Outdoor unit of air conditioner

Abstract

This outdoor unit of an air conditioner comprises: a cabinet; a fan disposed in the cabinet to flow air; and a fan motor rotating the fan. The fan comprises a hub connected to the fan motor and rotated by a rotation shaft, and a plurality of blades provided to extend from the hub in the circumferential direction of the hub. The blade comprises: a plurality of serrations formed on the rear edge of the blade; and a plurality of protrusions protruding from a negative pressure surface of the blade, which is a surface colliding with the air.

Description

Air conditioner outdoor unit

[0001] The disclosed invention relates to an outdoor unit of an air conditioner improved to reduce blower noise and input consumption.

[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 constituting 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. Among these, the outdoor unit of a split-type air conditioner may be equipped with a cabinet, a heat exchanger that exchanges heat with the air drawn into the interior of the cabinet, and a fan that blows the heat-exchanged air back outside.

[0004] To achieve low noise and high efficiency, fans need to reduce the magnitude of blower noise and decrease input consumption.

[0005] One aspect of the disclosed invention provides an outdoor unit of an air conditioner with an improved fan shape.

[0006] In addition, an outdoor unit of an air conditioner is provided that can generate a small vortex by forming a protruding projection on the negative pressure surface of the blade.

[0007] In addition, an outdoor unit of an air conditioner is provided that can generate a small vortex, wherein a protruding projection protruding from the negative pressure surface of the blade is formed to have a pointed tip in a direction toward the leading edge.

[0008] 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.

[0009] An outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the disclosed invention comprises a cabinet, a fan disposed inside the cabinet to circulate air, and a fan motor that rotates the fan. The fan comprises a hub connected to the fan motor by a rotation shaft and rotating, and a plurality of blades arranged to extend from the hub in the circumferential direction of the hub. The blades comprise a plurality of serrations formed on the rear edge of the blades; and a plurality of protruding projections formed to protrude from the negative pressure surface of the blades, which is the surface that comes into contact with air.

[0010] An outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the disclosed invention comprises a cabinet, a fan disposed inside the cabinet to circulate air, and a fan motor that rotates the fan. The fan comprises a hub connected to the fan motor by a rotation shaft and rotating, and a plurality of blades arranged to extend from the hub in a circumferential direction of the hub. The blades comprise a plurality of serrations formed on the rear edge of the blades and a plurality of protruding projections formed on a negative pressure surface that is the surface of the blades that comes into contact with air, and protruding along the rear edge of the blades so as to be spaced apart from the serrations.

[0011] FIG. 1 is a drawing illustrating an air conditioner according to one embodiment.

[0012] FIG. 2 is a drawing illustrating an outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to one embodiment.

[0013] FIG. 3 is a disassembled drawing of an outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to one embodiment.

[0014] FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating a fan according to one embodiment.

[0015] FIG. 5 is a drawing showing the bottom surface of a fan according to one embodiment.

[0016] FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of one of a plurality of blades according to one embodiment.

[0017] FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a part of the appearance in which a protruding projection according to one embodiment is formed to protrude from a negative pressure surface to have a triangular pyramid shape.

[0018] FIG. 8 is an enlarged view of part A shown in FIG. 6.

[0019] FIG. 9 is a drawing showing a guide rib formed between a plurality of serrations and a plurality of protruding projections of a blade according to one embodiment.

[0020] FIG. 10 is a perspective view illustrating a guide rib formed between a plurality of serrations and protruding projections of a blade according to one embodiment.

[0021] FIG. 11 is a drawing showing that, according to one embodiment, a plurality of serrations are not formed on the rear edge of the blade, and only a plurality of protruding projections are formed on the negative pressure surface of the blade.

[0022] FIG. 12 is a drawing showing a plurality of protruding projections formed along the leading edge of a blade according to one embodiment.

[0023] FIG. 13 is a drawing showing a plurality of protruding projections formed along the leading edge and trailing edge of a blade according to one embodiment.

[0024] FIG. 14 is a drawing showing a comparison of the heights of a plurality of protruding projections formed along the leading edge of a blade and a plurality of protruding projections formed along the trailing edge of a blade according to one embodiment.

[0025] FIG. 15 is a drawing showing a plurality of protruding projections formed spaced apart along the rear edge of a blade at different intervals according to one embodiment.

[0026] FIG. 16 is a drawing showing a plurality of protruding projections having a triangular prism shape formed along the rear edge of a blade according to one embodiment.

[0027] FIG. 17 is a perspective view showing a part of a protruding projection formed to protrude from a negative pressure surface to have a triangular prism shape according to one embodiment.

[0028] FIG. 18 is a drawing showing a plurality of protruding projections having a rhombus shape formed along the rear edge of a blade according to one embodiment.

[0029] FIG. 19 is a perspective view showing a part of the appearance in which a protruding projection according to one embodiment is formed to protrude from a negative pressure surface to have a rhombus shape.

[0030] FIG. 20 is a drawing showing a plurality of protruding projections having a rhombus column shape formed along the rear edge of a blade according to one embodiment.

[0031] FIG. 21 is a perspective view showing a part of the appearance in which a protruding projection according to one embodiment is formed to protrude from a negative pressure surface to have a rhombus column shape.

[0032] FIG. 22 is a drawing showing a plurality of serrations formed on the trailing edge of a blade according to one embodiment, which are formed to have progressively smaller sizes as they approach the end from the hub.

[0033] 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.

[0034] In relation to the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components.

[0035] The singular form of the noun corresponding to the item may include one or multiple items, unless the relevant context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0036] 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.

[0037] The term "and / or" includes a combination of multiple related described components or any of the multiple related described components.

[0038] 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).

[0039] 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.

[0040] 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.

[0041] When it is said that a component is "connected," "combined," "supported," or "in contact" with another component, this includes not only cases where the components are directly connected, combined, supported, or in contact, but also cases where they are indirectly connected, combined, supported, or in contact through a third component.

[0042] 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.

[0043] 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.

[0044] 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.

[0045] 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.

[0046] 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.

[0047] 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.

[0048] 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.

[0049] Indoor units are installed indoors. For example, indoor units may include ceiling-mounted indoor units, stand-type indoor units, wall-mounted indoor units, etc., depending on the method of placement. For example, ceiling-mounted indoor units may include 4-way indoor units, 1-way indoor units, duct-type indoor units, etc., depending on the method of air discharge.

[0050] 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.

[0051] 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.

[0052] 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.

[0053] 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.

[0054] For example, in an air conditioner, if one outdoor unit is connected to two or more indoor units via 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 back to the outdoor unit. For example, multiple indoor units may each be directly connected in parallel to a single outdoor unit via separate refrigerant pipes.

[0055] 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 cooling mode while others operate in heating mode simultaneously. In this case, the refrigerant may be arranged to flow into each indoor unit in a selectively high-pressure or low-pressure state along a designated circulation path via a flow path switching valve to be described later, and to be discharged and circulated to the outdoor unit.

[0056] For example, when two or more outdoor units and two or more indoor units are connected through multiple refrigerant pipes, the refrigerant discharged from multiple outdoor units may be combined and flow through a single refrigerant pipe, and then branch out again at some point to flow into multiple indoor units.

[0057] 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. 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 inside the outdoor unit, or it may be placed in both.

[0058] 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.

[0059] 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.

[0060] 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 port of the compressor.

