AIR CONDITIONER

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a bypass continuation application of International Application No. PCT/KR2024/002834, filed on Mar. 6, 2024, which claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0052258, filed on Apr. 20, 2023 and Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0077115, filed on Jun. 15, 2025 in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the disclosures of which are incorporated by reference herein in their entireties.

BACKGROUND

1. Field

The disclosure relates to an air conditioner with an improved structure.

2. Description of Related Art

An air conditioner is an apparatus for performing at least one of functions of air purifying, ventilation, humidity adjustment, cooling, heating, etc. in a space to be air-conditioned.

The air conditioner cools or heats the space by using a cooling cycle. The air conditioner includes a compressor, a condenser, an expansion device, an evaporator, and pipes. Refrigerants circulate the compressor, the condenser, the expansion device, and the evaporator along the pipes.

Air conditioners may be classified into split type air conditioners and window type air conditioners. The split type air conditioners include an indoor unit placed indoors and an outdoor unit placed outdoors. In the window type air conditioners, an indoor unit and an outdoor unit are installed together in a single housing.

SUMMARY

Provided is an air conditioner with a structure capable of being easily serviced.

Provided is an air conditioner from which an indoor fan assembly is separated and/or replaced in one step without having to disassemble the entire configuration.

Provided is an air conditioner capable of being easily maintained and repaired.

Provided is an air conditioner in which a fan motor is easily maintained and repaired.

Provided is an air conditioner with reduced service costs.

Provided is an air conditioner with reduced service difficulty.

Additional aspects will be set forth in part in the description which follows and, in part, will be apparent from the description, or may be learned by practice of the presented embodiments.

According to an aspect of the disclosure, an air conditioner includes: a housing including a rear case facing an exterior environment and a front case facing an interior environment and detachably coupled to the rear case; a first inlet formed in the rear case and configured to allow outside air to flow in; a first heat exchanger configured to exchange heat with the outside air flowed in through the first inlet; a first outlet configured to discharge the outside air passed through the first heat exchanger; a first fan assembly configured to cause the outside air to circulate between the first inlet and the first outlet, the first fan assembly including a first fan and a first fan motor configured to drive the first fan; a second inlet in the front case and configured to allow indoor air to flow in; a second heat exchanger configured to exchange heat with the indoor air flowed in through the second inlet; a second outlet configured to discharge the indoor air that is passed through the second heat exchanger; and a second fan assembly configured to cause the indoor air to circulate between the second inlet and the second outlet, the second fan assembly including a second fan and a second fan motor configured to drive the second fan, wherein, in a state where the front case is separated from the rear case, the second fan assembly is separable in an upward direction.

The second heat exchanger and the first fan assembly may be disposed around at least a portion of the second fan assembly, and, in the state where the front case is separated from the rear case, the second fan assembly may be separable in the upward direction from a space formed by the second heat exchanger and the first fan assembly.

The second fan assembly may further include: a base supporting the second fan; a motor holder supporting the second fan motor; and a frame configured to guide at least one of the indoor air flowing into the second fan or the indoor air discharged from the second fan, a first end of the frame being coupled to the base and a second end of the frame being coupled to the motor holder, and the second fan assembly may be separable from the space while the second fan, the second fan motor, the base, the motor holder, and the frame may be coupled to each other.

The second fan assembly may further include a first side portion facing the second inlet, a front portion facing the second outlet, a second side portion opposite to the first side portion, and a rear portion opposite to the front portion, the second heat exchanger may cover the first side portion and a part of the front portion, and the first fan assembly may cover a part of the second side portion and the rear portion.

The second fan assembly may further include a base supporting a lower portion of the second fan, and the second fan motor may be detachably coupled to an upper portion of the second fan.

The first fan assembly may further include: a frame accommodating the first fan and at least a portion of the first fan motor; and a motor cover covering a front portion of the first fan motor and detachably coupled to the frame.

In a state where the motor cover is separated from the frame after the front case is separated from the rear case, the first fan motor may be separable from the frame in a front direction.

The first fan may include a motor coupling portion, the first fan motor may include a motor shaft coupled to the motor coupling portion, and, in a state where the motor cover is separated from the frame after the front case is separated from the rear case, the motor coupling portion and the motor shaft may be exposed from a front side of the first fan assembly.

An inner surface of the motor cover may be connected to an inner surface of the frame such that the motor cover is coupled to the frame to form a flow path through which the outside air flows.

The first fan assembly may further include: a frame accommodating the first fan and at least a portion of the first fan motor; and a fan cover covering an upper portion of the first fan, the fan cover may be detachably coupled to the frame, and, in a state where the fan cover is separated from the frame after the front case is separated from the rear case, the first fan may be separable upward from the frame.

The air conditioner may further include a compressor positioned below the second fan assembly.

The first fan assembly may further include a first frame extending along an extension direction of the first fan and configured to guide the outside air, and the second fan assembly may further include a second frame in contact with the first frame, extending along an extension direction of the second fan, and configured to guide the indoor air.

The first frame may include a hook groove, the second frame may include a hook having a bent downward shape, and the hook may be configured to be caught by the hook groove.

The first frame and the second frame may partition the first fan and the second fan from each other.

The first heat exchanger may be a condenser, and the second heat exchanger may be an evaporator.

According to an aspect of the disclosure, an air conditioner includes: a housing including an inlet communicating with an exterior environment and an outlet distinguished from the inlet and communicating with an interior environment; a heat exchanger configured to exchange heat with outside air flowed into the housing through the inlet; a frame configured to guide the outside air between the inlet and the outlet; a fan positioned inside the frame; a fan motor configured to transfer a driving force to the fan; an open part exposing a part of a front portion of the frame; and a motor cover covering the open part and detachably coupled to the frame, wherein, in a state where the motor cover is separated from the frame, the fan motor may be accessed through the open part.

According to an aspect of the disclosure, an air conditioner includes: a housing including a rear case and a front case detachably coupled to the rear case; a first heat exchanger positioned inside the housing and configured to exchange heat with the outside air; a first fan assembly including a first fan facing at least a portion of the first heat exchanger, a first fan motor configured to drive the first fan; a second heat exchanger positioned inside the housing and configured to exchange heat with the indoor air; and a second fan assembly including a second fan facing at least a portion of the second heat exchanger and a second fan motor configured to drive the second fan, wherein, in a state where the front case is separated from the rear case, the first fan motor of the first fan assembly is separable in a front direction and the second fan assembly is separable in an upward direction.

The second heat exchanger and the first fan assembly may be disposed around at least a portion of the second fan assembly.

The second fan assembly may include: a base supporting the second fan; a motor holder supporting the second fan motor; and a frame configured to guide at least one of the indoor air flowing into the second fan or the indoor air discharged from the second fan, and a first end of the frame may be coupled to the base and a second end of the frame may be coupled to the motor holder.

The second fan assembly may further include a base supporting a lower portion of the second fan, and the second fan motor may be detachably coupled to an upper portion of the second fan.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above and other aspects, features, and advantages of certain embodiments of the present disclosure will be more apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 shows an air conditioning system according to an embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an air conditioner according to an embodiment;

FIG. 3 shows the air conditioner shown in FIG. 2 in another direction;

FIG. 4 shows the air conditioner shown in FIG. 2 in a rear direction;

FIG. 5 is an exploded view of an air conditioner according to an embodiment;

FIG. 6 is an exploded view of the air conditioner of FIG. 5, shown in another direction;

FIG. 7 is a top cross-sectional view of an air conditioner according to an embodiment;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a first fan assembly according to an embodiment;

FIG. 9 is an exploded view of a first fan assembly according to an embodiment;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a second fan assembly according to an embodiment;

FIG. 11 is an exploded view of a second fan assembly according to an embodiment;

FIG. 12 shows an example of an air conditioner in which a part of a housing is separated;

FIG. 13 shows a rear side of the air conditioner shown in FIG. 12;

FIG. 14 shows an example of an air conditioner in which a part of a housing is separated;

FIG. 15 shows an example of an air conditioner in which a part of a control box is separated;

FIG. 16 shows an example of an internal appearance of an air conditioner;

FIG. 17 shows an example in which a fan cover of a first fan assembly is separated;

FIG. 18 shows an example of a motor cover of a first fan assembly by enlarging “B” denoted in FIG. 16;

FIG. 19 shows a side cross-section of an example of a motor cover of a first fan assembly;

FIG. 20 shows an example in which a motor cover of a first fan assembly is separated;

FIG. 21 shows a front side of an example in which a motor cover of a first fan assembly is separated;

FIG. 22 shows an example in which a first fan and a first fan motor of a first fan assembly are separated from each other;

FIG. 23 shows an example in which fastening members for fixing a second fan assembly are separated;

FIG. 24 shows the example of FIG. 23 in another direction;

FIG. 25 shows an example in which a second fan assembly is separated;

FIG. 26 shows the example of FIG. 25 in another direction;

FIG. 27 shows an example in which a base of a second fan assembly is separated;

FIG. 28 shows a side of the example shown in FIG. 27;

FIG. 29 shows an example in which a second fan of a second fan assembly is separated;

FIG. 30 shows the example shown in FIG. 29 from below; and

FIG. 31 shows an example in which a second fan motor of a second fan assembly is separated.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Various embodiments of the disclosure and terms used herein are not intended to limit the technical features described herein to specific embodiments, and should be understood to include various modifications, equivalents, or substitutions of the corresponding embodiments.

In describing of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related elements.

The singular form of a noun corresponding to an item may include one or more of the items unless clearly indicated otherwise in a related context.

In the disclosure, 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 or all possible combinations of the items listed together in the corresponding phrase among the phrases.

As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

In addition, the terms ‘portion’, ‘part’, ‘module’ and ‘member’ may be implemented in hardware or software. Depending on the embodiments, a plurality of ‘portions’, ‘parts’, ‘modules’, and ‘members’ may be implemented as a single element, or a single ‘portions, ‘part’, ‘module’, or ‘member’ may include a plurality of elements.

As used herein, the terms “1st” or “first” and “2nd” or “second” may use corresponding components regardless of importance or order and are used to distinguish one component from another without limiting the components. When an element (e.g., a first element) is referred to as being “(functionally or communicatively) coupled” or “connected” to another element (e.g., a second element), the first element may be connected to the second element, directly (e.g., wired), wirelessly, or through a third element.

It will be understood that when the terms “includes”, “comprises”, “including”, and/or “comprising” are used in the disclosure, they specify the presence of the specified features, figures, steps, operations, components, members, or combinations thereof, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, figures, steps, operations, components, members, or combinations thereof.

