Air conditioner

Abstract

According to the concept of the present invention, an air conditioner comprises a compressor for compressing a refrigerant, an outdoor heat exchanger arranged for the refrigerant to exchange heat with outside air, an expansion device for expanding the refrigerant, an indoor heat exchanger arranged for the refrigerant to exchange heat with indoor air, and a noise reduction device for reducing the flow noise of the refrigerant. The noise reduction device comprises a housing including a refrigerant inlet and a refrigerant outlet, and a plurality of baffles including a first baffle and a second baffle that are disposed inside the housing and partition a plurality of spaces inside the housing in the direction of refrigerant flow. The first baffle and the second baffle each include a hole through which the refrigerant passes, and the holes of the first and second baffles are each disposed at the center of the first and second baffles and are each disposed at a position corresponding to the direction of refrigerant flow.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an air conditioner, and more specifically, to an air conditioner comprising a noise reduction device for reducing the noise of a refrigerant. Background Technology

[0002] Generally, an air conditioner is a device that utilizes a refrigeration cycle to regulate temperature, humidity, and airflow suitable for human activity, while simultaneously removing dust and other contaminants from the air. The main components constituting the refrigeration cycle include a compressor, condenser, expansion device, and evaporator.

[0003] An air conditioner includes an outdoor unit and an indoor unit, and the outdoor unit may include a compressor, an outdoor heat exchanger, an expansion device, etc. The indoor unit may include an indoor heat exchanger and a blower fan, etc., and the expansion device may be provided in either the indoor unit or the outdoor unit.

[0004] Meanwhile, when two-phase refrigerant discharged from the outdoor unit of an air conditioner flows through the buried piping of an apartment, the flow of the refrigerant may become unstable due to foreign substances inside the pipe or bends in the pipe. That is, the refrigerant may form a slug flow, and if the refrigerant in this slug flow state flows into the indoor heat exchanger or expansion device, irregular refrigerant noise may occur. The technology forming the background of the present invention is disclosed in Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2003-0095627 (December 24, 2003). The problem to be solved

[0005] One aspect of the present invention provides a noise reduction device capable of improving irregular refrigerant flow noise and an air conditioner including the same.

[0006] Another aspect of the present invention provides a noise reduction device and an air conditioner capable of stabilizing the flow of an unstable refrigerant. means of solving the problem

[0007] According to the concept of the present invention, an air conditioner comprises a compressor for compressing a refrigerant, an outdoor heat exchanger arranged for the refrigerant to exchange heat with outside air, an expansion device for expanding the refrigerant, an indoor heat exchanger arranged for the refrigerant to exchange heat with indoor air, and a noise reduction device for reducing the flow noise of the refrigerant, wherein the noise reduction device comprises a housing including a refrigerant inlet and a refrigerant outlet, and a plurality of baffles including a first baffle and a second baffle disposed inside the housing and partitioning a plurality of spaces inside the housing in the direction of refrigerant flow, wherein the first baffle and the second baffle each include a hole through which the refrigerant passes, and the holes of the first and second baffles Each It is positioned at the center of the first and second baffles and at positions corresponding to the direction of refrigerant flow, respectively.

[0008] In addition, the holes of the first and second baffles are each arranged on the same line in the direction of refrigerant flow.

[0009] In addition, the first and second baffles each include a first surface facing the direction of flow of the refrigerant, and each of the first surfaces includes a first inclined portion formed to be inclined in the direction of flow of the refrigerant from the hole of the first and second baffles toward the outside of the first surface.

[0010] In addition, the first and second baffles each include a second surface disposed opposite to each of the first surfaces, and each of the second surfaces includes a second inclined portion arranged symmetrically with respect to the first inclined portion with respect to a direction perpendicular to the flow direction of the refrigerant.

[0011] In addition, it further includes an outdoor unit in which the compressor and the outdoor heat exchanger are installed, and an indoor unit in which the expansion device and the indoor heat exchanger are installed, and the noise reduction device is placed inside the indoor unit.

[0012] In addition, the noise reduction device includes a frame that fixes the plurality of baffles, and the frame is configured to be disposed inside the housing while the plurality of baffles are fixed to the frame, and includes a first frame and a second frame that extend in the direction of refrigerant flow and are each configured to be separable in a direction perpendicular to the direction of refrigerant flow, and the plurality of baffles each include a first part and a second part that are each configured to be separable in a direction perpendicular to the direction of refrigerant flow, and the first part of the plurality of baffles is each connected to the first frame, and the second part of the plurality of baffles is each connected to the second frame.

[0013] In addition, the first part of the plurality of baffles and the first frame form a first assembly of the noise reduction device, the second part of the plurality of baffles and the second frame form a second assembly of the noise reduction device, and the plurality of baffles are arranged to be formed when the first assembly and the second assembly are combined.

[0014] In addition, the first assembly and the second assembly are each formed integrally, and the first assembly and the second assembly are formed in the same shape.

[0015] In addition, the first assembly includes a first hook portion that is hook-coupled to the second frame in a direction perpendicular to the direction of refrigerant flow when the first and second assemblies are combined in a direction perpendicular to the direction of refrigerant flow, and the second assembly includes a second hook portion that is hook-coupled to the first frame in a direction perpendicular to the direction of refrigerant flow when the first and second assemblies are combined in a direction perpendicular to the direction of refrigerant flow.

[0016] In addition, the first frame is provided as a pair, and the first hook portion includes a plurality of hooks, and the plurality of hooks are alternately spaced apart from one of the first frames and the other first frame in the direction of refrigerant flow.

[0017] In addition, the first and second baffles each include a plurality of ribs that protrude from the outer surface of the first and second baffles toward the inner surface of the housing and are spaced apart along the circumferential direction of the outer surface of the first and second baffles.

[0018] In addition, the plurality of baffles further include a third baffle that is spaced apart from the first and second baffles in the direction of refrigerant flow and includes a hole through which the refrigerant passes, and the hole of the third baffle is positioned at a location corresponding to the hole of the first and second baffles in the direction of refrigerant flow, and the plurality of baffles further include a frame extending in the direction of refrigerant flow so as to be coupled with an adjacent baffle among the plurality of baffles, the frame of the first baffle is coupled with the second baffle, and the frame of the second baffle is coupled with the third baffle, and with respect to the circumferential direction of the outer surface of the plurality of baffles, the first and third baffles are positioned in the same phase and the second baffle is positioned in a different phase from the first and third baffles.

[0019] In addition, the noise reduction device further includes a filter provided to capture foreign substances in the refrigerant introduced through the refrigerant inlet.

[0020] In addition, the filter is an air conditioner arranged in series with the plurality of baffles in the direction of refrigerant flow inside the housing.

[0021] In addition, the device further includes refrigerant pipes connected to the refrigerant inlet and refrigerant outlet to connect the expansion device and the indoor heat exchanger, and the diameter of the holes of the first and second baffles is provided to be greater than or equal to 0.4 times the diameter of the refrigerant pipes and less than or equal to 3 times the diameter of the refrigerant pipes.

[0022] According to the concept of the present invention, an air conditioner comprises a compressor for compressing a refrigerant, an outdoor heat exchanger arranged for the refrigerant to exchange heat with the outside air, an expansion device for expanding the refrigerant, an indoor heat exchanger arranged for the refrigerant to exchange heat with indoor air, and a noise reduction device disposed between the expansion device and the indoor heat exchanger to reduce the flow noise of the refrigerant flowing from the expansion device to the indoor heat exchanger. The noise reduction device comprises a plurality of baffles including holes through which the refrigerant flows, wherein the holes of the plurality of baffles are each disposed at the center of the plurality of baffles and are each disposed at a position corresponding to the direction of refrigerant flow.

[0023] In addition, it further includes a refrigerant pipe connecting the expansion device and the indoor heat exchanger, and the noise reduction device is provided to be inserted inside the refrigerant pipe.

[0024] In addition, the noise prevention device further includes a housing comprising a refrigerant inlet and a refrigerant outlet, and the plurality of baffles are disposed inside the housing.

[0025] In addition, the plurality of baffles are each provided with the same shape and are arranged at equal intervals in the direction of refrigerant flow.