[0061] 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.

[0062] 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.

[0063] 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.

[0064] 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.

[0065] 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.

[0066] 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.

[0067] The housing may include an intake port. Indoor air can be drawn into the interior of the housing through the intake port.

[0068] 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.

[0069] The housing may include an outlet. Air flowing inside the housing can be discharged to the outside of the housing through the outlet.

[0070] 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.

[0071] 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.

[0072] 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.

[0073] The indoor heat exchanger may be positioned between the blower and the outlet, or between the intake and the blower. The indoor heat exchanger may absorb heat from the air entering through the intake or transfer heat to the air entering through the intake. The indoor heat exchanger may include heat exchange tubes through which refrigerant flows, and heat exchange fins in contact with the heat exchange tubes to increase the heat transfer surface area.

[0074] 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.

[0075] 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.

[0076] 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.

[0077] 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, operating mode settings for cooling / heating / dehumidification / air purification, outlet selection settings, and / or airflow settings) 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, through the indoor unit communication unit described later.

[0078] 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.

[0079] 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 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, intermediate, and / or outlet temperatures of a refrigerant pipe passing through an indoor heat exchanger.

[0080] 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.

[0081] 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.

[0082] 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.

[0083] 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.

[0084] 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.

[0085] 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.

[0086] Various temperature sensors included in the outdoor and indoor units can each transmit an electrical signal corresponding to the detected temperature to the outdoor unit control unit and / or the indoor unit control unit. For example, humidity sensors included in the outdoor and indoor units can each transmit an electrical signal corresponding to the detected humidity to the outdoor unit control unit and / or the indoor unit control unit.

[0087] The indoor unit control unit can acquire user input from a user device, including a mobile device, through the indoor unit communication unit, and can acquire 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.

[0088] 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.

[0089] 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.

[0090] 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.

[0091] 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.

[0092] 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, airflow direction, airflow volume, 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.

[0093] The output interface may include a display and a speaker. The speaker can 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.

[0094] Hereinafter, embodiments according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0095] FIG. 1 is a drawing illustrating an air conditioner according to one embodiment.

[0096] As illustrated in FIG. 1, the air conditioner may include an indoor unit (20) placed in an indoor space and an outdoor unit (10) placed in an outdoor space.

[0097] An air conditioner can absorb heat from inside the air-conditioned space and release heat to the outside of the air-conditioned space to cool the air-conditioned space. Additionally, an air conditioner can absorb heat from the outside of the air-conditioned space and release heat into the air-conditioned space to heat the air-conditioned space.

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

[0099] In the drawing, one outdoor unit (10) is shown, but it is not limited thereto. For example, the air conditioner may include multiple outdoor units (10).

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

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

[0102] The indoor unit (20) can exchange heat with the indoor air within the air conditioning space. The indoor unit (20) can perform heat exchange between the refrigerant and the indoor air by utilizing the phase change of the refrigerant. For example, the indoor unit (20) can cool the air conditioning space by absorbing heat from the indoor air into the refrigerant using the evaporation of the refrigerant. Additionally, the indoor unit (20) can heat the air conditioning space by releasing heat from the refrigerant into the indoor air using the condensation of the refrigerant.

[0103] The indoor unit (20) may include an indoor heat exchanger that exchanges heat with indoor air, an indoor blower fan that sucks 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.

[0104] In the drawing, one indoor unit (20) is shown, but it is not limited thereto. For example, the air conditioner may include multiple indoor units (20). Multiple different indoor units (20) may be installed in multiple different air conditioning spaces.

[0105] In the drawing, the indoor unit (20) is depicted as a ceiling-mounted 1-way type indoor unit in which air is discharged in one direction, but this is merely an example, and the indoor unit (20) may include a ceiling-mounted indoor unit, a stand-type indoor unit, a wall-mounted indoor unit, etc. In addition, as a ceiling-mounted indoor unit, it is obvious that it may include a duct-type indoor unit and a 4-way type indoor unit in which air is discharged in all directions.

[0106] In this way, the air conditioner can perform heat exchange between the refrigerant and the outdoor air outside the air-conditioned space, and heat exchange between the refrigerant and the indoor air inside the air-conditioned space.

[0107] At this time, the air conditioner may include a connecting pipe (P) that transfers refrigerant between the indoor unit (20) and the outdoor unit (10) in order to transfer heat between the outside and inside of the air conditioner space. The connecting pipe (P) can allow refrigerant to flow between the outside and inside of the air conditioner space. The outdoor unit (10) may be provided to be connected to the indoor unit (20). More specifically, the indoor unit (20) and the outdoor unit (10) may be connected to each other through the connecting pipe (P) that transfers refrigerant. The types of refrigerants may include combustible refrigerants and non-combustible refrigerants. Additionally, the types of refrigerants may include refrigerants having properties heavier than air and refrigerants having properties lighter than air.

[0108] The air conditioner described above is merely an example of an air conditioner to which an outdoor unit (10) 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. The configuration of an air conditioner to which an outdoor unit (10) of an air conditioner according to the concept of the present disclosure can be applied, an indoor unit (20) included therein, a connecting pipe (P), etc., can be provided in various ways.

[0109] FIG. 2 is a drawing showing an outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to one embodiment. FIG. 3 is a drawing showing an outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to one embodiment disassembled.

[0110] As illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, the outdoor unit (10) of the air conditioner may include an outdoor heat exchanger (11) that exchanges heat with outdoor air, a compressor (12) that compresses refrigerant, a fan (30) that draws outdoor air into the interior of the cabinet (100) and discharges air back out of the cabinet (100) so that the outdoor air passes through the outdoor heat exchanger (11), and a cabinet (100) that forms the exterior of the outdoor unit (10).

[0111] The cabinet (100) can form the exterior of the outdoor unit (10). Various parts of the outdoor unit (10), such as the outdoor heat exchanger (11), compressor (12), fan (30), refrigerant pipe (18) to be described later, and control box (141, 142), can be accommodated inside the cabinet (100).

[0112] The cabinet (100) may include an airflow inlet (131) formed to allow air to enter and a fan airflow outlet (111) formed to allow air to be discharged. As the fan (30) rotates, air from outside the cabinet (100) may enter through the airflow inlet (131), and after heat exchange with the outdoor heat exchanger (11), may be discharged to the outside of the cabinet (100) through the fan airflow outlet (111).

[0113] The outdoor unit (10) may include a partition wall (180). The partition wall (180) may extend upward (+Z direction) from the base (172) (described later).

[0114] The partition wall (180) can divide the interior of the cabinet (100) into a first space (R1) and a second space (R2). For example, the first space (R1) and the second space (R2) can be arranged in the left-right direction (+-Y direction) relative to each other in the drawing, and the partition wall (180) can be arranged to extend in the up-down direction (+-Z direction) in the drawing to divide the interior of the cabinet (100).

[0115] That is, the outdoor unit (10) may include a first space (R1) formed inside the cabinet (100). Components such as a compressor (12) and a control box (141, 142) to be described later may be placed in the first space (R1).

[0116] Additionally, the outdoor unit (10) may include a second space (R2) formed inside the cabinet (100). The second space (R2) may be configured to allow heat exchange of the refrigerant to occur.