When a given element is referred to as being “connected to”, “coupled to”, “supported by” or “in contact with” another element, it is to be understood that it may be directly or indirectly connected to, coupled to, supported by, or in contact with the other element. When a given element is indirectly connected to, coupled to, supported by, or in contact with another element, it is to be understood that it may be connected to, coupled to, supported by, or in contact with the other element through a third element.

It will also be understood that when an element is referred to as being “on” another element, it may be directly on the other element or intervening elements may also be present.

An air conditioner according to various embodiments is a device that performs functions such as purification, ventilation, humidity control, cooling or heating in an air conditioning space (hereinafter referred to as “indoor space”), and in particular a device having at least one of these functions.

According to an embodiment, an air conditioner may include a heat pump device to perform a cooling function or a heating function. The heat pump device may include a refrigeration cycle in which a refrigerant is circulated through a compressor, a first heat exchanger, and an expansion device and a second heat exchanger. All of the components of the heat pump device may be embedded in a single housing forming an exterior of an air conditioner, which includes a window-type air conditioner or a portable air conditioner. On the other hand, some components of the heat pump device may be divided and embedded in a plurality of housings forming a single air conditioner, which includes a wall-mounted air conditioner, a stand-type air conditioner, and a system air conditioner.

The air conditioner including the 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 provided such that a single outdoor unit and a single indoor unit are connected by a refrigerant pipe. Alternatively, the air conditioner may be provided such that a single outdoor unit is connected to two or more indoor units by a refrigerant pipe. Alternatively, the air conditioner may be provided such that two or more outdoor units and two or more indoor units are connected by a plurality of refrigerant pipes.

The outdoor unit may be electrically connected to the indoor unit. For example, information (or commands) for controlling the air conditioner may be received through an input interface provided in the outdoor unit or the indoor unit. The outdoor unit and the indoor unit may operate simultaneously or sequentially in response to a user input.

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.

The outdoor heat exchanger may be configured to exchange heat between a refrigerant and air from outdoor through a phase change of the refrigerant (e.g., evaporation or condensation). For example, while the refrigerant is condensed in the outdoor heat exchanger, the refrigerant may radiate heat to the outdoor air. While the refrigerant flowing in the outdoor heat exchanger evaporates, the refrigerant may absorb heat from the outdoor air.

The indoor unit is installed indoors. For example, according to the arrangement method of the indoor unit, the air conditioner may be classified into a ceiling-type indoor unit, a stand-type indoor unit, a wall-type indoor unit, and the like. For example, the ceiling-type indoor unit may be classified into a 4-way type indoor unit, a 1-way type indoor unit, a duct type indoor unit and the like according to a method of discharging air.

Similarly, the indoor heat exchanger may be configured to exchange heat between a refrigerant and outdoor air through a phase change of the refrigerant (e.g., evaporation or condensation). For example, while the refrigerant evaporates in the indoor unit, the refrigerant may absorb heat from the indoor air. The indoor space may be cooled by blowing the indoor air cooled through the cooled indoor heat exchanger. While the refrigerant is condensed in the indoor heat exchanger, the refrigerant may radiate heat to the indoor air. The indoor space may be heated by blowing the indoor air heated through the high-temperature indoor heat exchanger.

In other words, the air conditioner may perform a cooling or heating function by a phase change process of a refrigerant circulated between the outdoor heat exchanger and the indoor heat exchanger. To circulate the refrigerant, the air conditioner may include a compressor to compress the refrigerant. The compressor may draw refrigerant gas through an inlet and compress the refrigerant gas. The compressor may discharge high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant gas through an outlet. The compressor may be disposed inside the outdoor unit.

Through the refrigerant pipe, the refrigerant may be circulated sequentially through the compressor, the outdoor heat exchanger, the expansion device, and the indoor heat exchanger or sequentially circulated through the compressor, the indoor heat exchanger, the expansion device, and the outdoor heat exchanger.

For example, in the air conditioner, when a single outdoor unit and a single indoor unit are directly connected through a refrigerant pipe, the refrigerant may be circulated between the single outdoor unit and the single indoor unit through the refrigerant pipe.

For example, in the air conditioner, when a single outdoor unit is connected to two or more indoor units through a refrigerant pipe, the refrigerant may flow from the single outdoor unit to the plurality of indoor units through branched refrigerant pipes. Refrigerant discharged from the plurality of indoor units may be combined and circulated to the outdoor unit. For example, each of the plurality of indoor units may be directly connected in parallel to the single outdoor unit through a separate refrigerant pipe.

Each of the plurality of indoor units may be operated independently according to an operation mode set by a user. In other words, some of the plurality of indoor units may be operated in a cooling mode while others of the plurality of indoor units are operated in a heating mode. At that time, the refrigerant may be selectively introduced into each indoor unit in a high-pressure state or a low-pressure state, discharged, and circulated to the outdoor unit along a circulation path that is designated through a flow path switching valve to be described later.

For example, in the air conditioner, when two or more outdoor units and two or more indoor units are connected by the plurality of refrigerant pipes, refrigerant discharged from the plurality of outdoor units may be combined and flow through one refrigerant pipe, and then diverged again at a certain point and introduced into the plurality of indoor units.

All of the plurality of outdoor units may be driven or at least some of the plurality of outdoor units may not be driven, in accordance with to a driving load corresponding to an operating amount of the plurality of indoor units. At that time, the refrigerant may be provided through a flow path switching valve to be introduced into and circulated to an outdoor unit that is selectively driven. The air conditioner may include the expansion device to reduce the pressure of the refrigerant flowing into the heat exchanger. For example, the expansion device may be disposed inside the indoor unit or inside the outdoor unit, or disposed both inside the indoor unit and the outdoor unit.

The expansion device may reduce the temperature and pressure of the refrigerant by using a throttling effect. The expansion device may include an orifice configured to reduce a cross-sectional area of a flow path. A temperature and pressure of the refrigerant passing through the orifice may be lowered.

For example, the expansion device may be implemented as an electronic expansion valve configured to adjust an opening ratio (a ratio of a cross-sectional area of a flow path of a valve in a partially opened state to a cross-sectional area of the flow path of the valve in a fully opened state). According to the opening ratio of the electronic expansion valve, the amount of refrigerant passing through the expansion device may be adjusted.

The air conditioner may further include a flow path switching valve disposed on the refrigerant circulation path. The flow path switching valve may include a 4-way valve. The flow path switching valve may determine a refrigerant circulation path depending on an operation mode of the indoor unit (e.g., cooling operation or heating operation). For example, the flow path switching valve may be connected to the outlet of the compressor.

The air conditioner may include an accumulator. The accumulator may be connected to the inlet of the compressor. A low-temperature and low-pressure refrigerant, which is evaporated in the indoor heat exchanger or the outdoor heat exchanger, may flow into the accumulator.

When a refrigerant mixture of refrigerant liquid and refrigerant gas is introduced, the accumulator may separate the refrigerant liquid from the refrigerant gas, and supply the refrigerant gas separated from the refrigerant liquid to the compressor.

An outdoor fan may be installed near the outdoor heat exchanger. The outdoor fan may blow outdoor air to the outdoor heat exchanger to promote heat exchange between the refrigerant and the outdoor air.

The outdoor unit of the air conditioner may include at least one sensor (hereinafter referred to as an outdoor unit sensor). For example, the outdoor unit sensor may be provided as an environmental sensor. The outdoor unit sensor may be disposed at a given position of the inside or the outside of the outdoor unit. For example, the outdoor unit sensor may include a temperature sensor configured to detect an air temperature around the outdoor unit, an air humidity sensor configured to detect air humidity around the outdoor unit, or a refrigerant temperature sensor configured to detect a refrigerant temperature in a refrigerant pipe passing through the outdoor unit, or a refrigerant pressure sensor configured to detect a refrigerant pressure in a refrigerant pipe passing through the outdoor unit.

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

The outdoor unit communication circuitry may also include at least one of a short-range wireless communication module and a long-range wireless communication module.

The indoor unit of the air conditioner may include a housing, a blower configured to circulate air inside or outside the housing, and the indoor heat exchanger configured to exchange heat with air introduced into the housing.

The housing may include an inlet. Indoor air may flow into the housing through the inlet.

The indoor unit of the air conditioner may include a filter configured to filter out foreign substance in air that is introduced into the inside of the housing through the inlet.

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

An airflow guide configured to guide a direction of air discharged through the outlet may be provided in the housing of the indoor unit. For example, the airflow guide may include a louver positioned in the outlet. For example, the airflow guide may include an auxiliary fan for regulating an exhaust airflow, but is not limited thereto. Alternatively, the airflow guide may be omitted.

The indoor heat exchanger and the blower arranged on a flow path connecting the inlet and the outlet may be disposed inside the housing of the indoor unit.

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 and a centrifugal fan.

The indoor heat exchanger may be arranged between the blower and the outlet or between the inlet and the blower. The indoor heat exchanger may absorb heat from air introduced through the inlet or transfer heat to air introduced through the inlet. The indoor heat exchanger may include a heat exchange tube through which refrigerant flows, and heat exchange fins in contact with the heat exchange tube to increase a heat transfer area.

The indoor unit of the air conditioner may include a drain tray disposed below the indoor heat exchanger to collect condensed water generated in the indoor heat exchanger. The condensed water contained in the drain tray may be drained to the outside through a drain hose. The drain tray may be arranged to support the indoor heat exchanger.

The indoor unit of the air conditioner may include an input interface. The input interface may include any type of user input means including a button, a switch, a touch screen and/or a touch pad. A user can directly input setting data (e.g., desired indoor temperature, cooling/heating/dehumidifying/air cleaning operation mode setting, outlet selection setting, and/or air volume setting) through the input interface.

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 (e.g., a part of a wall) in an indoor space. A user may input setting data related to the operation of the air conditioner by manipulating the wired remote controller. An electrical signal corresponding to the setting data obtained by the wired remote controller may be transmitted to the input interface. In addition, the input interface may include an infrared sensor. A user may remotely input the setting data for operating the air conditioner by using a wireless remote controller. The setting data received by the wireless remote controller may be transmitted to the input interface as an infrared signal.

In addition, the input interface may include a microphone. A user's voice command may be obtained through the microphone. The microphone may convert a user's voice command into an electrical signal and transmit the converted electrical signal to the indoor unit controller. The indoor unit controller may control components of the air conditioner to perform a function corresponding to the user's voice command. The setting data obtained through the input interface (e.g., desired indoor temperature, cooling/heating/dehumidifying/air cleaning operation mode setting, outlet selection setting, and/or air volume setting) may be transmitted to the indoor unit controller to be described later. For example, the setting data obtained through the input interface may be transmitted to the outside, that is, to the outdoor unit or a server through an indoor unit communication circuitry to be described later.

