Patent Description:
An air conditioner is an air conditioning/heating device that includes a blowing fan configured to suck and discharge air and a heat-exchanger configured to exchange heat with the sucked air so as to heat or air-condition an a room by means of the air repeatedly discharged into the room after exchanging heat with a low-temperature or high-temperature refrigerant. Such an air conditioner may form a series of cycles configured of a compressor, a condenser, an expansion valve and an evaporator.

Generally, an outdoor unit of such the air conditioner may include an outdoor heat-exchanger configured to exchange heat between a refrigerant flowing therein and external air sucked therein; an outdoor fan installed near the outdoor heat exchanger and configured to provide a power used in sucking and discharging the external air; and a compressor configured to compress a low-temperature-low-pressure gas refrigerant into a high-temperature-and-high-pressure gas refrigerant.

When the air conditioner is used in supplying chilled air to a room, the high-temperature-and-high-pressure gas refrigerant generated in the compressor is transmitted to the outdoor unit heat-exchanger and exchanges heat with outdoor air to be condensed. The condensed liquid refrigerant exchanges heat with room air while passing the indoor heat-exchanger to be evaporated. The room air having relieved of heat by the refrigerant is chilled and supplied to the room.

In contrast, when the air conditioner is used in supplying heated-air to the room, the high-temperature-and-high-pressure gas refrigerant is transmitted to the indoor unit heat-exchanger and exchanges heat with room air to be condensed. At this time, the room air sucked into the indoor unit heat-exchanger exchanges heat with the refrigerant and heated, and the heated-air is supplied to the room.

In such a series of processes, the compressor and outdoor unit fan installed in the outdoor unit cannot but generate relatively much noise and vibration. <CIT> discloses a magnetic-type air-conditioner outdoor unit lid.

Accordingly, an object of the present disclosure is to address the above-noted and other problems.

Another object of the present disclosure is to provide an outdoor unit that may reduce the noise and vibration generated in an outdoor unit of an air conditioner, and an air conditioner including the same.

Another object of the present disclosure is to provide an outdoor unit including a cover that may be mounted therein and demounted therefrom simply and easily, and an air conditioner including the same.

Another object of the present disclosure is to provide an outdoor unit that may be mounted or demounted by means of a plurality of covers assembled based on the size of the outdoor unit, with no need of a new cover even if the outdoor unit has a different size, and an air conditioner including same.

Another object of the present disclosure is to provide an outdoor unit that that may effectively reduce the noise and vibration generated therein, through interfering win a path of external air passing the outdoor unit, and an air conditioner including the same.

The present invention is defined by independent claim <NUM>; the dependent claims describe embodiments of the present invention.

Embodiments of the present disclosure may provide an outdoor unit that may attach a cover to a case by using a magnetic member and have an empty space formed between the case and the cover as large as the thickness of the magnetic member, wherein air or a sound-proof or meta material may be filled in the empty space and a cover for covering the case of the outdoor unit may include several pieces that are detachably connected with each other like Lego pieces, and the cover may be attached to the other area of an outer surface of the outdoor unit except the area having an inlet for sucking external air and an outlet hole for discharging the external air drawn into the outdoor unit via the inlet outside again.

Embodiments of the present disclosure may also provide an outdoor unit including an outdoor unit of an air conditioner configured to supply heating and cooling to a room, the outdoor unit including a case provided to define an exterior design and including a heat-exchanging compartment and a machine compartment; an inlet hole formed through the case and providing a path of external air drawn into the heat-exchanging compartment; an outlet hole formed through the case and providing a path of the external air drawn into the heat-exchanging compartment outside; a cover configured to cover the other predetermined area of an outer surface of the case except an area having the inlet hole and the outlet hole; and a magnetic member disposed between the case and the cover and configured to secure the cover to the case by means of a magnetic force. The case and the cover may be spaced a preset distance apart from each other by the magnetic member disposed between the case and the cover.

The cover may be separable from the case, when a stronger power than an attractive force formed between the case and the magnetic member is applied in a direction getting farther from the case.

The cover may include a first sub-cover and a second sub-cover that are detachably connected with each other, and the first sub-cover may cover a predetermined area of the case and the second sub-cover covers another predetermined area of the case, and one of the first and second sub-covers may cover a side surface of the case and the other one covers side surface and upper surfaces of the case.

The magnetic member may be coupled to an inner surface of the cover.

The magnetic member may extend in a first direction and a plurality of magnetic members area may be arranged at preset intervals along a second direction crossing the first direction.

Air may be filled in the other empty space between the case and the cover except the area having the magnetic member.

At least one of a sound-proof material for reducing noise and vibration and a meta material having a refractive index of sound is filled in the other empty space between the case and the cover except the area having the magnetic member.

