Outdoor unit of air conditioner

Abstract

Provided is an air conditioner outdoor unit having an improved structure. The air conditioner outdoor unit comprises: a housing including a heat exchange chamber and a machine chamber partitioned from the heat exchange chamber; a blower fan disposed inside the heat exchange chamber so as to cause air to flow; a partition mounted in the housing so as to partition the heat exchange chamber from the machine chamber; and a guide part provided on the partition, wherein the guide part includes a plurality of guides provided on at least a portion of the partition such that the discharge direction of the air is directed toward the blower fan, and the plurality of guides are disposed at different angles so as to be directed toward the center of the blower fan.

Description

Air conditioner outdoor unit

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

[0002] Generally, an air conditioner is a device that uses a refrigeration cycle to regulate temperature, humidity, airflow, and distribution to suit human activity. 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 an air conditioner may include an outdoor heat exchanger that exchanges heat with outdoor air, a compressor that compresses refrigerant, an expansion valve unit that reduces the pressure of the refrigerant, and a blower fan that generates airflow. Additionally, the outdoor unit of the air conditioner may include a housing that accommodates the outdoor heat exchanger, the expansion valve unit, the compressor, and the blower fan.

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

[0006] One aspect of the present disclosure provides an outdoor unit of an air conditioner having an improved structure.

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

[0008] One aspect of the present disclosure provides an outdoor unit of an air conditioner having a partition structure with a Euro guide applied thereto.

[0009] One aspect of the present disclosure provides an air conditioner outdoor unit capable of reducing air flow loss by applying a Euro guide to a partition.

[0010] 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.

[0011] An outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to the concept of the present disclosure comprises: a housing including a heat exchange room and a machine room partitioned from the heat exchange room; a blower fan disposed inside the heat exchange room to circulate air; a partition mounted on the housing to partition the heat exchange room and the machine room; and a guide portion provided in the partition, wherein the guide portion includes a plurality of guides provided in at least a part of the partition such that the direction of air discharge is toward the blower fan, and the plurality of guides are arranged at different angles toward the center of the blower fan.

[0012] An outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to the concept of the present disclosure comprises: a housing including a heat exchange room and a machine room partitioned from the heat exchange room; a blower fan disposed inside the heat exchange room to circulate air; a compressor disposed in the machine room; and a partition mounted on the housing to partition the heat exchange room and the machine room; wherein the partition comprises a protrusion formed to protrude toward the heat exchange room to cover the compressor, and a plurality of guides provided on the protrusion such that the direction of air discharge is toward the blower fan, and the plurality of guides have different angles toward the center of the blower fan.

[0013] According to the concept of the present disclosure, air flow loss of an air conditioner outdoor unit can be reduced by an improved partition structure.

[0014] According to the concept of the present disclosure, the blowing performance of an air conditioner outdoor unit can be improved due to a reduction in flow resistance.

[0015] 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.

[0016] FIG. 1 is a drawing illustrating an air conditioner according to one embodiment.

[0017] FIG. 2 is a drawing showing the outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to one embodiment from the front.

[0018] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view showing the outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to one embodiment.

[0019] FIG. 4 is a drawing illustrating some components of a heat exchanger and a partition included in an outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to one embodiment.

[0020] Figure 5 is a drawing showing the partition illustrated in Figure 4 from a different direction than in Figure 4.

[0021] FIG. 6 is a drawing showing a partition with a guide provided according to one embodiment.

[0022] FIG. 7 is a drawing showing a guide according to one embodiment.

[0023] FIG. 8 is a drawing showing airflow according to the guide of a partition according to one embodiment.

[0024] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the effect of reducing airflow resistance according to the guide of a partition according to one embodiment.

[0025] FIG. 10 is a drawing showing a guide formed in a partition according to one embodiment.

[0026] The various embodiments of this document and the terms used therein are not intended to limit the technical features described in this document to specific embodiments, and should be understood to include various modifications, equivalents, or substitutions of said embodiments.

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

[0028] The singular form of the noun corresponding to the item may include one or multiple items, unless the relevant context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0029] 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.

[0030] The term "and / or" includes a combination of multiple related described components or any of the multiple related described components.

[0031] 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).

[0032] 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.

[0033] 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.

[0034] When it is said that a component is “connected,” “combined,” “supported,” or “contacted” with another component, this includes not only cases where the components are directly connected, combined, supported, or contacted, but also cases where they are indirectly connected, combined, supported, or contacted through a third component.

[0035] 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.

[0036] An air conditioner according to various embodiments is a device that performs functions such as air purification, ventilation, humidity control, cooling, or heating in an air-conditioned space (hereinafter referred to as "indoor"), and means a device having at least one of these functions.

[0037] According to one embodiment, an air conditioner may include a heat pump device to perform a cooling or heating function. The heat pump device may include a refrigeration cycle in which a refrigerant circulates along a compressor, a first heat exchanger, an expansion device, and a second heat exchanger. All components of the heat pump device may be housed in a single housing that forms the exterior of the air conditioner, such as a window air conditioner or a portable air conditioner. Alternatively, some components of the heat pump device may be housed separately in multiple housings that form a single air conditioner, such as a wall-mounted air conditioner, a stand-type air conditioner, or a system air conditioner.

[0038] 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.

[0039] 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.

[0040] 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.

[0041] 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.

[0042] 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.

[0043] 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.

[0044] In other words, an air conditioner performs cooling or heating functions through the phase change process of a refrigerant circulating between an outdoor heat exchanger and an indoor heat exchanger; to facilitate this refrigerant circulation, the air conditioner may include a compressor that compresses the refrigerant. The compressor can draw in refrigerant gas through a suction port and compress the refrigerant gas. The compressor can discharge high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant gas through a discharge port. The compressor may be placed inside the outdoor unit.

