U.S. patent application number 14/984150 was filed with the patent office on 2016-06-30 for outdoor device of air conditioner.
This patent application is currently assigned to LG Electronics Inc.. The applicant listed for this patent is LG ELECTRONICS INC.. Invention is credited to Kyomin KOO, Sangyoung KWON, Hoki LEE.
Application Number | 20160187007 14/984150 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 55027574 |
Filed Date | 2016-06-30 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160187007 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
KWON; Sangyoung ; et
al. |
June 30, 2016 |
OUTDOOR DEVICE OF AIR CONDITIONER
Abstract
An outdoor device of an air conditioner is provided. The outdoor
device may include a top cover configured to form an external
appearance of an upper surface of the outdoor device and having at
least one discharge port, through which air passed through an
outdoor heat exchanger may be discharged; a recess recessed along
at least a portion of an edge of the top cover; a plurality of
panels configured to form an external appearance of a circumference
of the outdoor device; an edge bent downward along an outer end of
the top cover and configured to accommodate upper ends of the
plurality of panels; and a bent portion bent from an upper end of
each of the plurality of panels toward an inside of the outdoor
device. The bent portion may extend and be fitted into a space
between the edge and the recess, and restricted by the top
cover.
Inventors: |
KWON; Sangyoung; (Seoul,
KR) ; LEE; Hoki; (Seoul, KR) ; KOO;
Kyomin; (Seoul, KR) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
LG ELECTRONICS INC. |
Seoul |
|
KR |
|
|
Assignee: |
LG Electronics Inc.
|
Family ID: |
55027574 |
Appl. No.: |
14/984150 |
Filed: |
December 30, 2015 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
62/259.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F24F 1/60 20130101; F24F
1/56 20130101 |
International
Class: |
F24F 1/56 20060101
F24F001/56; F24F 1/60 20060101 F24F001/60 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Dec 31, 2014 |
KR |
10-2014-0196033 |
Claims
1. An outdoor device of an air conditioner, comprising: a top cover
configured to form an external appearance of an upper surface of
the outdoor device, the top cover having at least one discharge
port, through which air passed through an outdoor heat exchanger is
discharged and a recess recessed along at least a portion of an
edge of the top cover; and a plurality of panels configured to form
an external appearance of a circumference of the outdoor device,
wherein an outer end of the top cover is bent downward to form an
edge configured to accommodate upper ends of the plurality of
panels, and wherein an upper end of each of the plurality of panels
is bent toward an inside of the outdoor device to form a bent
portion, wherein the bent portion is formed to extend and be fitted
into a space between the edge and the recess, and restricted by the
top cover.
2. The outdoor device according to claim 1, wherein an end of the
bent portion is in contact with and supported by a circumferential
surface of the recess.
3. The outdoor device according to claim 1, wherein the bent
portion is further formed at an upper end of a side supporter which
is formed to extend vertically, forms an inclined surface of a
corner of the outdoor device, and connects the plurality of
panels.
4. The outdoor device according to claim 3, wherein the edge
corresponding to a corner of the top cover has a corresponding
shape so as to be in contact with the inclined surface of the side
supporter.
5. The outdoor device according to claim 1, wherein the top cover
further includes a forming portion recessed between the recess and
an outer end of the top cover, and formed to extend in an extension
direction of the top cover and thus to prevent deformation of the
top cover.
6. The outdoor device according to claim 5, wherein a portion of
the bent portion is fitted into a space between the edge and the
forming portion.
7. The outdoor device according to claim 1, wherein the at least
one discharge port is opened at an internal recessed area of the
recess.
8. The outdoor device according to claim 7, wherein a discharge
grille through which discharged air passes is installed at the at
least one discharge port, and the discharge grille is located
inside of the recess.
9. The outdoor device according to claim 8, wherein a recessed
depth of the recess is greater than a height of the discharge
grille.
10. The outdoor device according to claim 1, wherein a first
rounded portion having a predetermined curvature is formed at the
bent portion, and a second rounded portion having a predetermined
curvature is formed at a position of the edge which is in contact
with the first rounded portion when the top cover is installed.
11. The outdoor device according to claim 10, wherein a radius of
curvature of an outer surface of the first rounded portion is
larger than a radius of curvature of an inner surface of the second
rounded portion.
12. The outdoor device according to claim 10, wherein an extension
that extends in a direction that crosses the top cover and is in
close contact with outer side surfaces of the plurality of panels
is formed at an end of the second rounded portion.
13. The outdoor device according to claim 1, wherein the bent
portion includes a first rounded portion, which is bent at an upper
end of each of the plurality of panels to be rounded with a
predetermined curvature, and a first extension that extends from
the first rounded portion in a direction perpendicular to each of
the plurality of panels, wherein the edge includes a second rounded
portion, which is formed at the outer end of the top cover to have
a curvature smaller than the curvature of the first rounded
portion, and a second extension that extends from the second
rounded portion in a direction perpendicular to the top cover, and
wherein when the top cover is installed, the first rounded portion
presses the second rounded portion so that the second extension is
in close contact with each of the plurality of panels.