[0117] More specifically, outside air can be introduced into the second space (R2), and the introduced air can be discharged back to the outside. In the second space (R2), heat exchange can take place between the outdoor heat exchanger (11) and the air introduced from the outside. Components such as the outdoor heat exchanger (11) and a fan (30) can be arranged in the second space (R2).

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

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

[0120] The cabinet (100) may include a first front cover (120). The first front cover (120) may cover the front (+X direction) of the first space (R1). That is, the first front cover (120) may be provided to cover the front of the outdoor unit (10).

[0121] More specifically, the first front cover (120) may be provided to cover a portion of the first space (R1) that is open in a direction parallel to the direction in which the rotation axis (16) of the fan motor (14) extends.

[0122] The cabinet (100) may include a second front cover (110). The second front cover (110) may cover the front of the second space (R2). A fan air outlet (111) may be formed in the second front cover (110).

[0123] For example, the first front cover (120) may be formed in the shape of a roughly flat plate. Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, the first front cover (120) will be referred to and described as the 'front cover (120)'. Accordingly, the cabinet (100) may be described as including a front cover (120) provided to cover the front of the outdoor unit (10).

[0124] The front cover (120) may include a front exhaust hole (121). The front exhaust hole (121) may connect the first space (R1) to the outside of the outdoor unit (10) so as to discharge the refrigerant leaked into the first space (R1) to the outside of the outdoor unit (10) when the refrigerant leaks from the refrigerant pipe (18) contained in the cabinet (100). That is, the front exhaust hole (121) may be formed to penetrate the front cover (120).

[0125] The front exhaust holes (121) may be provided in multiple numbers. That is, the front cover (120) may include multiple front exhaust holes (121). The multiple front exhaust holes (121) may be arranged in an up-and-down direction on one side of the front cover (120). In the illustration, the multiple front exhaust holes (121) are depicted as being located on the side (+Y side) of the front cover (120), but this is merely an example, and the multiple front exhaust holes (121) may be formed at various locations on the front cover (120) to communicate the first space (R1) with the outside.

[0126] Depending on the type, the leaked refrigerant may have physical properties heavier than air. Therefore, the leaked refrigerant may accumulate in the lower part of the space where the refrigerant pipe (18) is placed. At this time, since a plurality of front exhaust holes (121) arranged in the vertical direction are formed on one side of the front cover (120), the leaked refrigerant accumulated in the first space (R1) where the refrigerant pipe (18) is placed can be exhausted to the outside through the plurality of front exhaust holes (121).

[0127] The front cover (120) may include a front cover extension (122). The front cover extension (122) may be formed to cover a portion of the side of the outdoor unit (10) when the front cover (120) covers the front of the outdoor unit (10).

[0128] For example, the second front cover (110) and the front cover (120, the first front cover) can be arranged side by side in the left-right direction. The second front cover (110) and the front cover (120, the first front cover) can be combined with each other.

[0129] The cabinet may include a rear frame (130). The rear frame (130) may be provided to cover the rear (-X direction) of the cabinet.

[0130] The rear frame (130) may include a first rear frame (133). The first rear frame (133) may form part of the rear exterior of the outdoor unit (10). The first rear frame (133) may be positioned at the rear of the second space (R2). An airflow inlet (131) may be formed in the first rear frame (133).

[0131] The first rear frame (133) can be positioned so that one side faces the second front cover (110).

[0132] The rear frame (130) may include a second rear frame (132). The second rear frame (132) may form another part of the rear exterior of the outdoor unit (10). The second rear frame (132) may cover the rear of the first space (R1).

[0133] The second rear frame (132) can be positioned so that one side faces the front cover (120).

[0134] The cabinet (100) may include a first side cover (160). The first side cover (160) may form one side in the right direction (+Y direction) of the outdoor unit (10). That is, the first side cover (160) may be provided to cover the side of the outdoor unit (10). For example, the first side cover (160) may be formed in the shape of a roughly flat plate.

[0135] The cabinet (100) may include a second side cover (150). The second side cover (150) may form one side in the left direction (-Y direction) of the outdoor unit (10).

[0136] The second side cover (150) can cover the second space (R2). The second side cover (150) can cover the second space (R2) from the left side. A side airflow inlet (151) may be formed in the second side cover (150).

[0137] The second side cover (150) can be coupled to the second front cover (110). The second side cover (150) can be connected to the first rear frame (133).

[0138] For example, the second side cover (150) may be positioned to extend in the front-rear direction (+-X direction).

[0139] For convenience of explanation, the first side cover (160) will be referred to and described as the 'side cover (160)'. Accordingly, the side cover (160) can be described as forming a right-side (+Y direction) surface of the cabinet (100) of the outdoor unit (10).

[0140] The side cover (160) can be attached to the front cover (120). The side cover (160) can be attached to the second rear frame (132).

[0141] For example, the side cover (160) can be positioned to extend in the front-rear direction (+-X direction).

[0142] The side cover (160) can be positioned so that one side faces the second side cover (150).

[0143] For example, the side cover (160) may include a plurality of side exhaust holes (121) that allow the first space (R1) to communicate with the outside of the outdoor unit (10). Air within the first space (R1) can flow from the first space (R1) to the outside through the plurality of side exhaust holes (121).

[0144] Multiple side exhaust holes (121) can be arranged in the front-rear direction (+-X direction) on one side of the side cover (160).

[0145] Multiple side exhaust holes (21) may be located on the lower side of the side cover (160). When refrigerant is discharged from the refrigerant pipe (18), the discharged refrigerant may flow into the first space (R1). Depending on the type, the discharged refrigerant may have physical properties heavier than air. Therefore, the discharged refrigerant may accumulate on the lower side of the space where the refrigerant pipe (18) is placed. At this time, since multiple side exhaust holes (121) are formed on the lower side of the side cover (160), the discharged refrigerant accumulated on the lower side of the space where the refrigerant pipe (18) is placed can be discharged to the outside through the multiple side exhaust holes (121).

[0146] The cabinet (100) may include a base (172). The base (172) may form the bottom surface of the outdoor unit (10). The base (172) may be positioned on one side of the lower portion of the first space (R1) and the second space (R2). The base (172) may support various parts of the outdoor unit (10) that are housed inside the cabinet (100) from below.

[0147] The base (172) can be attached to the lower part of each of the first front cover (120), the second front cover (110), the second rear frame (132), the first side cover (160), and the second side cover (150).

[0148] The base (172) can be formed to have a roughly flat plate shape.

[0149] The cabinet (100) may include a top cover (171). The top cover (171) may form the upper surface of the outdoor unit (10).

[0150] The top cover (171) can cover the upper portion of the first space (R1) and the second space (R2). The top cover (171) can cover the various parts of the outdoor unit (10) housed inside the cabinet (100) from the upper portion.

[0151] The top cover (171) can be attached to the upper portion of each of the first front cover (120), the second front cover (110), the second rear frame (132), the first side cover (160), and the second side cover (150).

[0152] The top cover (171) can be formed to have a roughly flat plate shape.

[0153] The top cover (171) can be positioned so that one side faces the base (172).

[0154] The cabinet (100) may include an exhaust grille (193). The exhaust grille (193) may cover the front of the second front cover (110). The exhaust grille (193) may cover the front of the fan air discharge port (111). The exhaust grille (193) may be coupled to the second front cover (110). The exhaust grille (193) may form part of the front (+X direction) exterior of the outdoor unit (10).

