and a second portion having a second height greater than the first height, wherein the second portion is spaced apart from the first portion in the discharge direction of the air and guides a discharge flow.

Description

Air conditioner outdoor unit

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

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

[0003] Air conditioners can be classified into split-type air conditioners, in which the indoor and outdoor units are installed separately, and integrated-type air conditioners, in which the indoor and outdoor units are installed together in a single cabinet.

[0004] The outdoor unit of an air conditioner may include an outdoor heat exchanger that exchanges heat with outdoor air, a compressor that compresses refrigerant, an expansion valve unit that reduces the pressure of the refrigerant, and a blower fan that generates airflow. Additionally, the outdoor unit of the air conditioner may include a housing that accommodates the outdoor heat exchanger, the expansion valve unit, the compressor, and the blower fan.

[0005] A machine room may be partitioned and formed on one side of the housing of the outdoor unit of the air conditioner. The machine room may accommodate a compressor, a control box, etc. A partition may be provided inside the housing to partition the machine room of the air conditioner.

[0006] One aspect of the present disclosure provides an outdoor unit of an air conditioner that can reduce air flow loss.

[0007] One aspect of the present disclosure provides an outdoor unit of an air conditioner having an improved partition structure.

[0008] One aspect of the present disclosure provides an outdoor unit of an air conditioner that can reduce air flow loss by providing a guide that can serve as a guide for discharged air in a partition.

[0009] One aspect of the present disclosure provides an outdoor unit of an air conditioner that can improve blowing performance due to reduced flow resistance.

[0010] According to the concept of the present disclosure, the main flow passing through the heat exchanger is guided to move toward the bell mouth without flow loss, and the air flow remaining between the bell mouth and the partition is guided to exit and move to the outlet together with the main flow, thereby improving the blowing performance.

[0011] The technical problems to be solved in this document are not limited to those mentioned above, and other technical problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art to which this invention belongs from the description below.

[0012] An outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to the concept of the present disclosure comprises: a housing having an outlet and an inlet; a blower fan disposed inside the housing to flow air; a heat exchanger provided in the housing to exchange heat with outside air entering through the inlet; a machine room provided on one side of the blower fan; a partition installed in the housing to partition the machine room; and a guide provided in at least a part of the partition to guide air to the outlet, wherein the guide comprises a first part formed at a first height and a second part formed at a second height higher than the first height, and the second part is disposed spaced apart from the first part in the direction of air discharge.

[0013] An outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to the concept of the present disclosure comprises: a front frame including a bellmouth formed along the circumference of an outlet; a housing to which the front frame is coupled and which has an inlet for air to be introduced; a heat exchanger provided in the housing; a blower fan disposed inside the housing to circulate air; a machine room formed on one side of the blower fan; a partition installed in the housing to partition the machine room; and a guide provided such that at least a portion of the partition protrudes toward the blower fan, wherein the guide comprises a first portion having a first inclined surface that guides air to be discharged through the heat exchanger to the outlet, a second portion having a second inclined surface that guides air remaining between the bellmouth and the partition to be discharged, and a guide surface connecting the first portion and the second portion.

[0014] According to the concept of the present disclosure, air flow loss of the outdoor unit of an air conditioner can be reduced.

[0015] According to the concept of the present disclosure, air flow loss can be reduced by providing a guide in the partition that can serve as a guide for discharged air.

[0016] According to the concept of the present disclosure, blower performance can be improved due to a reduction in flow resistance.

[0017] According to the concept of the present disclosure, the main flow passing through the heat exchanger is guided to move toward the bell mouth without flow loss, and the air flow remaining between the bell mouth and the partition is guided to exit and move to the outlet together with the main flow, thereby improving the blowing performance.

[0018] The effects obtainable from the present disclosure are not limited to those mentioned above, and other unmentioned effects will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art to which the present disclosure belongs.

[0019] FIG. 1 is a drawing illustrating an air conditioner according to one embodiment.

[0020] FIG. 2 is a drawing showing the outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to one embodiment from the front.

[0021] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view showing the outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to one embodiment.

[0022] FIG. 4 is a drawing illustrating some components, such as a heat exchanger and a partition, included in the outdoor unit of the air conditioner shown in FIG. 3.

[0023] Figure 5 is a drawing illustrating a guide provided in the partition shown in Figure 4.

[0024] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of an outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to one embodiment.

[0025] Figure 7 is an enlarged view of section A of Figure 6.

[0026] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the airflow of an air conditioner outdoor unit according to a guide of a partition according to one embodiment.

[0027] FIGS. 9 and 10 are drawings showing airflow according to the number of guides according to one embodiment.

[0028] The various embodiments of this document and the terms used therein are not intended to limit the technical features described in this document to specific embodiments, and should be understood to include various modifications, equivalents, or substitutions of said embodiments.

[0029] In relation to the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components.

[0030] The singular form of the noun corresponding to the item may include one or multiple items, unless the relevant context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0031] In this document, each of the phrases such as "A or B", "at least one of A and B", "at least one of A or B", "A, B or C", "at least one of A, B and C", and "at least one of A, B, or C" may include any one of the items listed together in the corresponding phrase, or all possible combinations thereof.

[0032] The term "and / or" includes a combination of multiple related described components or any of the multiple related described components.

[0033] Terms such as "first," "second," or "first" or "second" may be used simply to distinguish a component from another component and do not limit the components in other aspects (e.g., importance or order).

[0034] Where any (e.g., 1st) component is referred to as "coupled" or "connected" to another (e.g., 2nd) component, with or without the terms "functionally" or "communicationly," it means that said any component may be connected to said other component directly (e.g., via a wire), wirelessly, or through a third component.

[0035] Terms such as “include” or “have” are intended to specify the existence of the features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in this document, and do not preclude the existence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0036] When it is said that a component is “connected,” “combined,” “supported,” or “contacted” with another component, this includes not only cases where the components are directly connected, combined, supported, or contacted, but also cases where they are indirectly connected, combined, supported, or contacted through a third component.

[0037] When it is said that a component is located "on" another component, this includes not only cases where one component is in contact with the other, but also cases where another component exists between the two components.

[0038] 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 having at least one of these functions.

[0039] According to one embodiment, an air conditioner may include a heat pump device to perform a cooling or 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 that forms the exterior of the air conditioner, such as a window air conditioner or a portable air conditioner. Alternatively, some components of the heat pump device may be housed separately in multiple housings that form a single air conditioner, such as a wall-mounted air conditioner, a stand-type air conditioner, or a system air conditioner.

[0040] An air conditioner comprising a plurality of housings may include at least one outdoor unit installed outdoors and at least one indoor unit installed indoors. For example, the air conditioner may be configured such that one outdoor unit and one indoor unit are connected via refrigerant pipes. For example, the air conditioner may be configured such that one outdoor unit is connected via refrigerant pipes 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 via a plurality of refrigerant pipes.

[0041] The outdoor unit can be electrically connected to the indoor unit. For example, information (or commands) for controlling the air conditioner can be entered through an input interface provided on the outdoor unit or the indoor unit, and the outdoor unit and the indoor unit can operate simultaneously or sequentially in response to user input.

[0042] The air conditioner may include an outdoor heat exchanger provided in the outdoor unit, an indoor heat exchanger provided in the indoor unit, and a refrigerant pipe connecting the outdoor heat exchanger and the indoor heat exchanger.

[0043] An outdoor heat exchanger can perform heat exchange between the refrigerant and the outdoor air by utilizing the phase change of the refrigerant (e.g., evaporation or condensation). For example, while the refrigerant condenses in the outdoor heat exchanger, the refrigerant releases heat to the outdoor air, and while the refrigerant flowing through the outdoor heat exchanger evaporates, the refrigerant can absorb heat from the outdoor air.

[0044] Indoor units are installed indoors. For example, indoor units can be classified into ceiling-mounted, stand-type, and wall-mounted units depending on how they are placed. For example, ceiling-mounted indoor units can be classified into 4-way, 1-way, and duct-type units depending on the method of air discharge.