14. The outdoor device according to claim 1, wherein at least one
coupling hole, through which a fastening member fastened to the
plurality of panels passes, is formed at the edge.
15. The outdoor device according to claim 1, wherein a
circumference of the recess is formed to be inclined, and formed by
a restriction portion, which is in contact with an end of the bent
portion, and a distance between the restriction portion and the
edge is gradually reduced upward.
16. An air conditioner including the outdoor device according to
claim 1.
17. An outdoor device of an air conditioner, comprising: a top
cover having at least one discharge port, through which air passed
through an outdoor heat exchanger is discharged and a first recess
in which the at least one discharge port is provided; a plurality
of outer panels; and a plurality of side supporters that connect
the plurality of outer panels and form corners of the outdoor
device, wherein an outer end of the top cover is bent downward to
form a space between the downwardly bent outer end and the recess,
and an upper end of each of the plurality of outer panels is bent
inward toward an inside of the outdoor device, such that when the
top cover is coupled to the plurality of panels, the inwardly bent
upper end of each of the plurality of outer panels is fitted into
the space between the edge and the recess.
18. The outdoor device according to claim 17, wherein an end of the
inwardly bent upper end of each of the plurality of outer panels is
in contact with and supported by a circumferential surface of the
recess.
19. The outdoor device according to claim 17, wherein the top cover
further includes a second recess recessed between the first recess
and an outer circumference of the top cover, and formed to extend
in an extension direction of the top cover and thus to prevent
deformation of the top cover.
20. The outdoor device according to claim 17, wherein the
downwardly bent outer end of the top cover includes a first rounded
portion having a predetermined curvature, and the inwardly bent
upper end of each of the plurality of outer panels includes a
second rounded portion having a predetermined curvature, which is
in contact with the first rounded portion when the top cover is
coupled to the plurality of outer panels.
21. The outdoor device according to claim 20, wherein a radius of
curvature of an outer surface of the first rounded portion is
larger than a radius of curvature of an inner surface of the second
rounded portion.
22. The outdoor device according to claim 20, wherein an extension
that extends in a direction that crosses the top cover and is in
close contact with outer side surfaces of the plurality of panels
is formed at an end of the second rounded portion.
23. The outdoor device according to claim 17, wherein a
circumference of the first recess, which contacts with an end of
the inwardly bent upper end of each of the plurality of outer
panels when the top cover is coupled to the plurality of outer
panels, is formed to be inclined.
24. An air conditioner including the outdoor device according to
claim 17.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)
[0001] This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. .sctn.119
to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2014-0196033, filed in Korea on
Dec. 31, 2014, whose entire disclosure is hereby incorporated by
reference.
BACKGROUND
[0002] 1. Field
[0003] An outdoor device of an air conditioner is disclosed
herein.
[0004] 2. Background
[0005] An air conditioner is a home appliance that maintains indoor
air in an optimal state according to uses and purposes thereof. For
example, an interior indoor space may be maintained in a cool state
in summer, and may be maintained in a warm state in winter, indoor
humidity may also be controlled, and the indoor air may be
maintained in a fresh and clean state. The air conditioner may be
driven in a refrigeration cycle, in which compression,
condensation, expansion, and evaporation processes of a refrigerant
are performed, and thus, a cooling or warming operation of the
indoor space may be performed.
[0006] According to whether an indoor unit or device and an outdoor
unit or device are separated or integrated, the air conditioner may
be classified as a separated type air conditioner, in which the
indoor device and the outdoor device are separated from each other,
and an integrated type air conditioner, in which the indoor device
and the outdoor device are integrated in one unit or device. The
outdoor device may include an outdoor heat exchanger that
heat-exchanges with external air, and the indoor device may include
an indoor heat exchanger that heat-exchanges with indoor air. When
the refrigeration cycle performs the cooling operation, the outdoor
heat exchanger may serve as a condenser, and the indoor heat
exchanger may serve as an evaporator. However, when the
refrigeration cycle performs the warming operation, the indoor heat
exchanger may serve as the condenser, and the outdoor heat
exchanger may serve as the evaporator.
[0007] Recently, a multi-type air conditioner having a refrigerant
circuit in which a plurality of outdoor devices are provided
outside, such as on a rooftop of a building, and a plurality of
indoor devices are respectively connected with the plurality of
outdoor devices to independently cool or warm each indoor space has
been used widely.
[0008] In Korean Unexamined Patent Application Publication No.
10-2013-0088435, which is hereby incorporated by reference, an
outdoor device of a multi-type air conditioner is disclosed. In the
outdoor unit of the air conditioner according to the related art,
each component forming the refrigeration cycle, such as a
compressor, is installed on an upper surface of a base pan, an
outdoor heat exchanger is disposed along a circumference of the
base pan to be exposed to or at three surfaces, and a left panel
and a right panel, each of which has an inlet port, are formed at
left and right sides thereof corresponding to the outdoor heat
exchanger, and a suction grille is provided at a rear surface
thereof to allow external air to pass through the outdoor heat
exchanger.