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

The indoor unit of the air conditioner may include an indoor unit sensor. The indoor unit sensor may be an environmental sensor disposed inside or outside the housing. For example, the indoor unit sensor may include one or more temperature sensors and/or humidity sensors disposed 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 configured to detect a refrigerant temperature of a refrigerant pipe passing through the indoor unit. For example, the indoor unit sensor may include a refrigerant temperature sensor each configured to detect a temperature of an entrance, a middle portion and/or an exit of the refrigerant pipe passing through the indoor heat exchanger.

For example, each environmental information detected by the indoor unit sensor may be transmitted to the indoor unit controller to be described later or transmitted to the outside through the indoor unit communication circuitry to be described later.

The indoor unit of the air conditioner may include the indoor unit communication circuitry. The indoor unit communication circuitry may include at least one of a short-range wireless communication module and a long-range wireless communication module. The indoor unit communication circuitry may include at least one antenna for wirelessly communicating with other devices.

The short-range wireless communication module may include a Bluetooth communication module, a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) communication module, a near field communication module, a WLAN (Wi-Fi) communication module, and a Zigbee communication module, an infrared data association (IrDA) communication module, a Wi-Fi Direct (WFD) communication module, an ultrawideband (UWB) communication module, an Ant+ communication module, a microwave (uWave) communication module, etc., but is not limited thereto.

The long-range wireless communication module may include a communication module that performs various types of long-range wireless communication, and may include a mobile communication circuitry. The mobile communication circuitry transmits and receives radio signals with at least one of a base station, an external terminal, and a server in a mobile communication network.

The indoor unit communication circuitry may communicate with an external device such as a server, a mobile device and other home appliances through an access point (AP). The AP may connect a local area network (LAN), to which an air conditioner or a user device is connected, to a wide area network (WAN) to which a server is connected. The air conditioner or the user device may be connected to the server through the WAN. The indoor unit of the air conditioner may include the indoor unit controller configured to control components of the indoor unit including the blower. The outdoor unit of the air conditioner may include an outdoor unit controller configured to control components of the outdoor unit including the compressor. The indoor unit controller may communicate with the outdoor unit controller through the indoor unit communication circuitry and the outdoor unit communication circuitry. The outdoor unit communication circuitry may transmit a control signal generated by the outdoor unit controller to the indoor unit communication circuitry, or transmit a control signal, which is transmitted from the indoor unit communication circuitry, to the outdoor unit controller. In other words, the outdoor unit and the indoor unit may perform bi-directional communication. The outdoor unit and the indoor unit may transmit and receive various signals generated during the operation of the air conditioner.

The outdoor unit controller may be electrically connected to components of the outdoor unit and may control the operation of each component. For example, the outdoor unit controller may adjust a frequency of the compressor and control the flow path switching valve to change a circulation direction of the refrigerant. The outdoor unit controller may adjust a rotational speed of the outdoor fan. In addition, the outdoor unit controller may generate a control signal to adjust the opening degree of the expansion valve. Under the control of the outdoor unit controller, the refrigerant may be circulated along the refrigerant circulation circuit including the compressor, the flow path switching valve, the outdoor heat exchanger, the expansion valve, and the indoor heat exchanger.

Various temperature sensors included in the outdoor unit and the indoor unit may transmit electrical signals corresponding to detected temperatures to the outdoor unit controller and/or the indoor unit controller. For example, the humidity sensors included in the outdoor unit and the indoor unit may respectively transmit electrical signals corresponding to the detected humidity to the outdoor unit controller and/or the indoor unit controller.

The indoor unit controller may obtain a user input from a user device including a mobile device through the indoor unit communication circuitry, or directly obtain a user input through the input interface or the remote controller. The indoor unit controller may control components of the indoor unit including the blower in response to the received user input. The indoor unit controller may transmit information related to the received user input to the outdoor unit controller of the outdoor unit.

The outdoor unit controller may control components of the outdoor unit including the compressor based on the information related to the user input received from the indoor unit. For example, when a control signal corresponding to a user input for selecting an operation mode such as a cooling operation, a heating operation, a fan operation, a defrosting operation, or a dehumidifying operation is received from the indoor unit, the outdoor unit controller may control components of the outdoor unit to perform an operation of the air conditioner corresponding to the selected operation mode.

The outdoor unit controller and the indoor unit controller may include a processor and a memory, respectively. The indoor unit controller may include at least one a first processor and at least one a first memory, and the outdoor unit controller may include at least one a second processor and at least one a second memory.

The memory may record/store various types of information necessary for the operation of the air conditioner. The memory may store instructions, applications, data and/or programs necessary for the operation of the air conditioner. For example, the memory may store various programs for the cooling operation, the heating operation, the dehumidifying operation, and/or the defrosting operation of the air conditioner. The memory may include volatile memory, such as a static random access memory (S-RAM) and a dynamic random access memory (D-RAM) for temporarily storing data. In addition, the memory may include a non-volatile memory, such as a read only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read only memory (EPROM), and an electrically erasable programmable read only memory (EEPROM) for long-term storage of data.

The processor may generate a control signal for controlling an operation of the air conditioner based on instructions, applications, data, and/or programs stored in the memory. The processor may be hardware and may include a logic circuit and an arithmetic circuit. The processor may process data according to a program and/or instructions provided from the memory, and may generate a control signal according to a processing result. The memory and the processor may be implemented as one control circuit or as a plurality of circuits.

The indoor unit of the air conditioner may include an output interface. The output interface may be electrically connected to the indoor unit controller, and output information related to the operation of the air conditioner under the control of the indoor unit controller. For example, the output interface may output information, such as an operation mode selected by a user input, a wind direction, a wind volume, and a temperature. In addition, the output interface may output sensing information obtained from the indoor unit sensor or the outdoor unit sensor, and output warning/error messages.

The output interface may include a display and a speaker. The speaker may be a sound device and configured to output various sounds. The display may display information, which is input by a user or provided to a user, as various graphic elements. For example, operational information of the air conditioner may be displayed as at least one of an image and text. In addition, the display may include an indicator that provides specific information. The display may include a liquid crystal display (LCD) panel, a light emitting diode (LED) panel, an organic light emitting diode (OLED) panel, a micro-LED panel, and/or a plurality of LEDs.

Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Hereinafter, for convenience of description, a window type air conditioner which is installed on a window and/or window frame will be described as an example. However, content of the present disclosure may also be applied to other types of air conditioners. For example, the content of the present disclosure may also be applied to portable air conditioners, wall-mounted air conditioners, ceiling-mounted air conditioners, and floor-mounted air conditioners.

For example, referring to FIG. 1, a direction in which an air conditioner 3 faces indoors I may be defined as a front direction (+X direction), and a direction in which the air conditioner 3 faces outdoors O may be defined as a rear direction (−X direction). However, these are defined based on the drawing, and a shape and position of each component are not limited by these terms.

FIG. 1 shows an air conditioning system according to an embodiment.

An air conditioning system 1 may include a mounting assembly 2.

The mounting assembly 2 may mount the air conditioner 3 which will be described below. The mounting assembly 2 may enable the air conditioner 3 to be installed on a structure A.

The mounting assembly 2 may be mounted on the structure A. The mounting assembly 2 may be installed on the structure A. The mounting assembly 2 may be fixed to the structure A.

The mounting assembly 2 may provide a seal between the air conditioner 3 and the structure A. The mounting assembly 2 may further provide a seal between indoors I and outdoors O.

For example, the structure A may include, but is not limited to, a window and/or a window frame. The structure A may depend on a kind of the air conditioner 3. For example, the structure A may include at least one of a wall, a ceiling or a floor.

The air conditioning system 1 may include the air conditioner 3.

The air conditioner 3 may be mounted on the mounting assembly 2. According to the air conditioner 3 being installed on the mounting assembly 2, the air conditioner 3 may be installed on the structure A. The air conditioner 3 may be mounted on the structure A through the mounting assembly 2, although not limited thereto. For example, unlike as shown in FIG. 1, the air conditioner 3 may be installed on the structure A without the mounting assembly 2. For example, unlike as shown in FIG. 1, the air conditioner 3 may perform an air conditioning function without being installed on the structure A.

A part of the air conditioner 3 may face the indoors I. Another part of the air conditioner 3 may face the outdoors O.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an air conditioner according to an embodiment. FIG. 3 shows the air conditioner shown in FIG. 2 in another direction. FIG. 4 shows the air conditioner shown in FIG. 2 in a rear direction. FIG. 5 is an exploded view of an air conditioner according to an embodiment. FIG. 6 is an exploded view of the air conditioner of FIG. 5, shown in another direction. FIG. 7 is a top cross-sectional view of an air conditioner according to an embodiment.

The air conditioner 3 may include a housing 10. The housing 10 may form an overall appearance of the air conditioner 3. The housing 10 may have a substantially box shape.

For example, the housing 10 may include a front case 11 and a rear case 12. The front case 11 may be detachably coupled to the rear case 12.

The front case 11 may face the indoors I (see FIG. 1). For example, the front case 11 may form at least a part of a front appearance of the air conditioner 3.

The rear case 12 may face the outdoors O (see FIG. 1). For example, the rear case 12 may form at least a part of a rear appearance of the air conditioner 3.

For example, the housing 10 may include a front panel 14. The front panel 14 may form a front surface of the air conditioner 3.

For example, the housing 10 may include a top panel 15. The top panel 15 may form a top surface of the air conditioner 3.

For example, the housing 10 may include a first side panel 16. The first side panel 16 may form a right surface of the air conditioner 3.

For example, the housing 10 may include a second side panel 17. The second side panel 17 may form a left surface of the air conditioner 3. The second side panel 17 may be opposite to the first side panel 16.

For example, the housing 10 may include a rear panel 18. The rear panel 18 may form a rear surface of the air conditioner 3.

For example, the housing 10 may include a bottom panel 13. The bottom panel 13 may form a lower surface of the air conditioner 3. The bottom panel 13 may support at least a part of components arranged inside the air conditioner 3.

For example, the housing 10 may include a top cover 19. For example, the top cover 19 may form a portion of the upper surface and/or a portion of the rear surface of the air conditioner 3. However, the housing 10 may not include the top cover 19. For example, the top cover 19 may be provided as a component of the top panel 15 or as a component of the rear panel 18. For example, a portion of the top cover 19 may be provided as a component of the top panel 15, and another portion of the top cover 19 may be provided as a component of the rear panel 18.

For example, referring to FIGS. 2 to 6, the front case 11 is shown as including the front panel 14, the top panel 15, the first side panel 16, and the second side panel 17, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto as long as the front case 11 includes front and upper sides of the air conditioner 3. For example, the front case 11 may include only the front panel 14 and the top panel 15. For example, the front case 11 may further include another component in addition to the front panel 14, the top panel 15, the first side panel 16, and the second side panel 17.