[0045] Similarly, an indoor heat exchanger can perform heat exchange between the refrigerant and the indoor air by utilizing the phase change of the refrigerant (e.g., evaporation or condensation). For example, while the refrigerant evaporates in the indoor unit, it can absorb heat from the indoor air, and the room can be cooled by blowing the cooled indoor air as it passes through the cooled indoor heat exchanger. Additionally, while the refrigerant condenses in the indoor heat exchanger, it can release heat to the indoor air, and the room can be heated by blowing the heated indoor air as it passes through the high-temperature indoor heat exchanger.

[0046] In other words, an air conditioner performs cooling or heating functions through the phase change process of a refrigerant circulating between an outdoor heat exchanger and an indoor heat exchanger; to facilitate this refrigerant circulation, the air conditioner may include a compressor that compresses the refrigerant. The compressor can draw in refrigerant gas through a suction port and compress the refrigerant gas. The compressor can discharge high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant gas through a discharge port. The compressor may be placed inside the outdoor unit.

[0047] The refrigerant may circulate through the refrigerant pipe in the order of the compressor, outdoor heat exchanger, expansion device, and indoor heat exchanger, or in the order of the compressor, indoor heat exchanger, expansion device, and outdoor heat exchanger.

[0048] For example, if an air conditioner has one outdoor unit and one indoor unit directly connected through a refrigerant pipe, the refrigerant can be arranged to circulate between the outdoor unit and the indoor unit through the refrigerant pipe.

[0049] For example, in an air conditioner, if one outdoor unit is connected to two or more indoor units through refrigerant pipes, the refrigerant may flow to multiple indoor units through refrigerant pipes branching from the outdoor unit. The refrigerant discharged from multiple indoor units may be combined and circulated to the outdoor unit. For example, multiple indoor units may each be directly connected in parallel to a single outdoor unit through separate refrigerant pipes.

[0050] Multiple indoor units can each operate independently according to an operating mode set by the user. That is, some of the multiple indoor units can operate in a cooling mode while others can operate in a heating mode. At this time, the refrigerant may be arranged to flow into each indoor unit in a high-pressure or low-pressure state along a designated circulation path through a flow path switching valve to be described later, and to be discharged and circulated to the outdoor unit.

[0051] For example, when an air conditioner has two or more outdoor units and two or more indoor units connected through multiple refrigerant pipes, the refrigerant discharged from multiple outdoor units may be combined and flow through a single refrigerant pipe, then branch off again at some point and flow into multiple indoor units.

[0052] Multiple outdoor units may all be driven or at least some may not be driven depending on the operating load corresponding to the operating amount of multiple indoor units. In this case, the refrigerant may be arranged to flow into and circulate to the outdoor units that are selectively driven through a flow path switching valve.

[0053] The air conditioner may include an expansion device to lower the pressure of the refrigerant flowing into the heat exchanger. For example, the expansion device may be placed inside the indoor unit or the outdoor unit, or it may be placed in both.

[0054] For example, an expansion device can lower the temperature and pressure of the refrigerant by utilizing a throttling effect. The expansion device may include an orifice that can reduce the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path. The temperature and pressure of the refrigerant passing through the orifice can be lowered.

[0055] The expansion device can be implemented, for example, as an electronic expansion valve capable of controlling the opening ratio (the ratio of the cross-sectional area of ​​the valve's flow path in the partially open state to the cross-sectional area of ​​the valve's flow path in the fully open state). The amount of refrigerant passing through the expansion device can be controlled depending on the opening ratio of the electronic expansion valve.

[0056] The air conditioner may further include a flow switching valve positioned on the refrigerant circulation path. The flow switching valve may include, for example, a 4-way valve. The flow switching valve can determine the refrigerant circulation path depending on the operating mode of the indoor unit (e.g., cooling operation or heating operation). The flow switching valve may be connected to the discharge section of the compressor.

[0057] The air conditioner may include an accumulator. The accumulator may be connected to the suction port of the compressor. Low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant evaporated from an indoor heat exchanger or an outdoor heat exchanger may be introduced into the accumulator.

[0058] The accumulator can separate the refrigerant liquid from the refrigerant gas when the refrigerant mixed with the refrigerant gas is introduced, and supply the refrigerant gas from which the refrigerant liquid has been separated to the compressor.

[0059] An outdoor fan may be provided near the outdoor heat exchanger. The outdoor fan can blow outdoor air onto the outdoor heat exchanger to facilitate heat exchange between the refrigerant and the outdoor air.

[0060] 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 environment sensor. The outdoor unit sensor may be placed at any location inside or outside the outdoor unit. For example, the outdoor unit sensor may include, for instance, 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 the refrigerant pipe passing through the outdoor unit, or a refrigerant pressure sensor for detecting the refrigerant pressure of the refrigerant pipe passing through the outdoor unit.

[0061] The outdoor unit of the air conditioner may include an outdoor unit communication unit. The outdoor unit communication unit may be configured to receive control signals from the control unit of the indoor unit of the air conditioner, which will be described later. Based on the control signals received through the outdoor unit communication unit, the outdoor unit may control the operation of the compressor, outdoor heat exchanger, expansion device, flow path switching valve, accumulator, or outdoor fan. The outdoor unit may transmit a sensing value detected by the outdoor unit sensor to the control unit of the indoor unit through the outdoor unit communication unit.

[0062] The indoor unit of an air conditioner may include a housing, a blower that circulates air inside or outside the housing, and an indoor heat exchanger that exchanges heat with the air flowing into the housing.

[0063] The housing may include an intake port. Indoor air can be drawn into the interior of the housing through the intake port.

[0064] The indoor unit of the air conditioner may include a filter configured to filter foreign substances in the air entering the housing through the intake port.

[0065] The housing may include an outlet. Air flowing inside the housing may be discharged to the outside of the housing through the outlet.

[0066] The housing of the indoor unit may be provided with an airflow guide that guides the direction of air discharged through the outlet. For example, the airflow guide may include a blade located above the outlet. For example, the airflow guide may include an auxiliary fan for controlling the discharge airflow. The airflow guide may be omitted, but is not limited thereto.

[0067] An indoor heat exchanger and a blower may be provided inside the housing of the indoor unit, positioned on the path connecting the intake and exhaust ports.

[0068] The blower may include an indoor fan and a fan motor. For example, the indoor fan may include an axial fan, a mixed-flow fan, a cross-flow fan, or a centrifugal fan.

[0069] The indoor heat exchanger may be positioned between the blower and the outlet, or between the inlet and the blower. The indoor heat exchanger may absorb heat from the air introduced through the inlet or transfer heat to the air introduced through the inlet. The indoor heat exchanger may include heat exchange tubes through which refrigerant flows, and heat exchange fins in contact with the heat exchange tubes to increase the heat transfer surface area.

[0070] The indoor unit of the air conditioner may include a drain tray positioned below the indoor heat exchanger to collect condensate generated from the indoor heat exchanger. The condensate contained 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.

[0071] 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, touch screens, and / or touch pads. The user can directly input setting data (e.g., desired indoor temperature, setting of operating mode for cooling / heating / dehumidification / air purification, setting of outlet selection, and / or setting of airflow) through the input interface.

[0072] The input interface may 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 within the indoor space (e.g., a part of a wall). The user can input setting data regarding the operation of the air conditioner by operating the wired remote controller. An electrical signal corresponding to the setting data obtained through the wired remote controller may be transmitted to the input interface. Additionally, the input interface may include an infrared sensor. The user can input setting data regarding the operation of the air conditioner remotely using a wireless remote controller. The setting data input through the wireless remote controller may be transmitted to the input interface as an infrared signal.

[0073] 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 the indoor unit control unit. The indoor unit control unit may control the components of the air conditioner to execute functions corresponding to the user's voice command. Setting data acquired through the input interface (e.g., desired indoor temperature, setting of operating mode for cooling / heating / dehumidification / air purification, setting of outlet selection, and / or setting of airflow) may be transmitted to the indoor unit control unit described later. In one example, the setting data acquired through the input interface may be transmitted externally, namely to an outdoor unit or a server, via the indoor unit communication unit described later.

