Air conditioner

Abstract

An air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a housing, a compressor disposed inside the housing and configured to compress a refrigerant, a first heat exchanger disposed inside the housing and configured to exchange heat with outdoor air, a second heat exchanger disposed inside the housing and configured to exchange heat with indoor air, a refrigerant pipe connecting the compressor and the second heat exchanger and configured to allow the refrigerant to flow therein, and a charging pipe configured to charge the refrigerant pipe with the refrigerant. The refrigerant pipe includes a first sub-pipe and a second sub-pipe connected to the second heat exchanger and configured to receive the refrigerant that has passed through the second heat exchanger. The refrigerant pipe includes a main pipe connected to the compressor and configured to allow the refrigerant that has passed through the first sub-pipe and the second sub-pipe to be combined. The charging pipe may be configured to be connected to the first sub-pipe.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The disclosure relates to an air conditioner having an improved structure.[Background Art]

[0002] An air conditioner is a device that performs functions such as air purification, ventilation, humidity control, cooling, and heating in an air-conditioned space, and refers to a device having at least one of these functions.

[0003] An air conditioner may use a refrigeration cycle to perform cooling or heating of a space. An air conditioner may include a compressor, a condenser, an expansion device, an evaporator, and a pipe. A refrigerant may circulate through the compressor, the condenser, the expansion device, and the evaporator along the pipe.

[0004] Air conditioners may be categorized as split-type and integral-type. A split-type air conditioner may include an indoor unit that is placed indoors and an outdoor unit that is placed outdoors. An integral-type air conditioner may have both an indoor unit and an outdoor unit within one housing.[Disclosure][Technical Problem]

[0005] An embodiment of the present disclosure provides an air conditioner capable of preventing damage to a refrigerant pipe.

[0006] An embodiment of the present disclosure provides an air conditioner capable of preventing damage to a charging pipe.

[0007] An embodiment of the present disclosure provides an air conditioner having a structure that is easy to service.

[0008] An embodiment of the present disclosure provides an air conditioner with reduced noise.

[0009] Technical tasks to be achieved in this document are not limited to the technical tasks mentioned above, and other technical tasks not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description below.[Technical Solution]

[0010] An air conditioner according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure includes: a housing, a compressor disposed inside the housing and configured to compress a refrigerant, a first heat exchanger disposed inside the housing and configured to exchange heat with outdoor air, a second heat exchanger disposed inside the housing and configured to exchange heat with indoor air, a refrigerant pipe connecting the compressor and the second heat exchanger and configured to allow the refrigerant to flow therein, and a charging pipe configured to charge the refrigerant pipe with the refrigerant. The refrigerant pipe includes a first sub-pipe and a second sub-pipe connected to the second heat exchanger and configured to receive the refrigerant that has passed through the second heat exchanger. The refrigerant pipe includes a main pipe connected to the compressor and configured to allow the refrigerant that has passed through the first sub-pipe and the second sub-pipe to be combined. The charging pipe may be configured to be connected to the first sub-pipe.

[0011] An air conditioner according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure includes: a housing, a compressor disposed inside the housing and configured to compress a refrigerant, a heat exchanger disposed inside the housing and configured to exchange heat with indoor air, a refrigerant pipe extending between the heat exchanger and the compressor to allow the refrigerant to flow from the heat exchanger to the compressor, and a charging pipe connected to the refrigerant pipe to charge the refrigerant into the refrigerant pipe. The charging pipe includes a charging pipe outlet connected to a refrigerant pipe inlet. The charging pipe outlet may be disposed to be closer to the heat exchanger than to the compressor.[Description of Drawings]

[0012] FIG. 1 illustrates an air conditioning system according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the air conditioner according to an embodiment. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the air conditioner shown in FIG. 2, viewed from another direction. FIG. 4 is a rear perspective view of the air conditioner shown in FIG. 2. FIG. 5 is an exploded view of the air conditioner according to an embodiment. FIG. 6 is an exploded view of the air conditioner shown in FIG. 5, viewed from another direction. FIG. 7 is a perspective view illustrating internal components of the air conditioner according to an embodiment. FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the air conditioner shown in FIG. 7, viewed from another direction. FIG. 9 is an enlarged view of a portion of the air conditioner. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the air conditioner shown in FIG. 9. [Modes of the Invention]

[0013] Various example embodiments of the disclosure and terms used herein are not intended to limit the technical features described herein to specific embodiments, and should be understood to include various modifications, equivalents, or substitutions of the corresponding embodiments.

[0014] In describing of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related elements.

[0015] The singular form of a noun corresponding to an item may include one or more of the items unless clearly indicated otherwise in a related context.

[0016] In the disclosure, phrases, such as "A or B", "at least one of A and B", "at least one of A or B", "A, B or C", "at least one of A, B and C", and "at least one of A, B, or C" may include any one or all possible combinations of the items listed together in the corresponding phrase among the phrases.

[0017] As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0018] In addition, the terms 'portion', 'part', 'module' and 'member' may be implemented in hardware or software. Depending on the embodiments, a plurality of 'portions', 'parts', 'modules', and 'members' may be implemented as a single element, or a single 'portions, 'part', 'module', or 'member' may include a plurality of elements.

[0019] Terms such as "1st", "2nd", "primary", or "secondary" may be used simply to distinguish an element from other elements, without limiting the element in other aspects (e.g., importance or order).

[0020] When an element (e.g., a first element) is referred to as being "(functionally or communicatively) coupled" or "connected" to another element (e.g., a second element), the first element may be connected to the second element, directly (e.g., wired), wirelessly, or through a third element.

[0021] It will be understood that when the terms "includes", "comprises", "has", "including", "comprising", and / or "having" are used in the disclosure, they specify the presence of the specified features, figures, steps, operations, components, members, or combinations thereof, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, figures, steps, operations, components, members, or combinations thereof.

[0022] When a given element is referred to as being "connected to", "coupled to", "supported by" or "in contact with" another element, it is to be understood that it may be directly or indirectly connected to, coupled to, supported by, or in contact with the other element. When a given element is indirectly connected to, coupled to, supported by, or in contact with another element, it is to be understood that it may be connected to, coupled to, supported by, or in contact with the other element through a third element.

[0023] It will also be understood that when an element is referred to as being "on" another element, it may be directly on the other element or intervening elements may also be present.

[0024] An air conditioner according to various embodiments is a device that performs functions such as purification, ventilation, humidity control, cooling or heating in an air conditioning space (hereinafter referred to as "indoor space"), and in particular a device having at least one of these functions.

[0025] According to an embodiment, an air conditioner may include a heat pump device to perform a cooling function or a heating function. The heat pump device may include a refrigeration cycle in which a refrigerant is circulated through a compressor, a first heat exchanger, and an expansion device and a second heat exchanger. All of the components of the heat pump device may be embedded in a single housing forming an exterior of an air conditioner, which includes a window-type air conditioner or a portable air conditioner. On the other hand, some configurations of the heat pump device may be divided and embedded in a plurality of housings forming a single air conditioner, which includes a wall-mounted air conditioner, a stand-type air conditioner, and a system air conditioner.

[0026] The air conditioner including the plurality of housings may include at least one outdoor unit installed outdoors and at least one indoor unit installed indoors. For example, the air conditioner may be provided such that a single outdoor unit and a single indoor unit are connected by a refrigerant pipe. Alternatively, the air conditioner may be provided such that a single outdoor unit is connected to two or more indoor units by a refrigerant pipe. Alternatively, the air conditioner may be provided such that two or more outdoor units and two or more indoor units are connected by a plurality of refrigerant pipes.

