OUTDOOR UNIT OF AIR CONDITIONER

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of International Application No. PCT/KR2025/015763 designating the United States, filed on Oct. 2, 2025, in the Korean Intellectual Property Receiving Office and claiming priority to Korean Patent Application Nos. 10-2024-0193113, filed on Dec. 20, 2024, and 10-2025-0053379, filed on Apr. 23, 2025, in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the disclosures of each of which are incorporated by reference herein in their entireties.

BACKGROUND

Field

The disclosure relates to an outdoor unit of an air conditioner including a compressor.

Description of Related Art

An air conditioner is a device that uses a refrigeration cycle to control temperature, humidity, airflow, and distribution air to be appropriate for human activities. Main components that form the refrigeration cycle include a compressor, a condenser, an evaporator, and a blower fan.

The air conditioner may be classified into a separate type in which an indoor unit and an outdoor unit are separately installed, and an integrated type in which both the indoor unit and the outdoor unit are installed in a single cabinet.

The outdoor unit of the separate type air conditioner may include an outdoor heat exchanger configured to exchange heat with outdoor air, a compressor configured to compress a refrigerant, an expansion valve unit configured to decompress the refrigerant, and a blower configured to generate an airflow. As the blower of the outdoor unit rotates, external air may be drawn into the outdoor unit, and the air drawn into the outdoor unit may pass through the heat exchanger and be discharged to the outside of the outdoor unit.

The outdoor unit of the air conditioner may include a housing that accommodates the outdoor heat exchanger, the expansion valve unit, the compressor, and the blower. Further, control assembly a printed circuit board for controlling the air conditioner may be disposed inside the housing.

SUMMARY

Embodiments of the disclosure provide an outdoor unit of an air conditioner capable of reducing noise.

An outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to an example embodiment of the disclosure includes: a housing including a heat exchange room and a machine room divided from the heat exchange room; a partition mounted to the housing and configured to divide the heat exchange room and the machine room; a compressor disposed in the machine room; a printed circuit board assembly (PBA) configured to control the compressor; and a control case to which the PBA is mounted, the control case extending from one side of the housing to an opposite side of the housing and configured to divide the machine room into a compressor area in which the compressor is located and a sound insulating area between the compressor area and the housing.

An outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to an example embodiment of the disclosure includes: a housing including a heat exchange room and a machine room divided from the heat exchange room; a compressor disposed in the machine room; a printed circuit board assembly configured to control the compressor; and a control case to which the printed circuit board assembly is mounted, the control case including a patterned portion protruding toward the housing. The machine room is divided by the control case into a compressor area in which the compressor is located and a sound-insulating area between the compressor region and the housing.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

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

FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating an example air conditioner according to various embodiments;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating an example outdoor unit of the air conditioner according to various embodiments;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating the outdoor unit of the air conditioner when viewed from a different direction from that of FIG. 2 according to various embodiments;

FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the outdoor unit of the air conditioner according to various embodiments;

FIG. 5 is a partial perspective view illustrating a coupling of a control assembly, a base, a partition, and a sealing member of the outdoor unit of the air conditioner according to various embodiments;

FIG. 6 is a partial exploded perspective view illustrating a coupling of a control assembly, a top cover, and a side frame of the outdoor unit of the air conditioner according to various embodiments;

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A′ shown in FIG. 2 according to various embodiments;

FIG. 8 is a graph illustrating a noise reduction effect by a sound insulating area of the outdoor unit of the air conditioner according to various embodiments;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view illustrating the outdoor unit of the air conditioner with a front cover separated according to various embodiments;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view illustrating the outdoor unit of the air conditioner with a second front frame separated according to various embodiments;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view illustrating the outdoor unit of the air conditioner with a side frame separated according to various embodiments;

FIG. 12 is a partial perspective view illustrating a control assembly of an outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to various embodiments;

FIG. 13 is a partial perspective view illustrating a control assembly of an outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to various embodiments;

FIG. 14 is a partial perspective view illustrating a control assembly of an outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to various embodiments; and

FIG. 15 is a partial perspective view illustrating a control assembly of an outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to various embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Various embodiments and the terms used therein are not intended to limit the technology disclosed herein to specific forms, and the disclosure should be understood to include various modifications, equivalents, and/or alternatives.

In describing the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used to designate similar elements.

A singular expression may include a plural expression unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context.

The terms “A or B,” “at least one of A or/and B,” or “one or more of A or/and B,” A, B or C,” “at least one of A, B or/and C,” or “one or more of A, B or/and C,” and the like used herein may include any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

The term of “and or” includes a plurality of combinations of relevant items or any one item among a plurality of relevant items.

Herein, the expressions “a first”, “a second”, “primary”, “secondary”, etc., may simply be used to distinguish an element from other elements, but is not limited to another aspect (e.g., importance or order) of elements.

When an element (e.g., a first element) is referred to as being “(functionally or communicatively) coupled,” or “connected” to another element (e.g., a second element), the first element may be connected to the second element, directly (e.g., wired), wirelessly, or through a third element.

In this disclosure, the terms “including”, “having”, and the like are used to specify features, numbers, steps, operations, elements, components, or combinations thereof, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more of the features, numbers, steps, operations, elements, components, or combinations thereof.

When an element is said to be “connected”, “coupled”, “supported” or “contacted” with another element, this includes not only when elements are directly connected, coupled, supported or contacted, but also when elements are indirectly connected, coupled, supported or contacted through a third element.

Throughout the description, when an element is “on” another element, this includes not only when the element is in contact with the other element, but also when there is another element between the two elements.