[0026] According to the concept of the present invention, an air conditioner comprises a compressor for compressing a refrigerant, an outdoor heat exchanger arranged for the refrigerant to exchange heat with outside air, an expansion device for expanding the refrigerant, an indoor heat exchanger arranged for the refrigerant to exchange heat with indoor air, and a noise reduction device disposed between the outdoor heat exchanger and the expansion device to reduce the flow noise of the refrigerant flowing from the outdoor heat exchanger to the expansion device. The noise reduction device comprises a housing including a refrigerant inlet and a refrigerant outlet, a plurality of baffles including holes through which the refrigerant flows, and a filter arranged to capture foreign substances in the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant inlet, wherein the plurality of baffles and the filter are arranged in series in the direction of refrigerant flow. Effects of the invention

[0027] According to the concept of the present invention, a noise reduction device capable of reducing irregular refrigerant noise and an air conditioner including the same can be provided.

[0028] According to the concept of the present invention, a noise reduction device and an air conditioner capable of stabilizing the flow of unstable refrigerant through a simple configuration can be provided. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0029] FIG. 1 is a refrigerant flow path diagram of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a noise reduction device according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 is an exploded view of the noise reduction device shown in Figure 2. Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of the structure of the noise reduction device shown in Figure 3. Figure 5 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the noise reduction device shown in Figure 2. Figure 6 is a diagram schematically illustrating the flow of the refrigerant in the refrigerant piping before it enters the noise reduction device shown in Figure 2. Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of a part of the noise reduction device shown in Figure 2. Figure 8 is a schematic diagram illustrating the flow of the refrigerant in the refrigerant piping that has passed through the noise reduction device shown in Figure 2. FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a structure of a noise reduction device for an air conditioner according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a noise reduction device for an air conditioner according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a structure of a noise reduction device for an air conditioner according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of a noise reduction device for an air conditioner according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a structure of a noise reduction device for an air conditioner according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of a noise reduction device for an air conditioner according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a structure of a noise reduction device for an air conditioner according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 16 is an exploded perspective view of a part of the structure of a noise reduction device for an air conditioner according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of a noise reduction device for an air conditioner according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a structure of a noise reduction device for an air conditioner according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 19 is an exploded perspective view of a part of the structure of a noise reduction device for an air conditioner according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view of a noise reduction device for an air conditioner according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 21 is an exploded view of a noise reduction device and refrigerant piping of an air conditioner according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view of a noise reduction device and refrigerant piping of an air conditioner according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 23 is a refrigerant flow path diagram of an air conditioner according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 24 is an exploded view of the noise reduction device shown in FIG. 23. FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the noise reduction device illustrated in FIG. 23. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0030] The embodiments described in this specification and the configurations illustrated in the drawings are merely preferred examples of the disclosed invention, and various modifications that may replace the embodiments and drawings of this specification may exist at the time of filing this application.

[0031] Additionally, the same reference numerals or symbols presented in each drawing of this specification represent parts or components that perform substantially the same function.

[0032] Furthermore, the terms used in this specification are for describing embodiments and are not intended to limit or / or restrict the disclosed invention. Singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this specification, terms such as “comprising” or “having” are intended to indicate the existence of the features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in the specification, and do not preclude the existence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0033] Additionally, terms including ordinal numbers, such as “first,” “second,” etc., as used herein may be used to describe various components, but said components are not limited by said terms, and said terms are used solely for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another. For example, without departing from the scope of the present invention, the first component may be named the second component, and similarly, the second component may be named the first component. The term “and / or” includes a combination of a plurality of related described items or any of a plurality of related described items.

[0034] Meanwhile, terms such as “front,” “top,” “bottom,” “left,” and “right” used in the following description are defined based on the drawings, and the shape and location of each component are not limited by these terms.

[0035] Hereinafter, embodiments according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0036] FIG. 1 is a refrigerant flow path diagram of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] As illustrated in FIG. 1, an air conditioner (1) may be composed of a compressor (10) that compresses a refrigerant, an outdoor heat exchanger (20) that exchanges heat between the compressed high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant and the outside air, an expansion device (30) that reduces the pressure of the refrigerant discharged from the outdoor heat exchanger (20) to a low-temperature state, a noise reduction device (100) connected to the expansion device (30) that stabilizes the flow of unstable refrigerant to reduce the flow noise of the refrigerant, and an indoor heat exchanger (40) connected to the noise reduction device (100) that exchanges heat between the low-temperature refrigerant and the indoor air to lower the temperature of the air. The outdoor heat exchanger may refer to a condenser, and the indoor heat exchanger may refer to an evaporator.

[0038] The indoor heat exchanger (40) may be provided in multiple numbers. That is, the refrigerant compressed and condensed in a single compressor (10) and an outdoor heat exchanger (20) may be arranged to flow into multiple indoor heat exchangers (40) and then circulated back to a single compressor (10).

[0039] At this time, the expansion device (30) and the noise reduction device (100) can be provided in a number corresponding to the number of indoor heat exchangers (40).

[0040] The following description is based on the case where each component is provided as a single unit. However, the same can be applied even if multiple indoor heat exchangers (40) are provided.

[0041] The expansion device (30) and the indoor heat exchanger (40) are connected by a refrigerant pipe (50) so that refrigerant can flow. A noise reduction device (100) may be placed on the refrigerant pipe (50) so that the refrigerant flowing in the refrigerant pipe (50) passes through the noise reduction device (100) and flows into the indoor heat exchanger (40).

[0042] The air conditioner (1) may include a filter (60) between the expansion device (30) and the outdoor heat exchanger (20) to prevent foreign substances on the refrigerant flowing into the expansion device (30) from flowing into the expansion valve (not shown) of the expansion device (30).

[0043] The flow of refrigerant in an air conditioner (1) having the above configuration is as follows.

[0044] The refrigerant in a gaseous state at low temperature and low pressure is compressed to high temperature and high pressure while passing through the compressor (10), and then undergoes a phase change into a liquid state in the outdoor heat exchanger (20). The refrigerant in a liquid state that has passed through the outdoor heat exchanger (20) becomes a two-phase state while passing through the expansion device (30).

[0045] At this time, the flow of the refrigerant in a two-phase state can form an unstable slug flow, and if the refrigerant in this slug flow state flows into the indoor heat exchanger (40), irregular refrigerant noise may occur. This will be described in detail later.

[0046] An air conditioner (1) according to the concept of the present invention includes a noise reduction device (100) between the expansion device (30) and the indoor heat exchanger (40) to stabilize the flow of the refrigerant, thereby reducing irregular refrigerant noise as described above.

[0047] The refrigerant can pass through the expansion device (30) and flow into the noise reduction device (100). As described above, the flow of the unstable refrigerant is stabilized as it passes through the noise reduction device (100) and flows into the indoor heat exchanger (40). The refrigerant evaporates in the indoor heat exchanger (40) to become a refrigerant in a low-temperature, low-pressure gaseous state.

[0048] The compressor (10), outdoor heat exchanger (20), expansion device (30), and filter (60) can be installed in the outdoor unit of the air conditioner (1). The indoor heat exchanger (40) can be installed in the indoor unit of the air conditioner (1).

[0049] However, the expansion device (30) may be installed in the indoor unit of the air conditioner (1) and is not limited thereto. Additionally, the filter (60) may be installed in the outdoor unit or indoor unit together with the expansion device (30).

[0050] Hereinafter, a noise reduction device (100) of an air conditioner (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail.

[0051] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a noise reduction device according to one embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the noise reduction device shown in FIG. 2, FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of an assembly of the noise reduction device shown in FIG. 3, and FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the noise reduction device shown in FIG. 2.

[0052] In the case of a conventional noise reduction device, to improve the flow noise of two-phase refrigerant, a branch pipe having a partition and a complex flow path is installed inside the noise reduction device, and the flow of the refrigerant is stabilized by mixing the refrigerant in the internal space partitioned by the partition.

[0053] At this time, metal materials were used for the bulkheads and branch pipes installed inside the noise reduction device to withstand the refrigerant pressure, and they were joined inside the noise reduction device by welding or the like to secure them.

[0054] Due to the welding process, it is difficult to implement the intricate structure of the noise reduction device, and since the welding process itself is more difficult than a general assembly process, a problem of reduced manufacturability may occur.

[0055] In addition, to enhance the noise reduction effect of the noise reduction device, a large space must be secured for the refrigerant mixing; however, this may result in a large configuration of the noise reduction device and cause problems with its installability.

[0056] In other words, if the noise reduction device is placed in the indoor unit, the device's configuration becomes large, which may lead to a problem where the indoor unit becomes larger; similarly, if the noise reduction device is installed outside the indoor unit, the device's configuration also becomes large, which may cause installation problems.