[0009] A front panel, which forms a front surface, and a rear
panel, which forms a part of the rear surface, may be further
provided at a circumference of the outdoor heat exchanger together
with the left panel, the right panel, and the suction grille. A top
panel having a discharge hole, through which air is discharged
upward, is provided at an upper surface of the outdoor device. A
circumference of the top panel may be formed to be bent, and then
may be coupled to the left panel, the right panel, the front panel,
and the rear panel, which form a circumference of the outdoor
unit.
[0010] The top panel has a structure in which the circumference
thereof is bent and accommodates the left panel, the right panel,
the front panel, and the rear panel. The bent portion of the top
panel may be fastened to the left panel, the right panel, the front
panel, and the rear panel by a plurality of screws provided from an
outside of the top panel. However, as a coupling structure is not
provided between the circumference of the top panel and the left
panel, the right panel, the front panel, or the rear panel, there
is a problem that a gap is formed between the circumference of the
top panel and the left panel, the right panel, the front panel, or
the rear panel.
[0011] Also, as a size of the outdoor device is further increased,
such a problem occurs more frequently. To solve this problem, a
number of screw fastening places or locations should be increased.
However, due to an increase in the screw fastening places or
locations, there is another problem that an external appearance is
affected, and also productivity reduced.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] Embodiments will be described in detail with reference to
the following drawings in which like reference numerals refer to
like elements, and wherein:
[0013] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an outdoor device of an air
conditioner according to an embodiment;
[0014] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a
coupling structure among components which forms an external
appearance of the outdoor device of FIG. 1;
[0015] FIG. 3 is a plan view illustrating an inside of the outdoor
device of FIG. 1;
[0016] FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a state
in which a top cover according to an embodiment is separated;
[0017] FIG. 5 is a plan view of the top cover of FIG. 4;
[0018] FIG. 6 is an enlarged rear view of a portion A of FIG.
5;
[0019] FIG. 7 is a partial perspective view illustrating a coupling
structure of the top cover of FIG. 4;
[0020] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VIII-VIII'
of FIG. 1; and
[0021] FIGS. 9A-9C are cross-sectional views sequentially
illustrating an installation process of the top cover.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0022] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to
the accompanying drawings. However, embodiments not limited to the
embodiments disclosed below, and those skilled in the art
appreciating the ideas can easily propose other embodiments within
the scope.
[0023] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an outdoor device of an air
conditioner according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is an exploded
perspective view illustrating a coupling structure among components
which forms an external appearance of the outdoor device of FIG. 1.
FIG. 3 is a plan view illustrating an inside of the outdoor device
of FIG. 1.
[0024] As illustrated in the drawings, an air conditioner according
to an embodiment may include an outdoor unit or device 1, which may
be provided at or in an outside space, and an indoor unit or device
(not shown), which may be connected with the outdoor device 1 by a
refrigerant pipe and may be provided at or in an inside space. The
indoor device may include an indoor heat exchanger (not shown),
which may heat-exchange with indoor air. An entire external shape
of the outdoor device 1 may be formed by a top cover 10, a
plurality of panels 30, a base pan 40, and a plurality of side
supporters 20.
[0025] The top cover 10 may be provided at or on an upper surface
of the outdoor device 1, and form an external shape of the upper
surface of the outdoor device 1. A pair of discharge ports 131 may
be formed at or in the top cover 10, and enable air heat-exchanged
at an inside of the outdoor device 1 to be discharged outside of
the outdoor device 1. A discharge grille 132 may be installed at
each of the discharge ports 131 to prevent external foreign
substances from being introduced through the pair of discharge
ports 131.
[0026] The plurality of side supporters 20 may be provided at each
of four corners of the outdoor device 1, respectively. The
plurality of side supporters 20 may be bent, to connect the top
cover 10 with the base pan 40, and thus, to form each corner of the
outdoor device 1, and may be in a pipe shape or partial pipe shape.
The plurality of panels 30 may be provided between the plurality of
side supporters 20, respectively, and thus, may form an external
appearance of an outer surface of the outdoor device 1.
[0027] The plurality of panels 30 may include a pair of side panels
31, which may form first and second or left and right side surfaces
of the outdoor device 1, a front panel 34, which may form a front
surface of the outdoor device 1, and a rear panel 32, which may
form a rear surface of the outdoor device 1. Each of the side
panels 31 may be formed in a plate shape and may connect the
adjacent side supporters 20, the base pan 40, and the top cover
10.
[0028] An upper portion of each side panel 31, that is, an area
thereof corresponding to one or more shroud 90 in the outdoor
device 1 may be solid, and a plurality of suction ports 311 may be
formed at or in a remaining area of a lower portion thereof except
for the solid area. The plurality of suction ports 311 may be
uniformly formed at or in an entire area in which an outdoor heat
exchanger 55 heat-exchanging with suctioned air may be located, and
may serve to guide laterally suctioned air to pass through the
outdoor heat exchanger 55.
