Air conditioner comprising a refrigerant module

Abstract

An air conditioner including a refrigerant module includes a module housing and a first refrigerant chamber and a second refrigerant chamber formed in the module housing. The second refrigerant chamber is disposed adjacent to the first refrigerant chamber. The refrigerant module includes a first inflow flow path and a first discharge flow path formed in the module housing and fluidly connected to one of the first refrigerant chamber and the second refrigerant chamber. The refrigerant module also includes a second inflow flow path and a second discharge flow path formed in the module housing and fluidly connected to the other of the first refrigerant chamber and the second refrigerant chamber. The refrigerant module also includes an expansion valve disposed in the module housing and fluidly connected to the first discharge flow path, an expansion flow path formed in the module housing for the refrigerant expanded in the expansion valve to flow through, and a connection flow path formed in the module housing for fluidly connecting a compressor and a condenser.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority and benefit to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0181541, filed with the Korean Intellectual Property Office on December 9, 2024, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present invention relates to an air conditioner including a refrigerant module, and more specifically, to an air conditioner including a refrigerant module that minimizes the loss of refrigerant circulating in the air conditioner. Background Technology

[0004] Typically, air conditioning systems used in vehicles include air conditioners that circulate refrigerant to heat or cool the interior of the vehicle.

[0005] Air conditioners maintain a comfortable in-vehicle environment by keeping the interior temperature at a suitable level regardless of changes in external temperature. The air conditioner is configured to heat or cool the vehicle interior through heat exchange via an evaporator. During this process, the refrigerant discharged by the compressor passes through the condenser, receiver-drier, expansion valve, and evaporator before returning to the compressor cycle.

[0006] In other words, when the air conditioner is in summer cooling mode, the high-temperature, high-pressure gaseous refrigerant compressed by the compressor is condensed in the condenser, then passes through the receiver-drier and expansion valve, and evaporates in the evaporator. Through this process, the temperature and humidity inside the vehicle are reduced.

[0007] When an air conditioner is installed in a vehicle, its various components are connected by pipes, and significant pressure loss occurs as the refrigerant travels through these pipes. This pressure loss leads to energy loss in the refrigerant, thus reducing the air conditioner's cooling and heating performance.

[0008] The information disclosed in this background section is only intended to enhance the understanding of the background of the present invention. Therefore, the background section may include information that does not constitute prior art known to those skilled in the art. Summary of the Invention

[0009] One aspect of the present invention aims to provide an air conditioner including a refrigerant module, which can minimize refrigerant loss caused by the pipes through which the refrigerant flows in the air conditioner.

[0010] The technical problems to be solved by the present invention are not limited to the above-mentioned technical problems. Those skilled in the art can clearly understand other technical problems not mentioned above through the following description.

[0011] This invention aims to solve the aforementioned problems related to the prior art. This invention provides an air conditioner including a refrigerant module. The refrigerant module includes: a module housing; a first refrigerant chamber formed within the module housing; and a second refrigerant chamber formed within the module housing and disposed adjacent to the first refrigerant chamber. The refrigerant module further includes: a first inflow path formed within the module housing and fluidly connected to one of the first and second refrigerant chambers; a first discharge path formed within the module housing and fluidly connected to said one of the first and second refrigerant chambers; a second inflow path formed within the module housing and fluidly connected to the other of the first and second refrigerant chambers; and a second discharge path formed within the module housing and fluidly connected to the other of the first and second refrigerant chambers. The refrigerant module further includes: an expansion valve disposed within the module housing and fluidly connected to the first discharge path; an expansion path formed within the module housing for refrigerant to flow through after expansion in the expansion valve; and a connecting path formed within the module housing and fluidly connecting the compressor and the condenser.

[0012] In one embodiment, the inlet of the connecting flow path and the outlet of the second discharge flow path may be formed on the first surface of the module housing, the outlet of the expansion flow path and the inlet of the second inflow flow path may be formed on the second surface of the module housing, and the inlet of the first inflow flow path and the outlet of the connecting flow path may be formed on the third surface of the module housing.