[0155] The exhaust grille (193) covers the fan air outlet (111) and can be formed to include the shape of a grille so that air can be discharged from the fan air outlet (111).

[0156] The cabinet (100) may include an outer cover (191). The outer cover (191) may cover the front cover (120) from the front. The outer cover (191) may be coupled to the front cover (120).

[0157] The outer cover (191) can form another part of the front (+X direction) exterior of the outdoor unit (10).

[0158] For example, the exhaust grille (193) and the outer cover (191) can be arranged side by side in the left-right direction (+-Y direction). The exhaust grille (193) and the outer cover (191) can be joined together.

[0159] Each component included in the cabinet (100) may be provided to be separable from one another. For example, the front cover (120) may be provided to be separable from the second front cover (110), the side cover (160), the top cover (171), the base (172), etc.

[0160] For example, the side cover (160) may be provided to be detachable from the front cover (120), the second rear frame (132), the top cover (171), the base (172), etc.

[0161] For example, the top cover (171) may be provided to be detachable from the first front cover (120), the second front cover (110), the second rear frame (132), the first side cover (160) and the second side cover (150), etc.

[0162] As a result, when it is necessary to perform tasks such as inspecting, replacing, or repairing parts inside the outdoor unit (10), the worker can perform the work by separating at least one component of the cabinet (100).

[0163] The configuration of the cabinet (100) that may be included in the air conditioner according to the concept of the present disclosure is not limited to what has been described above.

[0164] An outdoor heat exchanger (11) may be provided to exchange heat with outdoor air. An outdoor heat exchanger (11) may be provided to allow refrigerant to flow inside. In the outdoor heat exchanger (11), heat exchange between the refrigerant and the outdoor air may take place.

[0165] For example, during the cooling operation of the air conditioner, high-pressure, high-temperature refrigerant gas is condensed in the outdoor heat exchanger (11), and while the refrigerant is condensing, the refrigerant can release heat to the outdoor air. During the cooling operation of the air conditioner, the outdoor heat exchanger (11) can discharge liquid refrigerant.

[0166] Additionally, during the heating operation of the air conditioner, low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant liquid evaporates in the outdoor 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, the outdoor heat exchanger (11) can discharge refrigerant gas.

[0167] The outdoor heat exchanger (11) can be positioned to face the airflow inlet (131) in the second space (R2).

[0168] 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.

[0169] The outdoor unit (10) of the air conditioner may include a refrigerant pipe (18). The refrigerant pipe (18) may be placed inside a cabinet (100). The refrigerant pipe (18) may be connected to various devices in a first space (R1) through which the refrigerant flows to allow the refrigerant to flow.

[0170] The outdoor unit (10) may include control boxes (141, 142). The outdoor unit (10) may include a plurality of printed circuit boards (not shown) for controlling the operation of various components of the outdoor unit (10). Various electronic components may be mounted on the plurality of printed circuit boards. The plurality of printed circuit boards may be accommodated in the control boxes (141, 142). The control boxes (141, 142) may be placed in the first space (R1).

[0171] More specifically, the printed circuit board provided in the control box (141, 142) can be electrically connected to various components of the outdoor unit (10), such as the compressor (12), fan motor (14), plate heat exchanger (21), and expansion tank (22). Through this, the printed circuit board can be configured to control the operation of various components of the outdoor unit (10). Alternatively, the printed circuit board can be configured to receive detection signals from various sensors provided in the compressor (12), outdoor heat exchanger (11), etc.

[0172] The outdoor unit (10) may include a cable guide (23). The cable guide (23) may support and guide a cable connected to a printed circuit board of a control box (141, 142).

[0173] The outdoor unit (10) may include a duct (D). The duct (D) may be provided to connect the control box (141, 142) and the partition (180).

[0174] The outdoor unit (10) may include a fan (30) provided to circulate air and a fan motor (14) that generates rotational force for the fan (30) to rotate.

[0175] For example, the outdoor unit (10) may include a motor bracket (15) that supports a fan (30) and a fan motor (14). The motor bracket (15) may be placed in a second space (R2).

[0176] For example, the outdoor unit (10) may include a plate heat exchanger (21). The plate heat exchanger (21) may be configured to exchange heat between the refrigerant and the water. The plate heat exchanger (21) may be placed inside the cabinet (100). For example, the plate heat exchanger (21) may be placed in the first space (R1).

[0177] For example, the outdoor unit (10) may include a water pipe configured to allow water to flow in or out from the outside. The water pipe may be connected to a plate heat exchanger (21). At least a portion of the water pipe may be placed inside the cabinet (100). For example, at least a portion of the water pipe may be placed in the first space (R1).

[0178] Water introduced into the outdoor unit (10) from the outside through a water pipe can perform heat exchange with a high-temperature refrigerant inside a plate heat exchanger (21). Inside the plate heat exchanger (21), the water can absorb heat from the high-temperature refrigerant and be transferred back to the outside of the outdoor unit (10) through the water pipe.

[0179] For example, the outdoor unit (10) may include an expansion tank (22). When the water temperature rises due to the plate heat exchanger (21), the volume within the water pipe may increase, and the expansion tank (22) may be provided to prevent the water pressure from rising suddenly due to this. The expansion tank (22) may be placed inside the cabinet (100). For example, the expansion tank (22) may be placed in the first space (R1).

[0180] Thus, an outdoor unit (10) according to one embodiment may comprise a plate heat exchanger (21), water pipes, and an expansion tank (22) to form part of a heating system that supplies hot water.

[0181] However, the concept of the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and in an air conditioner according to one embodiment, the plate heat exchanger (21), water pipes, and expansion tank (22) may be provided outside the outdoor unit (10). Alternatively, an air conditioner according to one embodiment may not be equipped with a heating system.

[0182] FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating a fan according to one embodiment. FIG. 5 is a drawing illustrating the bottom surface of a fan according to one embodiment. FIG. 6 is an enlarged drawing illustrating one of a plurality of blades according to one embodiment. FIG. 7 is a perspective view illustrating a part of a protruding projection formed to protrude from a negative pressure surface to have a triangular pyramid shape according to one embodiment. FIG. 8 is an enlarged drawing illustrating part A shown in FIG. 6.

[0183] As illustrated in FIGS. 4 to 8, the fan (30) may include a hub (31) that rotates by being connected to a fan motor (14) by a rotation axis (16), and a plurality of blades (200) arranged to extend from the hub (31) in the circumferential direction of the hub (31). (See FIG. 3)

[0184] The blade (200) may include a negative pressure surface (201). The negative pressure surface (201) may be the surface of the blade (200) that comes into contact with air. In the drawing, the negative pressure surface (201) may be the lower surface of the blade (200). The blade (200) may include a pressure surface (203) which is the opposite side of the negative pressure surface (201). In the drawing, the pressure surface (203) may be the upper surface of the blade (200).

[0185] The blade (200) may include a leading edge (205). The leading edge (205) may be located at the front of the blade (200) relative to the direction in which the fan (30) rotates. The blade (200) may include a trailing edge (207). The trailing edge (207) may be located at the rear of the blade (200) relative to the direction in which the fan (30) rotates. The blade (200) may include an end (209) which is the end portion of the blade (200) extending from the hub (31).

