Outdoor unit of air conditioner

Abstract

An outdoor unit of an air conditioner comprises: a housing including a heat exchange chamber and a machine chamber partitioned from the heat exchange chamber; a partition configured to partition the heat exchange chamber and the machine chamber and mounted on the housing; a compressor disposed in the machine chamber; a printed circuit board assembly configured to control the compressor; and a control case on which the printed circuit board assembly is mounted, configured to partition the machine chamber into a compressor region in which the compressor is located and a sound insulation region between the compressor region and the housing, and extending from one side of the housing to the opposite side of the housing.

Description

Air conditioner outdoor unit

[0001] The present invention relates to an outdoor unit of an air conditioner comprising a compressor.

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

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

[0004] The outdoor unit of a split-type air conditioner may include an outdoor heat exchanger that exchanges heat with outdoor air, a compressor that compresses the refrigerant, an expansion valve unit that reduces the pressure of the refrigerant, and a blower that generates air flow. As the blower of the outdoor unit rotates, external air can be drawn into the interior of the outdoor unit, and the air drawn into the interior of the outdoor unit can pass through the heat exchanger and be discharged to the outside of the outdoor unit.

[0005] The outdoor unit of the air conditioner may include a housing that accommodates an outdoor heat exchanger, an expansion valve unit, a compressor, and a blower fan. Additionally, a printed circuit board for controlling the air conditioner may be provided inside the housing.

[0006] Embodiments of the present disclosure provide an outdoor unit of an air conditioner capable of reducing noise.

[0007] 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.

[0008] An outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure comprises: a housing including a heat exchange room and a machine room partitioned from the heat exchange room; a partition configured to partition the heat exchange room and the machine room and mounted on the housing; a compressor disposed in the machine room; a printed circuit board assembly configured to control the compressor; and a control case on which the printed circuit board assembly is mounted, wherein the control case is configured to partition the machine room into a compressor area where the compressor is located and a soundproof area between the compressor area and the housing, and extends from one side of the housing to the opposite side of the housing.

[0009] An outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure comprises a housing including a heat exchange room and a machine room partitioned from the heat exchange room, a compressor disposed in the machine room, a printed circuit board assembly configured to control the compressor, and a control case on which the printed circuit board assembly is mounted, the control case including a pattern portion protruding toward the housing. The machine room is configured to be partitioned by the control case into a compressor area where the compressor is located and a soundproof area between the compressor area and the housing.

[0010] FIG. 1 illustrates an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0011] FIG. 2 illustrates an outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0012] FIG. 3 illustrates an outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure in a different direction from that in FIG. 2.

[0013] FIG. 4 illustrates an outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure in disassembly.

[0014] FIG. 5 illustrates the combination of a control assembly, base, partition, and sealing member of an outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0015] FIG. 6 illustrates the combination of a control assembly, a top cover, and a side frame of an outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0016] Figure 7 shows a cross-section along the line A-A' indicated in Figure 2.

[0017] FIG. 8 is a graph illustrating the noise reduction effect by the sound insulation area of ​​the outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0018] FIG. 9 is a disassembled view of the front cover of an outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0019] FIG. 10 illustrates a disassembled second front frame of an outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0020] FIG. 11 illustrates the side frame of an outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure in an exploded view.

[0021] FIG. 12 illustrates a control assembly of an outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0022] FIG. 13 illustrates a control assembly of an outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0023] FIG. 14 illustrates a control assembly of an outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0024] FIG. 15 illustrates a control assembly of an outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0025] 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, and / or substitutions of said embodiments.

[0026] In relation to the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related elements.

[0027] The singular form of the noun corresponding to the item may include one or multiple items, unless the relevant context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0028] 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.

[0029] The term "and / or" includes a combination of multiple related described components or any of the multiple related described components.

[0030] 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).

[0031] 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.

[0032] 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.

[0033] 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.

[0034] 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.

[0035] An air conditioner according to various embodiments may be described as 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 may be described as a device having at least one of these functions.

[0036] 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. 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. 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.

[0037] 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.

[0038] 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.

[0039] The air conditioner may include an outdoor heat exchanger provided in the outdoor unit, an indoor heat exchanger provided in the indoor unit, and a refrigerant pipe connecting the outdoor heat exchanger and the indoor heat exchanger.

[0040] An outdoor heat exchanger can 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.

[0041] Indoor units are installed indoors. For example, indoor units can be classified into ceiling-mounted, stand-type, and wall-mounted units depending on how they are placed. For example, ceiling-mounted indoor units can be classified into 4-way, 1-way, and duct-type units depending on the method of air discharge.

[0042] 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.

[0043] 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 circulation of refrigerant, 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.

[0044] 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.

[0045] 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.

[0046] 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.

[0047] 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 can operate in heating mode simultaneously. 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.

[0048] 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.

[0049] Multiple outdoor units may be driven according to the operating load based on the operating amount of multiple indoor units, or at least some of them may not be driven. The refrigerant may be arranged to flow into and circulate to the outdoor units that are selectively driven through a flow path switching valve.

[0050] The air conditioner may include an expansion device to lower the pressure of the refrigerant flowing into the heat exchanger. For example, the expansion device may be placed inside the indoor unit or the outdoor unit, or it may be placed in both.

[0051] 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.

[0052] 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.

[0053] 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.

[0054] 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.

[0055] 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.

[0056] 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.

[0057] 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.

[0058] 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.

[0059] 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.

[0060] The housing may include an intake port. Indoor air can be drawn into the interior of the housing through the intake port.

[0061] 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.

[0062] The housing may include an outlet. Air flowing inside the housing can be discharged to the outside of the housing through the outlet.

[0063] 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.

[0064] 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.

[0065] 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.

[0066] 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.

[0067] 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.

[0068] 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.

[0069] The input interface may include various circuits and may be connected to external input devices. 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.

[0070] The input interface may include a microphone. A user's voice command may be acquired through the microphone. The microphone may convert the user's voice command into an electrical signal and transmit the converted electrical signal to the indoor unit control unit. The indoor unit control unit may control the components of the air conditioner to execute functions corresponding to the user's voice command. Setting data acquired through the input interface (e.g., desired indoor temperature, setting of operating mode for cooling / heating / dehumidification / air purification, setting of outlet selection, and / or setting of airflow) may be transmitted to the indoor unit control unit described later. In one example, the setting data acquired through the input interface may be transmitted externally, namely to an outdoor unit or a server, through the indoor unit communication unit described later.

[0071] 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.

[0072] 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.

[0073] 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.

[0074] 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.

[0075] 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.

[0076] 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.

