Air conditioner

Abstract

An air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises: a compressor for compressing a refrigerant; an outdoor heat exchanger for condensing the refrigerant compressed by the compressor; an indoor heat exchanger for evaporating the refrigerant condensed in the outdoor heat exchanger; a manifold through which the refrigerant compressed in the compressor flows into a plurality of flow paths of the outdoor heat exchanger; and a distributor in which the refrigerant discharged from the plurality of flow paths of the outdoor heat exchanger merges, and which guides the merged refrigerant to the indoor heat exchanger. The outdoor heat exchanger may include a plurality of piping parts that form the plurality of flow paths, an expansion device for depressurizing the refrigerant may be provided between the manifold and one of the plurality of piping parts, and a check valve for making the refrigerant flow in only one direction may be provided between the one piping part and the distributor.

Description

air conditioner

[0001] The present invention relates to an air conditioner.

[0002] An air conditioner is a device designed to maintain the air in a given space at the optimal condition for its intended use. Typically, an air conditioner comprises a compressor, a condenser, an expansion device, and an evaporator. The refrigeration cycle, which involves the compression, condensation, expansion, and evaporation of a refrigerant, is driven to cool or heat the space.

[0003] When an air conditioner performs cooling operation, the outdoor heat exchanger provided in the outdoor unit functions as a condenser, and the indoor heat exchanger provided in the indoor unit functions as an evaporator. On the other hand, when an air conditioner performs heating operation, the indoor heat exchanger functions as a condenser, and the outdoor heat exchanger functions as an evaporator.

[0004] Meanwhile, when the heating operation of the air conditioner is performed in an environment where the outdoor temperature is very low, there is a problem in that the condensate generated on the surface of the outdoor heat exchanger placed in the outdoor space freezes, thereby reducing the heating performance.

[0005] To solve this problem, a technology has been developed to prevent freezing of the evaporator by sending the high-temperature refrigerant that has passed through the condenser to the auxiliary heat exchanger at the bottom of the outdoor unit during heating operation.

[0006] However, in the case of conventional anti-icing technology, there is a problem that the size of the outdoor heat exchanger is limited for the installation of an auxiliary heat exchanger, which significantly reduces cooling and heating performance.

[0007] Additionally, there is a problem that the performance deteriorates due to the pressure drop in the refrigeration cycle as the supercooling stage becomes longer.

[0008] The present invention is proposed to improve the above problems.

[0009] An air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a compressor that compresses a refrigerant, an outdoor heat exchanger that condenses the refrigerant compressed by the compressor, and an indoor heat exchanger that evaporates the refrigerant condensed by the outdoor heat exchanger.

[0010] The above air conditioner further includes a manifold that introduces the refrigerant compressed in the compressor into a plurality of paths of the outdoor heat exchanger.

[0011] The above air conditioner further includes a distributor that combines refrigerants discharged from a plurality of passages of the outdoor heat exchanger and guides the combined refrigerant to the indoor heat exchanger.

[0012] The above outdoor heat exchanger includes a plurality of pipe sections forming the plurality of flow paths.

[0013] An expansion device for reducing the pressure of the refrigerant may be provided between any one of the plurality of pipe sections and the manifold.

[0014] A check valve may be provided between the above-mentioned one pipe section and the above-mentioned distributor to allow the refrigerant to flow in only one direction.

[0015] The above multiple pipe sections can be arranged spaced apart from each other in the vertical direction.

[0016] The above expansion device can be connected to a pipe section positioned at the lowest of the plurality of pipe sections.

[0017] The above check valve can be connected to a pipe section positioned at the lowest among the plurality of pipe sections.

[0018] The above plurality of pipe sections may include a first pipe section arranged at the lower end of the outdoor heat exchanger.

[0019] The above plurality of pipe sections may further include a second pipe section spaced upward from the first pipe section.

[0020] The above plurality of pipe sections may further include a third pipe section spaced upward from the second pipe section.

[0021] The above plurality of pipe sections may further include a fourth pipe section spaced upward from the third pipe section.

[0022] The above expansion device may be provided at a portion connecting the first pipe portion and the manifold.

[0023] The above manifold may include a header portion forming a refrigerant passage.

[0024] The manifold may further include a plurality of branch ports branching from the header portion into a plurality of paths and each connected to a plurality of pipe portions.

[0025] The above expansion device may be provided in a branch port connected to the first pipe section among the plurality of branch ports.

[0026] The above header portion can be formed to extend in the vertical direction.

[0027] The above multiple branch ports can be arranged spaced apart from each other in the vertical direction on the outer surface of the header portion.

[0028] The branch port connected to the above first pipe section may be a branch port positioned at the lowest among the plurality of branch ports.

[0029] The above multiple branch ports may include a first branch port connected to the first pipe section.

[0030] The above multiple branch ports may further include a second branch port spaced upward from the first branch port and connected to the third pipe section.

