Heat supply device

Abstract

The invention relates to a heat supply device. A heat supply device according to the present invention comprises: a compressor that compresses a refrigerant; a first heat exchanger which is connected to the compressor by means of a refrigerant pipe and which exchanges heat between the refrigerant and water; and a second heat exchanger which is connected to the compressor by means of refrigerant piping and which has a plurality of piping for heat exchange between the refrigerant and air. The plurality of piping includes: a first piping disposed at the lowermost end; and a remaining pipe disposed on the upper side of the first pipe. The first pipe may form a refrigerant flow direction opposite to the refrigerant flow direction of the remaining pipes.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a heat supply device, and more particularly to a heat exchanger having a piping structure for improving defrosting performance and a heat supply device including the same. Background Art

[0002] A heating system including a gas boiler supplies heat generated by the gas boiler to loads such as floor heating systems and hot water tanks through piping. The piping connecting the gas boiler and the loads can be buried within the building.

[0003] However, in various countries such as Europe, there is a trend to replace gas boilers with heat supply devices that utilize heat exchange between water and refrigerant in order to reduce carbon emissions and minimize the use of refrigerants.

[0004] Figure 1 The existing heat exchanger disclosed in the disclosure includes: a shell 961; a plurality of refrigerant tubes 965 for the refrigerant to flow, arranged in an up and down direction; and an outdoor fan 962, forming an airflow through the plurality of refrigerant tubes 965; during heating operation, the refrigerant flows in the order from the outer row to the inner row of the plurality of refrigerant tubes 965, and during defrosting operation, the refrigerant flows in the order from the inner row to the outer row of the plurality of refrigerant tubes 965.

[0005] The aforementioned conventional heat exchangers suffer from frost and ice forming on the exterior surface of the outdoor unit during heating operation. Frost and ice reduce the heat exchanger's heating performance, necessitating a defrost operation to eliminate these frost and ice buildup during heating operation. However, prolonged defrost operation reduces heating performance.

[0006] During defrost operation, the high-temperature refrigerant discharged from the compressor flows into the outdoor unit and removes frost and ice formed on the outside surface of the outdoor unit. However, in conventional heat exchangers, the high-temperature refrigerant discharged from the compressor flows through multiple refrigerant tubes in a sequential order from the inner row to the outer row, which prevents maximizing defrost performance on the outer surface. Conversely, as the refrigerant flows from the inner row to the outer row, defrost performance decreases due to a drop in refrigerant temperature.

[0007] In particular, during heating operation, frost and ice are concentrated on the lower end of the outdoor unit disposed in the outdoor space. However, conventional heat exchangers have a limitation in that they cannot effectively remove frost and ice at the lower end.

[0008] Prior art literature

[0009] Patent Literature

[0010] European Patent EP 3147622 B1 (Announcement Date: September 12, 2018) Summary of the Invention

[0011] An object of the present invention is to provide a heat supply device with improved heating performance.

[0012] Another object of the present invention is to provide a heat supply device with improved defrosting performance.

[0013] Another object of the present invention is to provide a heat supply device with a shortened defrosting time.

[0014] Another object of the present invention is to provide a heat supply device with reduced frost formation.

[0015] Another object of the present invention is to provide a heat supply device that extends the time required from the start of heating operation to the formation of frost or ice.

[0016] Another object of the present invention is to provide a heat supply device having improved anti-icing performance at the lower end portion of an outdoor unit.

[0017] The objects of the present invention are not limited to the above-mentioned objects, and those skilled in the art can clearly understand other objects not mentioned from the following description.

[0018] According to one aspect of the present invention for achieving the above-mentioned purpose, the heat supply device includes: a compressor, which compresses refrigerant; a first heat exchanger, which is connected to the compressor via a refrigerant piping, so that the refrigerant and water exchange heat; and a second heat exchanger, which is connected to the compressor via a refrigerant piping, and has a plurality of pipes for heat exchange between the refrigerant and the air; the plurality of pipes include: a first pipe, which is arranged at the lowermost end; and the remaining pipes, which are arranged on the upper side of the first pipe; the first pipe forms a refrigerant flow direction opposite to the refrigerant flow direction of the remaining pipes, so that the refrigerant flow directions of the lowermost pipe and the remaining pipes can be different from each other.

[0019] The second heat exchanger includes: a first distributor, arranged on a side of the second heat exchanger adjacent to the compressor; a plurality of connecting pipes, connecting the first distributor and one end of the plurality of pipes; a second distributor, arranged on the other side of the second heat exchanger; and a plurality of distribution pipes, connecting the second distributor and the other end of the plurality of pipes; the first piping includes: a first one-end pipe, connected to the first connecting pipe arranged at the lowest end among the plurality of connecting pipes; and a first other-end pipe, connected to the first distribution pipe arranged at the lowest end among the plurality of distribution pipes; the first one-end pipe is separated from the first other-end pipe toward the outside, so that the high-temperature refrigerant discharged from the compressor during defrost operation can flow from the outer row to the inner row.

[0020] The first one-end pipe is located at the outermost side of the plurality of pipes, so that during the defrosting operation, the high-temperature refrigerant discharged from the compressor can flow into the outermost row of the plurality of pipes.

[0021] The first other end pipe is located at the innermost side of the plurality of pipes, so that during defrosting operation, the refrigerant with a lower temperature than the high-temperature refrigerant flowing in the outermost row can flow away from the outer side surface of the outdoor unit where frost and ice are formed.

[0022] Each of the plurality of pipes except the first pipe includes: an end pipe connected to the remaining connecting pipes except the first connecting pipe among the plurality of connecting pipes; and another end pipe connected to the remaining distribution pipes except the first distribution pipe among the plurality of distribution pipes; the one end pipe of each of the remaining pipes is separated from the corresponding other end pipe in the inner direction, so that it can have a structure opposite to the structure of the lowest end pipe.

[0023] The second heat exchanger includes an outdoor fan, which forms an airflow passing through the plurality of pipes; the outdoor fan forms an airflow flowing from the outside to the inside, so that during heating operation, the airflow can pass from the outer row to the inner row of the plurality of pipes.

[0024] The second heat exchanger includes a shell, which accommodates a plurality of the pipes and forms an intake port for air to flow into the interior of the shell; the first pipe is separated from the lower end of the periphery forming the intake port to the upper side, so that frost and ice formed at the lower end of the shell can be prevented from moving to the lowest pipe.

[0025] The first one-end tube is positioned below the first other-end tube so that high-temperature refrigerant discharged from the compressor can flow from the lower side to the upper side during defrosting operation.

[0026] The remaining pipes among the plurality of pipes except the first pipe include: one end pipe, connected to the remaining connecting pipes among the plurality of connecting pipes except the first connecting pipe; and the other end pipe, connected to the remaining distribution pipes among the plurality of distribution pipes except the first distribution pipe; the plurality of other end pipes and the first one end pipe are arranged on the first column located on the outermost side; the plurality of one end pipes and the first other end pipe are arranged on the second column located on the innermost side, so that the remaining pipes and the lowermost pipe can have structures opposite to each other.

[0027] The second heat exchanger includes a valve that opens the first pipe to allow the refrigerant to flow during a defrosting operation or closes the first pipe to block the flow of the refrigerant during a heating operation, thereby controlling the flow of the refrigerant in the first pipe according to the heating operation and the defrosting operation.

[0028] The second heat exchanger includes: a first distributor, arranged on a side of the second heat exchanger adjacent to the compressor; a plurality of connecting pipes, connecting the first distributor and one end of the plurality of pipes; a second distributor, arranged on the other side of the second heat exchanger; and a plurality of distribution pipes, connecting the second distributor and the other end of the plurality of pipes; the valve is arranged in the first distribution pipe connected to the first pipe among the plurality of distribution pipes, so that the flow of refrigerant in the first pipe can be controlled according to heating operation and defrosting operation.

[0029] The second heat exchanger includes: a first distributor, arranged on a side of the second heat exchanger adjacent to the compressor; a plurality of connecting pipes, connecting the first distributor and one end of the plurality of pipes; a second distributor, arranged on the other side of the second heat exchanger; and a plurality of distribution pipes, connecting the second distributor and the other end of the plurality of pipes; the valve is arranged in the first connecting pipe connected to the first pipe among the plurality of connecting pipes, so that the flow of refrigerant in the first pipe can be controlled according to heating operation and defrosting operation.

