OUTDOOR UNIT OF AIR CONDITIONER

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

This application is a continuation application, claiming priority under 35 U.S.C. § 365(c), of an International application No. PCT/KR 2025/017864, filed on Nov. 4, 2025, which is based on and claims the benefit of a Korean patent application number 10-2024-0181029, filed on Dec. 6, 2024, in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The disclosure relates to an improved outdoor unit of an air conditioner for efficiently cooling a heat dissipation plate provided inside a control box.

BACKGROUND ART

In general, an air conditioner is an apparatus that controls temperature, humidity, air flow, and distribution suitable for human activities using a refrigeration cycle. The main components for executing the refrigeration cycle include a compressor, a condenser, an evaporator, a blower fan, and the like.

Air conditioners may be divided into separate air conditioners in which indoor and outdoor units are installed separately, and integrated air conditioners in which indoor and outdoor units are installed together in one cabinet. Among these, the outdoor unit of the separate air conditioner may include a cabinet and a control box provided to accommodate a printed circuit board inside the cabinet.

Inside the housing of the control box, a heat dissipation plate may be provided to dissipate heat generated by the printed circuit board, and a duct may be provided to guide air inside a cavity in the cabinet for accommodating one or more components of the outdoor unit of the air conditioner to the heat dissipation plate to cool the heat dissipation plate.

The above information is presented as background information only to assist with an understanding of the disclosure. No determination has been made, and no assertion is made, as to whether any of the above might be applicable as prior art with regard to the disclosure.

DISCLOSURE

Technical Problem

Aspects of the disclosure are to address at least the above-mentioned problems and/or disadvantages and to provide at least the advantages described below. Accordingly, an aspect of the disclosure is to provide an improved outdoor unit of an air conditioner for efficiently cooling a heat dissipation plate provided inside a housing of a control box.

Another aspect of the disclosure is to provide an outdoor unit of an air conditioner having an improved shape of a bent part formed in a discharge hole of a duct guiding air to a heat dissipation plate.

Another aspect of the disclosure is to provide an outdoor unit of an air conditioner having an airflow direction changing portion formed on a bent part formed in a discharge hole of a duct guiding air to a heat dissipation plate.

Another aspect of the disclosure is to provide an outdoor unit of an air conditioner in which an airflow direction changing portion formed on a bent part is composed of an embossed portion and an intagliated portion.

Another aspect of the disclosure is to provide an outdoor unit of an air conditioner having an improved structure of an airflow direction changing portion formed in a bent part to enable concentrated cooling of a high temperature portion of a heat dissipation plate.

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

Technical Solution

In accordance with an aspect of the disclosure, an outdoor unit of an air conditioner is provided. The outdoor unit of the air conditioner includes a cabinet configured such that a cavity for accommodating one or more components of the outdoor unit of the air conditioner is provided therein, a housing, provided inside the cabinet, and accommodating a printed circuit board therein, a heat dissipation plate, provided inside the housing, to dissipate heat generated by the printed circuit board, and a duct, provided inside the housing, to induce air inside the cavity to the heat dissipation plate. The duct includes a suction hole provided to allow air in the cavity to be sucked, a discharge hole, provided to allow air sucked into the suction hole to be discharged, and including a bent part formed to be bent toward the heat dissipation plate, and an airflow direction changing portion, formed on the bent part, and at least partially having a different height from a surface of the bent part.

In accordance with another aspect of the disclosure, an outdoor unit of an air conditioner is provided. The outdoor unit of the air conditioner includes a cabinet configured such that a cavity for accommodating one or more components of the outdoor unit of the air conditioner is provided therein, a housing, provided inside the cabinet, and accommodating a printed circuit board therein, a heat dissipation plate, provided inside the housing, to dissipate heat generated by the printed circuit board, and a duct, provided inside the housing, to induce air inside the cavity to the heat dissipation plate. The duct includes a suction hole provided to allow air in the cavity to be sucked, a discharge hole provided to allow air sucked into the suction hole to be discharged toward the heat dissipation plate, and an airflow direction changing portion, formed on at least one wall surface of wall surfaces forming the discharge hole, and at least partially having a different height from the respective at least one wall surface of the wall surfaces forming the discharge hole.

Other aspects, advantages, and salient features of the disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, which, taken in conjunction with the annexed drawings, discloses various embodiments of the disclosure.

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

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

FIG. 1 is a view illustrating an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a view illustrating an outdoor unit of the air conditioner according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 3 is a schematic view illustrating that the outdoor unit of the air conditioner are exploded according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 4 is a view illustrating a control box according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 5 is a view illustrating that a printed circuit board and a heat dissipation plate are separated from a housing of the control box according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 6 is a view illustrating that the printed circuit board and the heat dissipation plate are separated from the housing of the control box shown in FIG. 5 from another direction according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 7 is a view illustrating that an embossed portion and an intagliated portion are formed on a bent part of a duct according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a comparison between a height of a discharge hole of the duct and a height of the embossed portion according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 9 is a front view illustrating the discharge hole of the duct according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 10 is a view illustrating that the heat dissipation plate is disposed in the discharge hole of the duct according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 11 is a view illustrating a case in which a temperature of a first portion of the heat dissipation plate shown in FIG. 10 is the highest according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 12 is a view illustrating a case in which a temperature of a second portion of the heat dissipation plate shown in FIG. 10 is the highest according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 13 is a view illustrating a case in which a temperature of a third portion of the heat dissipation plate shown in FIG. 10 is the highest according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 14 is a view illustrating a case in which a temperature of a fourth portion of the heat dissipation plate shown in FIG. 10 is the highest according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 15 is a view illustrating a case in which a temperature of a fifth portion of the heat dissipation plate shown in FIG. 10 is the highest according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 16 is a view illustrating a case in which a temperature of a sixth portion of the heat dissipation plate shown in FIG. 10 is the highest according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 17 is a view illustrating that an airflow direction changing portion is formed on a bent part and a wall surface forming a discharge hole according to an embodiment of the disclosure; and

FIG. 18 is a view schematically illustrating that an airflow direction changing portion is formed in a duct of a straight shape according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Throughout the drawings, like reference numerals will be understood to refer to like parts, components, and structures.

MODE OF THE DISCLOSURE

The following description with reference to the accompanying drawings is provided to assist in a comprehensive understanding of various embodiments of the disclosure as defined by the claims and their equivalents. It includes various specific details to assist in that understanding but these are to be regarded as merely exemplary. Accordingly, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that various changes and modifications of the various embodiments described herein can be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the disclosure. In addition, descriptions of well-known functions and constructions may be omitted for clarity and conciseness.

The terms and words used in the following description and claims are not limited to the bibliographical meanings, but, are merely used by the inventor to enable a clear and consistent understanding of the disclosure. Accordingly, it should be apparent to those skilled in the art that the following description of various embodiments of the disclosure is provided for illustration purpose only and not for the purpose of limiting the disclosure as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

It is to be understood that the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to “a component surface” includes reference to one or more of such surfaces.

In connection with the explanation of the drawings, like reference numbers may be used for like or related components.

In the disclosure, each of phrases such as “A or B,” “at least one of A and B,” “at least one of A or B,” “A, B or C,” “at least one of A, B and C,” and “at least one of A, B, or C” may include any one of the items listed together in the corresponding one of the phrases, or all possible combinations thereof.

The term “and/or” includes any combination of a plurality of related items or any one of a plurality of related items.

Terms such as “first,” “second,” “primary,” and “secondary” may simply be used to distinguish a given component from other corresponding components, and do not limit the corresponding components in any other aspect (e.g., importance or order).

When any (e.g., a first) component is referred to as being “coupled” or “connected” to another (e.g., a second) component with or without the terms “functionally” or “communicatively,” this means that the any component may be connected to the other component directly (e.g., by wire), wirelessly, or through a third component.

The terms “comprises” and “has” are intended to indicate that there are features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in the disclosure, and do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

When any component is referred to as being “connected,” “coupled,” “supported” or “in contact” with another component, this includes a case in which the components are indirectly connected, coupled, supported, or in contact with each other through a third component as well as directly connected, coupled, supported, or in contact with each other.

When any component is referred to as being located “on” or “above” another component, this includes not only a case in which any component is in contact with another component but also a case in which another component is present between the two components.