[0031] The above multiple branch ports may further include a third branch port spaced upward from the second branch port and connected to the fourth pipe section.

[0032] The above manifold may further include a header port for introducing compressed refrigerant into the header section.

[0033] The above header port may be positioned at a lower point than the first branch port.

[0034] The above distributor may include a first distributor that combines the refrigerants discharged from the first pipe section and the second pipe section and guides the combined refrigerant to the indoor heat exchanger.

[0035] The above distributor may further include a second distributor that combines the refrigerants discharged from the third pipe section and the fourth pipe section and guides the combined refrigerant to the second pipe section.

[0036] The above check valve may be provided between the first pipe section and the first distributor.

[0037] The above check valve can allow the flow of refrigerant from the first pipe section to the first distributor during cooling operation.

[0038] The above check valve can restrict the flow of refrigerant from the first distributor to the first pipe section during heating operation.

[0039] The above expansion device may include an expansion valve for regulating the pressure of the refrigerant through a capillary tube or an opening control for reducing the pressure of the refrigerant.

[0040] It may further include an expansion valve disposed between the outdoor heat exchanger and the indoor heat exchanger.

[0041] An air conditioner according to another embodiment of the present invention may include a compressor that compresses a refrigerant, an outdoor heat exchanger that condenses the refrigerant compressed by the compressor, an indoor heat exchanger that evaporates the refrigerant condensed by the outdoor heat exchanger, a manifold that introduces the refrigerant compressed by the compressor into a plurality of passages of the outdoor heat exchanger, and a distributor that combines the refrigerants discharged from the plurality of passages of the outdoor heat exchanger and guides the combined refrigerant to the indoor heat exchanger.

[0042] The above outdoor heat exchanger may include a plurality of pipe sections forming the plurality of flow paths.

[0043] An expansion device and a check valve may be provided between any one of the plurality of pipe sections and the distributor.

[0044] The above multiple pipe sections can be arranged spaced apart from each other in the vertical direction.

[0045] The above expansion device and the above check valve can be connected to a pipe section positioned at the lowest of the plurality of pipe sections.

[0046] The above plurality of pipe sections may include a first pipe section arranged at the lower end of the outdoor heat exchanger.

[0047] The above plurality of pipe sections may further include a second pipe section spaced upward from the first pipe section.

[0048] The above plurality of pipe sections may further include a third pipe section spaced upward from the second pipe section.

[0049] The above plurality of pipe sections may further include a fourth pipe section spaced upward from the third pipe section.

[0050] The above expansion device and the above check valve may be provided between the first pipe section and the distributor.

[0051] The above distributor may include a first distributor that combines the refrigerants discharged from the first pipe section and the second pipe section and guides the combined refrigerant to the indoor heat exchanger.

[0052] The above distributor may further include a second distributor that combines the refrigerants discharged from the third pipe section and the fourth pipe section and guides the combined refrigerant to the second pipe section.

[0053] The above expansion device and the above check valve may be provided between the first pipe section and the first distributor.

[0054] The above expansion device may be placed between the first pipe portion and the check valve.

[0055] The above check valve may be placed between the expansion device and the first distributor.

[0056] The above check valve can allow the flow of refrigerant from the first pipe section to the first distributor during cooling operation.

[0057] The above check valve can restrict the flow of refrigerant from the first distributor to the first pipe section during heating operation.

[0058] According to an embodiment of the present invention, an air conditioner having the above-described configuration has the following effects.

[0059] First, when the air conditioner is in heating operation in winter, the refrigerant does not flow to the lower part of the outdoor heat exchanger, so there is an advantage in that the lower part of the outdoor heat exchanger is prevented from freezing due to condensation.

[0060] Specifically, a check valve is provided between the pipe section located at the lower end of the outdoor heat exchanger and the distributor, so that refrigerant passing through the distributor during heating operation can be prevented from flowing into the lower end of the outdoor heat exchanger. Therefore, there is an advantage in that the lower end of the outdoor heat exchanger is prevented from accumulating and freezing.

[0061] Second, since an expansion device is installed between the outdoor heat exchanger and the manifold to control the flow rate of refrigerant, the volumetric flow rate of refrigerant flowing through the lower portion of the outdoor heat exchanger can increase. This increase in volumetric flow rate of refrigerant flowing through the lower portion of the outdoor heat exchanger has the advantage of maintaining a uniform temperature distribution throughout the outdoor heat exchanger during cooling operation, thereby maintaining pass balance.

[0062] Third, since an expansion device is provided between the lower part of the outdoor heat exchanger and the branch port of the manifold, the high temperature and high pressure gaseous refrigerant passes through the branch port during cooling operation, which has the advantage of preventing the phenomenon of liquid refrigerant accumulating in the branch port.