[0013] In one embodiment, the air conditioner may further include a compressor fluidly connected to an inlet of a connecting flow path and an outlet of a second discharge flow path. The compressor may be disposed on a first surface of the module housing.

[0014] In one embodiment, the air conditioner may further include a condenser fluidly connected to the inlet of a first inflow path and the outlet of a connecting path. The condenser may be disposed on a third surface of the module housing.

[0015] In one embodiment, the air conditioner may further include an evaporator fluidly connected to the outlet of the expansion path and the inlet of the second inflow path. The evaporator may be disposed on the second surface of the module housing.

[0016] In one embodiment, a first inflow path and a first outflow path may be fluidly connected to a first refrigerant chamber, and a second inflow path and a second outflow path may be fluidly connected to a second refrigerant chamber. The refrigerant stored in the first refrigerant chamber may exchange heat with the cryogenic refrigerant flowing through the second refrigerant chamber. The refrigerant may be separated into gaseous and liquid refrigerant, and the first refrigerant chamber may be used as a receiver-drier that supplies only liquid refrigerant to the expansion valve.

[0017] In one embodiment, the air conditioner may further include: a first partition wall dividing a first refrigerant chamber; and a connecting hole formed in the first partition wall.

[0018] In one embodiment, the first refrigerant chamber and the second refrigerant chamber may be separated by a second partition wall.

[0019] In one embodiment, the cross-section of the second partition wall may be formed in a sawtooth shape.

[0020] In one embodiment, the air conditioner may further include: a first cover covering the opening of a first refrigerant chamber; and a second cover covering the opening of a second refrigerant chamber.

[0021] In one embodiment, the air conditioner may further include: a first O-ring disposed between the first cover and the module housing; and a second O-ring disposed between the second cover and the module housing.

[0022] In one embodiment, a first inflow path and a first discharge path may be fluidly connected to a second refrigerant chamber, and a second inflow path and a second discharge path may be fluidly connected to the first refrigerant chamber. The refrigerant stored in the first refrigerant chamber may exchange heat with the high-temperature refrigerant flowing through the second refrigerant chamber. The refrigerant may be separated into gaseous and liquid refrigerant, and the first refrigerant chamber may be used as a receiver that supplies only the gaseous refrigerant to the compressor.

[0023] The present invention also provides a refrigerant module for an air conditioner. The refrigerant module includes: a module housing; and a first refrigerant chamber and a second refrigerant chamber formed within the module housing. The second refrigerant chamber is disposed adjacent to the first refrigerant chamber. The refrigerant module further includes: a first inflow path and a first discharge path formed within the module housing and fluidly connected to one of the first and second refrigerant chambers; and a second inflow path and a second discharge path formed within the module housing and fluidly connected to the other of the first and second refrigerant chambers. The refrigerant module further includes: an expansion valve disposed within the module housing and fluidly connected to the first discharge path; an expansion path formed within the module housing for the refrigerant to flow through after expansion in the expansion valve and fluidly connected to the evaporator; and a connecting path formed within the module housing and fluidly connected to the compressor and the condenser.

[0024] In one embodiment, the compressor, condenser, expansion valve, and evaporator are arranged sequentially along the refrigerant flow direction.

[0025] In one embodiment, the refrigerant discharged by the compressor returns to the compressor cycle via the condenser, expansion valve, and evaporator.

[0026] In one embodiment, heat exchange between the refrigerant and the interior air of the vehicle is carried out through an evaporator, enabling the air conditioner to cool the interior of the vehicle.

[0027] According to an embodiment, the compressor, condenser, and evaporator included in the air conditioner can be directly fluidly connected via a refrigerant module, thereby minimizing refrigerant loss during the refrigerant cycle.

[0028] In addition, it can reduce the number of assembly steps for air conditioners, thereby improving manufacturability and reducing production costs.