Air conditioners according to various embodiments, which are apparatuses that perform functions such as air purification, ventilation, humidity control, cooling, and heating in an air conditioning space (hereinafter referred to as “indoor space”), refer to apparatuses equipped with 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 circulates through a compressor, a first heat exchanger, a tube expansion device, and a second heat exchanger. All components of the heat pump device may be built into a single housing forming an appearance of the air conditioner, and such an air conditioner corresponds to a window-type air conditioner or a mobile air conditioner. On the other hand, some components of the heat pump device may be divided and built into a plurality of housings forming a single air conditioner, and such an air conditioner corresponds to 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. As an example, the air conditioner may be configured such that a single outdoor unit and a single indoor unit are connected through a refrigerant pipe. As an example, the air conditioner may be configured such that a single outdoor unit is connected to two or more indoor units through refrigerant pipes. As an example, the air conditioner may be configured such that two or more outdoor units and two or more indoor units are connected through 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 input through an input interface provided on the outdoor or indoor unit, and the outdoor unit and indoor unit may be operated simultaneously or sequentially in response to 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 perform heat exchange between a refrigerant and outdoor air using a phase change (e.g., evaporation or condensation) of the refrigerant. For example, while the refrigerant is condensing in the outdoor heat exchanger, the refrigerant may emit heat to the outdoor air, and while the refrigerant flowing in the outdoor heat exchanger is evaporating, the refrigerant may absorb heat from the outdoor air.

The indoor unit is installed indoors. As an example, the indoor units may include a ceiling-type indoor unit, a stand-type indoor unit, a wall-mounted indoor unit, etc., depending on an arrangement method. As an example, the ceiling-type indoor units may include a four-way indoor unit, a one-way indoor unit, and a duct-type indoor unit, etc., depending on a method in which air is discharged.

Likewise, the indoor heat exchanger may perform heat exchange between the refrigerant and indoor air using the phase change (e.g., evaporation or condensation) of the refrigerant. For example, while the refrigerant is evaporating in an indoor unit, the refrigerant may absorb heat from the indoor air, and an indoor space may be cooled by blowing the indoor air cooled through the cooled indoor heat exchanger. Also, while the refrigerant is condensing in the indoor heat exchanger, the refrigerant may emit heat into the indoor air, and the indoor space may be heated by blowing the indoor air heated through the high-temperature indoor heat exchanger.

That is, the air conditioner performs a cooling or heating function through a phase change process of the refrigerant circulating along the outdoor heat exchanger and the indoor heat exchanger, and thus may include a compressor to compress the refrigerant in order to circulate the refrigerant. The compressor may suck refrigerant gas through a suction hole to compress the refrigerant gas. The compressor may discharge a high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant gas through a discharge hole. The compressor may be disposed inside the outdoor unit.

The refrigerant may circulate sequentially along the compressor, outdoor heat exchanger, tube expansion device, and indoor heat exchanger through the refrigerant pipe, or sequentially along the compressor, indoor heat exchanger, tube expansion device, and outdoor heat exchanger through the refrigerant pipe.

As an example, in a case in which one outdoor unit and one indoor unit are directly connected through the refrigerant pipe, the air conditioner may be configured such that the refrigerant circulates between the one outdoor unit and the one indoor unit through the refrigerant pipe.

As an example, in a case in which one outdoor unit is connected to two or more indoor units through the refrigerant pipes, the air conditioner may be configured such that the refrigerants flow to a plurality of the indoor units through the refrigerant pipes branched from the outdoor unit. The refrigerants discharged from the plurality of indoor units may join and circulate to the outdoor unit. As an example, the plurality of indoor units may be connected directly to the one outdoor unit in parallel through the separate refrigerant pipes, respectively.

Each of the plurality of indoor units may be operated independently depending on an operation mode set by a user. That is, some of the plurality of indoor units may be operated in a cooling mode, while the others of the plurality of indoor units may be operated in a heating mode. At this time, the refrigerant may be selectively introduced into each of the indoor units in a high or low pressure state along a designated circulation route through a flow path switching valve, which will be described later, and then may be discharged from each of the indoor units and circulate to the outdoor unit.

As an example, in a case in which two or more outdoor units and two or more indoor units are connected through the plurality of refrigerant pipes, the air conditioner may be configured such that the refrigerants discharged from the plurality of outdoor units may join and flow through one of the refrigerant pipes, and then be separated again at a certain point and be introduced into the plurality of indoor units.

All of the plurality of outdoor units may be all driven or at least some of them may not be driven depending on an operating load according to an amount of operation of the plurality of indoor units. In this case, the air conditioner may be configured such that the refrigerant is introduced into and circulates along an outdoor unit that is selectively driven through the flow path switching valve. The air conditioner may include a tube expansion device in order to lower a pressure of the refrigerant to be introduced into a heat exchanger. As an example, the tube expansion device may be disposed inside an indoor unit or inside an outdoor unit, or may be disposed inside the both.

As an example, the tube expansion device may lower a temperature and pressure of the refrigerant using a throttling effect. The tube expansion device may include an orifice capable of reducing a cross-sectional area of a flow path. The temperature and pressure of the refrigerant passed through the orifice may be lowered.

As an example, the tube expansion device may be implemented as an electronic expansion valve capable of adjusting an opening ratio (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). Depending on the opening rate of the electronic expansion valve, an amount of refrigerant passing through the tube expansion device may be controlled.

The air conditioner may further include a flow path switching valve disposed on a refrigerant circulation flow path. The flow path switching valve may include, for example, a four-way valve. The flow path switching valve may determine a refrigerant circulation route depending on the operation mode of the indoor unit (for example, cooling operation or heating operation). The flow path switching valve may be connected to a discharge side of the compressor.

The air conditioner may include an accumulator. The accumulator may be connected to a suction side of the compressor. A low-temperature and low-pressure refrigerant evaporated in the indoor heat exchanger or the outdoor heat exchanger may be introduced into the accumulator.

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

An outdoor fan may be provided adjacent to 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. As an example, the sensor of the outdoor unit may be provided as an environmental sensor. The outdoor unit sensor may be disposed at any location inside or outside the outdoor unit. As an example, the outdoor unit sensors may include a temperature sensor for detecting an air temperature around the outdoor unit, a humidity sensor for detecting an air humidity around the outdoor unit, a refrigerant temperature sensor for detecting a refrigerant temperature of the refrigerant pipe passing through the outdoor unit, or a refrigerant pressure sensor for detecting a refrigerant pressure of the refrigerant pipe passing through the outdoor unit.

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

The indoor unit of the air conditioner may include a housing, a blower for circulating air to the inside or outside of the housing, and an indoor heat exchanger for exchanging heat with air introduced into the housing.

The housing may include a suction hole. Indoor air may be introduced into the inside of the housing through the suction hole.

The indoor unit of the air conditioner may include a filter provided to filter out foreign substances in air to be introduced into the housing through the suction hole.

The housing may include a discharge hole. Air flowing inside the housing may be discharged to the outside of the housing through the discharge hole.

An airflow guide may be provided in the housing of the indoor unit to guide a direction of air to be discharged through the discharge hole. As an example, the airflow guide may include a blade located on the discharge hole. As an example, the airflow guide may include an auxiliary fan for regulating a discharge airflow. The airflow guide is not limited thereto and may be omitted.

An indoor heat exchanger and a blower disposed on a flow path connecting the suction hole and the discharge hole may be provided inside the housing of the indoor unit.

The blower may include an indoor fan and a fan motor. As an example, the indoor fan may include an axial fan, a diagonal flow fan, a crossflow fan, or a centrifugal fan.

The indoor heat exchanger may be disposed between the blower and the discharge hole, or between the suction hole and the blower. The indoor heat exchanger may absorb heat from air introduced through the suction hole or transfer heat to air introduced through the suction hole. The indoor heat exchanger may include a heat exchange pipe through which the refrigerant flows, and heat exchange fins in contact with the heat exchange pipe 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 condensate generated from the indoor heat exchanger. The condensate collected in the drain tray may be drained to the outside through a drain hose. The drain tray may be provided to support the indoor heat exchanger.