For example, referring to FIGS. 2 to 6, the rear case 12 is shown as including the rear panel 18, the bottom panel 13, and the top cover 19, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto as long as the rear case 12 includes a rear side of the air conditioner 3. For example, the rear case 12 may include only the rear panel 18. For example, the rear case 12 may further include another component in addition to the rear panel 18, the bottom panel 13, and the top cover 19.

The housing 10 may include a first inlet 31 to allow outside air to flow in. Outside air may flow into the housing 10 through the first inlet 31.

The first inlet 31 may face the outdoors O (see FIG. 1). The first inlet 31 may communicate with the outdoors O. For example, the first inlet 31 may be formed in the rear case 12 to allow outside air to flow into the housing 10. For example, the first inlet 31 may be formed in the rear panel 18. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto as long as the first inlet 31 is formed in a portion of the housing 10 facing the outdoors O.

The housing 10 may include a first outlet 32 through which outside air passed through a first heat exchanger 40 is discharged. Outside air flowed into the housing 10 through the first inlet 31 may be heat-exchanged with the first heat exchanger 40 and then discharged to the outdoors O through the first outlet 32.

The first outlet 32 may face the outdoors O (see FIG. 1). The first outlet 32 may communicate with the outdoors O. For example, the first outlet 32 may be formed in the rear case 12. For example, the first outlet 32 may be formed in the rear panel 18. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto as long as the first outlet 32 is formed in a portion of the housing 10 facing the outdoors O.

The first outlet 32 may be distinguished from the first inlet 31. The first outlet 32 may be spaced apart from the first inlet 31.

A first flow path P1 (see FIG. 7) may be formed inside the housing 10. Outside air may flow on the first flow path P1. The first flow path P1 may be formed between the first inlet 31 and the first outlet 32. For example, the first heat exchanger 40 may be provided on the first flow path P1. For example, a first fan assembly 100 may be provided on the first flow path P1.

The housing 10 may include a second inlet 51 to allow indoor air to flow in. Indoor air may flow into the housing 10 through the second inlet 51.

The second inlet 51 may face the indoors I (see FIG. 1). The second inlet 51 may communicate with the indoors I. For example, the second inlet 51 may be formed in the front case 11 to allow indoor air to flow in. For example, the second inlet 51 may be formed in the second side panel 17. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto as long as the second inlet 51 is formed in a portion of the housing 10 facing the indoors I.

The housing 10 may include a second outlet 52 through which indoor air passed through a second heat exchanger 60 is discharged. Indoor air flowed into the housing 10 through the second inlet 51 may be heat-exchanged with the second heat exchanger 60 and then discharged to the outdoors O through the second outlet 52.

The second outlet 52 may face the indoors I (see FIG. 1). The second outlet 52 may communicate with the indoors I. For example, the second outlet 52 may be formed in the front case 11. For example, the second outlet 52 may be formed in the front panel 14. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto as long as the second outlet 52 is formed in a portion of the housing 10 facing the indoors I.

The second outlet 52 may be distinguished from the second inlet 51. The second outlet 52 may be spaced apart from the second inlet 51.

A second flow path P2 (see FIG. 7) may be formed inside the housing 10. Indoor air may flow on the second flow path P2. The second flow path P2 may be formed between the second inlet 51 and the second outlet 52. For example, the second heat exchanger 60 may be provided on the second flow path P2. For example, a second fan assembly 200 may be provided on the second flow path P2.

The first flow path P1 and the second flow path P2 may be partitioned from each other. Outside air flowing through the first flow path P1 and indoor air flowing through the second flow path P2 may not be mixed inside the housing 10.

The air conditioner 3 may include a louver 20. The louver 20 may also be referred to as a blade, flap or vane. The louver 20 may guide indoor air that is discharged through the second outlet 52. The louver 20 may adjust a discharge direction of air that is discharged to the indoors through the second outlet 52.

The louver 20 may open or cover the second outlet 52. The louver 20 may have a shape corresponding to the second outlet 52.

The louver 20 may be detachably coupled to the housing 10. The louver 20 may be rotatably coupled to the housing 10. For example, the louver 20 may be rotatably coupled to the front panel 14.

For example, the louver 20 may include a plurality of discharge holes 21. For example, while the louver 20 covers the second outlet 52, indoor air passed through the second heat exchanger 60 may be discharged through the plurality of discharge holes 21.

The air conditioner 3 may include the first heat exchanger 40. The first heat exchanger 40 may exchange heat with outdoor air introduced through the first inlet 31. The first heat exchanger 40 may be positioned inside the housing 10. The first heat exchanger 40 may be positioned on the first flow path P1. The first heat exchanger 40 may face the first inlet 31.

The air conditioner 3 may include the second heat exchanger 60. The second heat exchanger 60 may exchange heat with indoor air introduced through the second inlet 51. The second heat exchanger 60 may be positioned inside the housing 10. The second heat exchanger 60 may be positioned on the second flow path P2. At least a portion of the second heat exchanger 60 may face the second inlet 51. For example, the second heat exchanger 60 may surround at least a portion of the second fan assembly 200. For example, the second heat exchanger 60 may cover at least a portion of the second fan assembly 200.

For example, the first heat exchanger 40 may be provided as a condenser and the second heat exchanger 60 may be provided as an evaporator. In this case, the air conditioner 3 may cool the indoors. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the first heat exchanger 40 may be provided as an evaporator and the second heat exchanger 60 may be provided as a condenser. In this case, the air conditioner 3 may heat the indoors.

The air conditioner 3 may include a drain pan 80. The drain pan 80 may collect condensed water generated in the second heat exchanger 60. The drain pan 80 may support the second heat exchanger 60. The drain pan 80 may support the second fan assembly 200. For example, the drain pan 80 may include a resting portion 81 on which a base 230 of the second fan assembly 200 is rested.

The air conditioner 3 may include a compressor 70. The compressor 70 may compress a refrigerant to a high temperature and high pressure state. The refrigerant compressed in the compressor 70 may flow into the first heat exchanger 40 or the second heat exchanger 60.

For example, the compressor 70 may be positioned below the second fan assembly 200. For example, the compressor 70 may be positioned below the drain pan 80.

The air conditioner 3 may include a compressor cover 71. The compressor cover 71 may cover the compressor 70. The compressor cover 71 may prevent the compressor 70 from being exposed to the outside. The compressor cover 71 may protect the compressor 70.

The air conditioner 3 may include an expansion device (not shown). The expansion device may expand a refrigerant discharged from the first heat exchanger 40 or a refrigerant discharged from the second heat exchanger 60.

The air conditioner 3 may include a control box 90. The control box 90 may include a board 91 (see FIG. 15). The control box 90 may include various electronic components 92 (see FIG. 15).

The air conditioner 3 may include the first fan assembly 100. The first fan assembly 100 may cause outside air to circulate inside the housing 10. The first fan assembly 100 may cause outside air to circulate between the first inlet 31 and the first outlet 32.

For example, a first inlet side 101 of the first fan assembly 100 may face the first inlet 31. For example, a first outlet side 102 of the first fan assembly 100 may face the first outlet 32.

The first fan assembly 100 may include a first fan 110. For example, the first fan 110 may face at least a portion of the first heat exchanger 40.

The first fan assembly 100 may include a first fan motor 120 for driving the first fan 110.

The first fan assembly 100 may include a first frame 130 for guiding outside air. For example, the first frame 130 may extend along an extension direction of the first fan 110. For example, the first frame 130 may have a shape extending in a substantially vertical direction (Z direction).

The first fan assembly 100 may be referred to as a first fan module 100, a first fan unit 100, an outdoor fan module 100, an outdoor fan unit 100, an outdoor fan assembly 100, etc.

The air conditioner 3 may include the second fan assembly 200. The second fan assembly 200 may cause indoor air to circulate inside the housing 10. The second fan assembly 200 may cause indoor air to circulate between the second inlet 51 and the second outlet 52.

For example, a second inlet side 201 of the second fan assembly 200 may face the second inlet 51. For example, a second outlet side 202 of the second fan assembly 200 may face the second outlet 52. For example, the second outlet side 202 of the second fan assembly 200 may face the louver 20.

The second fan assembly 200 may include a second fan 210. For example, the second fan 210 may face at least a portion of the second heat exchanger 60.

The second fan assembly 200 may include a second fan motor 220 for driving the second fan 210.

The second fan assembly 200 may include a second frame 240 for guiding indoor air. For example, the second frame 240 may extend along an extension direction of the second fan 210. For example, the second frame 240 may have a shape extending in the substantially vertical direction (Z direction).

The second fan assembly 200 may be referred to as a second fan module 200, a second fan unit 200, an indoor fan module 200, an indoor fan unit 200, an indoor fan assembly 200, etc.

Referring to FIG. 7, the first frame 130 may be in contact with the second frame 240. For example, the first frame 130 and the second frame 240 may partition the first fan 110 and the second fan 210 from each other. For example, a first partition portion 132 of the first frame 130 and a second partition portion 241 of the second frame 240 may partition the first fan 110 and the second fan 210 from each other. For example, the first frame 130 and the second frame 240 may partition the first flow path P1 and the second flow path P2 from each other. As a result, indoor air and outside air may not be mixed inside the housing 10.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a first fan assembly according to an embodiment. FIG. 9 is an exploded view of a first fan assembly according to an embodiment.

The first fan assembly 100 may include the first fan 110.

The first fan 110 may generate a blowing force. The first fan 110 may blow outside air. For example, the first fan 110 may have a shape extending in the substantially vertical direction (Z direction).

The first fan 110 may include a first motor coupling portion 114. The first motor coupling portion 114 may be detachably coupled to a first motor shaft 121 of the first fan motor 120. For example, the first motor coupling portion 114 may be formed at a first end 111 of the first fan 110. For example, the first motor coupling portion 114 may have a shape protruding inward from the first end 111 of the first fan 110 (see FIGS. 19 and 21). For example, the first motor coupling portion 114 may include an insertion groove into which the first motor shaft 121 is inserted. For example, the first end 111 may be a lower end of the first fan 110.

The first fan 110 may include a fan shaft 113. The fan shaft 113 may form a rotation axis of the first fan 110. The fan shaft 113 may be fixed to a first fixing device 170 which will be described below. For example, the fan shaft 113 may be formed at a second end 112 of the first fan 110. For example, the fan shaft 113 may have a shape protruding outward from the second end 112 of the first fan 110. For example, the second end 112 of the first fan 110 may be opposite to the first end 111 of the first fan 110. For example, the second end 112 may be an upper end of the first fan 110.