[0045] 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.

[0046] For example, when 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.

[0047] For example, in an air conditioner, if one outdoor unit is connected to two or more indoor units through refrigerant pipes, the refrigerant may flow to multiple indoor units through refrigerant pipes branching from the outdoor unit. The refrigerant discharged from multiple indoor units may be combined and circulated to the outdoor unit. For example, multiple indoor units may each be directly connected in parallel to a single outdoor unit through separate refrigerant pipes.

[0048] Multiple indoor units can each operate independently according to an operating mode set by the user. That is, some of the multiple indoor units can operate in a cooling mode while others can operate in a heating mode. At this time, the refrigerant may be arranged to flow into each indoor unit in a high-pressure or low-pressure state along a designated circulation path through a flow path switching valve to be described later, and to be discharged and circulated to the outdoor unit.

[0049] For example, when an air conditioner is connected to two or more outdoor units and two or more indoor units 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.

[0050] Multiple outdoor units may all be driven or at least some may not be driven depending on the operating load corresponding to the operating amount of multiple indoor units. In this case, the refrigerant may be arranged to flow into and circulate to the outdoor units that are selectively driven through a flow path switching valve.

[0051] 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.

[0052] 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.

[0053] 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.

[0054] The air conditioner may further include a flow switching valve positioned on the refrigerant circulation path. The flow switching valve may include, for example, a 4-way valve. The flow switching valve can determine the refrigerant circulation path depending on the operating mode of the indoor unit (e.g., cooling operation or heating operation). The flow switching valve may be connected to the discharge section of the compressor.

[0055] 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.

[0056] 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.

[0057] 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.

[0058] 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.

[0059] 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.

[0060] 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.

[0061] The housing may include an intake port. Indoor air can be drawn into the interior of the housing through the intake port.

[0062] 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.

[0063] The housing may include an outlet. Air flowing inside the housing may be discharged to the outside of the housing through the outlet.

[0064] 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.

[0065] 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.

[0066] 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.

[0067] The indoor heat exchanger may be positioned between the blower and the outlet, or between the inlet and the blower. The indoor heat exchanger may absorb heat from the air introduced through the inlet or transfer heat to the air introduced through the inlet. The indoor heat exchanger may include heat exchange tubes through which refrigerant flows, and heat exchange fins in contact with the heat exchange tubes to increase the heat transfer surface area.

[0068] 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.

[0069] 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.

[0070] The input interface may be connected to an external input device. For example, the input interface may be electrically connected to a wired remote controller. The wired remote controller may be installed at a specific location within the indoor space (e.g., a part of a wall). The user can input setting data regarding the operation of the air conditioner by operating the wired remote controller. An electrical signal corresponding to the setting data obtained through the wired remote controller may be transmitted to the input interface. Additionally, the input interface may include an infrared sensor. The user can input setting data regarding the operation of the air conditioner remotely using a wireless remote controller. The setting data input through the wireless remote controller may be transmitted to the input interface as an infrared signal.

[0071] Additionally, the input interface may include a microphone. A user's voice command may be acquired through the microphone. The microphone may convert the user's voice command into an electrical signal and transmit the converted electrical signal to the indoor unit control unit. The indoor unit control unit may control the components of the air conditioner to execute functions corresponding to the user's voice command. Setting data acquired through the input interface (e.g., desired indoor temperature, setting of operating mode for cooling / heating / dehumidification / air purification, setting of outlet selection, and / or setting of airflow) may be transmitted to the indoor unit control unit described later. In one example, the setting data acquired through the input interface may be transmitted externally, namely to an outdoor unit or a server, via the indoor unit communication unit described later.

[0072] 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.

[0073] The indoor unit of an air conditioner may include an indoor unit sensor. The indoor unit sensor may be an environment sensor placed in a space inside or outside the housing. For example, the indoor unit sensor may include one or more temperature sensors and / or humidity sensors placed in a predetermined space inside or outside the housing of the indoor unit. For example, the indoor unit sensor may include a refrigerant temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the refrigerant in the refrigerant pipe passing through the indoor unit. For example, the indoor unit sensor may include respective refrigerant temperature sensors for detecting the inlet, middle, and / or outlet temperatures of the refrigerant pipe passing through the indoor heat exchanger.

[0074] 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.

[0075] 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.

[0076] 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.

[0077] 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.

[0078] 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.

[0079] 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.

[0080] Various temperature sensors included in the outdoor unit and indoor unit can each transmit an electrical signal corresponding to the detected temperature to the outdoor unit control unit and / or indoor unit control unit. For example, humidity sensors included in the outdoor unit and indoor unit can each transmit an electrical signal corresponding to the detected humidity to the outdoor unit control unit and / or indoor unit control unit.

[0081] The indoor unit control unit can obtain user input from a user device, including a mobile device, through the indoor unit communication unit, and can obtain user input directly or through a remote controller via an input interface. The indoor unit control unit can control the components of the indoor unit, including a blower, in response to the received user input. The indoor unit control unit can transmit information regarding the received user input to the outdoor unit control unit of the outdoor unit.

[0082] The outdoor unit control unit can control the components of the outdoor unit, including the compressor, based on information regarding user input received from the indoor unit. For example, when the outdoor unit control unit receives a control signal from the indoor unit corresponding to user input selecting an operation mode such as cooling operation, heating operation, fan operation, defrosting operation, or dehumidification operation, it can control the components of the outdoor unit so that the operation of the air conditioner corresponding to the selected operation mode is performed.

[0083] 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.

[0084] 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.

[0085] The processor can generate control signals to control the operation of the air conditioner based on instructions, applications, data, and / or programs stored in memory. As hardware, the processor may include logic circuits and arithmetic circuits. The processor can process data according to programs and / or instructions provided from memory and generate control signals according to the processing results. The memory and the processor may be implemented as a single control circuit or as multiple circuits.