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, switch, touch screen, and/or touch pad. The user may directly input setting data (for example, desired indoor temperature, settings of operation modes for cooling/heating/dehumidification/air purification, settings of discharge hole selection, and/or settings of wind volume) 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 in the indoor space (e.g., a portion of a wall). The user may input setting data related to an operation of the air conditioner by manipulating the wired remote controller. An electrical signal corresponding to the setting data obtained through the wired remote controller may be transmitted to the input interface. Also, the input interface may include an infrared sensor. The user may remotely input the setting data related to the operations of the air conditioner using a wireless remote controller. The setting data input through the wireless remote controller may be transmitted to the input interface as an infrared signal.

Also, the input interface may include a microphone. A voice command of the user may be obtained through the microphone. The microphone may convert the voice command of the user into an electrical signal and transmit the converted electrical signal to the indoor unit controller. The indoor unit controller may control the components of the air conditioner in order to execute a function corresponding to the voice command of the user. The setting data (for example, desired indoor temperature, settings of the operation modes for cooling/heating/dehumidification/air purification, settings of discharge hole selection, and/or settings of wind volume) obtained through the input interface may be transmitted to the indoor unit controller, which will be described later. As an example, the setting data obtained through the input interface may be transmitted to the outside, that is, the outdoor unit or a server, through an indoor unit communication device, which will 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 in a space inside or outside the housing. As an 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. As an example, the indoor unit sensor may include a refrigerant temperature sensor for detecting a refrigerant temperature of the refrigerant pipe passing through the indoor unit. As an example, the indoor unit sensor may include each refrigerant temperature sensor for detecting an inlet, middle, and/or outlet temperature of the refrigerant pipe passing through the indoor heat exchanger.

As an example, each environmental information detected by the indoor unit sensor may be transmitted to the indoor unit controller, which will be described later, or may be transmitted to the outside through the indoor unit communication device, which will be described later.

The indoor unit of the air conditioner may include the indoor unit communication device. The indoor unit communication device may include at least one of a short-range communication module and a long-distance communication module. The indoor unit communication device may include at least one antenna for wireless communication with other devices. The outdoor unit may include the outdoor unit communication device. The outdoor unit communication device may also include at least one of a short-range wireless communication module and a long-distance communication module.

The short-range wireless communication module may include, but is not limited thereto, a Bluetooth communication module, a Bluetooth low energy (BLE) communication module, a near field communication module, a WLAN (Wi-Fi) communication module, a ZigBee communication module, an infrared data association (IrDA) communication module, a Wi-Fi direct (WFD) communication module, an ultra-wideband (UWB) communication module, an Ant+communication module, microwave (U-wave) communication module, and the like.

The long-distance wireless communication module may include a communication module performing various types of long-distance communication and may include a mobile communication device. The mobile communication device transmits and receives wireless signals to and from at least one of a base station, an external terminal, and a server on a mobile communication network.

The indoor unit communication device may communicate with external devices such as a server, a mobile device, and another home appliance through a nearby access point (AP). The access point (AP) may connect a local area network (LAN) to which the air conditioner or a user device is connected to a wide area network (WAN) to which the server is connected. The air conditioner or the user device may be connected to the server via the wide area network (WAN). The indoor unit of the air conditioner may include the indoor unit controller to control the components of the indoor unit, including the blower. The outdoor unit of the air conditioner may include the outdoor unit controller to control components in the outdoor unit, including the compressor. The indoor unit controller may communicate with the outdoor unit controller through the indoor unit communication device and the outdoor unit communication device. The outdoor unit communication device may transmit a control signal generated by the outdoor unit controller to the indoor unit communication device, or may transmit a control signal transmitted from the indoor unit communication device to the outdoor unit controller. That is, the outdoor unit and the indoor unit may perform two-way communication. The outdoor and indoor units may transmit and receive various signals generated while the air conditioner is operating.

The outdoor unit controller may be electrically connected to the components in the outdoor unit and control an operation of each of the components. 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 control a rotational speed of the outdoor fan. The outdoor unit controller may also generate a control signal to adjust an opening degree of the expansion valve. Under the control of the outdoor unit controller, the refrigerant may circulate along a refrigerant circulation circuit including the compressor, flow path switching valve, outdoor heat exchanger, expansion valve, and indoor heat exchanger.

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

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

The outdoor unit controller may control the components in the outdoor unit, including the compressor, based on the information about the user input received from the indoor unit. For example, when a control signal corresponding to user input for selecting an operation mode such as a cooling operation, heating operation, blowing operation, defrosting operation, or dehumidification operation is received from the indoor unit, the outdoor unit controller may control the components in the outdoor unit so that the operation of the air conditioner corresponding to the selected operation mode is performed.

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

The memory may remember/store a variety of information necessary for the operations of the air conditioner. The memory may store instructions, applications, data and/or programs necessary for the operations of the air conditioner. For example, the memory may store various programs for a cooling operation, heating operation, dehumidification operation, and/or defrosting operation of the air conditioner. The memory may include a volatile memory such as a static random access memory (S-RAM) and a dynamic random access memory (D-RAM) for temporarily remembering data. Also, 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 control signals for controlling the operations of the air conditioner based on instructions, applications, data, and/or programs stored in memory. The processor, which is hardware, may include logic circuits and arithmetic circuits. The processor may process data according to programs and/or instructions provided from the memory and generate control signals depending on the processed results. The memory and 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 may output information related to the operations of the air conditioner under the control of the indoor unit controller. For example, information such as an operation mode, wind direction, wind volume, and temperature selected by user input may be output. The output interface may also output sensing information and warning/error messages obtained from the indoor unit sensor or the outdoor unit sensor.

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

It should be appreciated that the blocks in each flowchart and combinations of the flowcharts may be performed by one or more computer programs which include instructions. The entirety of the one or more computer programs may be stored in a single memory device or the one or more computer programs may be divided with different portions stored in different multiple memory devices.

Any of the functions or operations described herein can be processed by one processor or a combination of processors. The one processor or the combination of processors is circuitry performing processing and includes circuitry like an application processor (AP, e.g. a central processing unit (CPU)), a communication processor (CP, e.g., a modem), a graphics processing unit (GPU), a neural processing unit (NPU) (e.g., an artificial intelligence (AI) chip), a wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) chip, a Bluetooth® chip, a global positioning system (GPS) chip, a near field communication (NFC) chip, connectivity chips, a sensor controller, a touch controller, a finger-print sensor controller, a display driver integrated circuit (IC), an audio CODEC chip, a universal serial bus (USB) controller, a camera controller, an image processing IC, a microprocessor unit (MPU), a system on chip (SoC), an IC, or the like.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a view illustrating an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 1, the air conditioner may include an indoor unit 20 disposed in an indoor space and an outdoor unit 10 disposed in an outdoor space.

The air conditioner may absorb heat in the inside of an air conditioning space and release heat in the outside of the air conditioning space, in order to cool the air conditioning space, which is an object of air conditioning. Additionally, the air conditioner may absorb heat in the outside of the air conditioning space and release heat in the inside of the air conditioning space, in order to heat the air conditioning space.

The outdoor unit 10 may exchange heat with outdoor air in the outside of the air conditioning space. The outdoor unit 10 may perform heat exchange between a refrigerant and outdoor air by utilizing a phase change of the refrigerant. For example, the outdoor unit 10 may release heat of the refrigerant to outdoor air by utilizing condensation of the refrigerant. Additionally, the outdoor unit 10 may absorb heat from the outdoor air into the refrigerant by utilizing evaporation of the refrigerant.

Although the one outdoor unit 10 is shown in the drawing, the disclosure is not limited thereto. The air conditioner may include a plurality of the outdoor units 10.

The outdoor unit 10 may include an outdoor heat exchanger 11 configured to exchange heat with outdoor air, and a compressor 12 configured to compress refrigerant gas (see FIG. 3).

A detailed description of a configuration of the outdoor unit 10 will be provided later.

The indoor unit 20 may exchange heat with indoor air inside the air conditioning space. The indoor unit 20 may perform heat exchange between the refrigerant and indoor air by utilizing the phase change of the refrigerant. For example, the indoor unit 20 may cool the air conditioning space by absorbing heat from the indoor air into the refrigerant through evaporation of the refrigerant. Additionally, the indoor unit 20 may heat the air conditioning space by releasing heat from the refrigerant into the indoor air by utilizing condensation of the refrigerant.