[0077] 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.

[0078] 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.

[0079] 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.

[0080] The indoor unit control unit can obtain input (e.g., user input) from a user device, including a mobile device, through the indoor unit communication unit, and can obtain user input directly or through a remote controller via an input interface. The indoor unit control unit can control the components of the indoor unit, including a blower, in response to the received user input. The indoor unit control unit can transmit information regarding the received user input to the outdoor unit control unit of the outdoor unit.

[0081] The outdoor unit control unit may include various circuits and 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 a user input selecting an operation mode such as cooling operation, heating operation, fan operation, defrosting operation, or dehumidification operation, the outdoor unit control unit can control the components of the outdoor unit so that the operation of the air conditioner corresponding to the selected operation mode is performed.

[0082] 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.

[0083] 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.

[0084] The processor may include various processing circuits and may 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 may 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.

[0085] 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.

[0086] 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.

[0087] Various exemplary embodiments according to the present disclosure will be described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0088] Terms such as "upward," "downward," "forward," and "rearward" used in the following description are defined based on the drawings, and the shape and position of each component are not limited by these terms. For example, when referring to FIG. 2, the direction in which the exhaust grille (108) and the front cover (109) face each of the outdoor unit (10) of the air conditioner (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may be defined as the forward direction (+X direction), and the opposite direction may be defined as the rear direction (-X direction). Additionally, the vertical direction in which the top cover (107) faces the outdoor unit (10) of the air conditioner (1) may be defined as the upward direction (+Z direction), and the opposite direction may be defined as the downward direction (-Z direction). Furthermore, the direction in which the side frame (105) is located in the outdoor unit (10) of the air conditioner (1) may be defined as the right direction (-Y direction), and the opposite direction may be defined as the left direction (+Y direction).

[0089] FIG. 1 illustrates an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0090] Referring to FIG. 1, an air conditioner (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include an indoor unit (20) placed in an indoor space and an outdoor unit (10) placed in an outdoor space.

[0091] The air conditioner (1) can absorb heat from the indoors through the indoor unit (20) and release heat to the outdoors through the outdoor unit (10) for cooling an air-conditioned space, for example, an indoor space. The air conditioner (1) can absorb heat from the outdoors through the outdoor unit (10) and release heat to the indoors through the indoor unit (20) for heating an indoor space.

[0092] The outdoor unit (10) may be configured to exchange heat with the outdoor air. The outdoor unit (10) may perform heat exchange between the refrigerant and the outdoor air by utilizing a phase change of the refrigerant (e.g., evaporation or condensation). For example, the outdoor unit (10) may release heat from the refrigerant to the outdoor air by utilizing the condensation of the refrigerant. The outdoor unit (10) may absorb heat from the outdoor air into the refrigerant by utilizing the evaporation of the refrigerant.

[0093] Although one outdoor unit (10) is shown in FIG. 1, the number of outdoor units (10) is not limited as shown in FIG. 1. For example, the air conditioner (1) may include a plurality of outdoor units.

[0094] The outdoor unit (10) may include an outdoor heat exchanger (11, see FIG. 4) that exchanges heat with outdoor air and a compressor (12, see FIG. 4) that compresses refrigerant gas.

[0095] A detailed description of the configuration of the outdoor unit (10) is explained in more detail below.

[0096] The indoor unit (20) may be configured to exchange heat with indoor air. The indoor unit (20) may perform heat exchange between the refrigerant and the indoor air by utilizing a phase change of the refrigerant (e.g., evaporation or condensation). For example, the indoor unit (20) may cool the air-conditioned space by absorbing heat from the indoor air into the refrigerant using the evaporation of the refrigerant. Additionally, the indoor unit (20) may heat the air-conditioned space by releasing heat from the refrigerant into the indoor air using the condensation of the refrigerant.

[0097] 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.

[0098] Although one indoor unit (20) is illustrated in FIG. 1, the number of indoor units (20) is not limited as illustrated in FIG. 1. For example, an air conditioner (1) may include multiple indoor units. Multiple different indoor units may be installed in multiple different air conditioning spaces.

[0099] The air conditioner (1) may include a connecting pipe (30) connecting an indoor unit (20) and an outdoor unit (10). The connecting pipe (30) may be provided to allow refrigerant to flow between the indoor unit (20) and the outdoor unit (10). The connecting pipe (30) may allow refrigerant to flow between outside the air conditioning space and inside the air conditioning space. The indoor unit (20) and the outdoor unit (10) may be connected to each other through the connecting pipe (30) that delivers the refrigerant.

[0100] FIG. 1 illustrates an example in which one outdoor unit (10) and one indoor unit (20) are connected by a connecting pipe (30), but is not limited thereto. One outdoor unit (10) and two or more indoor units (20) may be connected by a connecting pipe (30), or two or more outdoor units (10) and one indoor unit (20) may be connected by a connecting pipe (30), or two or more outdoor units (10) and two or more indoor units (20) may be connected by a connecting pipe (30).

[0101] The air conditioner (1) described above is merely an example of an air conditioner to which an outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to the concept of the present disclosure can be applied, and the concept of the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The configuration of an air conditioner to which an outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to the concept of the present disclosure can be applied, an indoor unit included therein, a connecting pipe, etc., can be provided in various ways.

[0102] FIG. 2 illustrates an outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 3 illustrates an outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure from a different direction than in FIG. 2. FIG. 4 illustrates an outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure in a disassembled state.

[0103] Referring to FIGS. 2, 3, and 4 (which may be referred to as FIGS. 2 to 4), an outdoor unit (10) of an air conditioner (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a housing (100) that forms the exterior of the outdoor unit (10).

[0104] The housing (100) can form the exterior of the outdoor unit (10). Various parts of the outdoor unit (10), such as the outdoor heat exchanger (11), compressor (12), outdoor fan (13), and control assembly (110), which will be described in more detail below, can be accommodated inside the housing (100).

[0105] The outdoor unit (10) may include a heat exchange chamber (R1) formed inside the housing (100). External air may be introduced into the heat exchange chamber (R1), and the introduced air may be discharged to the outside of the heat exchange chamber (R1). In the heat exchange chamber (R1), heat exchange may take place between the outdoor heat exchanger (11) and the air introduced from the outside. Components such as the outdoor heat exchanger (11) and the outdoor fan (13) may be arranged in the heat exchange chamber (R1).

[0106] The housing (100) may include an inlet (100a) formed to allow air to enter and an outlet (101a) formed to allow air to be discharged. As the outdoor fan (13) rotates, air from outside the housing (100) may enter through the inlet (100a), and after heat exchange with the outdoor heat exchanger (11), may be discharged to the outside of the housing (100) through the outlet (101a).