[0057] Accordingly, the noise reduction device (100) of an air conditioner (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention can improve the assemblability of the noise reduction device (100) by minimizing welding of the internal components of the noise reduction device (100) and improve the installability of the noise reduction device (100) by minimizing the size of the noise reduction device (100).

[0058] More specifically, the assembly of the noise reduction device (100) can be improved by inserting a structure (200) including a plurality of baffles (210) that include holes through which the refrigerant passes into the noise reduction device (100).

[0059] In addition, the refrigerant can be stabilized in a relatively small space by rectifying the refrigerant by separating the two phases of the refrigerant rather than simply mixing the refrigerant in the noise reduction device (100), thereby improving the installability of the noise reduction device (100).

[0060] As illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, the noise reduction device (100) may include a housing (110) that includes a body (113) forming an exterior, and includes a refrigerant inlet (111a) and a refrigerant outlet (112) that includes a refrigerant outlet (112a).

[0061] The refrigerant inlet (111) may be provided in a cone shape containing a hollow, with an internal diameter increasing in the direction of refrigerant flow from the refrigerant inlet (111a). The refrigerant outlet may be provided in a cone shape containing a hollow, with an internal diameter decreasing in the direction of refrigerant flow.

[0062] The refrigerant pipe (50) may include a first pipe (51) connected to the refrigerant inlet (111) and a second pipe (52) connected to the refrigerant outlet (112).

[0063] The body (113) may be provided in a cylindrical shape including a hollow. The body (113) may include an inner surface (114) forming a hollow and an internal space (115) of the hollow formed by the inner surface (114). The maximum diameters of the refrigerant inlet (111) and the refrigerant outlet (112) may be provided to correspond approximately to the diameter of the body (113).

[0064] The noise reduction device (100) may include a structure (200) comprising a plurality of baffles (210). The structure (200) may be provided to be inserted inside a housing (110).

[0065] The refrigerant inlet (111), refrigerant outlet (112), and body (113) of the housing (110) can be formed integrally by joining through a process such as welding after the structure (200) is inserted. However, they are not limited to this and can be joined by a separate joining configuration, and can be joined in a separable manner.

[0066] In addition, not limited to one embodiment of the present invention, either the refrigerant inlet (111) or the refrigerant outlet (112) may be formed integrally with the body (113). After the structure (200) is inserted into the body (113), the other may be combined with the body (113).

[0067] Additionally, the refrigerant inlet (111), the refrigerant outlet (112), and the body (113) may be formed as a single housing (110), and the housing (110) may be provided with two components that are separably combined without distinction between the refrigerant inlet (111), the refrigerant outlet (112), and the body (113).

[0068] The structure (200) can be inserted into an internal space (115) formed on the inner surface (114) of the housing (110).

[0069] The structure (200) may include a plurality of baffles (230) and a frame (240) supporting the plurality of baffles (230).

[0070] A plurality of baffles (230) may each be provided with the same shape. However, they are not limited thereto, and a plurality of baffles (230) may each be provided with a different shape, and at least some of them may be provided with a different shape.

[0071] Multiple baffles (230) can be provided in a disc shape having a predetermined thickness.

[0072] Each of the multiple baffles (230) may include a hole (233) through which a refrigerant is allowed to pass. The hole (233) of the multiple baffles (230) may be positioned at the center of the multiple baffles (230).

[0073] A plurality of baffles (230) may include a first baffle (230a) positioned adjacent to the refrigerant inlet (111) based on the direction in which the refrigerant flows, and a second baffle (230b) positioned adjacent to the first baffle (230a).

[0074] In addition, the plurality of baffles (230) may include additional baffles, such as a third baffle (230c) and a fourth baffle (230d), in the direction in which the refrigerant flows.

[0075] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of baffles (230) may include from the first baffle (230a) to the eleventh baffle (230k), but are not limited thereto and may include fewer than 11 baffles or more than 11 baffles.

[0076] However, the plurality of baffles (230) may include at least a first baffle (230a) and a second baffle (230b).

[0077] A plurality of baffles (230) may be spaced apart from each other in the direction in which the refrigerant flows. A plurality of baffles (230) may partition the internal space (115) in the direction in which the refrigerant flows.

[0078] That is, the internal space (115) can be divided into multiple unit internal spaces (116) by the structure (200).

[0079] The frame (240) can support each of the plurality of baffles (230) spaced apart in the direction in which the refrigerant flows, thereby fixing the spaced positions.

[0080] The frame (240) may be provided as a pair. However, it is not limited thereto, and the frame (240) may be formed as a single unit or as three or more units.

[0081] A frame (240) may be positioned on the outer surface of a plurality of baffles (230). A pair of frames (240) may be positioned at a phase of 180 degrees each with respect to the circumferential direction of the plurality of baffles (230). However, this is not limited thereto, and a pair of frames (240) may be positioned with various phase differences with respect to the circumferential direction of the plurality of baffles (230).

[0082] For convenience of explanation, a pair of frames (240) will be represented as frames (240), and when necessary, a pair of frames (240) will be represented.

[0083] In this way, multiple baffles (230) and frames (240) can form a single structure (200). A single structure (200) can be simply inserted into a housing (110), and the housing (110) can be sealed through a process such as welding to manufacture a noise reduction device (100).

[0084] The structure (200) can be formed with a length approximately corresponding to the extended length of the body (113) in the direction in which the refrigerant flows.

[0085] Additionally, the structure (200) may include an outer surface having a diameter approximately corresponding to the diameter of the inner surface (114) of the body (113).

[0086] The refrigerant inlet (111) and the refrigerant outlet (112) are provided in a cone shape and may have a diameter smaller than the inner surface (114) of the body (113).

[0087] Accordingly, when the structure (200) is inserted into the body (113), it can be fixed inside the body (113) without additional fixation.

[0088] In this manufacturing process, the process of welding multiple baffles (230) into the housing interior (115) is not required, and the noise reduction device (100) can be manufactured by simply inserting a single structure (200) into the housing interior space (115), thereby improving the assembly of the noise reduction device (100).

[0089] As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the structure (200) may be formed by assembling a first assembly (210) and a second assembly (220). However, it is not limited thereto, and the structure (200) may be formed as a single component by injection molding, etc.

[0090] The first assembly (210) and the second assembly (220) can each be provided to be separable. Accordingly, when the first and second assemblies (210, 220) are combined, a structure (200) can be formed.

[0091] The first assembly (21) and the second assembly (220) can be combined and separated in a direction orthogonal to the direction of flow of the refrigerant.

[0092] A plurality of baffles (230) may include a first part (231) and a second part (232). The first part (231) and the second part (232) are parts separated in the plurality of baffles (230) by the first assembly (210) and the second assembly (220).

[0093] That is, the first part (231) and the second part (232) may be respective configurations formed when a plurality of baffles (230) are divided into two in a direction orthogonal to the direction of refrigerant flow.

[0094] The frame (240) may include a first frame (241) and a second frame (242). The first frame (241) and the second frame (242) may be provided to be separable. When the first frame (241) and the second frame (242) are combined, a single frame (240) may be formed.

[0095] The first frame (241) and the second frame (242) are parts separated in the frame (240) by the first assembly (210) and the second assembly (220).

[0096] That is, the first frame (241) and the second frame (242) may be respective components formed when the frame is divided into two in a direction orthogonal to the direction of flow of the refrigerant.

[0097] The first assembly (210) may include a first frame (241) and a first part (231) among a plurality of baffles (230). The first frame (241) and the first part (231) may be formed integrally.

[0098] The second assembly (220) may include a second frame (242) and a second part (232) among a plurality of baffles (230). The second frame (242) and the second part (232) may be formed integrally.

[0099] Accordingly, when the first assembly (210) and the second assembly (220) are combined, a plurality of baffles (230) and a frame (240) can be formed integrally. The first and second assemblies (210, 220) may each include a hook portion (250) that restrains each other when the first assembly (210) and the second assembly (220) are combined.

[0100] The hook portion (250) can be provided to maintain the state in which the first assembly (210) and the second assembly (220) are combined.

[0101] The first assembly (210) may include a first hook portion (251) that is hook-coupled to the second frame (242) in a direction perpendicular to the direction of flow of the refrigerant when the first and second assemblies (210, 22) are coupled in a direction perpendicular to the direction of flow of the refrigerant.

[0102] The second assembly (220) may include a second hook portion (252) that is hook-coupled to the first frame (241) in a direction perpendicular to the direction of refrigerant flow when the first and second assemblies (210, 22) are coupled in a direction perpendicular to the direction of refrigerant flow.