[0027] The outdoor unit may be electrically connected to the indoor unit. For example, information (or commands) for controlling the air conditioner may be received through an input interface provided in the outdoor unit or the indoor unit. The outdoor unit and the indoor unit may operate simultaneously or sequentially in response to a user input.

[0028] The air conditioner may include an outdoor heat exchanger provided in the outdoor unit, an indoor heat exchanger provided in the indoor unit, and a refrigerant pipe connecting the outdoor heat exchanger and the indoor heat exchanger.

[0029] The outdoor heat exchanger may be configured to exchange heat between a refrigerant and air from outdoor through a phase change of the refrigerant (e.g., evaporation or condensation). For example, while the refrigerant is condensed in the outdoor heat exchanger, the refrigerant may radiate heat to the outdoor air. While the refrigerant flowing in the outdoor heat exchanger evaporates, the refrigerant may absorb heat from the outdoor air.

[0030] The indoor unit is installed indoors. For example, according to the arrangement method of the indoor unit, the air conditioner may be classified into a ceiling-type indoor unit, a stand-type indoor unit, a wall-type indoor unit, and the like. For example, the ceiling-type indoor unit may be classified into a 4-way type indoor unit, a 1-way type indoor unit, a duct type indoor unit and the like according to a method of discharging air.

[0031] Similarly, the indoor heat exchanger may be configured to exchange heat between a refrigerant and outdoor air through a phase change of the refrigerant (e.g., evaporation or condensation). For example, while the refrigerant evaporates in the indoor unit, the refrigerant may absorb heat from the indoor air. The indoor space may be cooled by blowing the indoor air cooled through the cooled indoor heat exchanger. While the refrigerant is condensed in the indoor heat exchanger, the refrigerant may radiate heat to the indoor air. The indoor space may be heated by blowing the indoor air heated through the high-temperature indoor heat exchanger.

[0032] In other words, the air conditioner may perform a cooling or heating function by a phase change process of a refrigerant circulated between the outdoor heat exchanger and the indoor heat exchanger. To circulate the refrigerant, the air conditioner may include a compressor to compress the refrigerant. The compressor may draw refrigerant gas through an inlet and compress the refrigerant gas. The compressor may discharge high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant gas through an outlet. The compressor may be disposed inside the outdoor unit.

[0033] Through the refrigerant pipe, the refrigerant may be circulated sequentially through the compressor, the outdoor heat exchanger, the expansion device, and the indoor heat exchanger or sequentially circulated through the compressor, the indoor heat exchanger, the expansion device, and the outdoor heat exchanger.

[0034] For example, in the air conditioner, when a single outdoor unit and a single indoor unit are directly connected through a refrigerant pipe, the refrigerant may be circulated between the single outdoor unit and the single indoor unit through the refrigerant pipe.

[0035] For example, in the air conditioner, when a single outdoor unit is connected to two or more indoor units through a refrigerant pipe, the refrigerant may flow from the single outdoor unit to the plurality of indoor units through branched refrigerant pipes. Refrigerant discharged from the plurality of indoor units may be combined and circulated to the outdoor unit. For example, each of the plurality of indoor units may be directly connected in parallel to the single outdoor unit through a separate refrigerant pipe.

[0036] Each of the plurality of indoor units may be operated independently according to an operation mode set by a user. In other words, some of the plurality of indoor units may be operated in a cooling mode while others of the plurality of indoor units are operated in a heating mode. At that time, the refrigerant may be selectively introduced into each indoor unit in a high-pressure state or a low-pressure state, discharged, and circulated to the outdoor unit along a circulation path that is designated through a flow path switching valve to be described later.

[0037] For example, in the air conditioner, when two or more outdoor units and two or more indoor units are connected by the plurality of refrigerant pipes, refrigerant discharged from the plurality of outdoor units may be combined and flow through one refrigerant pipe, and then diverged again at a certain point and introduced into the plurality of indoor units.

[0038] All of the plurality of outdoor units may be driven or at least some of the plurality of outdoor units may not be driven, in accordance with to a driving load corresponding to an operating amount of the plurality of indoor units. At that time, the refrigerant may be provided through a flow path switching valve to be introduced into and circulated to an outdoor unit that is selectively driven. The air conditioner may include the expansion device to reduce the pressure of the refrigerant flowing into the heat exchanger. For example, the expansion device may be disposed inside the indoor unit or inside the outdoor unit, or disposed both inside the indoor unit and the outdoor unit.

[0039] The expansion device may reduce the temperature and pressure of the refrigerant by using a throttling effect. The expansion device may include an orifice configured to reduce a cross-sectional area of a flow path. A temperature and pressure of the refrigerant passing through the orifice may be lowered.

[0040] For example, the expansion device may be implemented as an electronic expansion valve configured to adjust an opening ratio (a ratio of a cross-sectional area of a flow path of a valve in a partially opened state to a cross-sectional area of the flow path of the valve in a fully opened state). According to the opening ratio of the electronic expansion valve, the amount of refrigerant passing through the expansion device may be adjusted.

[0041] The air conditioner may further include a flow path switching valve disposed on the refrigerant circulation path. The flow path switching valve may include a 4-way valve. The flow path switching valve may determine a refrigerant circulation path depending on an operation mode of the indoor unit (e.g., cooling operation or heating operation). The flow path switching valve may be connected to the outlet of the compressor.

[0042] The air conditioner may include an accumulator. The accumulator may be connected to the inlet of the compressor. A low-temperature and low-pressure refrigerant, which is evaporated in the indoor heat exchanger or the outdoor heat exchanger, may flow into the accumulator.

[0043] When a refrigerant mixture of refrigerant liquid and refrigerant gas is introduced, the accumulator may separate the refrigerant liquid from the refrigerant gas, and supply the refrigerant gas separated from the refrigerant liquid to the compressor.

[0044] An outdoor fan may be installed near the outdoor heat exchanger. The outdoor fan may blow outdoor air to the outdoor heat exchanger to promote heat exchange between the refrigerant and the outdoor air.

[0045] The outdoor unit of the air conditioner may include at least one sensor. For example, the outdoor unit sensor may be provided as an environmental sensor. The outdoor unit sensor may be disposed at a given position of the inside or the outside of the outdoor unit. For example, the outdoor unit sensor may include a temperature sensor configured to detect an air temperature around the outdoor unit, an air humidity sensor configured to detect air humidity around the outdoor unit, or a refrigerant temperature sensor configured to detect a refrigerant temperature in a refrigerant pipe passing through the outdoor unit, or a refrigerant pressure sensor configured to detect a refrigerant pressure in a refrigerant pipe passing through the outdoor unit.

[0046] The outdoor unit of the air conditioner may include an outdoor unit communication circuitry. The outdoor unit communication circuitry may be configured to receive a control signal from an indoor unit controller of the air conditioner, which will be described later. Based on a control signal received through the outdoor unit communication circuitry, the outdoor unit may control the operation of the compressor, the outdoor heat exchanger, the expansion device, the flow path switching valve, the accumulator, or the outdoor fan. The outdoor unit may transmit a measurement value detected by the outdoor unit sensor to the indoor unit controller through the outdoor unit communication circuitry.

[0047] The outdoor unit communication circuitry may include at least one of a short-range communication module and a long-range communication module.

[0048] The indoor unit of the air conditioner may include a housing, a blower configured to circulate air inside or outside the housing, and the indoor heat exchanger configured to exchange heat with air introduced into the housing.

[0049] The housing may include an inlet. Indoor air may flow into the housing through the inlet.

[0050] The indoor unit of the air conditioner may include a filter configured to filter out foreign substance in air that is introduced into the inside of the housing through the inlet.

[0051] The housing may include an outlet. Air flowing inside the housing may be discharged to the outside of the housing through the outlet.