[0107] For example, the housing (100) may include a first inlet (100aa) formed to allow air to flow into the housing (100) in a first direction and / or a second inlet (100ab) formed to allow air to flow into the housing (100) in a second direction different from the first direction. According to the embodiment illustrated in the drawing, the first direction may be forward (+X direction) and the second direction may be to the right (+Y direction). For example, the first inlet (100aa) may be formed on the rear side of the housing (100), and the second inlet (100ab) may be formed on the left side of the housing (100).

[0108] The air inside the housing (100) can be discharged forward (+X direction) through the outlet (101a).

[0109] The outdoor unit (10) may include a machine room (R2) formed inside the housing (100). Components such as a compressor (12) and a control assembly (110) may be placed in the machine room (R2).

[0110] Inside the housing (100), the heat exchange room (R1) and the machine room (R2) may be partitioned from each other. The outdoor unit (10) may include a partition (16) that partitions the heat exchange room (R1) and the machine room (R2). The partition (16) may be positioned between the heat exchange room (R1) and the machine room (R2). For example, the heat exchange room (R1) and the machine room (R2) may be positioned in the left-right direction (Y direction) in the drawing, and the partition (16) may be positioned to extend in the up-down direction (Z direction) in the drawing to partition the heat exchange room (R1) and the machine room (R2).

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

[0112] Below, an example of the structure of the housing (100) is described in more detail.

[0113] The housing (100) may include a first front frame (101). The first front frame (101) may cover the front (+X direction) of the heat exchange chamber (R1).

[0114] An outlet (101a) may be formed in the first front frame (101). The outlet (101a) may have a shape through which a part of the front frame (101) penetrates in the front-rear direction.

[0115] The first front frame (101) may include a bellmouth (101b) provided to guide the flow of air discharged through the outlet (101a). The bellmouth (101b) may be provided along the circumference of the outlet (101a). The bellmouth (101b) may have a roughly cylindrical shape. The bellmouth (101b) may extend from a flat plate-shaped portion of the first front frame (101) toward the rear (-X direction), which is the inner direction of the heat exchange chamber (R1).

[0116] The first front frame (101), including the bellmouth (101b), may be formed as a whole integrally. For example, the first front frame (101) may include a soft metal material, and the bellmouth (101b) of the first front frame (101) may be formed through a drawing process of the soft metal material.

[0117] The first front frame (101) may include a first upper flange (101c) provided on the upper portion. The first upper flange (101c) may be formed by bending the upper portion of a flat plate-shaped part of the first front frame (101). The first upper flange (101c) may be provided to support at least one portion of the top cover (107). At least one portion of the front end of the top cover (107) may be seated on the first upper flange (101c).

[0118] The housing (100) may include a second front frame (102). The second front frame (102) may cover the front (+X direction) of the machine room (R2). For example, the second front frame (102) may be formed in the shape of a roughly flat plate.

[0119] For example, the first front frame (101) and the second front frame (102) may be arranged side by side in the left-right direction (Y direction). For example, the first front frame (101) and the second front frame (102) may be detachably connected to each other.

[0120] The second front frame (102) may include a front frame handle (102a). The front frame handle (102a) may be provided so that a worker can grasp it when separating the second front frame (102) from the base (106) and / or top cover (107). For example, the front frame handle (102a) may have a recessed shape.

[0121] For example, a heat dissipation hole may be formed in the second front frame (102) to allow heat to be released from the machine room (R2).

[0122] The second front frame (102) may include a second upper flange (102c) provided on the upper portion. The second upper flange (102c) may be formed by bending the upper portion of a flat plate-shaped part of the second front frame (102). The second upper flange (102c) may be provided to support at least a portion of the top cover (107). At least a portion of the front end of the top cover (107) may be seated on the second upper flange (102c).

[0123] The housing (100) may include an exhaust grille (108). The exhaust grille (108) may cover the front (+X) of the first front frame (101). The exhaust grille (108) may cover the front (+X) of the exhaust port (101a). The exhaust grille (108) may be coupled to the first front frame (101). The exhaust grille (108) may form part of the front exterior of the outdoor unit (10).

[0124] The exhaust grille (108) covers the exhaust port (101a) and can be formed to have a shape roughly like a grille so that air can be discharged from the exhaust port (101a).

[0125] The housing (100) may include a front cover (109). The front cover (109) may cover the front (+X) of the second front frame (102). The front cover (109) may be coupled to the second front frame (102). The front cover (109) may form another part of the front exterior of the outdoor unit (10).

[0126] For example, the exhaust grille (108) and the front cover (109) can be arranged side by side in the left-right direction (Y direction). The exhaust grille (108) and the front cover (109) can be combined with each other.

[0127] The housing (100) may include an edge frame (103). The edge frame (103) may form part of the rear exterior of the outdoor unit (10). The edge frame (103) may be positioned at the rear (-X direction) of the heat exchanger (R1). The edge frame (103) may be located at the left rear of the outdoor unit (10).

[0128] A frame opening (103a) may be formed in the edge frame (103). Through the frame opening (103a), external air of the outdoor unit (10) may flow into the interior of the outdoor unit (10). The air flowing into the interior of the outdoor unit (10) through the frame opening (103a) may pass through the bending portion of the outdoor heat exchanger (11).

[0129] The edge frame (103) may be provided to be spaced apart from the first front frame (101). A second inlet (100ab) may be formed between the edge frame (103) and the first front frame (101). Air entering the interior of the outdoor unit (10) through the second inlet (100ab) may pass through a part of the outdoor heat exchanger (11) located at the left end of the outdoor unit (10). A part of the outdoor heat exchanger (11) located at the left end of the outdoor unit (10) may be exposed to the outside of the outdoor unit (10) through the second inlet (100ab).

[0130] The housing (100) may include a rear frame (104). The rear frame (104) may form part of the rear exterior of the outdoor unit (10). The rear frame (104) may cover the rear (-X direction) of the machine room (R2). For example, the rear frame (104) may have heat dissipation holes formed therein to allow heat to be released from within the machine room (R2). The second front frame (102) and the rear frame (104) may be arranged facing each other.

[0131] The rear frame (104) may be provided to be spaced apart from the edge frame (103). A first inlet (100aa) may be formed between the rear frame (104) and the edge frame (103). Air entering the interior of the outdoor unit (10) through the first inlet (100aa) may pass through a part of the outdoor heat exchanger (11) located at the rear end of the outdoor unit (10). A part of the outdoor heat exchanger (11) located at the rear end of the outdoor unit (10) may be exposed to the outside of the outdoor unit (10) through the first inlet (100aa).