[0030] According to one aspect of the present invention for achieving the above-mentioned object, the heat supply device includes: a compressor for compressing refrigerant; a first heat exchanger connected to the compressor by a refrigerant pipe to exchange heat between the refrigerant and water; and a second heat exchanger connected to the compressor by a refrigerant pipe to exchange heat between the refrigerant and air; the second heat exchanger includes: a plurality of pipes for allowing the refrigerant to flow; a first distributor arranged on a side of the second heat exchanger adjacent to the compressor; a plurality of connecting pipes connecting the first distributor and one end of the plurality of pipes; a second distributor arranged on the other side of the second heat exchanger; and a plurality of distribution pipes connecting the second distributor and the plurality of The other end of the piping; the plurality of pipings include: a first piping, arranged at the lowest end; and the remaining piping, arranged on the upper side of the first piping; the first piping includes: a first one-end pipe, connected to the first connecting pipe arranged at the lowest end among the plurality of connecting pipes; and a first other-end pipe, connected to the first distribution pipe arranged at the lowest end among the plurality of distribution pipes; the first one-end pipe is located at the lowest end of the first piping; the first other-end pipe is located at the upper end of the first piping, so that during defrost operation, the refrigerant flowing in the first piping has the highest temperature at the first one-end pipe arranged at the lowest end, and the lowest temperature at the first other-end pipe arranged at the upper end.

[0031] The first piping includes: a plurality of first tubes, arranged in a first row located at the outermost side of the first piping, and having the first one-end tube; and a plurality of second tubes, arranged in a second row located at the innermost side of the first piping, and having the first other-end tube; the tube located at the uppermost end of the plurality of first tubes is connected to the tube located at the lowermost end of the plurality of second tubes, so that the refrigerant flowing in the outer row can flow into the lowermost end tube of the inner row and flow upward.

[0032] The first piping includes: a plurality of first tubes, arranged in a first row located at the outermost side of the first piping, having the first one end tube; and a plurality of second tubes, arranged in a second row located at the innermost side of the first piping, having the first other end tube; in the first piping, the refrigerant flows alternately in the plurality of first tubes and the plurality of second tubes, so that during defrost operation, the temperature of the tubes arranged at the lower part can be higher than the temperature of the tubes arranged at the upper part.

[0033] Details of other embodiments are included in the detailed description and accompanying drawings.

[0034] According to at least one embodiment of the present invention, the flow direction of the lowest pipe is opposite to the flow directions of the remaining pipes, thereby improving the defrosting performance of the lowest end of the heat exchanger.

[0035] According to at least one embodiment of the present invention, the first one-end tube is spaced outward from the first other-end tube, so that during defrost operation, high-temperature refrigerant in the first pipe can flow from the outer row to the inner row. This shortens the distance between the high-temperature refrigerant and frost or ice formed on the outer surface of the heat exchanger, thereby improving defrost performance.

[0036] According to at least one embodiment of the present invention, the first end tube is located at the outermost side of the plurality of pipes, and the high-temperature refrigerant flowing into the first end tube can more directly remove frost and ice formed on the outer side of the heat exchanger.

[0037] According to at least one embodiment of the present invention, during defrosting operation, the first other end pipe through which relatively low-temperature refrigerant flows is located innermost among the plurality of pipes, thereby minimizing the reduction in defrosting performance caused by the low-temperature refrigerant.

[0038] According to at least one embodiment of the present invention, the lowermost pipe is spaced upward from the lower end of the periphery forming the suction port of the shell, thereby reducing the spread of frost and ice formed at the lowermost end of the shell to the lowermost pipe during heating operation.

[0039] According to at least one embodiment of the present invention, the first one-end tube is located at a lower side than the first other-end tube, so that during the defrost operation, the first one-end tube through which the high-temperature refrigerant flows effectively removes frost and ice formed at the lower end of the heat exchanger, and can minimize the reduction in defrost performance of the lower end of the heat exchanger caused by the first other-end tube through which the low-temperature refrigerant flows.

[0040] According to at least one embodiment of the present invention, a valve controls the flow of refrigerant in the lowest pipe according to the operating mode of the heat supply device. During heating operation, the valve blocks the flow of refrigerant in the lowest pipe, thereby reducing the formation of frost and ice. During defrost operation, the valve allows the flow of refrigerant in the lowest pipe, thereby removing frost and ice. This improves the defrosting performance of the heat supply device by reducing the amount of frost and shortening the defrosting time.

[0041] According to at least one embodiment of the present invention, the first one-end tube is located at the lowest end of the lowermost pipe, and the first other-end tube is located at the uppermost end of the lowermost pipe, so that during defrost operation, the high-temperature refrigerant flows from the lower side to the upper side of the lowermost pipe, thereby more effectively removing frost and ice formed at the lower end of the heat exchanger.

[0042] The effects of the present invention are not limited to the above-mentioned effects, and those skilled in the art can clearly understand other effects not mentioned through the description of the claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0043] Figure 1 It is a diagram showing a conventional outdoor heat exchanger.

[0044] Figure 2 This is a diagram showing a cycle on the outdoor unit side of a heat supply device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0045] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a second heat exchanger according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0046] Figure 4 This is a diagram showing a refrigerant flow mechanism in the second heat exchanger during heating operation according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0047] Figure 5 This is a diagram showing a refrigerant flow mechanism in the second heat exchanger during defrosting or cooling operation according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0048] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of a second heat exchanger according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0049] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of a second heat exchanger according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0050] Figure 8 This is a diagram showing a refrigerant flow mechanism in the second heat exchanger during heating operation according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0051] Figure 9 This is a diagram showing a refrigerant flow mechanism in the second heat exchanger during defrosting or cooling operation according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0052] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of a second heat exchanger according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0053] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of a second heat exchanger according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0054] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of a second heat exchanger according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0055] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of a second heat exchanger according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0056] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of a second heat exchanger according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0057] Description of Reference Numerals

[0058] 10: Compressor

[0059] 20: Four-way valve

[0060] 30: First heat exchanger

[0061] 40: Expansion device

[0062] 60: Second heat exchanger

[0063] 61: Shell

[0064] 62: Outdoor fan

[0065] 63: First distributor

[0066] 64: Connecting pipe

[0067] 65: Piping

[0068] 66: Distribution pipe

[0069] 67: Second distributor

[0070] 70: Gas-liquid separator

[0071] 80: Refrigerant piping DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0072] Hereinafter, the embodiments disclosed in this specification will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Regardless of the figure numbers, the same or similar components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and repeated description thereof will be omitted.

[0073] The suffixes "module" and "section" of the components used in the following description are given or used interchangeably only for the sake of ease of writing the description, and they themselves do not have any meaning or function that distinguishes one from another.

[0074] Furthermore, when describing the embodiments disclosed in this specification, if it is determined that a detailed description of a related known technology might obscure the main purpose of the embodiments disclosed in this specification, such detailed description will be omitted. Furthermore, the drawings are provided solely to facilitate understanding of the embodiments disclosed in this specification. It should be understood that the technical concepts disclosed in this specification are not limited by the drawings and encompass all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives within the scope of the present invention.

[0075] Terms including ordinal numbers such as first, second, etc. may be used to describe various components, but the components are not limited by the terms. The terms are only used to distinguish one component from other components.

[0076] When a component is referred to as being “connected” or “linked” to another component, it should be understood that it can be directly connected or linked to the other component, or other components may exist between them. Conversely, when a component is referred to as being “directly connected” or “directly linked” to another component, it should be understood that no other components exist between them.

[0077] Unless clearly indicated otherwise in the context, an expression in the singular includes an expression in the plural.

[0078] In the present application, it should be understood that terms such as "include" or "have" are intended to indicate the presence of the features, numbers, steps, actions, constituent elements, parts or combinations thereof described in the specification, and cannot preclude the possibility of the presence or increase of one or more other features or numbers, steps, actions, constituent elements, parts or combinations thereof.

[0079] The directions of up (U), down (D), left (Le), right (Ri), front (F), and back (R) shown in the accompanying drawings are only for the convenience of explanation, and the technical ideas disclosed in this specification are not limited thereto.