The sound-proof material may include a sound absorbent material for absorbing noise and vibration and a sound insulating material for insulating noise.

The sound-proof material may be coupled to an inner surface of the cover, spaced a preset distance apart from the case.

Air may be filled in the other empty space between the sound-proof material and the case except the area having the magnetic member.

The sound-proof material may be spaced a preset distance apart from an inner surface of the cover and contact with an outer surface of the case, when the cover is attached to the case.

The meta material may be coupled to an inner surface of the cover and spaced apart a preset distance apart from the case.

Air may be filled in the other empty space between the cover and the sound-proof material except the area having the magnetic member.

The meta material may be spaced a preset distance apart from an inner surface of the cover and contacts with an outer surface of the case, when the cover is attached to the case.

The outdoor unit may further include a porous structure installed in the other empty space between the case and the cover except the area having the magnetic member and having the sound-proof material and the meta material alternately layered thereon in a direction from the case towards the cover, the porous structure in which a plurality of empty spaces are formed between the case and the cover to fill air therein.

Embodiments of the present disclosure may also provide an air conditioner including an outdoor unit including a case provided to define an exterior design and including a heat-exchanging compartment and a machine compartment; an inlet hole formed through the case and providing a path of external air drawn into the heat-exchanging compartment; an outlet hole formed through the case and providing a path of the external air drawn into the heat-exchanging compartment outside; a cover configured to cover the other predetermined area of an outer surface of the case except an area having the inlet hole and the outlet hole; and a magnetic member disposed between the case and the cover and configured to secure the cover to the case by means of a magnetic force; and an indoor unit connected with the outdoor unit via a refrigerant path and configured to facilitate heat-exchanging between internal air and a refrigerant transmitted from the outdoor unit and transmit the refrigerant to the outdoor unit again, and wherein the case and the cover may be spaced a preset distance apart from each other by the magnetic member disposed between the case and the cover, and the indoor unit may provide heating to a room when the refrigerant passing through the indoor unit absorbs heat from the room air and cooling to the room when the refrigerant passing through the indoor unit supplies heat to the room.

According to the embodiment of the present disclosure, the present disclosure has the effect of providing the air conditioner that may attach and detach a cover capable of reducing noise and vibration of the outdoor unit to the case of the outdoor unit simply and enhancing the user and service technician's working convenience.

In addition, the present disclosure has the effect of effectively reducing the noise and vibration generated in the outdoor unit by filling air or a sound-proof or meta material in the empty space formed between the case and the cover as much as the thickness of the magnetic member.

In addition, the present disclosure has the effect of forming the case configured of several parts like Lego to cover the case, with no need of the new cover. Accordingly, the manufacturing cost may be reduced. Also, such the covers may be assembled based on the size of the outdoor unit properly to be attached to or detached from the outdoor unit. Accordingly, the cover may be versatile.

In addition, the present disclosure has the effect of effectively reducing the noise and vibration generated therein, through interfering win a path of external air passing the outdoor unit, by attaching the cover to the other outer surface of the case except the inlet hole for sucking the external air and the outlet hole for discharging the air sucked into the outdoor unit.

Further scope of applicability of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description given hereinafter. However, it should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating preferred embodiments of the invention, are given by illustration only, since various changes and modifications within the scope of the invention, which is defined in the claims, will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this detailed description.

The present invention will become more fully understood from the detailed description given herein below and the accompanying drawings, which are given by illustration only, and thus are not limitative of the present invention, and reference numerals means structural elements and wherein:.

Hereinafter, referring to the accompanying drawings, exemplary embodiment of a compressor according to the present disclosure will be described. Regardless of numeral references, the same or equivalent components may be provided with the same reference numbers and description thereof will not be repeated.

For the sake of brief description with reference to the drawings, the sizes and profiles of the elements illustrated in the accompanying drawings may be exaggerated or reduced and it should be understood that the embodiments presented herein are not limited by the accompanying drawings.

The accompanying drawings are used to help easily understand various technical features and it should be understood that the embodiments presented herein are not limited by the accompanying drawings. As such, the present disclosure should be construed to extend to any alterations, equivalents and substitutes in addition to those which are particularly set out in the accompanying drawings.

Referring to the accompanying drawings, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail.

<FIG> is a conceptual diagram schematically illustrating a structure of an air conditioner including an outdoor unit according to one embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to <FIG>, the air conditioner <NUM> according to one embodiment of the present invention includes an outdoor unit <NUM> and an indoor unit <NUM>.