[0086] The indoor unit of the air conditioner may include an output interface. The output interface is electrically connected to the indoor unit control unit and can output information related to the operation of the air conditioner under the control of the indoor unit control unit. For example, information such as the operating mode, wind direction, airflow, and temperature selected by user input may be output. Additionally, the output interface may output sensing information obtained from the indoor unit sensor or the outdoor unit sensor, as well as warning / error messages.

[0087] The output interface may include a display and a speaker. The speaker may output various sounds as an acoustic device. The display may display information entered by the user or information provided to the user as various graphic elements. For example, operation information of the air conditioner may be displayed as at least one of an image or text. Additionally, the display may include an indicator that provides specific information. The display may include an LCD panel (Liquid Crystal Display Panel), an LED panel (Light Emitting Diode Panel), an OLED panel (Organic Light Emitting Diode Panel), a micro LED panel, and / or a plurality of LEDs.

[0088] Hereinafter, embodiments according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0089] 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).

[0090] FIG. 1 is a drawing illustrating an air conditioner according to one embodiment.

[0091] 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.

[0092] The air conditioner (1) can absorb heat from the indoor space through the indoor unit (20) and release heat to the outdoors through the outdoor unit (10) for cooling the indoor space, i.e., the indoor space to be air-conditioned. Additionally, the air conditioner (1) can absorb heat from the outdoors through the outdoor unit (10) and release heat to the indoor space through the indoor unit (20) for heating the indoor space.

[0093] 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 the heat of the refrigerant to the outdoor air by utilizing the condensation of the refrigerant. Additionally, the outdoor unit (10) may absorb the heat of the outdoor air into the refrigerant by utilizing the evaporation of the refrigerant.

[0094] 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.

[0095] 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.

[0096] A detailed description of the configuration of the outdoor unit (10) will be given later.

[0097] 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.

[0098] 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.

[0099] 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.

[0100] 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.

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

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

[0103] FIG. 2 is a front view of an outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to one embodiment. FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of an outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to one embodiment. FIG. 4 is a drawing showing some components of a heat exchanger and a partition included in the outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to one embodiment.

[0104] Referring to 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).

[0105] The housing (100) can form the exterior of the outdoor unit (10). Various parts of the outdoor unit (10), such as an outdoor heat exchanger (11), a compressor (12), a blower fan (13), and a control assembly (110), can be accommodated inside the housing (100).

[0106] 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 a blower fan (13) may be arranged in the heat exchange chamber (R1).

[0107] 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 blower 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).

[0108] 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).

[0109] The air inside the housing (100) can be discharged forward (+X direction) through the outlet (101a).

[0110] 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).

[0111] 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 (200) that partitions the heat exchange room (R1) and the machine room (R2). The partition (200) 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 (200) 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).

[0112] For example, the housing (100) can be formed to have a roughly box shape.

[0113] Below, an example of the structure of the housing (100) is described.

[0114] 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).

[0115] 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.

[0116] 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).

[0117] 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.

[0118] 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).

[0119] 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.

[0120] 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.

[0121] 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.

[0122] 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).

[0123] 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).

[0124] 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).

[0125] 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).

[0126] 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).

[0127] 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.

[0128] 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).

[0129] 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).

[0130] 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).

[0131] 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.

[0132] 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).

[0133] 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).

[0134] 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).

[0135] 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.

[0136] 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).

[0137] 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).

[0138] 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 (200) from below. A detailed description of the configuration of the partition (200) will be provided later.

[0139] 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.

[0140] The housing (100) may include a top cover (107). The top cover (107) may form the upper surface of the outdoor unit (10).

[0141] 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.

[0142] 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.

[0143] The top cover (107) and the base (106) can be positioned opposite each other.

[0144] 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.

[0145] 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).

[0146] 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.

[0147] The outdoor unit (10) of the air conditioner (1) may include an outdoor heat exchanger (11) that exchanges heat with outdoor air.

[0148] 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.

[0149] 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.

[0150] 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.

[0151] 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).

[0152] The outdoor unit (10) of the air conditioner (1) may include a compressor (12) that compresses the refrigerant.

[0153] 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.

[0154] The outdoor unit (10) of the air conditioner (1) may include a blower fan (13) that draws in and blows outdoor air so that the outdoor air passes through an outdoor heat exchanger (11). The blower fan (13) may include a blower.

[0155] The outdoor unit (10) may include a blower fan (13) provided to circulate air and a fan motor (14) that generates rotational force for the blower fan (13) to rotate.

[0156] For example, the outdoor unit (10) may include a motor bracket (15) that supports a blower fan (13) and a fan motor (14). The motor bracket (15) may be placed in a heat exchanger (R1). The motor bracket (15) may be attached to a base (106). The motor bracket (15) may be attached to a top cover (107).

[0157] 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).

[0158] 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 (200) that partitions the heat exchange room (R1) and the machine room (R2). The partition (200) may be placed between the heat exchange room (R1) and the machine room (R2).

[0159] 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.

[0160] FIG. 5 is a drawing showing the partition illustrated in FIG. 4 from a different direction than in FIG. 4. FIG. 6 is a drawing showing a partition provided with a guide according to one embodiment. FIG. 7 is a drawing showing a guide according to one embodiment. FIG. 8 is a drawing showing airflow according to the guide of the partition according to one embodiment. FIG. 9 is a drawing showing the effect of reducing airflow resistance according to the guide of the partition according to one embodiment. In the following, descriptions of parts that overlap with the above descriptions are omitted.

[0161] Referring to FIGS. 5 to 9, the outdoor unit (10) of an air conditioner (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a partition (200).