[0103] The first and second hook portions (251, 252) can each protrude in a direction orthogonal to the flow direction of the refrigerant from the first and second frames (241, 242).

[0104] The first and second hook portions (251, 252) may each include a plurality of hooks (253) and a support groove (254) that supports the frame.

[0105] The first and second assemblies (210, 220) may each include a guide (260) that guides the hook portion (250) to be hook-coupled with the first frame (241) and the second frame (242) when the first assembly (210, 220) is combined in a direction orthogonal to the direction of flow of the refrigerant.

[0106] The first frame (241) may include a first guide (not shown) that guides hook coupling with the second hook portion (252). The second frame (242) may include a second guide (262) that guides hook coupling with the first hook portion (251).

[0107] The second guide (262) can be positioned on the second frame (242) at a position corresponding to the first hook portion (251) in a direction perpendicular to the flow direction of the refrigerant.

[0108] The second guide (262) can be formed as a groove that is inclined with respect to a direction perpendicular to the flow direction of the refrigerant.

[0109] When the first and second assemblies (210, 220) are arranged to come into contact in a direction perpendicular to the flow direction of the refrigerant, the hook (253) of the first hook part (251) can be guided along the second guide (262) in a direction perpendicular to the flow direction of the refrigerant.

[0110] Afterwards, when the first hook part (251) is hook-coupled with the second frame (242), the second guide (262) is inserted into the support groove (254) of the first hook part (251) to improve the coupling force of the first and second assemblies (210, 220).

[0111] The first guide (not shown) of the first frame (241) also corresponds to the configuration in which the second guide (252) is combined, so a redundant description is omitted.

[0112] As described above, the frame (240) can be provided as a pair. Accordingly, the first and second frames (241, 242) can also be provided as a pair.

[0113] For convenience of explanation, one of the pair of frames positioned to the right based on the direction of flow of the refrigerant is called the right frame (241a, 242a), and the other of the pair of frames positioned to the left is called the left frame (241b, 242b).

[0114] A plurality of hooks (253) of the second hook section (252) can be alternately spaced apart on the left second frame (242b) and the right second frame (242a) sequentially in the direction of refrigerant flow.

[0115] That is, when the hook (253) closest to the refrigerant inlet (111a) is placed on the left second frame (242b), the next adjacent hook (253) is placed on the right second frame (242a), and the next adjacent hook (253) can be placed again on the left second frame (242b).

[0116] In this way, the second guide (262) can be alternately spaced apart on the left second frame (242b) and the right second frame (242a) sequentially in the direction of refrigerant flow.

[0117] When the second guide (262) closest to the refrigerant inlet (111a) is placed in the right second frame (242a), the next adjacent second guide (262) is placed in the left second frame (242b), and the next adjacent second guide (2623) can be placed again in the right second frame (242a).

[0118] The second guide (262) and the hook (253) of the second hook part (252) can be arranged in an alternating manner.

[0119] Accordingly, the second guide (262) and the hook (253) of the second hook part (252) can be positioned in corresponding locations in the left and right directions.

[0120] The first guide (not shown) and the hook (253) of the first hook part (251) placed on the first frame (241) are also placed in the same manner, so a redundant description is omitted. However, the hook (253) of the first hook part (251) closest to the refrigerant inlet (111a) may be placed from the right first frame (241a), and the first guide (not shown) closest to the refrigerant inlet (111a) may be placed from the left first frame (241a).

[0121] Accordingly, when the first and second assemblies (210, 220) are combined, the first hook portion (251) can be combined with the second guide (262), and the second hook portion (252) can be combined with the first guide (not shown).

[0122] The first and second assemblies (210, 220) may each be provided with the same shape. At this time, the second assembly (220) may be the first assembly (210) positioned by rotating it 180 degrees in the circumferential direction of the plurality of baffles (230).

[0123] Accordingly, a plurality of assemblies of a single shape can be manufactured and each assembly can be combined to form a structure (200).

[0124] Each of the multiple baffles (230) may include a first surface (234) facing the direction of flow of the refrigerant. The first surface (234) is a part where the refrigerant collides when the refrigerant is introduced. Each first surface (234) may include a first inclined portion (236) formed at an angle in the direction of flow of the refrigerant from the hole (233) toward the outside of the first surface (234).

[0125] As described above, the hole (233) is positioned at the center of the plurality of baffles (230), so that the thickness on the side of the hole (233) in the plurality of baffles (330) is the thickest, and the thickness on the outer surface side of the plurality of baffles (330) is formed to be the thinnest.

[0126] Each of the multiple baffles (230) may include a second surface (235) positioned opposite to the first surface (234). Each second surface (235) may include a second inclined portion (237) formed to be inclined in the direction of refrigerant flow from the hole (233) toward the outside of the second surface (235).

[0127] The first and second surfaces (234, 235) can be symmetrically arranged in a direction perpendicular to the flow direction of the refrigerant. Accordingly, each of the plurality of baffles (330) can be symmetrically formed in a direction perpendicular to the flow direction of the refrigerant.

[0128] Accordingly, when the structure (200) is inserted into the internal space (115), the first baffle (230a) can be inserted first, the eleventh baffle (230k) can be inserted first, or the structure can be inserted into the housing (110) in the same shape, regardless of the direction of insertion. Thus, the installability of the structure (200) can be improved.

[0129] Multiple baffles (230) can partition the internal space (115) in the direction of refrigerant flow.

[0130] The first baffle (230a) and the second baffle (230b) can form a first internal space (116a) closest to the refrigerant inlet (111a), and the second baffle (230b) and the third baffle (230c) can form a second internal space (116b) adjacent to the refrigerant inlet (111a) next to the first internal space (116a).

[0131] In this way, the unit internal space (116) can be divided into various numbers depending on the number of multiple baffles (230).

[0132] Below, the technical features of how the refrigerant is stabilized by the noise reduction device (100) are described in detail.

[0133] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating the flow of refrigerant in the refrigerant piping before it enters the noise reduction device shown in FIG. 2, FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a part of the noise reduction device shown in FIG. 2, and FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram illustrating the flow of refrigerant in the refrigerant piping after it has passed through the noise reduction device shown in FIG. 2.

[0134] As shown in FIG. 6, the refrigerant inside the first pipe (51) may have an irregular flow before entering the noise reduction device (100). The refrigerant may be formed as a two-phase refrigerant in a gaseous phase (G) and a liquid phase (L).

[0135] Since the flow velocity of the gas phase (G) is formed faster than the flow velocity of the liquid phase (L), the gas phase (G) contained in the liquid phase (L) flows irregularly within the liquid phase (L), which can generate noise inside the refrigerant pipe (50) and the indoor heat exchanger (40).

[0136] Noise may be generated inside the refrigerant pipe (50) and the indoor heat exchanger (40) by vibrations that may occur when the gaseous phase (G) irregularly collides with the refrigerant pipe (50) or the indoor heat exchanger (40) or irregularly passes through the refrigerant pipe (50) or the indoor heat exchanger (40).

[0137] As shown in Fig. 7, when the refrigerant (R) flows into the noise reduction device (100), it may collide with the first baffle (230a).

[0138] As described above, a hole (233) is formed at the center of the first baffle (230a), and the refrigerant (R1) with a faster flow rate among the refrigerants (R) can first pass through the hole (233) and flow into the first internal space (116a).

[0139] The refrigerant (R1) with a high flow rate can flow directly into the hole (233) without colliding with the first surface (234).

[0140] The refrigerant (R2) with a relatively slow flow rate may not be able to enter the hole (233) and may enter the hole (233) later than the refrigerant (R1) with a fast flow rate after colliding with the first surface (234).

[0141] In addition, some of the refrigerant (R3) with a slow flow rate (R2) can flow into the first internal space (115a) by passing through the gap (h) formed between the plurality of baffles (230) and the inner surface (114) after colliding with the first surface (234).

[0142] As described above, since the gaseous phase (G) has a faster flow rate than the liquid phase (L), the refrigerant (R1) with a faster flow rate can mostly be formed as the gaseous phase (G). However, some liquid phase (L) may also be included in the fast-flowing refrigerant (R1) along with the gaseous phase (G) and penetrate the hole (233).

[0143] The slow refrigerant (R2) can mostly be formed as a liquid phase (L). However, some gaseous phase (G) may be included in the slow refrigerant (R2), and the gaseous phase (G) included in the slow refrigerant (R2) may pass through the hole (233) before the other liquid phase (L) after colliding with the first surface (234).