[0074] The indoor unit of the air conditioner may include a power module. The power module can be connected to an external power source to supply power to the components of the indoor unit.

[0075] The indoor unit of an air conditioner may include an indoor unit sensor. The indoor unit sensor may be an environment sensor placed 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 placed 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 the temperature of the refrigerant in the 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.

[0076] For example, each environmental information detected by the indoor unit sensor may be transmitted to the indoor unit control unit described later, or transmitted to the outside through the indoor unit communication unit described later.

[0077] The indoor unit of an 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 or a long-range communication module. The indoor unit communication unit may include at least one antenna for wirelessly communicating with another device. 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 or a long-range communication module.

[0078] A 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.

[0079] 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.

[0080] The indoor unit communication unit can communicate with external devices, such as servers, mobile devices, and other home appliances, through nearby access points (APs). The access point (AP) can connect the local area network (LAN) to which the air conditioner or user device is connected to the 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 the indoor unit's components, such as a blower. The outdoor unit of the air conditioner may include an outdoor unit control unit that controls the outdoor unit's components, such as a compressor. 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.

[0081] The outdoor unit control unit can be electrically connected to the 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 path switching valve to switch the direction of refrigerant circulation. The outdoor unit control unit can adjust the rotational speed of the outdoor fan. In addition, the outdoor unit control unit can generate a control signal to adjust the opening of the expansion valve. Under the control of the outdoor unit control unit, refrigerant can circulate along a refrigerant circulation circuit including a compressor, a flow path switching valve, an outdoor heat exchanger, an expansion valve, and an indoor heat exchanger.

[0082] Various temperature sensors included in the outdoor unit and indoor unit can each transmit an electrical signal corresponding to the detected temperature to the outdoor unit control unit and / or indoor unit control unit. For example, humidity sensors included in the outdoor unit and indoor unit can each transmit an electrical signal corresponding to the detected humidity to the outdoor unit control unit and / or indoor unit control unit.

[0083] The indoor unit control unit can obtain user input from a user device, including a mobile device, through the indoor unit communication unit, and can obtain user input directly or through a remote controller via an input interface. The indoor unit control unit can control the 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.

[0084] 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 the outdoor unit control unit receives a control signal from the indoor unit corresponding to user input selecting an operation mode such as cooling operation, heating operation, fan operation, defrosting operation, or dehumidification operation, it can control the components of the outdoor unit so that the operation of the air conditioner corresponding to the selected operation mode is performed.

[0085] 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.

[0086] The memory can store / remember various information required for the operation of the air conditioner. The memory can store instructions, applications, data, and / or programs required for the operation of the air conditioner. For example, the memory can store various programs for the cooling operation, heating operation, dehumidification operation, and / or defrosting operation of the air conditioner. The memory may include volatile memory such as S-RAM (Static Random Access Memory) and D-RAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory) for temporarily storing data. Additionally, the memory may include non-volatile memory such as ROM (Read Only Memory), EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory), and EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory) for long-term data storage.

[0087] The processor can generate control signals to control the operation of the air conditioner based on instructions, applications, data, and / or programs stored in memory. As hardware, the processor may include logic circuits and arithmetic circuits. The processor can process data according to programs and / or instructions provided from memory and generate control signals according to the processing results. The memory and the processor may be implemented as a single control circuit or as multiple circuits.

[0088] The indoor unit of the 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 the operating mode, wind direction, airflow, and temperature selected by user input may be output. Additionally, the output interface may output sensing information obtained from the indoor unit sensor or the outdoor unit sensor, as well as warning / error messages.

[0089] The output interface may include a display and a speaker. The speaker may output various sounds as an acoustic device. The display may display information entered by the user or information provided to the user as various graphic elements. For example, operation information of the air conditioner may be displayed as at least one of an image or text. Additionally, the display may include an indicator that provides specific information. The display may include an LCD panel (Liquid Crystal Display Panel), an LED panel (Light Emitting Diode Panel), an OLED panel (Organic Light Emitting Diode Panel), a micro LED panel, and / or a plurality of LEDs.

[0090] Hereinafter, embodiments according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0091] Terms such as "upward," "downward," "forward," and "rearward" 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, when referring to FIGS. 2 and FIGS. 3, the direction in which the front frame (110) and the exhaust cover (120) each face in the outdoor unit (10) of the air conditioner (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may be defined as forward (+X direction), and the opposite direction may be defined as rearward (-X direction). Additionally, the vertical direction in which the top cover (170) faces in the outdoor unit (10) of the air conditioner (1) may be defined as upward (+Z direction), and the opposite direction may be defined as downward (-Z direction). Furthermore, the direction in which the first side frame (130) is located in the outdoor unit (10) of the air conditioner (1) may be defined as leftward (-Y direction), and the opposite direction may be defined as rightward (+Y direction).

[0092] FIG. 1 is a drawing illustrating an air conditioner according to one embodiment, FIG. 2 is a drawing illustrating an outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to one embodiment from the front, and FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view illustrating an outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to one embodiment disassembled.

[0093] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, an air conditioner (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include an indoor unit (20) placed in an indoor space and an outdoor unit (10) placed in an outdoor space.

[0094] The air conditioner (1) can absorb heat from the indoor space through the indoor unit (20) and release heat to the outside through the outdoor unit (10) for cooling the indoor space, i.e., the indoor space, which is the subject of air conditioning. Additionally, the air conditioner (1) can absorb heat from the outside through the outdoor unit (10) and release heat to the indoor space through the indoor unit (20) for heating the indoor space.

[0095] The outdoor unit (10) may be configured to exchange heat with the outdoor air. The outdoor unit (10) may perform heat exchange between the refrigerant and the outdoor air by utilizing a phase change of the refrigerant (e.g., evaporation or condensation). The outdoor unit (10) may release the heat of the refrigerant to the outdoor air by utilizing the condensation of the refrigerant. Alternatively, the outdoor unit (10) may absorb the heat of the outdoor air into the refrigerant by utilizing the evaporation of the refrigerant.

[0096] The outdoor unit (10) may include an outdoor heat exchanger (200) configured to exchange heat between the outdoor air and the refrigerant, and a compressor (12) that compresses the refrigerant gas.

[0097] A detailed description of the configuration of the outdoor unit (10) will be given later.

[0098] The indoor unit (20) may be configured to exchange heat with indoor air. The indoor unit (20) may perform heat exchange between the refrigerant and the indoor air by utilizing a phase change of the refrigerant (e.g., evaporation or condensation). For example, the indoor unit (20) may cool the indoor space by absorbing heat from the indoor air into the refrigerant using the evaporation of the refrigerant. Alternatively, the indoor unit (20) may heat the indoor space by releasing heat from the refrigerant into the indoor air using the condensation of the refrigerant.

[0099] The indoor unit (20) may include, although not illustrated, an indoor heat exchanger that exchanges heat with indoor air, an indoor blower fan that sucks in and blows indoor air to allow indoor air to pass through the indoor heat exchanger, and an expansion valve unit that reduces pressure and expands the refrigerant.

[0100] The air conditioner (1) may include a connecting pipe (30) connecting the indoor unit (20) and the outdoor unit (10). The connecting pipe (30) may be provided so that the refrigerant flowing between the indoor unit (20) and the outdoor unit (10) can flow along it.

[0101] FIG. 1 illustrates an example in which one outdoor unit (10) and one indoor unit (20) are connected by a connecting pipe (30), but is not limited thereto. One outdoor unit (10) and two or more indoor units (20) may be connected by a connecting pipe (30), or two or more outdoor units (10) and one indoor unit (20) may be connected by a connecting pipe (30), or two or more outdoor units (10) and two or more indoor units (20) may be connected by a connecting pipe (30).

[0102] The air conditioner (1) described above is merely an example of an air conditioner to which an outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to the concept of the present disclosure can be applied, and the concept of the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Various configurations of an air conditioner to which an outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to the concept of the present disclosure can be applied, and an indoor unit included therein, etc., can be provided.

