AN OUTDOOR UNIT OF AIR CONDITIONER

Abstract

 An outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to the present embodiment includes: a case forming an outer appearance; a barrier dividing an inner portion of the case into a heat exchange space and an electric space; a heat exchanger disposed in the heat exchange space; a fan disposed in the heat exchange space; a refrigerant cycle device disposed in the electric space; and a shield assembly disposed in the electric space so as to completely surround an outside of the refrigerant cycle device, in which a pipe penetration hole through which a refrigerant pipe connected to the refrigerant cycle device passes may be formed on one side of the shield assembly.

Description

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

[0002] An air conditioner is a device that cools and heats an indoor space by heat exchange between a refrigerant flowing in a heat exchange cycle and indoor air and outdoor air.

[0003] In detail, the air conditioner includes a compressor that compresses the refrigerant, an outdoor heat exchanger that exchanges heat between the refrigerant and outdoor air, and an indoor heat exchanger that exchanges heat between the refrigerant and indoor air.

[0004] The air conditioner may be equipped with a heat storage tank. In the heat storage tank, a fluid heated or cooled by a refrigerant circulating in the air conditioner may be stored. For example, the fluid may include water.

[0005] The outdoor unit of the air conditioner may include a case, the compressor accommodated inside the case, the outdoor heat exchanger, and the heat storage tank.

[0006] Meanwhile, as global environmental regulations gradually increase, conversion to eco-friendly refrigerants is required. For example, in some countries, relevant laws are being enacted to require the use of only refrigerants with a Global Warming Potential (GWP) of 100 or less within the next five years, and among refrigerants that satisfy this requirement, R290 is emerging as a highly competitive refrigerant in terms of eco-friendliness and performance.

[0007] However, refrigerant R290 has the problem of being more explosive than other existing refrigerants and requiring a higher level of safety design.

[0008] Additionally, there is a need for a structure to reduce noise generated from the compressor and the pipes connected to the compressor.

[0009] (Patent Document 1) Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2022-0010865 (January 27, 2022)
An object of the present disclosure is to provide an outdoor unit of an air conditioner that can reduce noise generated from a refrigerant cycle device from being transmitted to the outside of the outdoor unit.

[0010] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide an outdoor unit of an air conditioner that can quickly discharge the leaked refrigerant to the outside of the outdoor unit even if a refrigerant leak occurs in the compressor or refrigerant pipe.

[0011] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide an outdoor unit of an air conditioner that can reduce damage caused by compressor explosion.

[0012] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide an outdoor unit of an air conditioner having a shield assembly that is easy to disassemble and assemble.

[0013] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide an outdoor unit of an air conditioner having a shield assembly that facilitates repair and replacement of components for a refrigeration cycle device.

[0014] The invention is specified by the independent claim. Preferred embodiments are defined in the dependent claims. The outdoor unit of the air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a case that forms the outer appearance.

[0015] The outdoor unit includes a barrier dividing an inner portion of the case into a heat exchange space and an electric space.

[0016] The outdoor unit may further include a heat exchanger disposed in the heat exchange space.

[0017] The outdoor unit may further include a fan disposed in the heat exchange space.

[0018] The outdoor unit includes a refrigerant cycle device disposed in the electric space.

[0019] The outdoor unit includes a shield assembly disposed in the electric space so as to completely surround an outside of the refrigerant cycle device.

[0020] A pipe penetration hole through which a refrigerant pipe connected to the refrigerant cycle device passes is formed on one side of the shield assembly.

[0021] The shield assembly may include a shield base supporting the refrigerant cycle device.

[0022] The shield assembly may further include a shield rear case erected on a rear end portion of the shield base.

[0023] The shield assembly may further include a shield side case erected on a side end portion of the shield base.

[0024] The shield assembly may further include a shield top case installed on an upper end portion of the shield rear case.

[0025] The shield assembly may further include a shield front case erected on a front end portion of the shield base.

[0026] The outdoor unit may further include a heat storage tank disposed in the electric space to face the shield side case.

[0027] The pipe penetration hole may be formed in the shield side case.

[0028] An electric wire penetration hole through which an electric wire passes may be formed on one side of the shield assembly.

[0029] The outdoor unit may further include a control box assembly disposed in the electric space to face the shield side case.

[0030] The electric wire penetration hole may be formed in the shield side case.

[0031] The shield side case may include a first side case erected on a side end portion of the shield base.

[0032] The shield side case may further include a second side case coupled to an upper end portion of the first side case.