[0029] Furthermore, the effects obtained or predicted by embodiments of the present invention are disclosed directly or implicitly in the detailed description of the present invention. In other words, the various effects predicted according to the present invention are disclosed in the detailed description below. Attached Figure Description

[0030] The accompanying drawings are for reference only when illustrating embodiments of the present invention, and therefore the technical concept of the present invention should not be limited to the drawings.

[0031] Figure 1 This is a circuit diagram illustrating the configuration of an air conditioner using a refrigerant module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] Figure 2 This is a perspective view showing the configuration of an air conditioner using a refrigerant module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] Figure 3 This is an exploded perspective view showing the configuration of an air conditioner using a refrigerant module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] Figure 4 This is a perspective view showing the configuration of a refrigerant module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view of a refrigerant module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] Figure 6 This is a circuit diagram illustrating the configuration of an air conditioner using a refrigerant module according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] Figure 7 This is a perspective view showing the configuration of a refrigerant module according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] The accompanying drawings referenced above are not necessarily drawn to scale, but should be understood as providing slightly simplified representations of various features illustrating the basic principles of the invention. For example, specific design features of the invention, including specific dimensions, orientations, positions, and shapes, will be determined in part by the particular intended application and environment of use.

[0039] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0040] 10: Compressor

[0041] 20: Condenser

[0042] 30: Expansion valve

[0043] 40: Evaporator

[0044] 100: Refrigerant Module

[0045] 110: Module housing

[0046] 120: First refrigerant chamber

[0047] 121: First Cover

[0048] 122: First O-ring

[0049] 124: First partition wall

[0050] 126: Second partition wall

[0051] 130: Second refrigerant compartment

[0052] 131: Second Cover

[0053] 132: Second O-ring

[0054] 140: First inflow path

[0055] 150: First discharge flow path

[0056] 160: Expansion Flow Path

[0057] 170: Second inflow path

[0058] 180: Second discharge flow path

[0059] 190: Connect the flow path. Detailed Implementation

[0060] The terminology used herein is for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to limit the invention. As used herein, the singular form is intended to include the plural form as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It should also be understood that the terms “comprising” and / or “including” as used herein specify the presence of the stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or combinations thereof. As used herein, the term “and / or” includes any one or all combinations of the associated listed items.

[0061] The present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, so that those skilled in the art can readily implement the invention. However, the present invention can be implemented in many different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein.

[0062] To clearly illustrate the invention, parts or components unrelated to the description are omitted, and the same or similar constituent elements are denoted by the same reference numerals throughout the specification.

[0063] In the accompanying drawings, for ease of illustration, the size and thickness of each element are arbitrarily drawn; therefore, the invention is not limited to the content shown in the drawings. For clarity, the thickness of certain parts and areas in the drawings is exaggerated.

[0064] For ease of explanation, this document uses spatial relative terms such as “below,” “below,” “lower,” “under,” “above,” “upper,” and “side” to describe the relationship of an element or feature as shown in the figure to other elements or features. It should be understood that spatial relative terms are intended to cover different orientations of the device in use or operation other than the illustrated orientation. For example, if the device in the figure is flipped, the element or feature described as “below,” “below,” or “lower” will be located “above” other elements or features. Therefore, the exemplary terms “below” and “under” can cover both the above and below orientations. The device may be in other orientations (rotated 90 degrees or other orientations), and the spatial relative descriptive terms used herein should be interpreted accordingly. Furthermore, when an element is described as being located “between” two elements, the element may be the only element between the two elements, or one or more other intermediate elements may be present.

[0065] The suffixes "module" and "part" for components are used interchangeably for ease of explanation and do not have any distinguishing meaning or function.

[0066] Furthermore, when describing the embodiments disclosed in this specification, detailed descriptions of relevant known technologies will be omitted if it is determined that such detailed descriptions would obscure the essential points of the embodiments disclosed in this specification.

[0067] Furthermore, the accompanying drawings are intended only to aid in the easy understanding of the embodiments disclosed in this specification, and the technical ideas disclosed in this specification are not limited to the drawings, but should be understood to include all modifications, equivalents or alternatives contained within the scope of the ideas and techniques of this invention.