[0132] The housing (100) may include a side frame (105). The side frame (105) may form one side in the right direction (+Y direction) of the outdoor unit (10).

[0133] The side frame (105) can cover the machine room (R2). The side frame (105) can cover the machine room (R2) from the right direction (+Y direction).

[0134] The side frame (105) may include a side frame handle (105a). The side frame handle (105a) may be provided so that a worker can grasp it when separating the side frame (105) from the base (106) and / or top cover (107). For example, the side frame handle (105a) may have a recessed shape.

[0135] For example, a heat dissipation hole may be formed in the side frame (105) to allow heat to be released from the machine room (R2).

[0136] The side frame (105) can be coupled to the second front frame (102). The side frame (105) can be coupled to the rear frame (104). For example, the side frame (105) can be positioned to extend in the front-rear direction (X direction).

[0137] The housing (100) may include a base (106). The base (106) may form the bottom surface of the outdoor unit (10). The base (106) may be positioned on one side of the lower side (-Z direction) of the heat exchange room (R1) and the machine room (R2). The base (106) may support various parts of the outdoor unit (10) that are housed inside the housing (100) from below. For example, the base (106) may support parts such as an outdoor heat exchanger (11), a compressor (12), a motor bracket (15), and a partition (16) from below.

[0138] For example, the base (106) can be attached to the lower part of each of the first front frame (101), the second front frame (102), the edge frame (103), the rear frame (104), and the side frame (105). The base (106) can be formed to have a roughly flat plate shape.

[0139] The housing (100) may include a top cover (107). The top cover (107) may form the upper surface of the outdoor unit (10).

[0140] The top cover (107) can cover the upper side (+Z direction) of the heat exchange room (R1) and the machine room (R2). The top cover (107) can cover various parts of the outdoor unit (10) housed inside the housing (100) from the upper side.

[0141] The top cover (107) can be attached to the top of each of the first front frame (101), the second front frame (102), the edge frame (103), the rear frame (104), and the side frame (105). The top cover (107) can be formed to have a roughly flat plate shape.

[0142] The top cover (107) and the base (106) can be positioned opposite each other.

[0143] Each component included in the housing (100) may be provided to be separable from one another. For example, the second front frame (102) may be provided to be separable from the first front frame (101), side frame (105), top cover (107), base (106), etc. For example, the side frame (105) may be provided to be separable from the second front frame (102), rear frame (104), top cover (107), base (106), etc. For example, the top cover (107) may be provided to be separable from the first front frame (101), second front frame (102), edge frame (103), rear frame (104), and side frame (105), etc.

[0144] 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 housing (100).

[0145] The configuration of the housing that may be included in an air conditioner according to the concept of the present disclosure is not limited to that described above.

[0146] The outdoor unit (10) of the air conditioner (1) may include an outdoor heat exchanger (11) that exchanges heat with outdoor air.

[0147] 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.

[0148] For example, during the cooling operation of the air conditioner (1), high-pressure, high-temperature refrigerant gas is condensed in the outdoor heat exchanger (11), and while the refrigerant is condensing, the refrigerant can release heat to the outdoor air. During the cooling operation of the air conditioner (1), the outdoor heat exchanger (11) can discharge liquid refrigerant.

[0149] Additionally, during the heating operation of the air conditioner (1), 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 (1), the outdoor heat exchanger (11) can discharge refrigerant gas.

[0150] The outdoor heat exchanger (11) may be positioned to face the inlet (100a) in the heat exchange chamber (R1). The outdoor heat exchanger (11) may include a portion facing the frame opening (103a) in the heat exchange chamber (R1).

[0151] The outdoor unit (10) of the air conditioner (1) may include a compressor (12) that compresses the refrigerant.

[0152] 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.

[0153] The outdoor unit (10) of the air conditioner (1) may include an outdoor fan (13) that draws in and blows outdoor air so that the outdoor air passes through an outdoor heat exchanger (11). The outdoor fan (13) may include a blower.

[0154] The outdoor unit (10) may include an outdoor fan (13) provided to circulate air and a fan motor (14) that generates rotational force for the outdoor fan (13) to rotate.

[0155] For example, the outdoor unit (10) may include a motor bracket (15) that supports an outdoor fan (13) and a fan motor (14). The motor bracket (15) may be placed in a heat exchanger (R1). The motor bracket (15) may be attached to a base (106). The motor bracket (15) may be attached to a top cover (107).

[0156] The outdoor unit (10) may include a control assembly (110) for controlling the operation of various parts of the outdoor unit (10). The control assembly (110) may be located in the machine room (R2).

[0157] The configuration of the outdoor unit (10) described above is merely an example of an outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to the concept of the present disclosure, and the concept of the present disclosure is not limited thereto. An outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to the concept of the present disclosure can be configured in various ways so that external air is introduced through an inlet and the introduced air is discharged to the outside after heat exchange.

[0158] FIG. 5 illustrates the combination of a control assembly, base, partition, and sealing member of an outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 6 illustrates the combination of a control assembly, top cover, and side frame of an outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 7 illustrates a cross-section along the line A-A' indicated in FIG. 2. FIG. 8 is a graph illustrating the noise reduction effect by the sound insulation area of ​​an outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0159] Referring to FIGS. 5, 6, and 7 (which may be referred to as FIGS. 5 to 7), an outdoor unit (10) of an air conditioner (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a Printed Circuit Board Assembly (PBA) (116) for controlling the operation of various components of the outdoor unit (10). Various electronic components may be mounted on the Printed Circuit Board Assembly (116).

[0160] For example, the printed circuit board assembly (116) may be provided with a power connection terminal block to which a power connection wire for power supply is connected. The printed circuit board assembly (116) may be configured with a control circuit, etc., used for tasks such as setting or inspection during installation of the air conditioner (1) (which may include electronic components with built-in software for setting / inspection during installation, and components such as a display for various controls). The printed circuit board assembly (116) may be provided with a communication terminal block to which a communication wire for performing communication with an external device is connected.

[0161] For example, the printed circuit board assembly (116) may be configured to control the compressor (12). For example, the printed circuit board assembly (116) may be configured to control the outdoor fan (13).

[0162] For example, the printed circuit board assembly (116) may include a front printed circuit board (116a). The front printed circuit board (116a) may be located on the opposite side of the one where the compressor (12) of the control case (111) is located. The front printed circuit board (116a) may be located in front of the control case (111). For example, the front printed circuit board (116a) may be placed in a soundproof area (A2). Since the front printed circuit board (116a) is placed in the soundproof area (A2), the compressor area (A1) of the outdoor unit (10) can be expanded. Since the compressor area (A1) of the outdoor unit (10) is expanded, serviceability can be improved.