The outdoor unit <NUM> may include an outdoor unit heat-exchanger <NUM> configured to exchange heat between external door and a refrigerant; an outdoor unit fan <NUM> provided adjacent to the outdoor unit heat-exchanger <NUM>; a first expansion valve <NUM> configured to expand the refrigerant drawn into the outdoor unit heat-exchanger <NUM>; and a compressor <NUM> configured to compress the refrigerant discharged from the outdoor unit heat-exchanger <NUM>.

The indoor unit <NUM> may include an indoor unit heat-exchanger <NUM> configured to suck the refrigerant discharged from the compressor <NUM>; an indoor unit fan <NUM> provided adjacent to the indoor unit heat-exchanger <NUM>; and a second expansion valve <NUM> configured to adjust the amount of the refrigerant sucked into the indoor unit heat-exchanger <NUM>.

The compressor <NUM> may be formed to compress the refrigerant. In other words, the compressor <NUM> may press a low-temperature-and-low-pressure refrigerant into a high-temperature-and-high-pressure refrigerant. One or more compressors <NUM> may be provided in the air conditioner <NUM>.

As one example, when a plurality of compressors <NUM> are provided in the air conditioner <NUM>, the plurality of the compressors <NUM> may be arranged long a flowing direction of the refrigerant in serial and/or parallel.

The indoor unit heat-exchanger <NUM> may be configured to exchange heat with room air. In other words, the indoor unit heat-exchanger <NUM> may exchange heat between the room air and the refrigerant flowing into the indoor unit heat-exchanger <NUM>.

As one example, the indoor unit heat-exchanger <NUM> may function as the evaporator in a cooling mode of the air conditioner <NUM> and the function as the condenser in a heating mode. Also, a plurality of indoor unit heat-exchangers <NUM> may be provided in one indoor unit or respective indoor units.

The outdoor unit heat-exchanger <NUM> may be configured to exchange heat-with external air. In other words, the outdoor unit heat-exchanger <NUM> may exchange heat between external air and the refrigerant flowing into the outdoor unit heat-exchanger <NUM>.

As one example, the outdoor unit heat-exchanger <NUM> may function as the condenser in the cooling mode and the evaporator in the heating mode. Also, a plurality of the outdoor unit heat-exchangers <NUM> may be provided in one outdoor unit or respective outdoor units.

The outdoor unit heat-exchanger <NUM> and the indoor unit heat-heat exchanger <NUM> may be a fin-tube type heat-exchanger. The outdoor unit fan <NUM> may be provided in the outdoor unit heat exchanger <NUM> and the indoor unit fan <NUM> may be provided in the indoor unit heat-exchanger <NUM>.

The air conditioner <NUM> may include an oil separator <NUM> configured to separate oil from the mixed air of the refrigerant and oil discharged from the compressor <NUM> and supply the oil to the compressor <NUM> again.

The refrigerant separated from the mixed air drawn into the oil separator <NUM> may circulate in a refrigerant cycle having the outdoor unit heat-exchanger <NUM> and the indoor unit heat-exchanger <NUM>.

As one example, the mixed air discharged from the compressor <NUM> may be supplied to the oil separator <NUM> via a supply path <NUM>. The liquid oil separated by the oil separator <NUM> may be resupplied to the compressor <NUM> via a return path <NUM>. The gas refrigerant separated by the oil separator <NUM> may circulate in a refrigerant cycle.

The air conditioner <NUM> may include a flow-path changing valve for changing a flow path of the refrigerant, when the cooling mode and the heating mode are converted into each other. The flow path changing valve <NUM> may be <NUM>-way valve.

As one example, the flow path changing valve <NUM> may guide the refrigerant discharged from the compressor into the outdoor unit <NUM> in the cooling mode and into the indoor unit <NUM> in the heating mode.

The first expansion valve <NUM> may be provided in the outdoor unit <NUM> and configured to expand the refrigerant drawn into the outdoor unit heat-exchanger <NUM> when the air conditioner <NUM> is operated in the heating mode and be full-open when the air conditioner <NUM> is operated in a defrost or cooling mode.

The second expansion valve <NUM> may be provided in the indoor unit <NUM> and configured to adjust an opening degree to adjust the amount of the refrigerant flowing in the indoor unit <NUM> based on an outdoor temperature and a heating-set temperature when the air conditioner <NUM> is operated in the heating mode.

In addition, the second expansion valve <NUM> may be configured to expand the refrigerant drawn into the indoor unit heat-exchanger <NUM> and adjust the opening degree to adjust the amount of the refrigerant, when the air conditioner <NUM> is operated in the defrost or cooling mode.

<FIG> illustrates one example of a mechanism device in which a cover (<NUM>, see <FIG>) according to one embodiment may be installed. The cover <NUM> may be provided to cover an outer surface of the outdoor unit <NUM>, which will be described later in detail. To show that such a feature in <FIG>, a numeral reference of <NUM> is added in a rear portion of the outdoor unit <NUM>.