[0063] Fourth, since the header port of the manifold is positioned at a lower point than the branch port equipped with an expansion device, the refrigerant accumulated in the branch port can be strongly pushed out during cooling operation, and the gaseous refrigerant remaining in the branch port can be quickly sucked in during heating operation, thereby preventing the cooling and heating performance from being reduced due to refrigerant accumulation.

[0064] Fifth, during defrosting operation to defrost an outdoor heat exchanger, the refrigerant flows relatively more to the lower part of the outdoor heat exchanger than to the upper part, so there is an advantage of improving the defrosting performance of the outdoor heat exchanger.

[0065] Figure 1 is a piping diagram showing the flow of refrigerant during cooling operation of an air conditioner according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0066] Figure 2 is a piping diagram showing the flow of refrigerant during heating operation of an air conditioner according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0067] FIG. 3 is a drawing showing an outdoor heat exchanger and its surrounding configuration according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0068] Fig. 4 is an enlarged drawing showing the lower part of the outdoor heat exchanger of Fig. 3.

[0069] FIG. 5 is a piping diagram showing the flow of refrigerant flowing through an outdoor heat exchanger and its surrounding components during cooling operation of an air conditioner according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0070] Fig. 6 is a piping diagram showing the flow of refrigerant flowing through an outdoor heat exchanger and its surrounding components during heating operation of an air conditioner according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0071] FIG. 7 is a drawing showing an outdoor heat exchanger and its surrounding configuration according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0072] Fig. 8 is an enlarged drawing showing the lower part of the outdoor heat exchanger of Fig. 7.

[0073] Fig. 9 is a piping diagram showing the flow of refrigerant flowing through an outdoor heat exchanger and its surrounding components during cooling operation of an air conditioner according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0074] Fig. 10 is a piping diagram showing the flow of refrigerant flowing through an outdoor heat exchanger and its surrounding components during heating operation of an air conditioner according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0075] Fig. 11 is a piping diagram showing a temperature sensor for detecting a piping temperature according to a refrigerant flow during cooling operation of an air conditioner according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0076] Figure 12 is a graph showing the pipe temperature according to the refrigerant flow during cooling operation of an air conditioner according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0077] Fig. 13 is a diagram showing the pipe temperature according to the refrigerant flow according to the operating frequency of the compressor during cooling operation of the air conditioner according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0078] Fig. 14 is a piping diagram showing a temperature sensor for detecting a piping temperature according to a refrigerant flow during cooling operation of an air conditioner according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0079] Figure 15 is a graph showing the pipe temperature according to the refrigerant flow during cooling operation of an air conditioner according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0080] Figure 16 is a comparative drawing showing the freezing state of the lower part of the outdoor unit during heating operation and defrosting operation according to the present invention and the prior art.

[0081] Hereinafter, some embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to exemplary drawings. When designating components in the drawings, it should be noted that, where possible, identical components will be given the same reference numbers even if they appear in different drawings. Furthermore, when describing embodiments of the present invention, if a detailed description of a related known structure or function is deemed to hinder understanding of the embodiments of the present invention, the detailed description will be omitted.

[0082] FIG. 1 is a piping diagram showing the flow of refrigerant during cooling operation of an air conditioner according to a first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a piping diagram showing the flow of refrigerant during heating operation of an air conditioner according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0083] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, an air conditioner (10) according to a first embodiment of the present invention includes an outdoor unit (10), an indoor unit (20), and a refrigerant pipe (30) connecting the outdoor unit and the indoor unit.

[0084] The outdoor unit (10) and the indoor unit (20) may be fluidly connected by a fluid. For example, the fluid may include a refrigerant.

[0085] The outdoor unit (10) may be placed outside a building, and the indoor unit (20) may be placed inside a building. The indoor unit (20) may include multiple indoor units. In this case, the refrigerant pipe (30) may connect the outdoor unit (10) to each of the multiple indoor units.

[0086] The above indoor unit (20) may include an indoor heat exchanger (21) for heat exchange between the refrigerant and air.

[0087] The above indoor heat exchanger (21) can function as an evaporator when the cooling operation is performed to cool the indoor space, and can function as a condenser when the heating operation is performed to heat the indoor space.

[0088] The above indoor unit (20) may further include an indoor fan (22) that is placed on one side of the indoor heat exchanger (21) and blows air that exchanges heat with the indoor heat exchanger (21).

[0089] The above indoor unit (20) may further include a pipe temperature sensor (23) for detecting the pipe temperature of the indoor heat exchanger (21).

[0090] The above indoor unit (20) may further include an indoor temperature sensor (24) for detecting the temperature of the indoor space.

[0091] The above outdoor unit (10) may include a compressor (11), an outdoor heat exchanger (100), and an expansion valve (12).

[0092] The above compressor (11), outdoor heat exchanger (100), expansion valve (12) and indoor heat exchanger (21) are connected by the refrigerant pipe (30), and the refrigerant can perform compression, condensation, expansion and evaporation operations while circulating through the refrigerant pipe (30).