[0103] The outdoor unit (10) of the air conditioner (1) may include an outdoor heat exchanger (200, hereinafter referred to as "heat exchanger") that exchanges heat with outdoor air, a compressor (12) that compresses refrigerant, an outdoor fan (13, hereinafter referred to as "blower fan") that sucks in and blows outdoor air so that the outdoor air passes through the heat exchanger (200), and a housing (100) that forms the exterior of the outdoor unit (10).

[0104] The housing (100) can form the exterior of the outdoor unit (10). Various parts of the outdoor unit (10), such as a heat exchanger (200), a compressor (12), and a blower fan (13), can be accommodated inside 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 front frame (110). The front frame (110) may form the front of the outdoor unit (10). The front frame (110) may cover the front (+X direction) of the machine room (R2). The front frame (110) may cover the front (+X direction) of the heat exchange room (R1).

[0108] An outlet (111) may be formed in the front frame (110). The outlet (111) may be formed in a shape that penetrates a part of the front frame (110) in the front-rear direction.

[0109] The front frame (110) may include a bellmouth (112) provided to guide the flow of air discharged through the outlet (111). The bellmouth (112) may be provided along the circumference of the outlet (111). The bellmouth (112) may be formed in a roughly cylindrical shape. The bellmouth (112) may extend from a flat plate-shaped portion of the front frame (110) toward the rear (-X direction), which is the inner direction of the heat exchange chamber (R1).

[0110] The front frame (110) including the bell mouth (112) may be formed as a whole integrally. For example, the front frame (110) may include a soft metal material, and the bell mouth (112) of the front frame (110) may be formed through a drawing process of the soft metal material.

[0111] The front frame (110) may include an upper flange (113) provided on the upper part. The upper flange (113) may be formed by bending the upper end of a flat plate-shaped portion of the front frame (110). The upper flange (113) may support a top cover (160) to be described later. The front end of the top cover (160) may be seated on the upper flange (113).

[0112] The housing (100) may include an exhaust cover (120). The exhaust cover (120) may be positioned in front of the front frame (110) to cover the exhaust (111). The exhaust cover (120) may be coupled to the front frame (110). The exhaust cover (120) may form part of the front exterior of the outdoor unit (10).

[0113] The exhaust port cover (120) covers the exhaust port (111) and can be formed to have a shape roughly like a grill so that air can be discharged from the exhaust port (111).

[0114] The housing (100) may include a first side frame (130). The first side frame (130) may form one side in the left direction (-Y direction) of the outdoor unit (10).

[0115] The first side frame (130) can cover the heat exchange room (R1). The first side frame (130) can cover the heat exchange room (R1) from the left direction (-Y direction). A first inlet (161) can be formed in the first side frame (130).

[0116] The housing (100) may include a second side frame (140). The second side frame (140) may form one side in the right direction (+Y direction) of the outdoor unit (10).

[0117] The second side frame (140) can cover the machine room (R2). The second side frame (140) can cover the machine room (R2) from the right direction (+Y direction).

[0118] Also, as an example, the second side frame (140) may include a rear flange (141) that forms part of the rear of the outdoor unit (10). The rear flange (141) may cover the machine room (R2) from the rear (-X direction).

[0119] The first side frame (130) and the second side frame (140) can be positioned opposite each other.

[0120] The housing (100) may further include a machine room cover (150) that is coupled to the second side frame (140) and covers the machine room (R2). For example, a connecting pipe (30) connected to the indoor unit (20), or a wire connected to the indoor unit (20) or an external power source, may be positioned to pass through the second side frame (140) and connected to components inside the machine room (R2). The machine room cover (150) may be coupled to the second side frame (140) to protect the connecting pipe (30) or the wire from external impact.

[0121] The housing (100) may include a top cover (160). The top cover (160) may form the upper surface of the outdoor unit (10).

[0122] The top cover (160) can cover the upper side (+Z direction) of the heat exchange room (R1) and the machine room (R2). The top cover (160) can cover various parts of the outdoor unit (10) housed inside the housing (100) from the upper side.

[0123] The top cover (160) can be attached to the upper portion of each of the front frame (110), the first side frame (130), and the second side frame (140). The top cover (160) can be formed to have a roughly flat plate shape.

[0124] The housing (100) may include a base (180). The base (180) may form the bottom surface of the outdoor unit (10). The base (180) may be positioned on one side of the lower side (-Z direction) of the heat exchange room (R1) and the machine room (R2). The base (180) may support various parts of the outdoor unit (10) that are housed inside the housing (100) from below. For example, the base (180) may support parts such as a heat exchanger (200), a compressor (12), a motor bracket (15), and a partition (300) from below.

[0125] The base (180) can be attached to the lower part of each of the front frame (110), the first side frame (130), and the second side frame (140).

[0126] The base (180) may be formed to have a roughly flat plate shape. An edge flange (181) may be formed along the edge of the base (180) and extend in the approximately vertical direction (Z). The edge flange (181) may extend upward (+Z direction) from the edge of the horizontal portion of the base (180). The front frame (110), the first side frame (130), the second side frame (140), etc., may be connected to the edge flange (181).

[0127] The top cover (160) and the base (180) can be positioned opposite each other.

[0128] The housing (100) may include a rear frame (170) provided to form part of the rear exterior of the outdoor unit (10). The rear frame (170) may be positioned at the rear (-X direction) of the heat exchanger (R1). A first inlet (161) may be formed in the rear frame (170). The front frame (110) and the rear frame (170) may be positioned opposite each other.

[0129] The rear frame (170) can be connected to the first side frame (130) and the second side frame (140), respectively.

[0130] Each component included in the housing (100) described above may be arranged to be separable from one another. Alternatively, at least some of the components of the housing (100) may be formed integrally with one another.

[0131] The heat exchanger (200) may be configured to exchange heat with outdoor air. The heat exchanger (200) may be configured to allow a refrigerant to flow inside. In the heat exchanger (200), heat exchange between the refrigerant and the outdoor air may take place.

[0132] For example, when the air conditioner (1) operates in cooling mode, high-pressure, high-temperature refrigerant gas is condensed in the heat exchanger (200), and while the refrigerant is condensing, the refrigerant can release heat to the outdoor air. During the cooling operation of the air conditioner (1), the heat exchanger (200) can discharge liquid refrigerant.

[0133] When the air conditioner (1) operates in heating mode, low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant liquid evaporates in the heat exchanger (200), 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 heat exchanger (200) can discharge refrigerant gas.

[0134] The heat exchanger (200) can be positioned to face the inlet (131, 161) in the heat exchange chamber (R1).

[0135] The compressor (12) can compress the refrigerant gas and discharge the high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant gas. For example, the compressor (12) may include a motor and a compression mechanism, and the compression mechanism can compress the refrigerant gas by the torque of the motor.

[0136] The outdoor unit (10) may include a blower fan (13) provided to circulate air and a fan motor (14) that generates rotational force for the blower fan (13) to rotate.

[0137] For example, the outdoor unit (10) may include a motor bracket (15) that supports a blower fan (13) and a fan motor (14). The motor bracket (15) may be placed in a heat exchanger (R1). The motor bracket (15) may be attached to a base (180). The motor bracket (15) may be attached to a front frame (110).

[0138] The outdoor unit (10) may include electronic components for controlling the operation of various components and a printed circuit board assembly (PBA) on which they are mounted. The outdoor unit (10) may include a control box (17) in which such a printed circuit board assembly is housed.

[0139] The outdoor unit (10) of the air conditioner (1) may include a heat exchanger (200).

[0140] The heat exchanger (200) may include a plurality of refrigerant tubes arranged to guide the flow of refrigerant for heat exchange with the outside air. A flow path through which the refrigerant flows may be formed on the inner side of each of the plurality of refrigerant tubes. Each of the plurality of refrigerant tubes may be formed in the shape of a tube having a hollow interior so that the fluid refrigerant can flow through it.

[0141] A plurality of refrigerant tubes can be connected to each other by a roughly 'U'-shaped connecting tube coupled to each end of the plurality of refrigerant tubes to form a single refrigerant flow path. The present disclosure is defined on the premise that each refrigerant tube constituting the entire refrigerant flow path is configured to be distinct from one another.