[0163] The front printed circuit board (116a) may be made accessible based on separating the second front frame (102) from the base (106) and / or top cover (107). Based on separating the second front frame (102) from the base (106) and / or top cover (107), a worker may access the front printed circuit board (116a) to perform maintenance and / or repair.

[0164] For example, the printed circuit board assembly (116) may include a side printed circuit board (116b). The side printed circuit board (116b) may be located on one side where the compressor (12) of the control case (111) is located. The side printed circuit board (116b) may be located on one side near the side frame (105) on the side where the compressor (12) of the control case (111) is located. The side printed circuit board (116b) may be located at the rear of the control case (111). The side printed circuit board (116b) may be located on the right side near the side frame (105) at the rear of the control case (111). As an example, the side printed circuit board (116b) may be placed in the compressor area (A1).

[0165] The side printed circuit board (116b) may be made accessible based on separating the side frame (105) from the base (106) and / or top cover (107). Based on separating the side frame (105) from the base (106) and / or top cover (107), a worker may access the side printed circuit board (116b) to perform maintenance and / or repair.

[0166] The outdoor unit (10) may include a control case (111) provided to mount a printed circuit board assembly (116). The control case (111) may be provided to mount the printed circuit board assembly (116). For example, the control case (111) may include a mounting portion for accommodating the printed circuit board assembly (116), and the printed circuit board assembly (116) may be mounted on the mounting portion of the control case (111).

[0167] The control case (111) may be provided to partition the machine room (R2) into a compressor area (A1) where the compressor (12) is located and a soundproof area (A2) between the compressor area (A1) and the housing. The control case (111) may extend from one side of the housing (10) to the opposite side.

[0168] For example, the top of the partition (16) can be connected to the top cover (107). For example, the bottom of the partition (16) can be connected to the base (106). For example, the control case (111) can extend from the base (106) to the top cover (107). The control case (111) can extend in the vertical direction.

[0169] For example, the control case (111) may extend from the partition (16) to the side frame (105). The control case (111) may extend in the left and right directions.

[0170] The control case (111) can be mounted on the base (106). The lower portion of the control case (111) can be coupled to the base (106). For example, the lower portion of the control case (111) can be fixed to the base (106) by a fastening member or a fastener (e.g., a screw). The base (106) may include a base coupling portion (106a) for coupling with the lower portion of the control case (111).

[0171] The control case (111) can be mounted on the partition (16). The side end of the control case (111) can be coupled to the partition (16). For example, the side end of the control case (111) can be fixed to the partition (16) by a fastening member (e.g., a screw). The partition (16) may include a partition coupling part (16a) for coupling with the side end of the control case (111).

[0172] The outdoor unit (10) of the air conditioner (1) can be configured so that the machine room (R2) is divided into a compressor area (A1) and a soundproof area (A2). A control case (111) can be mounted on the housing (100) to divide the machine room (R2) into a compressor area (A1) and a soundproof area (A2). For example, the bottom of the control case (111) can be connected to a base (106), the top of the control case (111) can be connected to a top cover (107), the left end of the control case (111) can be connected to a partition (16), and the right end of the control case (111) can be connected to a side frame (105).

[0173] A compressor area (A1) may be provided so that a compressor (12) is located therein. A compressor area (A1) may be provided so that a refrigerant pipe connected to the compressor (12) is located therein. A compressor area (A1) may be formed between a control case (111) and a rear frame (104). A compressor area (A1) may be formed between a top cover (107) and a base (106). A compressor area (A1) may be formed between a partition (16) and a side frame (106). A compressor area (A1) may be formed by a control case (111), a base (106), a top cover (107), a partition (16), a side frame (105), and a rear frame (104). A compressor area (A1) may be provided so as to be spaced apart from a second front frame (102) by a soundproof area (A2).

[0174] A soundproof area (A2) may be formed between the control case (111) and the second front frame (102) of the housing (100). The second front frame (102) of the housing (100) may be located on the opposite side from where the compressor (12) of the control case (111) is located. The second front frame (102) may be spaced apart from the control case (111). The control case (111) may be positioned between the compressor (12) and the second front frame (102). The soundproof area (A2) may be provided to be partitioned from the heat exchange room (R1) by a partition (16).

[0175] A soundproof area (A2) may be provided such that at least a portion of the printed circuit board assembly (116) is located therein. The soundproof area (A2) may be formed between the control case (111) and the second front frame (102). The soundproof area (A2) may be formed between the top cover (107) and the base (106). For example, the soundproof area (A2) may be formed between the partition (16) and a portion of the second front frame (102). For example, the soundproof area (A2) may be formed between the partition (16) and the side frame (106). For example, the soundproof area (A2) may be formed by the control case (111), the second front frame (102), the partition (16), the base (106), and the top cover (107). The soundproof area (A2) can be provided to separate the compressor area (A1) and the second front frame (102).

[0176] For example, the distance between the control case (111) and the second front frame (102) can be set to prevent and / or reduce interference with the printed circuit board assembly (116) located in the soundproof area (A2). For example, the distance between the control case (111) and the second front frame (102) can be set to be 80 mm or more and 150 mm or less.

[0177] Since the compressor area (A1) where the compressor (12) is located is spaced apart from the second front frame (102) by the soundproof area (A2), the outdoor unit (10) of the air conditioner (1) can reduce the transmission of noise generated from the compressor (12) to the front.

[0178] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the outdoor unit (10) of the air conditioner (1) is configured such that the control case (111) forms a sound insulation area (A2) between the compressor area (A1) and the second front frame (102), thereby allowing for the omission of additional configurations for reducing noise generated from the compressor (12). The control case (111) not only supports the printed circuit board assembly (116) but also reduces the transmission of noise generated from the compressor (12) to the front of the outdoor unit (10).

[0179] The control case (111) may include a pattern portion (115) that protrudes into a soundproofing area (A2). The pattern portion (115) may be provided to reinforce the strength of the control case (111). The pattern portion (115) may be provided to disperse the vibration energy of noise generated from the compressor (12) located in the compressor area (A1). The pattern portion (115) may be provided in at least one part of the area other than the area where the printed circuit board assembly (116) is mounted in the control case (111).

