Patent Application
20250027664
The present application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. 119 and 35 U.S.C. 365 to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0095286, filed in Korea on Jul. 21, 2023, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
An outdoor unit of an air conditioner is disclosed herein.
An air conditioner is a device that cools and heats an indoor space by heat exchange between a refrigerant flowing in a heat exchange cycle and indoor air and outdoor air. The air conditioner includes a compressor that compresses the refrigerant, an outdoor heat exchanger that exchanges heat between the refrigerant and outdoor air, and an indoor heat exchanger that exchanges heat between the refrigerant and indoor air.
The air conditioner may be equipped with a heat storage tank. A fluid heated or cooled by a refrigerant circulating in the air conditioner may be stored in the heat storage tank. For example, the fluid may include water.
The outdoor unit of the air conditioner may include a case, the compressor accommodated inside of the case, the outdoor heat exchanger, and the heat storage tank.
As global environmental regulations gradually increase, conversion to eco-friendly refrigerants is required. For example, in some countries, relevant laws are being enacted to require use of only refrigerants with a Global Warming Potential (GWP) of 100 or less within the next five years, and among refrigerants that satisfy this requirement, R290 is emerging as a highly competitive refrigerant in terms of eco-friendliness and performance.
However, refrigerant R290 has the problem of being more explosive than other existing refrigerants and requiring a higher level of safety design. Additionally, there is a need for a structure to reduce noise generated from the compressor and pipes connected to the compressor.
Embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the following drawings in which like reference numerals refer to like elements, and wherein:
Reference will now be made to the embodiments, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same or like reference numerals have been used to indicate the same or like components, and repetitive disclosure has been omitted.
In the following description of embodiments, reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration specific embodiments which may be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the embodiments, and it is understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that logical structural, mechanical, electrical, and chemical changes may be made without departing from the scope. To avoid detail not necessary to enable those skilled in the art to practice the embodiments, description may omit certain information known to those skilled in the art. The following description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense.
Also, in the description of embodiments, terms such as first, second, A, B, (a), (b) or the like may be used herein when describing components. Each of these terminologies is not used to define an essence, order or sequence of a corresponding component but used merely to distinguish the corresponding component from other component(s). It should be noted that if it is described in the specification that one component is “connected,” “coupled” or “joined” to another component, the former may be directly “connected,” “coupled,” and “joined” to the latter or “connected”, “coupled”, and “joined” to the latter via another component.
Referring to
The outdoor unit 10 may further include an orifice 16 coupled to the first front panel 12, a fan 17 located behind the orifice 16, and a heat exchanger (
The barrier 19 may divide an upper space of the base panel 11 into a heat exchange space 10a (
One or a first side end portion of the first front panel 12 may be coupled to a front end portion of the heat exchanger 18, and the other or a second side end portion thereof may be coupled to a front end portion of the barrier 19. A rear end portion of the barrier 19 may be connected to a side end portion of the heat exchanger 18.
The outdoor unit 10 may further include a shield assembly 200 disposed on the upper surface of the base panel 11 corresponding to the electric space 10b.
A refrigerant cycle device that circulates refrigerant may be accommodated inside of the shield assembly 200. The refrigerant cycle device may include a compressor, an accumulator, an oil separator, and a valve device, for example. The shield assembly 200 will be described hereinafter with reference to the drawings.
The outdoor unit 10 may further include a heat storage tank 21. The heat storage tank 21 may be disposed at a location spaced apart from the shield assembly 200. An inside of the heat storage tank 21 may be provided with a flow path that allows heat exchange between the refrigerant and a fluid, such as water, without mixing. Inside of the heat storage tank 21, a refrigerant flow path and a fluid flow path may be arranged to enable heat exchange, so that heat may be transferred from the refrigerant flowing along the refrigerant flow path to the fluid flowing along the fluid flow path.
The refrigerant that has passed through the compressor may be introduced into the heat storage tank 21 along a refrigerant pipe. A fluid piping unit connected to the fluid flow path may be connected to the heat storage tank 21.