[0068] Terms including ordinal numbers such as first and second can be used to describe various elements, but elements are not limited by these terms.

[0069] In the following context, unless an explicit term such as “a” or “single” is used, a term described in the singular may be interpreted as either singular or plural.

[0070] The terminology is used only to distinguish one component from another.

[0071] When the components, units, controllers, devices, elements, apparatuses, etc. of the present invention are described as having a certain purpose or performing a certain operation or function, the components, units, controllers, devices, elements, apparatuses, etc. herein should be considered as "configured" to satisfy that purpose or perform that operation or function. Each component, unit, controller, device, element, apparatus, etc. may be implemented separately as part of an apparatus or included in a processor and memory (e.g., a non-transitory computer-readable medium).

[0072] The air conditioner according to the embodiments will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0073] Figure 1 This is a circuit diagram illustrating the configuration of an air conditioner using a refrigerant module according to an embodiment. Figure 2 This is a perspective view showing the configuration of an air conditioner using a refrigerant module according to an embodiment. Figure 3 This is an exploded perspective view showing the configuration of an air conditioner with an applied refrigerant module according to an embodiment.

[0074] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, in the air conditioner according to the embodiment, the compressor 10, condenser 20, expansion valve 30, and evaporator 40 are arranged sequentially along the refrigerant flow direction. The refrigerant discharged by the compressor 10 can return to the compressor 10 via the condenser 20, expansion valve 30, and evaporator 40. During this process, heat exchange occurs between the refrigerant and the interior air of the vehicle through the evaporator 40, enabling the air conditioner to cool the vehicle's interior. In other words, in the air conditioner, the high-temperature, high-pressure gaseous refrigerant compressed by the compressor 10 can be condensed in the condenser 20 and then evaporated in the evaporator 40 via the expansion device, thereby reducing the temperature and humidity inside the vehicle.

[0075] In the air conditioner according to an embodiment, the compressor 10, condenser 20, expansion valve 30, and evaporator 40 may be fluidly connected around the coolant block 100. In other words, the air conditioner may include a coolant block 100, a compressor 10 fluidly connected to the coolant block 100, a condenser 20 fluidly connected to the coolant block 100, an expansion valve 30 fluidly connected to the coolant block 100, and an evaporator 40 fluidly connected to the coolant block 100.

[0076] Since the compressor 10, condenser 20, expansion valve 30 and evaporator 40 are fluidly connected through the refrigerant module 100, refrigerant loss can be minimized by circulating the refrigerant through the compressor 10, condenser 20, expansion valve 30 and evaporator 40.

[0077] Furthermore, since the compressor 10, condenser 20, expansion valve 30 and evaporator 40 are assembled via refrigerant module 100, the number of assembly steps can be reduced, thereby improving manufacturability and reducing production costs.

[0078] Figure 4 This is a perspective view showing the configuration of the refrigerant module according to an embodiment.

[0079] Reference Figure 4 According to an embodiment, the refrigerant module 100 may include a module housing 110, a first refrigerant chamber 120 and a second refrigerant chamber 130 formed in the module housing 110, and a plurality of flow paths formed in the module housing 110.

[0080] The module housing 110 may be formed in an approximately hexahedral shape, and the first refrigerant chamber 120, the second refrigerant chamber 130 and a plurality of flow paths may be formed inside the module housing 110.

[0081] A first refrigerant chamber 120 may be formed within the module housing 110, and the upper part of the first refrigerant chamber 120 may be openable. The first refrigerant chamber 120 may be formed on the upper part of the module housing 110, and the open upper part of the first refrigerant chamber 120 may be provided by a first cover 121 (see...). Figure 3 and Figure 5 The first cover 121 can cover the opening of the first refrigerant chamber 120. The first refrigerant chamber 120 can be formed into a sealed space by the first cover 121.

[0082] If necessary, such as Figure 3 As shown, a first O-ring 122 can be provided between the first cover 121 and the module housing 110. The first O-ring 122 can prevent refrigerant flowing into the first refrigerant chamber 120 from leaking to the outside.