[0029] An arrangement of the plurality of suction ports 311 formed
at or in each side panel 31 may be changed according to a structure
and an arrangement of the outdoor heat exchanger 55. The plurality
of suction ports 311 may be arranged at or in an area corresponding
to the outdoor heat exchanger 55, and other areas, which do not
correspond to the outdoor heat exchanger 55 may be solid, and thus,
all of the suctioned air may pass through the outdoor heat
exchanger 55.
[0030] The rear panel 32 may be provided at a portion of the rear
surface of the outdoor device 1 corresponding to a position of the
one or more shroud 90. A suction grille 33 may extend from a lower
end of the rear panel 32 to the base pan 40. The suction grille 33
may include of a plurality of wires having a lattice shape, and may
have a size corresponding to the outdoor heat exchanger 55 located
at the rear surface of the outdoor device 1. Therefore, the suction
grille 33 may protect the outdoor heat exchanger 55 from an
external impact or a foreign substance, and may also allow external
air to be smoothly introduced.
[0031] A plurality of front panels 34 may be provided at the front
surface of the outdoor device 1. The plurality of front panels 34
may include a service panel 35, a piping panel 36, and a suction
panel 37. The front surface of the outdoor device 1 may be divided
into first and second or left and right sides based on a point from
which the outdoor heat exchanger 55 extends. That is, the service
panel 35 and the piping panel 36 may be provided at the first or
left side of the outdoor device 1, and the suction panel 37 may be
provided at the second or right side of the outdoor device 1.
[0032] The service panel 35 may be provided at a position
corresponding to a first or left side end of the outdoor device 1
corresponding to an extending end of the outdoor heat exchanger 55.
The service panel 35 may be formed to be independently separable in
a state in which all of the front panels 34 are installed.
Therefore, access to internal components of the outdoor device 1
may be provided by separating the service panel 35. In particular,
when the service panel 35 is opened, an entire control box 56 may
be exposed to a front side, and thus, access to each of components
forming a refrigeration cycle and a refrigerant pipe, which
connects the components, may be easily provided.
[0033] The piping panel 36 to pass-through and fix a plurality of
indoor device connection pipes that connect the outdoor device 1
with the indoor device may be provided between a lower end of the
service panel 35 and the base pan 40. The piping panel 36 may have
a same width as a width of the service panel 35, and may also be
formed to allow the service panel 35 to be separated in a state in
which the piping panel 36 is fixedly installed at or on the base
pan 40.
[0034] A plurality of pipe installation holes 361, through which
the plurality of indoor device connection pipes connected with the
indoor device may pass, may be formed at or in the piping panel 36.
A service valve may be installed at or in each pipe installation
hole 361 to enable the indoor device connection pipes connected
with the indoor device to be easily connected and installed. If
necessary, the piping panel 36 may be integrally formed with the
service panel 35.
[0035] The suction panel 37 may form an external appearance of a
remaining portion of the front surface of the outdoor device 1
besides the service panel 35 and the piping panel 36. The suction
panel 37 may extend from the top cover 10 to the base pan 40, and
may extend from the adjacent side supporter 20 to the service panel
35 and the piping panel 36. The suction panel 37 may extend to an
end of the outdoor heat exchanger 55, and may be provided inside of
the outdoor device 1 so that a coupling plate 57, to which the end
of the outdoor heat exchanger 55 may be fixed, may be coupled with
an end of the suction panel 37. Therefore, the outdoor heat
exchanger 55 may be stably maintained in a fixed state by the
suction panel 37. The suction panel 37 may also be formed so that
an upper portion thereof corresponding to a position of the one or
more shroud 90 is solid, and a plurality of suction ports 371 may
be formed at or in a remaining area corresponding to an area of the
outdoor heat exchanger 55, and thus, allow external air to flow
toward the outdoor heat exchanger 55.
[0036] A lower surface of the outdoor device 1 may be formed by the
base pan 40. The outdoor device 1 may be supported to be spaced
apart from a surface, such as a floor, by a base frame 41.
Components forming the refrigeration cycle, such as one or more
compressor 51 and the outdoor heat exchanger 55, may be provided on
an upper surface of the base pan 40.
[0037] The one or more compressor 51 may be provided on the upper
surface of the base frame 41. The one or more compressor 51 may
serve to enable a gaseous refrigerant to be compressed to a high
temperature and high pressure state, and may include a constant
speed compressor, which may be rotated at a constant speed and
perform a compression operation with a constant capacity, and an
inverter compressor, a rotational of which speed may be varied
according to a load, and thus, a compression capacity may be
adjustable.
[0038] An oil separator 52, which may separate oil contained in the
refrigerant discharged from the one or more compressor 51, may be
provided at the refrigerant pipe, which may be connected with an
outlet port of each compressor 51, and thus, the oil in the
refrigerant may be separated and then recovered again into each
compressor 51. A four-way valve 53, which may enable the
refrigerant passing through the oil separator 52 to be selectively
supplied to an indoor heat exchanger (not shown) or the outdoor
heat exchanger 55, may be provided at one side of the outdoor
device 1.