[0093] The above compressor (11) enables the gaseous refrigerant to be compressed at high temperature and high pressure.

[0094] The above compressor (11) may include a constant-speed compressor that rotates at a constant speed and compresses at a constant capacity, or an inverter compressor that can adjust the compression capacity by varying the rotation speed according to the load.

[0095] The above outdoor heat exchanger (100) is provided so that air and refrigerant exchange heat.

[0096] The above outdoor heat exchanger (100) can function as a condenser or an evaporator depending on the operating mode.

[0097] On one side of the outdoor heat exchanger (100), an outdoor fan (13) may be provided to blow air for heat exchange with the outdoor heat exchanger (16).

[0098] Depending on the operating mode of the above air conditioner (1), one of the outdoor heat exchanger (100) and the indoor heat exchanger (21) can function as a condenser and the other can function as an evaporator.

[0099] For example, when the air conditioner (1) performs cooling operation (cooling mode), the refrigerant compressed in the compressor (11) may be introduced into the outdoor heat exchanger (100) and condensed. Then, the condensed refrigerant may be introduced into the indoor heat exchanger (21) and evaporated.

[0100] That is, in the cooling mode of the indoor unit, the outdoor heat exchanger (100) can function as a “condenser” and the indoor heat exchanger (21) can function as an “evaporator”.

[0101] As another example, when the air conditioner (1) performs heating operation (heating mode), the refrigerant compressed in the compressor (11) may be introduced into the indoor heat exchanger (21) and condensed. Then, the condensed refrigerant may be introduced into the outdoor heat exchanger (100) and evaporated.

[0102] That is, in the heating mode of the indoor unit, the indoor heat exchanger (21) can function as a “condenser” and the outdoor heat exchanger (100) can function as an “evaporator”.

[0103] The above expansion valve (12) has the function of reducing the pressure of the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant pipe (30).

[0104] The above expansion valve (12) may be placed on one side of the outdoor heat exchanger (100). The expansion valve (12) may be placed between the outdoor heat exchanger (100) and the indoor heat exchanger (21).

[0105] The above outdoor unit (10) may further include a valve device (14) arranged on the outlet side of the compressor (11). The valve device (14) may include a four-way valve.

[0106] The above valve device (14) functions to send the refrigerant compressed in the compressor (11) to the indoor heat exchanger (21) or the outdoor heat exchanger (100). The above valve device (14) may have four ports for the input and output of the refrigerant.

[0107] The outdoor unit (10) may further include a check valve (15) for sending the refrigerant discharged from the outdoor heat exchanger (100) to the indoor unit (20).

[0108] The above check valve (15) may be a one-way valve that allows the refrigerant to flow in only one direction. The check valve (15) functions to limit the flow of the refrigerant discharged from the indoor heat exchanger (21) to the outdoor heat exchanger (100). The check valve (15) may be arranged between the outdoor heat exchanger (100) and the indoor heat exchanger (21).

[0109] The above outdoor unit (10) may further include a discharge refrigerant temperature sensor (16) for detecting the temperature of the refrigerant discharged from the compressor (11).

[0110] The above outdoor unit (10) may further include a pipe temperature sensor (17) for detecting the pipe temperature of the outdoor heat exchanger (100).

[0111] The above outdoor unit (10) may further include an outdoor temperature sensor (18) for detecting the temperature of the outdoor space.

[0112] The above refrigerant pipe (30) may include a suction pipe (31) that sucks refrigerant into the compressor (11).

[0113] The above suction pipe (31) can extend from the fourth port of the valve device (14) to the inlet side of the compressor (11). The refrigerant discharged from the valve device (14) can be sucked into the compressor (11) through the suction pipe (31).

[0114] The above refrigerant pipe (30) may further include a discharge pipe (32) that guides the refrigerant discharged from the compressor (11) to the valve device (14).

[0115] The above discharge pipe (32) can extend from the outlet side of the compressor (11) to the first port of the valve device (14). The refrigerant discharged from the compressor (11) can flow into the valve device (14) through the discharge pipe (32).

[0116] The above refrigerant pipe (30) may further include a first connecting pipe (33) extending from the valve device (14) to the outdoor heat exchanger (100).

[0117] The above first connecting pipe (33) can be connected from the second port of the valve device (14) to the inlet side of the outdoor heat exchanger (100).

[0118] The above refrigerant pipe (30) may further include a second connecting pipe (34) extending from the outdoor heat exchanger (100) to the expansion valve (12).

[0119] The above refrigerant pipe (30) may further include a third connecting pipe (35) extending from the expansion valve (12) to the indoor heat exchanger (21).

[0120] The above refrigerant pipe (30) may further include a fourth connecting pipe (36) extending from the indoor heat exchanger (21) to the third port of the valve device (14).