[0144] Due to the first inclined portion (246) of the first surface (234), the slow refrigerant (R2) can induce additional collisions by flowing to the opposite side after colliding with the first surface (234). That is, by forming various collision angles of the refrigerant (R) by the first inclined portion (236), the refrigerant (R) can induce more collisions within the unit internal space (116), and accordingly, the slow refrigerant (R2) can be restricted from flowing into the hole (233) than the fast refrigerant (R1).

[0145] Afterwards, among the refrigerants (R) that flow into the first internal space (116a), the fast refrigerant (R1) can first flow into the second internal space (116b) through the hole (233) of the second baffle (230b). Also, among the refrigerants (R) that flow into the first internal space (116a), the slow refrigerant (R2) can flow into the second internal space (116b) later through the hole (233) after colliding with the first surface (234) of the second baffle (230b) or by penetrating through the gap (h).

[0146] As a plurality of baffles (230) are provided and a plurality of unit internal spaces (116) are formed accordingly, the process described above can be repeated continuously. Accordingly, the refrigerant (R) can be rectified so that the fast refrigerant (R1) is guided to flow from the center side in the direction of refrigerant flow, and the relatively slow refrigerant (R2) flows from the outside of the fast refrigerant (R1).

[0147] In this way, multiple baffles (330) can guide the refrigerant (R) so that the fast refrigerant (R1) flows intensively toward the center. As described above, the fast refrigerant (R1) is mainly formed in a gaseous phase (G), so that when the refrigerant (R) flows, the gaseous phase (G), which flows in an irregularly scattered state, can flow with only the center positioned therein.

[0148] Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 8, a rapidly flowing gaseous phase (G) can be arranged at the center of the refrigerant (R) in the direction of flow of the refrigerant, and the two phases can be regularly separated and flowed in a shape in which a liquid phase (G) surrounds the gaseous phase (G) on the outside of the gaseous phase (G).

[0149] That is, the refrigerant (R) flowing in the shape of a slug flow can flow in a stable phase-separated state while passing through the noise reduction device (100), and in particular, an annular flow state can be formed in which the gaseous phase (G) is positioned at the center and the liquid phase (L) flows around it.

[0150] A plurality of baffles (230) can be sequentially spaced apart at positions corresponding to the direction of flow of the refrigerant. Additionally, the holes (233) of the plurality of baffles (230) can also be sequentially spaced apart at positions corresponding to the direction of flow of the refrigerant. Accordingly, the gaseous phase (G) can be positioned more efficiently at the center of the refrigerant (R).

[0151] This is because if some of the holes among the multiple baffles (230) are positioned in locations that do not correspond to the direction of refrigerant flow, the gaseous phase (G) penetrating the center collides with some of the baffles and becomes scattered, making it difficult to form an annular flow.

[0152] In this way, the noise reduction device (100) can efficiently stabilize the flow of the refrigerant (R) even in a small internal space (115) by uniformly partitioning the gaseous phase (G) and liquid phase (L) of the refrigerant (R) to allow flow.

[0153] Hereinafter, a structure (300) of a noise reduction device (100) according to another embodiment of the present invention will be described. Since the configuration other than the structure (300) described below is identical to that of the noise reduction device (100) according to the above-described embodiment, redundant descriptions will be omitted.

[0154] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a structure of a noise reduction device for an air conditioner according to another embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a noise reduction device for an air conditioner according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0155] As illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 10, a plurality of baffles (330) may each include a rib (339) that is arranged to contact the inner surface (114) of the housing (110) on the outer surface (338) of the plurality of baffles (330).

[0156] Each rib (339) may be provided to protrude radially outward from the plurality of baffles (330) on the outer surface (338).

[0157] Each rib (339) may be provided in multiple numbers. Multiple ribs (339) may be spaced apart along the outer surface (338) of each baffle (330).

[0158] A gap (h) can be formed between the inner surface (114) and the plurality of baffles (330) by the height at which the rib (339) protrudes from the outer surface (338).

[0159] That is, the rib (339) can be arranged to form a gap (h) between the inner surface (114) and the plurality of baffles (330) so that a portion of the slow refrigerant (R2) flows along the gap (h).

[0160] A gap (h) may be formed between a plurality of baffles (230) and an inner surface (114) according to one embodiment of the present invention, but such a gap (h) can be seen as an installation gap provided to insert the structure (200) into the housing (110).

[0161] However, according to another embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of baffles (330) may include ribs (339) to form a large area of ​​separation (h), and accordingly, the amount of refrigerant (R3) flowing through the separation (h) among the refrigerant (R) may be increased, thereby improving the flowability of the refrigerant (R) inside the noise reduction device (100).

[0162] At this time, the refrigerant (R3) flowing through the separation (h) is formed mostly in the liquid phase (L) as described above, so even if the separation (h) distance is large, it does not hinder the guidance of separating the liquid phase (L) and the gas phase (G).

[0163] Hereinafter, a structure (400) of a noise reduction device (100) according to another embodiment of the present invention will be described. Since the configuration other than the structure (400) described below is identical to that of the noise reduction device (100) according to the above-described embodiment, redundant descriptions will be omitted.

[0164] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a structure of a noise reduction device for an air conditioner according to another embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 12 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a noise reduction device for an air conditioner according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0165] As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the first surface (434) and the second surface (435) of the plurality of baffles (440) may be formed parallel to each other rather than symmetrically formed in a direction orthogonal to the direction of flow of the refrigerant.

[0166] That is, the first slope (436) of the first surface (434) and the second slope (437) of the second surface (435) can each be formed to be sloped in the same direction.

[0167] Accordingly, the first slope portion (436) may be formed with a slope of a more varied angle than the first slope portion (236) of the structure (200) according to one embodiment of the present invention. The second slope portion (237) of the structure (200) according to one embodiment of the present invention is formed with a slope in the opposite direction to the first slope portion (236), and accordingly, the unit internal space (116) of the internal space (115) partitioned by the structure (200) may be narrowed.

[0168] That is, based on the unit internal space (116), the first inclined section (236) and the second inclined section (237) are each arranged to protrude in the direction in which the unit internal space (116) becomes narrower.

[0169] However, according to another embodiment of the present invention, the first inclined portion (436) and the second inclined portion (437) of the structure (400) are arranged parallel to each other so that the unit internal space (116) can be formed uniformly regardless of the inclination angle of each inclined portion (436, 437).

[0170] Accordingly, the inclination angles of the first inclination section (436) and the second inclination section (437) can be set to an optimized inclination angle so that the slow refrigerant (R2) can flow after sufficiently colliding in the unit internal space (115) without being limited by the size of the unit internal space (116).

[0171] Hereinafter, a structure (500) of a noise reduction device (100) according to another embodiment of the present invention will be described. Since the configuration other than the structure (500) described below is identical to that of the noise reduction device (100) according to the above-described embodiment, redundant descriptions will be omitted.

[0172] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a structure of a noise reduction device for an air conditioner according to another embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 14 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a noise reduction device for an air conditioner according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0173] As shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, the first surface (534) and the second surface (535) of the plurality of baffles (530) may be formed in a direction orthogonal to the direction of flow of the refrigerant.

[0174] That is, the first surface (534) and the second surface (535) may not include an inclined portion. If sufficient collision occurs in the unit internal space (116) even if the first surface (534) or the second surface (535) does not include an inclined portion, considering the flow velocity of the refrigerant, the first surface (534) or the second surface (535) may not include an inclined portion.

[0175] Hereinafter, a structure (600) of a noise reduction device (100) according to another embodiment of the present invention will be described. Since the configuration other than the structure (600) described below is identical to that of the noise reduction device (100) according to the above-described embodiment, redundant descriptions will be omitted.

[0176] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a structure of a noise reduction device for an air conditioner according to another embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 16 is an exploded perspective view of a part of the structure of a noise reduction device for an air conditioner according to another embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 17 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a noise reduction device for an air conditioner according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0177] As illustrated in FIGS. 15 to 17, the structure (600) may include a plurality of baffles (630) and a plurality of frames (640) formed on each of the plurality of baffles (630).

[0178] A plurality of frames (640) may each be provided to protrude backward from the first surface (634) of a plurality of baffles (630).

[0179] The first surface (634) may each include a first inclined portion (636) formed at an angle in the direction of refrigerant flow from the hole (633) toward the outside of the first surface (634). However, it is not limited thereto, and the first surface (634) may be provided to be perpendicular to the direction of refrigerant flow without including the first inclined portion (636).