<FIG> is an exploded perspective diagram of the outdoor unit shown in <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG>, the outdoor unit <NUM> may be connected with the indoor unit <NUM> via a refrigerant pipe unit <NUM> to facilitate the supply and return of the refrigerant. The outdoor unit <NUM> may be installed outdoor in a state of standing.

The outdoor unit <NUM> is defined by a case <NUM>. The case <NUM> may have a grill <NUM> arranged in a corresponding position to a fan <NUM>. The case <NUM> may include a front panel 110f for shielding a heat-exchanging compartment <NUM>, a panel 110p for defining a front of a mechanical chamber <NUM>, upper and lower plates 110u and 110b for defining upper and lower surfaces of the outdoor unit <NUM>, respectively, right and left plates 110r and <NUM> for defining right and left surfaces, respectively, and a rear panel 110e for defining a rear surface.

At least one of the above-noted elements may be formed as one body integrally connected with each other. The elements may be coupled to each other to define the exterior design of the outdoor unit <NUM>.

Meanwhile, the inside of the case <NUM> is partitioned off by a barrier <NUM>. The spaces partitioned off by the barrier <NUM> includes a heat-exchanging compartment <NUM> for accommodating the outdoor unit heat-exchanger <NUM>; and a machine compartment <NUM> for accommodating the compressor <NUM>, the refrigerant pipe unit <NUM> and a control box <NUM>.

In a predetermined area of the case corresponding to the heat-exchanging compartment <NUM> is sequentially formed an inlet hole <NUM> for sucking external air and an outlet hole <NUM> for discharging the external air outside after passing the heat-exchanger <NUM> so as to facilitate the heat exchanging between the outdoor unit heat-exchanger <NUM> and the external air. Also, in a predetermined area inside the heat-exchanger <NUM> corresponding to the grill <NUM> may be mounted a fan motor assembly configured of the fan <NUM> and a fan motor (not shown).

Accordingly, external air may be drawn via the inlet hole <NUM> by the rotation of the fan <NUM> and supplied to the inside of the heat-exchanging compartment <NUM> via the outdoor unit heat-exchanger <NUM>. At this time, the refrigerant flowing inside the outdoor unit heat-exchanger <NUM> may exchange heat with the external air.

Meanwhile, the other predetermined area of the case corresponding to the machine compartment <NUM> may be formed to be partially open. The open machine compartment <NUM> may be closed by the panel 110p. Under the structure, a user or service technician may separate the panel 110p from the case <NUM> to access to the control box <NUM>, when trying to repair the control box <NUM> installed in the machine compartment <NUM>.

The control box <NUM> may be configured to control diverse operations of the outdoor unit <NUM> and installed in the machine compartment <NUM>. Such the control box <NUM> may be independently installed in a predetermined area of the machine compartment <NUM> not to interfere in the other elements. As shown in the drawing, the control box <NUM> may be installed in the uppermost area of the machine compartment <NUM> but embodiments are not limited thereto. As one example, the control box <NUM> may be installed in a position that is high enough to facilitate the user's or service technician's work.

The compressor <NUM> may be installed in another space in the machine compartment <NUM>, independently separated from the control box <NUM>. Generally, heat and noise consistently occur in the compressor <NUM> while the outdoor unit <NUM> is operating. To prevent the error caused by the heat of the control box <NUM>, the compressor <NUM> may be installed distant from the control box <NUM> as far as possible.

The compressor <NUM> may be connected with the outdoor unit heat-exchanger <NUM> and the indoor unit <NUM> by the refrigerant pipe unit <NUM>, such that some of the refrigerant pipe unit <NUM> may be installed and supported in the machine compartment <NUM>.

Specifically, the refrigerant pipe unit <NUM> may include a liquid pipe <NUM> and a gas pipe <NUM> that are connected with the indoor unit <NUM> through the case <NUM>. Service valves <NUM> may be installed in the liquid pipe <NUM> and the gas pipe <NUM>, respectively. In other words, a pair of service valves <NUM> may be provided to connect the liquid pipe <NUM> and the gas pipe <NUM> with each other so as to connect the outdoor unit heat-exchanger <NUM> with the indoor unit heat-exchanger <NUM>.

Also, the service valves <NUM> may be closable. A refrigerant may be filled or recharged in the refrigerant pipe unit <NUM> or discharged therefrom, in a state where the service valves <NUM> are open. For that, the service valves <NUM> may be exposed outside the outdoor unit <NUM> to facilitate the easy opening and closing and the connection with the liquid pipe <NUM> and the gas pipe <NUM> connected with the indoor unit <NUM>.