The indoor unit 20 may include an indoor heat exchanger configured to exchange heat with indoor air, an indoor blower fan configured to suck and blow indoor air so that the indoor air passes through the indoor heat exchanger, and an expansion valve unit configured to decompress and expand the refrigerant.

Although the drawing illustrates the one indoor unit, the disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the air conditioner may include a plurality of the indoor units 20. The plurality of indoor units 20 different from each other may be installed in a plurality of the air conditioning spaces different from each other, respectively.

Although the drawing illustrates that the indoor unit 20 is a ceiling-type one-way indoor unit in which air is discharged in one direction, this is merely an example, and the indoor unit 20 may include a ceiling-type indoor unit, a stand-type indoor unit, a wall-mounted indoor unit, etc. Additionally, the indoor unit 20 may include a duct-type indoor unit and a four-way type indoor unit in which air is discharged in four directions, which are a ceiling-type indoor unit.

As such, the air conditioner may perform heat exchange between the refrigerant outside the air conditioning space and outdoor air and heat exchange between the refrigerant inside the air conditioning space and indoor air.

In this case, the air conditioner may include a connecting pipe P for delivering the refrigerant between the indoor unit 20 and the outdoor unit 10 to move heat between the outside of the air conditioning space and the inside of the air conditioning space. The connecting pipe P may allow the refrigerant to flow between the outside of the air conditioning space and the inside of the air conditioning space. The outdoor unit 10 may be configured to be connected to the indoor unit 20. More specifically, the indoor unit 20 and the outdoor unit 10 may be connected to each other through the connecting pipe P allowing the refrigerant to be delivered. The type of the refrigerant may include a flammable refrigerant and a non-flammable refrigerant. Additionally, the type of the refrigerant may include a refrigerant having properties that are heavier than air and a refrigerant having properties that are lighter than air.

The configuration of the air conditioner described above is only an example of an air conditioner to which the outdoor unit 10 of the air conditioner according to the disclosure may be applied, and the disclosure is not limited thereto. The configuration of the air conditioner, the indoor unit 20 included therein, the connecting pipe P, etc., to which the outdoor unit 10 of the air conditioner according to the disclosure may be applied, may be provided in various ways.

FIG. 2 is a view illustrating an outdoor unit of the air conditioner according to an embodiment of the disclosure. FIG. 3 is a schematic view illustrating that the outdoor unit of the air conditioner are exploded according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the outdoor unit 10 of the air conditioner may include the outdoor heat exchanger 11 configured to exchange heat with outdoor air, the compressor 12 configured to compress the refrigerant, a fan 13 configured to suck outdoor air into the inside of the cabinet 100 and discharge the air back to the outside of the cabinet 100 so that the outdoor air passes through the outdoor heat exchanger 11, and a cabinet 100 forming an appearance of the outdoor unit 10.

The cabinet 100 may form the appearance of the outdoor unit 10. Inside the cabinet 100, various components of the outdoor unit 10, such as the outdoor heat exchanger 11, the compressor 12, the fan 13, a refrigerant pipe (not shown), which will be described later, and a control box 140, may be accommodated.

The cabinet 100 may include an airflow inlet 131 formed to allow air to be introduced therethrough and a fan airflow discharge hole 111 formed to allow air to be discharged therethrough. As the fan 13 rotates, air outside the cabinet 100 may be introduced through the airflow inlet 131, exchange heat with the outdoor heat exchanger 11, and then be discharged to the outside of the cabinet 100 through the fan airflow discharge hole 111.

The outdoor unit 10 may include a partition wall 180. The partition wall 180 may extend in an upward direction (+Z direction) from a base 172 (as described later).

The partition wall 180 may partition the inside of the cabinet 100 into a first space R1 and a second space R2. As an example, the first space R1 and the second space R2 may be disposed in a left-right direction (+and-Y directions) in the drawings, and the partition wall 180 may be disposed to extend in an up-down direction (+and-Z directions) in the drawing to partition the inside of the cabinet 100.

That is, the outdoor unit 10 may include the first space R1 formed inside the cabinet 100. In the first space R1, components such as the compressor 12 and the control box 140, which will be described later, may be disposed. The first space R1 may be a cavity for accommodating one or more components of the outdoor unit 10.

Additionally, the outdoor unit 10 may include the second space R2 formed inside the cabinet 100. The second space R2 may be provided such that heat exchange of the refrigerant may be performed therein.

More specifically, outdoor air may be introduced into the second space R2, and the introduced air may be discharged back to the outside. In the second space R2, heat exchange may be performed between the outdoor heat exchanger 11 and air introduced from outside. Components such as the outdoor heat exchanger 11 and the fan 13 may be disposed in the second space R2.

As an example, cabinet 100 may be formed to have a substantially box shape.

Hereinafter, an example of a structure of the cabinet 100 will be described.

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

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

The cabinet 100 may include a second front cover 110. The second front cover 110 may cover the front of the second space R2. The fan airflow discharge hole 111 may be formed on the second front cover 110.

As an example, the first front cover 120 may be formed in a substantially flat plate shape. Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, the first front cover 120 will be referred to as ‘front cover 120’ and described as the front cover 120. Accordingly, the cabinet 100 may be expressed and described as including the front cover 120 provided to cover the front of the outdoor unit 10.

The front cover 120 may include a front exhaust hole 121. The front exhaust hole 121 may communicate the first space R1 with the outside of the outdoor unit 10 so that when the refrigerant leaks from a refrigerant pipe accommodated in the cabinet 100, the leaked refrigerant is discharged to the outside of the outdoor unit 10. That is, the front exhaust hole 121 may be formed to penetrate the front cover 120.

The front exhaust hole 121 may be provided in plurality. That is, the front cover 120 may include a plurality of the front exhaust holes 121. The plurality of front exhaust holes 121 may be arranged in the up-down direction on one surface of the front cover 120. Although the drawing illustrates that the plurality of front exhaust holes 121 is located on a side portion (+Y side) of the front cover 120, this is only an example, and the plurality of front exhaust holes 121 may be formed at various locations in the front cover 120 to communicate the first space R1 with the outside.

The leaked refrigerant may have properties heavier than air depending on the type thereof. Therefore, the refrigerant that has leaked out may be accumulated in a lower side of a space in which the refrigerant pipe is disposed. In this case, because the plurality of front exhaust holes 121 arranged in the up-down direction is formed on one surface of the front cover 120, the leaked refrigerant accumulated in the first space R1 in which the refrigerant pipe is disposed may be exhausted to the outside through the plurality of front exhaust holes 121.

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

As an example, the second front cover 110 and the front cover 120 (the first front cover) may be arranged side by side in the left-right direction. The second front cover 110 and the front cover 120 (the first front cover) may be coupled to each other.

The cabinet may include a rear frame 130. The rear frame 130 may be provided to cover the rear (−X direction) of the cabinet.

The rear frame 130 may include a first rear frame 133. The first rear frame 133 may form one portion of the rear appearance of the outdoor unit 10. The first rear frame 133 may be disposed at the rear of the second space R2. The airflow inlet 131 may be formed on the first rear frame 133.

The first rear frame 133 may be disposed such that one surface thereof faces the second front cover 110.

The rear frame 130 may include a second rear frame 132. The second rear frame 132 may form the other portion of the rear appearance of the outdoor unit 10. The second rear frame 132 may cover the rear of the first space R1.

The second rear frame 132 may be disposed such that one surface thereof faces the front cover 120.

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

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

The second side cover 150 may cover the second space R2. The second side cover 150 may cover the second space R2 from the left direction. A side airflow inlet 151 may be formed on the second side cover 150.

The second side cover 150 may be coupled to the second front cover 110. The second side cover 150 may be connected to the first rear frame 133.

As an example, the second side cover 150 may be disposed to extend in a front-rear direction (+and −X directions).

Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, the first side cover 160 will be referred to as ‘side cover 160’ and described as the side cover 160. Accordingly, the side cover 160 may be expressed and described as being able to form one surface in the right direction (+Y direction) of the outdoor unit 10.

The side cover 160 may be coupled to the front cover 120. The side cover 160 may be coupled to the second rear frame 132.

As an example, the side cover 160 may be disposed to extend in the front-rear direction (+and −X directions).

The side cover 160 may be disposed such that one surface thereof faces the second side cover 150.