[0162] A partition (200) according to the concept of the present disclosure may be provided to partition a heat exchange room (R1) and a machine room (R2). The partition (200) may be placed between the heat exchange room (R1) and the machine room (R2).

[0163] For example, the heat exchange room (R1) and the machine room (R2) may be arranged in the left-right direction (Y direction) on the drawing, and the partition (200) may extend in the front-back direction (X direction) and the up-down direction (Z direction) on the drawing to partition the heat exchange room (R1) and the machine room (R2).

[0164] A partition (200) may be installed to partition a machine room (R2) in a housing (100). A partition (200) may be provided in the housing (100). A partition (200) may be supported on a base (106) of the housing (100). A partition (200) may be coupled to a base (106).

[0165] A fixing part (220) for being coupled to a housing (100) may be provided in the partition (200). For example, the fixing part (220) may be provided with a first fixing part (221) for being fixed to a base (106). The first fixing part (221) may be provided extending from the bottom of the partition (200). The first fixing part (221) may be provided by being bent from the bottom of the partition (200). The first fixing part (221) may be provided extending from the bottom of the partition (200) so as to be coupled to the base (106) through a separate fixing member (not shown), such as a screw.

[0166] For example, the fixing part (220) may be provided to be fixed to the front frame (101, 102). For example, the fixing part (220) may be provided with a second fixing part (222) for being fixed to the first front frame (102). For example, the fixing part (220) may be provided with a second fixing part (222) for being fixed to the second front frame (102). For example, the fixing part (220) may be provided to be fixed to the first front frame (101) and / or the second front frame (102).

[0167] The second fixing part (222) may be provided by extending from the side end of the partition (200). The second fixing part (222) may be provided by bending and extending from the side end of the partition (200). The second fixing part (222) may be provided to correspond to the second front frame (102). The second fixing part (222) may be provided so as to be coupled to the second front frame (102) through a separate fixing member (not shown), such as a screw.

[0168] For example, the fixing part (220) may be provided with a third fixing part (223) for fixing to the top cover (107). The third fixing part (223) may be provided extending from the top of the partition (200). The third fixing part (223) may be provided extending by being bent from the top of the partition (200). The third fixing part (223) may be provided corresponding to the top cover. The third fixing part (223) may be provided so as to be coupled to the top cover through a separate fixing member (not shown), such as a screw.

[0169] The partition (200) may include a plate shape that is approximately rectangular. The partition (200) may include a plate-shaped partition body (210). The partition body (210) may be formed to correspond to or be smaller than the length of the first direction (X) of the housing (100).

[0170] The partition (200) may include a first surface (210a) on one side and a second surface (210b) on the other side. The partition body (210) may include a first surface (210a) on one side and a second surface (210b) on the other side. The first surface (210a) and the second surface (210b) may be arranged to face each other. For example, the first surface (210a) may be arranged to face the heat exchange room (R1). The second surface (210b) may be arranged to face the machine room (R2). (See FIG. 4)

[0171] The partition (200) may include reinforcing ribs (240). The reinforcing ribs (240) may be provided to reinforce the rigidity of the partition (200). The partition body (210) may include reinforcing ribs (240). The reinforcing ribs (240) may be provided to reinforce the rigidity of the partition body (210).

[0172] The reinforcing rib (240) may be formed by protruding and / or recessing at least a portion of the partition (200). For example, the reinforcing rib (240) may be formed by protruding and / or recessing at least a portion of the partition body (210). For example, the reinforcing rib (240) may be formed by protruding at least a portion of the partition body (210) toward the heat exchange room (R1). For example, the reinforcing rib (240) may be formed by protruding at least a portion of the partition body (210) toward the machine room (R2).

[0173] The partition (200) may include a protrusion (230). The protrusion (230) may be provided on at least a part of the partition (200). The protrusion (230) may be provided by protruding at least a part of the partition (200). The protrusion (230) may be formed by protruding at least a part of the partition (200) toward the heat exchange room (R1). The protrusion (230) may be provided by protruding at least a part of the partition (200) toward the heat exchange room (R1). The protrusion (230) may be provided to cover the compressor (12) placed in the machine room (R2). The protrusion (230) may be formed to protrude toward the heat exchange room (R1) so as to wrap around the outside of the compressor (12) placed in the machine room (R2). Various components such as the compressor (12) and the control assembly (110) may be placed in the machine room (R2). The machine room (R2) may be provided by the base (106). The heat exchange room (R1) and the machine room (R2), which are partitioned by the partition (200) on the base (106), must each have their respective components arranged in a limited space. For example, the base (106) may include a first area (A1) forming the machine room (R2) and a second area (A2) forming the heat exchange room (R1). The base (106) may be formed by the first area (A1) and the second area (A2). The protrusion (230) of the partition (200) may be provided in a shape corresponding to the compressor (12) and / or various parts, thereby improving the space efficiency of the machine room (R2). The protrusion (230) of the partition (200) may be provided to improve the space efficiency of the machine room (R2) provided on the base (106). For example, the protrusion (230) of the partition (200) may be formed to protrude from the first area (A1) forming the machine room (R2) on the base (106) toward the heat exchange room (R1), thereby forming an additional protruding space. The machine room (R2) may utilize an additional space extending toward the second area (A2) forming the heat exchange room (R1) rather than the first area (A1) provided on the base (106).For example, the additional space may be provided in a corresponding shape to cover a cylindrical compressor (12) placed in the machine room (R2).

[0174] The protrusion (230) of the partition (200) may be formed to protrude from the plate-shaped partition body (210) toward the heat exchange chamber (R1). The protrusion (230) of the partition (200) may be arranged to protrude toward the heat exchange chamber (R1) so as to guide air toward the blower fan (13). The protrusion (230) may be arranged so as to guide air inside the housing (100) toward the front (+X direction).