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

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

The air conditioner including the plurality of housings may include at least one outdoor unit installed outdoors and at least one indoor unit installed indoors. For example, the air conditioner may be provided in such a way that a single outdoor unit and a single indoor unit are connected through a refrigerant pipe. The air conditioner may be provided in such a way that a single outdoor unit is connected to two or more indoor units through a refrigerant pipe. The air conditioner may be provided in such a way 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 received through an input interface provided in the outdoor unit or the indoor unit. The outdoor unit and the indoor unit may operate simultaneously or sequentially in response to a user input.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The plurality of outdoor units may be driven or at least some of the plurality of outdoor units may not be driven according to a driving load according to an operation amount of the plurality of indoor units. Through a flow path switching valve, the refrigerant may be provided to be introduced into and circulated to an outdoor unit that is selectively driven.

The air conditioner may include the expansion device to lower the pressure of the refrigerant flowing into the heat exchanger. For example, the expansion device may be disposed inside the indoor unit or inside the outdoor unit, or disposed inside the indoor unit and the outdoor unit.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The blower may include an indoor fan and a fan motor. For example, the indoor fan may include an axial fan, a mixed flow fan, a crossflow fan and a centrifugal fan.

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

The indoor unit of the air conditioner may include a drain tray disposed below the indoor heat exchanger to collect condensed water generated in the indoor heat exchanger. The condensed water contained in the drain tray may be drained to the outside through a drain hose. The drain tray may be 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, a switch, a touch screen and/or a touch pad. A user may directly input setting data (e.g., desired indoor temperature, cooling/heating/dehumidifying/air cleaning operation mode setting, outlet selection setting, and/or air volume setting) through the input interface.

The input interface may include various circuitry and be connected to an external input device. For example, the input interface may be electrically connected to a wired remote controller. The wired remote controller may be installed at a specific location (e.g., a part of a wall) in an indoor space. A user may input setting data related to the operation of the air conditioner by manipulating the wired remote controller. An electrical signal corresponding to the setting data obtained through the wired remote controller may be transmitted to the input interface. Further, the input interface may include an infrared sensor. A user may remotely input the setting data for the operation of the air conditioner using a wireless remote controller. The setting data received through the wireless remote controller may be transmitted to the input interface as an infrared signal.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The terms “upward,” “downward,” “forward,” “rearward,” etc. used in the following description are defined based on the drawings, and the shape and location of each component are not limited by these terms. For example, when referring to FIG. 2, a direction in which a outlet grille 108 and a front cover 109 each face in an outdoor unit 10 of an air conditioner 1 according to an embodiment of the disclosure may be defined as forward (+X direction), and a direction opposite to the forward may be defined as rearward (−X direction). Further, a vertical direction in which a top cover 107 of the outdoor unit 10 of the air conditioner 1 faces may be defined as upward (+Z direction) and a direction opposite to the upward may be defined as downward (−Z direction). Further, a direction in which a side frame 105 is positioned in the outdoor unit 10 of the air conditioner 1 may be defined as right direction (−Y direction), and a direction opposite to the right direction may be defined as left direction (+Y direction).

FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating an example air conditioner according to various embodiments.

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

The air conditioner 1 may, for cooling an air-conditioning space that is the target of air conditioning, e.g., an indoor space, absorb heat from the indoor space through the indoor unit 20, and release the heat to the outside through the outdoor unit 10. The air conditioner 1 may, for heating the indoor space, absorb heat from the outside through the outdoor unit 10 and release the heat to the indoor space through the indoor unit 20.

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

FIG. 1 illustrates a single outdoor unit 10, but the number of outdoor units 10 is not limited to that shown in FIG. 1. For example, the air conditioner 1 may include a plurality of outdoor units.

The outdoor unit 10 may include an outdoor heat exchanger 11 (refer to FIG. 4 configured to exchange heat with outdoor air, and a compressor 12 (refer to FIG. 4 configured to compress refrigerant gas.

A configuration of the outdoor unit 10 will be described in greater detail below.

The indoor unit 20 may be configured to exchange heat with indoor air. The indoor unit 20 may perform heat exchange between the refrigerant and indoor air using a phase change (e.g., evaporation or condensation) of the refrigerant. For example, the indoor unit 20 may cool the air conditioning space by absorbing heat from indoor air into the refrigerant using the evaporation of the refrigerant. Further, the indoor unit 20 may heat the air conditioning space by discharging heat from the refrigerant to the indoor air using the 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 draw and blow indoor air to allow the indoor air to pass through the indoor heat exchanger, and an expansion valve unit configured to decompress and expand the refrigerant.

FIG. 1 illustrates a single indoor unit 20, but the number of indoor units 20 is not limited to that shown in FIG. 1. For example, the air conditioner 1 may include a plurality of indoor units. A plurality of different indoor units may be respectively installed in a plurality of different air conditioning spaces.

The air conditioner 1 may include a connection pipe 30 connecting the indoor unit 20 and the outdoor unit 10. The connection pipe 30 may be provided to allow a refrigerant to flow between the indoor unit 20 and the outdoor unit 10. The connection pipe 30 may circulate the refrigerant between an outside of an air-conditioning space and an inside of the air-conditioning space. The indoor unit 20 and the outdoor unit 10 may be connected to each other through the connection pipe 30 that transfers the refrigerant.”

Although FIG. 1 illustrates an example in which a single outdoor unit 10 and a single indoor unit 20 are connected by a connection pipe 30, the disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, a single outdoor unit 10 and two or more indoor units 20 may be connected by a connection pipe 30, two or more outdoor units 10 and a single indoor unit 20 may be connected by a connection pipe 30, or two or more outdoor units 10 and two or more indoor units 20 may be connected by a connection pipe 30.

The above-mentioned air conditioner 1 is merely an example of the air conditioner to which the outdoor unit of the air conditioner according to the disclosure is applied, but the disclosure is not limited thereto. The configuration of the air conditioner to which the outdoor unit of the air conditioner according to the disclosure is applied, the indoor unit included therein, the connection pipe, etc. may vary.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating an example outdoor unit of the air conditioner according to various embodiments. FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating the outdoor unit of the air conditioner when viewed from a different direction from that of FIG. 2 according to various embodiments. FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the outdoor unit of the air conditioner according to various embodiments.