[0180] The pattern portion (115) may be provided to protrude relative to other parts of the control case (111). The pattern portion (115) may protrude toward the second front frame (102). For example, the pattern portion (115) may have a dimple shape. For example, the pattern portion (115) may include a plurality of dimple portions. For example, the cross-section perpendicular to the protruding direction of the plurality of dimple portions of the pattern portion (115) may have a circular shape. For example, the size of the plurality of dimple portions of the pattern portion (115) may be set considering mold forming. For example, the plurality of dimple portions of the pattern portion (115) may be provided so that the protruding length is 10 mm or less. For example, the plurality of dimple portions of the pattern portion (115) may be provided so that the diameter is 20 mm or less.

[0181] The control case (111) may include a reinforcing member (118) for reinforcing strength. For example, the reinforcing member (118) may protrude toward the second front frame (102). For example, the reinforcing member (118) may protrude toward the soundproofing area (A2). The reinforcing member (118) may be provided in at least one part of the area other than the area where the printed circuit board assembly (116) is mounted and the area where the pattern part (115) is provided in the control case (111).

[0182] The outdoor unit (10) of the air conditioner (1) may include a sealing member (e.g., a seal) (120) for sealing the gap between the control case (111) and the housing (100). The sealing member (120) may be provided to reduce damage to the printed circuit board assembly (116) by exposure to temperature and / or humidity inside the outdoor unit (10). The sealing member (120) may be provided to reduce corrosion of components placed inside the machine room (R2) by exposure to temperature and / or humidity. For example, the sealing member (120) may include polyester.

[0183] The sealing member (120) may include a top sealing member (121) for sealing the gap between the control case (111) and the top cover (107). For example, the top sealing member (121) may be attached to the top of the control case (111).

[0184] The sealing member (120) may include a side sealing member (122) for sealing the gap between the control case (111) and the side frame (105). For example, the side sealing member (122) may be attached to the side end of the control case (111).

[0185] The outdoor unit (10) of the air conditioner (1) may include a heat dissipation member (119) located on the opposite side of the side where the front printed circuit board (116a) of the control case (111) is located. The heat dissipation member (119) may include at least one heat dissipation fin (119a). The heat dissipation member (119) may be provided to exchange heat with the front printed circuit board (116a). The heat dissipation member (119) may be provided to release heat generated from the front printed circuit board (116a) to the compressor area (A1).

[0186] Although it has been described above that the second front frame (102) forms a sound insulation area (A2), when the second front frame (102) is formed integrally with the first front frame (101), the first front frame (101) and the second front frame (102) can be viewed as front frames (101, 102), and the sound insulation area (A2) can be viewed as being formed by the front frames (101, 102).

[0187] Referring to FIG. 8, the outdoor unit (10) of an air conditioner (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may have noise reduced by a sound insulation area (A2). In the graph shown in FIG. 8, the X-axis represents frequency and the Y-axis represents the loudness of the sound.

[0188] When comparing a structure including a sound insulation area (A2) with a structure not including a sound insulation area (A2), it can be seen that in the structure including the sound insulation area (A2), the set noise is reduced by approximately 1.2 dB and the peak noise is reduced by approximately 3.1 dB. The sound insulation area (A2) can have a noise reduction effect.

[0189] FIG. 9 is a disassembled view of the front cover of an outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 10 shows a disassembled view of the second front frame of an outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 11 shows a disassembled view of the side frame of an outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0190] Referring to FIGS. 9 and 10, an outdoor unit (10) of an air conditioner (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may maintain and / or repair a part of a printed circuit board assembly (116). The outdoor unit (10) may have a second front frame (102) detachably provided from a base (106) and / or a top cover (107) so as to allow access to a front printed circuit board (116a) of the printed circuit board assembly (116).

[0191] Referring to FIG. 9, the outdoor unit (10) may have a front cover (109) detachably provided on a second front frame (102). The second front frame (102) may be made accessible by separating the front cover (109) from the second front frame (102).

[0192] Referring to FIG. 10, the outdoor unit (10) can separate the second front frame (102) from the base (106) and / or top cover (107) while the front cover (109) is separated from the second front frame (102). For example, a worker can separate the second front frame (102) by grasping the front frame handle (102a).

[0193] Based on separating the second front frame (102), the front printed circuit board (116a) of the printed circuit board assembly (116) can be exposed to the outside. Based on separating the second front frame (102), the front printed circuit board (116a) can be made accessible. Based on separating the second front frame (102), the soundproof area (A2) can be exposed.

[0194] When the second front frame (102) is detached, the compressor area (A1) may be arranged so as not to be exposed. When the second front frame (102) is detached, the control case (111) may be arranged to cover the compressor area (A1).

[0195] Referring to FIG. 11, the outdoor unit (10) may be configured such that the side frame (105) is detachably separated from the base (106) and / or top cover (107) so as to allow access to the side printed circuit board (116b) of the printed circuit board assembly (116). For example, a worker may detach the side frame (105) by grasping the side frame handle (105a).

[0196] Based on separating the side frame (105), the side printed circuit board (116b) of the printed circuit board assembly (116) can be exposed to the outside. Based on separating the side frame (105), the side printed circuit board (116b) can be made accessible. Based on separating the side frame (105), the compressor area (A1) can be exposed.

[0197] For example, the side frame (105) of the housing (100) may be located on the opposite side of the one where the partition (16) of the compressor (12) is located. The side frame (105) may be detachably mounted to the base (106) and / or the top cover (107). The compressor (12) may be made accessible based on separating the side frame (105) from the base (106) and / or the top cover (107). Based on separating the side frame (105) from the base (106) and / or the top cover (107), a worker may access the compressor (12) to perform maintenance and / or repairs.

[0198] An outdoor unit (10) of an air conditioner (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure can access and maintain / or repair the front printed circuit board (116a) by separating the second front frame (102), and can access and repair the side printed circuit board (116b) by separating the side frame (105).

[0199] When the side frame (105) is separated from the base (106) and / or top cover (107), the soundproof area (A1) may be arranged so as not to be exposed. When the side frame (105) is separated, the soundproof area (A1) may be covered by the second front frame (102) and the control case (111).

[0200] FIG. 12 illustrates a control assembly of an outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0201] Referring to FIG. 12, a control assembly (210) of an outdoor unit (10) of an air conditioner (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. In describing the control assembly (210) shown in FIG. 12, the same reference numerals are assigned to components identical to those of the outdoor unit (10) of the air conditioner (1) shown in FIG. 1 to FIG. 11, and detailed descriptions may not be repeated here.

[0202] Referring to FIG. 12, a control assembly (210) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a control case (211). A printed circuit board assembly (116) may be mounted on the control case (211). For example, the printed circuit board assembly (116) may include a front printed circuit board (116a) mounted on one side of the control case (211) and a side printed circuit board (116b) mounted on the opposite side of the control case (211).