The first fan 110 may include a first opening 115. The first opening 115 may expose a part of an inside of the first fan 110. The first opening 115 may be formed to correspond to the first motor coupling portion 114. An access to the first motor coupling portion 114 may be made through the first opening 115.

The first fan assembly 100 may include the first fan motor 120.

The first fan motor 120 may drive the first fan 110. The first fan motor 120 may transfer a driving force to the first fan 110. The first fan motor 120 may transfer a rotational force to the first fan 110.

The first fan motor 120 may be detachably coupled to a lower portion of the first fan 110.

The first fan motor 120 may include the first motor shaft 121. The first motor shaft 121 may be detachably coupled to the first motor coupling portion 114 of the first fan 110. The first motor shaft 121 may be inserted into the first motor coupling portion 114 of the first fan 110. The first motor shaft 121 may be positioned on the same line as the rotation axis of the first fan 110.

The first fan assembly 100 may include a first frame 130.

The first frame 130 may guide outside air. For example, the first frame 130 may guide at least one of outside air flowing into the first fan 110 or outside air discharged from the first fan 110. For example, the first frame 130 may guide outside air between the first inlet 31 and the first outlet 32.

The first frame 130 may form a flow path through which outside air flows. For example, the first frame 130 may form at least a part of the first flow path P1 (see FIG. 7).

For example, the first frame 130 may have a shape that opens toward the first inlet 31. For example, the first frame 130 may have a shape that opens toward the first outlet 32. For example, the first frame 130 may be detachably coupled to the rear panel 18.

The first frame 130 may accommodate the first fan 110. The first frame 130 may accommodate at least a portion of the first fan motor 120. The first frame 130 may include an accommodation space 131. For example, the accommodation space 131 may be provided as a space that opens in a substantially vertical direction.

The first frame 130 may include a first partition portion 132. The first partition portion 132 may be in contact with a second partition portion 241 of the second frame 240 (see FIG. 7). For example, the first partition portion 132 may include a curved shape to allow air to flow smoothly.

The first fan assembly 100 may include an open part 140.

The open part 140 may be formed by cutting off a portion of a front side of the first frame 130. For example, the open part 140 may allow a part of the inside of the first frame 130 to be exposed forward.

For example, the open part 140 may correspond to a front portion of the first fan motor 120. For example, the open part 140 may correspond to a portion of the first fan 110. For example, the open part 140 may correspond to a part of the lower portion of the first fan 110. For example, the open part 140 may correspond to the first motor coupling portion 114 of the first fan 110. For example, the open part 140 may correspond to the first opening 115 of the first fan 110.

For example, an access to the first fan motor 120 may be made through the open part 140. For example, the front portion of the first fan motor 120 may be exposed to outside of the first fan assembly 100 through the open part 140.

The first fan assembly 100 may include a first motor cover 150.

The first motor cover 150 may be detachably coupled to the first frame 130.

The first motor cover 150 may correspond to the open part 140. The first motor cover 150 may cover the open part 140.

The first motor cover 150 may cover the first fan motor 120. For example, the first motor cover 150 may cover the front portion of the first fan motor 120.

The first motor cover 150 may cover a part of the first fan 110. The first motor cover 150 may cover a part of the lower portion of the first fan 110. The first motor cover 150 may cover the first motor coupling portion 114 of the first fan 110. The first motor cover 150 may cover the first opening 115 of the first fan 110.

Here, the first motor cover 150 covering a certain component may mean that at least a portion of the component is not exposed to the outside of the first fan assembly 100 by the first motor cover 150.

The first fan assembly 100 may include a fan cover 160.

The fan cover 160 may cover the first fan 110. The fan cover 160 may cover an upper portion of the first fan 110. The fan cover 160 may be detachably coupled to the first frame 130. The fan cover 160 may be detachably coupled to an upper portion of the first frame 130.

The first fan assembly 100 may include the first fixing device 170.

The first fixing device 170 may fix the fan shaft 113 of the first fan 110. The first fixing device 170 may reduce frictional resistance generated while the first fan 110 rotates. For example, the first fixing device 170 may include a bearing. For example, the first fixing device 170 may be detachably installed on the fan cover 160. For example, the first fixing device 170 may be provided as a component of the fan cover 160. For example, the first fixing device 170 may be integrated into the fan cover 160.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a second fan assembly according to an embodiment. FIG. 11 is an exploded view of a second fan assembly according to an embodiment.

The second fan assembly 200 may include the second fan 210.

The second fan 210 may generate a blowing force. The second fan 210 may blow indoor air. For example, the second fan 210 may have a shape extending in one direction. For example, the second fan 210 may have a shape extending in the substantially vertical direction (Z direction).

The second fan 210 may include a fan shaft 213. The fan shaft 213 may form a rotation axis of the second fan 210. The fan shaft 213 may be fixed to a second fixing device 270 which will be described below. For example, the fan shaft 213 may be formed at a first end 211 of the second fan 210. For example, the fan shaft 213 may have a shape protruding outward from the first end 211 of the second fan 210. For example, the first end 211 of the second fan 210 may be a lower end of the second fan 210.

The second fan 210 may include a second motor coupling portion 214. The second motor coupling portion 214 may be detachably coupled to a second motor shaft 221 of the second fan motor 220. For example, the second motor coupling portion 214 may be formed at a second end 212 of the second fan 210. For example, the second motor coupling portion 214 may have a shape protruding inward from the second end 212 of the second fan 210 (see FIG. 28). For example, the second motor coupling portion 214 may include an insertion groove into which the second motor shaft 221 may be inserted. For example, the second end 212 of the second fan 210 may be opposite to the first end 211 of the second fan 210. For example, the second end 212 of the second fan 210 may be an upper end of the second fan 210.

The second fan 210 may include a second opening 215. The second opening 215 may expose a part of an inside of the second fan 210. The second opening 215 may correspond to the second motor coupling portion 214. An access to the second motor coupling portion 214 may be made through the second opening 215.

The second fan assembly 200 may include the second fan motor 220.

The second fan motor 220 may drive the second fan 210. The second fan motor 220 may transfer a driving force to the second fan 210. The second fan motor 220 may transfer a rotational force to the second fan 210.

The second fan motor 220 may be detachably coupled to an upper portion of the second fan 210.

The second fan motor 220 may include the second motor shaft 221. The second motor shaft 221 may be detachably coupled to the second motor coupling portion 214 of the second fan 210. The second motor shaft 221 may be inserted into the second motor coupling portion 214 of the second fan 210. The second motor shaft 221 may be placed on the same line as the rotation axis of the second fan 210.

The second fan assembly 200 may include the base 230.

The base 230 may support the second fan 210. The base 230 may support the lower portion of the second fan 210. The base 230 may be installed on the drain pan 80. For example, the base 230 may be rested on the resting portion 81 of the drain pan 80. The base 230 may be positioned above the compressor 70.

The second fan assembly 200 may include the second frame 240.

The second frame 240 may guide indoor air. For example, the second frame 240 may guide at least one of indoor air flowing into the second fan 210 or indoor air discharged from the second fan 210. For example, the second frame 240 may guide indoor air between the second inlet 51 and the second outlet 52.

The second frame 240 may form a flow path through which indoor air flows. For example, the second frame 240 may form at least a part of the second flow path P2 (see FIG. 7).

One end of the second frame 240 may be coupled to the base 230, and another end of the second frame 240 may be coupled to a motor holder 250. For example, a lower portion of the second frame 240 may be coupled to the base 230 and an upper portion of the second frame 240 may be coupled to the motor holder 250.

For example, the second frame 240 may include a first guide portion 241 and a second guide portion 242 spaced apart from the first guide portion 241. In the drawings, the first guide portion 241 and the second guide portion 242 are shown as separate components, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The first guide portion 241 and the second guide portion 242 may be integrated into one component.

For example, the first guide portion 241 may partition the second fan 210 from the first fan 110 together with the first partition portion 132 of the first frame 130. The first guide portion 241 may be referred to as the second partition portion 241.

For example, the first guide portion 241 may include a curved shape to allow air to flow smoothly. For example, the second guide portion 242 may include a curved shape to allow air to flow smoothly.

The second fan assembly 200 may include a fan grill 280.

The fan grill 280 may be detachably coupled to the second frame 240. The fan grill 280 may be arranged between the first guide portion 241 and the second guide portion 242. The fan grill 280 may be provided on the second outlet side 202 of the second fan assembly 200. The fan grill 280 may prevent a user's finger from being caught in the fan 210.

The second fan assembly 200 may include the motor holder 250.

The motor holder 250 may support the second fan motor 220. The motor holder 250 may mount the second fan motor 220 thereon.

The motor holder 250 may be spaced apart from the base 230. The motor holder 250 may be spaced upward apart from the base 230. The motor holder 250 may be detachably coupled to the upper portion of the second frame 240.

For example, the motor holder 250 may include a first holder portion 251 and a second holder portion 252. For example, the second holder portion 252 may be stacked on the first holder portion 251. In the drawings, the first holder portion 251 and the second holder portion 252 are shown as separate components, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the motor holder 250 may be provided as a single component.

For example, the first holder portion 251 may include a first support part 2511 that supports the second holder portion 252. For example, the first holder portion 251 may include a first hole 2512 through which the second motor shaft 221 of the second fan motor 220 passes. The second motor shaft 221 may pass through the first hole 2512 and be coupled to the second motor coupling portion 214 of the second fan 210.

For example, the second holder portion 252 may include a second support part 2521 that supports the second fan motor 220. For example, the second holder portion 252 may include a second hole 2522 through which the second motor shaft 221 of the second fan motor 220 passes. The second motor shaft 221 may pass through the second hole 2522 and be coupled to the second motor coupling portion 214 of the second fan 210.

The second fan assembly 200 may include a second motor cover 260.

The second motor cover 260 may cover the second fan motor 220. The second motor cover 260 covering the second fan motor 220 may mean that at least a portion of the second fan motor 220 is not exposed to the outside of the second fan assembly 200. For example, the second motor cover 260 may be detachably coupled to the motor holder 250 to cover an upper portion of the second fan motor 220.

The second fan assembly 200 may include the second fixing device 270.

The second fixing device 270 may affixed to the fan shaft 213 of the second fan 210. The second fixing device 270 may reduce frictional resistance generated while the second fan 210 rotates. For example, the second fixing device 270 may include a bearing. For example, the second fixing device 270 may be detachably installed on the base 230. For example, the second fixing device 270 may be provided as a component of the base 230. For example, the second fixing device 270 may be integrated into the base 230.