[0175] The protrusion (230) may be formed by extending integrally from the partition body (210). The protrusion (230) may include a first guide surface (231) positioned approximately at the top, a second guide surface (232) positioned on both sides, and a third guide surface (233) positioned toward the heat exchange chamber (R1).

[0176] The first guide surface (231) of the protrusion (230) may be provided to slope downward from the upper part to the lower part of the partition body (210). The first guide surface (231) may be provided to guide air inside the housing (100) to the front (+X direction) outlet (101a). The third guide surface (233) of the protrusion (230) may be provided to extend integrally with the partition body (210) so as to guide air inside the housing (100) to the front (+ direction) outlet (101a).

[0177] The second guide surface (232) of the protrusion (230) may be provided to be inclined from one side of the partition body (210) to the other side and / or from the other side to one side. The second guide surface (232) may be provided to be extended to correspond to the inclination of the first guide surface (231). The second guide surface (232) may be provided so that air inside the housing (100) is guided to the front (+X direction) outlet (101a). The second guide surface (232) of the protrusion (230) may be provided to be extended integrally with the partition body (210) so that air inside the housing (100) is guided to the front (+ direction) outlet (101a).

[0178] The third guide surface (233) of the protrusion (230) may be provided by extending integrally from the partition body (210). The third guide surface (233) may be provided by extending from the first guide surface (231) and the second guide surface (232). The third guide surface (233) may be provided so that air inside the housing (100) is guided to the front (+X direction) outlet (101a).

[0179] The partition (200) may include a guide section (300) provided in at least a portion thereof. The guide section (300) may be provided to guide the air inside the housing (100) so that it can be discharged in the direction of the blower fan (13). The guide section (300) may be provided to guide the air flowing into the housing (100) toward the blower fan (13). The guide section (300) may be provided to guide the air inside the housing (100) forward (+X direction). The guide section (300) may be provided to guide the air flowing into the housing (100) toward the blower fan (13) so that it is discharged through the outlet (101a).

[0180] The guide portion (300) may be formed by recessing at least a portion of the partition (200). The guide portion (300) may be positioned on the protrusion (230) of the partition (200). The guide portion (300) is positioned on the protrusion (230) of the partition (200), and may be formed by recessing at least a portion of the protrusion (230). The guide portion (300) may be positioned toward the center (C) of the blower fan (13). The guide portion (300) may be arranged to be positioned toward the centerline (L) of the blower fan (13).

[0181] The guide portion (300) of the present disclosure may be provided on the third guide surface (233) of the protrusion (230). The guide portion (300) may be provided by recessing at least a portion of the third guide surface (233) of the protrusion (230). The guide portion (300) may be provided by recessing at least a portion of the third guide surface (233) so as to guide air toward the front (+X direction) of the housing (100).

[0182] The guide portion (300) of the present disclosure is illustrated as being disposed on the third guide surface (233) of the protrusion (230), but is not limited thereto. As an example, the guide portion (300) may be provided on the first guide surface (231) of the protrusion (230). As an example, the guide portion (300) may be provided on the second guide surface (232). As an example, the guide portion (300) may be provided in the space between the first guide surface (231) and the second guide surface (232).

[0183] The guide portion (300) may be provided in the partition body (210). For example, at least a portion of the partition body (210) may be provided in a protrusion (230) that protrudes toward the second area (A2). For example, the guide portion (300) may be provided such that at least a portion of the protrusion (230) that protrudes toward the heat exchange chamber (R1) may be recessed.

[0184] The guide portion (300) may include a plurality of guides (310, 320, 330). The plurality of guides (310, 320, 330) may be spaced apart from each other. The plurality of guides (310, 320, 330) may be provided on the protrusion (230) of the partition (200). The plurality of guides (310, 320, 330) may be formed by being recessed in at least a part of the partition (200). The plurality of guides (310, 320, 330) may be provided on the third guide surface (233) of the protrusion (230). The plurality of guides (310, 320, 330) may be spaced apart from each other on the third guide surface (233). The plurality of guides (310, 320, 330) may be formed by being recessed in at least a part of the third guide surface (233). Multiple guides (310, 320, 330) may be arranged in the vertical direction (+Z direction, -Z direction) on the third guide surface (233). Multiple guides (310, 320, 330) may be arranged at different angles toward the center (C) of the blower fan (13). A centerline (L) passing through the center (C) of the blower fan (13) may be provided. The centerline (L) indicating the center (C) of the blower fan (13) may be arranged parallel to a horizontal line (HL). The centerline (L) of the blower fan (13) may be provided parallel to a horizontal line (HL). A horizontal line (HL) may be provided parallel to a bottom surface.

[0185] Multiple guides (310, 320, 330) may be provided at different angles toward the center (C) of the blower fan (13). Multiple guides (310, 320, 330) may be provided at different angles toward the centerline (L) of the blower fan (13). Multiple guides (310, 320, 330) may be provided in different shapes. Multiple guides (310, 320, 330) may be provided with different surfaces. Multiple guides (310, 320, 330) may be provided at different heights.

[0186] A guide portion (300) according to one embodiment may include a first guide (310), a second guide (320), and a third guide (330). The first guide (310), the second guide (320), and the third guide (330) may be spaced apart from each other in the upward (+Z direction) and downward (-Z direction) directions of the protrusion (230). The first guide (310), the second guide (320), and the third guide (330) may be spaced apart from each other in the upward (+Z direction) and downward (-Z direction) directions of the third guide surface (233).