[0039] The four-way valve 53 may be connected with the indoor heat
exchanger, the outdoor heat exchanger 55, the compressor(s) 51, and
an accumulator 54, respectively, and may switch a path so that the
refrigerant discharged from the compressor(s) 51 may be selectively
supplied to the indoor heat exchanger or the outdoor heat exchanger
55 according to a warming operation or a cooling operation. The
accumulator 54 may be formed at one side of the base pan 40 to be
connected with the indoor heat exchanger and the four-way valve 53.
The accumulator 54 may separate a liquefied refrigerant from the
gaseous refrigerant, and enable the liquefied refrigerant to be
stored and the gaseous refrigerant to be supplied to the one or
more compressor 51. The outdoor heat exchanger 55 may enable
external air to be heat-exchanged with the refrigerant, while the
external air is forcibly passed through the outdoor heat exchanger
55 via a fan 81.
[0040] The outdoor heat exchanger 55 may extend along a
circumference of the base pan 40, and be arranged along four
surfaces of the outdoor device 1. Both ends of the outdoor heat
exchanger 1 may be spaced apart from each other at a corner, which
may be formed by the first or left surface and the front surface of
the outdoor device 1, and form a predetermined space. A space
between the ends of the outdoor heat exchanger 1 may be open, when
the service panel 35 is separated, and thus, access to various
pipes forming the refrigeration cycle and the control box 56 may be
allowed through the space.
[0041] The outdoor heat exchanger 55 may extend from the base pan
40 to a height close to the fan 81. Therefore, the outdoor heat
exchanger 55 may cover all of the plurality of suction ports 311
and 371 at the inside of the outdoor device 1, and also enable all
of the air passing through the plurality of suction ports 311 and
371 to pass through the outdoor heat exchanger 55.
[0042] The one or more shroud 90 may be provided at an upper
portion of the inside of the outdoor device 1, and a fan motor
assembly 80 may be provided inside of each shroud 90. The one or
more shroud 90 may guide discharged air, and may be vertically
opened. A side surface of each shroud 90 may be rounded, such that
a center thereof is recessed inward, and also an opening thereof
may be gradually widened upward from the center. An open upper
surface of each shroud 90 may have a same shape as the discharge
port 131, and thus, discharged air may be effectively guided to the
discharge port 131. Each shroud 90 may have a size which
accommodates the respective fan motor assembly 80 therein.
[0043] Hereinafter, a structure and a coupling structure of the top
cover will be described.
[0044] FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a state
in which a top cover according to an embodiment is separated. FIG.
5 is a plan view of the top cover of FIG. 4. FIG. 6 is an enlarged
rear view of a portion A of FIG. 5.
[0045] As illustrated in the drawings, the top cover 10 may have a
structure configured to be coupled with an upper end of the
plurality of panels 30, which form a circumference of the outdoor
device 1. A bent portion 300, which may be inserted into the top
cover 10, may be formed at the upper end of the plurality of panels
30. That is, the bent portion 300, which may be bent toward the
inside of the outdoor device 1, may be formed at all upper ends of
the side panel 31 and the rear panel 32 forming the plurality of
panels 30, and the service panel 35 and the suction panel 37
forming the front panel 34, and the plurality of side supporters
20.
[0046] The bent portion 300 may contact with a lower surface of the
top cover 10, and may be formed to extend by a corresponding
length, and thus, be in contact with an edge 12 and a recess 13 or
a forming portion 14, which will be described hereinafter.
Therefore, the bent portion 300 may be supported by the recess 13
or the forming portion 14, and thus, maintained in an accurately
installed state at a predetermined position of the top cover 10,
when the top cover 10 is installed.
[0047] The top cover 10 may include a plate 11, which may form the
upper surface of the outdoor device 1, and the edge 12, which may
be formed at or along a circumference of the top cover 10. The
plate 11 of the top cover 10 may be formed in a plate shape, and
the pair of discharge ports 131 may be formed therein. A shape of
each of the pair of discharge ports 131 may be the same as a shape
of the open upper surface of the one or more shroud 90, and both
ends of the pair of discharge ports 131 may be in contact with each
other so that air guided through the one or more shroud 90 may be
discharged through the pair of discharge ports 131.
[0048] The recess 13 may be formed at or in the plate 11. The
recess 13 may be formed by recessing an area in which the pair of
discharge ports 131 is formed and an outer area adjacent to the
pair of discharge ports 131, and may be formed so that a remaining
portion of the plate 11 except for edges thereof may be recessed
and form a flat surface.
[0049] The discharge grille 132 may be installed at or in the
recess 13. The discharge grille 132 may shield the discharge port
131, and may be formed of a plurality of wires having a lattice
shape or a net shape. The discharge grille 132 may shield all of
the discharge ports 131, or may be separately formed to be
independently installed thereat.