FIG. 12 shows an example of an air conditioner in which a part of a housing is separated. FIG. 13 shows a rear side of the air conditioner shown in FIG. 12. FIG. 14 shows an example of an air conditioner in which a part of a housing is separated. FIG. 15 shows an example of an air conditioner in which a part of a control box is separated. FIG. 16 shows an example of an internal appearance of an air conditioner.

Referring to FIGS. 12 and 13, the front case 11 may be separated from the rear case 12. For example, the front case 11 may be separated from the rear case 12 in a front direction. For example, the front case 11 may be separated from the rear panel 18 in the front direction. For example, the front case 11 may be separated from the bottom panel 13 in the front direction.

For example, the front case 11 may be screw-coupled to the rear case 12 by a first fastening member S1. For example, by disassembling the first fastening member S1 while the front case 11 is coupled to the rear case 12, the front case 11 may be separable from the rear case 12.

For example, the front case 11 may include a coupling protrusion 301 (see FIG. 13), and the rear case 12 may include a coupling groove 302 (see FIG. 12) corresponding to the coupling protrusion 301. For example, the coupling protrusion 301 may be formed on the first side panel 16 and/or the second side panel 17. For example, the coupling groove 302 may be formed on the rear panel 18. For example, according to the coupling protrusion 301 being positioned on the coupling groove 302, the coupling protrusion 301 may be caught by a locking projection 303 formed adjacent to the coupling groove 302.

For example, by lifting the front case 11 relative to the rear case 12, the coupling protrusion 301 may be released from the coupling groove 302 and the front case 11 may be separated from the rear case 12.

However, the disclosure is not limited to the examples described above. The front case 11 may be coupled to the rear case 12 by various known methods. The front case 11 may be separated from the rear case 12 by various known methods.

Referring to FIG. 14, the top cover 19 may be separated from the rear case 12. For example, the top cover 19 may be separated from the rear case 12 in the rear direction. For example, according to the top cover 19 being separated from the rear case 12, the upper portion of the first frame 130 of the first fan assembly 100 may be partially exposed.

For example, the top cover 19 may be screw-coupled to the rear panel 18 by a second fastening member S2. For example, by disassembling the second fastening member S2 while the top cover 19 is coupled to the rear panel 18, the top cover 19 may be separable from the rear panel 18.

However, the disclosure is not limited to the examples described above. The top cover 19 may be coupled to the rear panel 18 by various known methods. The top cover 19 may be separated from the rear panel 18 by various known methods.

Referring to FIG. 15, the control box 90 may include a control case 93 and a control cover 94 detachably coupled to the control case 93.

The control cover 94 of the control box 90 may be separated from the control case 93. For example, the control cover 94 may be separated from the control case 93 in the front direction.

According to the control cover 94 being separated from the control case 93, the board 91 and/or the electronic components 92 may be exposed to outside of the control box 90.

For example, by separating the control cover 94 from the control case 93, an electrical connection between a wire (not shown) of the first fan assembly 100 and the board 91 and/or the electronic components 92 may be disconnected. For example, by separating the control cover 94 from the control case 93, an electrical connection between the wire (not shown) of the second fan assembly 200 and the board 91 and/or the electronic components 92 may be disconnected.

For example, the control cover 94 may be screw-coupled to the control case 93 by a third fastening member S3. For example, by disassembling the third fastening member S3 while the control cover 94 is coupled to the control case 93, the control cover 94 may be separable from the control case 93.

However, the disclosure is not limited to the examples described above. The control cover 94 may be coupled to the control case 93 by various known methods. The control cover 94 may be separated from the control case 93 by various known methods.

Referring to FIG. 16, the front case 11 may be disassembled from the rear case 12. The top cover 19 may be disassembled from the rear panel 18. The control box 90 may be disassembled from the first fan assembly 100.

Meanwhile, each of FIGS. 12 to 16 exemplarily shows a state in which the front case is separated from the rear case. There may be no limitation as long as the front case 11 includes the front and upper sides of the air conditioner. There may be no limitation as long as the rear case 12 includes the rear side of the air conditioner. Here, the state in which the front case 11 is separated from the rear case 12 may include all states in which front and upper parts of the inside of the air conditioner 3 are exposed by separating some components of the housing 10. For example, the state in which the front case is separated from the rear case may refer to all states such as i) a state in which the front panel 14 and the top panel 15 are separated, ii) a state in which the front case 11 is separated (see FIGS. 12 and 13), iii) a state in which the front case 11 and the top cover 19 are separated (see FIG. 14), iv) a state in which the front case 11 and the control box 90 are separated, and v) a state in which the front case 11, the top cover 19, and the control box 90 are separated (see FIG. 16). Also, the state in which the front case is separated from the rear case may include various states in addition to the examples described above.

FIG. 17 shows an example in which a fan cover of a first fan assembly is separated. FIG. 18 shows an example of a motor cover of a first fan assembly by enlarging “B” denoted in FIG. 16. FIG. 19 shows a side cross-section of an example of a motor cover of a first fan assembly. FIG. 20 shows an example in which a motor cover of a first fan assembly is separated. FIG. 21 shows a front side of an example in which a motor cover of a first fan assembly is separated. FIG. 22 shows an example in which a first fan and a first fan motor of a first fan assembly are separated from each other.

In FIGS. 17 and 22, an example of a process of separating the first fan 110 of the first fan assembly 100 from the first fan motor 120 of the first fan assembly 100 is shown. The following description given with reference to FIGS. 17 to 22 may be based on the state in which the front case is separated from the rear case.

However, the disclosure is not limited to the examples shown in FIGS. 17 to 22. For example, the first fan 110 and the first fan motor 120 may not be separated in the order shown in FIGS. 17 to 22. For example, while the first fan 110 is separated from the first fan motor 120, some of operations shown in FIGS. 17 to 22 may be omitted. For example, while the first fan 110 is separated from the first fan motor 120, some of the operations shown in FIGS. 17 to 22 may be performed simultaneously. For example, while the first fan 110 is separated from the first fan motor 120, another operation may be added to the operations shown in FIGS. 17 to 22.

Referring to FIG. 17, the fan cover 160 may be separated from the first frame 130. For example, according to the front case 11 being separated from the rear case 12, the fan cover 160 may be separable upward from the first frame 130.

For example, the fan cover 160 may be screw-coupled to the first frame 130 by a fourth fastening member S4. For example, by disassembling the fourth fastening member S4 while the fan cover 160 is coupled to the first frame 130, the fan cover 160 may be separable from the first frame 130.

However, the present disclosure is not limited to the examples described above. The fan cover 160 may be coupled to the first frame 130 by various known methods. The fan cover 160 may be separated from the first frame 130 by various known methods.

Referring to FIGS. 18 to 21, the first motor cover 150 may be separated from the first frame 130. For example, according to the front case 11 being separated from the rear case 12, the first motor cover 150 may be separable from the first frame 130 in the front direction.

For example, the first motor cover 150 may be screw-coupled to the first frame 130 by a fifth fastening member S5. For example, by disassembling the fifth fastening member S5 while the first motor cover 150 is coupled to the first frame 130, the first motor cover 150 may be separable from the first frame 130.

However, the present disclosure is not limited to the examples described above. The first motor cover 150 may be coupled to the first frame 130 by various known methods. The first motor cover 150 may be separated from the first frame 130 by various known methods.

Referring to FIG. 19, an inner surface of the first motor cover 150 may be connected to an inner surface of the first frame 130. Therefore, the first motor cover 150 may be coupled to the first frame 130 to form the first flow path P1 through which outside air flows. The first motor cover 150 may include a surface for forming at least a part of the first flow path P1.

The first motor cover 150 may cover not only the first fan motor 120 but also a part of a lower portion of the first fan 110. The first motor cover 150 may cover a coupling portion of the first fan 110 and the first fan motor 120. The first motor cover 150 may cover the first motor coupling portion 114 of the first fan 110 and the first motor shaft 121 of the first fan motor 120.

Referring to FIGS. 20 and 21, by separating the first motor cover 150 from the first frame 130, an access to the first fan motor 120 may be made through the open part 140. By separating the first motor cover 150 from the first frame 130, an access to a part of the lower portion of the first fan 110 may be made through the open part 140.

Referring to FIGS. 20 and 21, by separating the first motor cover 150 from the first frame 130 after the front case 11 is separated from the rear case 12, the first motor coupling portion 114 and the first motor shaft 121 may be exposed from a front side of the first fan assembly 100. By separating the first motor cover 150 from the first frame 130 after the front case 11 is separated from the rear case 12, the first motor coupling portion 114 and the first motor shaft 121 may be exposed through the open part 140.

For example, a user, etc. may access the first motor coupling portion 114 and the first motor shaft 121 through the open part 140. For example, a user, etc. may decouple the first motor coupling portion 114 from the first motor shaft 121 through the open part 140 and the first opening 115.

For example, the first motor coupling portion 114 may be fastened to the first motor shaft 121 by a sixth fastening member S6. For example, by disassembling the sixth fastening member S6 while the first motor coupling portion 114 is coupled to the first motor shaft 121, the first fan 110 may be separable from the first fan motor 120.

However, the present disclosure is not limited to the examples described above. The first fan 110 may be coupled to the first fan motor 120 by various known methods. The first fan 110 may be separated from the first fan motor 120 by various known methods.

For example, by disassembling the fan cover 160 and the first motor cover 150 from the first fan assembly 100 and releasing coupling between the first fan 110 and the first fan motor 120, the first fan 110 may be separable from the first fan motor 120.

Meanwhile, unlike the order shown in the drawings, for example, after an operation of disassembling the first motor cover 150 from the first fan assembly 100 and releasing the coupling between the first fan 110 and the first fan motor 120, an operation of disassembling the fan cover 160 may be performed. For example, an operation of disassembling the first motor cover 150 from the first fan assembly 100 and releasing the coupling between the first fan 110 and the first fan motor 120 and an operation of disassembling the fan cover 160 from the first fan assembly 100 may be performed simultaneously.

Referring to FIG. 22, according to the front case 11 being separated from the rear case 12, the first fan 110 may be separable upwardly. By separating the front case 11 from the rear case 12 and then separating the fan cover 160 from the first frame 130, the first fan 110 may be separable upwardly from the first frame 130. The first fan 110 may be taken out upwardly from the first frame 130. The disassembled first fan 110 may be repaired or replaced.

For example, the first fan 110 may be separable upwardly while the entire first fan assembly 100 is not separated. For example, the first fan 110 may be separable upwardly while the first frame 130 is fixed to a portion of the housing 10. For example, the first fan 110 may be separable upwardly while the first frame 130 is coupled to the rear panel 18. For example, the first fan 110 may be separable upwardly while the first heat exchanger 40 is not removed. For example, the first fan 110 may be separable upwardly while the second fan assembly 200 is not removed.