[0186] The blade (200) may include serrations (210). Serrations (210) may be formed on the trailing edge (207) of the blade (200). Multiple serrations (210) may be formed. When the fan (30) rotates, air strikes the negative pressure surface (201) of the blade (200), and the air may flow from the leading edge (205) of the blade (200) to the trailing edge (207) along the negative pressure surface (201). At this time, to reduce blower noise and input consumption, sawtooth-shaped serrations (210) may be formed on the trailing edge (207) of the blade (200). The sawtooth shape may be formed by creating grooves to have a triangular shape. Multiple serrations (210) may be formed along the trailing edge (207) of the blade (200). When a plurality of serrations (210) are formed on the trailing edge (207) where air flowing along the negative pressure surface (201) is separated, the size of the vortex can be reduced by the plurality of serrations (210) so that noise energy can be dispersed.

[0187] A plurality of serrations (210) may include a plurality of first serrations (211) formed at a location adjacent to the hub (31). The plurality of first serrations (211) may have the same size. When the height of the serration (210) is h and the pitch of the serration (210) is λ, the size of the serration (210) can be defined as h / λ. Since the air flow velocity is slower at locations adjacent to the hub (31) among the negative pressure surfaces (201) of the blade (200), the plurality of first serrations (211) may be formed to have the largest size among the plurality of serrations (210).

[0188] A plurality of serrations (210) may include a plurality of third serrations (215) formed at a position adjacent to the end (209) of the blade (200). The plurality of third serrations (215) may have the same size. Since the air flow velocity is faster at the position adjacent to the end (209) among the negative pressure surfaces (201) of the blade (200), the plurality of third serrations (215) may be formed to have the smallest size among the plurality of serrations (210).

[0189] A plurality of serrations (210) may include a plurality of second serrations (213) formed between a plurality of first serrations (211) and a plurality of third serrations (215). The plurality of second serrations (213) may have the same size. The plurality of second serrations (213) may be formed to have a size smaller than the plurality of first serrations (211) and larger than the plurality of third serrations (215).

[0190] The blade (200) may include protruding projections (230). The protruding projections (230) may be formed on the negative pressure surface (201) of the blade (200). The protruding projections (230) may be formed to protrude from the negative pressure surface (201). The protruding projections (230) may be formed in multiple numbers. The multiple protruding projections (230) may be formed along the rear edge (207) of the blade (200). The multiple protruding projections (230) may be formed along the rear edge (207) of the blade (200) to have the same spacing as the rear edge (207) of the blade (200). The multiple protruding projections (230) may be formed along the rear edge (207) of the blade (200) to be spaced apart from the multiple serrations (210). A plurality of protruding projections (230) can be formed spaced apart along the rear edge (207) of the blade (200) at equal intervals.

[0191] Each of the plurality of protruding projections (230) may be formed to have a pointed tip (231) in a direction toward the leading edge (205) of the blade (200). Each of the plurality of protruding projections (230) may be formed to have a pointed tip (231) in a direction toward the leading edge (205) from the trailing edge (207) of the blade (200). Each of the plurality of protruding projections (230) may be formed to protrude from the negative pressure surface (201) to have a triangular pyramid shape. Each of the plurality of protruding projections (230) may be formed in a triangular pyramid shape having a pointed tip (231) in a direction toward the leading edge (205) from the trailing edge (207) of the blade (200). The plurality of protruding projections (230) may all protrude from the negative pressure surface (201) of the blade (200) to have the same height.

[0192] Each vertex (231) of a plurality of protruding projections (230) may be located at a distance (D) greater than 5 times the height (h) of a plurality of third serrations (215) from the vertex (217) of a plurality of third serrations (215) having the smallest size among the plurality of serrations (210).

[0193] When the fan (30) rotates, if air strikes the negative pressure surface (201) of the blade (200), the air can flow from the leading edge (205) of the blade (200) to the trailing edge (207) along the negative pressure surface (201). The air flowing from the leading edge (205) to the trailing edge (207) along the negative pressure surface (201) can generate small vortices by the plurality of protrusions (230). That is, the flowing air can generate small vortices by striking the pointed tips (231) of the plurality of protrusions (230) and splitting. The small vortices generated by the plurality of protrusions (230) can generate even smaller vortices by the plurality of serrations (210). That is, since the air flowing along the negative pressure surface (201) of the blade (200) generates small vortices by the plurality of protrusions (230) and then generates smaller vortices by the plurality of serrations (210), the blowing noise and input consumption can be reduced more efficiently and the noise energy can be dispersed.

[0194] FIG. 9 is a drawing showing a guide rib formed between a plurality of serrations and a plurality of protruding projections of a blade according to one embodiment. FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a guide rib formed between a plurality of serrations and a protruding projections of a blade according to one embodiment.

[0195] As illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 10, the blade (200) may include a guide rib (190). The guide rib (190) may be formed on the negative pressure surface (201) of the blade (200). The guide rib (190) may be formed between a plurality of serrations (210) and a plurality of protrusions (230). The guide rib (190) may be formed on each of the plurality of protrusions (230). The guide rib (190) may be formed in pairs on each of the plurality of protrusions (230). The guide rib (190) may guide air flowing along the plurality of protrusions (230). Air flowing along the negative pressure surface (201) of the blade (200) creates small vortices by a plurality of protruding projections (230), and the small vortices created by the plurality of protruding projections (230) can be guided by guide ribs (190) and transmitted to a plurality of serrations (210).

[0196] FIG. 11 is a drawing illustrating a blade according to one embodiment in which a plurality of serrations are not formed on the rear edge of the blade, and only a plurality of protruding projections are formed on the negative pressure surface of the blade.

[0197] As illustrated in FIG. 11, multiple serrations may not be formed on the trailing edge (207) of the blade (200). That is, only multiple protrusions (230) may be formed on the negative pressure surface (201) of the blade (200) without multiple serrations. The configuration of the blade (200), excluding the fact that multiple serrations are not formed on the trailing edge (207) of the blade (200), may be the same as the configuration of the blade (200) illustrated in FIG. 6. That is, the configuration of the multiple protrusions (230) may be the same as the configuration of the multiple protrusions (230) illustrated in FIG. 6.

[0198] FIG. 12 is a drawing showing a plurality of protruding projections formed along the leading edge of a blade according to one embodiment.

[0199] As illustrated in FIG. 12, a plurality of protrusions (240) may be formed along the leading edge (205) of the blade (200). A plurality of protrusions (240) may be formed along the leading edge (205) of the blade (200) with the same spacing as the leading edge (205) of the blade (200). A plurality of protrusions (240) may be formed spaced apart along the trailing edge (207) of the blade (200) with the same spacing as each other.

[0200] Each of the plurality of protruding projections (240) may be formed to have a pointed tip (241) in a direction toward the leading edge (205) of the blade (200). Each of the plurality of protruding projections (240) may be formed to have a pointed tip (241) in a direction toward the leading edge (205) from the trailing edge (207) of the blade (200). Each of the plurality of protruding projections (240) may be formed to protrude from the negative pressure surface (201) to have a triangular pyramid shape. Each of the plurality of protruding projections (240) may be formed in a triangular pyramid shape having a pointed tip (241) in a direction toward the leading edge (205) from the trailing edge (207) of the blade (200). The plurality of protruding projections (230) may all protrude from the negative pressure surface (201) of the blade (200) to have the same height.