[0033] The pipe penetration hole may be formed in the second side case.

[0034] The shield side case may further include a third side case coupled to an upper end portion of the second side case.

[0035] The shield top case may be coupled to an upper end portion of the third side case.

[0036] The shield rear case may be disposed to face the barrier.

[0037] The shield rear case may form one side and an outer appearance of a rear surface of the shield assembly.

[0038] The shield side case may form an outer appearance of the other side of the shield assembly.

[0039] A locking groove may be formed in the shield front case.

[0040] A locking protrusion coupled to the locking groove may be formed on the shield top case.

[0041] The refrigerant cycle device may include a compressor that compresses the refrigerant.

[0042] The shield base may include a recessed portion in which a portion of the center of the upper surface is recessed downward.

[0043] The compressor may be disposed above the recessed portion.

[0044] A refrigerant hole for discharging the refrigerant downward may be formed in the recessed portion.

[0045] The shield base may further include a refrigerant slit for discharging the refrigerant downward.

[0046] A plurality of refrigerant slits may be disposed to be spaced apart along an outer circumference of the recessed portion.

[0047] The shield base may further include a bracket coupling portion for being coupled to a compressor bracket supporting the compressor.

[0048] The outdoor unit may further include a first vibration insulating member connecting the compressor bracket and the bracket coupling portion.

[0049] A plurality of the bracket coupling portions may be disposed to be spaced apart along an outer circumference of the recessed portion.

[0050] The shield base may further include a base coupling portion configured to be coupled to a base panel forming a bottom surface of the case.

[0051] The outdoor unit may further include a second vibration insulating member connecting the base panel and the base coupling portion.

[0052] A plurality of base coupling portions may be disposed to be spaced apart along an outer edge of the shield base.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0053] 

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view illustrating an outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a front perspective view illustrating the outdoor unit in a state where the front panel is removed.

FIG. 3 is a front perspective view illustrating a shield assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged view illustrating a portion of the front surface of the shield assembly of FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a front perspective view of the outdoor unit illustrating a state where the shield assembly is disassembled when the case is separated.

FIG. 6 is an enlarged view illustrating the shield base portion of FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is a bottom view illustrating the shield base.

FIG. 8 is a view illustrating the assembly sequence of the shield assembly.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0054] Reference will now be made in detail to the embodiments of the present disclosure, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

[0055] In the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments, reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration specific preferred embodiments in which the disclosure may be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the disclosure, and it is understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that logical structural, mechanical, electrical, and chemical changes may be made without departing from the scope of the disclosure. To avoid detail not necessary to enable those skilled in the art to practice the disclosure, the description may omit certain information known to those skilled in the art. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense.

[0056] Also, in the description of embodiments, terms such as first, second, A, B, (a), (b) or the like may be used herein when describing components of the present disclosure. Each of these terminologies is not used to define an essence, order or sequence of a corresponding component but used merely to distinguish the corresponding component from other component(s). It should be noted that if it is described in the specification that one component is "connected," "coupled" or "joined" to another component, the former may be directly "connected," "coupled," and "joined" to the latter or "connected", "coupled", and "joined" to the latter via another component.

[0057] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view illustrating an outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure., and FIG. 2 is a front perspective view illustrating the outdoor unit in a state where the front panel is removed.

[0058] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the outdoor unit 10 of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a case that forms an outer appearance of the outdoor unit.

[0059] The case may include a base panel 11 forming the bottom surface of the outdoor unit 10, a first front panel 12 erected on one side of the front end portion of the base panel 11, and a second front panel 13 erected on the other side of the front end portion of the base panel 11.

[0060] The case may further include a side panel 14 erected on the side of the base panel 11 and a top panel 15 forming the upper surface of the outdoor unit 10.

[0061] The outdoor unit 10 may further include an orifice 16 coupled to the first front panel 12, a fan 17 placed behind the orifice 16, and a heat exchanger (FIGS. 5, 18) erected on the upper surface of base panel 11.

[0062] The outdoor unit 10 may further include a barrier 19 erected on the upper surface of the base panel 11.

[0063] The barrier 19 can divide the upper space of the base panel 11 into a heat exchange space 10a (FIGS. 5) on the left and an electric space 10b (FIGS. 5) on the right. The heat exchanger 18 may be disposed in the heat exchange space 10a. The heat exchanger 18 may be bent and extend along the side end portion and the rear end portion of the base panel 11 to define the side and rear surface of the heat exchange space 10a.