[0187] The first guide (310) can be provided at a first angle (θ1). The second guide (320) can be provided at a second angle (θ2). The third guide (330) can be provided at a third angle (θ3). The first guide (310) can form a first angle (θ1) with a horizontal line (HL). The first guide (310) can form a first angle (θ1) with the center line (L) of the blower fan (13). For example, the first guide (310) can be located on the same line as the center line (L) of the blower fan (13). For example, the first angle (θ1) of the first guide (310) can be 0 degrees. For example, the first guide (310) can be provided such that its center is located on the same line as the center (C) of the blower fan (13). The first guide (310) may be positioned at a first height (H1) from the horizontal line (HL). The first height (H1) of the first guide (310) may be a height located on the same line as the centerline (L) of the blower fan (13).

[0188] The first guide (310) may be positioned on the upper part of the protrusion (230). The first guide (310) may be positioned on the upper part of the third guide surface (233). The first guide (310) may be positioned at a first angle (θ1) facing the center (C) of the blower fan (13). The first guide (310) may be positioned at a first angle (θ1) facing the centerline (L) of the blower fan (13). For example, the first guide (310) may be positioned on the same line as the centerline (L) of the blower fan (13). For example, the first angle (θ1) of the first guide (310) may be 0 degrees. The second guide (320) may be provided with a horizontal line (HL) and a second angle (θ2). The second guide (320) may form a horizontal line (HL) and a second angle (θ2). The second guide (320) can form a second angle (θ2) with the centerline (L) of the blower fan (13). For example, the second guide (320) can be positioned below the centerline (L) of the blower fan (13). For example, the second guide (320) can be provided at a second angle (θ2) toward the centerline (L) of the blower fan (13) from below the centerline (L) of the blower fan (13). The second guide (320) can be positioned in the middle of the protrusion (230). The second guide (320) can be positioned in the middle of the third guide surface (233). The second guide (320) can be positioned at an angle (θ2) with the horizontal line (HL) so as to face the center (C) of the blower fan (13). The second guide (320) may be positioned at a second angle (θ2) from the horizontal line (HL) so as to face the centerline (L) of the blower fan (13). The second guide (320) may be positioned below the first guide (310). The second guide (320) may be positioned at a second height (H2) from the horizontal line (HL). The second height (H2) of the second guide (320) may be lower than the first height (H1) of the first guide (310). For example, the first height (H1) of the first guide (310) may be positioned higher than the second height (H2) of the second guide (320).For example, the second angle (θ2) of the second guide (320) can be formed to be larger than the first angle (θ1) of the first guide (310).

[0189] The third guide (330) can be provided with a horizontal line (HL) and a third angle (θ3). The third angle (θ3) of the third guide (330) can be provided differently from the second angle (θ2) of the second guide (320). The third guide (330) can form a horizontal line (HL) and a third angle (θ3). The third guide (330) can form a center line (L) of the blower fan (13) and a third angle (θ3). For example, the third guide (330) can be located below the center line (L) of the blower fan (13). For example, the third guide (330) can be located below the second guide (320). For example, the third guide (330) may be positioned at a third angle (θ3) toward the centerline (L) of the blower fan (13) from below the centerline (L) of the blower fan (13). The third guide (330) may be positioned at the lower part of the protrusion (230). The third guide (330) may be positioned at the lower part of the third guide surface (233). The third guide (330) may be positioned at a third angle (θ3) from the horizontal line (HL) so as to face the center (C) of the blower fan (13). The third guide (330) may be positioned at a third angle (θ3) toward the centerline (L) of the blower fan (13) from the horizontal line (HL).

[0190] The third guide (330) may be positioned below the second guide (320). The third guide (330) may be positioned at a third height (H3) from the horizontal line (HL). The third height (H3) of the third guide (330) may be lower than the second height (H2) of the second guide (320). For example, the second height (H2) of the second guide (320) may be positioned higher than the third height (H3) of the third guide (330). For example, the third angle (θ3) of the third guide (330) may be greater than the second angle (θ2) of the second guide (320). For example, the second angle (θ2) of the second guide (320) may be smaller than the third angle (θ3) of the third guide (330).

[0191] Air inside the housing (100) can be moved toward the center (C) of the blower fan (13) by means of the guide portion (300) formed in the partition (200). The air moving toward the center (C) of the blower fan (13) reduces vortices, thereby allowing more airflow to enter the blower fan (13).

[0192] The guide section (300) may be provided to guide the flow of air moving from inside to outside the housing (100) of the outdoor unit (10). A plurality of guides (310, 320, 330) may be provided to guide the flow of air moving from inside to outside the housing (100). Each of the first guide (310), the second guide (320), and the third guide (330) may be provided at different angles toward the center (C) of the blower fan (13) to increase the flow of air moving from inside the housing (100) to the blower fan (13).

[0193] A plurality of guides (310, 320, 330) forming a guide section (300) are arranged toward the center (C) of the blower fan (13), so that the flow of air can be guided toward the center (C) of the blower fan (13), thereby improving the overall airflow.

[0194] Multiple guides (310, 320, 330) can guide the air inside the housing (100) toward the center (C) of the blower fan (13) to reduce vortices and increase air flow to the blower fan (13).

[0195] In this embodiment, the guide section (300) is illustrated as having three guides formed therein: a first guide (310), a second guide (320), and a third guide (330), but is not limited thereto. For example, the number of guides in the guide section may be changed according to the size and shape of the outdoor unit.

[0196] In this embodiment, the guide section (300) is illustrated as having three guides—a first guide (310), a second guide (320), and a third guide (330)—formed on or below the centerline (L) of the blower fan (13), but is not limited thereto. For example, the first guide may be positioned higher than the centerline of the blower fan.