[0083] The second refrigerant chamber 130 may be formed within the module housing 110, adjacent to the first refrigerant chamber 120, and the lower part of the second refrigerant chamber 130 may be openable. The second refrigerant chamber 130 may be formed in the lower part of the module housing 110, and the open lower part of the second refrigerant chamber 130 may be provided by a second cover 131 (see...). Figure 3 and Figure 5 The second cover 131 can cover the opening of the second refrigerant chamber 130. The second refrigerant chamber 130 can be formed into a sealed space by the second cover 131. Figure 4 In the example shown, the first refrigerant chamber 120 and the second refrigerant chamber 130 are located on opposite sides or both sides of the module housing 110.

[0084] If necessary, such as Figure 3As shown, a second O-ring 132 can be provided between the second cover 131 and the module housing 110. The second O-ring 132 can prevent refrigerant flowing into the second refrigerant chamber 130 from leaking to the outside.

[0085] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view of the refrigerant module according to an embodiment.

[0086] like Figure 5 As shown, the first refrigerant chamber 120 can be divided into an upper refrigerant chamber and a lower refrigerant chamber by a first partition wall 124. In one example, the first partition wall 124 may not extend fully between the opposing sidewalls of the first refrigerant chamber 120, such that a gap or connecting hole exists between one sidewall of the first refrigerant chamber 120 and one end of the first partition wall 124. In this example, the refrigerant flow enters the upper refrigerant chamber from the first inflow path 140, bypasses the first partition wall 124 (i.e., through the connecting hole), then flows into the lower refrigerant chamber, and proceeds to the first discharge path 150.

[0087] The first refrigerant chamber 120 and the second refrigerant chamber 130 may be divided by a second partition wall 126. In one example, the cross-section of the second partition wall 126 may be serrated. Because the cross-section of the second partition wall 126 is serrated, heat exchange between the refrigerant circulating in the first refrigerant chamber 120 and the refrigerant circulating in the second refrigerant chamber 130 can be facilitated.

[0088] Return to reference Figure 4 The multiple flow paths formed within the module housing 110 may include a first inflow flow path 140, a first outflow flow path 150, a second inflow flow path 170, a second outflow flow path 180, an expansion flow path 160, and a connecting flow path 190. In the following description, inlet and outlet may be based on the refrigerant flow direction. Furthermore, terms such as "left surface," "right surface," and "upper surface" are spatially relative terms and refer only to... Figure 4 and Figure 5 The view shown is not intended to be restrictive.

[0089] like Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the first inflow path 140 allows refrigerant flowing in from the outside of the module housing 110 to flow into the first refrigerant chamber 120. In one embodiment, the first inflow path 140 may fluidly connect the condenser 20 and the first refrigerant chamber 120. In other words, the inlet of the first inflow path 140 may be formed on the left surface of the module housing 110, and the outlet of the first inflow path 140 may be fluidly connected to the first refrigerant chamber 120.

[0090] The first discharge path 150 is fluidly connected to the first refrigerant chamber 120 and the expansion valve 30. In other words, the inlet of the first discharge path 150 is fluidly connected to the first refrigerant chamber 120, and the outlet of the first discharge path 150 is fluidly connected to the expansion valve 30.

[0091] The expansion path 160 allows the refrigerant, after expanding in the expansion valve 30, to flow to the outside of the module housing 110. In one embodiment, the expansion path 160 may fluidly connect the expansion valve 30 and the evaporator 40. In other words, the inlet of the expansion path 160 may be fluidly connected to the expansion valve 30, and the outlet of the expansion path 160 may be formed on the right surface of the module housing 110.

[0092] The second inflow path 170 allows refrigerant flowing in from outside the module housing 110 to flow into the second refrigerant chamber 130. In one embodiment, the second inflow path 170 may fluidly connect the evaporator 40 and the second refrigerant chamber 130. In other words, the inlet of the second inflow path 170 may be formed on the right surface of the module housing 110, and the outlet of the second inflow path 170 may be fluidly connected to the second refrigerant chamber 130.