[0050] The edge 12 may be bent downward along a circumference of
the plate 11. The edge 12 may have a predetermined length, and
thus, may accommodate the upper ends of the plurality of panels 30,
that is, the side panels 31, the front panel 34 and the rear panel
32, and the side supporters 20.
[0051] The edge 12 may be in close contact with and fixed to outer
surfaces of the side panels 31, the front panel 34 and the rear
panel 32, and the side supporters 20. The plate 11 may have a same
size and shape as a cross section formed in a state in which all of
the side panels 31, the front panel 34, the rear panel 32, and the
side supporters 20 are coupled to each other.
[0052] A coupling hole 123 to couple the side panels 31, the front
panel 34, and the rear panel 32 forming the plurality of panels 30,
and the side supporters 20 may be formed at or in the edge 12. Each
coupling hole 123 may be open, such that a fastening member, such
as a screw, may be fastened thereto.
[0053] The edge 12 may be spaced apart from a circumference of the
recess 13, and the bent portion 300 may be inserted between the
circumference of the recess 13 and the edge 12. That is, a distance
between an outer circumference of the recess 13 and the edge 12 of
the plate 11 may correspond to a length of the bent portion 300,
and thus, the bent portion 300 may be inserted into and fixed
thereto.
[0054] The forming portion 14 may be formed at or on the plate 11.
The forming portion 14 may be formed at a front portion of the
plate 11. The forming portion 14 may extend a length corresponding
to a transverse width of the front panel 34, and may form a space
in which the bent portion 300 formed at the upper end of the front
panel 34 may be inserted.
[0055] That is, a front end of the forming portion 14 may be formed
at a position which is spaced apart from the edge 12 formed at a
front end of the top cover 10 by a length of the bent portion 300.
Therefore, the bent portion 300 may be accommodated at an inside of
a space formed by the edge 12 and the forming portion 14.
[0056] The forming portion 14 may be located between the edge 12
and the recess 13 of the top cover 10, and may be formed to have a
predetermined width. Therefore, the forming portion 14 may prevent
deformation of the top cover 10, which may extend lengthwise
transversely, and reinforce a strength thereof.
[0057] This embodiment has been described as an example in which
the forming portion 14 is formed at the front portion of the top
cover 10. However, the forming portion 14 may be formed at at least
one side of a first or left side, a second or right side, or a rear
side of the top cover 10.
[0058] FIG. 7 is a partial perspective view illustrating a coupling
structure of the top cover. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken
along line VIII-VIII' of FIG. 1.
[0059] As illustrated in the drawings, the bent portion 300, which
may be formed at the upper ends of the front panel 34, the side
panels 31, the rear panel 32, and the side supporters 20 may
include a first rounded portion 301, and the edge 12, which may be
bent downward from an outer end of the plate 11 may include a
second rounded portion 121. When the top cover 10 is installed, the
first rounded portion 301 and the second rounded portion 121 may be
in contact with each other, and thus, the edge 12 may be in close
contact with the panel 30.
[0060] More specifically, the bent portion 300 may be bent backward
from the upper end of the panel 30, that is, the front panel 34,
and may include the first rounded portion 301, which may be formed
at the upper end of the panel 30 to be rounded with a predetermined
curvature, and a first extension 302, which may extend from an end
of the first rounded portion 301 toward the inside of the outdoor
device 1. The first extension 302 may extend in a direction that
vertically crosses the front panel 34.
[0061] The edge 12 may be bent downward from the outer end of the
plate 11, and may include the second rounded portion 121, which may
be formed at the outer end of the plate 11 to be rounded with a
predetermined curvature, and a second extension 122, which may
extend downward from an end of the second rounded portion 121. The
second extension 122 may extend in a direction that vertically
crosses the plate 11.
[0062] When the top cover 10 is installed, the bent portion 300 may
be inserted into the inside of the edge 12. At this time, an outer
surface of the first rounded portion 301 may be adjacent to an
inner surface of the second rounded portion 121, and a radius of
curvature R1 of the outer surface of the first rounded portion 301
may be larger than a radius of curvature R2 of the inner surface of
the second rounded portion 121. Therefore, as the top cover 10 is
moved down, the outer surface of the first rounded portion 301 may
press the inner side surface of the second rounded portion 121, and
thus, the second extension 122 of the edge 12 may be maintained to
be pressed to and in close contact with the inner side surface of
the panel 30.
[0063] The forming portion 14 or the recess 13 of the top cover 10
has a structure which is recessed downward. Restriction portions
143 and 133 may be formed at a recessed circumference. The
restriction portions 143 and 133 may be portions in contact with an
end of the second extension 122 of the bent portion 300, when the
top cover 10 is installed, and may support the end, such that the
bent portion 300 may be prevented from being further moved toward
the inside of the outdoor device 1 and is located in position.
[0064] The recess 13 may be recessed downward from the plate 11,
and a first restriction portion 133 may be formed along the
circumference of the recess 13. A distance between the first
restriction portion 133 and the edge 12 may correspond to the
length of the bent portion 300.