Referring to FIGS. 2, 3 and 4 (which may be referred to as FIGS. 2 to 4), the outdoor unit 10 of the air conditioner 1 according to an embodiment of the disclosure may include a housing 100 provided to form an exterior of the outdoor unit 10.

The housing 100 may form the exterior of the outdoor unit 10. Various components of the outdoor unit 10, such as the outdoor heat exchanger 11, the compressor 12, the outdoor fan 13, and control assembly 110 to be described in greater detail below, may be accommodated inside the housing 100.

The outdoor unit 10 may include a heat exchange room R1 formed inside the housing 100. Outside air may be introduced into the heat exchange room R1, and the introduced air may be discharged to the outside of the heat exchange room R1 again. In the heat exchange room R1, heat exchange may occur between the outdoor heat exchanger 11 and air introduced from the outside. Components such as the outdoor heat exchanger 11 and the outdoor fan 13 may be disposed in the heat exchange room R1.

The housing 100 may include an inlet 100a formed to allow air to be introduced and an outlet 101a formed to allow air to be discharged. As the outdoor fan 13 rotates, air outside the housing 100 may be introduced through the inlet 100a, exchange heat with the outdoor heat exchanger 11, and then be discharged to the outside of the housing 100 through the outlet 101a.

By way of example, the housing 100 may include a first inlet 100aa formed to introduce air into the inside of the housing 100 in a first direction, and/or a second inlet 100ab formed to introduce air into the inside of the housing 100 in a second direction different from the first direction. According to an embodiment shown in the drawings, the first direction may be a forward direction (+X direction), and the second direction may be a rightward direction (+Y direction). For example, the first inlet 100aa may be formed at a rear surface of the housing 100, and the second inlet 100ab may be formed at a left side surface of the housing 100.

Air inside the housing 100 may be discharged in the forward direction (+X direction) through the outlet 101a

The outdoor unit 10 may include a machine room R2 formed inside the housing 100. Components such as the compressor 12 and the control assembly 110 may be disposed in the machine room R2.

In the housing 100, the heat exchange room R1 and the machine room R2 may be partitioned from each other. The outdoor unit 10 may include a partition 16 provided to define the heat exchange room R1 and the machine room R2. The partition 16 may be disposed between the heat exchange room R1 and the machine room R2. For example, the heat exchange room R1 and the machine room R2 may be arranged in the left and right directions (Y direction) in the drawing, and the partition 16 may be arranged to extend in the up and down direction (Z direction) in the drawing, so as to define the heat exchange room R1 and machine room R2.

For example, the housing 100 may be formed to have a substantially box shape.

Hereinafter an example of a structure of the housing 100 will be described in greater detail.

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

The outlet 101a may be formed in the first front frame 101. The outlet 101a may have a shape in which a portion of the first front frame 101 is penetrated in the front-rear direction.

The first front frame 101 may include a bell mouth 101b provided to guide a flow of air discharged through the outlet 101a. The bell mouth 101b may be provided along a circumference of the outlet 101a. The bell mouth 101b may have a substantially cylindrical shape. The bell mouth 101b may extend rearward (−X direction), which is an inner direction of the heat exchange room R1, from a flat plate-shaped portion of the first front frame 101.

The first front frame 101 including the bell mouth 101b may be formed as one piece. For example, the first front frame 101 may include a soft metal material, and the bell mouth 101b of the first front frame 101 may be formed through a drawing process of a soft metal material.

The first front frame 101 may include a first upper flange 101c provided at an upper portion thereof. The first upper flange 101c may be formed as a bent portion of an upper end of a flat plate portion of the first front frame 101. The first upper flange 101c may be provided to support at least a portion of a top cover 107. At least a portion of a front end of the top cover 107 may be seated on the first upper flange 101c

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

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

The second front frame 102 may include a front frame handle 102a. The front frame handle 102a may be provided to be grasped by a worker when the second front frame 102 is separated from a base 106 and/or the top cover 107. For example, the front frame handle 102a may have a recessed shape.

For example, heat dissipation holes may be formed in the second front frame 102 to dissipate heat from inside of the machine room R2.

The second front frame 102 may include a second upper flange 102c provided at an upper portion thereof. The second upper flange 102c may be formed as a bent portion of an upper end of a flat plate portion of the second front frame 102. The second upper flange 102c may be provided to support at least a portion of the top cover 107. At least a portion of a front end of the top cover 107 may be seated on the second upper flange 102c.

The housing 100 may include an outlet grille 108. The outlet grille 108 may cover the front side (+X direction) of the first front frame 101. The outlet grille 108 may cover the front side (+X direction) of the outlet 101a. The outlet grille 108 may be coupled to the first front frame 101. The outlet grille 108 may form a portion of a front exterior of the outdoor unit 10.

The outlet grille 108 may cover the outlet 101a but may be formed in a generally grilled shape such that air may be discharged through the outlet 101a.

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

For example, the outlet grille 108 and the front cover 109 may be arranged side by side in a lateral direction (Y direction). The outlet grille 108 and the front cover 109 may be coupled to each other.

The housing 100 may include an edge frame 103. The edge frame 103 may form a portion of a rear exterior of the outdoor unit 10. The edge frame 103 may be disposed at a rear side (−X direction) of the heat exchange room R1. The edge frame 103 may be located at a rear left side of the outdoor unit 10.

A frame opening 103a may be formed in the edge frame 103. Through the frame opening 103a, outside air of the outdoor unit 10 may be introduced into the outdoor unit 10. The air introduced into the outdoor unit 10 through the frame opening 103a may pass through a bent portion of the outdoor heat exchanger 11.

The edge frame 103 may be provided to be spaced apart from the first front frame 101. A second inlet 100ab may be formed between the edge frame 103 and the first front frame 101. Air introduced into the outdoor unit 10 through the second inlet 100ab may pass through a portion of the outdoor heat exchanger 11 located at a left end of the outdoor unit 10. The portion of the outdoor heat exchanger 11 located at the left end of the outdoor unit 10 may be exposed to the outside of the outdoor unit 10 through the second inlet 100ab.