[0093] The second discharge path 180 allows refrigerant temporarily stored in the second refrigerant chamber 130 to flow to the outside of the module housing 110. In one embodiment, the second discharge path 180 may fluidly connect the second refrigerant chamber 130 and the compressor 10. In other words, the inlet of the second discharge path 180 may be fluidly connected to the second refrigerant chamber 130, and the outlet of the second discharge path 180 may be formed on the upper surface of the module housing 110.

[0094] The connecting flow path 190 allows refrigerant flowing into the module housing 110 to flow to the outside of the module housing 110. In one embodiment, the connecting flow path 190 can fluidly connect the compressor 10 and the condenser 20. In other words, the inlet of the connecting flow path 190 can be formed on the upper surface of the module housing 110, and the outlet of the connecting flow path 190 can be formed on the left surface of the module housing 110.

[0095] In one embodiment, the compressor 10 may be located on the upper part of the module housing 110, the condenser 20 may be located on the left side of the module housing 110, and the evaporator 40 may be located on the right side of the module housing 110.

[0096] The compressor 10 is fluidly connected to the outlet of the second discharge flow path 180 and the inlet of the connecting flow path 190 at the upper part of the module housing 110. The condenser 20 is fluidly connected to the outlet of the connecting flow path 190 and the inlet of the first inflow flow path 140 on the left side of the module housing 110. The evaporator 40 is fluidly connected to the outlet of the expansion flow path 160 and the inlet of the second inflow flow path 170 on the right side of the module housing 110.

[0097] In the following description, the flow of refrigerant is explained when a compressor 10, a condenser 20, and an evaporator 40 are included in the refrigerant module 100 to form an air conditioner according to an embodiment.

[0098] The refrigerant compressed in the compressor 10 can pass through the connecting flow path 190, condenser 20, first inflow flow path 140, first refrigerant chamber 120, first discharge flow path 150, expansion valve 30, expansion flow path 160, evaporator 40, second inflow flow path 170, second refrigerant chamber 130 and second discharge flow path 180, and return to the compressor 10 for circulation.

[0099] During this process, when the refrigerant stored in the first refrigerant chamber 120 exchanges heat with the low-temperature refrigerant flowing through the second refrigerant chamber 130, the gaseous and liquid refrigerants can be separated, and moisture and other contaminants in the refrigerant can be removed. Therefore, only liquid refrigerant can be supplied to the expansion valve 30. For example, the first refrigerant chamber 120 can be used as a liquid receiver-drier. The second refrigerant chamber 130 can be used as a heat exchanger.

[0100] In the following description, an air conditioner including a refrigerant module according to another embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0101] Figure 6 This is a circuit diagram illustrating the configuration of an air conditioner using a refrigerant module according to another embodiment. Figure 7 This is a perspective view showing the configuration of a refrigerant module according to another embodiment.

[0102] Figure 6 and Figure 7 The illustrated embodiments and Figures 1 to 5 The difference in the illustrated embodiment lies in the connection relationship between the multiple flow paths disposed within the first refrigerant chamber 120 and the second refrigerant chamber 130. The following mainly describes... Figure 6 and Figure 7 The illustrated embodiments and Figures 1 to 5 The different parts of the illustrated embodiment.

[0103] The multiple flow paths formed within the module housing 110 may include a first inflow flow path 140, a first discharge flow path 150, a second inflow flow path 170, a second discharge flow path 180, an expansion flow path 160, and a connecting flow path 190.

[0104] The first inflow path 140 allows refrigerant flowing in from the outside of the module housing 110 to flow into the second refrigerant chamber 130. In one embodiment, the first inflow path 140 may fluidly connect the condenser 20 and the second refrigerant chamber 130. In other words, the inlet of the first inflow path 140 may be formed on the left surface of the module housing 110, and the outlet of the first inflow path 140 may be fluidly connected to the second refrigerant chamber 130.

