Outdoor unit and air conditioner including the same
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional air conditioner outdoor units require inconvenient and time-consuming procedures for repairing or replacing compressors, as the front compressor must be demounted to access the rear compressor, even if the rear compressor is operational.
Innovation Solution
The outdoor unit features a compressor module mounted on a sliding or rotary structure, allowing for easy exposure and removal of the compressor module outside the unit, reducing vibration transmission and optimizing space usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the front compressor is installed in the outdoor unit to meet design capacity requirements, then the air conditioner can achieve the required cooling/heating capacity, but the front compressor must be demounted to access the rear compressor for repair or replacement, increasing maintenance time and complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the outdoor unit into two independent modules: a fixed module containing the front compressor and a movable module containing the rear compressor. The movable module can be independently extracted from the fixed module, allowing direct access to the rear compressor without removing the front compressor. This segmentation enables separate maintenance of each compressor while maintaining both in the system simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a movable module that can dynamically change its position between installed and extracted states. The movable module includes the rear compressor and can be smoothly moved along a guide rail, transitioning from a fixed configuration to an accessible configuration. This dynamic structure allows the system to adapt between operational and maintenance states without permanent structural changes.
2Productivity
If multiple compressors are installed in the outdoor unit to increase capacity, then the air conditioning capacity is improved, but the space arrangement becomes more complex and vibration transmission increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the multi-compressor system into distinct fixed and movable modules, each with its own dedicated space and mounting structure. This modular segmentation simplifies the overall space arrangement by creating clear functional zones, reducing the complexity of coordinating multiple compressors within a single integrated structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a movable module as an intermediary structure between the fixed module and the rear compressor. This intermediary provides a standardized interface and mounting mechanism that simplifies the integration of the rear compressor into the overall system, reducing the complexity of direct multi-compressor arrangement.
3Volume of moving object
If the compressor module is installed inside the outdoor unit case, then the unit has a compact design, but the compressor is difficult to access for maintenance and manipulation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the rear compressor module dynamic by enabling it to move between an installed position (inside the case for compactness) and an extracted position (outside the case for accessibility). The movable module can be smoothly transitioned along a guide rail, allowing the system to maintain compact dimensions during operation while providing full accessibility during maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the rear compressor from the fixed internal structure and places it in a separate movable module that can be completely removed from the outdoor unit case. This extraction allows the compressor to be accessed, manipulated, and maintained outside the confined space of the case, while still being installable inside for compact operation.
4Device complexity
If the compressor is directly mounted on the base plate, then the structure is simple, but vibration is directly transmitted to the base plate and case
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a movable module as an intermediary structure between the compressor and the base plate. This movable module includes its own mounting structure and can be coupled to the base plate through a guide rail system. The intermediary structure decouples the direct vibration transmission path, allowing the compressor to be mounted without directly transmitting vibrations to the base plate and case.
Data Source
AI summary
There is disclosed an outdoor unit comprising a case provided to define an exterior design and comprising a plurality of side panels having an inlet hole providing a path for sucking external air, a base plate supporting the plurality of the side panels, an upper panel having an outlet hole for discharging the external air sucked via the inlet hole to the outside; a heat-exchanger provided in the case and configured to exchange heat with the external air sucked via the inlet hole; a sliding plate slidingly provided in the base plate and supporting the compressor module and movable via the opening to expose the compressor module outside the case; and a compressor module configured to supply a refrigerant that exchanging heat with the external air to the heat-exchanger, such that the compressor module may be manipulative outside and demounted when the sliding plate is located in the exposure position.