[0065] Therefore, when the bent portion 300 is inserted into a
space between the edge 12 and the first restriction portion 133,
the bent portion 300 may not deviate from an installation position,
even when an external force is applied. That is, in a process in
which the outer surface of the first rounded portion 301 presses
the second rounded portion 121 due to installation of the top cover
10, the first extension 302 may be prevented from being pushed to
the inside of the outdoor device 1, and the second extension 122
may be maintained to be in close contact with the front panel
34.
[0066] The forming portion 14 may also be recessed downward from
the plate 11 of the top cover 10, and a second restriction portion
143 may be formed along a circumference of the forming portion 14.
A distance between the second restriction portion 143 and the edge
12 may correspond to the length of the bent portion 300.
[0067] Therefore, when the bent portion 300 is inserted into a
space between the edge 12 and the second restriction portion 143,
the bent portion 300 may not deviate from an installation position,
even when an external force is applied. That is, in a process in
which the outer surface of the first rounded portion 301 presses
the second rounded portion 121 due to installation of the top cover
10, the first extension 302 may be prevented from being pushed to
the inside of the outdoor device 1, and the second extension 122
may be maintained to be in close contact with the front panel
34.
[0068] Hereinafter, an assembly process of the top cover of the
outdoor device 1 having the above-described structure will be
described.
[0069] FIGS. 9A-9C are cross-sectional views sequentially
illustrating an installation process of the top cover. The
installation process of the top cover 10 will be described with
reference to the drawing.
[0070] Various components forming the refrigeration cycle, such as
the compressor(s) 51 and the outdoor heat exchanger 55, may be
installed on the upper surface of the base pan 40. The side
supporters 20 may be coupled to four corners of the base pan 40,
the plurality of panels 30 may be installed between the adjacent
side supporters 20, and the suction grille 33 may be installed, to
form an external appearance of the outdoor device 1. Then, the
control box 56, the one or more fan motor assembly 80, and the one
or more shroud 90 may be installed, and the top cover 10 may be
installed at the opened upper end of the outdoor device 1, and
thus, the assembly process may be completed.
[0071] To assemble the top cover 10, first, the top cover 10 should
be located at an upper side corresponding to the bent portion 300
formed at the upper ends of the panel 30 and the side supporters
20, as illustrated in FIG. 9A. In this state, when the top cover 10
is moved downward, the edge 12 may be moved along the outer side
surfaces of the panel 30 and the side supporters 20, and the bent
portion 300 of each of the panels 30 and the side supporters 20 may
be adjacent to the plate 11 of the top cover 10, as illustrated in
FIG. 9B.
[0072] In a state as illustrated in FIG. 9B, when the top cover 10
is further moved downward, the outer surface of the first rounded
portion 301 of each of the panels 30 and the side supporters 20 may
press the second rounded portion 121, while being in contact with
the inner side surface of the second rounded portion 121 of the top
cover 10. The end of the first extension 302 of the bent portion
300 may be supported by the restriction portion 143, 133 of the
forming portion 14 or the recess 13 to not deviate. Therefore, due
to a pressure applied to the second rounded portion 121, the second
extension 122 may be maintained to be in close contact with the
upper end of the outer side surface of each of the panels 30 and
the upper end of the outer side surface of each of the side
supporters 20. In such a structure, as a pressing force is always
applied downward by a weight of the top cover 10, the bent portion
300 may be maintained to be in close contact with the inside of the
edge 12.
[0073] As described above, the top cover 10 may be fixed in a
fitted state to the panel 30 and the side supporters 20. Therefore,
the fixed state may be maintained without a separate fastening
member, and to further firmly maintain the coupled state, a
fastening member, which may be fastened to each panel forming the
panel 30 may be partially used.
[0074] According to the outdoor device of an air conditioner in
accordance with embodiments disclosed herein, the bent portion may
be formed at the upper ends of the plurality of panels and the
plurality of side supports forming the circumference of the outdoor
device, and the edge, which may be bent downward to accommodate the
upper ends of the plurality of panels and the plurality of side
supporters may be formed at the top cover installed at the
plurality of panels and the plurality of side supporters. The
radius of the outer surface of the first rounded portion formed at
the bent portion may be larger than the radius of the inner surface
of the second rounded portion formed at the edge. Therefore, when
the top cover is moved downward, the first rounded portion may
press the second rounded portion, while being in close contact with
the second rounded portion, and thus, the edge may be in close
contact with the outer side surfaces of the panels and the side
supporters. Therefore, even when a separate fastening member is not
provided or a small number of fastening members is used, a gap is
not generated between the edge and the outer side surfaces of the
panels and the side supporters, and thus, an external appearance
may be improved.
[0075] Also, as a fastening member is not used, or a number of
fastening members may be reduced, and thus, man hours may be
reduced, it is possible to reduce man hours and manufacturing
costs.