The housing 100 may include a rear frame 104. The rear frame 104 may form another part of the rear exterior of the outdoor unit 10. The rear frame 104 may cover the rear side (−X direction) of the machine room R2. For example, heat dissipation holes may be formed in the rear frame 104 to allow the machine room R2 to dissipate heat from the machine room R2. The second front frame 102 and the rear frame 104 may be arranged to face each other.

The rear frame 104 may be provided to be spaced apart from the edge frame 103. A first inlet 100aa may be formed between the rear frame 104 and the edge frame 103. Air introduced into the outdoor unit 10 through the first inlet 100aa may pass through a portion of the outdoor heat exchanger 11 located at a rear end of the outdoor unit 10. The portion of the outdoor heat exchanger 11 located at the rear end of the outdoor unit 10 may be exposed to the outside of the outdoor unit 10 through the second inlet 100aa.

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

The side frame 105 may cover the machine room R2. The side frame 105 may cover the machine room R2 from the right direction (+Y direction).

The side frame 105 may include a side frame handle 105a. The side frame handle 105a may be provided to be grasped by a worker when the side frame 105 is separated from the base 106 and/or the top cover 107. For example, the side frame handle 105a may have a recessed shape.

For example, the side frame 105 may be formed with a heat dissipation hole provided to release heat from the machine room R2.

The side frame 105 may be coupled to the second front frame 102. The side frame 105 may be coupled to the rear frame 104. For example, the side frame 105 may be disposed to extend in a front-rear direction (X direction).

The housing 100 may include the base 106. The base 106 may form a lower surface of the outdoor unit 10. The base 106 may be disposed on one side of the heat exchange room R1 and the machine room R2 with respect to the lower side (−Z direction). The base 106 may support various components of the outdoor unit 10 accommodated inside the housing 100 from the lower side. For example, the base 106 may support components such as the outdoor heat exchanger 11, the compressor 12, a motor bracket 15, and the partition 16, from the lower side.

For example, the base 106 may be coupled to a lower portion of each of the first front frame 101, the second front frame 102, the edge frame 103, the rear frame 104, and the side frame 105. The base 106 may be formed to have a substantially flat plate shape.

The housing 100 may include the top cover 107. The top cover 107 may form an upper surface of the outdoor unit 10.

The top cover 107 may cover an upper side (+Z direction) of the heat exchange room R1 and the machine room R2. The top cover 107 may cover various components of the outdoor unit 10 accommodated inside the housing 100 from the upper side.

The top cover 107 may be coupled to an upper portion of each of the first front frame 101, the second front frame 102, the edge frame 103, the rear frame 104, and the side frame 105. The top cover 107 may be formed to have a substantially flat plate shape.

The top cover 107 and the base 106 may be arranged to face each other.

Components included in the housing 100 may be provided to be separable from each other. For example, the second front frame 102 may be provided to be separable from the first front frame 101, the side frame 105, the top cover 107, the base 106, and the like. For example, the side frame 105 may be provided to be separable from the second front frame 102, the rear frame 104, the top cover 107, the base 106, and the like. For example, the top cover 107 may be provided to be separable from the first front frame 101, the second front frame 102, the edge frame 103, the rear frame 104, the side frame 105, and the like.

Accordingly, when it is necessary to perform tasks such as inspecting, replacing, or repairing components in the outdoor unit 10, a worker may perform the tasks by separating at least one component of the housing 100.

The configuration of the housing included in the air conditioner according to the disclosure is not limited to the above-mentioned description.

The outdoor unit 10 of the air conditioner 1 may include an outdoor heat exchanger 11 that exchanges heat with outdoor air.

The outdoor heat exchanger 11 may be configured to exchange heat with outdoor air. The outdoor heat exchanger 11 may be configured to allow a refrigerant to flow therein. In the outdoor heat exchanger 11, the heat exchange may occur between the refrigerant and the outdoor air.

For example, during a cooling operation of the air conditioner 1, high-pressure and high-temperature refrigerant gas may be condensed in the outdoor heat exchanger 11, and while the refrigerant is condensed, the refrigerant may emit heat to the outdoor air. During the cooling operation of the air conditioner 1, the outdoor heat exchanger 11 may discharge a refrigerant liquid.

In addition, during a heating operation of the air conditioner 1, low-temperature and low-pressure refrigerant liquid may be evaporated in the outdoor heat exchanger 11, and while the refrigerant is evaporated, the refrigerant may absorb heat from the outdoor air. During the heating operation of the air conditioner 1, the outdoor heat exchanger 11 may discharge refrigerant gas.

The outdoor heat exchanger 11 may be disposed in the heat exchange room R1 to face the inlet 100a. The outdoor heat exchanger 11 may include a portion facing the frame opening 103a in the heat exchange room R1.

The outdoor unit 10 of the air conditioner 1 may include a compressor 12 that compresses a refrigerant.

The compressor 12 may compress refrigerant gas and discharge 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 a torque of the motor.

The outdoor unit 10 of the air conditioner 1 may include an outdoor fan 13 provided to draw-in and blow outdoor air such that the outdoor air passes through the outdoor heat exchanger 11. The outdoor fan 13 may include a blower.

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

For example, the outdoor unit 10 may include the motor bracket 15 provided to support the outdoor fan 13 and the fan motor 14. The motor bracket 15 may be disposed in the heat exchange room R1. The motor bracket 15 may be coupled to the base 106. The motor bracket 15 may be coupled to the top cover 107.

The outdoor unit 10 may include a control assembly 110 for controlling operations of various components of the outdoor unit 10. The control assembly 110 may be located in the machine room R2.