[0201] When the fan (30) rotates, if air strikes the negative pressure surface (201) of the blade (200), the air can flow from the leading edge (205) of the blade (200) to the trailing edge (207) along the negative pressure surface (201). The air flowing from the leading edge (205) to the trailing edge (207) along the negative pressure surface (201) can generate small vortices by the plurality of protrusions (240). That is, the flowing air can generate small vortices by striking the pointed tips (241) of the plurality of protrusions (240) and splitting. The small vortices generated by the plurality of protrusions (240) can flow along the negative pressure surface (201) and generate even smaller vortices by the plurality of serrations (210). That is, since the air flowing along the negative pressure surface (201) of the blade (200) generates small vortices by the plurality of protrusions (240) and then generates smaller vortices by the plurality of serrations (210), the blowing noise and input consumption can be reduced more efficiently and the noise energy can be dispersed.

[0202] FIG. 13 is a drawing showing a plurality of protruding projections formed along the leading edge and trailing edge of a blade according to one embodiment. FIG. 14 is a drawing showing a comparison of the heights of a plurality of protruding projections formed along the leading edge of a blade and a plurality of protruding projections formed along the trailing edge of a blade according to one embodiment.

[0203] As illustrated in FIGS. 13 and 14, a plurality of protrusions (250) may be formed along the leading edge (205) and the trailing edge (207) of the blade (200). The plurality of protrusions (250) may include a plurality of first protrusions (251) formed along the trailing edge (207) of the blade (200). The plurality of protrusions (250) may include a plurality of second protrusions (253) formed along the leading edge (205) of the blade (200).

[0204] A plurality of first protrusions (251) may be formed along the rear edge (207) of the blade (200). A plurality of first protrusions (251) may be formed along the rear edge (207) of the blade (200) to have the same spacing as the rear edge (207) of the blade (200). A plurality of first protrusions (251) may be formed along the rear edge (207) of the blade (200) to be spaced apart from a plurality of serrations (210). A plurality of first protrusions (251) may be formed spaced apart along the rear edge (207) of the blade (200) to have the same spacing as each other.

[0205] Each of the plurality of first protrusions (251) may be formed to have a pointed tip (252) facing toward the leading edge (205) of the blade (200). Each of the plurality of first protrusions (251) may be formed to have a pointed tip (252) facing toward the leading edge (205) from the trailing edge (207) of the blade (200). Each of the plurality of first protrusions (251) may be formed to protrude from the negative pressure surface (201) to have a triangular pyramid shape. Each of the plurality of first protrusions (251) may be formed in a triangular pyramid shape having a pointed tip (252) facing toward the leading edge (205) from the trailing edge (207) of the blade (200). Multiple first protrusions (251) can all protrude from the negative pressure surface (201) of the blade (200) to have the same height.

[0206] A plurality of second protrusions (253) may be formed along the leading edge (205) of the blade (200). A plurality of second protrusions (253) may be formed along the leading edge (205) of the blade (200) with the same spacing as the leading edge (205) of the blade (200). A plurality of second protrusions (253) may be formed spaced apart along the leading edge (205) of the blade (200) with the same spacing from each other.

[0207] Each of the plurality of second protrusions (253) may be formed to have a pointed tip (254) facing toward the leading edge (205) of the blade (200). Each of the plurality of second protrusions (253) may be formed to have a pointed tip (254) facing toward the leading edge (205) from the trailing edge (207) of the blade (200). Each of the plurality of second protrusions (253) may be formed to protrude from the negative pressure surface (201) to have a triangular pyramid shape. Each of the plurality of second protrusions (253) may be formed in a triangular pyramid shape having a pointed tip (254) facing toward the leading edge (205) from the trailing edge (207) of the blade (200). Multiple second protrusions (253) can all protrude from the negative pressure surface (201) of the blade (200) to have the same height.

[0208] A plurality of first protrusions (251) and a plurality of second protrusions (253) may be formed to protrude at different heights. A plurality of second protrusions (253) may be formed to have a higher height than a plurality of first protrusions (251). A plurality of second protrusions (253) may be formed to have a longer protruding length than a plurality of first protrusions (251).

[0209] When the fan (30) rotates, if air strikes the negative pressure surface (201) of the blade (200), the air can flow from the leading edge (205) of the blade (200) to the trailing edge (207) along the negative pressure surface (201). The air flowing from the leading edge (205) to the trailing edge (207) along the negative pressure surface (201) can generate small vortices by the plurality of second protrusions (253). That is, the flowing air can generate small vortices by striking the pointed tips (254) of the plurality of second protrusions (253) and splitting. The small vortices generated by the plurality of second protrusions (253) can flow along the negative pressure surface (201) and generate even smaller vortices by the plurality of first protrusions (251). That is, the flowing air can generate smaller vortices by striking the pointed tips (252) of the plurality of first protrusions (251) and splitting. The smaller vortices generated by the plurality of first protrusions (251) can generate smaller vortices by the plurality of serrations (210). That is, since the air flowing along the negative pressure surface (201) of the blade (200) generates smaller vortices by the plurality of second protrusions (253) and the plurality of first protrusions (251) and then generates smaller vortices by the plurality of serrations (210), the blower noise and input consumption can be reduced more efficiently so that noise energy is dispersed.

[0210] FIG. 15 is a drawing showing a plurality of protruding projections formed at different intervals along the rear edge of a blade according to one embodiment.

[0211] As illustrated in FIG. 15, a plurality of protrusions (235) may be formed along the rear edge (207) of the blade (200). A plurality of protrusions (235) may be formed along the rear edge (207) of the blade (200) to have the same spacing as the rear edge (207) of the blade (200). A plurality of protrusions (235) may be formed along the rear edge (207) of the blade (200) to be spaced apart from a plurality of serrations (210). A plurality of protrusions (235) may be formed spaced apart along the rear edge (207) of the blade (200) to have different spacing. A plurality of protrusions (235) may be formed so that the spacing becomes narrower as they move away from the hub (31) along the rear edge (207) of the blade (200). That is, the multiple protrusions (235) can be formed such that the spacing between them is narrower as they get closer to the hub (31) and wider as they get closer to the end (209). In other words, the multiple protrusions (235) can be formed such that the spacing between them gradually increases as they go from the hub (31) to the end (209).

[0212] Each of the plurality of protruding projections (235) may be formed to have a pointed tip (236) in a direction toward the leading edge (205) of the blade (200). Each of the plurality of protruding projections (235) may be formed to have a pointed tip (236) in a direction toward the leading edge (205) from the trailing edge (207) of the blade (200). Each of the plurality of protruding projections (235) may be formed to protrude from the negative pressure surface (201) to have a triangular pyramid shape. Each of the plurality of protruding projections (235) may be formed in a triangular pyramid shape having a pointed tip (236) in a direction toward the leading edge (205) from the trailing edge (207) of the blade (200). The plurality of protruding projections (235) may all protrude from the negative pressure surface (201) of the blade (200) to have the same height.

[0213] FIG. 16 is a drawing showing a plurality of protruding projections having a triangular prism shape formed along the rear edge of a blade according to one embodiment. FIG. 17 is a perspective view showing a part of the protruding projections formed to protrude from a negative pressure surface to have a triangular prism shape according to one embodiment.