[0064] One side end portion of the first front panel 12 may be coupled to the front end portion of the heat exchanger 18, and the other side end portion thereof may be coupled to the front end portion of the barrier 19. The rear end portion of the barrier 19 may be connected to the side end portion of the heat exchanger 18.

[0065] The outdoor unit 10 may further include a shield assembly 200 erected on the upper surface of the base panel 11 corresponding to the electric space 10b.

[0066] A refrigerant cycle device for circulating refrigerant may be accommodated inside the shield assembly 200. The refrigerant cycle device may include a compressor, an accumulator, an oil separator, a valve device, and the like. The shield assembly 200 will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

[0067] The outdoor unit 10 may further include a heat storage tank 21.

[0068] The heat storage tank 21 may be disposed at a location spaced apart from the shield assembly 200. The inside of the heat storage tank 21 is provided with a flow path that allows heat exchange between the refrigerant and water without mixing. Inside the heat storage tank 21, a refrigerant flow path and a water flow path are arranged to enable heat exchange, so that heat can be transferred from the refrigerant flowing along the refrigerant flow path to the water flowing along the water flow path.

[0069] The refrigerant that has passed through the compressor may be introduced into the heat storage tank 21 along the refrigerant pipe. A water piping unit connected to the water flow path may be connected to the heat storage tank 21.

[0070] The refrigerant that has passed through the heat storage tank 21 may be guided to the heat exchanger 18 along the refrigerant pipe. The refrigerant that has passed through the heat exchanger 18 may pass through an expansion valve and then be guided to the heat exchanger of the indoor unit. The refrigerant that has passed through the indoor unit may pass through a gas-liquid separator and then be recovered by the compressor.

[0071] When the fan 17 rotates, outdoor air is introduced into the outdoor unit 10 through the short side portion of the heat exchanger 18 forming the side of the outdoor unit 10 and the long side portion of the heat exchanger 18 forming the rear surface of the outdoor unit 10.

[0072] The air that has passed through the heat exchanger 18 flows from the rear surface to the front surface of the fan 17, passes through the orifice 16, and then can be discharged to the outside of the outdoor unit 10.

[0073] A portion of the plurality of blades constituting the fan 17 can be accommodated inside the orifice 16 so that all air forced to flow by the fan 17 passes through the orifice 16.

[0074] The outdoor unit 10 may further include a control box assembly 100 accommodated in the electric space 10b. A plurality of electrical components for controlling the outdoor unit 10 may be accommodated inside the control box assembly 100.

[0075] The control box assembly 100 may be placed in the upper space of the heat storage tank 21. The control box assembly 100 may be disposed on a side of the shield assembly 200.

[0076] FIG. 3 is a front perspective view illustrating a shield assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, FIG. 4 is an enlarged view illustrating a portion of the front surface of the shield assembly of FIG. 3, and FIG. 5 is a front perspective view of the outdoor unit illustrating a state where the shield assembly is disassembled when the case is separated.

[0077] Referring FIGS. 3 to 5, the shield assembly 200 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is installed on the upper surface of the base panel 11 and functions to protect and shield the refrigerant cycle device.

[0078] The refrigerant cycle device may include, for example, a compressor 30, an accumulator 40, an oil separator, a valve device 50, and the like. The refrigerant cycle device may further include a refrigerant pipe 60 connected to the compressor 30, the accumulator 40, the oil separator, and the valve device 50.

[0079] The shield assembly 200 may be formed in a hexahedral shape forming an internal space. The shield assembly 200 may be formed in a hexahedral shape extending in the vertical direction.

[0080] The shield assembly 200 may include a plurality of shield cases surrounding the refrigerant cycle device.

[0081] The plurality of shield cases may be separably coupled to each other. The plurality of shield cases may be made of metal material. The plurality of shield cases may include soundproofing materials to minimize noise and vibration generated from the refrigerant cycle device. The plurality of shield cases may include sound absorbing materials and sound insulating materials.

[0082] The plurality of shield cases may include a shield base 210.

[0083] The shield base 210 may be installed on the upper surface of the base panel 11. The shield base 210 may support the lower side of the compressor 30. The shield base 210 may support the compressor bracket 31 coupled to the lower portion of the compressor 30. Accordingly, it is possible to minimize the transmission of vibration and noise generated in the compressor 30 in the axial direction of the compressor 30, that is, in the downward direction.

[0084] For example, the shield base 210 may be formed in a square plate shape. The shield base 210 may be formed to have a larger area than the bottom area of the compressor 30 or the compressor bracket 31.