[0080] Reference Figure 2 The heat supply device 1 may include: a compressor 10 for compressing refrigerant; a first heat exchanger 30 for exchanging heat between the refrigerant and water; a second heat exchanger 60 for exchanging heat between the refrigerant and air; and an expansion device 40 disposed between the first heat exchanger 30 and the second heat exchanger 60.

[0081] <awhp>

[0082] The heat supply device 1 may be an AWHP (Air to Water Heat Pump) that exchanges heat between water and refrigerant. The AWHP utilizes the thermal energy of outdoor air to heat water circulating in a room, thereby heating the room or supplying hot water. AWHPs are primarily used for heating and hot water supply in cold climates. Conversely, the AWHP transfers the thermal energy of the room through the circulating water to the refrigerant circulating in the outdoor unit, which then discharges the transferred thermal energy from the room to the outside. This allows the AWHP to cool the room or supply cold water.

[0083] The compressor 10, the first heat exchanger 30, the second heat exchanger 60, and the expansion device 40 can constitute an outdoor unit. A water pipe 90 for circulating water in the indoor space can be connected to the first heat exchanger 30. The water pipe 90 can include: an inlet pipe 92 for supplying water to the first heat exchanger 30; and an outlet pipe 94 for discharging water from the first heat exchanger 30. The inlet pipe 92 and the outlet pipe 94 can be connected to the first heat exchanger 30, respectively. A pump 93 for flowing water into the first heat exchanger 30 can be arranged on the inlet pipe 92. The water circulating in the water pipe 90 can exchange heat with the refrigerant in the circulating refrigerant pipe 80 in the first heat exchanger 30. In this way, the heat supply device 1 can heat or cool the indoor space.

[0084] <Refrigerant Piping>

[0085] The heat supply device 1 may include a refrigerant pipe 80 connecting the compressor 10, the first heat exchanger 30, and the second heat exchanger 60. The refrigerant pipe 80 may form a closed circuit. The refrigerant discharged from the compressor 10 may circulate through the refrigerant pipe 80.

[0086] The refrigerant pipe 80 may include a first refrigerant pipe 81 connected to the first heat exchanger 30, a second refrigerant pipe 82 connecting the first heat exchanger 30 and the expansion device 40, a third refrigerant pipe 83 connecting the expansion device 40 and the second heat exchanger 60, and a fourth refrigerant pipe 84 connected to the second heat exchanger 60. The first refrigerant pipe 81 may be located between the compressor 10 and the first heat exchanger 30. The fourth refrigerant pipe 84 may be located between the compressor 10 and the second heat exchanger 60.

[0087] The heat supply device 1 may include a four-way valve 20 located between the compressor 10 and the first heat exchanger 30. The four-way valve 20 may be located between the compressor 10 and the second heat exchanger 60. The four-way valve 20 may switch the refrigerant piping 80 depending on the operating mode. Specifically, the four-way valve 20 may connect the compressor 10 and the first heat exchanger 30 during heating operation, and connect the compressor 10 and the second heat exchanger 60 during cooling operation. For example, during heating operation, the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 10 may flow through the four-way valve 20 to the first heat exchanger 30, while during cooling operation, the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 10 may flow through the four-way valve 20 to the second heat exchanger 60.

[0088] The first refrigerant pipe 81 may connect the first heat exchanger 30 and the four-way valve 20 . The fourth refrigerant pipe 84 may connect the second heat exchanger 60 and the four-way valve 20 .

[0089] The refrigerant pipe 80 may include an inlet pipe 85 through which the refrigerant flowing into the compressor 10 flows. The inlet pipe 85 may be connected to the inlet side of the compressor 10. The inlet pipe 85 may connect the compressor 10 and the four-way valve 20.

[0090] The compressor 10 may be connected to the four-way valve 20. The refrigerant pipe 80 may include an outlet pipe 86 through which the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 10 flows. The outlet pipe 86 may be connected to the outlet side of the compressor 10. The outlet pipe 86 may connect the compressor 10 and the four-way valve 20.

[0091] The heat supply device 1 may include a gas-liquid separator 70 located between the four-way valve 20 and the compressor 10. The gas-liquid separator 70 may be located in the inlet piping 85. The gas-liquid separator 70 may be located upstream of the compressor 10 in the refrigerant flow path. The gas-liquid separator may separate the refrigerant flowing into the compressor from the front end thereof. For example, during cooling operation, the gas-liquid separator 70 may separate the mixed refrigerant discharged from the first heat exchanger 30 into a gas-phase refrigerant and a liquid-phase refrigerant. Conversely, during heating operation, the gas-liquid separator 70 may separate the mixed refrigerant discharged from the second heat exchanger 60 into a gas-phase refrigerant and a liquid-phase refrigerant.

[0092] During heating operation, the outlet pipe 86 can be connected to the first refrigerant pipe 81 via the four-way valve 20, and the inlet pipe 85 can be connected to the fourth refrigerant pipe 84 via the four-way valve 20. This allows the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 10 to flow into the first heat exchanger 30. During cooling operation, the outlet pipe 86 can be connected to the fourth refrigerant pipe 84 via the four-way valve 20, and the inlet pipe 85 can be connected to the first refrigerant pipe 81 via the four-way valve 20. This allows the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 10 to flow into the second heat exchanger 60.

[0093] <Water-refrigerant heat exchanger>

[0094] The first heat exchanger 30 can be a water-refrigerant heat exchanger 30 that exchanges heat between water and refrigerant. For example, the first heat exchanger 30 can be a plate-type heat exchanger through which water and refrigerant flow separately. The first heat exchanger 30 allows water circulating in the indoor space to pass through it. The first heat exchanger 30 also allows refrigerant circulating in the outdoor unit to pass through it. While circulating in the outdoor unit, the refrigerant can exchange heat with outdoor air in the second heat exchanger 60 and with water in the first heat exchanger 30. This allows the water circulating in the indoor space to be heated or cooled. During heating operation, the heat supply device 1 can heat the water passing through the first heat exchanger 30, thereby heating the indoor space or supplying hot water. During cooling operation, the heat supply device 1 can cool the water passing through the first heat exchanger 30, thereby cooling the indoor space or supplying cold water. The water and refrigerant passing through the first heat exchanger 30 can flow in opposite directions. In other words, the water and refrigerant can form countercurrents.

[0095] During heating operation, the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 10 may flow toward the first heat exchanger 30. In this case, the first heat exchanger 30 may function as a condenser. The refrigerant passing through the first heat exchanger 30 may flow through the expansion device 40 and the second heat exchanger 60 in sequence.

[0096] During cooling operation, the refrigerant discharged from the second heat exchanger 60 may flow toward the first heat exchanger 30. In this case, the first heat exchanger 30 may function as an evaporator.

[0097] <Air-refrigerant heat exchanger>

[0098] The second heat exchanger 60 may be an air-refrigerant heat exchanger 60 that exchanges heat between air and refrigerant. For example, the second heat exchanger 60 may be a fin-and-tube heat exchanger including tubes and fins through which the refrigerant flows. The first heat exchanger 30 and the second heat exchanger 60 constitute an outdoor unit, so the second heat exchanger 60 can exchange heat between outdoor air and refrigerant.

[0099] During heating operation, the refrigerant discharged from the first heat exchanger 30 may flow toward the second heat exchanger 60. In this case, the second heat exchanger 60 may function as an evaporator.

[0100] During cooling operation, the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 10 may flow toward the second heat exchanger 60. In this case, the second heat exchanger 60 may function as a condenser.

[0101] The second heat exchanger 60 may include a plurality of pipes 65 (see Figure 2 The refrigerant flowing into the second heat exchanger 60 may flow through a plurality of pipes 65 .

[0102] The second heat exchanger 60 may include a first distributor 63 connected to each of the plurality of pipes 65. The first distributor 63 may be located on one side of the second heat exchanger 60. The first distributor 63 may be connected to the fourth refrigerant pipe 84. For example, during cooling operation, refrigerant discharged from the compressor and flowing into the fourth refrigerant pipe 84 may be distributed to the plurality of pipes 65 by the first distributor 63. Conversely, during heating operation, refrigerant passing through the plurality of pipes 65 of the second heat exchanger 60 may be combined at the first distributor 63 and flow into the fourth refrigerant pipe 84.