[0214] As illustrated in FIGS. 16 and 17, a plurality of protrusions (260) may be formed along the rear edge (207) of the blade (200). A plurality of protrusions (260) may be formed along the rear edge (207) of the blade (200) to have the same spacing as the rear edge (207) of the blade (200). A plurality of protrusions (260) may be formed along the rear edge (207) of the blade (200) to be spaced apart from a plurality of serrations (210). A plurality of protrusions (260) may be formed spaced apart along the rear edge (207) of the blade (200) to have the same spacing as each other.

[0215] Each of the plurality of protruding projections (260) may be formed to have a pointed tip (261) in a direction toward the leading edge (205) of the blade (200). Each of the plurality of protruding projections (260) may be formed to have a pointed tip (261) in a direction toward the leading edge (205) from the trailing edge (207) of the blade (200). Each of the plurality of protruding projections (260) may be formed to protrude from the negative pressure surface (201) to have a triangular prism shape. Each of the plurality of protruding projections (260) may be formed in a triangular prism shape having a pointed tip (261) in a direction toward the leading edge (205) from the trailing edge (207) of the blade (200). The plurality of protruding projections (260) may all protrude from the negative pressure surface (201) of the blade (200) to have the same height.

[0216] FIG. 18 is a drawing showing a plurality of protruding projections having a rhombus shape formed along the rear edge of a blade according to one embodiment. FIG. 19 is a perspective view showing a part of a protruding projection formed to protrude from a negative pressure surface to have a rhombus shape according to one embodiment.

[0217] As illustrated in FIGS. 18 and 19, a plurality of protrusions (270) may be formed along the rear edge (207) of the blade (200). A plurality of protrusions (270) may be formed along the rear edge (207) of the blade (200) to have the same spacing as the rear edge (207) of the blade (200). A plurality of protrusions (270) may be formed along the rear edge (207) of the blade (200) to be spaced apart from a plurality of serrations (210). A plurality of protrusions (270) may be formed spaced apart along the rear edge (207) of the blade (200) to have the same spacing as each other.

[0218] Each of the plurality of protruding projections (270) may be formed to have a pointed tip (271) in a direction toward the leading edge (205) of the blade (200). Each of the plurality of protruding projections (270) may be formed to have a pointed tip (271) in a direction toward the leading edge (205) from the trailing edge (207) of the blade (200). Each of the plurality of protruding projections (270) may be formed to protrude from the negative pressure surface (201) to have a rhombus shape. Each of the plurality of protruding projections (270) may be formed in a rhombus shape having a pointed tip (271) in a direction toward the leading edge (205) from the trailing edge (207) of the blade (200). The plurality of protruding projections (270) may all protrude from the negative pressure surface (201) of the blade (200) to have the same height.

[0219] FIG. 20 is a drawing showing a plurality of protruding projections having a rhombus column shape formed along the rear edge of a blade according to one embodiment. FIG. 21 is a perspective view showing a part of a protruding projection formed to protrude from a negative pressure surface to have a rhombus column shape according to one embodiment.

[0220] As illustrated in FIGS. 20 and 21, a plurality of protrusions (280) may be formed along the rear edge (207) of the blade (200). A plurality of protrusions (280) may be formed along the rear edge (207) of the blade (200) to have the same spacing as the rear edge (207) of the blade (200). A plurality of protrusions (280) may be formed along the rear edge (207) of the blade (200) to be spaced apart from a plurality of serrations (210). A plurality of protrusions (280) may be formed spaced apart along the rear edge (207) of the blade (200) to have the same spacing as each other.

[0221] Each of the plurality of protruding projections (280) may be formed to have a pointed tip (281) in a direction toward the leading edge (205) of the blade (200). Each of the plurality of protruding projections (280) may be formed to have a pointed tip (281) in a direction toward the leading edge (205) from the trailing edge (207) of the blade (200). Each of the plurality of protruding projections (280) may be formed to protrude from the negative pressure surface (201) to have a rhombus column shape. Each of the plurality of protruding projections (280) may be formed in a rhombus column shape having a pointed tip (281) in a direction toward the leading edge (205) from the trailing edge (207) of the blade (200). The plurality of protruding projections (280) may all protrude from the negative pressure surface (201) of the blade (200) to have the same height.

[0222] FIG. 22 is a drawing illustrating a plurality of serrations formed on the trailing edge of a blade according to one embodiment, which are formed to have progressively smaller sizes as they approach the end from the hub.

[0223] As illustrated in FIG. 22, serrations (220) may be formed on the trailing edge (207) of the blade (200). Multiple serrations (220) may be formed. When the fan (30) rotates, air strikes the negative pressure surface (201) of the blade (200), and the air may flow from the leading edge (205) of the blade (200) to the trailing edge (207) along the negative pressure surface (201). At this time, to reduce blower noise and input consumption, sawtooth-shaped serrations (220) may be formed on the trailing edge (207) of the blade (200). The sawtooth shape may be formed by creating grooves to have a triangular shape. Multiple serrations (220) may be formed along the trailing edge (207) of the blade (200). Multiple serrations (220) can be formed to have progressively smaller sizes as they approach the end (209) of the blade (200) from the hub (31). In other words, multiple serrations (220) can have larger sizes as they are closer to the hub (31) and smaller sizes as they are closer to the end (209) of the blade (200). When multiple serrations (220) are formed on the trailing edge (207) where air flowing along the negative pressure surface (201) is separated, the size of the vortex can be reduced by the multiple serrations (210) so that noise energy can be dispersed.

[0224] An outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the disclosed invention comprises a cabinet (100), a fan (30) disposed inside the cabinet to flow air, and a fan motor (14) that rotates the fan. The fan comprises a hub (31) that rotates by being connected to the fan motor by a rotation shaft (16) and a plurality of blades (200) that are arranged to extend from the hub in the circumferential direction of the hub. The blades include serrations (210, 220) formed in a plurality on the rear edge (207) of the blades and protrusions (230, 235, 240, 250, 260, 270, 280) formed to protrude in a plurality on the negative pressure surface (201) of the blades, which is the surface that comes into contact with air.

[0225] The plurality of protruding projections (230, 260, 270, 280) may be formed spaced apart from each other along the rear edge of the blade.

[0226] Each of the above plurality of protruding projections (230, 235, 240, 250, 260, 270, 280) may be formed to have a pointed tip (231, 236, 241, 251, 261, 271, 281) in the direction from the rear edge to the front edge of the blade.

[0227] The plurality of protrusions (230, 235, 260, 270, 280) are formed to be spaced apart from the plurality of serrations along the rear edge of the blade, and the plurality of protrusions may be formed to be spaced apart from the plurality of serrations so as to have the same spacing as the rear edge of the blade.

[0228] The plurality of protruding projections (240) may be formed spaced apart along the leading edge of the blade at equal intervals.

[0229] Each of the above plurality of protruding projections (230, 235, 240, 250) may be formed to protrude from the negative pressure surface to have a triangular pyramid shape.

[0230] Each of the above plurality of protruding projections (260) can be formed to protrude from the negative pressure surface to have a triangular column shape.

[0231] Each of the above plurality of protruding projections (270) can be formed to protrude from the negative pressure surface to have a rhombus shape.

[0232] Each of the above plurality of protruding projections (280) can be formed to protrude from the negative pressure surface to have a rhombus column shape.

[0233] The plurality of serrations (220) may be formed to have progressively smaller sizes as they approach the end (209) of the blade from the hub.