[0105] The first discharge path 150 is fluidly connected to the second refrigerant chamber 130 and the expansion valve 30. In other words, the inlet of the first discharge path 150 is fluidly connected to the second refrigerant chamber 130, and the outlet of the first discharge path 150 is fluidly connected to the expansion valve 30.

[0106] The expansion path 160 allows the refrigerant, after expanding in the expansion valve 30, to flow to the outside of the module housing 110. In one embodiment, the expansion path 160 may fluidly connect the expansion valve 30 and the evaporator 40. In other words, the inlet of the expansion path 160 may be fluidly connected to the expansion valve 30, and the outlet of the expansion path 160 may be formed on the right surface of the module housing 110.

[0107] The second inflow path 170 allows refrigerant flowing in from the outside of the module housing 110 to flow into the first refrigerant chamber 120. In one embodiment, the second inflow path 170 may fluidly connect the evaporator 40 and the first refrigerant chamber 120. In other words, the inlet of the second inflow path 170 may be formed on the right surface of the module housing 110, and the outlet of the second inflow path 170 may be fluidly connected to the first refrigerant chamber 120.

[0108] The second discharge path 180 allows refrigerant temporarily stored in the first refrigerant chamber 120 to flow to the outside of the module housing 110. In one embodiment, the second discharge path 180 may fluidly connect the first refrigerant chamber 120 and the compressor 10. In other words, the inlet of the second discharge path 180 may be fluidly connected to the first refrigerant chamber 120, and the outlet of the second discharge path 180 may be formed on the upper surface of the module housing 110.

[0109] The connecting flow path 190 allows refrigerant flowing into the module housing 110 to flow to the outside of the module housing 110. In one embodiment, the connecting flow path 190 can fluidly connect the compressor 10 and the condenser 20. In other words, the inlet of the connecting flow path 190 can be formed on the upper surface of the module housing 110, and the outlet of the connecting flow path 190 can be formed on the left surface of the module housing 110.

[0110] In one embodiment, the compressor 10 may be located on the upper part of the module housing 110, the condenser 20 may be located on the left side of the module housing 110, and the evaporator 40 may be located on the right side of the module housing 110.

[0111] The compressor 10 is fluidly connected to the outlet of the second discharge flow path 180 and the inlet of the connecting flow path 190 at the upper part of the module housing 110. The condenser 20 is fluidly connected to the outlet of the connecting flow path 190 and the inlet of the first inflow flow path 140 on the left side of the module housing 110. The evaporator 40 is fluidly connected to the outlet of the expansion flow path 160 and the inlet of the second inflow flow path 170 on the right side of the module housing 110.

[0112] In the following description, the flow of refrigerant is explained when a compressor 10, a condenser 20, and an evaporator 40 are included in the refrigerant module 100 to form an air conditioner according to an embodiment.

[0113] The refrigerant compressed in the compressor 10 can pass through the connecting flow path 190, condenser 20, first inflow flow path 140, second refrigerant chamber 130, first discharge flow path 150, expansion valve 30, expansion flow path 160, evaporator 40, second inflow flow path 170, first refrigerant chamber 120 and second discharge flow path 180, and return to the compressor 10 for circulation.

[0114] During this process, when the refrigerant stored in the first refrigerant chamber 120 exchanges heat with the high-temperature refrigerant flowing through the second refrigerant chamber 130, the unevaporated liquid refrigerant in the evaporator 40 can transform into gaseous refrigerant. Therefore, only gaseous refrigerant can be supplied to the compressor 10. For example, the first refrigerant chamber 120 can be used as a liquid receiver. The second refrigerant chamber 130 can be used as a heat exchanger.