[0142] The heat exchanger (200) may include a plurality of heat exchange fins coupled to a plurality of refrigerant tubes. The plurality of heat exchange fins are coupled to a plurality of refrigerant tubes to increase the heat transfer surface area between the refrigerant and the outside air and to improve heat exchange efficiency.

[0143] Each of the plurality of heat exchange fins may have a roughly flat plate shape. The plurality of heat exchange fins may be arranged along the direction in which the refrigerant tube extends. Alternatively, the plurality of heat exchange fins may be stacked along the direction in which the refrigerant tube extends.

[0144] To improve heat exchange efficiency, it is desirable to increase the heat transfer surface area between the multiple refrigerant tubes and multiple heat exchange fins and the outside air. However, if all refrigerant tubes and heat exchange fins are arranged side by side in only one direction, the overall size of the product may become excessively large.

[0145] For example, the heat exchanger (200) may be positioned to face the first inlet (161) and the second inlet (131).

[0146] For example, in this embodiment, the heat exchanger (200) is illustrated as being arranged to correspond to the first inlet (161) and the second inlet (131), but is not limited thereto.

[0147] The outdoor unit (10) may include a heat exchange chamber (R1) formed inside the housing (100). External air may be introduced into the heat exchange chamber (R1), and the introduced air may be discharged to the outside of the heat exchange chamber (R1). In the heat exchange chamber (R1), heat exchange may take place between the outdoor heat exchanger (200) and the air introduced from the outside. Components such as the heat exchanger (200) and a blower fan (13) may be arranged in the heat exchange chamber (R1).

[0148] For example, the housing (100) may include a first inlet (161) formed to allow air to flow into the housing (100) in a first direction and a second inlet (131) formed to allow air to flow into the housing (100) in a second direction different from the first direction.

[0149] According to the embodiment illustrated in the drawing, the first direction may be forward (+X direction) and the second direction may be to the right (+Y direction). Air inside the housing (100) may be discharged forward (+X direction) through the outlet (111).

[0150] The outdoor unit (10) may include a machine room (R2) formed inside the housing (100). Components such as a compressor (12) and a control box (17) may be placed in the machine room (R2).

[0151] Inside the housing (100), the heat exchange room (R1) and the machine room (R2) may be partitioned from each other. The outdoor unit (10) may include a partition (300) that partitions the heat exchange room (R1) and the machine room (R2). The partition (300) may be placed between the heat exchange room (R1) and the machine room (R2).

[0152] FIG. 4 is a drawing illustrating some components, such as a heat exchanger and a partition, included in the outdoor unit of an air conditioner illustrated in FIG. 3; FIG. 5 is a drawing illustrating a guide provided in the partition illustrated in FIG. 4; FIG. 6 is a drawing showing a cutaway portion of the outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to one embodiment; FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of section A of FIG. 6; and FIG. 8 is a drawing showing the airflow of the outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to the guide of the partition according to one embodiment. In the following, descriptions of parts that overlap with the above descriptions are omitted.

[0153] As illustrated in FIGS. 4 to 8, the outdoor unit (10) may include a partition (300) that separates the heat exchange room (R1) and the machine room (R2). The partition (300) may be positioned between the heat exchange room (R1) and the machine room (R2).

[0154] For example, the heat exchange room (R1) and the machine room (R2) may be arranged in the left-right direction (Y direction) on the drawing, and the partition (300) may extend in the front-back direction (X direction) and the up-down direction (Z direction) on the drawing to partition the heat exchange room (R1) and the machine room (R2).

[0155] A partition (300) may be installed to partition a machine room (R2) in a housing (100). A partition (300) may be provided in the housing (100). A partition (300) may be supported on a base (180) of the housing (100). A partition (300) may be coupled to a base (180).

[0156] A partition (300) may be provided with a fixing part (320) for being coupled to a housing (100). For example, the partition (300) may be provided with a first fixing part (321) for being fixed to a base (180). The first fixing part (321) may be provided extending from the bottom of the partition (300). The first fixing part (321) may be provided extending vertically from the bottom of the partition (300) so as to be fixed to the base (180) through a separate fixing member such as a screw. For example, the partition (300) may be provided with a second fixing part (322) for being fixed to an edge flange (181) of the base (180). The second fixing part (322) may be provided extending from the side end of the partition (300). The second fixing part (322) may be provided to be fixed to an edge flange (181) that extends vertically from the side end of the partition (300) and forms the edge of the base (180). The second fixing part (322) may be provided at a position corresponding to the edge flange (181) of the base (180) that extends vertically from the side end of the partition (300).

[0157] For example, the partition (300) may be provided with a third fixing part (323) for fixing to the front frame (110). The third fixing part (323) may be provided extending from the side end of the partition (300). The third fixing part (323) may be provided extending vertically from the side end of the partition (300) to be fixed to the front frame (110). The third fixing part (323) may be provided at a position corresponding to the front frame (110) by extending vertically from the side end of the partition (300). For example, the partition (300) may be provided with a fourth fixing part (324) for fixing to the top cover (160). The fourth fixing part (324) may be provided extending from the top of the partition (300). The fourth fixing part (324) may be provided at a position corresponding to the top cover (160) by extending vertically from the top of the partition (300).

[0158] The partition (300) can be provided to have a roughly rectangular plate shape.

[0159] The partition (300) may include a plate-shaped partition body (310). The partition body (310) may be formed to correspond approximately to the length of the first direction (X) of the housing (100) or smaller.

[0160] The partition body (310) may include a first surface (311) on one side and a second surface (312) on the other side. The first surface (311) and the second surface (312) may be arranged to face each other. For example, the first surface (311) may be formed to face the heat exchange room (R1). For example, the second surface (312) may be formed to face the machine room (R2).

[0161] The partition (300) may include a partition rim (313) formed by extending from a side end of the partition body (310). The partition rim (313) may be formed by being bent toward a second surface (312) at the front end of the partition body (310). For example, the partition rim (313) may be formed by being bent from the partition body (310) toward the machine room (R2). For example, the partition rim (313) may be fixed to the edge flange (181) of the base (180) and the front frame (110). For example, a second fixing part (322) and a third fixing part (323) may be provided on the partition rim (313). For example, the partition (300) may be fixed to the edge flange (181) and the front frame (110) through the partition rim (313).

[0162] The partition (300) may include reinforcing ribs (315). The reinforcing ribs (315) may be provided in the partition body (310). For example, the reinforcing ribs (315) may be formed by protruding at least a portion of the partition body (310). For example, the reinforcing ribs (315) may be formed by protruding at least a portion of the partition body (310) toward the heat exchange room (R1). For example, the reinforcing ribs (315) may be provided in multiple numbers. For example, the reinforcing ribs (315) may be provided to reinforce the rigidity of the partition body (310). In this embodiment, the reinforcing ribs (315) are illustrated as being formed by protruding toward the heat exchange room (R1), but are not limited thereto. For example, the reinforcing ribs may be provided to protrude toward the machine room.

[0163] The partition (300) may include a guide (400) provided in at least a portion thereof. The guide (400) provided in the partition (300) may be provided to guide air inside the housing (100) toward the outlet (111). The guide (400) may be formed by protruding at least a portion of the partition (300). For example, the guide (400) may be provided to protrude from the partition (300) toward the heat exchange chamber (R1). For example, the guide (400) may be formed to protrude so that air is discharged from the partition (300) toward the outlet (111).

[0164] A guide (400) may be provided in the partition body (310). For example, at least a portion of the partition body (310) may be formed to protrude. For example, the guide (400) may be provided to protrude from the partition body (310) toward the heat exchange chamber (R1). For example, the guide (400) may be provided to protrude from the partition body (310) toward the heat exchange chamber (R1). For example, the guide (400) may be formed to protrude from the partition body (310) toward the outlet (111) so that air is discharged.

[0165] The guide (400) may be provided in multiple numbers. For example, the guide (400) may include a first guide (410) and a second guide (420). In this embodiment, the guide (400) is illustrated as having two guides formed, such as the first guide (410) and the second guide (420), but is not limited thereto. For example, the number of guides (400) may be changed according to the size and shape of the outdoor unit (10).