The configuration of the outdoor unit 10 described above is only an example of the outdoor unit of the air conditioner according to the disclosure, and the disclosure is not limited thereto. The outdoor unit of the air conditioner according to the disclosure may be configured in various ways to allow outside air to be introduced through the inlet and to allow the introduced air to be discharged to the outside after the heat exchange.

FIG. 5 is a partial perspective view illustrating a coupling of a control assembly, a base, a partition, and a sealing member of the outdoor unit of the air conditioner according to various embodiments. FIG. 6 is a partial exploded perspective view illustrating a coupling of a control assembly, a top cover, and a side frame of the outdoor unit of the air conditioner according to various embodiments. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A′ of FIG. 2 according to various embodiments. FIG. 8 is a graph illustrating a noise reduction effect by a sound insulating area of the outdoor unit of the air conditioner according to various embodiments.

Referring to FIGS. 5, 6 and 7 (which may be referred to as FIGS. 5 to 7), the outdoor unit 10 of the air conditioner 1 according to an embodiment of the disclosure may include a printed circuit board assembly (PBA) 116 for controlling the operation of various components of the outdoor unit 10. Various electronic components may be mounted on the PBA 116.

For example, the PBA 116 may be provided with a power connection terminal block to which a power connection wire for supplying power is connected. The PBA 116 may be configured with a control circuit (which may include electronic components with built-in software for installation setting/checking, components such as a display for various controls) used for operations such as setting or checking during the installation of the air conditioner 1. The PBA 116 may be provided with a communication terminal block to which a communication wire for communicating with an external device is connected.

For example, the PBA 116 may be configured to control the compressor 12. For example, the PBA 116 may be configured to control the outdoor fan 13.

For example, the PBA 116 may include a front printed circuit board 116a. The front printed circuit board 116a may be located on a side of a control case 111 opposite to a side where the compressor 12 is located. The front printed circuit board 116a may be located at the front of the control case 111. For example, the front printed circuit board 116a may be disposed in a sound-insulating area A2. Since the front printed circuit board 116a is disposed in the sound-insulating area A2, a compressor area A1 of the outdoor unit 10 may be expanded. As the compressor area A1 of the outdoor unit 10 is expanded, serviceability may be improved.

The front printed circuit board 116a may be accessible based on the second front frame 102 being separated from the base 106 and/or the top cover 107. Based on the second front frame 102 being separated from the base 106 and/or the top cover 107, a worker may access the front printed circuit board 116a for maintenance and/or repair.

For example, the PBA 116 may include a side printed circuit board 116b. The side printed circuit board 116b may be located on a side of the control case 111 on which the compressor 12 is located. The side printed circuit board 116b may be located on a side closer to the side frame 105, on the side where the compressor 12 of the control case 111 is located. The side printed circuit board 116b may be located at the rear of the control case 111. The side printed circuit board 116b may be located on the right side close to the side frame 105, at the rear of the control case 111. For example, the side printed circuit board 116b may be disposed in the compressor area A1.

The side printed circuit board 116b may be accessible based on the side frame 105 being separated from the base 106 and/or the top cover 107. Based on the side frame 105 being separated from the base 106 and/or the top cover 107, a worker may access the side printed circuit board 116b for maintenance and/or repair.

The outdoor unit 10 may include the control case 111 in which the PBA 116 is mounted. The control case 111 may be provided such that the PBA 116 is mounted therein. For example, the control case 111 may include a mounting part for accommodating the PBA 116, and the PBA 116 may be mounted on the mounting part of the control case 111.

The control case 111 may be provided to divide the machine room R2 into a compressor area A1 in which the compressor 12 is located and a sound-insulating area A2 between the compressor area A1 and the housing. The control case 111 may extend from one side to the opposite side of the housing 10.

For example, an upper end of the partition 16 may be connected to the top cover 107. For example, a lower end of the partition 16 may be connected to the base 106. For example, the control case 111 may extend from the base 106 to the top cover 107. The control case 111 may extend in the upper-lower direction.

For example, the control case 111 may extend from the partition 16 to the side frame 105. The control case 111 may extend in the left-right direction.

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

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

The outdoor unit 10 of the air conditioner 1 may be provided such that the machine room R2 is divided into a compressor area A1 and a sound-insulating area A2. The control case 111 may be mounted on the housing 100 to divide the machine room R2 into a compressor area A1 and a sound-insulating area A2. For example, the lower end of the control case 111 may be connected to the base 106, the upper end of the control case 111 may be connected to the top cover 107, the left end of the control case 111 may be connected to the partition 16, and the right end of the control case 111 may be connected to the side frame 105.

The compressor area A1 may be provided such that the compressor 12 is located therein. The compressor area A1 may be provided such that a refrigerant pipe connected to the compressor 12 is located therein. The compressor area A1 may be formed between the control case 111 and the rear frame 104. The compressor area A1 may be formed between the top cover 107 and the base 106. The compressor area A1 may be formed between the partition 16 and the side frame 106. The compressor area A1 may be formed by the control case 111, the base 106, the top cover 107, the partition 16, the side frame 105, and the rear frame 104. The compressor area A1 may be provided to be spaced apart from the second front frame 102 by the sound-insulating area A2.

The sound-insulating area A2 may be formed between the control case 111 and the second front frame 102 of the housing 100. The second front frame 102 of the housing 100 may be located on a side of the control case 111 opposite to a side where the compressor 12 is located. The second front frame 102 may be spaced apart from the control case 111. The control case 111 may be disposed between the compressor 12 and the second front frame 102. The sound-insulating area A2 may be provided to be divided from the heat exchange room R1 by the partition 16.

The sound-insulating area A2 may be provided such that at least a portion of the PBA 116 is located therein. The sound-insulating area A2 may be formed between the control case 111 and the second front frame 102. The sound-insulating area A2 may be formed between the top cover 107 and the base 106. For example, the sound-insulating area A2 may be formed between the partition 16 and a portion of the second front frame 102. For example, the sound-insulating area A2 may be formed between the partition 16 and the side frame 106. For example, the sound-insulating area A2 may be formed by the control case 111, the second front frame 102, the partition 16, the base 106, and the top cover 107. The sound-insulating area A2 may be provided to space apart the compressor area A1 from the second front frame 102.