[0052] An airflow guide configured to guide a direction of air discharged through the outlet may be provided in the housing of the indoor unit. For example, the airflow guide may include a blade positioned in the outlet. For example, the airflow guide may include an auxiliary fan for regulating an exhaust airflow, but is not limited thereto. Alternatively, the airflow guide may be omitted.

[0053] The indoor heat exchanger and the blower arranged on a flow path connecting the inlet and the outlet may be disposed inside the housing of the indoor unit.

[0054] The blower may include an indoor fan and a fan motor. For example, the indoor fan may include an axial fan, a mixed-flow fan, a cross-flow fan and a centrifugal fan.

[0055] The indoor heat exchanger may be arranged between the blower and the outlet or between the inlet and the blower. The indoor heat exchanger may absorb heat from air introduced through the inlet or transfer heat to air introduced through the inlet. The indoor heat exchanger may include a heat exchange tube through which refrigerant flows, and heat exchange fins in contact with the heat exchange tube to increase a heat transfer area.

[0056] The indoor unit of the air conditioner may include a drain tray disposed below the indoor heat exchanger to collect condensed water generated in the indoor heat exchanger. The condensed water contained in the drain tray may be drained to the outside through a drain hose. The drain tray may be arranged to support the indoor heat exchanger.

[0057] The indoor unit of the air conditioner may include an input interface. The input interface may include any type of user input means including a button, a switch, a touch screen and / or a touch pad. A user can directly input setting data (e.g., desired indoor temperature, cooling / heating / dehumidifying / air cleaning operation mode setting, outlet selection setting, and / or air volume setting) through the input interface.

[0058] The input interface may be connected to an external input device. For example, the input interface may be electrically connected to a wired remote controller. The wired remote controller may be installed at a specific location (e.g., a part of a wall) in an indoor space. A user may input setting data related to the operation of the air conditioner by manipulating the wired remote controller. An electrical signal corresponding to the setting data obtained by the wired remote controller may be transmitted to the input interface. In addition, the input interface may include an infrared sensor. A user may remotely input the setting data for operating the air conditioner by using a wireless remote controller. The setting data received by the wireless remote controller may be transmitted to the input interface as an infrared signal.

[0059] In addition, the input interface may include a microphone. A user's voice command may be obtained through the microphone. The microphone may convert a user's voice command into an electrical signal and transmit the converted electrical signal to the indoor unit controller. The indoor unit controller may control components of the air conditioner to perform a function corresponding to the user's voice command. The setting data obtained through the input interface (e.g., desired indoor temperature, cooling / heating / dehumidifying / air cleaning operation mode setting, outlet selection setting, and / or air volume setting) may be transmitted to the indoor unit controller to be described later. For example, the setting data obtained through the input interface may be transmitted to the outside, that is, to the outdoor unit or a server through an indoor unit communication circuitry to be described later.

[0060] The indoor unit of the air conditioner may include a power module. The power module may be connected to an external power source to supply power to components of the indoor unit.

[0061] The indoor unit of the air conditioner may include an indoor unit sensor. The indoor unit sensor may be an environmental sensor disposed inside or outside the housing. For example, the indoor unit sensor may include one or more temperature sensors and / or humidity sensors disposed in a predetermined space inside or outside the housing of the indoor unit. For example, the indoor unit sensor may include a refrigerant temperature sensor configured to detect a refrigerant temperature of a refrigerant pipe passing through the indoor unit. For example, the indoor unit sensor may include a refrigerant temperature sensor each configured to detect a temperature of an entrance, a middle portion and / or an exit of the refrigerant pipe passing through the indoor heat exchanger.

[0062] For example, each environmental information detected by the indoor unit sensor may be transmitted to the indoor unit controller to be described later or transmitted to the outside through the indoor unit communication circuitry to be described later.

[0063] The indoor unit of the air conditioner may include the indoor unit communication circuitry. The indoor unit communication circuitry may include at least one of a short-range wireless communication module and a long-range wireless communication module. The indoor unit communication circuitry may include at least one antenna for wirelessly communicating with other devices.

[0064] The short-range wireless communication module may include a Bluetooth communication module, a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) communication module, a near field communication module, a WLAN (Wi-Fi) communication module, and a Zigbee communication module, an infrared data association (IrDA) communication module, a Wi-Fi Direct (WFD) communication module, an ultrawideband (UWB) communication module, an Ant+ communication module, a microwave (uWave) communication module, etc., but is not limited thereto.

[0065] The long-range wireless communication module may include a communication module that performs various types of long-range wireless communication, and may include a mobile communication circuitry. The mobile communication circuitry transmits and receives radio signals with at least one of a base station, an external terminal, and a server in a mobile communication network.

[0066] The indoor unit communication circuitry may communicate with an external device such as a server, a mobile device and other home appliances through an access point (AP). The AP may connect a local area network (LAN), to which an air conditioner or a user device is connected, to a wide area network (WAN) to which a server is connected. The air conditioner or the user device may be connected to the server through the WAN. The indoor unit of the air conditioner may include the indoor unit controller configured to control components of the indoor unit including the blower. The outdoor unit of the air conditioner may include an outdoor unit controller configured to control components of the outdoor unit including the compressor. The indoor unit controller may communicate with the outdoor unit controller through the indoor unit communication circuitry and the outdoor unit communication circuitry. The outdoor unit communication circuitry may transmit a control signal generated by the outdoor unit controller to the indoor unit communication circuitry, or transmit a control signal, which is transmitted from the indoor unit communication circuitry, to the outdoor unit controller. In other words, the outdoor unit and the indoor unit may perform bi-directional communication. The outdoor unit and the indoor unit may transmit and receive various signals generated during the operation of the air conditioner.

[0067] The outdoor unit controller may be electrically connected to components of the outdoor unit and may control the operation of each component. For example, the outdoor unit controller may adjust a frequency of the compressor and control the flow path switching valve to change a circulation direction of the refrigerant. The outdoor unit controller may adjust a rotational speed of the outdoor fan. In addition, the outdoor unit controller may generate a control signal to adjust the opening degree of the expansion valve. Under the control of the outdoor unit controller, the refrigerant may be circulated along the refrigerant circulation circuit including the compressor, the flow path switching valve, the outdoor heat exchanger, the expansion valve, and the indoor heat exchanger.

[0068] Various temperature sensors included in the outdoor unit and the indoor unit may transmit electrical signals corresponding to detected temperatures to the outdoor unit controller and / or the indoor unit controller. For example, the humidity sensors included in the outdoor unit and the indoor unit may respectively transmit electrical signals corresponding to the detected humidity to the outdoor unit controller and / or the indoor unit controller.

[0069] The indoor unit controller may obtain a user input from a user device including a mobile device through the indoor unit communication circuitry, or directly obtain a user input through the input interface or the remote controller. The indoor unit controller may control components of the indoor unit including the blower in response to the received user input. The indoor unit controller may transmit information related to the received user input to the outdoor unit controller of the outdoor unit.

[0070] The outdoor unit controller may control components of the outdoor unit including the compressor based on the information related to the user input received from the indoor unit. For example, when a control signal corresponding to a user input for selecting an operation mode such as a cooling operation, a heating operation, a fan operation, a defrosting operation, or a dehumidifying operation is received from the indoor unit, the outdoor unit controller may control components of the outdoor unit to perform an operation of the air conditioner corresponding to the selected operation mode.

[0071] The outdoor unit controller and the indoor unit controller may include a processor and a memory, respectively. The indoor unit controller may include at least one a first processor and at least one a first memory, and the outdoor unit controller may include at least one a second processor and at least one a second memory.