[0234] The plurality of serrations (210) may include a plurality of first serrations (211) adjacent to the hub and of the same size, a plurality of third serrations (215) formed adjacent to the end (209) of the blade and having the same size and smaller than the plurality of first serrations, and a plurality of second serrations (213) formed between the plurality of first serrations and the plurality of third serrations and having the same size and being smaller than the plurality of first serrations and larger than the plurality of third serrations.

[0235] The plurality of protruding projections (250) may include a plurality of first protruding projections (251) formed spaced apart at equal intervals along the rear edge of the blade and a plurality of second protruding projections (253) formed spaced apart at equal intervals along the leading edge of the blade and having a longer protruding length than the plurality of first protruding projections.

[0236] The plurality of protruding projections (235) may be formed such that the spacing between them narrows as they move away from the hub along the rear edge of the blade.

[0237] Each of the plurality of protrusions (230, 260, 270, 280) is formed to have a pointed tip in the direction from the rear edge of the blade toward the leading edge, and the plurality of protrusions are formed spaced apart from the rear edge of the blade along the rear edge of the blade so as to have the same spacing as the rear edge of the blade, and the tip of each of the plurality of protrusions can be located at a distance (D) of at least five times the height (h) of the plurality of third serrations from the tip (217) of the plurality of third serrations having the smallest size among the plurality of serrations.

[0238] The blade may include a guide rib (190) formed between the plurality of serrations and the plurality of protruding projections to guide air flowing along the plurality of protruding projections.

[0239] An outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the disclosed invention comprises a cabinet (100), a fan (30) disposed inside the cabinet to flow air, and a fan motor (14) that rotates the fan. The fan includes a hub (31) that rotates by being connected to the fan motor by a rotation shaft (16) and a plurality of blades (200) that are arranged to extend from the hub in the circumferential direction of the hub. The blades include serrations (210, 220) formed in a plurality on the rear edge (207) of the blades and protrusions (230, 235, 260, 270, 280) formed on a negative pressure surface (201) that is the surface of the blade that comes into contact with air, and protruding in a plurality along the rear edge of the blades so as to be spaced apart from the serrations.

[0240] The plurality of protruding projections (230, 260, 270, 280) may be formed spaced apart from each other with equal spacing.

[0241] The plurality of protrusions (235) are formed spaced apart to have different spacing, and the spacing between the plurality of protrusions may be wider the closer they are to the hub and narrower the closer they are to the end (209) of the blade.

[0242] Each of the above plurality of protruding projections (230, 235, 240, 250, 260, 270, 280) may be formed to have a pointed tip (231, 236, 241, 251, 261, 271, 281) facing toward the leading edge of the blade.

[0243] The blade includes a plurality of guide ribs (190) formed between the plurality of serrations and the plurality of protruding projections, and the plurality of guide ribs can guide air moving along the negative pressure surface from the plurality of protruding projections to the plurality of serrations.

[0244] According to the present disclosure, small vortices can be generated by a plurality of protruding projections formed to protrude from the negative pressure surface of the blade, thereby reducing blower noise and input consumption.

[0245] In addition, by preventing the generation of large vortices through multiple protrusions formed to protrude from the negative pressure surface of the blade, blower noise and input consumption can be reduced.

[0246] 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 from the description below.

[0247]

[0248] In describing the outdoor unit of an air conditioner with reference to the attached drawings above, the description has focused on specific shapes and directions; however, various modifications and changes are possible by a person skilled in the art, and such modifications and changes should be interpreted as being included within the scope of the disclosed invention.

Claims

1. Cabinet; A fan positioned inside the cabinet to circulate air; and Includes a fan motor that rotates the above fan; and The above fan is, A hub that rotates by being connected to the fan motor by a rotation axis; and A plurality of blades are provided to extend from the hub in the circumferential direction of the hub; and The above blade is, A plurality of serrations formed on the trailing edge of the blade; and A plurality of protrusions formed to protrude from the negative pressure surface, which is the surface of the blade that comes into contact with air; An outdoor unit of an air conditioner including 2. In Paragraph 1, An outdoor unit of an air conditioner in which the plurality of protruding projections are formed spaced apart along the rear edge of the blade at equal intervals.

3. In Paragraph 1, An outdoor unit of an air conditioner, wherein each of the plurality of protruding projections is formed to have a pointed tip in the direction from the rear edge to the front edge of the blade.

4. In Paragraph 1, An outdoor unit of an air conditioner in which the plurality of protruding projections are formed to be spaced apart from the plurality of serrations along the rear edge of the blade, and the plurality of protruding projections are formed to be spaced apart from the plurality of serrations so as to have the same spacing as the rear edge of the blade.

5. In Paragraph 1, An outdoor unit of an air conditioner in which the plurality of protruding projections are formed spaced apart along the leading edge of the blade at equal intervals.

6. In Paragraph 3, An outdoor unit of an air conditioner in which each of the above plurality of protruding projections is formed to protrude from the negative pressure surface so as to have a triangular pyramid shape.

7. In Paragraph 3, An outdoor unit of an air conditioner in which each of the above plurality of protruding projections is formed to protrude from the negative pressure surface so as to have a triangular prism shape.

8. In Paragraph 3, An outdoor unit of an air conditioner in which each of the above plurality of protruding projections is formed to protrude from the negative pressure surface so as to have a rhombus shape.

9. In Paragraph 3, An outdoor unit of an air conditioner in which each of the above plurality of protruding projections is formed to protrude from the negative pressure surface so as to have a rhombus column shape.

10. In Paragraph 1, An outdoor unit of an air conditioner in which the plurality of serrations are formed to have a progressively smaller size as they approach from the hub to the tip of the blade.

11. In Paragraph 1, The above plurality of serrations are, A plurality of first serrations adjacent to the above hub and of the same size; A plurality of third serrations formed adjacent to the tip of the blade to have the same size and smaller in size than the plurality of first serrations; and An outdoor unit of an air conditioner comprising: a plurality of first serrations and a plurality of third serrations formed to have the same size between the plurality of first serrations and the plurality of third serrations, and a plurality of second serrations smaller than the plurality of first serrations and larger than the plurality of third serrations.

12. In Paragraph 1, The above plurality of protruding projections are, A plurality of first protrusions formed spaced apart from each other along the rear edge of the blade at equal intervals; and An outdoor unit of an air conditioner comprising: a plurality of second protruding protrusions formed spaced apart along the leading edge of the blade at equal intervals from each other, and formed with a longer protruding length than the plurality of first protruding protrusions.

13. In Paragraph 1, An outdoor unit of an air conditioner in which the plurality of protruding projections are formed such that the spacing between them narrows as they move away from the hub along the rear edge of the blade.

14. In Paragraph 11, Each of the plurality of protruding projections is formed to have a pointed tip in the direction from the rear edge to the leading edge of the blade, and The plurality of protruding projections are formed spaced apart from the rear edge of the blade along the rear edge of the blade, having the same spacing as the rear edge of the blade, and An outdoor unit of an air conditioner in which the vertex of each of the plurality of protruding projections is located at a distance of at least five times the height of the plurality of third serrations from the vertex of the plurality of third serrations having the smallest size among the plurality of serrations.

15. In Paragraph 1, The above blade comprises a guide rib formed between the plurality of serrations and the plurality of protruding projections to guide air flowing along the plurality of protruding projections, in an outdoor unit of an air conditioner.

Images