Conventionally, in order to separate an outdoor fan, it was necessary to separate or remove a fan case containing the outdoor fan, components (for example, an air conditioner housing, a heat exchanger, a refrigerant pipe, etc.) adjacent to the outdoor fan, etc. In contrast, in the present disclosure, the first fan 110 may be separated without having to disassemble the entire first fan assembly 100. The first fan 110 may be separated without having to disassemble the entire housing 10 of the air conditioning system 1. The first fan 110 may be separated without having to remove components adjacent to the first fan assembly 100. That is, an operation of removing or separating components adjacent to the first fan assembly 100 may be omitted, and service efficiency of the first fan 110 may be improved.

Referring to FIG. 22, according to the front case 11 being separated from the rear case 12, the first fan motor 120 of the first fan assembly 100 may be separable in the front direction. According to the first motor cover 150 being separated from the first frame 130 after the front case 11 is separated from the rear case 12, the first fan motor 120 may be separable from the first frame 130 in the front direction. The first fan motor 120 may be taken out from the first frame 130 in the front direction. The first fan motor 120 may be taken out through the open part 140 in the front direction. The disassembled first fan motor 120 may be repaired or replaced.

For example, it may be possible to separate the first fan motor 120 in the front direction without separating the entire first fan assembly 100. While the first frame 130 is fixed to a portion of the housing 10, the first fan motor 120 may be separated in the front direction. For example, while the first frame 130 is coupled to the rear panel 18, the first fan motor 120 may be separated in the front direction. For example, while the first heat exchanger 40 is not removed, the first fan motor 120 may be separated in the front direction. For example, while the second fan assembly 200 is not removed, the first fan motor 120 may be separated in the front direction.

Conventionally, in order to separate an outdoor fan motor, it was necessary to separate or remove a fan case containing the outdoor fan motor, components (for example, an air conditioner housing, a heat exchanger, a refrigerant pipe, etc.) adjacent to the outdoor fan motor, etc. In contrast, in the present disclosure, the first fan motor 120 may be separated without having to disassemble the entire first fan assembly 100. The first fan motor 120 may be separated without having to disassemble the entire housing 10 of the air conditioning system 1. The first fan motor 120 may be separated without having to remove components adjacent to the first fan assembly 100. For example, an operation of removing or separating components adjacent to the first fan assembly 100 may be omitted, and service efficiency of the first fan motor 120 may be improved.

In an example of the related technology, an outdoor fan motor is fixed to the bottom of a fan case. In an example of the related technology, a coupling portion of an outdoor fan motor and an outdoor fan is positioned inside a fan case and it may be difficult to access the inside of the fan case from outside the fan case. In the above-described examples, disassembling the outdoor fan and the outdoor fan motor may involve disassembling the entire air conditioner. For example, a rear panel of a housing may need to be disassembled. For example, a heat exchanger may need to be disassembled. For example, separate welding equipment may be required to cut a refrigerant pipe. As a result, time and/or cost for disassembling the outdoor fan and the outdoor fan motor may increase. Maintenance of the outdoor fan and outdoor fan motor may be difficult. In contrast, according to the present disclosure, by disassembling the first motor cover 150 from the first frame 130 after the front case 11 is separated from the rear case 12, the coupling portion of the first fan 110 and the first fan motor 120 may be exposed in the front direction of the first fan assembly 100. For example, an access to the first motor coupling portion 114 of the first fan 110 and the first motor shaft 121 of the first fan motor 120 may be made through the open part 140 and the first opening 115. For example, an access to the first motor coupling portion 114 of the first fan 110 and the first motor shaft 121 of the first fan motor 120 may be easily made from outside the first fan assembly 100. Therefore, the first fan 110 and the first fan motor 120 may be easily separated without having to disassemble the entire air conditioner 3. The first fan 110 and the first fan motor 120 may be easily separated without separate welding equipment. As a result, time and/or cost for disassembling the first fan 110 and the first fan motor 120 may be reduced. Maintenance of the first fan 110 and first fan motor 120 may be easy.

FIG. 23 shows an example in which fastening members for fixing a second fan assembly are separated. FIG. 24 shows the example of FIG. 23 from another direction. FIG. 25 shows an example in which a second fan assembly is separated. FIG. 26 shows an example of FIG. 25 from another direction.

An example of a process of separating the second fan assembly 200 is shown in FIGS. 23 to 26. The following descriptions given with reference to FIGS. 23 to 26 may be based on the state in which the front case is separated from the rear case.

Referring to FIGS. 23 and 24, the second heat exchanger 60 and the first fan assembly 100 may surround at least a portion of the second fan assembly 200. The second heat exchanger 60 may cover at least a portion of the second fan assembly 200. The first fan assembly 100 may cover at least a portion of the second fan assembly 200.

For example, the second fan assembly 200 may include a front portion, a rear portion that is opposite to the front portion, a first side portion, and a second side portion that is opposite to the first side portion. For example, the first side portion of the second fan assembly 200 may face the second inlet 51 (see FIG. 7). For example, the front portion of the second fan assembly 200 may face the second outlet 52 (see FIG. 7).

For example, the second heat exchanger 60 may cover the first side portion of the second fan assembly 200 and a part of the front portion of the second fan assembly 200.

For example, the first fan assembly 100 may cover a part of the second side portion of the second fan assembly 100 and the rear portion of the second fan assembly 200.

The second fan assembly 200 may be separable from the second heat exchanger 60 and/or the first fan assembly 100. The second fan assembly 200 may be separable from the second heat exchanger 60 and/or the first frame 130.

For example, the second fan assembly 200 may be screw-coupled to the second heat exchanger 60 and/or the first fan assembly 100 by a seventh fastening member S7. For example, by disassembling the seventh fastening member S7 while the second fan assembly 200 is coupled to the second heat exchanger 60 and the first fan assembly 100, the second fan assembly 200 may be separable from the second heat exchanger 60 and the first fan assembly 100.

For example, the second fan assembly 200 may be hook-coupled to the first fan assembly 100. For example, the first fan assembly 100 may include a hook groove 191 (see FIG. 26) formed in the first frame 130, and the second fan assembly 200 may include a hook 291 (see FIG. 25) formed in the second frame 240 and caught by the hook groove 191. For example, the hook 291 may have a shape bent downward.

For example, according to the hook 291 of the second fan assembly 200 being accommodated in the hook groove 191 of the first fan assembly 100, the second fan assembly 200 may be stably fixed to the first fan assembly 100.

For example, when the second fan assembly 200 accommodated in a space 65 formed by the second heat exchanger 60 and the first fan assembly 100 moves upward, the hook 291 of the second fan assembly 200 may be separated from the hook groove 191 of the first fan assembly 100.

However, the present disclosure is not limited to the examples described above. The second fan assembly 200 may be coupled to the first fan assembly 100 and/or the second heat exchanger 60 by various known methods. The second fan assembly 200 may be separated from the first fan assembly 100 and/or the second heat exchanger 60 by various known methods.

Referring to FIGS. 25 and 26, according to the front case 11 being separated from the rear case 12, the second fan assembly 200 may be separable upward.

According to the front case 11 being separated from the rear case 12, the second fan assembly 200 may be taken out upward from the space 65 formed by the second heat exchanger 60 and the first fan assembly 100.

According to the front case 11 being separated from the rear case 12, the entire second fan assembly 200 may be taken out upward from the space 65 formed by the second heat exchanger 60 and the first fan assembly 100. That is, the entire second fan assembly 200 may be separated in one step.

For example, while the second heat exchanger 60 is not removed, the second fan assembly 200 may be taken out upward. For example, while the compressor 70 is not removed, the second fan assembly 200 may be taken out upward. For example, while the first fan assembly 100 is not removed, the second fan assembly 200 may be taken out upward. For example, while the entire housing 10 is not disassembled, the second fan assembly 200 may be taken out upward.

For example, while the second fan 210 is coupled to the second fan motor 220, the second fan assembly 200 may be taken out from the space 65 formed by the second heat exchanger 60 and the first fan assembly 100.

For example, while the second fan 210, the second fan motor 200, the base 230, the motor holder 250, and the second frame 240 are coupled to each other, the second fan assembly 200 may be taken out from the space 65 formed by the second heat exchanger 60 and the first fan assembly 100. At this time, the base 230 may support the second fan 210. The motor holder 250 may support the second fan motor 220. One end of the second frame 240 may be coupled to the base 230 and another end may be coupled to the motor holder 250.

For example, while the second fan 210, the second fan motor 200, the base 230, the motor holder 250, the second frame 240, the second motor cover 260, and the second fixing device 270 are coupled to each other, the second fan assembly 200 may be taken out from the space 65 formed by the second heat exchanger 60 and the first fan assembly 100.

In an example of the related technology, an indoor fan and an indoor fan motor are fixed directly to a housing, or accommodated in a fan case and fixed to the housing. In this case, the fixed portion may be covered by another component (for example, a heat exchanger, a compressor, a refrigerant pipe, etc.) of an air conditioner or interfere with another component (for example, the heat exchanger, the compressor, the refrigerant pipe, etc.) of the air conditioner. In the above-described examples, it may be difficult to separate the indoor fan and the indoor fan motor in one step. Also, disassembling the indoor fan and the indoor fan motor may involve disassembling the entire air conditioner. For example, a rear panel of the housing may need to be disassembled. For example, the heat exchanger may need to be disassembled. For example, separate welding equipment may be required to cut the refrigerant pipe. As a result, time and/or cost for disassembling the outdoor fan and the outdoor fan motor may increase.

In contrast, in the present disclosure, according to the front case 11 being separated from the rear case 12, the second fan assembly 200 may be separable upward. According to the present disclosure, the entire second fan assembly 200 may be easily separated in one step. Therefore, only the second fan assembly 200 may be separated without having to disassemble the entire air conditioner 3. For example, while the second heat exchanger 60 is fixed, the second fan assembly 200 may be separated. For example, while the compressor 70 is fixed, the second fan assembly 200 may be separated. For example, while the first fan assembly 100 is fixed, the second fan assembly 200 may be separated. As a result, a task of removing or separating components (for example, the second heat exchanger 60, the compressor 70, the first fan assembly 100, the drain pan 80, the refrigerant pipe, etc.) adjacent to the second fan assembly 200 may be omitted. The second fan assembly 200 may be easily separated without separate welding equipment. Service efficiency of the second fan assembly 200 may be improved. Maintenance of the second fan assembly 200 may be easy.

FIG. 27 shows an example in which a base of a second fan assembly is separated. FIG. 28 shows a side of the example shown in FIG. 27. FIG. 29 shows an example in which a second fan of a second fan assembly is separated. FIG. 30 shows the example shown in FIG. 29 from below. FIG. 31 shows an example in which a second fan motor of a second fan assembly is separated.