If necessary, an opening <NUM> may be formed in the panel 110p to expose the service valves <NUM> outside. A cover <NUM> may be coupled to the opening <NUM> such that the user or service technician can manipulate the cover <NUM> to open and close the opening <NUM>.

Meanwhile, although not shown in the drawings, diverse valves, a drier, an accumulator and the like may be installed in the machine compartment <NUM>. Such elements may be the conventional elements composing the outdoor unit <NUM> of the air conditioner <NUM> and detailed description thereof is omitted accordingly.

In addition, plural electric control parts as well as the first expansion valve <NUM> and the compressor <NUM> may be mounted in the machine compartment <NUM> and a plurality of wires (not shown) for supply power or transmit a signal to the electric control parts may be also installed.

Hereinafter, referring to FIGS. <NUM> through <NUM>, a coupling structure between the cover <NUM> installed in the outdoor unit <NUM> and the case <NUM> and the cover <NUM> provided in the outdoor unit <NUM> will be described in detail.

<FIG> is a perspective diagram illustrating the outdoor unit and a cover that is attachable to the outdoor unit shown in <FIG>. <FIG> is a perspective diagram illustrating the cover and the outdoor unit shown in <FIG>, viewed from a different side. <FIG> is a perspective diagram illustrating the cover of <FIG> and <FIG> that is attached to the outdoor unit. <FIG> is a perspective diagram illustrating the cover and the outdoor unit of <FIG> that are coupled to each other, viewed from a different side.

Referring to <FIG>, the outdoor unit <NUM> further includes a cover covering at least predetermined area of an outer surface of the case except the inlet hole <NUM> and the outlet hole <NUM>; and a magnetic member <NUM> disposed between the outer surface of the case <NUM> and the cover <NUM> and configured to secure the cover <NUM> covering the case <NUM> by means of a magnetic force.

Here, the expression of 'at least predetermined' means that the cover <NUM> may be installed to cover some area of the outer surface of the case <NUM> except the inlet hole <NUM> and the outlet hole <NUM>. However, the embodiments are not limited thereto.

As one example, although not shown in the drawings, the cover <NUM> may be provided in the case to cover the other area of the outer surface of the case except the inlet hole <NUM> and the outlet hole <NUM>. In other words, although not shown in the drawings, the case <NUM> may be provided to cover the overall surface of the upper plate 110u provided in the case <NUM>. Hereinafter, for easy description, the cover <NUM> may be coupled to the case <NUM> to cover a predetermined area of the outer surface of the case <NUM>, except the inlet hole <NUM> and the outlet hole <NUM>, specifically, a predetermined area of the front panel 110f, the right and upper plates 110r and 110u.

More specifically, the magnetic member <NUM> may be provided as an independent member from the case <NUM> or the cover <NUM> such that the user or service technician may attach the magnetic member <NUM> to the outer surface of the case <NUM> and the cover <NUM> to the magnetic member <NUM> after that, to couple the cover <NUM> to the case <NUM>. Alternatively, the magnetic member <NUM> may be fabricated in a state of being coupled to an inner surface of the cover such that the user or service technician can attach the cover to the case <NUM> immediately.

Here, the expression of 'attaching the cover <NUM> to the case <NUM>' means a structure that the cover <NUM> and the case <NUM> directly contact with each other and a structure that the cover <NUM> keeps a secured state with respect to the case <NUM>, spaced a preset distance apart by means of the magnetic force of the magnetic member <NUM> disposed between the case <NUM> and the cover <NUM> (in the entire specification).

Based on the understanding, the cover <NUM> may be separated from the case <NUM> when a stronger power than an attractive force formed between the case <NUM> and the magnetic member <NUM> is applied in a direction getting farther from the case <NUM>.

As mentioned above, the expression of 'the cover <NUM> is separated from the case <NUM> includes not only the structure configured to directly contact the case <NUM> with the cover <NUM> but also the structure configured to separate the cover <NUM> and the magnetic member <NUM> from the case <NUM>, in a state where the cover <NUM> is secured to the outer surface of the case <NUM>, spaced a preset distance apart from the case by means of the magnetic member <NUM> (in the entire specification).

Meanwhile, the magnetic member <NUM> may extend in a first direction and a plurality of magnetic members <NUM> may be arranged along a second direction crossing the first direction at preset intervals. In <FIG>, an air discharging direction of the outlet hole may be a width direction of the outdoor unit <NUM> and a horizontal direction crossing the width direction may be a longitudinal direction of the outdoor unit <NUM>. A direction crossing the width direction and the longitudinal direction of the outdoor unit <NUM> may be a height direction. In this instance, the first direction may mean the longitudinal direction and the width direction of the outdoor unit <NUM>. The second direction may mean the height direction of the outdoor unit <NUM>.