[0180] A second surface (635) positioned on the opposite side of the first surface (634) may be positioned parallel to the first surface (634). Specifically, the first surface (634) and the second surface (635) may be positioned parallel to the direction in which the refrigerant flows. However, not limited thereto, the second surface (635) may be positioned symmetrically with respect to the first surface (634) in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the refrigerant flows.

[0181] It may include a second inclined portion (637) formed to be inclined toward the outer side of the second surface (635) in the direction of refrigerant flow. The second inclined portion (637) may be arranged parallel to the first inclined portion (636) in the direction of refrigerant flow. However, it is not limited thereto, and the second surface (636) may be arranged to be orthogonal to the direction of refrigerant flow without including the second inclined portion (637). Additionally, the second inclined portion (637) may be arranged symmetrically with respect to the first inclined portion (636) in a direction orthogonal to the direction of refrigerant flow.

[0182] Below, among the plurality of baffles (630) and the plurality of frames (640), the first baffle (630a) and the first frame (640a) formed on the first baffle (630a), and the second baffle (630b) and the second frame (640b) formed on the second baffle (630b) are described as examples. Since the plurality of baffles (630) are all formed identically, redundant descriptions are omitted.

[0183] It may be provided as a pair of first frames (640a). However, it is not limited thereto, and the first frames (640a) may be formed in three or more.

[0184] A pair of first frames (640a) may be arranged with a phase difference of approximately 180 degrees with respect to the circumferential direction of the first baffle (630a). However, the pair of first frames (640a) may be arranged with various phase differences, not limited thereto.

[0185] The first frame (640a) may include a first hook portion (641a) that can be hook-coupled with the second baffle (630b) and a first fixing groove (642a) to which the second baffle (630b) is fixed.

[0186] The first baffle (630a) and the second baffle (630b) can be coupled to each other in the direction of refrigerant flow. That is, the first hook portion (641a) can be hook-coupled to the second baffle (630b) in the direction of refrigerant flow so that the first baffle (630a) and the second baffle (630b) can be coupled.

[0187] The second baffle (603b) may include a second support groove (650b) that is hook-coupled with the first hook portion (641a) and fixed and supported in the first fixing groove (642a).

[0188] The first hook portion (641a) is hook-coupled with the second support groove (650b) so that the first baffle (630a) and the second baffle (630b) can be combined.

[0189] The second support groove (650b) can be provided in the same number as the first frame (640a). Therefore, the second support groove (650b) can be provided as a pair.

[0190] A pair of second support grooves (650b) may be arranged with a phase difference of approximately 180 degrees with respect to the circumferential direction of the second baffle (630b). However, the pair of second support grooves (650b) may be arranged with various phase differences, not limited thereto.

[0191] A pair of second support grooves (650b) can be positioned with a phase difference of approximately 90 degrees each with respect to the circumferential direction of a pair of second frames (640b) and second baffles (630b).

[0192] Accordingly, the first baffle (630a) and the second baffle (630b) can be combined with a phase difference of approximately 90 degrees with respect to the circumferential direction of the first baffle (630a).

[0193] That is, the first baffle (630a) and the second baffle (630b) are each provided with the same shape, and when the second baffle (630b) is coupled to the first baffle (630a), it can be coupled to the first baffle (630a) in a state rotated 90 degrees relative to the phase in which the first baffle (630a) is positioned.

[0194] In addition, the third baffle (630c) combined with the second baffle (630b) can be combined with the second baffle (630b) in the same phase as the first baffle (630a), and the fourth baffle (630d) can be combined with the third baffle (630c) in the same phase as the second baffle (630b).

[0195] In this way, a plurality of baffles (630) each include a frame (640) that can be combined with each baffle, and a hook portion (641) and a fixing groove (642) formed in the frame (640) can be hook-coupled with a support groove (650) of an adjacent baffle.

[0196] Accordingly, the structure (600) can be formed with various lengths based on the flow direction of the refrigerant as needed.

[0197] That is, when a small amount of baffles (630) are combined among multiple baffles (630), the length of the structure (600) can be formed to be small, and when a large amount of baffles (630) are combined, the length of the structure (600) can be formed to be long by the amount of baffles (630) being combined.

[0198] In addition, manufacturability can be improved as the unit baffles of the plurality of baffles (630) are all formed identically.

[0199] Hereinafter, a structure (700) of a noise reduction device (100) according to another embodiment of the present invention will be described. Since the configuration other than the structure (700) described below is the same as that of the noise reduction device (100) according to the above-described embodiment, redundant descriptions will be omitted.

[0200] FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a structure of a noise reduction device for an air conditioner according to another embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 19 is an exploded perspective view of a part of a structure of a noise reduction device for an air conditioner according to another embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 20 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a noise reduction device for an air conditioner according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0201] The structure (700) may include a plurality of baffles (730) and a frame (740) connecting the plurality of baffles (730).

[0202] A plurality of baffles (730) may include holes (733) provided to allow refrigerant to pass through.

[0203] Unlike the embodiments described above, the holes (733) can each be provided in multiple numbers.

[0204] In addition, unlike the embodiments described above, the frame (740) can support the plurality of baffles (730) at the center of the plurality of baffles (730).

[0205] Below, the first baffle (730a) and the second baffle (730b) among the plurality of baffles (730) are described as examples. Since the plurality of baffles (730) are all formed identically, redundant descriptions are omitted.

[0206] The first baffle (730a) may form a frame (740) and include a first insertion frame (741a) protruding from one side and a first receiving frame (742a) protruding from the opposite side of the first insertion frame (741a).

[0207] The first baffle (730) may include a plurality of holes (733) disposed on the outer side of the center where the frame (740) is placed. The plurality of holes (733) may be spaced apart in the circumferential direction of the first baffle (730). However, the plurality of holes (733) may be arranged in various ways, not limited thereto.

[0208] The second baffle (730b) may include a second insertion frame (741b) protruding from one side and a second receiving frame (742b) protruding from the opposite side of the second insertion frame (741b) to form a frame (740).

[0209] The first insertion frame (741a) of the first baffle (730a) can be inserted into the second receiving frame (742b) of the second baffle (730b). As the first insertion frame (741a) is inserted into the second receiving frame (742b), the first baffle (730a) and the second baffle (730b) can be combined.

[0210] Also, the third baffle (730c) can be combined with the second baffle (730b) in the same way.

[0211] In this way, the insertion frame (741) and the receiving frame (742) formed on the multiple baffles (730) can be combined to form the entire frame (740).

[0212] Accordingly, the structure (700) can be formed with various lengths based on the flow direction of the refrigerant as needed.

[0213] That is, when a small amount of baffles (730) are combined among multiple baffles (730), the length of the structure (700) can be formed to be small, and when a large amount of baffles (730) are combined, the length of the structure (700) can be formed to be long by the amount of baffles (730) being combined.

[0214] In addition, manufacturability can be improved as the unit baffles of the plurality of baffles (730) are all formed identically.

[0215] A structure (700) formed by combining multiple baffles (730) can be placed inside a housing (110).

[0216] Multiple baffles (730) can partition the internal space (115) of the housing (110).

[0217] A structure (700) according to another embodiment of the present invention, unlike the above-described structures (200, 300, 400, 500, 600), can stabilize the flow of the refrigerant (R) introduced into the noise reduction device (100) by introducing and mixing the refrigerant (R) into the partitioned internal space (115).

[0218] That is, the refrigerant (R) introduced through the refrigerant inlet (111a) collides with the first baffle (730a) and is mixed between the refrigerant inlet (111a) and the first baffle (730a), and then can flow to the second baffle (730b) through a plurality of holes (733) of the first baffle (730a).

[0219] The refrigerant in an unstable flow state forming the slug flow is introduced into the refrigerant inlet (111a) and is primarily mixed between the refrigerant inlet (111a) and the first baffle (730a).

[0220] Afterwards, the mixed refrigerant (R1) can be introduced into the first internal space (116a) through a plurality of holes (733) of the first baffle (730a).

[0221] The mixed refrigerant (R2) is secondarily mixed by colliding with the second baffle (730b) in the first internal space (116a) formed by the first baffle (730a) and the second baffle (730b). Afterward, the mixed refrigerant (R1) can have its flow stabilized as it continuously passes through a plurality of unit internal spaces (116) including the second internal space (116b) and the third internal space (116c).