For example, the distance between the control case 111 and the second front frame 102 may be set to prevent and/or reduce interference with the PBA 116 located in the sound-insulating area A2. For example, the distance between the control case 111 and the second front frame 102 may be provided to be 80 mm or more and 150 mm or less.

Since the sound-insulating area A2 is provided such that the compressor area A1, in which the compressor 12 is located, is spaced apart from the second front frame 102, the outdoor unit 10 of the air conditioner 1 may reduce transmission of noise generated from the compressor 12 toward the front.

The outdoor unit 10 of the air conditioner 1 according to an embodiment of the disclosure may omit an additional configuration for reducing noise generated from the compressor 12 since the control case 111 is provided to form a sound-insulating area A2 between the compressor area A1 and the second front frame 102. The control case 111 not only supports the PBA 116 but also reduces the transmission of noise generated from the compressor 12 to the front of the outdoor unit 10.

The control case 111 may include a patterned portion 115 protruding into the sound-insulating area A2. The patterned portion 115 may be provided to reinforce the strength of the control case 111. The patterned portion 115 may be provided to disperse the vibration energy of noise generated from the compressor 12 located in the compressor area A1. The patterned portion 115 may be provided in at least one portion of a region of the control case 111 other than a region in which the PBA 116 is mounted.

The patterned portion 115 may be provided to protrude relative to other portions of the control case 111. The patterned portion 115 may protrude toward the second front frame 102. For example, the patterned portion 115 may have a dimple shape. For example, the patterned portion 115 may include a plurality of dimple portions. For example, a cross-section of the plurality of dimple portions of the patterned portion 115, perpendicular to the protruding direction, may have a circular shape. For example, the size of the plurality of dimple portions of the patterned portion 115 may be set in consideration of mold forming. For example, the plurality of dimple portions of the patterned portion 115 may be provided to have a protruding length of 10 mm or less. For example, the plurality of dimple portions of the patterned portion 115 may be provided to have a diameter of 20 mm or less.

The control case 111 may include a reinforcement portion 118 for reinforcing strength. For example, the reinforcement portion 118 may protrude toward the second front frame 102. For example, the reinforcement portion 118 may protrude toward the sound-insulating area A2. The reinforcement portion 118 may be provided in at least one portion of a region of the control case 111 other than the region in which the PBA 116 is mounted and the region in which the patterned portion 115 is provided.

The outdoor unit 10 of the air conditioner 1 may include a sealing member (e.g., a seal) 120 for sealing the gap between the control case 111 and the housing 100. The sealing member 120 may be provided to reduce damage to the PBA 116 from exposure to temperature and/or humidity inside the outdoor unit 10. The sealing member 120 may be provided to reduce corrosion of components disposed inside the machine room R2 due to exposure to temperature and/or humidity. For example, the sealing member 120 may include polyester.

The sealing member 120 may include a top sealing member 121 for sealing a gap between the control case 111 and the top cover 107. For example, the top sealing member 121 may be attached to an upper end of the control case 111.

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

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

In the above description, the second front frame 102 has been described as forming the sound-insulating area A2, but when the second front frame 102 is integrally formed with the first front frame 101, the first front frame 101 and the second front frame 102 may be considered as a front frame 101, 102, and the sound-insulating area A2 may be regarded as being formed by the front frame 101, 102.

Referring to FIG. 8, the outdoor unit 10 of the air conditioner 1 according to an embodiment of the disclosure may reduce noise through the sound-insulating area A2. In the graph shown in FIG. 8, the X-axis re s frequency, and the Y-axis re s the magnitude of the sound.

Comparing a structure including the sound-insulating area A2 with a structure not including the sound-insulating area A2, it can be seen that, in the structure including the sound-insulating area A2, the set noise is reduced by approximately 1.2 dB, and the peak noise is reduced by approximately 3.1 dB. Accordingly, the sound-insulating area A2 may have a noise reduction effect.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view illustrating the outdoor unit of the air conditioner with a front cover separated according to various embodiments. FIG. 10 is a perspective view illustrating the outdoor unit of the air conditioner with a second front frame separated according to various embodiments. FIG. 11 is a perspective view illustrating the outdoor unit of the air conditioner with a side frame separated according to various embodiments.

Referring to FIGS. 9 and 10, the outdoor unit 10 of the air conditioner 1 according to an embodiment of the disclosure may allow a part of the PBA 116 to be maintained and/or repaired. The outdoor unit 10 may be provided such that the second front frame 102 may be separated from the base 106 and/or the top cover 107 to allow access to the front printed circuit board 116a of the PBA 116.

Referring to FIG. 9, the outdoor unit 10 may be provided such that the front cover 109 may be separable from the second front frame 102. The second front frame 102 may be accessible based on the front cover 109 being separated from the second front frame 102.

Referring to FIG. 10, the outdoor unit 10 may be provided such that, in a state in which the front cover 109 is separated from the second front frame 102, the second front frame 102 may be separated from the base 106 and/or the top cover 107. For example, a worker may grip the front frame handle 102a to separate the second front frame 102.

Based on the second front frame 102 being separated, the front printed circuit board 116a of the PBA 116 may be exposed to the outside. Based on the second front frame 102 being separated, the front printed circuit board 116a may become accessible. Based on the second front frame 102 being separated, the sound-insulating area A2 may be exposed.

In a state in which the second front frame 102 is separated, the compressor area A1 may be provided not to be exposed. In a state in which the second front frame 102 is separated, the control case 111 may be provided to cover the compressor area A1.