[0103] The second heat exchanger 60 may include a second distributor 67 for distributing refrigerant to the plurality of pipes 65. The second distributor 67 may be located on the other side of the second heat exchanger 60. For example, the first distributor 63 may be located on one side of the second heat exchanger 60, and the second distributor 67 may be located on the other side of the second heat exchanger 60. The second distributor 67 may be connected to the third refrigerant pipe 83. For example, during heating operation, refrigerant flowing into the third refrigerant pipe 83 through the expansion device 40 may be distributed to the plurality of pipes 65 by the second distributor 67. Conversely, during cooling operation, refrigerant discharged from the compressor 10 and passing through the plurality of pipes 65 of the second heat exchanger 60 may be combined at the second distributor 67 through the plurality of distribution pipes 66 and flow into the third refrigerant pipe 83.

[0104] The second heat exchanger 60 may include a plurality of distribution pipes 66 connecting the plurality of pipes 65 and the second distributor 67. The plurality of distribution pipes 66 may be located on one side of the second heat exchanger 60. For example, the plurality of distribution pipes 66 may include a first distribution pipe 66a, a second distribution pipe 66b, a third distribution pipe 66c, and a fourth distribution pipe 66d. The first distribution pipe 66a may connect the second distributor 67 and the first distribution pipe 65a (see FIG. Figure 2 The second distribution pipe 66b can connect the second distributor 87 and the second distribution pipe 65b (refer to Figure 2 The third distribution pipe 66c can connect the second distributor 87 and the third distribution pipe 65c (refer to Figure 2 The fourth distribution pipe 66d can connect the second distributor 67 and the fourth distribution pipe 65d (see Figure 2 ).

[0105] <Expansion device>

[0106] The expansion device 40 may be located between the first heat exchanger 30 and the second heat exchanger 60. During heating operation, the refrigerant may pass through the expansion device 40 from the first heat exchanger 30 toward the second heat exchanger 60. During cooling operation, the refrigerant may pass through the expansion device 40 from the second heat exchanger 60 toward the first heat exchanger 30. The expansion device 40 may be located between a second refrigerant pipe 82 connected to the first heat exchanger 30 and a third refrigerant pipe 83 connected to the second heat exchanger 60. The second refrigerant pipe 82 and the third refrigerant pipe 83 may be connected to the expansion device 40, respectively. For example, during heating operation, the refrigerant may pass through the second refrigerant pipe 82, the expansion device 40, and the third refrigerant pipe 83 in sequence. During cooling operation, the refrigerant may pass through the third refrigerant pipe 83, the expansion device 40, and the second refrigerant pipe 82 in sequence.

[0107] Reference Figure 3 The second heat exchanger 60 may include a plurality of connecting pipes 64 connecting the plurality of pipes 65 and the first distributor 63 , a plurality of distribution pipes 66 connecting the plurality of pipes 65 and the second distributor 67 , and a plurality of tubes 650 forming the plurality of pipes 65 .

[0108] <Housing>

[0109] The second heat exchanger 60 may include an outdoor fan 62 for forming an air flow through a plurality of pipes 65 , and a housing 61 for accommodating the outdoor fan 62 and the plurality of pipes 65 .

[0110] The housing 61 may include an intake port 612 formed on one side and an outlet port 614 formed on the other side. An outdoor fan 62 may be disposed at the outlet port 614. The outdoor fan 62 may form an airflow from the intake port 612 toward the outlet port 614. For example, the outdoor fan 62 may draw outdoor air into the housing 61 through the intake port 612 and discharge it to the outside of the housing 61 through the outlet port 614. A plurality of pipes 65 may be disposed at the intake port 612. Thus, the refrigerant flowing through the plurality of pipes 65 may exchange heat with the air flowing in through the intake port 612.

[0111] <Multiple Pipes>

[0112] The second heat exchanger 60 may include a plurality of pipes 65. Each pipe 65 may form an independent flow path for the refrigerant to flow. That is, each of the plurality of pipes 65 may form a flow path that is not shared with each other. Each of the plurality of pipes 65 may be distinguished from each other and include an independent one end (unmarked) and the other end (unmarked). For example, the refrigerant flowing into one of the plurality of pipes 65 may flow into one end and be discharged through the other end. In addition, when changing to the opposite operating mode, the refrigerant may also flow into the other end and be discharged through one end. One end may be formed in the one end pipe 652 described later, and the other end may be formed in the other end pipe 658 described later.

[0113] The plurality of pipes 65 may be arranged in a longitudinal direction. For example, the plurality of pipes 65 may include a first pipe 65a at the bottom, a second pipe 65b located above the first pipe 65a, a third pipe 65c located above the second pipe 65b, and a fourth pipe 65d located above the third pipe 65c. Refrigerant passing through the first distributor 63 or the second distributor 67 is distributed and flows into each of the plurality of pipes 65. The inflowing refrigerant may then flow out through the plurality of pipes to the second distributor or the first distributor.

[0114] The plurality of pipes 65 may include a lowermost pipe and the remaining pipes. For example, the first pipe 65a at the lowermost end may be the lowermost pipe, and the second to fourth pipes 65b to 65d may be included in the remaining pipes.

[0115] <Connecting pipe>

[0116] The second heat exchanger 60 may include a plurality of connecting pipes 64 connecting the first distributor 63 and the plurality of pipes 65. The connecting pipes 64 may be connected to one end of the plurality of pipes 65. In this case, the distribution pipes 66 may be connected to the other ends of the plurality of pipes 65. For example, the plurality of connecting pipes 64 may include a first connecting pipe 64a connected to one end of the first pipe 65a, a second connecting pipe 64b connected to one end of the second pipe 65b, a third connecting pipe 64c connected to one end of the third pipe 65c, and a fourth connecting pipe 64d connected to one end of the fourth pipe 65d. In this case, the plurality of distribution pipes 66 may include a first distribution pipe 66a connected to the other end of the first pipe 65a, a second distribution pipe 66b connected to the other end of the second pipe 65b, a third distribution pipe 66c connected to the other end of the third pipe 65c, and a fourth distribution pipe 66d connected to the other end of the fourth distribution pipe 66d.

[0117] <Guanzi>

[0118] The second heat exchanger 60 may include a plurality of tubes 65, each forming a flow path of the plurality of pipes 65. The circles shown in the figure may represent cross-sections of the tubes 650. For example, the first pipe 65a may include four tubes 650a. The second pipe 65b may include eight tubes 650b. The third pipe 65c may include eight tubes 650c. The fourth pipe 65d may include eight tubes 650d.

[0119] The plurality of tubes 650 forming each pipe 65 may be arranged in a plurality of rows. For example, the plurality of tubes 65 forming the first to fourth pipes 65a to 65d may be arranged side by side in the longitudinal direction along the first row r1 and the second row r2.

[0120] The number of tubes 650a forming the bottommost pipe 65a can be smaller than the number of tubes 650b, 650c, and 650d forming the other pipes. For example, the number of tubes 650a forming the first pipe 65a disposed at the bottommost position can be smaller than the number of tubes 650b forming the second pipe 65b. The number of tubes 650a forming the first pipe 65a disposed at the bottommost position can be smaller than the number of tubes 650c forming the third pipe 65c. The number of tubes 650a forming the first pipe 65a disposed at the bottommost position can be smaller than the number of tubes 650d forming the fourth pipe 65d.

[0121] The length of the refrigerant flow path formed by the lowest pipe 65a can be shorter than the length of the refrigerant flow paths formed by the other pipes. For example, the length of the refrigerant flow path formed by the first pipe 65a located at the lowest end can be shorter than the length of the refrigerant flow path formed by the second pipe 65b. The length of the refrigerant flow path formed by the first pipe 65a located at the lowest end can be shorter than the length of the refrigerant flow path formed by the third pipe 65c. The length of the refrigerant flow path formed by the first pipe 65a located at the lowest end can be shorter than the length of the refrigerant flow path formed by the fourth pipe 65d. Since the length of the refrigerant flow path of the lowest pipe is shorter than the length of the refrigerant flow paths of the other pipes, the impact on the cooling and heating performance of the second heat exchanger caused by the opening or closing of the valve in the lowest pipe can be reduced.

[0122] <One end pipe>

[0123] Each of the plurality of pipes 65 may include a first end pipe 652 connected to the connecting pipe 64. For example, the first pipe 65a may include a first first end pipe 652a connected to the first connecting pipe 64a. The second pipe 65b may include a second first end pipe 652b connected to the second connecting pipe 64b. The third pipe 65c may include a third first end pipe 652c connected to the third connecting pipe 64c. The fourth pipe 65d may include a fourth first end pipe 652d connected to the fourth connecting pipe 64d.