In other words, the magnetic member <NUM> may extend along the longitudinal and width directions of the outdoor unit <NUM> and the plurality of the magnetic members <NUM> may be arranged at preset intervals along the height direction crossing the longitudinal and width directions.

In contrast, although not shown in the drawings, the first direction may mean the height direction of the outdoor unit <NUM> and the second direction may mean the length and width directions of the outdoor unit <NUM>. In other words, the magnetic member <NUM> may extend along the height direction of the outdoor unit <NUM> and the plurality of the magnetic members <NUM> may be arranged along the longitudinal and width directions of the outdoor unit <NUM> side by side at predetermined intervals.

Under the above-noted structure, the other empty space between the case <NUM> and the cover <NUM>, except the space having the magnetic member <NUM>, may is filled with air or a sound-proof or meta material may be installed therein to reduce the noise and vibration generated in the outdoor unit <NUM>.

Specifically, an empty space that is as large as the thickness of the magnetic member <NUM> is formed between the case <NUM> and the cover <NUM>. The empty space is filled with the air or the sound proof or meta material such that the noise and vibration generated in the outdoor unit <NUM> may be effectively reduced.

In addition, the worker or service technician may simply attach or detach the cover for reducing the noise and vibration of the outdoor unit <NUM> to or from the case <NUM> of the outdoor unit <NUM> so as to enhance working convenience.

Alternatively, the cover <NUM> may be attached to the other area of the outer surface of the case, except the area having the inlet hole <NUM> for sucking external air and the outlet hole <NUM> for re-discharging the external air drawn into the outdoor unit <NUM> via the inlet hole <NUM>, such that the noise and vibration generated in the outdoor unit <NUM> may be effectively reduced in a state of not interfering in the path of the air passing the outdoor unit <NUM>.

Detailed description of the structure for reducing the noise and vibration of the outdoor unit <NUM> will be described later, referring to FIGS. <NUM> through <NUM>. Hereinafter, referring to <FIG>, the versatile utility of the cover will be described in detail.

<FIG> is a perspective diagram illustrating one modified example of the cover shown in <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG>, the cover <NUM> may include a first sub-cover and a second-sub cover 140b that are detachably connected with each other. The first sub-cover 140a may cover a predetermined area of the case <NUM> and the second sub-cover 140b may cover another predetermined area of the case <NUM>.

Alternatively, one of the first and second sub-covers 140a and 140b may cover a side surface of the case <NUM> and the other one may cover side and upper surfaces of the case <NUM>. In the drawing, the fist sub-cover 140a may cover the side and upper surfaces of the case <NUM> and the second sub-cover 140b may cover the side surface of the case <NUM>.

As mentioned above, the cover <NUM> shown in <FIG> may cover the other area of the outer surface of the case, except the area having the inlet hole <NUM> and the outlet hole <NUM>. Accordingly, the area covered by the first and second sub-covers 140a and 140b may be equal to the area covered by the cover <NUM> shown in <FIG>.

In the drawings, the total size of the first and second covers 140a and 140b may be equal to the size of the cover <NUM> shown in <FIG> but the embodiments are not limited thereto.

As one example, the cover <NUM> may include a plurality of sub-covers (not shown). In other words, two sub-covers shown in <FIG> may be detachably connected with each other like Lego pieces. Even when the size of the outdoor unit <NUM> is different, such sub-covers may be assembled to each other based on the size of the outdoor unit <NUM> and attached to or detached from the outdoor unit <NUM>, with no need of fabricating a new cover.

Specifically, the first sub-cover 140a and the second sub-cover 140b may be formed in a smaller size than the size shown in <FIG>. Although not shown in the drawing, additional sub-covers may be further provided to cover the side surface or the upper surface of the case <NUM> (e.g., a third sub-cover and a fourth sub-cover).

Regardless of the number of the sub-covers, the sub-covers may be connected with each other to form one cover assembly (not shown) and the size of the cover assembly may be equal to that of the cover <NUM> shown in <FIG> or it may be large enough to cover the other area of the of the outer surface of the case except the area having the inlet hole <NUM> and the outlet hole <NUM>.

When the cover <NUM> for covering the case of the outdoor unit <NUM> is configured of several detachable pieces like Lego pieces, a new cover <NUM> for a different-sized outdoor unit <NUM> designed based on the needed heating or cooling capacity may not be fabricated and the manufacturing cost of the cover <NUM> may be saved. In addition, several covers <NUM>, in other words, the first and second sub-covers 140a and 140b may be assembled based on the size of the outdoor unit <NUM> to be attached to and detached from the outdoor unit <NUM>. Accordingly, the cover <NUM> may have versatile utility.