[0085] The plurality of shield cases may further include a shield rear case 220.

[0086] The shield rear case 220 may be erected on the upper surface edge of the shield base 210. The shield rear case 220 may be bent and extend along the left end portion and the rear end portion of the shield base 210. The shield rear case 220 may be fastened to and fixed to the shield base 210 by a fastening member.

[0087] When the shield rear case 220 is erected on the shield base 210, outer appearances of the left side and rear surface of the shield assembly 200 can be formed. By the configuration of the shield rear case 220, the left side and rear surface of the refrigerant cycle device can be protected and shielded.

[0088] The shield rear case 220 may be disposed to face the barrier 19. At least a portion of the shield rear case 220 may be connected to the barrier 19.

[0089] The plurality of shield cases may further include a shield side case 230.

[0090] The shield side case 230 may be erected on the edge of the upper surface of the shield base 210. The shield side case 230 may be erected along the right end of the shield base 210.

[0091] When the shield side case 230 is erected on the shield base 210, the outer appearance of the right side of the shield assembly 200 can be formed. By the configuration of the shield side case 230, the right side of the refrigerant cycle device can be protected and shielded.

[0092] The shield side case 230 may be disposed to face the heat storage tank 21. The shield side case 230 may be disposed on the side of the heat storage tank 21.

[0093] The shield side case 230 may be disposed to face the control box assembly 100. The shield side case 230 may be disposed on the side of the control box assembly 100.

[0094] The refrigerant pipe 60 may pass through the shield side case 230 and extend to the outside of the shield side case 230. A pipe penetration hole 232a through which the refrigerant pipe 60 passes may be formed in the shield side case 230.

[0095] The shield side case 230 may include a plurality of side cases. The plurality of side cases may be separably coupled to each other. The plurality of side cases may be stacked and coupled in a vertical direction.

[0096] The plurality of side cases may include a first side case 231.

[0097] The first side case 231 may be erected along the right end of the shield base 210. The first side case 231 may be fastened to and fixed to the shield base 210 by a fastening member.

[0098] The first side case 231 may be formed as a square plate. The first side case 231 may be formed to be long in the vertical direction. For example, the first side case 231 may be formed higher than the height corresponding to the middle height of the shield assembly 200.

[0099] The plurality of side cases may further include a second side case 232.

[0100] The second side case 232 may be erected along the upper end of the first side case 231. The second side case 232 may be stacked and coupled to the upper portion of the first side case 231. The second side case 232 may be fastened to and fixed to the first side case 231 by a fastening member.

[0101] The second side case 232 may be formed as a square plate. The second side case 232 may have a height lower than the height of the first side case 231. The second side case 232 may be formed to be long in the front and rear direction.

[0102] The second side case 232 may include a pipe penetration hole 232a through which the refrigerant pipe 60 passes.

[0103] A portion of the refrigerant pipe 60 may pass through the pipe penetration hole 232a and extend to the outside of the second side case 232. The refrigerant pipe 60 extending outside of the second side case 232 may be connected to the heat exchanger 18 or the heat storage tank 21.

[0104] The pipe penetration hole 232a may be formed in the lower portion of the second side case 232. The pipe penetration hole 232a may be formed to extend from the lower portion to the upper portion part of the second side case 232.

[0105] The pipe penetration hole 232a may include a plurality of pipe penetration holes. A plurality of pipe penetration holes may be disposed to be spaced apart in the front and rear direction of the second side case 232.

[0106] The second side case 232 may further include an electric wire penetration hole 232b through which electric wires pass.

[0107] A portion of the electric wire connected to the refrigerant cycle device may pass through the electric wire penetration hole 232b and extend to the outside of the second side case 232. The electric wire extending outside of the second side case 232 may be connected to the inside of the control box assembly 100.

[0108] The electric wire penetration hole 232b may be formed in the lower portion of the second side case 232. The electric wire penetration hole 232b may be disposed between the plurality of pipe penetration holes 232a.

[0109] The reason why the pipe penetration hole 232a and the electric wire penetration hole 232b are formed in the second side case 232 is because the width of the outdoor unit 10 in the front and rear direction is narrow and the length thereof in the left and right direction is long.

[0110] However, since the shield rear case 230 is blocked by the barrier 19, the pipe penetration hole 232a and the electric wire through hole 232b are preferably formed in the shield side case 230.

[0111] In addition, since the control box assembly 100 and the heat storage tank 21 provided with a plurality of PCBs are disposed on the side of the shield side case 230, the pipe penetration hole 232a and the electric wire through hole 232b can be formed on the shield side case 230 to facilitate connection of pipes and electric wires.