[0124] <Other end pipe>

[0125] The one-end tube 652 may form one end of the plurality of tubes 650, and the other-end tube 658 may form the other end of the plurality of tubes 650. For example, a first one-end tube 652a and a first other-end tube 658a are respectively disposed at one end and the other end of the plurality of tubes 65, thereby allowing refrigerant to flow into or out of the plurality of tubes 65.

[0126] <Bottom Piping Configuration - Reverse Direction>

[0127] The refrigerant flow directions in the bottommost pipe 65a and the remaining pipes 65b, 65c, and 65d can be different. For example, during defrosting or cooling operation, the refrigerant in the bottommost pipe 65a can flow from outside to inside, while the refrigerant in the remaining pipes 65b, 65c, and 65d can flow from inside to outside. Conversely, during heating operation, the refrigerant in the bottommost pipe 65a can flow from inside to outside, while the refrigerant in the remaining pipes 65b, 65c, and 65d can flow from outside to inside. In this case, the outside can refer to the side where the suction port 612 is formed. Alternatively, the inside can refer to the side where the discharge port 614 is formed. The direction from outside to inside can correspond to the direction of the airflow generated by the outdoor fan 62.

[0128] <Bottommost piping pipe>

[0129] One end tube 652a of the bottommost pipe 65a can be located on the outside of the outdoor unit. The one end tube 652a of the bottommost pipe 65a can be spaced outward from the other end tube 658a. For example, the first one end tube 652a of the first pipe 65a, which serves as the bottommost pipe 65a, can be located outward from the first other end tube 658a. That is, the first one end tube 652a can be located in the first row r1, which serves as the outer row, and the first other end tube 658a can be located in the second row r2, which serves as the inner row. Thus, during defrost operation, the high-temperature refrigerant discharged from the compressor 10 can flow outside the first pipe 65a, located at the bottommost end, and gradually flow inward. This allows frost and ice formed on the outer side of the bottom end of the outdoor unit to be quickly removed.

[0130] <Other piping configurations - positive direction>

[0131] The other end tubes 658b, 658c, and 658d of the remaining piping can be located outside the outdoor unit. The one end tubes 652b, 652c, and 652d of the remaining piping can be separated inward from the other end tubes 658b, 658c, and 658d. For example, the second other end tube 658b of the second piping 65b, one of the remaining piping, can be located outside of the second one end tube 652b. That is, the second other end tube 658b can be located in the first row r1, which is the outer row, and the second one end tube 652b can be located in the second row r2, which is the inner row.

[0132] <Relationship between the bottom end and the rest>

[0133] The one-end tube 652a of the lowest pipe 65a can be arranged in the same row as the other-end tubes 658b, 658c, and 658d of the remaining pipes. For example, the first one-end tube 652a of the first pipe 65a, which serves as the lowest pipe, and the second to fourth other-end tubes 658b, 658d, 658d, 658d, 658d, 658d, 658d, 658d, 658d, 658d, 658d, 658d, 658d, 658a ...

[0134] Reference Figure 4 , a refrigerant flow mechanism in the second heat exchanger 60 during heating operation will be described.

[0135] During heating operation, the refrigerant may flow along the circulation compressor 10, the first heat exchanger 30, the expansion device 40, and the second heat exchanger 60. Figure 1 At this time, the four-way valve 20 can connect the outlet pipe 86 connected to the compressor 10 and the first refrigerant pipe 81.

[0136] The high-temperature refrigerant discharged from the compressor 10 may flow into the first heat exchanger 30 . The low-temperature refrigerant passing through the first heat exchanger 30 and the expansion device 40 may flow into the second heat exchanger 60 .

[0137] Low-temperature refrigerant can flow into the second heat exchanger 60 through the second distributor 67. The low-temperature refrigerant that has passed through the second distributor 67 can flow through the plurality of distribution pipes 66 to the plurality of pipes 65. The second distributor 67 can distribute the refrigerant to the plurality of distribution pipes 66. For example, the refrigerant that has passed through the second distributor 67 can be distributed to the first distribution pipe 66a to the fourth distribution pipe 66d, respectively. The refrigerant distributed to the plurality of distribution pipes 66 can flow into the plurality of pipes 65. The refrigerant that has passed through the distribution pipe 66 can flow into the other ends of the plurality of pipes 65. The other ends of the plurality of pipes 65 can be formed in a plurality of other-end pipes 658.

[0138] The refrigerant passing through the lowest distribution pipe 66a can flow into the lowest pipe 65a via the lowest other-end pipe 658a. The lowest distribution pipe 66a can be referred to as a distribution pipe connected to the lowest pipe 65a. For example, the refrigerant passing through the first distribution pipe 66a can flow into the first pipe 65a via the first other-end pipe 658a. In this case, the refrigerant flowing into the lowest pipe 65a can flow from the inside to the outside of the lowest pipe 65a. For example, the refrigerant in the first distribution pipe 66a can flow into the first pipe 65a via the first other-end pipe 658a located in the second row r2, which is the row arranged on the inner side. The refrigerant flowing into the first pipe 65a can then pass through the two pipes arranged in the second row r2, including the first other-end pipe 658a, and then pass through the two pipes arranged in the first row r1, including the first one-end pipe 652a. The refrigerant in the first pipe 65 a can flow out of the first pipe 65 a through the first one-end tube 652 a arranged in the first row r1 .

[0139] Refrigerant passing through the remaining distribution pipes 66b, 66c, and 66d can flow into the remaining pipes 65b, 65c, and 65d via the remaining other end pipes 658b, 658c, and 658d. The remaining distribution pipes 66b, 66c, and 66d can be referred to as the distribution pipes other than the bottommost distribution pipe 66a among the plurality of distribution pipes 66. For example, the remaining distribution pipes 66b, 66c, and 66d can include the second distribution pipe 66b through the fourth distribution pipe 66d. Refrigerant flowing into the remaining pipes 65b, 65c, and 65d can flow from the outside to the inside. The remaining other-end tubes 658b, 658c, and 658d connected to the remaining distribution tubes 66b, 66c, and 66d can be located in the outermost row of the remaining tubes 65b, 65c, and 65d, while the remaining one-end tubes 652b, 652c, and 652d can be located in the innermost row of the remaining tubes 65b, 65c, and 65d. For example, refrigerant flowing into the second tube 65b through the second other-end tube 658b arranged in the first row r1 can flow out of the second tube 65b via the second one-end tube 652b arranged in the second row r2. This also applies to the third tube 65c and the fourth tube 65d.

[0140] During heating operation, cold air flow generated by the outdoor fan passes through a plurality of pipes through which low-temperature refrigerant flows, and frost and ice may form on the outer surface of the outdoor unit.

[0141] Reference Figure 5 , a refrigerant flow mechanism in the second heat exchanger 60 during defrosting or cooling operation will be described.

[0142] During defrosting or cooling operation, the refrigerant may flow along the circulation compressor 10, the second heat exchanger 60, the expansion device 40, and the first heat exchanger 30. Figure 1 At this time, the four-way valve 20 can connect the outlet pipe 86 connected to the compressor 10 and the fourth refrigerant pipe 84.

[0143] The high-temperature refrigerant discharged from the compressor 10 can flow toward the second heat exchanger 60. While passing through the second heat exchanger 60, the high-temperature refrigerant can remove frost and ice generated therein. Specifically, the high-temperature refrigerant discharged from the compressor 10 can be distributed to each of the plurality of connecting pipes 64 via the first distributor 63. For example, the high-temperature refrigerant discharged from the compressor 10 can be distributed to each of the first connecting pipe 64a to the fourth connecting pipe 64d via the first distributor 63.

[0144] The high-temperature refrigerant flowing into the plurality of connecting pipes 64 can flow to each of the plurality of pipes 65. For example, the refrigerant in the first connecting pipe 64a can flow to the first pipe 65a, the refrigerant in the second connecting pipe 64b can flow to the second pipe 65b, the refrigerant in the third connecting pipe 64c can flow to the third pipe 65c, and the refrigerant in the fourth connecting pipe 64d can flow to the fourth pipe 65d.