[0203] The control case (211) may include a reinforcing part (118) for reinforcing strength.

[0204] The control assembly (210) may include a heat dissipation member (119) for dissipating heat from at least a portion of the printed circuit board assembly (116).

[0205] The control case (211) may include a pattern portion (215) protruding from one side where the front printed circuit board (116a) of the control case (211) is located. The pattern portion (215) may be provided to reinforce the strength of the control case (211). The pattern portion (215) may be provided to disperse the vibration energy of the noise generated from the compressor (12).

[0206] The control case (211) may include a pattern hole (215a) formed in the pattern portion (215). The pattern hole (215a) may be provided to disperse the vibration energy of noise generated from the compressor (12). For example, the pattern hole (215a) may be formed in the most protruding part of the pattern portion (215). For example, the pattern hole (215a) may be provided with a diameter of 3 mm or more and 10 mm or less.

[0207] FIG. 13 illustrates a control assembly of an outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0208] Referring to FIG. 13, a control assembly (310) of an outdoor unit (10) of an air conditioner (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. In describing the control assembly (310) shown in FIG. 13, the same reference numerals are assigned to components identical to those of the outdoor unit (10) of the air conditioner (1) shown in FIG. 1 to FIG. 11, and detailed descriptions may not be repeated here.

[0209] Referring to FIG. 13, a control assembly (310) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a control case (311). A printed circuit board assembly (116) may be mounted on the control case (311). For example, the printed circuit board assembly (116) may include a front printed circuit board (116a) mounted on one side of the control case (311) and a side printed circuit board (116b) mounted on the opposite side of the control case (311).

[0210] The control case (311) may include a reinforcing part (118) for reinforcing strength.

[0211] The control assembly (310) may include a heat dissipation member (119) for dissipating heat from at least a portion of the printed circuit board assembly (116).

[0212] The control case (311) may include a pattern portion (315) protruding from one side where the front printed circuit board (116a) of the control case (311) is located. The pattern portion (315) may be provided to reinforce the strength of the control case (311). The pattern portion (315) may be provided to disperse the vibration energy of the noise generated from the compressor (12).

[0213] For example, the pattern portion (315) may have a dimple shape. For example, the pattern portion (315) may include a plurality of dimple portions. For example, a cross-section perpendicular to the protruding direction of the plurality of dimple portions of the pattern portion (315) may have an elliptical shape.

[0214] For example, the pattern portion (315) shown in FIG. 13 may include a pattern hole similar to the configuration of the pattern hole (215a) of the pattern portion (215) shown in FIG. 12.

[0215] FIG. 14 illustrates a control assembly of an outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0216] Referring to FIG. 14, a control assembly (410) of an outdoor unit (10) of an air conditioner (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. In describing the control assembly (410) shown in FIG. 14, the same reference numerals are assigned to components identical to those of the outdoor unit (10) of the air conditioner (1) shown in FIG. 1 to FIG. 11, and detailed descriptions may not be repeated here.

[0217] Referring to FIG. 14, a control assembly (410) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a control case (411). A printed circuit board assembly (116) may be mounted on the control case (411). For example, the printed circuit board assembly (116) may include a front printed circuit board (116a) mounted on one side of the control case (411) and a side printed circuit board (116b) mounted on the opposite side of the control case (411).

[0218] The control case (411) may include a reinforcing part (118) for reinforcing strength.

[0219] The control assembly (410) may include a heat dissipation member (119) for dissipating heat from at least a portion of the printed circuit board assembly (116).

[0220] The control case (411) may include a pattern portion (415) protruding from one side where the front printed circuit board (116a) of the control case (411) is located. The pattern portion (415) may be provided to reinforce the strength of the control case (411). The pattern portion (415) may be provided to disperse the vibration energy of the noise generated from the compressor (12).

[0221] For example, the pattern portion (415) may have a dimple shape. For example, the pattern portion (415) may include a plurality of dimple portions. For example, a cross-section perpendicular to the protruding direction of the plurality of dimple portions of the pattern portion (415) may have a polygonal shape.

[0222] For example, the pattern portion (415) shown in FIG. 14 may include a pattern hole similar to the configuration of the pattern hole (215a) of the pattern portion (215) shown in FIG. 12.

[0223] FIG. 15 illustrates a control assembly of an outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0224] Referring to FIG. 15, a control assembly (510) of an outdoor unit (10) of an air conditioner (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. In describing the control assembly (510) shown in FIG. 15, the same reference numerals are assigned to components identical to those of the outdoor unit (10) of the air conditioner (1) shown in FIG. 1 to FIG. 11, and detailed descriptions may not be repeated here.

[0225] Referring to FIG. 15, a control assembly (510) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a control case (511). A printed circuit board assembly (116) may be mounted on the control case (511). For example, the printed circuit board assembly (116) may include a front printed circuit board (116a) mounted on one side of the control case (511) and a side printed circuit board (116b) mounted on the opposite side of the control case (511).

[0226] The control case (511) may include a reinforcing part (118) for reinforcing strength.

[0227] The control assembly (510) may include a heat dissipation member (119) for dissipating heat from at least a portion of the printed circuit board assembly (116).

[0228] The control case (511) may include a pattern portion (515) protruding from one side where the front printed circuit board (116a) of the control case (211) is located. The pattern portion (515) may be provided to reinforce the strength of the control case (211). The pattern portion (515) may be provided to disperse the vibration energy of the noise generated from the compressor (12).

[0229] The pattern section (515) may include a first pattern section (515a) and a second pattern section (515b) having a different size from the first pattern section (515a). For example, the second pattern section (515b) may have a smaller size than the first pattern section (515a). For example, the length protruding from one side where the front printed circuit board (116a) of the control case (211) of the second pattern section (515b) is located may be smaller than the length protruding from one side where the front printed circuit board (116a) of the control case (211) of the first pattern section (515a) is located. For example, the cross-section perpendicular to the protruding direction of the second pattern section (515b) may be smaller than the cross-section perpendicular to the protruding direction of the first pattern section (515a). For example, the first pattern part (515a) may have a shape different from the shape of the second pattern part (515b).

[0230] For example, the first pattern section (515a) may include a plurality of patterns arranged on both sides of the second pattern section (515b). For example, the first pattern section (515a) may include patterns arranged on the left and right sides, respectively, of the second pattern section (515b). For example, the first pattern section (515a) may include patterns arranged on the upper and lower sides, respectively, of the second pattern section (515b).