[0121] The above refrigerant pipe (30) may further include a composite pipe (37) extending from one side of the outdoor heat exchanger (100) to one point of the second connecting pipe (34).

[0122] The above-mentioned joint pipe (37) can be branched from the lower part of the outdoor heat exchanger (100) and connected to the joint point (38) of the second connecting pipe (34).

[0123] The check valve (15) may be installed in the above-mentioned joint pipe (37). The check valve (15) may be placed between the outdoor heat exchanger (100) and the joint point (38) of the second connecting pipe (34).

[0124] The above air conditioner (1) can perform cooling operation (cooling mode) or heating operation (heating mode) of the indoor unit.

[0125] When the above air conditioner (1) is operated in cooling mode (cooling operation of the indoor unit), the valve device (14) can be switched to the first valve mode so that the outdoor heat exchanger (100) can function as a condenser and the indoor heat exchanger (21) can function as an evaporator.

[0126] In detail, the air conditioner (1) can control the valve device (14) to fluidly connect the first port and the second port of the valve device (14), and fluidly connect the third port and the fourth port.

[0127] The refrigerant compressed in the compressor (11) may be introduced into the first port of the valve device (14) through the discharge pipe (32) and discharged through the second port. The refrigerant discharged from the valve device (14) may be introduced into the outdoor heat exchanger (100) through the first connection pipe (33) and condensed.

[0128] Some of the refrigerant condensed in the outdoor heat exchanger (100) may be depressurized by flowing into the expansion valve (12) through the second connecting pipe (34).

[0129] The remaining portion of the refrigerant condensed in the outdoor heat exchanger (100) flows through the check valve (15) along the combined pipe (37) to the junction point (38) of the second connecting pipe (34). The refrigerant flowing to the combined point (38) is combined with the refrigerant flowing through the second connecting pipe (34) and can be introduced into the expansion valve (12) to be decompressed.

[0130] The refrigerant that has passed through the expansion valve (12) and has been depressurized can be introduced into the indoor heat exchanger (21) through the third connecting pipe (35) and evaporated.

[0131] The refrigerant discharged from the indoor heat exchanger (21) flows into the third port of the valve device (14) through the fourth connecting pipe (36) and is discharged through the fourth port. Then, the refrigerant discharged from the valve device (14) is sucked into the compressor (11) through the suction pipe (31). This circulation of the refrigerant can be repeated.

[0132] When the above air conditioner (1) is operated in heating mode (heating operation of the indoor unit), the valve device (14) can be switched to the second valve mode so that the outdoor heat exchanger (100) can function as an evaporator and the indoor heat exchanger (21) can function as a condenser.

[0133] In detail, the air conditioner (1) can control the valve device (14) to fluidly connect the first port and the fourth port of the valve device (14), and fluidly connect the second port and the third port.

[0134] The refrigerant compressed in the compressor (11) can be introduced into the first port of the valve device (14) through the discharge pipe (32) and discharged through the fourth port. The refrigerant discharged from the valve device (14) can be introduced into the indoor heat exchanger (21) through the fourth connection pipe (36) and condensed.

[0135] The refrigerant condensed in the above indoor heat exchanger (21) can be depressurized by flowing into the expansion valve (12) through the third connecting pipe (35).

[0136] The refrigerant that has passed through the expansion valve (12) and has been depressurized can be introduced into the outdoor heat exchanger (100) through the second connecting pipe (34) and evaporated.

[0137] At this time, the refrigerant that has passed through the expansion valve (12) and has been depressurized can be restricted from flowing toward the combined pipe (37) by the check valve (15).

[0138] The refrigerant discharged from the outdoor heat exchanger (100) flows into the second port of the valve device (14) through the first connecting pipe (33) and is discharged through the third port. Then, the refrigerant discharged from the valve device (14) is sucked into the compressor (11) through the suction pipe (31). This circulation of the refrigerant can be repeated.

[0139] The above air conditioner (1) can perform a defrosting operation to defrost the outdoor heat exchanger (100).

[0140] The above-mentioned defrosting operation can be understood as an operation performed to prevent the outdoor heat exchanger (100) from freezing while the long-term heating operation is in operation.

[0141] The above-mentioned operation may be driven at regular time intervals or may be selectively driven according to the temperature detected by the pipe temperature sensor (17) of the outdoor heat exchanger (100).

[0142] The refrigerant circulation cycle of the above defrosting operation may be identical to the refrigerant circulation cycle of the above cooling operation. However, in the case of the defrosting operation, the driving frequency of the compressor (11) and the rotational speed of the outdoor fan (13) may be adjusted. When the defrosting operation is performed, high-temperature, high-pressure gaseous refrigerant is introduced into the outdoor heat exchanger (100), so that the surface of the outdoor heat exchanger (100) may be defrosted.