[0166] The guide (400) may include a first part (P1) and a second part (P2) spaced apart from the first part (P1). The first part (P1) may be formed lower than the second part (P2). The second part (P2) may be formed higher than the first part (P1). For example, the first part (P1) may be formed with a first height (h1). The second part (P2) may be formed with a second height (h2). The first height (h1) may be formed lower than the second height (h2). For example, the first part (P1) of the guide (400) may be formed to protrude from the partition body (310) lower than the second part (P2).

[0167] The guide (400) may include an inclined surface (401) having a first angle (θ1) to form a first part (P1). For example, the first part (P1) of the guide (400) may be formed by a first inclined surface (401) formed at a first angle (θ1) from the partition body (310). The first angle (θ1) may be formed at an angle between 0 and 90 degrees. For example, the first inclined surface (401) may be formed at an angle toward the outlet (111). For example, the first inclined surface (401) of the guide (400) may be formed to guide air toward the outlet (111).

[0168] The guide (410) may include a second inclined surface (402) having a second angle (θ2) to form a second part (P2). For example, the second part (P2) of the guide (400) may be formed by a second inclined surface (402) formed at a second angle (θ2) from the partition body (310). The second angle (θ2) may be formed at an angle between 0 and 90 degrees. For example, the second inclined surface (402) of the guide (400) may be formed to guide air toward the outlet (111).

[0169] The guide (400) may include a guide surface (403) connecting the first part (P1) and the second part (P2). The guide surface (403) may be provided to connect the first part (P1) and the second part (P2). The guide surface (403) may be provided to connect the first part (P1) and the second part (P2) so that air guided through the first inclined surface (401) can move to the outlet (111). The guide surface (403) may be provided to connect the first part (P1) and the second part (P2) so that air guided through the second inclined surface (402) can move to the outlet (111).

[0170] The guide (400) can be formed in the vertical direction of the partition (300). For example, the guide (400) can be formed by extending in the vertical direction (Z direction) in the drawing. The first guide (410) and the second guide (420) can be formed in the front-rear direction. For example, the first guide (410) and the second guide (420) can be arranged in the front-rear direction (X direction) in the drawing. For example, the first guide (410) and the second guide (420) can be arranged spaced apart in the front-rear direction (X direction) of the partition (300). The first guide (410) and the second guide (420) can be arranged spaced apart from each other. The first guide (410) and the second guide (420) can be arranged spaced apart from each other with respect to the end (112a) of the bellmouth (112). For example, a first guide (410) may be positioned on one side centered on the end (112a) of the bellmouth (112), and a second guide (420) may be positioned on the other side. For example, the first guide (410) may be positioned from the end (112a) of the bellmouth (112) toward the inlet (161, 131). For example, the second guide (420) may be positioned from the end (112a) of the bellmouth (112) toward the outlet (111). For example, the first guide (410) may be positioned in the forward direction (X direction) from the end (112a) of the bellmouth (112). For example, the first guide (410) may be positioned in the rear direction (X direction) from the end (112a) of the bellmouth (112).

[0171] Below, an example of the structure of a guide (400) formed in a partition (300) is described in more detail.

[0172] The partition (300) may include a first guide (410) and a second guide (420) that are formed protruding from at least a portion.

[0173] The first guide (410) may include a first part (P1) and a second part (P2) spaced apart from the first part (P1). The first part (P1) may be formed lower than the second part (P2). The second part (P2) may be formed higher than the first part (P1). For example, the first part (P1) may be formed with a first height (h1). The second part (P2) may be formed with a second height (h2). The first height (h1) may be formed lower than the second height (h2). For example, the first part (P1) of the first guide (410) may be formed to protrude lower than the second part (P2).

[0174] The first guide (410) may include a first inclined surface (411, 401) having a first angle (θ1) to form a first part (P1). For example, the first part (P1) of the first guide (410) may be formed by the first inclined surface (411, 401) which is formed at a first angle (θ1) from the partition body (310). The first angle (θ1) may be formed at an angle between 0 and 90 degrees. For example, the first inclined surface (411, 401) may be formed at an angle toward the outlet (111). For example, the first inclined surface (411, 401) of the first guide (410) may be formed to guide air toward the outlet (111).

[0175] The first guide (410) may include a second inclined surface (412, 402) having a second angle (θ2) to form a second part (P2). For example, the second part (P2) of the first guide (410) may be formed by the second inclined surface (412, 402) which is formed at a second angle (θ2) from the partition body (310). The second angle (θ2) may be formed at an angle between 0 and 90 degrees. For example, the second inclined surface (412, 402) may be formed at an angle toward the inlet (161, 131). For example, the second inclined surface (412, 402) of the first guide (410) may be formed to guide air toward the outlet (111).

[0176] The first guide (410) may include a guide surface (413, 403) connecting the first part (P1) and the second part (P2). The guide surface (413, 403) may be provided to connect the first part (P1) and the second part (P2). The guide surface (413, 403) may be provided to connect the first part (P1) and the second part (P2) so that air guided through the first inclined surface (411, 401) can move to the outlet (111). The guide surface (413, 403) may be provided to connect the first part (P1) and the second part (P2) so that air guided through the second inclined surface (412, 402) can move to the outlet (111).

[0177] A second guide (420) spaced apart from the first guide (410) can be positioned in the direction of the discharge port (111) centered on the end (112a) of the bell mouth (112).

[0178] The second guide (420) may include a first part (P1) and a second part (P2) spaced apart from the first part (P1). The first part (P1) may be formed lower than the second part (P2). The second part (P2) may be formed higher than the first part (P1). For example, the first part (P1) may be formed with a first height (h1). The second part (P2) may be formed with a second height (h2). The first height (h1) may be formed lower than the second height (h2). For example, the first part (P1) of the second guide (420) may be formed to protrude lower than the second part (P2).

[0179] The second guide (420) may include a first inclined surface (421, 401) having a first angle (θ1) to form a first part (P1). For example, the first part (P1) of the second guide (420) may be formed by the first inclined surface (421, 401) which is formed at a first angle (θ1) from the partition body (310). The first angle (θ1) may be formed at an angle between 0 and 90 degrees. For example, the first inclined surface (421, 401) may be formed at an angle toward the outlet (111). For example, the first inclined surface (421, 401) of the second guide (420) may be formed to guide air toward the outlet (111).

[0180] The second guide (420) may include a second inclined surface (422, 402) having a second angle (θ2) to form a second part (P2). For example, the second part (P2) of the second guide (420) may be formed by the second inclined surface (422, 402) which is formed at an angle (θ2) from the partition body (310). The second angle (θ2) may be formed at an angle between 0 and 90 degrees. For example, the second inclined surface (422, 402) may be formed at an angle toward the inlet (161, 131). For example, the second inclined surface (422, 402) of the second guide (420) may be formed to guide air toward the outlet (111).

[0181] The second guide (420) may include a guide surface (423, 403) connecting the first part (P1) and the second part (P2). The guide surface (423, 403) may be provided to connect the first part (P1) and the second part (P2). The guide surface (423, 403) may be provided to connect the first part (P1) and the second part (P2) so that air guided through the first inclined surface (421, 401) can move to the outlet (111). The guide surface (423, 403) may be provided to connect the first part (P1) and the second part (P2) so that air guided through the second inclined surface (422, 402) can move to the outlet (111).

[0182] The first guide (410) and the second guide (420) described above may be provided to guide the flow of air moving from inside to outside the housing (100) of the air conditioner outdoor unit (10).

[0183] Specifically, the outdoor unit (10) of the air conditioner (1) receives air through the inlet (161, 131) by means of a blower fan (13) placed in the heat exchange chamber (R1) of the housing (100), and the air introduced into the interior of the housing (100) is heat-exchanged through a heat exchanger (200) and discharged through the outlet (111).

[0184] A guide (400) provided in the partition (300) can be provided to guide air so that air introduced through the inlet (161, 131) of the housing (100) is heat-exchanged through the heat exchanger (200) and discharged through the outlet (111).