[0076] As the recess is formed at the upper surface of the top
cover, and the pair of discharge ports are disposed or provided at
or in the area of the recess, and the discharge grille is
installed, the pair of discharge ports and the discharge grille are
not exposed, when being seen from a front side, and the external
appearance may be further enhanced.
[0077] Further, as the circumferential surface of the recess is in
contact with the end of the bent portion, the bent portion may be
prevented from deviating or moving and may be located in position
during the installation process of the top cover, and thus, the top
cover may be further easily assembled.
[0078] As the strength of the top cover is reinforced by the
forming portion, which is formed to be recessed in the lengthwise
direction, and also, the circumference of the forming portion is in
contact with the end of the bent portion, the bent portion may be
prevented from deviating or moving and may be located in position
during the installation process of the top cover, and thus, the top
cover may be further easily assembled.
[0079] Embodiments disclosed herein are directed to an outdoor unit
or device of an air conditioner which is able to prevent a gap from
occurring at an external appearance of the outdoor device and to
minimize a number of screws to be used, thereby improving an
external appearance and enhancing productivity.
[0080] Embodiments disclosed herein provide an outdoor unit or
device of an air conditioner that may include a top cover
configured to form an external appearance of an upper surface of
the outdoor unit and having a discharge port, through which air
passed through an outdoor heat exchanger is discharged; a recessed
portion or recess recessed along at least a part or portion of an
edge of the top cover; a plurality of panels configured to form an
external appearance of a circumference of the outdoor unit; an edge
or edge portion bent downward along an outer end of the top cover
and configured to accommodate upper ends of the panels; and a bent
portion bent from an upper end of each of the panels toward an
inside of the outdoor unit. The bent portion may be formed to
extend and to be fitted into a space between the edge portion and
the recessed portion, and restricted by the top cover.
[0081] An end of the bent portion may be in contact with and
supported by a circumferential surface of the recessed portion. The
bent portion may be further formed at an upper end of a side
supporter, which may be formed to extend vertically, form an
inclined surface of a corner of the outdoor unit, and connect the
plurality of panels.
[0082] The edge portion corresponding to a corner of the top cover
may have a corresponding shape so as to be in contact with the
inclined surface of the side supporter. The top cover may further
include a forming portion, which may be recessed between the
recessed portion and the outer end of the top cover, and formed to
extend in an extension direction of the top cover, and thus, to
prevent deformation of the top cover. A part of the bent portion
may be fitted into a space between the edge portion and the forming
portion.
[0083] The discharge port may be opened at an internal recessed
area of the recessed portion. A discharge grille, through which
discharged air may pass, may be installed at or in the discharge
port, and the discharge grille may be located inside of the
recessed portion. A recessed depth of the recessed portion may be
formed greater than a height of the discharge grille.
[0084] A first round portion or rounded portion having a
predetermined curvature may be formed at the bent portion, and a
second round portion or rounded portion having a predetermined
curvature may be further formed at a position of the edge portion,
which may be in contact with the first round portion when the top
cover is installed. A radius of an outer surface of the first round
portion may be formed larger than a radius of an inner surface of
the second round portion.
[0085] A second extension portion which extends in a direction
crossing the top cover and is in close contact with outer side
surfaces of the outer panels may be further formed at an end of the
second round portion.
[0086] The bent portion may include a first round portion or
rounded portion, which may be bent at an upper end of each of the
panels to be rounded with a predetermined curvature, and a first
extension portion, which may extend from the first round portion in
a direction perpendicular to each of the outer panels, and the edge
portion may include a second round portion or rounded portion,
which may be formed at the outer end of the top cover to have a
curvature smaller than the curvature of the first round portion,
and a second extension portion, which may extend from the second
round portion in a direction perpendicular to the top cover. When
the top cover is installed, the first round portion may press the
second round portion so that the second extension portion is in
close contact with each of the out panels.
[0087] A coupling hole, through which a fastening member fastened
to the outer panels may pass, may be formed at the edge portion. A
circumference of the recessed portion may be formed to be inclined,
and formed by a restriction portion, which may be in contact with
an end of the bent portion. A distance between the restriction
portion and the edge portion may be gradually reduced upward.
[0088] Any reference in this specification to "one embodiment," "an
embodiment," "example embodiment," etc., means that a particular
feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with
the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. The
appearances of such phrases in various places in the specification
are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Further,
when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is
described in connection with any embodiment, it is submitted that
it is within the purview of one skilled in the art to effect such
feature, structure, or characteristic in connection with other ones
of the embodiments.
[0089] Although embodiments have been described with reference to a
number of illustrative embodiments thereof, it should be understood
that numerous other modifications and embodiments can be devised by
those skilled in the art that will fall within the spirit and scope
of the principles of this disclosure. More particularly, various
variations and modifications are possible in the component parts
and/or arrangements of the subject combination arrangement within
the scope of the disclosure, the drawings and the appended claims.
In addition to variations and modifications in the component parts
and/or arrangements, alternative uses will also be apparent to
those skilled in the art.
* * * * *