[0143] Fig. 3 is a drawing showing an outdoor heat exchanger and its surrounding components according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. 4 is a drawing showing an enlarged lower part of the outdoor heat exchanger of Fig. 3. Fig. 5 is a piping diagram showing the flow of refrigerant flowing through an outdoor heat exchanger and its surrounding components during cooling operation of an air conditioner according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. 6 is a piping diagram showing the flow of refrigerant flowing through an outdoor heat exchanger and its surrounding components during heating operation of an air conditioner according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0144] Referring to FIGS. 3 to 6, an outdoor heat exchanger (100) according to a first embodiment of the present invention may include a housing (110) forming an exterior, fins (120) arranged inside the housing (110) and transmitting heat, and a pipe (130) penetrating the fins (120) and providing a path for movement of refrigerant.

[0145] The housing (110) is placed inside the outdoor unit (10) and can be extended in a horizontal direction. The housing (110) can be configured in a shape corresponding to the outdoor unit (10).

[0146] The housing (110) may be installed on at least one of the four sides forming the side surface of the outdoor unit (10). The housing (110) may be installed on two of the four sides forming the side surface of the outdoor unit (10).

[0147] For example, when the outdoor unit (10) is formed as a rectangular solid, the housing (110) may include a straight portion (111, 113) formed in a straight shape and a curved portion (112) formed in a curved shape.

[0148] Specifically, the housing (110) may include a first straight portion (111) constituting one side of the housing (110), a curved portion (112) connected to the first straight portion (111) and bent at a predetermined angle, and a second straight portion (113) connected to the curved portion (112).

[0149] The first straight line portion (111) may face one of the four sides forming the side surface of the outdoor unit (10), and the second straight line portion (113) may face the other of the four sides forming the side surface of the outdoor unit (10).

[0150] The first straight portion (111), the curved portion (112), and the second straight portion (113) may have the same height. The first straight portion (111) may have a larger area than the second straight portion (113). For example, the angle between the first straight portion (111) and the second straight portion (113) may be 90 degrees.

[0151] The above pin (120) may be formed in a plate shape. For example, the above pin (120) may be formed in a square plate shape that is elongated in the vertical direction.

[0152] The above pins (120) may be configured in multiple pieces. The multiple pins (120) may be arranged parallel to each other inside the housing (110). The multiple pins (120) may be arranged parallel to each other in the longitudinal direction of the housing (110).

[0153] The above pipe part (130) may be arranged to penetrate between the plurality of fins (120). The pipe part (130) may be extended in the longitudinal direction of the housing (110) and may be bent multiple times. The pipe part (130) may be exposed in two rows at each end of the fin (120). When the outdoor heat exchanger (100) is viewed from the side, the pipe part (130) may be divided into a front pipe part arranged at the front and a rear pipe part located at the rear of the front pipe part.

[0154] The above pipe section (130) may be composed of multiple pieces. The multiple pipe sections (130) may be arranged to be spaced apart in the vertical direction based on the pin (120).

[0155] Specifically, the plurality of pipe sections (130) may include a first pipe section (131) arranged at the lower end of the outdoor heat exchanger (100), a second pipe section (132) spaced upward from the first pipe section (131), a third pipe section (133) spaced upward from the second pipe section (132), and a fourth pipe section (134) spaced upward from the third pipe section (133).

[0156] The above plurality of pipe sections (130) may further include a fifth pipe section (135) spaced upwardly from the fourth pipe section (134) and a sixth pipe section (136) spaced upwardly from the fifth pipe section (135).

[0157] The above first pipe section (131) is a pipe section located at the lowest end of the outdoor heat exchanger (100) and can be defined as the “lower end of the outdoor heat exchanger.”

[0158] The above-mentioned sixth pipe section (136) is a pipe section located at the top of the outdoor heat exchanger (100) and can be called the “upper part of the outdoor heat exchanger.”

[0159] In this embodiment, the plurality of pipe sections (130) may be configured in six pieces and spaced apart in the vertical direction. However, this is not limited to this, and the number of the plurality of pipe sections (130) may vary.

[0160] The above air conditioner (1) may further include a manifold (200) connected to one side of the outdoor heat exchanger (100). The manifold (200) may be connected to a front pipe portion exposed at the end of the fin (120).

[0161] The above air conditioner (1) may further include a distributor (300) connected to the other side of the outdoor heat exchanger (100). The distributor (300) may be connected to a rear pipe portion exposed at the end of the fin (120).

[0162] The above manifold (200) connects the valve device (14) and the outdoor heat exchanger (100). The manifold (200) can be connected to the second port of the valve device (14).

[0163] The above manifold (200) can be understood as a configuration in which refrigerant is introduced into multiple paths of the outdoor heat exchanger (100) during cooling operation, or refrigerant passing through the outdoor heat exchanger (100) is collected during heating operation.

[0164] Specifically, the manifold (200) may include a header portion (210) extending vertically, a header port (220) extending from one side of the header portion (210), and a branch port (230) branching into a plurality of paths from the other side of the header portion (220).