An example of a process of separating the second fan 210 of the second fan assembly 200 and the second fan motor 220 of the second fan assembly 200 is shown in FIGS. 27 to 31. The following description given with reference to FIGS. 27 to 31 may be based on the state in which the front case is separated from the rear case.

However, the present disclosure is not limited to the examples shown in FIGS. 27 to 31. For example, the second fan 210 and the second fan motor 220 may not be separated in the order shown in FIGS. 27 to 31. For example, while the second fan 210 is separated from the second fan motor 220, some of operations shown in FIGS. 27 to 31 may be omitted. For example, while the second fan 210 is separated from the second fan motor 220, some of the operations shown in FIGS. 27 to 31 may be performed simultaneously. For example, while the second fan 210 is separated from the second fan motor 220, another operation may be added to the operations shown in FIGS. 27 to 31.

Referring to FIG. 27, the base 230 may be separable from the second frame 240. The base 230 may be separable downward from the second frame 240.

For example, the base 230 may be screw-coupled to the second frame 240 by an eighth fastening member S8. For example, by disassembling the eighth fastening member S8 while the base 230 is coupled to the second frame 240, the base 230 may be separable from the second frame 240.

However, the present disclosure is not limited to the examples described above. The base 230 may be coupled to the second frame 240 by various known methods. The base 230 may be separated from the second frame 240 by various known methods.

Referring to FIGS. 28 to 30, by decoupling the second motor coupling portion 214 from the second motor shaft 221, the second fan 210 may be separable from the second fan motor 220. By decoupling the second motor coupling portion 214 from the second motor shaft 221, the second fan 210 may be disassembled. The disassembled second fan 210 may be repaired or replaced.

For example, an access to a coupling portion of the second fan 210 and the second fan motor 220 may be made through the second opening 215 of the second fan 210. For example, the second motor coupling portion 214 may be exposed to outside of the second fan 210 through the second opening 215. For example, the second motor shaft 221 coupled to the second motor coupling portion 214 may be exposed to the outside of the second fan 210 through the second opening 215. For example, a user, etc. may decouple the second motor coupling portion 214 from the second motor shaft 221 through the second opening 215.

For example, the second motor coupling portion 214 may be coupled to the second motor shaft 221 by a ninth fastening member S9. For example, by disassembling the ninth fastening member S9 while the second motor coupling portion 214 is coupled to the second motor shaft 221, the second fan 210 may be separable from the second fan motor 220.

Referring to FIG. 31, the second motor cover 260 may be separable from the motor holder 250. The second motor cover 260 may be separable upward from the motor holder 250. By separating the second motor cover 260 from the motor holder 250, the second fan motor 220 may be disassembled. The disassembled second fan motor 220 may thereafter be repaired or replaced.

For example, the second motor cover 260 may be screw-coupled to the motor holder 250 by a tenth fastening member S10. For example, by disassembling the tenth fastening member S10 while the second motor cover 260 is coupled to the motor holder 250, the second motor cover 260 may be separable from the motor holder 250.

However, the present disclosure is not limited to the examples described above. The base 230 may be coupled to the second frame 240 by various known methods. The base 230 may be separated from the second frame 240 by various known methods.

In an example of the related technology, an indoor fan and an indoor fan motor are fixed directly to a housing, or are accommodated in a fan case and fixed to the housing. In this case, the fixed portion may be covered by another component (for example, a heat exchanger, a compressor, a refrigerant pipe, etc.) of an air conditioner or interfere with another component (for example, the heat exchanger, the compressor, the refrigerant pipe, etc.) of the air conditioner. Also, in an example of the related technology, the indoor fan motor is fixed to the bottom of the housing or the bottom of the fan case. In the above-described examples, disassembling the indoor fan and the indoor fan motor may involve disassembling the entire air conditioner. For example, a rear panel of the housing may need to be disassembled. For example, the heat exchanger may need to be disassembled. For example, separate welding equipment may be required to cut the refrigerant pipe. As a result, time and/or cost for disassembling the indoor fan and the indoor fan motor may increase.

In contrast, according to the present disclosure, after the front case 11 is separated from the rear case 12, the entire second fan assembly 200 may be separated in one step, and then, the second fan 210 and the second fan motor 220 may be separated individually. Therefore, the second fan 210 and the second fan motor 220 may be easily separated without having to disassemble the entire air conditioner 3. The second fan 210 and the second fan motor 220 may be easily separated without separate welding equipment. As a result, maintenance of the second fan 210 and the second fan motor 220 may be easy.

An air conditioner according to an embodiment may include: a housing 10 including a rear case 12 facing outdoors and a front case 11 facing indoors and detachably coupled to the rear case; a first inlet 31 formed in the rear case to allow outside air to flow in; a first heat exchanger 40 configured to exchange heat with outside air flowed in through the first inlet; a first outlet 32 through which outside air passed through the first heat exchanger is discharged; a first fan assembly 100 configured to cause outside air to circulate between the first inlet and the first outlet, the first fan assembly including a first fan 110 and a first fan motor 120 configured to drive the first fan; a second inlet 51 formed in the front case to allow indoor air to flow in; a second heat exchanger 60 configured to exchange heat with indoor air flowed in through the second inlet; a second outlet 52 through which indoor air passed through the second heat exchanger is discharged; and a second fan assembly 200 configured to cause indoor air to circulate between the second inlet and the second outlet, the second fan assembly including a second fan 210 and a second fan motor 220 configured to drive the second fan. According to the front case being separated from the rear case, the second fan assembly 200 may be separable upward.

The second heat exchanger 60 and the first fan assembly 100 surround at least a portion of the second fan assembly. According to the front case being separated from the rear case, the second fan assembly may be allowed to be taken out upward from a space 65 formed by the second heat exchanger and the first fan assembly.

The second fan assembly may further include: a base 230 supporting the second fan; a motor holder 250 supporting the second fan motor; and a second frame 240 of which one end is coupled to the base and another end is coupled to the motor holder, the frame configured to guide at least one of indoor air flowing into the second fan or indoor air discharged from the second fan. The second fan assembly may be allowed to be taken out from the space 65 while the second fan, the second fan motor, the base, the motor holder, and the frame are coupled to each other.

The second fan assembly may include a first side portion facing the second inlet 51, a front portion facing the second outlet 52, a second side portion being opposite to the first side portion, and a rear portion being opposite to the front portion. The second heat exchanger 60 may cover the first side portion of the second fan assembly and a part of the front portion. The first fan assembly 100 may cover a part of the second side portion and the rear portion.

The second fan assembly may further include a base 230 supporting a lower portion of the second fan. The second fan motor 220 may be detachably coupled to an upper portion of the second fan.

The first fan assembly may further include: a first frame 130 accommodating the first fan and at least a portion of the first fan motor; and a motor cover 150 covering a front portion of the first fan motor and detachably coupled to the frame.

According to the motor cover being separated from the frame after the front case is separated from the rear case, the first fan motor 120 may be separable from the frame in a front direction.

The first fan may include a first motor coupling portion 114, the first fan motor may include a first motor shaft 121 coupled to the motor coupling portion. According to the motor cover being separated from the frame after the front case is separated from the rear case, the motor coupling portion and the motor shaft may be exposed from a front side of the first fan assembly.

An inner surface 155 of the first motor cover may be connected to an inner surface 135 of the frame such that the motor cover is coupled to the frame to form a flow path through which outside air flows.

The first fan assembly may further include: a first frame 130 accommodating the first fan and at least a portion of the first fan motor; and a fan cover 160 covering an upper portion of the first fan and detachably coupled to the frame. According to the fan cover being separated from the frame after the front case is separated from the rear case, the first fan may be separable upward from the frame.

The air conditioner may further include a compressor 70 positioned below the second fan assembly.

The first fan assembly may further include a first frame 130 extending along an extension direction of the first fan and configured to guide outside air. The second fan assembly may further include a second frame 240 being in contact with the first frame, extending along an extension direction of the second fan, and configured to guide indoor air.

The first fan assembly may further include a hook groove 191 formed in the first frame. The second fan assembly may further include a hook 291 formed in the second frame, caught by the hook groove, and having a shape bent downward.

The first frame and the second frame may partition the first fan 110 and the second fan 210 from each other.

The first heat exchanger 40 may be provided as a condenser, and the second heat exchanger 60 may be provided as an evaporator.

An air conditioner according to an embodiment may include: a housing 10 including an inlet 31 communicating with an external environment (hereafter referred as “outdoors”) and an outlet 32 distinguished from the inlet and communicating with outdoors; a heat exchanger 40 configured to exchange heat with outside air flowed into the housing through the inlet; a first frame 130 configured to guide outside air between the inlet and the outlet; a first fan 110 positioned inside the frame; a first fan motor 120 configured to transfer a driving force to the fan; an open part 140 formed by cutting a part of a front portion of the frame; and a motor cover 150 corresponding to the open part and detachably coupled to the frame. By separating the motor cover from the frame, an access to the fan motor may be made through the open part.

The first fan motor 120 may be taken out through the open part 140.

An inner surface 155 of the motor cover may be connected to an inner surface 135 of the frame such that the motor cover is coupled to the frame to form a flow path through which outdoor air flows.

An air conditioner according to an embodiment may include: a housing 10 including a rear case and a front case detachably coupled to the rear case; a first heat exchanger 40 positioned inside the housing and configured to exchange heat with outside air; a first fan assembly 100 including a first fan 110 facing at least a portion of the first heat exchanger, and a first fan motor 120 configured to drive the first fan; a second heat exchanger 60 positioned inside the housing and configured to exchange heat with indoor air; and a second fan assembly 200 including a second fan facing at least a portion of the second heat exchanger and a second fan motor configured to drive the second fan. According to the front case being separated from the rear case, the first fan motor of the first assembly may be separable in a front direction and the second fan assembly may be separable upward.

According to the front case being separated from the rear case, the first fan of the first fan assembly may be separable upward.

According to a concept of the present disclosure, convenience of use of the air conditioner may be improved.

According to a concept of the present disclosure, the air conditioner may be easily serviced.

According to a concept of the present disclosure, the fan and/or the fan motor may be easily separated without disassembling the entire air conditioner.

Effects that may be achieved according to the present disclosure are not limited to the above-mentioned effects, and other effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by one of ordinary skill in the technical field to which the present disclosure belongs from the following descriptions.

So far, specific embodiments have been shown and described. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made by one of ordinary skill in the technical art to which the present disclosure belongs without departing from the gist of the technical idea of the present disclosure defined by the claims below.