[0115] Although the invention has been described in conjunction with embodiments now considered to be practical, it should be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments, but rather is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. An air conditioner including a refrigerant module, in, The refrigerant module includes: Module housing; The first refrigerant chamber is formed within the module housing; The second refrigerant chamber is formed inside the module housing and is disposed adjacent to the first refrigerant chamber; A first inflow path is formed within the module housing and is fluidly connected to one of the first refrigerant chamber and the second refrigerant chamber; A first discharge path is formed within the module housing and is fluidly connected to one of the first and second refrigerant chambers; A second inflow path is formed within the module housing and is fluidly connected to another element in the first and second refrigerant chambers; A second discharge path is formed within the module housing and is fluidly connected to the other refrigerant chamber in the first and second refrigerant chambers; An expansion valve is disposed inside the module housing and is fluidly connected to the first discharge flow path; An expansion path, formed within the module housing, allows the refrigerant, after expanding in the expansion valve, to flow through it; and A connecting flow path is formed within the module housing and fluidly connects the compressor and the condenser.

2. The air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein, The inlet of the connecting flow path and the outlet of the second discharge flow path are formed on the first surface of the module housing, the outlet of the expansion flow path and the inlet of the second inflow flow path are formed on the second surface of the module housing, and the inlet of the first inflow flow path and the outlet of the connecting flow path are formed on the third surface of the module housing.

3. The air conditioner according to claim 2, further comprising the compressor, which is fluidly connected to the inlet of the connecting flow path and the outlet of the second discharge flow path, wherein, The compressor is disposed on the first surface of the module housing.

4. The air conditioner according to claim 3, further comprising the condenser, which is fluidly connected to the inlet of the first inflow path and the outlet of the connecting path, wherein, The condenser is disposed on the third surface of the module housing.

5. The air conditioner according to claim 4, further comprising an evaporator fluidly connected to the outlet of the expansion flow path and the inlet of the second inflow flow path, wherein, The evaporator is disposed on the second surface of the module housing.

6. The air conditioner according to claim 5, wherein, The first inflow path and the first outlet path are fluidly connected to the first refrigerant chamber, and the second inflow path and the second outlet path are fluidly connected to the second refrigerant chamber. The refrigerant stored in the first refrigerant chamber is configured to exchange heat with the low-temperature refrigerant flowing through the second refrigerant chamber, and The first refrigerant chamber is configured as a liquid receiver-dryer that supplies only liquid refrigerant to the expansion valve.

7. The air conditioner according to claim 5, wherein, The first inflow path and the first outlet path are fluidly connected to the second refrigerant chamber, and the second inflow path and the second outlet path are fluidly connected to the first refrigerant chamber. The refrigerant stored in the first refrigerant chamber is configured to exchange heat with the high-temperature refrigerant flowing through the second refrigerant chamber, and The first refrigerant chamber is configured as a receiver that supplies only gaseous refrigerant to the compressor.

8. The air conditioner according to claim 1, further comprising: The first partition wall that divides the first refrigerant chamber; as well as A connecting hole formed in the first partition wall.

9. The air conditioner according to claim 8, wherein, The first refrigerant chamber and the second refrigerant chamber are separated by a second partition wall.

10. The air conditioner according to claim 9, wherein, The cross-section of the second partition wall is formed in a sawtooth shape.

11. The air conditioner according to claim 1, further comprising: The first cover covers the opening of the first refrigerant chamber; as well as The second cover covers the opening of the second refrigerant chamber.

12. The air conditioner according to claim 11, further comprising: A first O-ring is disposed between the first cover and the module housing; as well as A second O-ring is disposed between the second cover and the module housing.

13. A refrigerant module for an air conditioner, the refrigerant module comprising: Module housing; A first refrigerant chamber and a second refrigerant chamber are formed within the module housing, wherein the second refrigerant chamber is disposed adjacent to the first refrigerant chamber; A first inflow path and a first outflow path are formed within the module housing and are fluidly connected to one of the first refrigerant chamber and the second refrigerant chamber; A second inflow path and a second outflow path are formed within the module housing and are fluidly connected to another element in the first refrigerant chamber and the second refrigerant chamber; An expansion valve is disposed inside the module housing and is fluidly connected to the first discharge flow path; An expansion path, formed within the module housing, allows the refrigerant, after expanding in the expansion valve, to flow through and is fluidly connected to the evaporator; and A connecting flow path is formed within the module housing and fluidly connects the compressor and the condenser.

Images