[0165] The header portion (210) forms a refrigerant path through which refrigerant flows. The header portion (210) may extend vertically and be positioned perpendicular to the ground. The header portion (210) may be positioned to face either end of the outdoor heat exchanger (100).

[0166] The above header port (220) extends from one side of the header portion (210) and is connected to the second port of the valve device (14).

[0167] The header port (220) may be formed at the lower end of the header portion (210). The header port (220) may be positioned at a lower point than the branch port (230). The header port (220) may extend radially from the lower outer circumference of the header portion (210). The header port (220) may be formed on the opposite side of the portion of the header portion (210) that faces the outdoor heat exchanger (100). That is, the header port (220) may extend in a direction away from the outdoor heat exchanger (100).

[0168] The branch port (230) extends from the other side of the header portion (210) and is connected to the piping portion (130) of the outdoor heat exchanger (100). The branch port (230) may be positioned at a higher point than the header port (220).

[0169] The branch port (230) may extend radially from the outer circumferential surface of the header portion (210). The branch port (230) may be formed in a portion of the header portion (210) facing the outdoor heat exchanger (100). That is, the branch port (230) may extend in a direction approaching the outdoor heat exchanger (100).

[0170] The above branch ports (230) may be formed in multiple numbers. The multiple branch ports (230) may be spaced apart from each other in the vertical direction from the outer circumferential surface of the header portion (210). The multiple branch ports (230) may be positioned at a higher point than the header port (220).

[0171] Specifically, the plurality of branch ports (230) may include a first branch port (231) connected to the first pipe section (131), a second branch port (232) connected to the third pipe section (133), and a third branch port (233) connected to the fourth pipe section (134).

[0172] The above multiple branch ports (230) may further include a fourth branch port (234) connected to the fifth pipe section (135) and a fifth branch port (235) connected to the sixth pipe section (136).

[0173] The first to fifth branch ports (231, 232, 233, 234, 235) can each extend in the same direction from the header portion (210).

[0174] The first to fifth branch ports (231, 232, 233, 234, 235) may be arranged so that at least a portion overlaps in the vertical direction.

[0175] The first branch port (231) may be positioned adjacent to the lower end of the header portion (210). The first branch port (231) may be positioned at a higher point than the header port (210). Some of the refrigerant flowing in the refrigerant passage of the header portion (210) may flow into the first pipe portion (131) through the first branch port (231).

[0176] The second branch port (232) may be positioned so as to be spaced apart from the first branch port (231) upwardly. Some of the refrigerant flowing in the refrigerant passage of the header section (210) may flow into the third pipe section (133) through the second branch port (232).

[0177] The third branch port (233) may be positioned so as to be spaced apart from the second branch port (232) upwardly. Some of the refrigerant flowing in the refrigerant passage of the header section (210) may flow into the fourth pipe section (134) through the third branch port (233).

[0178] The second branch port (232) and the third branch port (233) can be arranged adjacently in the vertical direction.

[0179] The fourth branch port (234) may be positioned so as to be spaced apart from the third branch port (233) upwardly. Some of the refrigerant flowing in the refrigerant passage of the header section (210) may flow into the fifth pipe section (135) through the fourth branch port (234).

[0180] The fifth branch port (235) may be positioned so as to be spaced apart from the fourth branch port (234) upwardly. Some of the refrigerant flowing in the refrigerant passage of the header section (210) may flow into the sixth pipe section (136) through the fifth branch port (235).

[0181] The above fourth branch port (234) and the above fifth branch port (235) can be arranged adjacently in the vertical direction.

[0182] The above distributor (300) connects the second connecting pipe (34) and the outdoor heat exchanger (100). The distributor (300) can be installed at the joining point (38) of Fig. 1.

[0183] The above distributor (300) can be understood as a configuration in which the refrigerant that has passed through the outdoor heat exchanger (100) is combined during cooling operation, or the refrigerant is distributed and introduced into the outdoor heat exchanger (100) during heating operation.

[0184] The above distributor (300) may include a first distributor (310) for distributing refrigerant to the first pipe section (131) and the second pipe section (132).

[0185] The above distributor (300) may further include a second distributor (320) for distributing the refrigerant discharged from the second pipe section (132) to the third pipe section (133), the fourth pipe section (134), the fifth pipe section (135), and the sixth pipe section (136).

[0186] The first distributor (310) may have one side connected to the second connecting pipe (34) and the other side connected to the first pipe section (131) and the second pipe section (132). The refrigerant discharged from the first pipe section (131) and the second pipe section (132) may be combined into the first distributor (310).

[0187] The above first distributor (310) may include a joint pipe (311) connecting one side of the first distributor (310) and the second connecting pipe (34).

[0188] The above first distributor (310) may further include a first branch pipe (312) connecting the other side of the first distributor (310) and the first pipe section (131).