[0145] The first connecting pipe 64a, located at the bottom, can be connected to the first first-end pipe 652a of the first piping 65a. One end of the first piping 65a can be formed in the first first-end pipe 652a. Refrigerant flowing through the first connecting pipe 64a can flow into the first piping 65a through the first first-end pipe 652a. In this case, high-temperature refrigerant can flow from the outermost row through the first first-end pipe 652a located in the outermost row of the first piping 65a. For example, high-temperature refrigerant can flow through the first connecting pipe 64a into the outermost row r1. High-temperature refrigerant flowing into the outermost row can then pass through other tubes of the first piping 65a located in the first row r1 and gradually flow to multiple tubes located in the inner rows. For example, high-temperature refrigerant that has passed through two tubes, including the first first-end pipe 652a, located in the first row r1 can flow out of the first piping 65a through two tubes, including the first second-end pipe 658a, located in the second row r2. This allows the high-temperature refrigerant to flow from the outermost side of the lowermost pipe and remove frost and ice formed on the outer surface of the outdoor unit more quickly.

[0146] The temperature of the refrigerant in the first other end tube 658a may be lower than that of the refrigerant in the first one end tube 652a. The refrigerant passing through the first other end tube 658a may flow out to the second distributor 67 via the first distribution pipe 66a. The refrigerant flowing out to the second distributor 67 may flow toward the expansion device 40.

[0147] The remaining connecting tubes 64b, 64c, and 64d, excluding the first connecting tube 64a at the bottom, can be connected to the remaining one-end tubes 652b, 652c, and 652d of the remaining pipes 65b, 65c, and 65d. The remaining pipes 65b, 65c, and 65d can be referred to as the pipes excluding the bottom-end pipe 65a of the plurality of pipes 65, and the remaining one-end tubes 652b, 652c, and 652d can be referred to as the one-end tubes excluding the bottom-end pipe 652a of the plurality of one-end tubes 652. For example, the second connecting tube 64b can be connected to the second one-end tube 652b of the second pipe 65b. The third connecting tube 64c can be connected to the third one-end tube 652c of the third pipe 65c. The fourth connecting tube 64d can be connected to the fourth one-end tube 652d of the fourth pipe 65d. The refrigerant flowing through the remaining connecting tubes 64b, 64c, and 64d can flow into the remaining pipes 65b, 65c, and 65d through the remaining one-end tubes 652b, 652c, and 652d. At this point, the high-temperature refrigerant can flow from the inner rows through the remaining one-end tubes 652b, 652c, and 652d arranged in the inner rows of the remaining pipes 65b, 65c, and 65d. For example, the high-temperature refrigerant can flow through the second through fourth connecting tubes 64b, 64d and into the second innermost row r2. The high-temperature refrigerant flowing into the innermost row can then flow through the remaining pipes 65b, 65c, and 65d arranged in the second row r2 and gradually flow into the multiple tubes arranged in the outer rows. For example, high-temperature refrigerant passing through the four tubes including the second one-end tube 652b arranged in the second row r2 can flow out of the second pipe 65b through the four tubes including the second other-end tube 658b arranged in the first row r1. The same applies to the third pipe 65c and the fourth pipe 65d.

[0148] The temperature of the refrigerant in the remaining other-end tubes 658b, 658c, and 658d can be lower than the temperature of the refrigerant in the remaining one-end tubes 652b, 652c, and 652d. For example, the temperature of the refrigerant in the second other-end tube 658b can be lower than the temperature of the refrigerant in the second one-end tube 652b. The same applies to the third and fourth pipes 65c and 65d.

[0149] The refrigerant passing through the other end tubes 658b, 658c, and 658d may flow out to the second distributor 67 via the remaining distribution tubes 66b, 66c, and 66d. The refrigerant flowing out to the second distributor 67 may flow toward the expansion device 40.

[0150] Reference Figure 6 The second heat exchanger 60 may include a valve 68 for controlling the flow of refrigerant in the lowermost pipe 65 a.

[0151] <Valve>

[0152] The second heat exchanger 60 may include a valve 68 for controlling the flow of refrigerant in the lowest pipe among the plurality of pipes 65. The valve 68 may block the flow of refrigerant in the lowest pipe. The valve 68 may be opened during cooling operation to allow the refrigerant to flow through all of the plurality of pipes 65, and may block the lowest pipe during heating operation to allow the refrigerant to flow only through the remaining pipes among the plurality of pipes 65 except the lowest pipe. For example, the valve may be disposed at a position adjacent to the first pipe 65a (refer to FIG. 1 ), which is the lowest pipe among the plurality of pipes 65. Figure 2 ) is connected to the first distribution pipe 66a.

[0153] The valve 68 may be a check valve 682 that allows the refrigerant to flow in only one direction. For example, the valve 68 may allow the refrigerant to flow in a direction toward the second heat exchanger 60, the expansion device 40, and the first heat exchanger 30 in sequence.

[0154] <Valve Effect>

[0155] Valve 68, located on the lowest distribution pipe 66a, blocks the flow of refrigerant into the lowest pipe 65a. Specifically, during heating operation, refrigerant flow through the lowest pipe 65a is blocked. This reduces the risk of freezing of the second heat exchanger due to low-temperature refrigerant flowing through the lowest pipe during heating operation in cold weather.

[0156] The valve located on the bottom distribution pipe 66a allows the refrigerant flowing out of the bottom pipe 65a to flow through. That is, during cooling or defrosting operation, refrigerant can flow through the bottom pipe 65a. This is because during cooling or defrosting operation, the high-temperature refrigerant discharged from the compressor 10 flows through the bottom pipe, eliminating the risk of freezing.

[0157] Reference Figure 7 , valve 68 can be arranged on the lowest connecting pipe 64a. Valve 68 can be arranged on the lowest connecting pipe 64a connected to the lowest pipe 65a. For example, check valve 682 is arranged on the first connecting pipe 64a connected to the first end pipe 652a of the first pipe 65a, thereby controlling the flow of refrigerant flowing through the first pipe 65a. Valve 68 can be closed to prevent low-temperature refrigerant from flowing through the lowest pipe 65a, and can be opened to allow high-temperature refrigerant to flow through the lowest pipe 65a. In other words, high-temperature refrigerant discharged from the compressor 10 can flow into the lowest pipe 65a through the lowest connecting pipe 64a.

[0158] Reference Figure 8 Next, the flow of refrigerant in the lowermost pipe 65a caused by the valve 68 during the heating operation will be described.

[0159] During heating operation, the low-temperature refrigerant that has passed through the first heat exchanger 30 and the expansion device 40 can flow into the second heat exchanger 60 through the second distributor 67. The second distributor 67 can distribute the inflowing low-temperature refrigerant to the plurality of distribution pipes 66. At this time, the valve disposed on the lowest distribution pipe 66a can prevent the refrigerant from flowing into the lowest pipe 65a. In other words, the refrigerant can flow into the remaining distribution pipes 66 except the lowest distribution pipe 66a. For example, the check valve 682 disposed on the first distribution pipe 66a can prevent the low-temperature refrigerant from flowing into the first pipe 65a. The refrigerant that has passed through the second distributor 67 can be distributed to the second distribution pipe 66b to the fourth distribution pipe 66d. This can reduce the amount of frost near the lowest pipe, which is prone to frost and ice formation during heating operation.

[0160] The refrigerant passing through the plurality of pipes 65 except the lowest pipe 65a can be combined with the first distributor 63 through the plurality of connecting pipes 64 except the lowest connecting pipe 64a. The refrigerant can be discharged from the second heat exchanger 60 through the first distributor 63.

[0161] Reference Figure 9 Next, the flow of refrigerant in the lowermost pipe 65a caused by the valve 68 during defrosting or cooling operation will be described.

[0162] During defrosting or cooling operation, the high-temperature refrigerant discharged from the compressor 10 can be distributed to the plurality of connecting pipes 64 by the second distributor 67. The refrigerant in the plurality of connecting pipes 64 can flow to the plurality of pipes 65. At this time, the valve 68 can open the first pipe 65a.

[0163] The refrigerant in the first connecting pipe 64a can flow from the outermost side of the first piping 65a. For example, high-temperature refrigerant can flow into the first end pipe 652a located in the first row r1, which is the outermost row of the first piping 65a. The high-temperature refrigerant flowing into the first end pipe 652a can exchange heat while flowing at the outermost side. Frost and ice formed on the outer side of the outdoor unit can be removed by the high-temperature refrigerant flowing through the lowermost pipe 65a.