Hereinafter, referring to FIGS. <NUM> to <NUM>, the structure and effect of the space where the magnetic member <NUM> is disposed between the case <NUM> and the cover <NUM> will be described in detail.

<FIG> is a cut-away view partially illustrating the cover and the outdoor unit shown in <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG>, the plurality of the magnetic members <NUM> may be disposed between the case <NUM> of the outdoor unit <NUM> and the cover <NUM> at predetermined intervals.

Air may be filled in the other empty space between the case <NUM> and the cover <NUM> except the space having the magnetic members <NUM>. In other words, the case <NUM> and the cover <NUM> may be spaced as apart as the thickness of the magnetic members. An air layer <NUM> may be formed in in the space formed between the case and the cover <NUM> by the magnetic members <NUM>.

The air layer <NUM> formed between the case <NUM> and the cover <NUM> may reduce the noise generated in the inner space of the outdoor unit <NUM>, especially, the curved space of the compressor <NUM> and the refrigerant pipe unit <NUM> installed in the machine compartment <NUM>.

<FIG> is a cut-away view illustrating a sound-proof material provided on an inner surface of the cover, as another modified example of a coupling structure between the cover and the outdoor unit of <FIG> and a magnetic member.

Referring to <FIG>, a sound-proof material <NUM> is provided in the other space between the case <NUM> and the cover <NUM> except the area having the magnetic members. Specifically, the sound-proof material <NUM> may include a sound absorbent material for absorbing noise and vibration and a sound insulation material for insulating noise.

The sound absorbent material is a material for absorbing noise and vibration. The sound insulating material is a material for insulating noise to reduce the noise transmitted there through. The sound-proof material <NUM> including the sound absorbent material and the sound insulating material may be disposed between the case <NUM> and the cover <NUM> to effectively reduce the noise and vibration generated in the inner space of the outdoor unit <NUM>.

Meanwhile, the sound-proof material <NUM> shown in <FIG> may be coupled to the inner surface of the cover <NUM>, spaced a preset distance apart from the case <NUM>. In this instance, an empty space may be formed between the case <NUM> and the sound-proof material <NUM> and an air layer <NUM> may be formed in the empty space. Under such a structure, the noise and vibration generated in the outdoor unit <NUM> may be sequentially reduced by the air layer <NUM> and the sound-proof material <NUM>.

Instead of the air layer <NUM>, the sound-proof material <NUM> or the meta material (<NUM>, see <FIG>) is filled in the empty space formed between the case <NUM> and the sound-proof material <NUM>. Such a structure will be described, referring to <FIG>.

<FIG> is a cut-away view illustrating the sound-proof material that is provided on an outer surface of the case provided in the outdoor unit, as another modified example of the sound-proof material shown in <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG>, the sound-proof material <NUM> may be spaced a preset distance apart from the inner surface of the cover <NUM> and contact with an outer surface of the case <NUM> when the cover <NUM> is attached to the case <NUM>. In this instance, the air layer <NUM> may be formed in the other empty space between the cover <NUM> and the sound-proof material <NUM> except the area having the magnetic materials <NUM>. Under the structure, the noise and vibration generated in the outdoor unit <NUM> may be reduced by the sound-proof material <NUM> and the air layer <NUM> sequentially.

Instead of the air layer <NUM>, the sound-proof material <NUM> or the meta material (<NUM>, see <FIG>) may be filled in the empty space formed between the case <NUM> and the sound-proof material <NUM>. Such a structure will be described, referring to <FIG>.

<FIG> is a cut-away view illustrating a meta material that is filled in the other empty space except a space between the case and the cover where the magnetic member is disposed, as another example of the coupling structure between the cover and the outdoor unit of <FIG> and the magnetic member.

Referring to <FIG>, the sound-proof material <NUM> or the meta material <NUM> may be filled in the other entire area between the case <NUM> of the outdoor unit <NUM> and the cover <NUM>, except the area having the magnetic members <NUM>. In other words, different from <FIG>, <FIG> shows the structure that the sound-proof material <NUM> or the meta material <NUM> may be full-filled in the other empty space except the area having the magnetic member <NUM> between the case <NUM> and the cover <NUM>, without the air layer <NUM>.

<FIG> is a perspective diagram illustrating a porous structure configured of the sound-proof material and the meta material that is alternately disposed. <FIG> is a cut-away view illustrating the porous structure of <FIG> that is disposed between the cover and the case in the outdoor unit.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the outdoor unit <NUM> may be installed in the other empty space except the area having the magnetic member <NUM> between the case <NUM> and the cover <NUM>. The sound-proof material <NUM> and the meta material <NUM> may be alternately layered in a direction from the case <NUM> towards the cover <NUM>. A porous structure <NUM> having a plurality of air layers may be further provided between the case <NUM> and the cover <NUM>.