[0112] The plurality of side cases may further include a third side case 233.

[0113] The third side case 233 may be erected along the upper end of the second side case 232. The third side case 233 may be stacked and coupled to the upper portion of the second side case 232. The third side case 233 may be fastened to and fixed to the second side case 232 by a fastening member.

[0114] The third side case 233 may be formed as a square plate. The third side case 233 may have a height lower than the height of the first side case 231. The third side case 233 may have the same height as the second side case 232. The third side case 233 may be formed to be long in the front and rear direction.

[0115] As described above, the first side case 231, the second side case 232, and the third side case 233 may be coupled in the vertical direction to form the right side of the shield assembly 200.

[0116] However, it is not limited to this, and in some cases, the second side case 232 and the third side case 233 may be formed integrally. In this case, the shield side case 230 may be composed of the first side case 231 and the second side case 232.

[0117] The plurality of shield cases may further include a shield top case 240.

[0118] The shield top case 240 may be installed at the upper end of the shield rear case 220. The shield top case 240 may be installed on the upper surface of the shield rear case 220 to form an outer appearance of an upper surface of the shield assembly 200. The shield top case 240 may be fastened to and fixed to the shield rear case 220 by a fastening member. By the configuration of the shield top case 240, the upper surface of the refrigerant cycle device can be protected and shielded.

[0119] The plurality of shield cases may further include a shield front case 250.

[0120] The shield front case 250 may be erected on the edge of the upper surface of the shield base 210. The shield front case 250 may be erected along the front end portion of the shield base 210. The shield front case 250 may be fastened to and fixed to the shield rear case 220 and the shield side case 230 by a fastening member.

[0121] When the shield front case 250 is erected on the shield base 210, the outer appearance of the front surface of the shield assembly 200 can be formed. By the configuration of the shield front case 250, the front surface of the refrigerant cycle device can be protected and shielded.

[0122] A locking groove 251 may be formed in the upper portion of the shield front case 250. Additionally, a locking protrusion 241 may be formed on the front end portion of the shield top case 240 at a position corresponding to the locking groove 251. The locking groove 251 of the shield front case 250 may be fitted and coupled to the locking protrusion 241 of the shield top case 240.

[0123] The user can easily separate only the shield front case 250 by separating the locking groove 251 of the shield front case 250 from the locking protrusion 241 of the shield top case 240. Accordingly, there is an effect of facilitating repair and replacement of components for the refrigeration cycle device disposed inside the shield assembly 200.

[0124] Additionally, since the refrigeration cycle device is surrounded and protected by a plurality of shield cases, noise and vibration generated from the refrigeration cycle device are minimized.

[0125] In addition, even if the compressor explodes due to a refrigerant leak, or the like, the damage caused by the compressor explosion is significantly reduced due to the multiple shield cases surrounding the compressor.

[0126] FIG. 6 is an enlarged view illustrating the shield base portion of FIG. 5, and FIG. 7 is a bottom view illustrating the shield base.

[0127] Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, the shield base 210 may be installed on the upper surface of the base panel 11, and the compressor bracket 31 may be installed on the upper surface of the shield base 210. In other words, the shield base 210 may be disposed between the compressor bracket 31 and the base panel 11.

[0128] Specifically, the shield base 210 may include a recessed portion 211 in which a portion of the upper surface of the shield base 210 is recessed downward.

[0129] The recessed portion 211 may be formed by a portion of the center of the upper surface of the shield base 210 being recessed downward. The recessed portion 211 may function to guide the installation position of the compressor 30 when the compressor 30 is installed on the shield base 210. For example, the recessed portion 211 may be formed in an "X" shape, but is not limited thereto.

[0130] The shield base 210 may further include a refrigerant hole 212 that allows the refrigerant to be discharged through the bottom when the refrigerant leaks.

[0131] The refrigerant hole 212 may be formed in the recessed portion 211. The refrigerant hole 212 may be formed to penetrate from the upper surface to the bottom surface of the shield base 210. The refrigerant hole 212 may be formed in the center of the recessed portion 211.

[0132] When refrigerant leaks from the compressor 30, the leaked refrigerant may fall to the base panel 11 through the refrigerant hole 212, and be discharged to the outside of the outdoor unit 10 through the refrigerant discharge hole formed in the base panel 11.