[0164] The refrigerant flowing through the outermost portion of the first pipe 65a can gradually move inward. For example, the refrigerant can flow through the plurality of tubes in the first row r1 of the first pipe 65a before flowing through the plurality of tubes in the second row r2. The refrigerant in the first pipe 65a can be discharged into the first distribution pipe 66a through the first other end tube 658a located in the second row r2.

[0165] Reference Figure 10 and Figure 11 The refrigerant flowing through the first pipe 65a can flow upward from the outer rows to the inner rows. The refrigerant in the first pipe 65a can flow sequentially through the multiple tubes in the outer rows before flowing sequentially through the multiple tubes in the inner rows. The refrigerant can flow upward through the multiple tubes in the outer rows. For example, the refrigerant can begin flowing from the first one-end tube 652a at the lowest end of the first row r1, which is the outer row, and then flow upward sequentially through the three tubes above it. The refrigerant can flow from the lowest tube in the outer row to the highest tube in the outer row, and the refrigerant in the highest tube in the outer row can flow to the lowest tube in the inner row. The refrigerant can flow from the lowest tube in the inner row to the highest tube in the inner row. The refrigerant in the highest tube in the inner row can be discharged into the first distribution pipe 66a. For example, refrigerant can flow from the first one-end tube 652a at the bottom of the first row r1 to the tube at the top of the first row r1. Refrigerant in the tube at the top of the first row r1 can then flow to the tube at the bottom of the second row r2. Refrigerant in the tube at the bottom of the second row r2 can then flow to the first other-end tube 658a at the top of the second row r2. Refrigerant in the first other-end tube 658a at the top of the second row r2 can then be discharged to the second distribution pipe 66b. The high-temperature refrigerant first circulates through the tubes in the outermost rows, quickly removing frost and ice from the exterior of the outdoor unit.

[0166] The lowermost other-end tube 658a can be located above the lowermost one-end tube 652a. The lowermost other-end tube 658a can be located at the uppermost side of the lowermost pipe 65a. The lowermost one-end tube 652a can be located at the lowermost side of the lowermost pipe 65a. For example, the first other-end tube 658a can be located above the first one-end tube 652a. The first other-end tube 658a can be located at the uppermost side of the first pipe 65a. The first one-end tube 652a can be located at the lowermost side of the first pipe 65a.

[0167] Reference Figure 12 The refrigerant flowing in the first pipe 65a can alternate between the outer and inner rows. The refrigerant in the first pipe 65a can flow gradually upward, alternating between the outer and inner rows. For example, in the first pipe 65a, the refrigerant in the first one-end tube 652a at the bottom of the first row r1 can flow toward the tube above the first one-end tube 652a. The refrigerant in the tube above the first one-end tube 652a can flow toward the bottom of the second row r2. The refrigerant in the tube at the bottom of the second row r2 can flow toward the tube above it. In this way, the refrigerant can gradually move upward while alternating between the tubes in the first row r1 and the tubes in the second row r2. The refrigerant in the first pipe 65a can flow toward the tube at the top of the second row r2 and then flow through the first distribution pipe 66a to the second distributor 67.

[0168] During defrost operation, the most upstream tube 652a of the first piping 65a can be located at the outermost side of the lowest side of the first piping 65a. For example, the first first end tube 652a can be located at the lowest side of the first row r1. During defrost operation, the most downstream tube of the first piping 65a can be located at the innermost side of the highest side. For example, the first second end tube 658a can be located at the highest side of the second row r2.

[0169] Reference Figure 13 The plurality of pipes 65 may be arranged along outer rows, middle rows, and inner rows. For example, the plurality of pipes may be arranged along an outer first row r1, an inner second row r2, and a middle third row r3 in the vertical direction.

[0170] During defrost operation, the refrigerant in the first pipe 65a can flow into the lowest tube in the outer row. Refrigerant flowing into the lowest tube in the first row r1 can flow upward along the multiple tubes arranged in the first row r1. Refrigerant reaching the highest tube in the first row r1 can flow toward the highest tube in the third row r3. Refrigerant in the highest tube in the third row r3 can flow downward along the multiple tubes arranged in the third row r3. Refrigerant in the lowest tube in the third row r3 can flow toward the lowest tube in the second row r2. Refrigerant in the lowest tube in the second row r2 can flow upward along the multiple tubes arranged in the second row r2. Thus, during defrost operation, high-temperature refrigerant in the first pipe 65a can flow from the lowest, outermost first one-end tube 652a to the highest, innermost first other-end tube 658a. This can improve the defrosting performance of the lower end portion of the outer surface of the outdoor unit, which is susceptible to frost and ice formation.

[0171] Reference Figure 14 , the refrigerant can flow along the outer rows, middle rows, and inner rows in sequence.

[0172] During defrost operation, refrigerant in the first pipe 65a can flow upward from the bottommost tube of the first row r1 through the multiple tubes arranged in the first row r1. Refrigerant in the topmost tube of the first row r1 can flow toward the bottommost tube of the third row r3. Refrigerant flowing into the bottommost tube of the third row r3 can flow upward through the multiple tubes arranged in the third row r3. Refrigerant in the topmost tube of the third row r3 can flow toward the bottommost tube of the second row r2. Refrigerant flowing into the bottommost tube of the second row r2 can flow upward through the multiple tubes arranged in the second row r2. Refrigerant in the first pipe 65a can be discharged through the first other-end tube 658a located at the top of the second row r2. This allows high-temperature refrigerant to flow into the outer rows adjacent to the outdoor unit's exterior surfaces where frost and ice have formed, allowing concentrated defrosting of the lower end portion, which is particularly prone to frost and ice formation. The refrigerant flowing in the first pipe 65a can gradually decrease in temperature while flowing along the flow path, so that after flowing through the outer column adjacent to the outer side surface of the outdoor unit, it flows again to the lowermost end of the middle column, thereby further improving the defrosting performance of the lower end that is prone to frost and ice.

[0173] Reference Figures 1 to 14 In one aspect of the present invention, a heat supply device includes: a compressor for compressing refrigerant; a first heat exchanger connected to the compressor via a refrigerant pipe for exchanging heat between the refrigerant and water; and a second heat exchanger connected to the compressor via a refrigerant pipe, having a plurality of pipes for heat exchange between the refrigerant and the air; the plurality of pipes include: a first pipe arranged at the lowermost end; and the remaining pipes arranged on the upper side of the first pipe; the first pipe can form a refrigerant flow direction opposite to the refrigerant flow direction of the remaining pipes.

[0174] According to another aspect of the present invention, the second heat exchanger includes: a first distributor, arranged on a side of the second heat exchanger adjacent to the compressor; a plurality of connecting pipes, connecting the first distributor and one end of the plurality of pipes; a second distributor, arranged on the other side of the second heat exchanger; and a plurality of distribution pipes, connecting the second distributor and the other end of the plurality of pipes; the first pipe includes: a first one-end pipe, connected to the first connecting pipe arranged at the lowermost end among the plurality of connecting pipes; and a first other-end pipe, connected to the first distribution pipe arranged at the lowermost end among the plurality of distribution pipes; the first one-end pipe can be separated from the first other-end pipe toward the outside.

[0175] According to another aspect of the present invention, the first end pipe may be located at the outermost side of the plurality of pipes.

[0176] According to another aspect of the present invention, the first other end pipe may be located at the innermost side of the plurality of pipes.

[0177] According to another aspect of the present invention, each of the plurality of pipes except the first pipe includes: an end pipe connected to the remaining connecting pipes except the first connecting pipe among the plurality of connecting pipes; and another end pipe connected to the remaining distribution pipes except the first distribution pipe among the plurality of distribution pipes; the one end pipe of each of the remaining pipes can be separated from the corresponding other end pipe toward the inside.

[0178] According to another aspect of the present invention, the second heat exchanger includes an outdoor fan, and the outdoor fan forms an airflow passing through the plurality of pipes; the outdoor fan can form an airflow flowing from the outside to the inside.

[0179] According to another aspect of the present invention, the second heat exchanger includes a shell, which accommodates a plurality of the pipes and forms an air inlet for air to flow into the interior of the shell; the first pipe can be separated upward from the lower end of the periphery forming the air inlet.