Referring to FIG. 11, the outdoor unit 10 may be provided such that the side frame 105 may be separable from the base 106 and/or the top cover 107 to allow access to the side printed circuit board 116b of the PBA 116. For example, a worker may grip the side frame handle 105a to separate the side frame 105.

Based on the side frame 105 being separated, the side printed circuit board 116b of the PBA 116 may be exposed to the outside. Based on the side frame 105 being separated, the side printed circuit board 116b may become accessible. Based on the side frame 105 being separated, the compressor area A1 may be exposed.

For example, the side frame 105 of the housing 100 may be located on a side of the compressor 12 opposite to a side where the partition 16 is located. The side frame 105 may be detachably mounted on the base 106 and/or the top cover 107. The compressor 12 may become accessible based on the side frame 105 being separated from the base 106 and/or the top cover 107. Based on the side frame 105 being separated from the base 106 and/or the top cover 107, a worker may access the compressor 12 for maintenance and/or repair.

The outdoor unit 10 of the air conditioner 1 according to an embodiment of the disclosure may allow the front printed circuit board 116a to be accessed for maintenance and/or repair based on the second front frame 102 being separated, and allow the side printed circuit board 116b to be accessed for maintenance and/or repair based on the side frame 105 being separated.

In a state in which the side frame 105 is separated from the base 106 and/or the top cover 107, the sound-insulating area A1 may be provided not to be exposed. In a state in which the side frame 105 is separated, the sound-insulating area A1 may be covered by the second front frame 102 and the control case 111.

FIG. 12 is a partial perspective view illustrating a control assembly of an outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to various embodiments.

Referring to FIG. 12, a control assembly 210 of an outdoor unit 10 of an air conditioner 1 according to an embodiment of the disclosure will be described. In describing the control assembly 210 shown in FIG. 12, the same reference numerals are assigned to components that are identical to the configuration of the outdoor unit 10 of the air conditioner 1 shown in FIGS. 1 to 11, and a detailed description thereof may not be repeated here.

Referring to FIG. 12, the control assembly 210 according to an embodiment of the disclosure may include a control case 211. A PBA 116 may be mounted in the control case 211. For example, the PBA 116 may include a front printed circuit board 116a mounted on one side of the control case 211 and a side printed circuit board 116b mounted on an opposite side of the control case 211.

The control case 211 may include a reinforcement portion 118 for reinforcing strength.

The control assembly 210 may include a heat dissipating member 119 for dissipating heat from at least a portion of the PBA 116.

The control case 211 may include a patterned portion 215 protruding from the side of the control case 211 in which the front printed circuit board 116a is located. The patterned portion 215 may be provided to reinforce the strength of the control case 211. The patterned portion 215 may be provided to disperse the vibration energy of noise generated from the compressor 12.

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

FIG. 13 is a partial perspective view illustrating a control assembly of an outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to various embodiments.

With reference to FIG. 13, a control assembly 310 of an outdoor unit 10 of an air conditioner 1 according to an embodiment of the disclosure will be described. In describing the control assembly 310 shown in FIG. 13, the same reference numerals are assigned to components that are identical to the configuration of the outdoor unit 10 of the air conditioner 1 shown in FIGS. 1 to 11, and a detailed description thereof may not be repeated here.

Referring to FIG. 13, the control assembly 310 according to an embodiment of the disclosure may include a control case 311. A PBA 116 may be mounted in the control case 311. For example, the PBA 116 may include a front printed circuit board 116a mounted on one side of the control case 311 and a side printed circuit board 116b mounted on the opposite side of the control case 311.

The control case 311 may include a reinforcement portion 118 for reinforcing strength.

The control assembly 310 may include a heat dissipating member 119 for dissipating heat from at least a portion of the PBA 116.

The control case 311 may include a patterned portion 315 protruding from the side of the control case 311 in which the front printed circuit board 116a is located. The patterned portion 315 may be provided to reinforce the strength of the control case 311. The patterned portion 315 may be provided to disperse the vibration energy of noise generated from the compressor 12.

For example, the patterned portion 315 may have a dimple shape. For example, the patterned portion 315 may include a plurality of dimple portions. For example, a cross-section of the plurality of dimple portions of the patterned portion 315, perpendicular to the protruding direction, may have an elliptical shape.

For example, the patterned portion 315 shown in FIG. 13 may include a pattern hole similar in configuration to the pattern hole 215a of the patterned portion 215 shown in FIG. 12.

FIG. 14 is a partial perspective view illustrating a control assembly of an outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to various embodiments.

Referring to FIG. 14, a control assembly 410 of an outdoor unit 10 of an air conditioner 1 according to an embodiment of the disclosure will be described. In describing the control assembly 410 shown in FIG. 14, the same reference numerals are assigned to components that are identical to the configuration of the outdoor unit 10 of the air conditioner 1 shown in FIGS. 1 to 11, and a detailed description thereof may not be repeated here.

Referring to FIG. 14, the control assembly 410 according to an embodiment of the disclosure may include a control case 411. A PBA 116 may be mounted in the control case 411. For example, the PBA 116 may include a front printed circuit board 116a mounted on one side of the control case 411 and a side printed circuit board 116b mounted on the opposite side of the control case 411.

The control case 411 may include a reinforcement portion 118 for reinforcing strength.

The control assembly 410 may include a heat dissipating member 119 for dissipating heat from at least a portion of the PBA 116.

The control case 411 may include a patterned portion 415 protruding from the side of the control case 411 in which the front printed circuit board 116a is located. The patterned portion 415 may be provided to reinforce the strength of the control case 411. The patterned portion 415 may be provided to disperse the vibration energy of noise generated from the compressor 12.

For example, the patterned portion 415 may have a dimple shape. For example, the patterned portion 415 may include a plurality of dimple portions. For example, a cross-section of the plurality of dimple portions of the patterned portion 415, perpendicular to the protruding direction, may have a polygonal shape.

For example, the patterned portion 415 shown in FIG. 14 may include a pattern hole similar in configuration to the pattern hole 215a of the patterned portion 215 shown in FIG. 12.