[0197] Referring to FIG. 9, the outdoor unit (10) of an air conditioner (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may have airflow guided along a guide portion (300) formed in a partition (200). The guide portion (300) may include a first guide (310), a second guide (320), and a third guide (330) spaced apart from each other from the upper side to the lower side of a protrusion (230) of the partition (200). FIG. 9a shows airflow in a partition where the guide portion is not applied. FIG. 9b shows airflow in the third guide (330) of the partition (200). FIG. 9a and FIG. 9b show the airflow state at the same location of the partition. For example, the airflow state according to the presence or absence of a guide at the location of the third guide (330) of the partition (200) is shown.

[0198] In a partition structure where no guide is applied, the airflow (a) generates vortices due to a reduction in straight-line wind speed. Vortices appear that do not flow from the center of the partition toward the outlet but swirl in a circular motion. Due to these vortices, a decrease in the performance of the outdoor unit (10) of the air conditioner (1) may occur.

[0199] The airflow (b) in the partition (200) to which the guide (300) is applied is guided by the guide toward the blower fan to prevent the generation of vortices and reduce resistance loss. Due to this airflow resistance loss, the performance of the outdoor unit (10) of the air conditioner (1) can be improved. Specifically, the discharge airflow at the location where vortices are generated can be guided to move to the outlet, thereby improving blower performance. FIG. 10 is a drawing showing a guide formed in a partition according to one embodiment. In the following, descriptions of parts that overlap with the above description are omitted.

[0200] As illustrated in FIG. 10, the partition (200) of the outdoor unit (10) may include a guide portion (300A) that is recessed in at least a part.

[0201] A guide portion (300A) may be provided on a protrusion (230) of a partition (200). The guide portion (300A) may be provided to guide the air inside the housing (100) so that it can be discharged in the direction of the blower fan (13). The guide portion (300A) may be provided to guide the air flowing into the housing (100) toward the blower fan (13). The guide portion (300A) may be provided to guide the air inside the housing (100) forward (+X direction).

[0202] The guide section (300A) may include a plurality of guides (310A, 320A, 330A). The plurality of guides (310A, 320A, 330A) may be spaced apart from each other. The plurality of guides (310A, 320A, 330A) may be arranged at different angles so as to face the center (C) of the blower fan (13). The plurality of guides (310A, 320A, 330A) may be provided at different angles so as to face the centerline (L) of the blower fan (13).

[0203] A guide portion (300A) according to one embodiment may include a first guide (310A), a second guide (320A), and a third guide (330A). The first guide (310A), the second guide (320A), and the third guide (330A) may be spaced apart from each other in the upward (+Z direction) and downward (-Z direction) directions of the protrusion (230). The first guide (310A), the second guide (320A), and the third guide (330A) may be spaced apart from each other in the upward (+Z direction) and downward (-Z direction) directions of the third guide surface (233).

[0204] The first guide (310A) can be provided at a first angle (θ1) from the horizontal line (HL) toward the centerline (L) of the blower fan (13). The second guide (320A) can be provided at a second angle (θ2) from the horizontal line (HL) toward the centerline (L) of the blower fan (13). The third guide (330A) can be provided at a third angle (θ3) from the horizontal line (HL) toward the centerline (L) of the blower fan (13).

[0205] The first guide (310A) may be positioned on the upper part of the protrusion (230). The first guide (310A) may be positioned at a first angle (θ1) from the horizontal line (HL) toward the center (C) of the blower fan (13). The first guide (310A) may be formed with a first length (l1) of the first guide on one side (311A) and a second length (l2) of the first guide on the other side (312A). The first length (l1) of the first guide may be formed to be longer than the second length (l2) of the first guide. One side (311A) of the first guide (310A) may be located in the direction of the inlet (100a) of the housing (100). The other side (312A) of the first guide (310A) may be in the direction of the outlet (101a) of the housing (100). That is, the first guide (310A) can be formed such that the first length (l1) of the first guide in the direction of air inflow is longer than the second length (l2) of the first guide in the direction of air outflow. Air can be introduced into the first length (l1) of the first guide, which is formed to be longer than the second length (l2) of the first guide through which air is discharged toward the center (C) of the blower fan (13), thereby increasing the flow of air guided toward the center (C) of the blower fan (13) through the first guide (310A).

[0206] The second guide (320A) may be positioned at a second angle (θ2) toward the center (C) of the blower fan (13) from the horizontal line (HL). The second guide (320A) may be formed with a first length (l'1) of the second guide on one side (321A) and a second length (l'2) of the second guide on the other side (322A). The first length (l'1) of the second guide may be formed to be longer than the second length (l'2) of the second guide. One side (321A) of the second guide (320A) may be located in the direction of the inlet (100a) of the housing (100). The other side (322A) of the second guide (320A) may be in the direction of the outlet (101a) of the housing (100). That is, the second guide (320A) can be formed such that the first length (l'1) of the second guide in the direction of air inflow is longer than the second length (l'2) of the second guide in the direction of air outflow. Air can be introduced into the first length (l'1) of the second guide, which is formed to be longer than the second length (l'2) of the second guide through which air is discharged toward the center (C) of the blower fan (13), thereby increasing the flow of air guided toward the center (C) of the blower fan (13) through the second guide (320A).

[0207] The third guide (330A) may be positioned at a third angle (θ3) toward the center (C) of the blower fan (13) from the horizontal line (HL). The third guide (330A) may be formed with a first length (l"1) of the third guide on one side (331A) and a second length (l"2) of the third guide on the other side (332A). The first length (l"1) of the third guide may be formed to be longer than the second length (l"2) of the third guide. One side (331A) of the third guide (330A) may be located in the direction of the inlet (100a) of the housing (100). The other side (332A) of the third guide (330A) may be in the direction of the outlet (101a) of the housing (100). That is, the third guide (330A) can be formed such that the first length (l"1) of the third guide in the direction of air inflow is longer than the second length (l"2) of the third guide in the direction of air outflow. Air can be introduced into the first length (l"1) of the third guide, which is formed to be longer than the second length (l"2) of the third guide through which air is discharged toward the center (C) of the blower fan (13), thereby increasing the flow of air guided toward the center (C) of the blower fan (13) through the third guide (330A).