[0072] The memory may record / store various types of information necessary for the operation of the air conditioner. The memory may store instructions, applications, data and / or programs necessary for the operation of the air conditioner. For example, the memory may store various programs for the cooling operation, the heating operation, the dehumidifying operation, and / or the defrosting operation of the air conditioner. The memory may include volatile memory, such as a static random access memory (S-RAM) and a dynamic random access memory (DRAM) for temporarily storing data. In addition, the memory may include a nonvolatile memory, such as a read only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read only memory (EPROM), and an electrically erasable programmable read only memory (EEPROM) for long-term storage of data.

[0073] The processor may generate a control signal for controlling an operation of the air conditioner based on instructions, applications, data, and / or programs stored in the memory. The processor may be hardware and may include a logic circuit and an arithmetic circuit. The processor may process data according to a program and / or instructions provided from the memory, and may generate a control signal according to a processing result. The memory and the processor may be implemented as one control circuit or as a plurality of circuits.

[0074] The indoor unit of the air conditioner may include an output interface. The output interface may be electrically connected to the indoor unit controller, and output information related to the operation of the air conditioner under the control of the indoor unit controller. For example, the output interface may output information, such as an operation mode selected by a user input, a wind direction, a wind volume, and a temperature. In addition, the output interface may output sensing information obtained from the indoor unit sensor or the outdoor unit sensor, and output warning / error messages.

[0075] The output interface may include a display and a speaker. The speaker may be a sound device and configured to output various sounds. The display may display information, which is input by a user or provided to a user, as various graphic elements. For example, operational information of the air conditioner may be displayed as at least one of an image and text. In addition, the display may include an indicator that provides specific information. The display may include a liquid crystal display (LCD) panel, a light emitting diode (LED) panel, an organic light emitting diode (OLED) panel, a micro-LED panel, and / or a plurality of LEDs.

[0076] Hereinafter, various embodiments according to the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0077] Hereinafter, for ease of description, a window-type air conditioner installed in a window and / or a window frame will be described as an example. However, the content of the present disclosure may also be applied to other types of air conditioners. For example, the content of the present disclosure may be applied to portable air conditioners, wall-mounted air conditioners, ceiling-mounted air conditioners, and floor-standing air conditioners.

[0078] For example, referring to FIG. 1, a direction in which an air conditioner 3 faces an indoor space may be defined as a forward (+X direction), and a direction in which the air conditioner 3 faces an outdoor space may be defined as a rearward (-X direction). However, this is defined based on the drawings, and the shape and position of each element are not limited by these terms.

[0079] FIG. 1 illustrates an air conditioning system according to an embodiment.

[0080] An air conditioning system 1 may include a mounting assembly 2.

[0081] The mounting assembly 2 may be configured to mount the air conditioner 3, which will be described later. The mounting assembly 2 may allow the air conditioner 3 to be mounted on a structure A.

[0082] The mounting assembly 2 may be configured to be installable on the structure A. The mounting assembly 2 may be configured to be mountable on the structure A. The mounting assembly 2 may be configured to be fixable to the structure A.

[0083] The mounting assembly 2 may be configured to seal a space between the air conditioner 3 and the structure A. The mounting assembly 2 may be configured to seal a space between an indoor space I and an outdoor space O.

[0084] For example, the structure A may include a window and / or a window frame. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The structure A may be provided in various forms depending on the type of the air conditioner 3. For example, the structure A may include at least one of a wall, a ceiling, or a floor.

[0085] The air conditioning system 1 may include the air conditioner 3.

[0086] The air conditioner 3 may be configured to be mounted on the mounting assembly 2. The air conditioner 3 may be configured to be mounted on the structure A by being mounted on the mounting assembly 2. The air conditioner 3 may be installed on the structure A via the mounting assembly 2. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, unlike what is shown in FIG. 1, the air conditioner 3 may be mounted on the structure A without the mounting assembly 2. For example, unlike what is shown in FIG. 1, the air conditioner 3 may be configured to perform an air conditioning function without being mounted on the structure A.

[0087] A portion of the air conditioner 3 may be configured to face the indoor space I. Another portion of the air conditioner 3 may be configured to face the outdoor space O.

[0088] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an air conditioner according to an embodiment. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the air conditioner shown in FIG. 2, viewed from another direction. FIG. 4 is a rear perspective view of the air conditioner shown in FIG. 2. FIG. 5 is an exploded view of the air conditioner according to an embodiment. FIG. 6 is an exploded view of the air conditioner shown in FIG. 5, viewed from another direction.

[0089] The air conditioner 3 may include a housing 10. The housing 10 may be configured to form the overall appearance of the air conditioner 3. The housing 10 may have a substantially box shape.

[0090] For example, the housing 10 may include a front case 11. For example, the housing 10 may include a rear case 12. The front case 11 may be configured to be detachably couplable to the rear case 12.

[0091] The front case 11 may be configured to face the indoor space I (see FIG. 1). For example, the front case 11 may be configured to form at least a portion of a front exterior of the air conditioner 3.

[0092] The rear case 12 may be configured to face the outdoor space O (see FIG. 1). For example, the rear case 12 may be configured to form at least a portion of a rear exterior of the air conditioner 3.

[0093] For example, the housing 10 may include a front panel 14. The front panel 14 may form a front surface of the air conditioner 3.

[0094] For example, the housing 10 may include a top panel 15. The top panel 15 may form an upper surface of the air conditioner 3.

[0095] For example, the housing 10 may include a first side panel 16. The first side panel 16 may form a right side surface of the air conditioner 3.

[0096] For example, the housing 10 may include a second side panel 17. The second side panel 17 may form a left side surface of the air conditioner 3. The second side panel 17 may be arranged on an opposite side of the first side panel 16.

[0097] For example, the housing 10 may include a rear panel 18. The rear panel 18 may form a rear surface of the air conditioner 3.

[0098] For example, the housing 10 may include a bottom panel 13. The bottom panel 13 may form a lower surface of the air conditioner 3. The bottom panel 13 may be configured to support at least a portion of the configurations disposed inside the air conditioner 3.

[0099] For example, the housing 10 may include a top cover 19. For example, the top cover 19 may be configured to form a portion of the upper surface and / or a portion of the rear surface of the air conditioner 3. However, the housing 10 may not include a separate top cover 19. For example, the top cover 19 may be provided as one configuration of the top panel 15 or one configuration of the rear panel 18. For example, a portion of the top cover 19 may be provided as one configuration of the top panel 15, and another portion of the top cover 19 may be provided as one configuration of the rear panel 18.

[0100] For example, referring to FIGS. 2 to 6, while the front case 11 is shown as including the front panel 14, the top panel 15, the first side panel 16, and the second side panel 17, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. It may be sufficient that the front case 11 is configured to include the front and upper surfaces of the air conditioner 3. For example, the front case 11 may include only the front panel 14 and the top panel 15. For example, the front case 11 may further include other configurations in addition to the front panel 14, the top panel 15, the first side panel 16, and the second side panel 17.

[0101] For example, referring to FIGS. 2 to 6, while the rear case 12 is shown as including the rear panel 18, the bottom panel 13, and the top cover 19, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. It is sufficient that the rear case 12 is configured to include the rear surface of the air conditioner 3. For example, the rear case 12 may include only the rear panel 18. For example, the rear case 12 may further include other components in addition to the rear panel 18, the bottom panel 13, and the top cover 19.

[0102] The housing 10 may include a first inlet 31 through which outdoor air is introduced. The outdoor air may be introduced into the housing 10 via the first inlet 31.

[0103] The first inlet 31 may be disposed to face the outdoor space O (see FIG. 1). The first inlet 31 may be in communication with the outdoor space O. For example, the first inlet 31 may be formed in the rear case 12 to allow outdoor air to be introduced. For example, the first inlet 31 may be formed in the rear panel 18. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and it may be sufficient that the first inlet 31 is formed in a portion of the housing 10 that faces the outdoor space O.