The refrigerant that has passed through the heat storage tank 21 may be guided to the heat exchanger 18 along the refrigerant pipe. The refrigerant that has passed through the heat exchanger 18 may pass through an expansion valve and then be guided to a heat exchanger of an indoor unit. The refrigerant that has passed through the indoor unit may pass through a gas-liquid separator and then be recovered by the compressor.
When the fan 17 rotates, outdoor air may be introduced into the outdoor unit 10 through a short side portion of the heat exchanger 18 forming a side of the outdoor unit 10 and a long side portion of the heat exchanger 18 forming a rear surface of the outdoor unit 10. The air that has passed through the heat exchanger 18 may flow from a rear surface to a front surface of the fan 17, pass through the orifice 16, and then may be discharged to an outside of the outdoor unit 10. A portion of a plurality of blades constituting the fan 17 may be accommodated inside of the orifice 16 so that all air forced to flow by the fan 17 passes through the orifice 16.
The outdoor unit 10 may further include a control box assembly 100 accommodated in the electric space 10b. A plurality of electrical components that controls the outdoor unit 10 may be accommodated inside of the control box assembly 100.
The control box assembly 100 may be located above the heat storage tank 21. The control box assembly 100 may be disposed at a side of the shield assembly 200.
Referring
The shield assembly 200 may be formed in a hexahedral shape forming an internal space. The shield assembly 200 may be formed in a hexahedral shape extending in a vertical direction.
The shield assembly 200 may include a plurality of shield cases that surrounds the refrigerant cycle device. The plurality of shield cases may be separably coupled to each other. The plurality of shield cases may be made of a metal material, for example. The plurality of shield cases may include soundproofing materials to minimize noise and vibration generated from the refrigerant cycle device. The plurality of shield cases may include sound absorbing materials and sound insulating materials.
The plurality of shield cases may include a shield base 210. The shield base 210 may be installed on the upper surface of the base panel 11. The shield base 210 may support a lower side of the compressor 30. The shield base 210 may support a compressor bracket 31 coupled to a lower portion of the compressor 30. Accordingly, it is possible to minimize transmission of vibration and noise generated in the compressor 30 in an axial direction of the compressor 30, that is, in a downward direction.
For example, the shield base 210 may be formed in a square plate shape. The shield base 210 may be formed to have a larger area than a bottom area of the compressor 30 or the compressor bracket 31.
The plurality of shield cases may further include a shield rear case 220. The shield rear case 220 may be disposed on an upper surface edge of the shield base 210. The shield rear case 220 may be bent and extend along a left or first end portion and a rear end portion of the shield base 210. The shield rear case 220 may be fastened to and fixed to the shield base 210 by, for example, a fastening member.
When the shield rear case 220 is disposed on the shield base 210, outer appearances of a left or first side surface and a rear side surface of the shield assembly 200 may be formed. With this configuration of the shield rear case 220, a first side surface and a rear side surface of the refrigerant cycle device may be protected and shielded.
The shield rear case 220 may face the barrier 19. At least a portion of the shield rear case 220 may be connected to the barrier 19.
The plurality of shield cases may further include a shield side case 230. The shield side case 230 may be disposed on or at the upper surface edge of the shield base 210. The shield side case 230 may be disposed along a right or second end portion of the shield base 210.
When the shield side case 230 is disposed on the shield base 210, an outer appearance of a right or second side surface of the shield assembly 200 may be formed. With this configuration of the shield side case 230, a second side surface of the refrigerant cycle device may be protected and shielded.
The shield side case 230 may be disposed to face the heat storage tank 21. The shield side case 230 may be disposed at a side of the heat storage tank 21.
The shield side case 230 may face the control box assembly 100. The shield side case 230 may be disposed on or at a side of the control box assembly 100.
The refrigerant pipe 60 may pass through the shield side case 230 and extend to an outside of the shield side case 230. A pipe penetration hole 232a through which the refrigerant pipe 60 passes may be formed in the shield side case 230.
The shield side case 230 may include a plurality of side cases. The plurality of side cases may be separably coupled to each other. The plurality of side cases may be stacked and coupled in the vertical direction.
The plurality of side cases may include a first side case 231. The first side case 231 may be disposed along the first end of the shield base 210. The first side case 231 may be fastened to and fixed to the shield base 210 by, for example, a fastening member.