As an example, the side cover 160 may include a plurality of side exhaust holes 161 provided such that the first space R1 is communicated with the outside of the outdoor unit 10. Air inside the first space R1 may flow from the first space R1 to the outside through the plurality of side exhaust holes 161.

The plurality of side exhaust holes 161 may be arranged in the front-rear direction (+and −X directions) on one surface of the side cover 160.

The plurality of side exhaust holes 161 may be located on a lower side of the side cover 160. When the refrigerant leaks from the refrigerant pipe, the leaked refrigerant may flow into the first space R1. The leaked refrigerant may have properties heavier than air depending on the type thereof. Therefore, the refrigerant that has leaked out may be accumulated in the lower side of the space in which the refrigerant pipe is disposed. In this case, because the plurality of side exhaust holes 161 is formed on the lower side of the side cover 160, the leaked refrigerant accumulated in the first space in which the refrigerant pipe is disposed may be exhausted to the outside through the plurality of side exhaust holes 161.

The cabinet 100 may include the base 172. The base 172 may form a bottom surface of the outdoor unit 10. The base 172 may be disposed on one side of lower portions of the first space R1 and the second space R2. The base 172 may support various components of the outdoor unit 10, which are accommodated inside the cabinet 100, from a lower side.

The base 172 may be coupled to a lower portion of each of the first front cover 120, the second front cover 110, the second rear frame 132, the first side cover 160, and the second side cover 150.

The base 172 may be formed to have a substantially flat plate shape.

The cabinet 100 may include a top cover 171. The top cover 171 may form an upper surface of the outdoor unit 10.

The top cover 171 may cover upper portions of the first space R1 and the second space R2. The top cover 171 may cover various components of the outdoor unit 10, which are accommodated inside the cabinet 100, from an upper side.

The top cover 171 may be coupled to an upper portion of each of the first front cover 120, the second front cover 110, the second rear frame 132, the first side cover 160, and the second side cover 150.

The top cover 171 may be formed to have a substantially flat plate shape.

The top cover 171 may be disposed such that one surface thereof faces the base 172.

The cabinet 100 may include a discharge hole grille 193. The discharge hole grille 193 may cover the front of the second front cover 110. The discharge hole grille 193 may cover the front of the fan airflow discharge hole 111. The discharge hole grille 193 may be coupled to the second front cover 110. The discharge hole grille 193 may form one portion of the front (+X direction) appearance of the outdoor unit 10.

The discharge hole grille 193 may be formed to substantially include the shape of a grille so as to cover the fan airflow discharge hole 111 and allow air to be discharged from the fan airflow discharge hole 111.

The cabinet 100 may include an outer cover 191. The outer cover 191 may cover the front cover 120 from the front. The outer cover 191 may be coupled to the front cover 120.

The outer cover 191 may form the other portion of the front (+X direction) appearance of the outdoor unit 10.

As an example, the discharge hole grille 193 and the outer cover 191 may be arranged side by side in the left-right direction (+and −Y directions). The discharge hole grille 193 and the outer cover 191 may be coupled to each other.

The components included in cabinet 100 may be provided to be separable from each other. As an example, the front cover 120 may be provided to be separable from the second front cover 110, the side cover 160, the top cover 171, the base 172, etc.

As an example, the side cover 160 may be provided to be separable from the front cover 120, the second rear frame 132, the top cover 171, the base 172, etc.

As an example, the top cover 171 may be provided to be separable from the first front cover 120, the second front cover 110, the second rear frame 132, the first side cover 160, the second side cover 150, etc.

Accordingly, when a worker needs to perform work such as inspecting, replacing, or repairing components inside the outdoor unit 10, the worker may perform the work by separating at least one component of the cabinet 100.

The configuration of the cabinet 100 that may be included in the air conditioner according to the disclosure is not limited to that described above.

The outdoor heat exchanger 11 may be configured to exchange heat with outdoor air. The outdoor heat exchanger 11 may be configured such that the refrigerant flows therethrough. Heat exchange between the refrigerant and outdoor air may be performed in the outdoor heat exchanger 11.

For example, during a cooling operation of the air conditioner, in the outdoor heat exchanger 11, high pressure and high temperature refrigerant gas is condensed, and the refrigerant may release heat to outdoor air while the refrigerant is condensed. During the cooling operation of the air conditioner, the outdoor heat exchanger 11 may discharge refrigerant liquid.

Additionally, during a heating operation of the air conditioner, in the outdoor heat exchanger 11, low temperature and low pressure refrigerant liquid evaporates, and the refrigerant may absorb heat from outdoor air while the refrigerant evaporates. During the heating operation of the air conditioner, the outdoor heat exchanger 11 may discharge refrigerant gas.

The outdoor heat exchanger 11 may be disposed to face the airflow inlet 131 in the second space R2.

The compressor 12 may compress the refrigerant gas and discharge the high temperature and high pressure refrigerant gas. For example, the compressor 12 may include a motor and a compression mechanism, and the compression mechanism may compress the refrigerant gas by torque of the motor.

The outdoor unit 10 of the air conditioner may include a refrigerant pipe. The refrigerant pipe may be disposed inside the cabinet 100. The refrigerant pipe may be connected to various devices in the first space R1 through which the refrigerant flows, so that the refrigerant may flow through the refrigerant pipe.

The outdoor unit 10 may include the control box 140. The outdoor unit 10 may include a printed circuit board 141 configured to control operations of various components of the outdoor unit 10. Various electronic components may be mounted on the printed circuit board 141. The printed circuit board 141 may be accommodated in the housing 142 of the control box 140. The control box 140 may be disposed in the first space R1 (see FIGS. 4 to 6).

More specifically, the printed circuit board 141 provided inside the housing 142 of the control box 140 may be electrically connected to various components of the outdoor unit 10, such as the compressor 12, the fan motor 14, a plate heat exchanger, and an expansion tank 22. Through this, the printed circuit board 141 may be configured to control the operations of various components of the outdoor unit 10. Alternatively, the printed circuit board 141 may be configured to receive detection signals from various sensors provided in the compressor 12, the outdoor heat exchanger 11, and the like (see FIGS. 4 to 6).

The outdoor unit 10 may include the fan 13 configured to flow air, and the fan motor 14 configured to generate a rotational force for rotating the fan 13.

As an example, the outdoor unit 10 may include a motor bracket 15 configured to support the fan 13 and the fan motor 14. The motor bracket 15 may be disposed in the second space R2.

As an example, the outdoor unit 10 may include a plate heat exchanger (not shown). The plate heat exchanger may be configured to exchange heat between the refrigerant and water. The plate heat exchanger may be disposed inside the cabinet 100. As an example, the plate heat exchanger may be disposed in the first space R1.

As an example, the outdoor unit 10 may include a water pipe provided such that water is introduced or discharged therethrough. The water pipe may be connected to the plate heat exchanger. At least a portion of the water pipe may be disposed inside the cabinet 100. As an example, at least a portion of the water pipe may be disposed in the first space R1.

Water introduced into the outdoor unit 10 through the water pipe from the outside may perform heat exchange with the high temperature refrigerant inside the plate heat exchanger. The water inside the plate heat exchanger may absorb heat from the high temperature refrigerant and be delivered back to the outside of the outdoor unit 10 through the water pipe.

As an example, the outdoor unit 10 may include the expansion tank 22. When a water temperature increases due to the plate heat exchanger, a volume inside the water pipe may increase, and thus the expansion tank 22 may be provided to prevent a water pressure from suddenly increasing due to this. The expansion tank 22 may be disposed inside the cabinet 100. As an example, the expansion tank 22 may be disposed in the first space R1.

As such, the outdoor unit 10 according to an embodiment may constitute a part of a heating system for supplying hot water, including the plate heat exchanger, the water pipe, and the expansion tank 22.

However, the disclosure is not limited thereto, and in the air conditioner according to an embodiment, the plate heat exchanger, the water pipe, and the expansion tank 22 may be provided outside the outdoor unit 10. Alternatively, the air conditioner according to an embodiment may not have a heating system.

FIG. 4 is a view illustrating a control box according to an embodiment of the disclosure. FIG. 5 is a view illustrating that a printed circuit board and a heat dissipation plate are separated from a housing of the control box according to an embodiment of the disclosure. FIG. 6 is a view illustrating that the printed circuit board and the heat dissipation plate are separated from the housing of the control box shown in FIG. 5 from another direction according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring to FIGS. 4 to 6, the printed circuit board 141 may be accommodated inside the housing 142 of the control box 140. The printed circuit board 141 may be accommodated in an upper portion of the housing 142 of the control box 140.