[0104] The housing 10 may include a first outlet 32 through which the outdoor air that has passed through a first heat exchanger 40 is discharged. The outdoor air introduced into the housing 10 via the first inlet 31 may be heat-exchanged with the first heat exchanger 40 and then discharged to the outdoor space O via the first outlet 32.

[0105] The first outlet 32 may be disposed to face the outdoor space O (see FIG. 1). The first outlet 32 may be in communication with the outdoor space O. For example, the first outlet 32 may be formed in the rear case 12. For example, the first outlet 32 may be formed in the rear panel 18. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and it may be sufficient that the first outlet 32 is formed in a portion of the housing 10 that faces the outdoor space O.

[0106] The first outlet 32 may be distinguishable from the first inlet 31. The first outlet 32 may be formed spaced apart from the first inlet 31.

[0107] The housing 10 may include a second inlet 51 through which indoor air is introduced. The indoor air may be introduced into the housing 10 via the second inlet 51.

[0108] The second inlet 51 may be disposed to face the indoor space I (see FIG. 1). The second inlet 51 may be in communication with the indoor space I. For example, the second inlet 51 may be formed in the front case 11 to allow indoor air to be introduced. For example, the second inlet 51 may be formed in the second side panel 17. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and it may be sufficient that the second inlet 51 is formed in a portion of the housing 10 that faces the indoor space I.

[0109] The housing 10 may include a second outlet 52 through which the indoor air that has passed through a second heat exchanger 60 is discharged. The indoor air introduced into the housing 10 via the second inlet 51 may be heat-exchanged with the second heat exchanger 60 and then discharged to the outdoor space O via the second outlet 52.

[0110] The second outlet 52 may be disposed to face the indoor space I (see FIG. 1). The second outlet 52 may be in communication with the indoor space I. For example, the second outlet 52 may be formed in the front case 11. For example, the second outlet 52 may be formed in the front panel 14. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and it may be sufficient that the second outlet 52 is formed in a portion of the housing 10 that faces the indoor space I.

[0111] The second outlet 52 may be distinguishable from the second inlet 51. The second outlet 52 may be formed spaced apart from the second inlet 51.

[0112] The air conditioner 3 may include a blade 20. The blade 20 may be configured to guide the indoor air discharged through the second outlet 52. The blade 20 may be configured to adjust a discharge direction of the air discharged into the indoor space through the second outlet 52.

[0113] The blade 20 may be configured to open or cover the second outlet 52. The blade 20 may have a shape corresponding to the second outlet 52.

[0114] The blade 20 may be detachably coupled to the housing 10. The blade 20 may be rotatably coupled to the housing 10. For example, the blade 20 may be rotatably coupled to the front panel 14.

[0115] For example, the blade 20 may include a plurality of discharge holes 21. For example, with the blade 20 covering the second outlet 52, the indoor air that has passed through the second heat exchanger 60 may be discharged through the plurality of discharge holes 21.

[0116] The air conditioner 3 may include a control box 90. The control box 90 may include a circuit board and various electronic components.

[0117] The air conditioner 3 may include a first fan assembly 100. The first fan assembly 100 may be configured to circulate outdoor air in an interior of the housing 10. The first fan assembly 100 may be configured to circulate outdoor air between the first inlet 31 and the first outlet 32.

[0118] The first fan assembly 100 may include a first fan 110. For example, the first fan 110 may be disposed to face at least a portion of the first heat exchanger 40.

[0119] The first fan assembly 100 may include a first fan motor 120 for driving the first fan 110. The first fan assembly 100 may include a first frame 130 configured to guide outdoor air.

[0120] The first fan assembly 100 may be referred to as a first fan module 100, a first fan unit 100, an outdoor fan module 100, an outdoor fan unit 100, an outdoor fan assembly 100, or the like.

[0121] The air conditioner 3 may include a second fan assembly 200. The second fan assembly 200 may be configured to circulate indoor air in the interior of the housing 10. The second fan assembly 200 may be configured to circulate indoor air between the second inlet 51 and the second outlet 52.

[0122] The second fan assembly 200 may include a second fan 210. For example, the second fan 210 may be disposed to face at least a portion of the second heat exchanger 60.

[0123] The second fan assembly 200 may include a second fan motor 220 for driving the second fan 210. The second fan assembly 200 may include a second frame 240 configured to guide indoor air.

[0124] The second fan assembly 200 may be referred to as a second fan module 200, a second fan unit 200, an indoor fan module 200, an indoor fan unit 200, an indoor fan assembly 200, or the like.

[0125] The air conditioner 3 may include the first heat exchanger 40. The first heat exchanger 40 may be referred to as an outdoor heat exchanger.

[0126] The first heat exchanger 40 may be configured to exchange heat with the outdoor air introduced through the first inlet 31. The first heat exchanger 40 may be disposed inside the housing 10. The first heat exchanger 40 may be disposed to face the first inlet 31.

[0127] The air conditioner 3 may include the second heat exchanger 60. The second heat exchanger 60 may be referred to as an indoor heat exchanger.

[0128] The second heat exchanger 60 may be configured to exchange heat with the indoor air introduced through the second inlet 51. The second heat exchanger 60 may be disposed inside the housing 10. At least a portion of the second heat exchanger 60 may be disposed to face the second inlet 51. For example, the second heat exchanger 60 may be configured to surround at least a portion of the second fan assembly 200. For example, the second heat exchanger 60 may be configured to cover at least a portion of the second fan assembly 200.

[0129] For example, the first heat exchanger 40 may be provided as a condenser, and the second heat exchanger 60 may be provided as an evaporator. In this case, the air conditioner 3 may be configured to cool the indoor space. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the first heat exchanger 40 may be provided as an evaporator, and the second heat exchanger 60 may be provided as a condenser. In this case, the air conditioner 3 may be configured to heat the indoor space.

[0130] The air conditioner 3 may include a drain pan 80. The drain pan 80 may be configured to collect condensed water generated in the second heat exchanger 60. The drain pan 80 may be configured to support the second heat exchanger 60. The drain pan 80 may be configured to support the second fan assembly 200. For example, the drain pan 80 may include a seating portion 81 on which a base 230 of the second fan assembly 200 is seated.

[0131] The air conditioner 3 may include a compressor 70. The compressor 70 may be configured to compress a refrigerant to a high-temperature, high-pressure state. The refrigerant compressed in the compressor 70 may be introduced into the first heat exchanger 40 or the second heat exchanger 60.

[0132] For example, the compressor 70 may be disposed below the second fan assembly 200. For example, the compressor 70 may be disposed below the drain pan 80.

[0133] The air conditioner 3 may include a compressor cover 71. The compressor cover 71 may be configured to cover the compressor 70. The compressor cover 71 may prevent the compressor 70 from being exposed to an outside. The compressor cover 71 may be configured to protect the compressor 70.

[0134] The air conditioner 3 may include an accumulator 75. The accumulator 75 may be configured to separate refrigerant liquid from refrigerant gas when a mixture of liquid refrigerant and refrigerant gas is introduced, and to provide the refrigerant gas from which the refrigerant liquid is separated to the compressor 70.

[0135] The air conditioner 3 may include an expansion device 73 (see FIG. 7). The expansion device 73 may be configured to expand the refrigerant discharged from the first heat exchanger 40 or the refrigerant discharged from the second heat exchanger 60.

[0136] The air conditioner 3 may include a refrigerant pipe 300. The refrigerant pipe 300 may be a pipe configured to allow a refrigerant to flow. The refrigerant pipe 300 may be a pipe configured to allow the refrigerant to circulate.