The first side case 231 may be formed as a square plate. The first side case 231 may extend lengthwise in the vertical direction. For example, the first side case 231 may be formed higher than a height corresponding to a middle height of the shield assembly 200.
The plurality of side cases may further include a second side case 232. The second side case 232 may be disposed along an upper end of the first side case 231. The second side case 232 may be stacked and coupled to the upper portion of the first side case 231. The second side case 232 may be fastened to and fixed to the first side case 231 by, for example, a fastening member.
The second side case 232 may be formed as a square plate. The second side case 232 may have a height lower than a height of the first side case 231. The second side case 232 may extend lengthwise in a frontward and rearward direction.
The second side case 232 may include a pipe penetration hole 232a through which the refrigerant pipe 60 passes. A portion of the refrigerant pipe 60 may pass through the pipe penetration hole 232a and extend to an outside of the second side case 232. The refrigerant pipe 60 extending outside of the second side case 232 may be connected to the heat exchanger 18 or the heat storage tank 21.
The pipe penetration hole 232a may be formed in a lower portion of the second side case 232. The pipe penetration hole 232a may extend from the lower portion to an upper portion of the second side case 232.
The pipe penetration hole 232a may include a plurality of the pipe penetration hole 232a. The plurality of pipe penetration holes 232a may be spaced apart in the frontward and rearward direction of the second side case 232.
The second side case 232 may further include an electric wire penetration hole 232b through which electric wires may pass. A portion of the electric wire connected to the refrigerant cycle device may pass through the electric wire penetration hole 232b and extend to the outside of the second side case 232. The electric wire extending outside of the second side case 232 may be connected to an inside of the control box assembly 100.
The electric wire penetration hole 232b may be formed in the lower portion of the second side case 232. The electric wire penetration hole 232b may be disposed between the plurality of pipe penetration holes 232a.
The reason why the pipe penetration hole 232a and the electric wire penetration hole 232b are formed in the second side case 232 is because a width of the outdoor unit 10 in the frontward and rearward direction is narrow and a length thereof in a left and right or lateral direction is long. However, as the shield rear case 230 is blocked by the barrier 19, the pipe penetration hole 232a and the electric wire through hole 232b may be formed in the shield side case 230.
In addition, as the control box assembly 100 and the heat storage tank 21 provided with a plurality of printed circuit boards (PCBs) are disposed at the side of the shield side case 230, the pipe penetration hole 232a and the electric wire through hole 232b may be formed on the shield side case 230 to facilitate connection of pipes and electric wires.
The plurality of side cases may further include a third side case 233. The third side case 233 may be disposed along an upper end of the second side case 232. The third side case 233 may be stacked and coupled to an upper portion of the second side case 232. The third side case 233 may be fastened to and fixed to the second side case 232 by, for example, a fastening member.
The third side case 233 may be formed as a square plate. The third side case 233 may have a height lower than the height of the first side case 231. The third side case 233 may have a same height as the second side case 232. The third side case 233 may extend lengthwise in the frontward and rearward direction.
As described above, the first side case 231, the second side case 232, and the third side case 233 may be coupled in the vertical direction to form a right or lateral side of the shield assembly 200. However, embodiments are not limited to this, and in some cases, the second side case 232 and the third side case 233 may be integrally formed. In this case, the shield side case 230 may include the first side case 231 and the second side case 232.
The plurality of shield cases may further include a shield top case 240. The shield top case 240 may be installed at an upper end of the shield rear case 220. The shield top case 240 may be installed on an upper surface of the shield rear case 220 to form an outer appearance of an upper surface of the shield assembly 200. The shield top case 240 may be fastened to and fixed to the shield rear case 220 by, for example, a fastening member. With this configuration of the shield top case 240, an upper surface of the refrigerant cycle device may be protected and shielded.
The plurality of shield cases may further include a shield front case 250. The shield front case 250 may be disposed on the upper surface edge of the shield base 210. The shield front case 250 may be disposed along the front end portion of the shield base 210. The shield front case 250 may be fastened to and fixed to the shield rear case 220 and the shield side case 230 by, for example, a fastening member.