[0180] According to another aspect of the present invention, the first one-end pipe may be located below the first other-end pipe.

[0181] According to another aspect of the present invention, the remaining pipes in the plurality of pipes except the first pipe include: one end pipe, connected to the remaining connecting pipes in the plurality of connecting pipes except the first connecting pipe; and another end pipe, connected to the remaining distribution pipes in the plurality of distribution pipes except the first distribution pipe; the plurality of other end pipes and the first one end pipe can be arranged on the first column located on the outermost side; the plurality of one end pipes and the first other end pipe can be arranged on the second column located on the innermost side.

[0182] According to another aspect of the present invention, the second heat exchanger may include a valve that opens the first pipe to allow the refrigerant to flow during a defrosting operation or closes the first pipe to block the flow of the refrigerant during a heating operation.

[0183] According to another aspect of the present invention, the second heat exchanger includes: a first distributor, arranged on a side of the second heat exchanger adjacent to the compressor; a plurality of connecting pipes, connecting the first distributor and one end of a plurality of the pipes; a second distributor, arranged on the other side of the second heat exchanger; and a plurality of distribution pipes, connecting the second distributor and the other end of a plurality of the pipes; the valve can be arranged in the first distribution pipe connected to the first pipe among the plurality of distribution pipes.

[0184] According to another aspect of the present invention, the second heat exchanger includes: a first distributor, arranged on a side of the second heat exchanger adjacent to the compressor; a plurality of connecting pipes, connecting the first distributor and one end of a plurality of the pipes; a second distributor, arranged on the other side of the second heat exchanger; and a plurality of distribution pipes, connecting the second distributor and the other end of a plurality of the pipes; the valve can be arranged in the first connecting pipe connected to the first pipe among the plurality of connecting pipes.

[0185] Reference Figures 1 to 14 In one aspect of the present invention, a heat supply device includes: a compressor for compressing a refrigerant; a first heat exchanger connected to the compressor via a refrigerant pipe to exchange heat between the refrigerant and water; and a second heat exchanger connected to the compressor via a refrigerant pipe to exchange heat between the refrigerant and air; the second heat exchanger includes: a plurality of pipes through which the refrigerant flows; a first distributor disposed on a side of the second heat exchanger adjacent to the compressor; a plurality of connecting pipes connecting the first distributor and one end of the plurality of pipes; and a second distributor disposed on the other side of the second heat exchanger. And a plurality of distribution pipes connecting the second distributor and the other end of the plurality of pipes; the plurality of pipes include: a first pipe, arranged at the lowest end; and the remaining pipes, arranged on the upper side of the first pipe; the first pipe includes: a first one-end pipe, connected to the first connecting pipe arranged at the lowest end among the plurality of connecting pipes; and a first other-end pipe, connected to the first distribution pipe arranged at the lowest end among the plurality of distribution pipes; the first one-end pipe can be located at the lowest end of the first pipe; the first other-end pipe can be located at the upper end of the first pipe.

[0186] According to another aspect of the present invention, the first piping includes: a plurality of first tubes, arranged in a first row located at the outermost side of the first piping, and having the first first end tube; and a plurality of second tubes, arranged in a second row located at the innermost side of the first piping, and having the first other end tube; the tube located at the uppermost end of the plurality of first tubes can be connected to the tube located at the lowermost end of the plurality of second tubes.

[0187] According to another aspect of the present invention, the first piping includes: a plurality of first tubes arranged in a first row located at the outermost side of the first piping, each having the first first end tube; and a plurality of second tubes arranged in a second row located at the innermost side of the first piping, each having the first other end tube. In the first piping, refrigerant can flow alternately through the plurality of first tubes and the plurality of second tubes.

[0188] The aforementioned certain embodiments or other embodiments of the present invention do not exclude or differentiate from each other. The various components or functions of the aforementioned certain embodiments or other embodiments of the present invention may be mixed or combined.

[0189] For example, this means that configuration A described in a specific embodiment and / or drawing can be combined with configuration B described in another embodiment and / or drawing. In other words, even if there is no direct description of the combination between configurations, the combination can be performed unless otherwise specified.

[0190] The above detailed description should not be interpreted as limiting in all aspects, but should be considered as illustrative. The scope of the present invention should be determined by reasonable interpretation of the appended claims, and all changes within the equivalent scope of the present invention are included in the scope of the present invention.< / awhp>

Claims

1. A heat supply device, wherein: include: compressor, which compresses the refrigerant; A first heat exchanger is connected to the compressor via a refrigerant pipe to exchange heat between the refrigerant and water; as well as A second heat exchanger is connected to the compressor via a refrigerant pipe and has a plurality of pipes for heat exchange between the refrigerant and the air; The plurality of pipes include: A first pipe is disposed at the lower end; and The remaining pipes are arranged on the upper side of the first pipe; The first pipe forms a refrigerant flow direction opposite to a refrigerant flow direction of the remaining pipes.

2. The heat supply device according to claim 1, wherein: The second heat exchanger comprises: a first distributor, arranged on a side of the second heat exchanger adjacent to the compressor; A plurality of connecting pipes, connecting the first distributor and one end of the plurality of pipes; A second distributor, disposed on the other side of the second heat exchanger; and A plurality of distribution pipes connecting the second distributor and the other ends of the plurality of distribution pipes; The first pipe comprises: A first one-end tube connected to a first connecting tube disposed at the lowest end among the plurality of connecting tubes; and A first other end pipe connected to a first distribution pipe disposed at the bottom end of the plurality of distribution pipes; The first one end tube is spaced apart from the first other end tube in an outward direction.

3. The heat supply device according to claim 1, wherein: The first end pipe is located at the outermost side of the plurality of pipes.

4. The heat supply device according to claim 1, wherein: The first other end pipe is located at the innermost side of the plurality of pipes.

5. The heat supply device according to claim 1, wherein: Each of the plurality of pipes except the first pipe comprises: an end pipe connected to the remaining connecting pipes among the plurality of connecting pipes except the first connecting pipe; and The other end pipe is connected to the remaining distribution pipes among the plurality of distribution pipes except the first distribution pipe; The one end pipe of each of the remaining pipes is spaced inward from the corresponding other end pipe.

6. The heat supply device according to claim 1, wherein: The second heat exchanger includes an outdoor fan, the outdoor fan forms an airflow through the plurality of the pipes; The outdoor fan forms an airflow that flows from the outside to the inside.

7. The heat supply device according to claim 1, wherein: The second heat exchanger includes a shell, the shell accommodates the plurality of the pipes, and is formed with an inlet for air to flow into the interior of the shell; The first pipe is spaced upward from a lower end of a peripheral edge forming the suction port.

8. The heat supply device according to claim 1, wherein: The first one end tube is located at a lower side than the first other end tube.

9. The heat supply device according to claim 8, wherein: The remaining pipes of the plurality of pipes except the first pipe include: an end pipe connected to the remaining connecting pipes among the plurality of connecting pipes except the first connecting pipe; and The other end pipe is connected to the remaining distribution pipes among the plurality of distribution pipes except the first distribution pipe; The plurality of the other end tubes and the first one end tube are arranged in a first row located at the outermost side; The plurality of the one end tubes and the first other end tube are arranged in a second row located at the innermost side.

10. A heat supply device, wherein: include: compressor, which compresses the refrigerant; A first heat exchanger is connected to the compressor via a refrigerant pipe to exchange heat between the refrigerant and water; and a second heat exchanger connected to the compressor via a refrigerant pipe to exchange heat between the refrigerant and the air; The second heat exchanger comprises: A plurality of pipes for the refrigerant to flow; a first distributor, arranged on a side of the second heat exchanger adjacent to the compressor; A plurality of connecting pipes, connecting the first distributor and one end of the plurality of pipes; A second distributor, disposed on the other side of the second heat exchanger; and A plurality of distribution pipes connecting the second distributor and the other ends of the plurality of distribution pipes; The plurality of pipes include: A first pipe is disposed at the lower end; and The remaining pipes are arranged on the upper side of the first pipe; The first pipe comprises: A first one-end pipe is connected to a first connecting pipe disposed at the lowest end among the plurality of connecting pipes; and a first other-end pipe is connected to a first distributing pipe disposed at the lowest end among the plurality of distributing pipes; the first one-end pipe is located at the lowest end of the first distribution pipe; The first other end pipe is located at the uppermost end of the first pipe.

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