[0137] The refrigerant pipe 300 may be a pipe connecting the first heat exchanger 60, the second heat exchanger 40, the compressor 70, the accumulator 75, and the expansion device 73. The refrigerant pipe 300 may be configured to allow the refrigerant to circulate between the first heat exchanger 60, the second heat exchanger 40, the compressor 70, the accumulator 75, and the expansion device 73.

[0138] The air conditioner 3 may include a charging pipe 400. The charging pipe 400 may be a pipe configured to charge the refrigerant pipe 300 with refrigerant. The charging pipe 400 may be connected to the refrigerant pipe 300.

[0139] FIG. 7 is a perspective view illustrating internal components of the air conditioner according to an embodiment. FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the air conditioner shown in FIG. 7, viewed from another direction. FIG. 9 is an enlarged view of a portion of the air conditioner shown in FIG. 7. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the air conditioner shown in FIG. 9.

[0140] When the air conditioner 3 is in a cooling operation mode, the refrigerant may circulate in the order of the compressor 70, the first heat exchanger 40, the expansion device 73, and the second heat exchanger 60.

[0141] The compressor 70 may compress and discharge refrigerant gas in a high-temperature, high-pressure state, and the discharged refrigerant gas may be introduced into the first heat exchanger 40. The first heat exchanger 40 may condense the compressed refrigerant into a liquid phase and release heat to the surroundings during a condensation process. The expansion device 73 may expand the high-temperature, high-pressure liquid refrigerant condensed in the first heat exchanger 40 into a low-pressure liquid refrigerant. The second heat exchanger 60 may evaporate the refrigerant expanded in the expansion device 73. The second heat exchanger 60 may achieve a cooling effect by exchanging heat with air using the latent heat of evaporation of the refrigerant, and may return the low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant gas to the compressor 70. The accumulator 75 may be disposed between the second heat exchanger 60 and the compressor 70 to separate the liquid refrigerant from the refrigerant gas. The humidity and / or temperature of the air may be controlled through the refrigerant cycle.

[0142] When the air conditioner 3 is in a heating operation mode, the refrigerant may circulate in the order of the compressor 70, the second heat exchanger 60, the expansion device 73, and the first heat exchanger 40.

[0143] Hereinafter, the case where the air conditioner 3 is in the cooling operation mode will be described as an example for convenience.

[0144] The refrigerant pipe 300 may include an outlet pipe 320. The outlet pipe 320 may be connected to the second heat exchanger 60. The outlet pipe 320 may be configured to connect the second heat exchanger 60 and the compressor 70. The outlet pipe 320 may be configured to allow refrigerant to flow between the second heat exchanger 60 and the compressor 70. The outlet pipe 320 may be configured to allow the refrigerant discharged from the second heat exchanger 60 to be introduced into the compressor 70.

[0145] When the air conditioner 3 is in the cooling operation mode, the outlet pipe 320 may be configured to allow refrigerant to flow from the second heat exchanger 60 to the compressor 70. The outlet pipe 320 may be configured to allow refrigerant to be introduced into the compressor 70. The outlet pipe 320 may be configured to allow the refrigerant that has passed through the second heat exchanger 60 to be discharged.

[0146] The refrigerant pipe 300 may include an inlet pipe 310. The inlet pipe 310 may be connected to the second heat exchanger 60. The inlet pipe 310 may be configured to connect the second heat exchanger 60 and the expansion device 73. The inlet pipe 310 may be configured to allow refrigerant to flow between the second heat exchanger 60 and the expansion device 73. The inlet pipe 310 may be configured to allow the refrigerant discharged from the expansion device 73 to be introduced into the second heat exchanger 60.

[0147] When the air conditioner 3 is in the cooling operation mode, the inlet pipe 310 may be configured to allow refrigerant to flow from the expansion device 73 to the second heat exchanger 60. The inlet pipe 310 may be configured to allow refrigerant to be introduced into the second heat exchanger 60. The inlet pipe 310 may be configured to allow the refrigerant that has passed through the expansion device 73 to be discharged.

[0148] The outlet pipe 320 may include a first sub-pipe 321 and / or a second sub-pipe 322 connected to the second heat exchanger 60. The first sub-pipe 321 and / or the second sub-pipe 322 may be connected to the second heat exchanger 60. The first sub-pipe 321 and / or the second sub-pipe 322 may be coupled to an outlet of the second heat exchanger 60 to receive the refrigerant discharged from the second heat exchanger 60.

[0149] At least a portion of the refrigerant that has passed through the second heat exchanger 60 may move to the first sub-pipe 321 and / or the second sub-pipe 322.

[0150] The second sub-pipe 322 may be disposed spaced apart from the first sub-pipe 321. The second sub-pipe 322 may be disposed below the first sub-pipe 321.

[0151] The outlet pipe 320 may include a third sub-pipe 323. The third sub-pipe 323 may be configured to be connected to the first sub-pipe 321. The third sub-pipe 323 may be configured to receive the refrigerant discharged from the first sub-pipe 321.

[0152] The outlet pipe 320 may include a main pipe 324. The main pipe 324 may be configured to allow the refrigerant discharged from the second heat exchanger 60 to be introduced into the compressor 70. The main pipe 324 may be configured to allow the refrigerant discharged from the second heat exchanger 60 to be introduced into the accumulator 75. The main pipe 324 may be connected to an accumulator inlet 75a. The accumulator inlet 75a may be configured to allow the refrigerant to be introduced into the accumulator 75. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the main pipe 324 may be directly connected to the compressor 70.

[0153] The main pipe 324 may be a pipe where the second sub-pipe 322 and the third sub-pipe 323 merge. The main pipe 324 may be configured to receive the refrigerant discharged from the second sub-pipe 322 and the refrigerant discharged from the third sub-pipe 323. The refrigerant discharged from the second sub-pipe 322 and the refrigerant discharged from the third sub-pipe 323 may be combined in the main pipe 324 and introduced into the compressor 70.

[0154] The refrigerant that has moved from the second heat exchanger 60 to the first sub-pipe 321 may move to the third sub-pipe 323 connected to the first sub-pipe 321, and then be introduced into the main pipe 324. The refrigerant that has moved from the second heat exchanger 60 to the second sub-pipe 322 may be introduced into the main pipe 324. The main pipe 324 may be configured to allow the refrigerant flowing inside the first sub-pipe 321, the second sub-pipe 322, and the third sub-pipe 323 to be combined.

[0155] The air conditioner 3 may include a first connector 341. The first connector 341 may be configured to connect the first sub-pipe 321 and the third sub-pipe 323.

[0156] The first connector 341 may be configured to allow the refrigerant discharged from the first sub-pipe 321 to be introduced into the third sub-pipe 323.

[0157] The air conditioner 3 may include a second connector 342. The second connector 342 may be configured to connect the second sub-pipe 322 and the main pipe 324. The second connector 342 may be configured to connect the third sub-pipe 323 and the main pipe 324.

[0158] The second connector 342 may be configured to allow the second sub-pipe 322 and the third sub-pipe 323 to be merged into the main pipe 324. The second connector 342 may be configured to allow the refrigerant discharged from the second sub-pipe 322 and the refrigerant discharged from the third sub-pipe 323 to be introduced into the main pipe 324.

[0159] The first connector 341 and / or the second connector 342 may have a Y-shape. The first connector 341 and the second connector 342 may have the same shape.

[0160] The air conditioner 3 may include the charging pipe 400. The charging pipe 400 may be configured to charge refrigerant within the refrigerant pipe 300. The charging pipe 400 may be configured to add low refrigerant to the refrigerant pipe 300. The charging pipe 400 may have a charging port welded thereto, which allow refrigerant to be added. The refrigerant added to the charging pipe 400 may be introduced into the refrigerant pipe 300.