When the shield front case 250 is disposed on the shield base 210, an outer appearance of a front surface of the shield assembly 200 may be formed. With this configuration of the shield front case 250, a front surface of the refrigerant cycle device may be protected and shielded.
A locking groove 251 may be formed in an upper portion of the shield front case 250. Additionally, a locking protrusion 241 may be formed on a front end portion of the shield top case 240 at a position corresponding to the locking groove 251. The locking groove 251 of the shield front case 250 may be fitted and coupled to the locking protrusion 241 of the shield top case 240.
A user may easily separate only the shield front case 250 by separating the locking groove 251 of the shield front case 250 from the locking protrusion 241 of the shield top case 240. Accordingly, there is an effect of facilitating repair and replacement of components for the refrigeration cycle device disposed inside of the shield assembly 200. Additionally, as the refrigeration cycle device is surrounded and protected by a plurality of shield cases, noise and vibration generated from the refrigeration cycle device may be minimized. In addition, even if the compressor explodes due to a refrigerant leak, for example, damage caused by the compressor explosion may be significantly reduced due to the multiple shield cases surrounding the compressor.
Referring to
More specifically, the shield base 210 may include a recessed portion 211, the recessed portion 211 being a portion of the upper surface of the shield base 210 which is recessed downward. The recessed portion 211 may be formed by a portion of a center of the upper surface of the shield base 210 being recessed downward. The recessed portion 211 may function to guide an installation position of the compressor 30 when the compressor 30 is installed on the shield base 210. For example, the recessed portion 211 may be formed in an “X” shape; however, embodiments are not limited thereto.
The shield base 210 may further include a refrigerant hole 212 that allows the refrigerant to be discharged through a bottom thereof when the refrigerant leaks. The refrigerant hole 212 may be formed in the recessed portion 211. The refrigerant hole 212 may penetrate from the upper surface to a bottom surface of the shield base 210. The refrigerant hole 212 may be formed in a center of the recessed portion 211.
When refrigerant leaks from the compressor 30, the leaked refrigerant may fall to the base panel 11 through the refrigerant hole 212, and be discharged outside of the outdoor unit 10 through the refrigerant discharge hole formed in the base panel 11. Therefore, even if refrigerant leaks from the compressor 30, as the leaked refrigerant does not continue to accumulate inside of the shield assembly 200, but rather, may be discharged outside of the outdoor unit 10 through the refrigerant hole 212, the possibility of explosion due to refrigerant leakage may be significantly reduced.
The shield base 210 may further include a refrigerant slit 213 that allows the refrigerant to be discharged through the bottom when the refrigerant leaks. The refrigerant slit 213 may penetrate from the upper surface to the bottom surface of the shield base 210. A plurality of the refrigerant slit 213 may be formed along a circumference of the recessed portion 211. The plurality of refrigerant slits 213 may be spaced apart in a circumferential direction at an outside of the recessed portion 211. For example, the refrigerant slit 213 may be formed in a straight shape; however, embodiments are not limited thereto. When refrigerant leaks from the compressor 30, the leaked refrigerant may fall to the base panel 11 through the refrigerant slit 213, and be discharged outside of the outdoor unit 10 through the refrigerant discharge hole formed in the base panel 11.
The shield base 210 may further include a bracket coupling portion 214 configured to be coupled to the compressor bracket 31. The bracket coupling portion 214 is a portion to which a first vibration insulating member 32 for vibration insulation of the compressor 30 may be coupled. A plurality of the bracket coupling portion 214 may be formed along an outer circumference of the recessed portion 211. The plurality of bracket coupling portions 214 may be spaced apart in the circumferential direction at an outside of the recessed portion 211.
The first vibration insulating member 32 may be installed on an upper surface of the bracket coupling portion 214. An upper portion of the first vibration insulating member 32 may be coupled to the compressor bracket 32, and a lower portion of the first vibration insulating member 32 may be coupled to the bracket coupling portion 214. Due to the configuration of the first vibration insulating member 32, transmission of vibration and noise generated in the compressor 30 in the downward direction may be reduced.