A heat dissipation plate 143 may be provided inside the housing 142 of the control box 140 to dissipate heat generated by the printed circuit board 141. The heat dissipation plate 143 may be located on the left side of the housing 142 of the control box 140 in the drawings.

A duct 200 may be provided inside the housing 142 of the control box 140. The duct 200 may induce air inside the cavity R1 (see FIG. 3) to the heat dissipation plate 143. The heat dissipation plate 143 may be cooled by the air induced by the duct 200. The duct 200 may be located in a lower portion of the inside of the housing 142 of the control box 140.

The duct 200 may include a suction hole 210 provided to allow air inside the cavity R1 to be sucked. The suction hole 210 may be formed to be open toward the cavity R1. Air inside the cavity R1 may be sucked through the suction hole 210 and induced to the heat dissipation plate 143 (see FIG. 3).

The duct 200 may include a discharge hole 220 through which air sucked into the suction hole 210 is discharged. The heat dissipation plate 143 may be disposed in the discharge hole 220. The air sucked through the suction hole 210 and discharged through the discharge hole 220 may be induced to the heat dissipation plate 143. The heat dissipation plate 143 may be cooled by the air induced to the heat dissipation plate 143. The air inside the cavity R1 may be sucked through the suction hole 210 and discharged through the discharge hole 220 based on at least one of a suction generated by the fan 13 disposed in the second space R2, a suction generated by another fan, or a suction generated by a passive movement of air.

The discharge hole 220 may be formed in a quadrangular shape. The discharge hole 220 may be formed by four wall surfaces 221 having a quadrangular shape. The discharge hole 220 may include a bent part 223 formed by being bent so as to face the heat dissipation plate 143. The bent part 223 may be formed on a lower wall surface among the four wall surfaces 221 forming the discharge hole 220.

An airflow direction changing portion 230 may be formed on the bent part 223. The airflow direction changing portion 230 may be formed in plurality. The airflow direction changing portion 230 may be provided to at least partially have a height different from a surface of the bent part 223. The airflow direction changing portion 230 at least partially having a different height from the surface of the bent part 223 may change a direction of air passing through the bent part 223 depending on the height of the airflow direction changing portion 230. A detailed description of this will be provided later.

FIG. 7 is a view illustrating that an embossed portion and an intagliated portion are formed on a bent part of a duct according to an embodiment of the disclosure. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a comparison between a height of a discharge hole of the duct and a height of the embossed portion according to an embodiment of the disclosure. FIG. 9 is a front view illustrating the discharge hole of the duct according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 7, the airflow direction changing portion 230 may be formed on the bent part 223 formed in the discharge hole 220 of the duct 200. Air passing through the airflow direction changing portion 230 may change a direction depending on the height of the airflow direction changing portion 230. The higher the height of the airflow direction changing portion 230, air passing through the airflow direction changing portion 230 may be induced to direct to a farther and higher place. Conversely, the lower the height of the airflow direction changing portion 230, air passing through the airflow direction changing portion 230 may be induced to direct to a closer and lower place.

The airflow direction changing portion 230 may include an embossed portion 231 formed to protrude from the surface of the bent part 223. The embossed portion 231 may have a height higher than the surface of the bent part 223. Because the embossed portion 231 has a higher height than the surface of the bent part 223, air passing through the embossed portion 231 may be induced to direct to a place farther and higher than air passing through the surface of the bent part 223. The air induced to direct to a farther and higher place by passing through the embossed portion 231 may cool the heat dissipation plate 143 (see FIG. 4).

The airflow direction changing portion 230 may include an intagliated portion 232 formed on one side of the embossed portion 231. The intagliated portion 232 may be formed to have a lower height than the embossed portion 231. The intagliated portion 232 may have the same height as the surface of the bent part 223. That is, the surface of bent part 223 may become the intagliated portion 232. Although the drawing illustrates that the intagliated portion 232 has the same height as the surface of the bent part 223, the disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the intagliated portion 232 may be formed to have a lower height than the surface of the bent part 223. The intagliated portion 232 may be formed to be recessed in the surface of the bent part 223. That is, in a case in which the intagliated portion 232 is formed to have a lower height than the embossed portion 231, the intagliated portion 232 may have the same height as the surface of the bent part 223, or may have a higher or lower height than the surface of the bent part 223. Because the intagliated portion 232 has a lower height than the embossed portion 231, air passing through the intagliated portion 232 may be induced to direct to a closer and lower place than air passing through the embossed portion 231. The air induced to direct to a closer and lower place by passing through the intagliated portion 232 may cool the heat dissipation plate 143 (see FIG. 4).

As described above, as it is possible for a flow of air passed through the embossed portion 231 to reach an upper portion of the heat dissipation plate 143 and a flow of air passed through the intagliated portion 232 passes through a lower portion of the heat dissipation plate 143, a flow amount of whole air to cool the heat dissipation plate 143 may increase. Additionally, because the flow amount of air to cool the heat dissipation plate 143 increases, an area of the heat dissipation plate 143 may increase, so that the performance of the heat dissipation plate 143, which is provided to dissipate heat from the printed circuit board 141, may be improved.

The embossed portion 231 and the intagliated portion 232 may be provided in plurality. The plurality of embossed portions 231 and intagliated portions 232 may be formed alternately. That is, the intagliated portion 232 may be formed on both sides of the embossed portion 231. The embossed portion 231 may be formed on both sides of the intagliated portion 232.

The embossed portion 231 may protrude from the surface of the bent part 223 to have a height of about 10 percent or less of a height H1 of the discharge hole 220. The embossed portion 231 may protrude to have the same height. That is, the embossed portion 231 may have a height H2 of protruding from the surface of the bent part 223 by a height of about 10 percent or less of the height H1 of the discharge hole 220. The embossed portion 231 may have the height H2 of protruding higher than the intagliated portion 232 by a height of about 10 percent or less of the height H1 of the discharge hole 220. Although the drawing illustrates that the plurality of embossed portions 231 has the same height, the disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, in a case in which the plurality of embossed portions 231 has a height higher than the height of the plurality of intagliated portions 232, the plurality of embossed portions 231 may be formed to have different heights. Also, in a case in which the plurality of intagliated portions 232 has a height lower than the height of the plurality of embossed portions 231, the plurality of intagliated portions 232 may be formed to have different heights.

The embossed portion 231 and the intagliated portion 232 may each be formed to have a width of about 50 percent or less of a width W1 of the discharge hole 220. The embossed portion 231 and the intagliated portion 232 may be formed to have the same width. That is, a width W2 of the embossed portion 231 may be formed to have a width of about 50 percent or less of the width W1 of the discharge hole 220. The width W2 of the intagliated portion 232 may be formed to have a width of about 50 percent or less of the width W1 of the discharge hole 220. Although the drawing illustrates that the plurality of embossed portions 231 and the plurality of intagliated portions 232 have the same width, the disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the plurality of embossed portions 231 and the plurality of intagliated portions 232 may be formed to have different widths. Also, the plurality of embossed portions 231 may be formed to have different widths. Also, the plurality of intagliated portions 232 may be formed to have different widths.

FIG. 10 is a view illustrating that the heat dissipation plate is disposed is the discharge hole of the duct according to an embodiment of the disclosure. FIG. 11 is a view illustrating a case in which a temperature of a first portion of the heat dissipation plate shown in FIG. 10 is the highest according to an embodiment of the disclosure. FIG. 12 is a view illustrating a case in which a temperature of a second portion of the heat dissipation plate shown in FIG. 10 is the highest according to an embodiment of the disclosure. FIG. 13 is a view illustrating a case in which a temperature of a third portion of the heat dissipation plate shown in FIG. 10 is the highest according to an embodiment of the disclosure. FIG. 14 is a view illustrating a case in which a temperature of a fourth portion of the heat dissipation plate shown in FIG. 10 is the highest according to an embodiment of the disclosure. FIG. 15 is a view illustrating a case in which a temperature of a fifth portion of the heat dissipation plate shown in FIG. 10 is the highest according to an embodiment of the disclosure. FIG. 16 is a view illustrating a case in which a temperature of a sixth portion of the heat dissipation plate shown in FIG. 10 is the highest according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 10, the heat dissipation plate 143 may be disposed in the discharge hole 220 of the duct 200. The plurality of embossed portions 231 and the plurality of intagliated portions 232 may be formed on the bent part 223 of the discharge hole 220 to be arranged alternately.