[0133] Therefore, even if refrigerant leaks from the compressor 30, since the leaked refrigerant does not continue to accumulate inside the shield assembly 200, but can be discharged to the outside of the outdoor unit 10 through the refrigerant hole 212, the possibility of explosion due to refrigerant leakage can be significantly reduced.

[0134] The shield base 210 may further include a refrigerant slit 213 that allows the refrigerant to be discharged through the bottom when the refrigerant leaks.

[0135] The refrigerant slit 213 may be formed to penetrate from the upper surface to the bottom surface of the shield base 210. A plurality of refrigerant slits 213 may be formed along the circumference of the recessed portion 211. The plurality of refrigerant slits 213 may be disposed to be spaced apart in the circumferential direction on the outside of the recessed portion 211. For example, the refrigerant slit 213 may be formed in a straight shape, but is not limited thereto.

[0136] When refrigerant leaks from the compressor 30, the leaked refrigerant may fall to the base panel 11 through the refrigerant slit 213, and be discharged to the outside of the outdoor unit 10 through the refrigerant discharge hole formed in the base panel 11.

[0137] The shield base 210 may further include a bracket coupling portion 214 to be coupled to the compressor bracket 31.

[0138] The bracket coupling portion 214 is a portion to which the first vibration insulating member 32 for vibration insulation of the compressor 30 is coupled. A plurality of bracket coupling portions 214 may be formed along the outer circumference of the recessed portion 211. The plurality of bracket coupling portions 214 may be disposed to be spaced apart in the circumferential direction on the outside of the recessed portion 211.

[0139] The first vibration insulating member 32 may be installed on the upper surface of the bracket coupling portion 214. The upper portion of the first vibration insulating member 32 may be coupled to the compressor bracket 32, and the lower portion of the first vibration insulating member 32 may be coupled to the bracket coupling portion 214.

[0140] Due to the configuration of the first vibration insulating member 32, transmission of vibration and noise generated in the compressor 30 in the downward direction can be reduced.

[0141] The shield base 210 may further include a base coupling portion 215 to be coupled to the base panel 11.

[0142] The base coupling portion 215 is a portion to which the second vibration insulating member 33 for vibration isolation of the compressor 30 is coupled. The base coupling portion 215 may be formed to penetrate from the upper end to the bottom surface of the shield base 210.

[0143] The base coupling portion 215 may be formed at an edge of the upper surface of the shield base 210. A plurality of base coupling portion 215 may be formed to be spaced apart along the upper edge of the shield base 210.

[0144] The second vibration insulating member 33 may be installed on the upper surface of the base panel 11. The upper portion of the second vibration insulating member 33 may be coupled to the base coupling portion 215, and the lower portion of the second vibration insulating member 33 may be coupled to the base panel 11.

[0145] Accordingly, vibration and noise generated from the compressor 30 can be primarily insulated by the first vibration insulating member 32 and secondarily insulated by the second vibration insulating member 33.

[0146] FIG. 8 is a view illustrating the assembly sequence of the shield assembly.

[0147] Referring to FIG. 8, the heat exchanger 18, the fan 17, and the barrier 19 may be installed on the upper surface of the base panel 11 corresponding to the heat exchange space 10a.

[0148] The shield base 210 is installed on the upper surface of the base panel 11 corresponding to the electric space 10b, and the compressor 30 constituting a refrigerant cycle device, an accumulator 40, an oil separator, and a valve device 50, and the like are installed on the upper surface of the shield base 210. Then, the refrigerant pipe 60 is coupled to each component of the refrigerant cycle device by welding.

[0149] When all of the refrigerant pipes 60 are coupled, the shield rear case 220 is installed on the upper surface of the shield base 210. The shield rear case 220 may be fastened to the shield base 210 by a fastening member.

[0150] When the shield rear case 220 is installed, the first side case 231 is installed on the upper surface of the shield base 210. The first side case 231 may be fastened to the shield base 210 and the shield rear case 220 by a fastening member.

[0151] When the first side case 231 is installed, the second side case 232 is installed on the upper portion of the first side case 231. The second side case 232 may be fastened to the upper end portion of the first side case 231 by a fastening member.

[0152] At this time, a portion of the refrigerant pipe 60 may pass through the pipe penetration hole 232a of the second side case 232 and protrude to the outside of the second side case 232.

[0153] When the second side case 232 is installed, the third side case 233 is installed on the upper portion of the second side case 232. The third side case 233 may be fastened to the upper end portion of the second side case 232 by a fastening member.

[0154] When the third side case 233 is installed, the shield top case 240 is installed on the upper portion of the shield rear case 220. The shield top case 240 may be fastened to the upper end portion of the shield rear case 220 and the upper end portion of the third side case 233 by a fastening member.