[0185] For example, the first guide (410) provided in the partition (300) may be provided to guide air so that air introduced through the inlet (161, 131) of the housing (100) is heat-exchanged through the heat exchanger (200) and discharged through the outlet (111). For example, the first guide (410) provided in the partition (300) may be provided to guide air so that air introduced through the inlet (161, 131) of the housing (100) is heat-exchanged through the heat exchanger (200) and discharged through the outlet (111), and may be provided to guide the flow remaining between the bell mouth (112) forming the outlet (111) and the partition (300) so that it can escape and be discharged through the outlet (111). For example, the second guide (420) provided in the partition (300) may be provided to guide air so that air introduced through the inlet (161, 131) of the housing (100) is heat-exchanged through the heat exchanger (200) and discharged through the outlet (111). For example, the second guide (420) provided in the partition (300) may be provided to guide air so that air introduced through the inlet (161, 131) of the housing (100) is heat-exchanged through the heat exchanger (200) and discharged through the outlet (111), and may be provided to guide the flow remaining between the bell mouth (112) forming the outlet (111) and the partition (300) so that it can escape and be discharged through the outlet (111).

[0186] A flow path may be formed in which air introduced into the inlet (131, 161) by the blower fan (13) inside the housing (100) passes through the heat exchanger (200) and is discharged through the outlet (111). For example, it may include a first flow path (A1) in which air sucked in by the blower fan (13) passes through the heat exchanger (200) and is discharged through the outlet (111). The first flow path (A1) may be a main flow path in which air introduced through the inlet (161, 131) is discharged through the outlet (111).

[0187] The first guide (410) may be positioned in the front direction of the bellmouth (112). The first guide (410) may be provided so that air passing through the heat exchanger (200) can move toward the bellmouth (112), i.e., the outlet (111), without flow loss. For example, the first guide (410) may be provided so that air can move toward the first flow path (A1) along the first inclined surface (411, 401) formed at a first angle (θ1) in front of the bellmouth (112) and the guide surface (413, 403). For example, the first inclined surface (411, 401) and the guide surface (413, 403) of the first guide (410) may be formed in a direction in which air moves toward the outlet, so that air passing through the heat exchanger (200) can move toward the outlet (111) without flow loss.

[0188] The second inclined surface (412, 402) of the first guide (410) can form a second flow path (A2) to allow the flow remaining between the partition (300) and the bellmouth (112) to escape. For example, the second inclined surface (412, 402) formed at the second angle (θ2) of the first guide (410) can be formed in the opposite direction to the air moving toward the outlet, so that the flow remaining between the partition (300) and the bellmouth (112) can escape. For example, the second inclined surface (412, 402) of the first guide (410) can have an inclination of the second angle (θ2) and be formed to be inclined in the opposite direction to the air movement, so that the flow remaining between the partition (300) and the bellmouth (112) can escape and move toward the outlet (111) together with the first flow path (A1).

[0189] The first guide (410) can be configured to guide air into the first flow path (A1), which is the main flow path that passes through the heat exchanger (200) and is discharged to the outlet (111) by means of the first inclined surface (411, 401) and the guide surface (413, 403), and to form a second flow path (A2) by means of the second inclined surface (412, 402) so that air remaining between the partition (300) and the bellmouth (112) can escape, thereby allowing the air in the second flow path (A2) to be discharged through the outlet (111) together with the air in the first flow path (A1). In this way, the air that was staying between the partition (300) and the bellmouth (112) is expelled through the second inclined surface (412, 402) of the first guide (410), joins with the air of the first flow path (A1), and is discharged through the outlet (111), thereby reducing flow loss due to vortex between the partition (300) and the bellmouth (112).

[0190] The second guide (420) may be positioned spaced apart from the first guide (410) with respect to the end (112a) of the bellmouth (112). The second guide (420) may be positioned in the direction of the discharge port (111) with respect to the end (112a) of the bellmouth (112). The second guide (420) may be positioned in a location that overlaps with the bellmouth (112). The second guide (420) may be provided to reduce flow loss due to vortex between the bellmouth (112) and the partition (300).

[0191] For example, the second guide (420) may be provided to guide the air that was staying between the bellmouth (112) and the partition (300) to exit toward the first Euro (A1).

[0192] The second guide (420) may be positioned on the side of the bellmouth (112). For example, the second guide (420) may be provided so that air can move along the guide surface (423, 403) on the side of the bellmouth (112). For example, the guide surface (423, 403) of the second guide (420) may be formed in the direction in which the air moves.

[0193] The second inclined surface (422, 402) of the second guide (420) can form a second flow path (A2) to allow the flow that was stuck between the partition (300) and the bellmouth (112) to escape. For example, the second inclined surface (422, 402) formed at the second angle (θ2) of the second guide (420) can be formed in the opposite direction to the direction of the first flow path (A1) where air moves, so that the flow that was stuck between the partition (300) and the bellmouth (112) can escape. For example, the second inclined surface (422, 402) of the second guide (420) has a slope of the second angle (θ2) and is formed to be inclined in the opposite direction of air movement, so that the flow remaining between the partition (300) and the bellmouth (112) can escape and move to the outlet (111) together with the first flow path (A1).

[0194] The first inclined surface (421, 401) of the second guide (420) can be formed to form a second flow path (A2) so that the flow remaining between the partition (300) and the bellmouth (112) can escape.

[0195] In this way, the air in the second channel (A2) from which the air remaining between the partition (300) and the bellmouth (112) escapes through the second guide (420) joins with the air in the first channel (A1) and is discharged through the outlet (111), thereby reducing flow loss due to vortices between the partition (300) and the bellmouth (112).

[0196] FIGS. 9 and 10 are drawings showing airflow according to the number of guides according to one embodiment.

[0197] As illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 10, the airflow by the guide (400) provided in the partition (300) of the outdoor unit (10) of the air conditioner is described.

[0198] Referring to FIG. 9, if a guide (400) is provided in the partition (300), the air passing through the heat exchanger (200) can be moved to the first flow path (A1) towards the outlet (111) through the bellmouth (12).

[0199] The air flowing through the first Euro (A1) is guided through the first inclined surface (401) and guide surface (403) of the guide (400) located ahead of the bell mouth (112) and moves to the outlet (111).

[0200] Between the bell mouth (112) and the partition (300), a vortex is generated in which air remains unable to move due to pressure. The second inclined surface (402) of the guide (400) is provided to guide the air that remains unable to move into the second flow path (A2). As the space where the air remains is narrowed by the guide (400), the speed increases. At this time, the air is discharged through the outlet (111) together with the first flow path (A1).

[0201] Referring to FIG. 10, if two guides (400) are provided in the partition (300), the air passing through the heat exchanger (200) can be moved to the first flow path (A1) towards the outlet (111) through the bellmouth (12).

[0202] It can be guided through the first inclined surface (411) and guide surface (413) of the first guide (410) located ahead of the bell mouth (112) in the guide (400), moved to the first flow path (A1), and discharged through the discharge port (111).

[0203] The second guide (420), which is located behind the bell mouth (112) among the guides (400), is positioned between the bell mouth (112) and the partition (300).

[0204] Between the bell mouth (112) and the partition (300), a vortex is generated in which air remains trapped and cannot move due to pressure. The second guide (420) can increase the speed of the air by reducing the space between the bell mouth (112) and the partition (300).

[0205] Additionally, air flowing into the space where a vortex is formed by riding along the first inclined surface (421) and guide surface (423) of the second guide (420) can be accelerated and moved along the second inclined surface (422) and discharged through the outlet (111) together with the air moving to the first flow path (A1) at a high speed.

[0206] By means of the second guide (420), the vortex between the bell mouth (112) and the partitioner (300) can be discharged to the outlet (111) without remaining, thereby reducing air flow loss.