[0222] That is, the gas phase of the Slug Flow can be broken down by mixing, thereby stabilizing the flow. Therefore, the refrigerant discharged through the refrigerant outlet (112a) can flow while generating uniform vibrations as the gas layer (G) and liquid layer (L) are uniformly mixed, so that noise can be reduced.

[0223] However, not limited thereto, the structure (700) may include a hollow formed inside the frame (740). Although not shown in the drawing, the frame (740) may each include a hollow provided so that a plurality of insert frames (741) and a plurality of receive frames (742) are connected to each other.

[0224] Accordingly, when a plurality of insert frames (741) and a plurality of receive frames (742) are assembled, the frame (740) may include a hollow formed inside the frame (740).

[0225] When a hollow is formed inside the frame (740) in this manner, the gaseous layer (G) of the refrigerant introduced into the housing (110) can flow through the hollow of the frame (740), and the liquid layer (L) of the refrigerant can flow through a plurality of holes (733) to achieve phase separation of the refrigerant.

[0226] This is a method corresponding to the method of separating the phases of the refrigerant (R) by the structure (200, 300, 400, 500, 600) according to one embodiment or another embodiment of the present invention described above.

[0227] Hereinafter, a structure (800) of a noise reduction device according to another embodiment of the present invention will be described. Since the configuration other than the structure (800) described below is identical to that of the noise reduction device (100) according to the above-described embodiment, redundant descriptions will be omitted.

[0228] FIG. 21 is an exploded perspective view of a noise reduction device and refrigerant piping of an air conditioner according to another embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 22 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a noise reduction device and refrigerant piping of an air conditioner according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0229] As illustrated in FIGS. 21 and 22, a noise reduction device according to another embodiment of the present invention may be formed with only a structure (800) without including a housing.

[0230] The structure (800) can be arranged to be inserted into the interior (52) of the refrigerant pipe (50).

[0231] The outer surface of the structure (800) can be provided with a size that corresponds to the inner diameter of the refrigerant pipe (50).

[0232] The refrigerant pipe (50) may include a first refrigerant pipe (51) connected to an expansion device (30) and a second pipe (50b) connected to the first refrigerant pipe (51) and connected to an indoor heat exchanger (40).

[0233] The first pipe (51) and the second pipe (50b) can be joined through a process such as welding.

[0234] The structure (800) may be inserted into the interior (52) of the second pipe (50b) before the first pipe (51) and the second pipe (52) are combined. However, it is not limited to this and may be inserted into the interior of the first pipe (51).

[0235] After the structure (800) is inserted into the interior (52) of the first pipe (51) or the second pipe (50b), the first pipe (51) or the second pipe (50b) can be joined.

[0236] Although not shown in the drawing, the structure (800) may include a connecting part (not shown) that is coupled to the inside of the refrigerant pipe (50) to maintain its position while inserted into the refrigerant pipe (50).

[0237] A connecting part (not shown) may be fitted into the interior (52) of the refrigerant pipe (50), including a diameter formed to be larger than the radius of the interior (52) of the refrigerant pipe (50). However, the connecting part (not shown) is not limited thereto and may be provided in various shapes.

[0238] Accordingly, the structure (800) can divide the interior (52) of the refrigerant pipe (50) into a plurality of unit spaces (54).

[0239] A plurality of baffles (830) of the structure (800) can divide the interior (52) of the refrigerant pipe (50) into a plurality of unit spaces (54).

[0240] At this time, the structure (800) may be formed in a shape corresponding to any one of the structure (200) according to one embodiment of the present invention described above and the structure (300, 400, 500, 600, 700) according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0241] Accordingly, the refrigerant flowing through the first pipe (51) can flow in a slug flow state, and as it passes through the structure (800), the phase inside the refrigerant is partitioned, and when it passes through the second pipe (50b), it can be introduced into the indoor heat exchanger (40) in an annular flow state.

[0242] Hereinafter, a noise reduction device (900) according to another embodiment of the present invention will be described. Except for the configuration of the noise reduction device (900) described below, the configuration is the same as that of the noise reduction device (100) according to the above-described embodiment, so redundant descriptions are omitted.

[0243] FIG. 23 is a refrigerant flow path diagram of an air conditioner according to another embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 24 is an exploded perspective view of the noise reduction device shown in FIG. 23, and FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the noise reduction device shown in FIG. 23.

[0244] As shown in FIG. 23, a plurality of indoor units (I1, I2, I3) can be connected to a single outdoor unit (O) in the air conditioner (1). Not limited to the drawings, the plurality of indoor units (I1, I2, I3) can be provided in four or more.

[0245] A compressor (10) and an outdoor heat exchanger (20) may be placed inside the outdoor unit (O).

[0246] Each of the multiple indoor units (I1, I2, I3) may be equipped with an expansion device (30), an indoor heat exchanger (40), and a noise reduction device (900).

[0247] Each component can be connected via a refrigerant pipe (70). The refrigerant pipe (70) can be branched into a number corresponding to a plurality of indoor units (I1, I2, I3). The refrigerant pipe (70) may include a first pipe (71) connected to the first indoor unit (I1) among the plurality of indoor units (I1, I2, I3), a second pipe (72) connected to the second indoor unit (I2), and a third pipe (73) connected to the third indoor unit (I3).

[0248] Although not shown in the drawing, the refrigerant piping (70) may include a refrigerant valve (not shown) provided to allow refrigerant to flow selectively in the first, second, and third pipes (71, 72, 73).

[0249] A refrigerant valve (not shown) is configured to prevent refrigerant from flowing into pipes (71, 72, 73) connected to indoor units (I1, I2, I3) that are not driven among the plurality of indoor units (I1, I2, I3) by selective opening and closing, and may be configured to allow refrigerant to flow only into pipes (71, 72, 73) connected to indoor units (I1, I2, I3) that are driven among the plurality of indoor units (I1, I2, I3).

[0250] A noise reduction device (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention is positioned between an expansion device (30) and an outdoor heat exchanger (40), but a noise reduction device (900) according to another embodiment of the present invention may be positioned between an outdoor heat exchanger (20) and an expansion device (30).

[0251] The refrigerant is first introduced into the noise reduction device (900) before entering the expansion device (30), and accordingly, the refrigerant can be introduced into the expansion device (30) in a stable state.

[0252] Accordingly, it is possible to reduce not only the noise that may occur when the refrigerant flows inside the indoor heat exchanger (40) but also the noise that may occur when it flows into the expansion device (30).

[0253] When multiple indoor units (I1, I2, I3) are connected to a single outdoor unit (O), the compressor (10) can be operated in the same way as when all of the multiple indoor units (I1, I2, I3) are operated, even if only some of the indoor units (I1, I2, I3) are operated.

[0254] When the refrigerant compressed in the compressor (10) flows into a plurality of indoor units (I1, I2, I3), some indoor units (I1, I2, I3) are not operated, so the cycle conditions of the refrigerant are formed differently, and accordingly, the subcooling degree of some refrigerant is insufficient, so the refrigerant can flow into the indoor units (I1, I2, I3) in a two-phase state.

[0255] A noise reduction device (900) of an air conditioner (1) according to another embodiment of the present invention is disposed in each of a plurality of indoor units (I1, I2, I3) and can reduce noise that may be generated as a two-phase refrigerant flows into the indoor units (I1, I2, I3) and through an expansion device (30) and an indoor heat exchanger (40).

[0256] That is, the noise reduction device (900) is configured to allow the refrigerant to flow in advance before it flows into the expansion device (30) and the indoor heat exchanger (40) inside the indoor unit (I1, I2, I3), thereby reducing noise.

[0257] Unlike the air conditioner (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention, the expansion device (30) of the air conditioner (1) according to another embodiment of the present invention may be placed inside each indoor unit (I1, I2, I3). In addition, the noise reduction device (900) of the air conditioner (1) may be placed inside each indoor unit (I1, I2, I3).

[0258] As illustrated in FIGS. 24 and 25, the noise reduction device (900) may include a housing (910) that includes a body (913) forming an exterior and includes a refrigerant inlet (911) and a refrigerant outlet (912).

[0259] The refrigerant inlet (911) is connected to the entire (71a) of the first pipe (71), and the refrigerant outlet (912) can be connected to the rear (71b) of the first pipe (71).

[0260] The body (913) may be provided in a cylindrical shape including a hollow. The body (913) may include an inner surface (914) forming a hollow and an internal space (915) of the hollow formed by the inner surface (914).

[0261] The noise reduction device (900) may include a structure (920) comprising a plurality of baffles (921) and a frame (922) supporting the plurality of baffles (921). The structure (920) may be provided to be inserted inside the housing (110). The structure (920) may be inserted into an internal space (915) formed on the inner surface (914) of the housing (910).