[0155] When the shield top case 240 is installed, the shield front case 250 is installed on the upper surface of the shield base 210. The shield front case 250 may be fastened to the shield side case 230 and the shield rear case 220 by a fastening member. At this time, the locking groove 251 of the shield front case 250 may be engaged with the locking protrusion 241 of the shield top case 240.

[0156] When repair or replacement of components for the refrigeration cycle device is required, only the shield front case 250 can be easily separated by separating the locking groove 251 from the locking protrusion 241.

[0157] The outdoor unit of the air conditioner according to the embodiment of the present disclosure configured as described above has the following effects.

[0158] First, since the refrigeration cycle device including the compressor is surrounded by the shield assembly, transmission of vibration and noise generated from the refrigerant cycle device to the outside of the outdoor unit is reduced.

[0159] Second, even if a refrigerant leak occurs in the compressor or refrigerant piping, since the leaked refrigerant does not continue to accumulate inside the shield assembly and is discharged to the outside through the refrigerant hole or refrigerant slit, the possibility of explosion due to refrigerant leakage can be significantly reduced.

[0160] Third, because the compressor has a structure in which it is sealed by a plurality of shield cases, damage caused by compressor explosion can be significantly reduced.

[0161] Fourth, since the shield assembly is composed of a plurality of cases that can be assembled, disassembly and assembly of the shield assembly are facilitated.

[0162] Fifth, since only the shield front case can be separated by separating the locking groove of the shield front case from the locking protrusion of the shield top case, repair and replacement of components for the refrigeration cycle device are facilitated.

Claims

1. An outdoor unit (10) of an air conditioner comprising:

a case forming an outer appearance;

a barrier (19) dividing an inner portion of the case into a heat exchange space (10a) and an electric space (10b);

a refrigerant cycle device disposed in the electric space (10b); and

a shield assembly (200) disposed in the electric space (10b) so as to completely surround an outside of the refrigerant cycle device,

wherein a pipe penetration hole (232a) through which a refrigerant pipe (60) connected to the refrigerant cycle device passes is formed on one side of the shield assembly (200).

2. The outdoor unit of an air conditioner of claim 1,
wherein the shield assembly (200) includes:

a shield base (210) supporting the refrigerant cycle device;

a shield rear case (220) erected on a rear end portion of the shield base (210);

a shield side case (230) erected on a side end portion of the shield base (210);

a shield top case (240) installed on an upper end portion of the shield rear case (220); and

a shield front case (250) erected on a front end portion of the shield base (210).

3. The outdoor unit of an air conditioner of claim 2, further comprising:

a heat storage tank (21) disposed in the electric space (10b) to face the shield side case (230),

wherein the pipe penetration hole (232a) is formed in the shield side case (230).

4. The outdoor unit of an air conditioner of any one of claims 1 to 3,
wherein an electric wire penetration hole (232b) through which an electric wire passes is formed on one side of the shield assembly (200).

5. The outdoor unit of an air conditioner of claim 4, further comprising:

a control box assembly (100) disposed in the electric space (10b) to face the shield side case (230),

wherein the electric wire penetration hole (232b) is formed in the shield side case (230).

6. The outdoor unit of an air conditioner of any one of claims 2 to 5,
wherein the shield side case (230) includes:

a first side case (231) erected on a side end portion of the shield base (210); and

a second side case (232) coupled to an upper end portion of the first side case (231), and

wherein the pipe penetration hole (232a) is formed in the second side case (232).

7. The outdoor unit of an air conditioner of claim 6,

wherein the shield side case (230) further includes a third side case (233) coupled to an upper end portion of the second side case (232), and

wherein the shield top case (240) is coupled to an upper end portion of the third side case (233).

8. The outdoor unit of an air conditioner of any one of claims 2 to 7,
wherein the shield rear case (220) is disposed to face the barrier (19).

9. The outdoor unit of an air conditioner of any one of claims 2 to 8,

wherein the shield rear case (220) forms one side and an outer appearance of a rear surface of the shield assembly (200), and

wherein the shield side case (230) forms an outer appearance of the other side of the shield assembly (200).

10. The outdoor unit of an air conditioner of any one of claims 2 to 9,

wherein a locking groove (251) is formed in the shield front case (250), and

wherein a locking protrusion (241) coupled to the locking groove (251) is formed on the shield top case (240).