[0161] The charging pipe 400 may be connected to the refrigerant pipe 300. The refrigerant introduced into the charging pipe 400 may be moved to the refrigerant pipe 300.

[0162] The charging pipe 400 may be connected to the outlet pipe 320. The refrigerant introduced from the charging pipe 400 to the outlet pipe 320 may be moved toward the compressor 70.

[0163] The charging pipe 400 may be disposed far away from the compressor 70. The charging pipe 400 may be disposed close to the second heat exchanger 60. The charging pipe 400 may be disposed closer to the second heat exchanger 60 than to the compressor 70. A charging pipe outlet 400b, wherein the charging pipe 400 is configured to be connected to the refrigerant pipe 300, may be arranged to be closer to the second heat exchanger 60 than to the compressor 70.

[0164] By arranging the charging pipe 400 to be closer to the second heat exchanger 60 than to the compressor 70, it is possible to prevent the charging pipe 400 and / or the refrigerant pipe 300 connected to the charging pipe 400 from being damaged by vibrations generated by the compressor 70. For example, it is possible to prevent the charging pipe 400 and / or the refrigerant pipe 300 connected to the charging pipe 400 from cracking or leaking refrigerant due to the vibrations of the compressor 70. In addition, by positioning the charging pipe 400 far away from the compressor 70, noise generated around the compressor 70 may be reduced.

[0165] Referring to FIG. 10, the charging pipe 400 may include the charging pipe outlet 400b configured to introduce refrigerant into the refrigerant pipe 300. The charging pipe outlet 400b may be configured to discharge the refrigerant in the charging pipe 400 to the refrigerant pipe 300.

[0166] A distance from the charging pipe outlet 400b to the compressor 70 may be greater than a distance from the charging pipe outlet 400b to the second heat exchanger 60. The distance from the charging pipe outlet 400b to the compressor 70 may be equal to or greater than 10 times the distance from the charging pipe outlet 400b to the second heat exchanger 60. The ratio of the distance from the charging pipe outlet 400b to the compressor 70 and the distance from the charging pipe outlet 400b to the second heat exchanger 60 may be configured to be approximately 20 to 1. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0167] Referring to FIG. 8, a length of the first sub-pipe 321 may be a length from point a to point b. A total length of the third sub-pipe 323 and the main pipe 324 may be a length from point c to point d. The length of the first sub-pipe 321 may be less than the combined length of the third sub-pipe 323 and the main pipe 324. The combined length of the third sub-pipe 323 and the main pipe 324 may be at least 10 times greater than the length of the first sub-pipe 321.

[0168] A height h from the bottom panel 13 to the second heat exchanger 60 may be greater than the length of the first sub-pipe 321. The height h from the bottom panel 13 to the second heat exchanger 60 may be equal to or greater than twice the length of the first sub-pipe 321. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0169] The total length of the third sub-pipe 323 and the main pipe 324 may be greater than the height h from the bottom panel 13 to the second heat exchanger 60. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0170] The charging pipe 400 may be disposed above the compressor 70. The charging pipe 400 may be disposed between the first heat exchanger 40 and the second heat exchanger 60. The charging pipe 400 may be disposed on a side of the second heat exchanger 60.

[0171] The charging pipe 400 may be configured to extend in a straight line. The charging pipe 400 may extend along a direction in which the third sub-pipe 323 extends.

[0172] By connecting the charging pipe 400 to the first sub-pipe 321, service to charge refrigerant may be facilitated. The charging pipe 400 may be disposed in a place easily accessible by a worker, which may facilitate service operations to charge refrigerant into the charging pipe 400.

[0173] The charging pipe 400 may be configured to be connected to the first sub-pipe 321. The charging pipe 400 may be configured to be connected to the third sub-pipe 323. The refrigerant introduced into the charging pipe 400 may be configured to combine with the refrigerant introduced into the first sub-pipe 321 and move to the third sub-pipe 323.

[0174] The charging pipe 400 may be disposed between the first sub-pipe 321 and the third sub-pipe 323. Referring to FIG. 10, the charging pipe outlet 400b may be disposed between a first sub-pipe outlet 321b and a third sub-pipe inlet 323a.

[0175] The charging pipe 400 may be configured to be connected to the first connector 341. The charging pipe outlet 400b may be connected to the first connector 341. By using the first connector 341 having a Y-shape when connecting the charging pipe 400 to the refrigerant pipe 300, space may be used efficiently. The first connector 341 having the Y-shape may increase the efficiency of space.

[0176] The first sub-pipe 321 may include a first sub-pipe inlet 321a configured to allow refrigerant to flow into. The second sub-pipe 322 may include a second sub-pipe inlet 322a configured to allow refrigerant to flow into. The first sub-pipe inlet 321a and / or the second sub-pipe inlet 322a may be coupled to the second heat exchanger 60.

[0177] The first sub-pipe 321 may include the first sub-pipe outlet 321b configured to allow refrigerant to flow out. The second sub-pipe 322 may include a second sub-pipe outlet 322b configured to allow refrigerant to flow out.

[0178] The third sub-pipe 323 may include a third sub-pipe inlet 323a configured to allow refrigerant to flow into. The third sub-pipe inlet 323a may include a third sub-pipe outlet 323b configured to allow refrigerant to flow out.

[0179] The first sub-pipe outlet 321b and the third sub-pipe inlet 323a may be connected to the first connector 341. The charging pipe outlet 400b may be connected to the first connector 341. The first connector 341 may be configured to connect the first sub-pipe outlet 321b and the charging pipe outlet 400b to the third sub-pipe inlet 323a.

[0180] The first connector 341 may include a first hole 341a configured to be coupled to the first sub-pipe 321. The first hole 341a may be configured to correspond to the first sub-pipe outlet 321b.

[0181] The first connector 341 may include a third hole 341c configured to be coupled to the third sub-pipe 323. The third hole 341c may be configured to correspond to the third sub-pipe inlet 323a.

[0182] The first connector 341 may include a second hole 341b configured to be coupled to the charging pipe 400. The second hole 341b may be configured to correspond to the charging pipe outlet 400b.

[0183] The first hole 341a and the third hole 341c may be disposed to face one direction. The second hole 341b may be disposed to face a direction different from the one direction. The second hole 341b may be disposed to face a direction opposite to the one direction. For example, the first hole 341a and the third hole 341c may be disposed to face downward. The second hole 341b may be disposed to face upward. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0184] The second sub-pipe outlet 322b and the third sub-pipe outlet 323b may be connected to the second connector 342. The main pipe inlet 324a may be connected to the second connector 342. The second connector 342 may be configured to connect the second sub-pipe outlet 322b and the third sub-pipe outlet 323b to the main pipe inlet 324a.

[0185] The air conditioner 3 according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure may include the housing 10, the compressor 70 disposed inside the housing 10 and configured to compress a refrigerant, the first heat exchanger 40 disposed inside the housing 10 and configured to exchange heat with outdoor air, the second heat exchanger 60 disposed inside the housing 10 and configured to exchange heat with indoor air, the refrigerant pipe 300 connecting the compressor 70 and the second heat exchanger 60 and configured to allow the refrigerant to flow therein, and the charging pipe 400 configured to charge the refrigerant pipe 300 with the refrigerant, wherein the refrigerant pipe 300 includes the first sub-pipe 321 and the second sub-pipe 322 connected to the second heat exchanger 60 and configured to receive the refrigerant that has passed through the second heat exchanger 60, and the main pipe 324 connected to the compressor 70 and configured to allow the refrigerant that has passed through the first sub-pipe 321 and the second sub-pipe 322 to be combined, and wherein the charging pipe 400 may be configured to be connected to the first sub-pipe 321.