The shield base 210 may further include a base coupling portion 215 configured to be coupled to the base panel 11. The base coupling portion 215 is a portion to which the second vibration insulating member 33 for vibration isolation of the compressor 30 may be coupled. The base coupling portion 215 may penetrate from the upper surface to the bottom surface of the shield base 210.
The base coupling portion 215 may be formed at the upper surface edge of the shield base 210. A plurality of the base coupling portion 215 may be spaced apart along the upper surface edge of the shield base 210.
The second vibration insulating member 33 may be installed on the upper surface of the base panel 11. An upper portion of the second vibration insulating member 33 may be coupled to the base coupling portion 215, and a lower portion of the second vibration insulating member 33 may be coupled to the base panel 11. Accordingly, vibration and noise generated from the compressor 30 may be primarily insulated by the first vibration insulating member 32 and secondarily insulated by the second vibration insulating member 33.
When all of the refrigerant pipes 60 are coupled, the shield rear case 220 may be installed on the upper surface of the shield base 210. The shield rear case 220 may be fastened to the shield base 210 by, for example, a fastening member.
When the shield rear case 220 is installed, the first side case 231 may be installed on the upper surface of the shield base 210. The first side case 231 may be fastened to the shield base 210 and the shield rear case 220 by, for example, a fastening member.
When the first side case 231 is installed, the second side case 232 may be installed on the upper portion of the first side case 231. The second side case 232 may be fastened to the upper end portion of the first side case 231 by, for example, a fastening member. At this time, a portion of the refrigerant pipe 60 may pass through the pipe penetration hole 232a of the second side case 232 and protrude outside of the second side case 232.
When the second side case 232 is installed, the third side case 233 may be installed on the upper portion of the second side case 232. The third side case 233 may be fastened to the upper end portion of the second side case 232 by, for example, a fastening member.
When the third side case 233 is installed, the shield top case 240 may be installed on the upper portion of the shield rear case 220. The shield top case 240 may be fastened to the upper end portion of the shield rear case 220 and the upper end portion of the third side case 233 by, for example, a fastening member.
When the shield top case 240 is installed, the shield front case 250 may be installed on the upper surface of the shield base 210. The shield front case 250 may be fastened to the shield side case 230 and the shield rear case 220 by, for example, a fastening member. At this time, the locking groove 251 of the shield front case 250 may be engaged with the locking protrusion 241 of the shield top case 240.
When repair or replacement of components for the refrigeration cycle device is required, only the shield front case 250 may be easily separated by separating the locking groove 251 from the locking protrusion 241.
The outdoor unit of the air conditioner according to an embodiment configured as described above has at least the following advantages.
First, as the refrigeration cycle device including the compressor is surrounded by the shield assembly, transmission of vibration and noise generated from the refrigerant cycle device outside of the outdoor unit is reduced.
Second, even if a refrigerant leak occurs in the compressor or refrigerant piping, as leaked refrigerant does not continue to accumulate inside of the shield assembly and is discharged to the outside through the refrigerant hole or refrigerant slit, the possibility of explosion due to refrigerant leakage may be significantly reduced.
Third, because the compressor has a structure in which it is sealed by a plurality of shield cases, damage caused by a compressor explosion may be significantly reduced.
Fourth, as the shield assembly includes a plurality of cases that may be assembled and disassembled, assembly and disassembly of the shield assembly may be facilitated.
Fifth, as only the shield front case may be separated by separating the locking groove of the shield front case from the locking protrusion of the shield top case, repair and replacement of components for the refrigeration cycle device may be facilitated.
Embodiments disclosed herein provide an outdoor unit of an air conditioner that may reduce noise generated from a refrigerant cycle device from being transmitted outside of the outdoor unit.
Embodiments disclosed herein further provide an outdoor unit of an air conditioner that may quickly discharge leaked refrigerant outside of the outdoor unit even if a refrigerant leak occurs in the compressor or refrigerant pipe.
Embodiments disclosed herein furthermore provide an outdoor unit of an air conditioner that may reduce damage caused by a compressor explosion.
Embodiments disclosed herein provide an outdoor unit of an air conditioner having a shield assembly that is easy to disassemble and assemble.
Embodiments disclosed herein also provide an outdoor unit of an air conditioner having a shield assembly that facilitates repair and replacement of components for a refrigeration cycle device.