In a case in which a temperature of the heat dissipation plate 143 is uniform throughout, the plurality of embossed portions 231 and the plurality of intagliated portions 232 are arranged alternately, but in a case in which temperatures of portions of the heat dissipation plate 143 are high, the plurality of embossed portions 231 and the plurality of intagliated portions 232 may be formed to have different numbers depending on the location of a portion of the heat dissipation plate 143 having the highest temperature. For example, in a portion of the bent part 223, a number of the embossed portions 231 may be formed to be larger than a number of the intagliated portions 232. Alternatively, in a portion of the bent part 223, the number of the intagliated portions 232 may be formed to be larger than the number of the embossed portions 231.

Referring to FIG. 11, the heat dissipation plate 143 may include a first portion 144, which is located at an upper left portion of the heat dissipation plate 143. In a case in which a temperature of the first portion 144 of the heat dissipation plate 143 is the highest, the first portion 144 may need to be cooled intensively. In order to intensively cool the first portion 144, the number of the embossed portions 231 on a left portion of the bent part 223 may be formed to be larger than the number of the intagliated portions 232. When the number of the embossed portions 231 on the left portion of the bent part 223 is formed to be larger than the number of the intagliated portions 232, air on the left portion of the bent part 223 may be induced to direct to a farther and higher place than on the other portions. Through this, the first portion 144 of the heat dissipation plate 143 may be cooled more intensively than other portions.

Referring to FIG. 12, the heat dissipation plate 143 may include a second portion 145, which is a central upper portion of the heat dissipation plate 143. The second portion 145 may be located on the right side of the first portion 144. In a case in which a temperature of the second portion 145 of the heat dissipation plate 143 is the highest, the second portion 145 may need to be cooled intensively. In order to intensively cool the second portion 145, the number of the embossed portions 231 on a central portion of the bent part 223 may be formed to be larger than the number of the intagliated portions 232. When the number of the embossed portions 231 on the central portion of the bent part 223 is formed to be larger than the number of the intagliated portions 232, air on the central portion of the bent part 223 may be induced to direct to a farther and higher place than on the other portions. Through this, the second portion 145 of the heat dissipation plate 143 may be cooled more intensively than other portions.

Referring to FIG. 13, the heat dissipation plate 143 may include a third portion 146, which is located on an upper right portion of the heat dissipation plate 143. The third portion 146 may be located on the right side of the second portion 145. In a case in which a temperature of the third portion 146 of the heat dissipation plate 143 is the highest, the third portion 146 may need to be cooled intensively. In order to intensively cool the third portion 146, the number of the embossed portions 231 on a right portion of the bent part 223 may be formed to be larger than the number of the intagliated portions 232. When the number of the embossed portions 231 on the right portion of the bent part 223 is formed to be larger than the number of the intagliated portions 232, air on the right portion of the bent part 223 may be induced to direct to a farther and higher place than on the other portions. Through this, the third portion 146 of the heat dissipation plate 143 may be cooled more intensively than other portions.

Referring to FIG. 14, the heat dissipation plate 143 may include a fourth portion 147, which is located on a lower left portion of the heat dissipation plate 143. The fourth portion 147 may be located below the first portion 144. In a case in which a temperature of the fourth portion 147 of the heat dissipation plate 143 is the highest, the fourth portion 147 may need to be cooled intensively. In order to intensively cool the fourth portion 147, the number of the intagliated portions 232 on the left portion of the bent part 223 may be formed to be larger than the number of the embossed portions 231. When the number of the intagliated portions 232 on the left portion of the bent part 223 is formed to be larger than the number of the embossed portions 231, air on the left portion of the bent part 223 may be induced to direct to a closer and lower place than on the other portions. Through this, the fourth portion 147 of the heat dissipation plate 143 may be cooled more intensively than other portions.

Referring to FIG. 15, the heat dissipation plate 143 may include a fifth portion 148, which is located on a central lower portion of the heat dissipation plate 143. The fifth portion 148 may be located below the second portion 145. The fifth portion 148 may be located on the right side of the fourth portion 147. In a case in which a temperature of the fifth portion 148 of the heat dissipation plate 143 is the highest, the fifth portion 148 may need to be cooled intensively. In order to intensively cool the fifth portion 148, the number of the intagliated portions 232 on the central portion of the bent part 223 may be formed to be larger than the number of the embossed portions 231. When the number of the intagliated portions 232 on the central portion of the bent part 223 is formed to be larger than the number of the embossed portions 231, air on the central portion of the bent part 223 may be induced to direct to a closer and lower place than on the other portions. Through this, the fifth portion 148 of the heat dissipation plate 143 may be cooled more intensively than other portions.

Referring to FIG. 16, the heat dissipation plate 143 may include a sixth portion 149, which is located on a lower right portion of the heat dissipation plate 143. The sixth portion 149 may be located below the third portion 146. The sixth portion 149 may be located on the right of the fifth portion 148. In a case in which a temperature of the sixth portion 149 of the heat dissipation plate 143 is the highest, the sixth portion 149 may need to be cooled intensively. In order to intensively cool the sixth portion 149, the number of the intagliated portions 232 on the right portion of the bent part 223 may be formed to be larger than the number of the embossed portions 231. When the number of the intagliated portions 232 on the right portion of the bent part 223 is formed to be larger than the number of the embossed portions 231, air on the right portion of the bent part 223 may be induced to direct to a closer and lower place than on the other portions. Through this, the sixth portion 149 of the heat dissipation plate 143 may be cooled more intensively than other portions.

FIG. 17 is a view illustrating that an airflow direction changing portion is formed on a bent part and a wall surface forming a discharge hole according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 17, the airflow direction changing portion 230 may be formed on the wall surface 221 forming the discharge hole 220 of the duct 200. The wall surface 221 forming the discharge hole 220 may include the bent part 223. The airflow direction changing portion 230 may be formed on the bent part 223 formed in the discharge hole 220 of the duct 200. Air passing through the airflow direction changing portion 230 may change the direction depending on the height of the airflow direction changing portion 230. A configuration of the airflow direction changing portion 230 may be the same as the configuration of the airflow direction changing portion 230 illustrated in FIG. 7.

An airflow direction changing portion 240 may be formed on the other wall surface 221 other than the bent part 223 among the wall surfaces 221 forming the discharge hole 220 of the duct 200. Depending on the shape of the heat dissipation plate 143 disposed in the discharge hole 220, the airflow direction changing portion 240 may be formed on the other wall surfaces 221 other than the bent part 223. That is, the airflow direction changing portions 230 and 240 may include the airflow direction changing portion 230 formed on the bent part 223, and the airflow direction changing portion 240 formed on the other wall surface 221 other than the bent part 223. The drawing illustrates that the airflow direction changing portions 230 and 240 are formed on the bent part 223 and one wall surface of the wall surfaces 221 other than the bent part 223, but the disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the airflow direction changing portion may be formed on the three or more wall surfaces 221 including the bent part 223.

FIG. 18 is a view schematically illustrating that an airflow direction changing portion is formed in a duct of a straight shape according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 18, a duct 300 may be formed to have a straight shape. Even in a case in which the duct 300 is formed in a straight shape, only the shape of the duct 300 is different from the shape of the duct 200 illustrated in FIGS. 4 to 6, and configurations having a suction hole 310 and a discharge hole 320 may be the same. A configuration in which the heat dissipation plate 143 is disposed in the discharge hole 320 may also be the same.

In the duct 300 of a straight shape, the airflow direction changing portion 330 may be formed between the suction hole 310 and the discharge hole 320. The airflow direction changing portion 330 may be formed between the heat dissipation plate 143 disposed in the discharge hole 320 and the suction hole 310. A configuration of the airflow direction changing portion 330 may be the same as the configuration of the airflow direction changing portion 230 illustrated in FIG. 7. That is, the airflow direction changing portion 330 may include an embossed portion 331 and an intagliated portion 332 having a lower height than the embossed portion 331.