[0231] For example, the second pattern section (515b) may include a plurality of patterns disposed on both sides of the first pattern section (515a). For example, the second pattern section (515b) may include patterns disposed on the left and right sides, respectively, of the first pattern section (515a). For example, the second pattern section (515b) may include patterns disposed on the upper and lower sides, respectively, of the first pattern section (515a).

[0232] An outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to one embodiment comprises a housing including a heat exchange room and a machine room partitioned from the heat exchange room, a partition configured to partition the heat exchange room and the machine room and mounted on the housing, a compressor disposed in the machine room, a printed circuit board assembly configured to control the compressor, and a control case on which the printed circuit board assembly is mounted, wherein the control case is configured to partition the machine room into a compressor area where the compressor is located and a soundproof area between the compressor area and the housing, and extends from one side of the housing to the opposite side of the housing.

[0233] The housing may include a top cover connected to the top of the partition and a base connected to the bottom of the partition. The control case may extend from the base to the top cover.

[0234] The outdoor unit of the air conditioner may further include a top sealing member comprising a seal for sealing the gap between the top cover and the control case.

[0235] The housing may include a side frame located on the other side of the compressor opposite to one side of the compressor where the partition is located. The compressor may be made accessible based on separating the side frame from the base.

[0236] The outdoor unit of the air conditioner may further include a side sealing member comprising a seal for sealing the gap between the side frame and the control case.

[0237] The above control case may extend from the above partition to the above side frame.

[0238] The printed circuit board assembly may include a side printed circuit board located in the compressor area. The side printed circuit board may be made accessible based on separating the side frame from the base.

[0239] The above control case can be mounted on the above base.

[0240] The above control case can be mounted on the above partition.

[0241] The above control case may include a pattern portion that includes a pattern protruding into the soundproofing area.

[0242] The above control case may include a pattern hole formed in the pattern portion.

[0243] The above housing is configured to form the soundproof area and may include a front frame spaced apart from the control case on one side where the compressor of the control case is located and on the opposite side.

[0244] The above printed circuit board assembly may include a front printed circuit board located in the soundproof area. The front printed circuit board may be provided to be accessible based on separating the front frame from the base.

[0245] The outdoor unit of the above air conditioner may further include a heat dissipation member (e.g., including a thermally conductive material) located on the side opposite to the side where the front printed circuit board of the control case is located.

[0246] The above control case may include a reinforcing member including a reinforcing projection protruding toward the front frame.

[0247] An outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to one embodiment comprises a housing including a heat exchange room and a machine room partitioned from the heat exchange room, a compressor disposed in the machine room, a printed circuit board assembly configured to control the compressor, and a control case on which the printed circuit board assembly is mounted, the control case including a pattern portion protruding toward the housing. The machine room is configured to be partitioned by the control case into a compressor area where the compressor is located and a soundproof area between the compressor area and the housing.

[0248] The housing may include a top cover connected to the top of the partition and a base connected to the bottom of the partition. The control case may extend from the base to the top cover.

[0249] The above printed circuit board assembly may include a front printed circuit board located in the soundproofing area and a side printed circuit board located in the compressor area.

[0250] The housing may include a front frame spaced apart from the control case on one side where the compressor of the control case is located and on the opposite side to form the soundproof area. The front printed circuit board may be made accessible based on separating the front frame from the base.

[0251] The outdoor unit of the above air conditioner may further include a sealing member for sealing the gap between the housing and the control case.

[0252] According to the concept of the present disclosure, the outdoor unit of an air conditioner is provided with a soundproof area between the compressor area where the compressor is located and the front frame, thereby reducing the transmission of noise generated by the compressor to the front.

[0253] 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.

[0254] Although the present disclosure has been presented and described with various exemplary embodiments, those skilled in the art will understand that changes and modifications are possible within the scope and principles of the present disclosure, including the claims and equivalents, without departing from the scope and principles of the invention. It will also be understood that any embodiment described herein may be used in combination with other embodiments.

Claims

1. A housing comprising a heat exchange room and a machine room partitioned from the heat exchange room; A partition configured to partition the heat exchange room and the machine room and mounted on the housing; A compressor placed in the above machine room; A printed circuit board assembly configured to control the above compressor; and An outdoor unit of an air conditioner comprising: a control case on which the above-mentioned printed circuit board assembly is mounted, the control case configured to partition the machine room into a compressor area where the compressor is located and a soundproof area between the compressor area and the housing, and extending from one side of the housing to the opposite side of the housing.

2. In Paragraph 1, The above housing is, A top cover connected to the top of the above partition; and Includes a base connected to the bottom of the above partition; The above control case is an outdoor unit of an air conditioner extending from the base to the top cover.

3. In Paragraph 2, An outdoor unit of an air conditioner further comprising a top sealing member including a seal for sealing the gap between the top cover and the control case.

4. In Paragraph 2, The above housing includes a side frame located on the other side of the compressor opposite to one side of the compressor where the partition is located, and The above compressor is an outdoor unit of an air conditioner that is made accessible based on separating the side frame from the base.

5. In Paragraph 4, An outdoor unit of an air conditioner further comprising a side sealing member including a seal for sealing the gap between the side frame and the control case.

6. In Paragraph 4, The above control case is an outdoor unit of an air conditioner extending from the above partition to the above side frame.

7. In Paragraph 4, The above printed circuit board assembly includes a side printed circuit board located in the compressor area, and The above-described side printed circuit board is an outdoor unit of an air conditioner that is made accessible based on separating the side frame from the base.

8. In Paragraph 2, The above control case is an outdoor unit of an air conditioner mounted on the above base.

9. In Paragraph 1, The above control case is the outdoor unit of an air conditioner mounted on the above partition.

10. In Paragraph 1, The above control case is an outdoor unit of an air conditioner that includes a pattern section having a pattern protruding into the soundproof area.

11. In Paragraph 10, The above control case is an outdoor unit of an air conditioner including a pattern hole formed in the pattern portion.

12. In Paragraph 2, The above housing is configured to form the soundproof area, and the outdoor unit of an air conditioner includes a front frame spaced apart from the control case on the other side of the control case opposite to one side of the control case where the compressor is located.

13. In Paragraph 12, The above printed circuit board assembly includes a front printed circuit board located in the soundproof area, and The above-described front printed circuit board is an outdoor unit of an air conditioner that is made accessible based on separating the above-described front frame from the base.

14. In Paragraph 13, An outdoor unit of an air conditioner further comprising: a heat dissipation member comprising a thermally conductive material located on the other side of the control case opposite to one side of the control case where the front printed circuit board is located.

15. In Paragraph 12, The above control case is an outdoor unit of an air conditioner that includes a reinforcing member including a reinforcing projection protruding toward the front frame.

Images