Under the structure, the noise and vibration generated in the outdoor unit <NUM> may be reduced while passing through the continuous multi-layered structure configured of the sound-proof material <NUM> and the meta material <NUM> and also by the air layer <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the coupling structure among the case <NUM> and the cover <NUM>, the magnetic member <NUM>, the air layer <NUM>, the sound-proof material <NUM>, the meta material <NUM> and the porous structure <NUM> may be applicable to the outdoor unit <NUM> shown in <FIG>.

In other words, the air conditioner <NUM> according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes the outdoor unit <NUM> including the case <NUM> defining the exterior design and having the heat-exchanging compartment <NUM> and the machine compartment <NUM>; an inlet hole <NUM> formed through the case and providing a path of the external air drawn into the heat-exchanging compartment <NUM>; the outlet hole <NUM> formed through the case <NUM> and providing a path of the external air discharged outside the heat-exchanging compartment <NUM> again after drawn into the heat-exchanging compartment <NUM>; and the cover <NUM> configured to cover the other area of the outer surface of the case <NUM> except the area having the inlet <NUM> and the outlet <NUM>; and the indoor unit <NUM> connected with the outdoor unit <NUM> via the refrigerant pipe unit <NUM> and configured to exchange heat between room air and the refrigerant transmitted from the outdoor unit <NUM> and transmit the refrigerant to the outdoor unit <NUM> again. The case <NUM> and the cover <NUM> are spaced apart from each other by means of the magnetic member <NUM> disposed between the case <NUM> and the cover <NUM>. The indoor unit <NUM> provides the cooling function when the refrigerant passing the indoor unit <NUM> absorbs heat from the room air and the heating function to the room when the refrigerant passing the indoor unit <NUM> supplies heat to the room.

As mentioned above, the outdoor unit <NUM> and the air conditioner <NUM> including the outdoor unit <NUM> may easily attach or detach the cover <NUM> for reducing the noise and vibration of the outdoor unit <NUM> to or from the case <NUM>. Accordingly, the user's or service technician's working convenience may be enhanced.

Furthermore, the noise and vibration generated in the outdoor unit <NUM> may effectively reducing by filling the air layer <NUM> or the sound-proof or meta material <NUM> or <NUM> in the empty space formed between the case <NUM> and the cover <NUM> as much as the thickness of the magnetic member <NUM>.

In addition, the case <NUM> configured of several parts like Lego may be formed to cover the case <NUM>, with no need of the new cover. Accordingly, the manufacturing cost may be reduced. Also, such the covers <NUM> may be assembled based on the size of the outdoor unit <NUM> properly to be attached to or detached from the outdoor unit <NUM>. Accordingly, the cover <NUM> may be versatile.

In addition the noise and vibration generated in the outdoor unit <NUM> may be effectively reduced, through interfering win a path of external air passing the outdoor unit <NUM>, by attaching the cover <NUM> to the other outer surface of the case <NUM> except the inlet hole <NUM> for sucking the external air and the outlet hole <NUM> for discharging the air sucked into the outdoor unit <NUM>.

Claim 1:
An outdoor unit (<NUM>) of an air conditioner configured to supply heating and cooling to a room, the outdoor unit comprising:
a case (<NUM>) provided to define an exterior appearance and comprising a heat-exchanging compartment (<NUM>) and a machine compartment (<NUM>);
an inlet hole (<NUM>) formed through the case (<NUM>), providing a path for external air to be drawn into the heat-exchanging compartment (<NUM>);
an outlet hole (<NUM>) formed through the case, providing a path for air in the heat-exchanging compartment (<NUM>) to be discharged outside;
a magnetic member (<NUM>);
characterized in that:
the outdoor unit further comprises
a cover (<NUM>) configured to cover at least part of an outer surface of the case (<NUM>) of the machine compartment (<NUM>) except an area having the inlet hole (<NUM>) and the outlet hole (<NUM>),
wherein the case (<NUM>) and the cover (<NUM>) are spaced a preset distance apart from each other by the magnetic member (<NUM>) disposed between the case and the cover and configured to fix the cover (<NUM>) to the case (<NUM>) by means of a magnetic force; and
at least one of at least one of a sound-proof material (<NUM>) or a meta material (<NUM>) filled in a space between the case (<NUM>) and the cover (<NUM>),
wherein the sound-proof material (<NUM>) or the meta material (<NUM>) reduces noise and vibration generated from the outdoor unit(<NUM>).