The airflow direction changing portion 330 may include the embossed portion 331 formed to protrude from a surface of the duct 300. The embossed portion 331 may have a height higher than the surface of the duct 300. Because the embossed portion 331 has a height higher than the surface of the duct 300, air passing through the embossed portion 331 may be induced to direct to a place farther and higher than air passing through the surface of the duct 300. The air induced to direct to a farther and higher place by passing through the embossed portion 331 may cool an upper side of the heat dissipation plate 143.

The airflow direction changing portion 330 may include the intagliated portion 332 formed on one side of the embossed portion 331. The intagliated portion 332 may be formed to have a lower height than the embossed portion 331. The intagliated portion 332 may have the same height as the surface of the duct 300. That is, the surface of the duct 300 may become the intagliated portion 332. Although the drawing illustrates that the intagliated portion 332 has the same height as the surface of the duct 300, the disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the intagliated portion 332 may be formed to have a lower height than the surface of the duct 300. The intagliated portion 332 may be formed to be recessed into the surface of the duct 300. That is, when the intagliated portion 332 is formed to have a lower height than the embossed portion 331, the intagliated portion 332 may have the same height as the surface of the duct 300, or may have a higher or lower height than the surface of the duct 300. Because the intagliated portion 332 has a lower height than the embossed portion 331, air passing through the intagliated portion 332 may be induced to direct to a place closer and lower than air passing through the embossed portion 331. The air induced to direct to a closer and lower place by passing through the intagliated portion 332 may cool a lower side of the heat dissipation plate 143.

The embossed portion 331 and the intagliated portion 332 may be provided in plurality. A configuration in which the embossed portion 331 and the intagliated portion 332 are formed in plurality may be the same as the configuration of the embossed portion 231 and the intagliated portion 232 illustrated in FIGS. 10 to 16.

An outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the disclosure includes a cabinet 100 configured such that a cavity R1 for accommodating one or more components of the outdoor unit of the air conditioner is provided therein, a housing 142, provided inside the cabinet, and accommodating a printed circuit board 141 therein, a heat dissipation plate 143 provided inside the housing, to dissipate heat generated by the printed circuit board, and a duct 200, provided inside the housing to induce air inside the cavity to the heat dissipation plate. The duct includes a suction hole 210 provided to allow air in the cavity to be sucked, a discharge hole 220, provided to allow air sucked into the suction hole to be discharged, and including a bent part 223 formed to be bent toward the heat dissipation plate, and an airflow direction changing portion 230, formed on the bent part, and at least partially having a different height from a surface of the bent part.

The airflow direction changing portion may include an embossed portion 231 formed to protrude from the surface of the bent part, and an intagliated portion 232 formed on one side of the embossed portion to have a lower height than the embossed portion.

The intagliated portion may have a same height as the surface of the bent part.

A plurality of the embossed portion and a plurality of the intagliated portion may be provided, and the plurality of the embossed portion and the plurality of the intagliated portion may be provided with alternating formations of the embossed portion and the intagliated portion.

A plurality of the embossed portion and a plurality of the intagliated portion may be provided in plurality, and the plurality of the embossed portion and the plurality of the intagliated portion may be provided such that a number of the embossed portion formed on a portion of the bent part and a number of the intagliated portion formed on the portion of the bent part are different based on a location of a portion of the heat dissipation plate having a highest temperature.

The heat dissipation plate may include a first portion 144 located on an upper left portion of the heat dissipation plate, a second portion 145 located on a central upper portion of the heat dissipation plate and a right side of the first portion, a third portion 146 located on an upper right portion of the heat dissipation plate and the right side of the second portion, a fourth portion 147 located on a lower left portion of the heat dissipation plate and below the first portion, a fifth portion 148 located on a central lower portion of the heat dissipation plate which is below the second portion and the right side of the fourth portion, and a sixth portion 149 located on a lower right portion of the heat dissipation plate which is below the third portion and the right side of the fifth portion.

In a case in which the first portion of the heat dissipation plate is the portion of the heat dissipation plate having the highest temperature, a number of the embossed portions formed on a left portion of the bent part may be greater than a number of the intagliated portion formed on the left portion of the bent part.

In a case in which the second portion of the heat dissipation plate is the portion of the heat dissipation plate having the highest temperature, a number of the embossed portions formed on a central portion of the bent part may be greater than a number of the intagliated portion formed on the central portion of the bent part.

In a case in which the third portion of the heat dissipation plate is the portion of the heat dissipation plate having the highest temperature, a number of the embossed portions formed on a right portion of the bent part may be greater than a number of the intagliated portion formed on the right portion of the bent part.

In a case in which the fourth portion of the heat dissipation plate is the portion of the heat dissipation plate having the highest temperature, a number of the intagliated portions formed on the left portion of the bent part may be greater than a number of the embossed portion formed on the left portion of the bent part.

In a case in which the fifth portion of the heat dissipation plate is the portion of the heat dissipation plate having the highest temperature, a number of the intagliated portions formed on the central portion of the bent part may be greater than a number of the embossed portions formed on the central portion of the bent part.

In a case in which the sixth portion of the heat dissipation plate is the portion of the heat dissipation plate having the highest temperature, a number of the intagliated portions formed on the right portion of the bent part may be greater than a number of the embossed portions formed on the right portion of the bent part.

The bent part may induce air, sucked into the suction hole, to be directed to the heat dissipation plate, and the embossed portion may induce a portion of the air to be directed to the heat dissipation plate to be directed to a first location that is at least one of farther or higher than a second location that another portion of the air to be directed to the heat dissipation plate is induced to be directed to by the intagliated portion.

The embossed portion may protrude from the surface of the bent part such that a height H2 of the embossed portion is 10 percent or less of a height H1 of the discharge hole.

A width of the embossed portion and a width of the intagliated portion may each be 50 percent or less of a width W1 of the discharge hole.

An outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the disclosure includes a cabinet 100 configured such that a cavity R1 for accommodating one or more components of the outdoor unit of the air conditioner is provided therein, a housing 142, provided inside the cabinet, and accommodating a printed circuit board 141 therein, a heat dissipation plate 143, provided inside the housing, to dissipate heat generated by the printed circuit board, and a duct 200, provided inside the housing, to induce air inside the cavity to the heat dissipation plate. The duct includes a suction hole 210 provided to allow air in the cavity to be sucked, a discharge hole 220 provided to allow air sucked into the suction hole to be discharged toward the heat dissipation plate, and at least one airflow direction changing portion 230 and 240, respectively formed on at least one wall surface 221 of wall surfaces forming the discharge hole, and at least partially having a different height from the respective at least one the wall surface of the wall surfaces forming the discharge hole.

The wall surfaces forming the discharge hole may include a bent part 223 formed to be bent toward the heat dissipation plate, and an airflow direction airflow changing portion 230 of the at least one airflow direction changing portion may be formed on the bent part.

Each of the at least one airflow direction changing portions 230 and 240 may include an embossed portion 231 and 241 formed to protrude from the respective at least one wall surface of the wall surfaces forming the discharge hole, and intagliated portion 232 and 242 formed on one sides of the embossed portion with a lower height than the embossed portion.

The intagliated portion may have a same height as the respective at least one wall surface of the wall surfaces forming the discharge hole.

The at least one airflow direction changing portion may include at least one of a first airflow direction changing portion formed on a first wall surface of the wall surfaces forming the discharge hole or a second airflow direction changing portion formed on a second wall surface of the wall surfaces forming the discharge hole.

According to the disclosure, a heat dissipation plate can be efficiently cooled by improving a shape of a bent part formed in a discharge hole of a duct.

Additionally, a flow amount of whole air for cooling the heat dissipation plate can be increased by forming an embossed portion and an intagliated portion on the bent part formed in the discharge hole of the duct.

Additionally, performance of the heat dissipation plate dissipating heat from a printed circuit board can be improved by increasing an area of the heat dissipation plate as the flow amount of the whole air cooling the heat dissipation plate increases.

Effects obtainable from the disclosure are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art to which the disclosure belongs from the fallowing description.

In the description of the outdoor unit of the air conditioner with reference to the accompanying drawings above, specific shapes and directions have been mainly described, but various modifications and changes are possible by a person skilled in the art, and such modifications and changes should be interpreted as being included in the scope of the rights of the disclosure.

While the disclosure has been shown and described with reference to various embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.