[0207] An outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to one embodiment comprises: a housing (100) having an outlet (111) and an inlet (161, 131); a blower fan (13) disposed inside the housing (100) to circulate air; a heat exchanger (200) provided in the housing to exchange heat with outside air flowing in through the inlet (161, 131); a machine room (R2) provided on one side of the blower fan (13); and a partition (300) installed in the housing (100) to partition the machine room (R2). A guide (400) is provided in at least a part of the partition (300) to guide air to the outlet (111), wherein the guide (400) comprises a first part (P1) formed at a first height (h1) and a second part (P2) formed at a second height (h2) higher than the first height (h1), and the second part (P2) is spaced apart from the first part (P1) in the direction of air discharge. According to the present disclosure, air flow loss can be reduced by providing a guide in the partition that can serve as a guide for discharged air.

[0208] The above guide (400) may be spaced apart from each other.

[0209] The guide (400) may include a first inclined surface (401) having a first angle (θ1) to form the first part (P1), a guide surface (403) connecting the first part (P1) and the second part (P2), and a second inclined surface (402) having a second angle (θ2) to form the second part (P2). The first angle and the second angle may include angles between 0 and 90 degrees.

[0210] The housing (100) includes a front frame (110) in which the exhaust port (111) is formed, and the front frame (110) includes a bell mouth (112) provided along the circumference of the exhaust port (111) to guide air discharged through the exhaust port (111). The guide (400) may be formed to protrude from the partition (300) toward the bell mouth (112) so that air is discharged toward the exhaust port (111).

[0211] Therefore, blower performance can be improved due to the reduction in flow resistance.

[0212] It may include a first flow path (A1) through which air sucked in by the blower fan (13) passes through the heat exchanger (200) and is discharged through the outlet (111); and a second flow path (A2) through which air remaining between the bellmouth (112) and the partition (300) exits via the guide (400) and is discharged together with the air in the first flow path (A1).

[0213] This structure guides the main flow passing through the heat exchanger to move toward the bell mouth without flow loss, and allows the airflow remaining between the bell mouth and the partition to exit through the guide and move to the outlet together with the main flow, thereby improving blower performance.

[0214] The second Euro (A2) can be formed by the outer surface of the bellmouth (112) and the second inclined surface (402) of the guide (400).

[0215] The above guide (400) includes a first guide (410) and a second guide (420), and the first guide (410) and the second guide (420) may be spaced apart from each other with respect to the end of the bellmouth (112).

[0216] The first guide (410) may be positioned on the side of the inlet (161, 131) centered on the end of the bell mouth (112), and the second guide (420) may be positioned on the side of the outlet (111) centered on the end of the bell mouth (112).

[0217] The second Euro (A2) can be formed by the outer surface of the bellmouth (112) and the second guide (420).

[0218] The above guide (400) may have a cross-section formed in a trapezoidal shape.

[0219] An outdoor unit (10) of an air conditioner (1) according to one embodiment comprises: a front frame (110) including a bellmouth (112) formed along the circumference of an outlet (111); a housing (100) to which the front frame (110) is coupled and which has an inlet (161, 131) into which air is introduced; a heat exchanger (200) provided in the housing; a blower fan (13) disposed inside the housing (100) to circulate air; a machine room (R2) formed on one side of the blower fan (13); and a partition (300) installed in the housing (100) to partition the machine room (R2). A guide (400) is provided such that at least a portion of the partition (300) protrudes toward the blower fan (13). The guide (400) comprises a first portion (P1) having a first inclined surface (401) that guides the air to pass through the heat exchanger (200) and be discharged to the outlet (111), a second portion (P2) having a second inclined surface (402) that guides the air remaining between the bell mouth (112) and the partition (300) to escape, and a guide surface (403) connecting the first portion (P1) and the second portion (P2). According to the present disclosure, the main flow passing through the heat exchanger is guided to move toward the bell mouth without flow loss, and the air flow remaining between the bell mouth and the partition is guided to escape and move toward the outlet together with the main flow, thereby improving the blower performance.

[0220] The first part (P1) of the above guide (400) may be formed lower than the second part (P2).

[0221] The first inclined surface (401) has a first angle (θ1), and the second inclined surface (402) has a second angle (θ2), and the first angle and the second angle may include angles between 0 and 90 degrees.

[0222] Multiple guides can be spaced apart from each other.

[0223] It may include a first flow path (A1) through which air sucked in by the blower fan (13) passes through the heat exchanger (200) and is discharged through the outlet (111); and a second flow path (A2) through which air remaining between the bellmouth (112) and the partition (300) exits via the guide (400).

[0224] The second Euro (A2) can be formed by the bell mouth (112) and the second inclined surface (402) of the first guide (410).

[0225] The above guide (400) includes a first guide (410) and a second guide (420), and the first guide (410) and the second guide (420) may be spaced apart from each other with respect to the end of the bellmouth (112).

[0226] The first guide (410) may be positioned on the side of the inlet (161, 131) centered on the end of the bell mouth (112), and the second guide (420) may be positioned on the side of the outlet (111) centered on the end of the bell mouth (112).

[0227] According to the concept of the present disclosure, air flow loss of the outdoor unit of an air conditioner can be reduced.

[0228] According to the concept of the present disclosure, air flow loss can be reduced by providing a guide in the partition that can serve as a guide for discharged air.

[0229] According to the concept of the present disclosure, blower performance can be improved due to a reduction in flow resistance.

[0230] According to the concept of the present disclosure, the main flow passing through the heat exchanger is guided to move toward the bell mouth without flow loss, and the air flow remaining between the bell mouth and the partition is guided to exit and move to the outlet together with the main flow, thereby improving the blowing performance.

[0231] The effects obtainable from the present disclosure are not limited to those mentioned above, and other unmentioned effects will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art to which the present disclosure belongs.

[0232] Specific embodiments have been illustrated and described above. However, the invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and those skilled in the art may make various modifications without departing from the essence of the technical concept of the invention as described in the following claims.

Claims

1. A housing having an outlet and an inlet; A blower fan positioned inside the above housing to circulate air; A heat exchanger provided in the housing to exchange heat with the outside air flowing in through the inlet; A machine room provided on one side of the above-mentioned blower fan; A partition installed in the housing to partition the machine room; and An outdoor unit of an air conditioner, wherein a guide is provided in at least a part of the above partition to guide air to the above outlet, the guide comprises a first part formed at a first height and a second part formed at a second height higher than the first height, and the second part is spaced apart from the first part in the direction of air discharge.

2. In Paragraph 1, The above guide is an outdoor unit of an air conditioner in which multiple units are spaced apart from each other.

3. In Paragraph 1, The above guide is, A first inclined surface having a first angle to form the above first part, A guide surface connecting the first part and the second part, and An outdoor unit of an air conditioner comprising a second inclined surface having a second angle to form the second part.

4. In Paragraph 3, The above first angle and the above second angle are outdoor units of an air conditioner that include angles between 0 and 90 degrees.

5. In Paragraph 3, The above housing includes a front frame in which the discharge port is formed, and The above front frame is, An outdoor unit of an air conditioner comprising a bellmouth provided along the circumference of the outlet to guide air discharged through the outlet.

6. In Paragraph 5, The above guide is, An outdoor unit of an air conditioner formed to protrude from the partition toward the bellmouth so that air is discharged toward the outlet side.

7. In Paragraph 5, A first flow path through which air sucked in by the above blower fan passes through the heat exchanger and is discharged to the above outlet; and It includes a second Euro path through which air remaining between the bellmouth and the partition escapes by the guide, and The air of the second Euro above is an outdoor unit of an air conditioner that is discharged together with the air of the first Euro above.

8. In Paragraph 5, The above second euro is, An outdoor unit of an air conditioner formed by the outer surface of the above bellmouth and the second inclined surface of the above guide.

9. In Paragraph 8, The above guide includes a first guide and a second guide, and The above first guide and the above second guide are outdoor units of an air conditioner spaced apart from each other with respect to the end of the bellmouth.

10. In Paragraph 9, The first guide is positioned on the inlet side with the end of the bellmouth as the center, and The above second guide is an outdoor unit of an air conditioner positioned on the outlet side centered on the end of the bellmouth.

11. In Paragraph 9, The above second euro is, An outdoor unit of an air conditioner formed by the outer surface of the above bellmouth and the above second guide.

12. In Paragraph 6, The above guide is an outdoor unit of an air conditioner having a cross-section formed in a trapezoidal shape.

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