[0262] The structure (920) can be formed identically to any one of the structures (200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800) disclosed in the embodiments of the present invention described above.

[0263] The noise reduction device (900) may include a filter (930) provided to capture foreign substances in the refrigerant introduced into the refrigerant inlet (911).

[0264] The filter (930) may be placed between the refrigerant outlet (912) and the structure (920). However, it is not limited thereto, and the filter (930) may be placed between the refrigerant inlet (911) and the structure (920).

[0265] The filter (930) may include a mesh member. As the refrigerant passes through the mesh member, foreign substances in the refrigerant may be collected in the filter (930).

[0266] The refrigerant introduced into the refrigerant inlet (911) can have its flow stabilized as it passes through the structure (920) and foreign substances filtered out as it passes through the filter (930). Afterwards, it can be discharged from the noise reduction device (900) through the refrigerant outlet (912) and introduced into the expansion device (30).

[0267] The structure (920) and the filter (930) can be arranged in series in the direction in which the refrigerant flows within the internal space (915) of the noise reduction device (900).

[0268] The noise reduction device (900) may include a first fixing member (940) provided so that the structure (920) is fixed in the internal space (915).

[0269] The noise reduction device (900) may include a second fixing member (950) provided to fix the filter (930) in the internal space (915). The second fixing member (950) can fix not only the filter (930) but also the structure (920) in the internal space (915) at the same time.

[0270] The first and second fixed members (940, 950) can be positioned at the front and rear of the structure (920), respectively, in the direction of the flow of the refrigerant.

[0271] The first and second fixed members (940, 950) can each be provided in a ring shape.

[0272] The second fixing member (950) can be provided to fix the mesh member of the filter (930) so that the shape of the mesh member is maintained.

[0273] As described above, a filter configuration may be placed between the expansion device (30) and the outdoor heat exchanger (20) to prevent foreign substances on the refrigerant flowing into the expansion device (30) from entering the expansion device (30).

[0274] In the case of an air conditioner (1) according to another embodiment of the present invention, an indoor heat exchanger (40), an expansion device (30), and a noise reduction device (900) are all placed inside the indoor unit (I1, I2, I3), and the internal space of the indoor unit (I1, I2, I3) is narrow, so the installation capability of the filter configuration inside the indoor unit (I1, I2, I3) may be reduced.

[0275] That is, a filter configuration must be installed before the refrigerant flows into the expansion device (30), and the expansion device (30) is placed inside the indoor unit (I1, I2, I3). Accordingly, the filter configuration must be placed inside the indoor unit (I1, I2, I3), but the indoor heat exchanger (40) and the noise reduction device (900) configuration are placed inside the indoor unit (I1, I2, I3), so the installation of the filter configuration is not easy.

[0276] A noise reduction device (900) of an air conditioner (1) according to another embodiment of the present invention includes a filter (930) configuration in which foreign substances of the refrigerant are collected before the refrigerant flows into the expansion device (30), so there is no need to additionally install a filter in the indoor unit.

[0277] Accordingly, the efficiency of the space inside the indoor unit (I1, I2, I3) can be increased, and the cost of the indoor unit (I1, I2, I3) can be reduced as the number of parts of the indoor unit (I1, I2, I3) is reduced because no additional components are installed. Specific embodiments have been illustrated and described above. However, the invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and a person skilled in the art to which the invention belongs may make various modifications without departing from the gist of the technical concept of the invention as described in the following claims. Explanation of the symbols

[0278] 1 : Air conditioner 100 : Noise reduction device 110: Housing 111: Refrigerant inlet 112: Refrigerant outlet 113: Body 115 : Interior space 200 : Structure 210: 1st Assembly 220: 2nd Assembly 230 : Multiple baffles 233: Hole 234: Page 1 235: Page 2 236: 1st Slope Section 237: 2nd Slope Section 240 : Frame

Claims

Claim 1 A housing comprising a refrigerant inlet configured to allow refrigerant flowing in two phases, gaseous and liquid, to flow in, and a refrigerant outlet configured to allow refrigerant to flow out; and a plurality of baffles including a first baffle and a second baffle disposed inside the housing and partitioning a plurality of spaces inside the housing in the direction of refrigerant flow; wherein the first baffle and the second baffle each include a hole through which the refrigerant passes, the hole of the first baffle is disposed at the center of the first baffle, and the hole of the second baffle is disposed at the center of the second baffle, and the first baffle and the second baffle each include a first surface opposite to the direction of refrigerant flow and a second surface opposite to each of the first surfaces, wherein each of the first surfaces includes a first inclined portion inclined such that as it extends from the hole of the first baffle and the hole of the second baffle toward the perimeter of the first surface, it faces the direction of refrigerant flow and A noise reduction device including a second inclined section inclined toward the opposite direction. Claim 2 A noise reduction device according to claim 1, wherein the holes of the first baffle and the holes of the second baffle are each arranged on the same line in the direction of refrigerant flow. Claim 3 A noise reduction device according to claim 1, further comprising: a frame for fixing the plurality of baffles; wherein the frame comprises a first frame and a second frame that are arranged to be disposed inside the housing while the plurality of baffles are fixed to the frame, extend in the direction of refrigerant flow, and are each arranged to be separable in a direction perpendicular to the direction of refrigerant flow; wherein the plurality of baffles each comprise a first part and a second part that are each arranged to be separable in a direction perpendicular to the direction of refrigerant flow; wherein the first part of the plurality of baffles is each connected to the first frame, and the second part of the plurality of baffles is each connected to the second frame. Claim 4 In paragraph 3, the first part of the plurality of baffles and the first frame form a first assembly of the noise reduction device, the second part of the plurality of baffles and the second frame form a second assembly of the noise reduction device, and the plurality of baffles are arranged to be formed when the first assembly and the second assembly are combined. Claim 5 A noise reduction device according to claim 4, wherein the first assembly and the second assembly are each formed integrally, and the first assembly and the second assembly are formed in the same shape. Claim 6 A noise reduction device according to claim 4, wherein the first assembly includes a first hook portion that is hook-coupled to the second frame in a direction perpendicular to the direction of refrigerant flow when the first assembly and the second assembly are coupled in a direction perpendicular to the direction of refrigerant flow, and the second assembly includes a second hook portion that is hook-coupled to the first frame in a direction perpendicular to the direction of refrigerant flow when the first assembly and the second assembly are coupled in a direction perpendicular to the direction of refrigerant flow. Claim 7 A noise reduction device according to claim 6, wherein the first frame is provided as a pair, the first hook portion includes a plurality of hooks, and the plurality of hooks are alternately spaced apart from one of the first frames and another of the first frames in the direction of refrigerant flow. Claim 8 A noise reduction device according to claim 1, wherein the first baffle and the second baffle are each arranged such that a gap is formed between the outer surface of the first baffle and the second baffle and the inner surface of the housing, and a gaseous refrigerant with a high flow rate is arranged to flow through the through holes of the first baffle and the second baffle, and a liquid refrigerant with a low flow rate is arranged to flow through the gap. Claim 9 A noise reduction device according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of baffles further include a third baffle that is spaced apart from the first baffle and the second baffle in the direction of refrigerant flow and includes a hole through which the refrigerant passes, and the hole of the third baffle is positioned at a location corresponding to the hole of the first baffle and the second baffle in the direction of refrigerant flow, and the plurality of baffles each further include a frame extending in the direction of refrigerant flow so as to be coupled with an adjacent baffle among the plurality of baffles, the frame of the first baffle is coupled with the second baffle, and the frame of the second baffle is coupled with the third baffle, and with respect to the circumferential direction of the outer surface of the plurality of baffles, the first baffle and the third baffle are positioned in the same phase and the second baffle is positioned in a different phase from the first baffle and the third baffle. Claim 10 A noise reduction device according to claim 1, further comprising a filter provided to capture foreign substances in the refrigerant introduced through the refrigerant inlet. Claim 11 In item 10, the filter is a noise reduction device arranged in series with the plurality of baffles in the direction of refrigerant flow inside the housing. Claim 12 A noise reduction device according to claim 1, further comprising a refrigerant pipe connected to the refrigerant inlet and the refrigerant outlet, wherein the diameter of the holes of the first baffle and the second baffle is provided to be greater than or equal to 0.4 times the diameter of the refrigerant pipe and less than or equal to 3 times the diameter of the refrigerant pipe.

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