The outdoor unit of the air conditioner according to an embodiment may include a case that forms an outer appearance. The outdoor unit may further include a barrier that divides an inner portion or space of the case into a heat exchange space and an electric space.
The outdoor unit may further include a heat exchanger disposed in the heat exchange space. The outdoor unit may further include a fan disposed in the heat exchange space.
The outdoor unit may further include a refrigerant cycle device disposed in the electric space. The outdoor unit may further include a shield assembly disposed in the electric space so as to completely surround an outside of the refrigerant cycle device.
A pipe penetration hole through which a refrigerant pipe connected to the refrigerant cycle device may pass may be formed on one side of the shield assembly. The shield assembly may include a shield base that supports the refrigerant cycle device.
The shield assembly may further include a shield rear case disposed on a rear end portion of the shield base. The shield assembly may further include a shield side case disposed on a side end portion of the shield base. The shield assembly may further include a shield top case installed on an upper end portion of the shield rear case. The shield assembly may further include a shield front case disposed on a front end portion of the shield base.
The outdoor unit may further include a heat storage tank disposed in the electric space to face the shield side case. The pipe penetration hole may be formed in the shield side case.
An electric wire penetration hole through which an electric wire may pass may be formed on one side of the shield assembly. The outdoor unit may further include a control box assembly disposed in the electric space to face the shield side case. The electric wire penetration hole may be formed in the shield side case.
The shield side case may include a first side case disposed on a side end portion of the shield base. The shield side case may further include a second side case coupled to an upper end portion of the first side case. The pipe penetration hole may be formed in the second side case.
The shield side case may further include a third side case coupled to an upper end portion of the second side case. The shield top case may be coupled to an upper end portion of the third side case.
The shield rear case may be disposed to face the barrier. The shield rear case may form one or a first side and an outer appearance of a rear surface of the shield assembly. The shield side case may form an outer appearance of the other or a second side of the shield assembly.
A locking groove may be formed in the shield front case. A locking protrusion coupled to the locking groove may be formed on the shield top case.
The refrigerant cycle device may include a compressor that compresses the refrigerant. The shield base may include a recessed portion in which a portion of a center of the upper surface is recessed downward. The compressor may be disposed above the recessed portion. A refrigerant hole that discharges the refrigerant downward may be formed in the recessed portion.
The shield base may further include a refrigerant slit through which the refrigerant is discharged downward. A plurality of refrigerant slits may be spaced apart along an outer circumference of the recessed portion.
The shield base may further include a bracket coupling portion configured to be coupled to a compressor bracket that supports the compressor. The outdoor unit may further include a first vibration insulating member that connects the compressor bracket and the bracket coupling portion. A plurality of the bracket coupling portions may be spaced apart along an outer circumference of the recessed portion. The shield base may further include a base coupling portion configured to be coupled to a base panel that forms a bottom surface of the case.
The outdoor unit may further include a second vibration insulating member that connects the base panel and the base coupling portion. A plurality of base coupling portions may be spaced apart along an outer edge of the shield base.
It will be understood that when an element or layer is referred to as being “on” another element or layer, the element or layer can be directly on another element or layer or intervening elements or layers. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly on” another element or layer, there are no intervening elements or layers present. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.
It will be understood that, although the terms first, second, third, etc., may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another region, layer or section. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer or section could be termed a second element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachings of the present invention.
Spatially relative terms, such as “lower”, “upper” and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe the relationship of one element or feature to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. It will be understood that the spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation, in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, elements described as “lower” relative to other elements or features would then be oriented “upper” relative to the other elements or features. Thus, the exemplary term “lower” can encompass both an orientation of above and below. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly.
The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.
Embodiments are described herein with reference to cross-section illustrations that are schematic illustrations of idealized embodiments (and intermediate structures). As such, variations from the shapes of the illustrations as a result, for example, of manufacturing techniques and/or tolerances, are to be expected. Thus, embodiments should not be construed as limited to the particular shapes of regions illustrated herein but are to include deviations in shapes that result, for example, from manufacturing.
Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. It will be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.
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.
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.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10-2023-0095286 | Jul 2023 | KR | national |