[0208] In this embodiment, the first guide (310A), the second guide (320A), and the third guide (330A) forming the guide portion (300A) may be formed with different shapes having different heights, thicknesses, and widths, and may be arranged at different angles from the horizontal line (HL) toward the center (C) of the blower fan (13).

[0209] In this embodiment, the guide section (300A) is illustrated as having three guides—a first guide (310A), a second guide (320A), and a third guide (330A)—formed on or below the centerline (L) of the blower fan (13), but is not limited thereto. For example, the first guide may be positioned higher than the centerline of the blower fan.

[0210] An outdoor unit (10) of an air conditioner according to one embodiment comprises: a housing (100) including a heat exchange room (R1) and a machine room (R2) partitioned from the heat exchange room (R1); a blower fan (13) disposed inside the heat exchange room (R1) to circulate air; a partition (200) mounted on the housing (100) to partition the heat exchange room (R1) and the machine room (R2); and a guide portion (300) provided in the partition (200), wherein the guide portion (300) includes a plurality of guides (310, 320, 330) provided in at least a part of the partition (200) such that the direction of air discharge is toward the blower fan (13), and the plurality of guides (310, 320, 330) may be arranged at different angles toward the center (C) of the blower fan (13). According to the present disclosure, air flow loss can be reduced by the partition to which the flow guide is applied.

[0211] The plurality of guides (310, 320, 330) may be formed by being recessed into at least a part of the partition (200). The plurality of guides (310, 320, 330) may be spaced apart from each other. The plurality of guides (310, 320, 330) may be formed with different surface areas. The plurality of guides (310, 320, 330) may be formed with different shapes. The plurality of guides (310, 320, 330) may be formed with different heights.

[0212] The plurality of guides (310, 320, 330) may include a first guide (310) formed at a first angle (θ1), a second guide (320) formed at a second angle (θ2) located below the first guide (310), and a third guide (330) located below the second guide (320).

[0213] The above partition (200) includes a protrusion (230) that is molded to protrude toward the heat exchange room (R1), and the guide part (300) may be provided on the protrusion (230). It further includes a compressor (12) placed in the machine room (R2), and the protrusion (230) may be provided to cover the compressor (12). The first guide (310) may be located on the upper part of the protrusion (230), and the third guide (330) may be located on the lower part of the protrusion (230).

[0214] An outdoor unit (10) of an air conditioner according to one embodiment comprises: a housing (100) including a heat exchange room (R1) and a machine room (R2) partitioned from the heat exchange room; a blower fan (13) disposed inside the heat exchange room (R1) to circulate air; a compressor (12) disposed in the machine room (R2); and a partition (200) mounted on the housing (100) to partition the heat exchange room and the machine room. The partition (200) includes a protrusion (230) formed to protrude toward the heat exchange room (R1) to cover the compressor (12), and a plurality of guides (310, 320, 330) provided on the protrusion (230) such that the direction of air discharge is toward the blower fan (13). The plurality of guides (310, 320, 330) may have different angles toward the center (C) of the blower fan (13).

[0215] The plurality of guides (310, 320, 330) may be formed by being recessed into at least a part of the partition (200). The plurality of guides (310, 320, 330) may be spaced apart from each other. The plurality of guides (310, 320, 330) may be formed with different surface areas. The plurality of guides (310, 320, 330) may be formed with different shapes. The plurality of guides (310, 320, 330) may be formed at different heights. The plurality of guides (310, 320, 330) may include a first guide (310) formed at a first angle (θ1), a second guide (320) located below the first guide (310) and formed at a second angle (θ2), and a third guide (330) located below the second guide (320).

[0216] Specific embodiments have been illustrated and described above. However, the invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and those skilled in the art may make various modifications without departing from the essence of the technical concept of the invention as described in the following claims.

Claims

1. A housing comprising a heat exchange room and a machine room partitioned from the heat exchange room; A blower fan positioned inside the heat exchange chamber to circulate air; A partition mounted in the housing to partition the heat exchange room and the machine room; and An outdoor unit of an air conditioner, wherein the guide portion is provided in the above partition, the guide portion includes a plurality of guides provided in at least a part of the partition such that the direction of air discharge is toward the blower fan, and the plurality of guides are arranged at different angles toward the center of the blower fan.

2. In Paragraph 1, The above plurality of guides are formed by being recessed into at least a part of the partition, for an outdoor unit of an air conditioner.

3. In Paragraph 1, The above plurality of guides are outdoor units of air conditioners spaced apart from each other.

4. In Paragraph 1, The above plurality of guides are outdoor units of an air conditioner formed with different surface areas.

5. In Paragraph 1, The above plurality of guides are outdoor units of an air conditioner formed in different shapes.

6. In Paragraph 1, The above plurality of guides are outdoor units of an air conditioner formed at different heights.

7. In Paragraph 1, The above plurality of guides are, A first guide formed at a first angle, A second guide positioned below the first guide and formed at a second angle, and An outdoor unit of an air conditioner comprising a third guide located below the second guide mentioned above.

8. In Paragraph 7, The above partition includes a protrusion that is molded to protrude toward the heat exchange chamber side, and The above guide part is an outdoor unit of an air conditioner provided on the above protrusion.

9. In Paragraph 8, It further includes a compressor placed in the machine room above, and The above-mentioned protrusion is an outdoor unit of an air conditioner provided to cover the compressor.

10. In Paragraph 8, An outdoor unit of an air conditioner in which the first guide is located on the upper part of the protrusion and the third guide is located on the lower part of the protrusion.

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