[0186] According to the present disclosure, the refrigerant pipe 300 may further include the third sub-pipe 323 connecting the first sub-pipe 321 and the main pipe 324 to allow the refrigerant that has passed through the first sub-pipe 321 to be introduced into the main pipe 324, and the charging pipe 400 may be configured to be connected to the third sub-pipe 323.

[0187] The charging pipe 400 may be disposed between the first sub-pipe 321 and the third sub-pipe 323.

[0188] The air conditioner 3 may further include the connector 341 configured to connect the first sub-pipe 321 and the third sub-pipe 323, and the charging pipe 400 may be coupled to the connector 341.

[0189] The connector 341 may include the first hole 341a configured to be coupled to the first sub-pipe 321, the second hole 341b configured to be coupled to the charging pipe 400, and the third hole 341c configured to be coupled to the third sub-pipe 323.

[0190] The first hole 341a and the third hole 341c may be disposed to face one direction, and the second hole 341b may be disposed to face a direction opposite to the one direction.

[0191] The connector 341 may have a Y-shape.

[0192] The connector 341 may be a first connector 341, and the air conditioner may further include the second connector 342 configured to connect the second sub-pipe 322 and the third sub-pipe 323, and the main pipe 324 may be coupled to the second connector 342.

[0193] The third sub-pipe 323 may include the third sub-pipe inlet 323a configured to receive the refrigerant, and the third sub-pipe outlet 323b configured to discharge the refrigerant, wherein the third sub-pipe inlet 323a may be coupled to the first connector 341, and the third sub-pipe outlet 323b may be coupled to the second connector 342.

[0194] The charging pipe 400 may include the charging pipe outlet 400b configured to be connected to the first sub-pipe 321, and the charging pipe outlet 400b may be disposed to be closer to the second heat exchanger 60 than to the compressor 70.

[0195] A distance from the charging pipe outlet 400b to the compressor 70 may be configured to be equal to or greater than 10 times a distance from the charging pipe outlet 400b to the second heat exchanger 60.

[0196] The housing 10 may include the bottom panel 13 forming a lower surface, and a height from the bottom panel 13 to the second heat exchanger 60 may be configured to be equal to or greater than twice a length of the first sub-pipe 321.

[0197] The charging pipe 400 may extend in a straight line.

[0198] The charging pipe 400 may be disposed between the first heat exchanger 40 and the second heat exchanger 60.

[0199] The air conditioner 3 according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure may include the housing 10, the compressor 70 disposed inside the housing 10 and configured to compress a refrigerant, the heat exchanger 60 disposed inside the housing 10 and configured to exchange heat with indoor air, the refrigerant pipe 300 extending between the heat exchanger 60 and the compressor 70 to allow the refrigerant to flow from the heat exchanger 60 to the compressor 70, and the charging pipe 400 connected to the refrigerant pipe 300 to charge the refrigerant into the refrigerant pipe 300, wherein the charging pipe 400 includes the charging pipe outlet 400b connected to the refrigerant pipe inlet 323a, and the charging pipe outlet 400b may be disposed to be closer to the heat exchanger 60 than to the compressor 70.

[0200] The distance from the charging pipe outlet 400b to the compressor 70 may be configured to be equal to or greater than 10 times the distance from the charging pipe outlet 400b to the heat exchanger 60.

[0201] The refrigerant pipe 300 may include the first sub-pipe 321 and the second sub-pipe 322 connected to the heat exchanger 60 and configured to receive the refrigerant that has passed through the heat exchanger 60, the main pipe 324 connected to the compressor 70 and configured to allow the refrigerant that has passed through the first sub-pipe 321 and the second sub-pipe 322 to be combined, and the third sub-pipe 323 connecting the first sub-pipe 321 and the main pipe 324.

[0202] The refrigerant pipe inlet 323a may be formed in the third sub-pipe 323.

[0203] The air conditioner may further include the connector 341 configured to connect the first sub-pipe 321 and the third sub-pipe 323, and the charging pipe 400 may be coupled to the connector 341.

[0204] The connector 341 may have a Y-shape.

[0205] According to the concept of the present disclosure, the air conditioner can prevent damage to the refrigerant pipe.

[0206] According to the concept of the present disclosure, the air conditioner can prevent damage to the charging pipe.

[0207] According to the concept of the present disclosure, the air conditioner can be easily serviced.

[0208] According to the concept of the present disclosure, the air conditioner can reduce noise.

[0209] The effects to be obtained from the present disclosure are not limited to those mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art to which the present disclosure belongs from the description below.

[0210] While the present disclosure has been particularly described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it should be understood by those of skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. An air conditioner, comprising: a housing; a compressor disposed inside the housing and configured to compress a refrigerant; a first heat exchanger disposed inside the housing and configured to exchange heat with outdoor air; a second heat exchanger disposed inside the housing and configured to exchange heat with indoor air; a refrigerant pipe connecting the compressor and the second heat exchanger and configured to allow the refrigerant to flow therein; and a charging pipe configured to charge the refrigerant pipe with the refrigerant; wherein the refrigerant pipe comprises: a first sub-pipe and a second sub-pipe connected to the second heat exchanger and configured to receive the refrigerant that has passed through the second heat exchanger; and a main pipe connected to the compressor and configured to allow the refrigerant that has passed through the first sub-pipe and the second sub-pipe to be combined, and wherein the charging pipe is configured to be connected to the first sub-pipe.

2. The air conditioner of claim 1, wherein the refrigerant pipe further comprises a third sub-pipe connecting the first sub-pipe and the main pipe to allow the refrigerant that has passed through the first sub-pipe to be introduced into the main pipe, and the charging pipe is configured to be connected to the third sub-pipe.

3. The air conditioner of claim 2, wherein the charging pipe is disposed between the first sub-pipe and the third sub-pipe.

4. The air conditioner of claim 2, further comprising a connector configured to connect the first sub-pipe and the third sub-pipe, and wherein the charging pipe is coupled to the connector.

5. The air conditioner of claim 4, wherein the connector comprises: a first hole configured to be coupled to the first sub-pipe; a second hole configured to be coupled to the charging pipe; and a third hole configured to be coupled to the third sub-pipe.

6. The air conditioner of claim 5, wherein the first hole and the third hole are disposed to face one direction, and the second hole is disposed to face a direction opposite to the one direction.

7. The air conditioner of claim 4, wherein the connector has a Y-shape.

8. The air conditioner of claim 4, wherein the connector is a first connector, the air conditioner further comprises a second connector configured to connect the second sub-pipe and the third sub-pipe, and the main pipe is coupled to the second connector.

9. The air conditioner of claim 8, wherein the third sub-pipe comprises: a third sub-pipe inlet configured to receive the refrigerant, and a third sub-pipe outlet configured to discharge the refrigerant, and wherein the third sub-pipe inlet is coupled to the first connector, and the third sub-pipe outlet is coupled to the second connector.

10. The air conditioner of claim 1, wherein the charging pipe comprises a charging pipe outlet configured to be connected to the first sub-pipe, and the charging pipe outlet is disposed to be closer to the second heat exchanger than to the compressor.

11. The air conditioner of claim 10, wherein a distance from the charging pipe outlet to the compressor is configured to be equal to or greater than 10 times a distance from the charging pipe outlet to the second heat exchanger.

12. The air conditioner of claim 1, wherein the housing comprises a bottom panel forming a lower surface, and a height from the bottom panel to the second heat exchanger is configured to be equal to or greater than twice a length of the first sub-pipe.

13. The air conditioner of claim 1, wherein the charging pipe extends in a straight line.

14. The air conditioner of claim 1, wherein the charging pipe is disposed between the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger.

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