FIG. 15 is a partial perspective view illustrating a control assembly of an outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to various embodiments.

With reference to FIG. 15, a control assembly 510 of an outdoor unit 10 of an air conditioner 1 according to an embodiment of the disclosure will be described. In describing the control assembly 510 shown in FIG. 15, the same reference numerals are assigned to components that are identical to the configuration of the outdoor unit 10 of the air conditioner 1 shown in FIGS. 1 to 11, and a detailed description thereof may not be repeated here.

Referring to FIG. 15, the control assembly 510 according to an embodiment of the disclosure may include a control case 511. A PBA 116 may be mounted in the control case 511. For example, the PBA 116 may include a front printed circuit board 116a mounted on one side of the control case 511 and a side printed circuit board 116b mounted on the opposite side of the control case 511.

The control case 511 may include a reinforcement portion 118 for reinforcing strength.

The control assembly 510 may include a heat dissipating member 119 for dissipating heat from at least a portion of the PBA 116.

The control case 511 may include a patterned portion 515 protruding from the side of the control case 511 in which the front printed circuit board 116a is located. The patterned portion 515 may be provided to reinforce the strength of the control case 211. The patterned portion 515 may be provided to disperse the vibration energy of noise generated from the compressor 12.

The patterned portion 515 may include a first patterned portion 515a and a second patterned portion 515b having a different size from the first patterned portion 515a. For example, the second patterned portion 515b may have a smaller size than the first patterned portion 515a. For example, a protruding length of the second patterned portion 515b, protruding from the side of the control case 211 in which the front printed circuit board 116a is located, may be smaller than a protruding length of the first patterned portion 515a protruding from the side of the control case 211 in which the front printed circuit board 116a is located. For example, a cross-section of the second patterned portion 515b perpendicular to the protruding direction may be smaller than a cross-section of the first patterned portion 515a perpendicular to the protruding direction. For example, the first patterned portion 515a may have a different shape from the second patterned portion 515b.

For example, the first patterned portion 515a may include a plurality of patterns arranged on both sides of the second patterned portion 515b. For example, the first patterned portion 515a may include patterns arranged on a left side and a right side of the second patterned portion 515b, respectively. For example, the first patterned portion 515a may include patterns arranged on an upper side and a lower side of the second patterned portion 515b, respectively.

For example, the second patterned portion 515b may include a plurality of patterns arranged on both sides of the first patterned portion 515a. For example, the second patterned portion 515b may include patterns arranged on a left side and a right side of the first patterned portion 515a, respectively. For example, the second patterned portion 515b may include patterns arranged on a upper side and a lower side of the first patterned portion 515a, respectively.

An outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to an embodiment includes: a housing including a heat exchange room and a machine room divided from the heat exchange room; a partition mounted to the housing and configured to divide the heat exchange room and the machine room; a compressor disposed in the machine room; a printed circuit board assembly (PBA) configured to control the compressor; and a control case to which the PBA is mounted, the control case extending from one side of the housing to an opposite side of the housing and configured to divide the machine room into a compressor area in which the compressor is located and a sound insulating area between the compressor area and the housing.

The housing may include: a top cover connected to an upper end of the partition; and a base connected to a lower end of the partition, wherein the control case extends from the base to the top cover.

The outdoor unit may further include a top sealing member comprising a seal configured to seal a gap between the top cover and the control case.

The housing may include a side frame located on the other side of the compressor opposite to one side of the compressor where the partition is located, and the compressor may be arranged to be accessible based on the side frame being separated from the base.

The outdoor unit may further include a side sealing member comprising a seal configured to seal a gap between the side frame and the control case.

The control case may extend from the partition to the side frame.

The PBA may include a side printed circuit board located in the compressor area, and the side printed circuit board may be arranged to be accessible based on the side frame being separated from the base.

The control case may be mounted to the base.

The control case may be mounted to the partition.

The control case may include a patterned portion including a pattern protruding into the sound insulating area.

The control case may include a pattern hole formed in the patterned portion.

The housing may include a front frame disposed spaced apart from the control case on a side of the control case opposite to a side where the compressor is located, and configured to form the sound insulating area.

The PBA may include a front printed circuit board located in the sound insulating area, and the front printed circuit board may be arranged to be accessible based on the front frame being separated from the base.

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

The control case may include a reinforcement portion including a reinforcing protrusion protruding toward the front frame.

An outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to an embodiment includes: a housing including a heat exchange room and a machine room divided from the heat exchange room; a compressor disposed in the machine room; a PBA configured to control the compressor; and a control case to which the PBA is mounted, the control case including a patterned portion protruding toward the housing. The machine room is divided by the control case into a compressor area in which the compressor is located and a sound-insulating area between the compressor region and the housing.

The housing may include: a top cover connected to an upper end of the partition; and a base connected to a lower end of the partition, wherein the control case extends from the base to the top cover.

The PBA may include a front printed circuit board located in the sound-insulating area and a side printed circuit board located in the compressor area.

The housing may include a front frame disposed spaced apart from the control case on a side of the control case opposite to a side where the compressor is located, to form the sound-insulating area. The front printed circuit board may be provided to be accessible based on the front frame being separated from the base.

The outdoor unit of the air conditioner may further include a sealing member configured to seal a gap between the housing and the control case.

According to the concept of the disclosure, the outdoor unit of the air conditioner may reduce transmission of noise generated by the compressor toward the front by providing a sound-insulating area between a compressor area in which a compressor is located and a front frame.

The effects of the disclosure are not limited to the effects described above, and other effects that are not described will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the above detailed description.

Although the disclosure has been illustrated and described with reference to various example embodiments, it will be understood by one skilled in the art that changes and modifications may be made without departing from the principles and scope of the disclosure, including the claims and their equivalents. It will also be understood than any of the embodiment(s) described herein may be used in conjunction with any other embodiment(s) described herein.