11. The outdoor unit of an air conditioner of any one of claims 2 to 10,

wherein the refrigerant cycle device includes a compressor (30) that is configured to compress the refrigerant,

wherein the shield base (210) includes a recessed portion (211) in which a portion of the center of the upper surface is recessed downward, and

wherein the compressor (30) is disposed above the recessed portion (211).

12. The outdoor unit of an air conditioner of claim 11,
wherein a refrigerant hole (212) for discharging the refrigerant downward is formed in the recessed portion (211).

13. The outdoor unit of an air conditioner of claim 11 or 12,
wherein the shield base (210) further includes a refrigerant slit (213) for discharging the refrigerant downward.

14. The outdoor unit of an air conditioner of claim 13,
wherein a plurality of refrigerant slits (213) is disposed to be spaced apart along an outer circumference of the recessed portion (211).

15. The outdoor unit of an air conditioner of any one of claims 11 to 14,
wherein the shield base (210) further includes a bracket coupling portion (214) being coupled to a compressor bracket (31) for supporting the compressor (30).

Amended claims

Amended claims in accordance with Rule 137(2) EPC.

1. An outdoor unit (10) of an air conditioner comprising:

a case forming an outer appearance;

a barrier (19) dividing an inner portion of the case into a heat exchange space (10a) and an electric space (10b);

a refrigerant cycle device disposed in the electric space (10b); and

a shield assembly (200) disposed in the electric space (10b) so as to completely surround an outside of the refrigerant cycle device,

wherein the shield assembly (200) includes:

a shield base (210) supporting the refrigerant cycle device;

a shield rear case (220) erected on a rear end portion of the shield base (210);

a shield side case (230) erected on a side end portion of the shield base (210);

a shield top case (240) installed on an upper end portion of the shield rear case (220); and

a shield front case (250) erected on a front end portion of the shield base (210),

characterized in that

the outdoor unit further comprises:

a heat storage tank (21) disposed in the electric space (10b) to face the shield side case (230),

a control box assembly (100) disposed in the electric space (10b) to face the shield side case (230),

wherein an electric wire penetration hole (232b) through which an electric wire connected to the control box assembly (100) passes is formed in the shield assembly (200).

wherein a pipe penetration hole (232a) through which a refrigerant pipe (60) connected to the refrigerant cycle device passes is formed in the shield side case (230).

2. The outdoor unit of an air conditioner of claim 1,
wherein the shield side case (230) includes:

a first side case (231) erected on a side end portion of the shield base (210); and

a second side case (232) coupled to an upper end portion of the first side case (231), and

wherein the pipe penetration hole (232a) is formed in the second side case (232).

3. The outdoor unit of an air conditioner of claim 2,

wherein the shield side case (230) further includes a third side case (233) coupled to an upper end portion of the second side case (232), and

wherein the shield top case (240) is coupled to an upper end portion of the third side case (233).

4. The outdoor unit of an air conditioner of any one of claims 1 to 3,
wherein the shield rear case (220) is disposed to face the barrier (19).

5. The outdoor unit of an air conditioner of any one of claims 1 to 4,

wherein the shield rear case (220) forms one side and an outer appearance of a rear surface of the shield assembly (200), and

wherein the shield side case (230) forms an outer appearance of the other side of the shield assembly (200).

6. The outdoor unit of an air conditioner of any one of claims 1 to 5,

wherein a locking groove (251) is formed in the shield front case (250), and

wherein a locking protrusion (241) coupled to the locking groove (251) is formed on the shield top case (240).

7. The outdoor unit of an air conditioner of any one of claims 1 to 6,

wherein the refrigerant cycle device includes a compressor (30) that is configured to compress the refrigerant,

wherein the shield base (210) includes a recessed portion (211) in which a portion of the center of the upper surface is recessed downward, and

wherein the compressor (30) is disposed above the recessed portion (211).

8. The outdoor unit of an air conditioner of claim 7,
wherein a refrigerant hole (212) for discharging the refrigerant downward is formed in the recessed portion (211).

9. The outdoor unit of an air conditioner of claim 7 or 8,
wherein the shield base (210) further includes a refrigerant slit (213) for discharging the refrigerant downward.

10. The outdoor unit of an air conditioner of claim 9,
wherein a plurality of refrigerant slits (213) is disposed to be spaced apart along an outer circumference of the recessed portion (211).

11. The outdoor unit of an air conditioner of any one of claims 7 to 10,
wherein the shield base (210) further includes a bracket coupling portion (214) being coupled to a compressor bracket (31) for supporting the compressor (30).

Drawing