[0189] The above first distributor (310) may further include a second branch pipe (313) connecting the other side of the first distributor (310) and the second pipe section (132).

[0190] The second distributor (320) may be connected on one side to the second pipe section (132), and on the other side to the third pipe section (133), the fourth pipe section (134), the fifth pipe section (135), and the sixth pipe section (136).

[0191] The refrigerants discharged from the third pipe section (133), the fourth pipe section (134), the fifth pipe section (135), and the sixth pipe section (136) can be combined into the second distributor (320). In addition, the refrigerant combined in the second distributor (320) can flow into the second pipe section (132), be discharged, and then flow into the first distributor (310).

[0192] The second distributor (320) may include a joint pipe (321) connecting one side of the second distributor (320) and the second pipe section (132).

[0193] The second distributor (320) may further include a first branch pipe (322) connecting the other side of the second distributor (320) and the third pipe section (133).

[0194] The above second distributor (320) may further include a second branch pipe (323) connecting the other side of the second distributor (320) and the fourth pipe section (134).

[0195] The second distributor (320) may further include a third branch pipe (324) connecting the other side of the second distributor (320) and the fifth pipe section (135).

[0196] The above second distributor (320) may further include a fourth branch pipe (325) connecting the other side of the second distributor (320) and the sixth pipe section (136).

[0197] Meanwhile, the check valve (15) may be placed between the outdoor heat exchanger (100) and the distributor (300).

[0198] Specifically, the check valve (15) may be placed between the pipe section (130) and the first distributor (310). The check valve (15) may be installed in the first branch pipe (312) of the first distributor (310) connecting the first pipe section (131) and the first distributor (310).

[0199] Here, the first branch pipe (312) may have a configuration corresponding to the combined pipe (37) of FIG. 1.

[0200] By the configuration in which the check valve (15) is installed in the first branch pipe (312) of the first distributor (310), the refrigerant passing through the first distributor (310) during heating operation cannot flow to the first pipe section (131) and can only flow to the second pipe section (132).

[0201] That is, during heating operation, the refrigerant discharged from the indoor heat exchanger (21) is restricted from flowing to the first pipe section (131) through the first distributor (310), so that the refrigerant does not flow to the lower portion of the outdoor heat exchanger (100), and thus no condensate is generated. Accordingly, the lower portion of the outdoor heat exchanger (100) can be prevented from freezing due to condensate.

[0202] The above air conditioner (1) may further include an expansion device (19) for controlling the flow rate of refrigerant flowing into the outdoor heat exchanger (100).

[0203] The expansion device (19) may be placed between the manifold (200) and the lower portion of the outdoor heat exchanger (100). Specifically, the expansion device (19) may be installed in the first branch port (231) connecting the manifold (200) and the first pipe portion (131).

[0204] The above expansion device (19) has a function of reducing the pressure of the refrigerant passing through the first branch port (231). The above expansion device (19) can perform supercooling of the refrigerant passing through the first branch port (231) during cooling operation.

[0205] For example, the expansion device (19) may include a capillary for reducing the pressure of the refrigerant.

[0206] As another example, the expansion device (19) may include an expansion valve that regulates the pressure of the refrigerant passing through it through opening control. The expansion valve may include an electronic expansion valve (EEV).

[0207] The above expansion device (19) can depressurize the refrigerant flowing into the first pipe section (131) through the first branch port (231).

[0208] In order to configure the expansion device (19) to be installed in the first branch port (231), the refrigerant passing through the first branch port (231) during cooling operation can be depressurized and flow into the first pipe section (231). In this process, the flow rate of the refrigerant flowing into the first branch port (231) can be controlled.

[0209] In the present invention, by controlling the flow rate of refrigerant flowing into the first branch port (231) to increase during cooling operation, the temperature distribution throughout the outdoor heat exchanger (100) can be made uniform. Accordingly, the pass balance of the outdoor heat exchanger (100) can be maintained, and the phenomenon of liquid refrigerant accumulating due to pressure loss within the first branch port (231) can be prevented.

[0210] The expansion device (19) and check valve (15) according to the present invention are configured to prevent the lower part of the outdoor heat exchanger (100) from freezing or accumulating freezing in winter, and can be called a “cumulative freezing prevention structure.”

[0211] FIG. 7 is a drawing showing an outdoor heat exchanger and its surrounding components according to a second embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 8 is a drawing showing an enlarged lower part of the outdoor heat exchanger of FIG. 7, FIG. 9 is a piping diagram showing the flow of refrigerant flowing through an outdoor heat exchanger and its surrounding components during cooling operation of an air conditioner according to a second embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 10 is a piping diagram showing the flow of refrigerant flowing through an outdoor heat exchanger and its surrounding components during heating operation of an air conditioner according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0212] This embodiment is otherwise identical to the first embodiment described above, with the only difference being the configuration of the manifold head port and the expansion device. Therefore, only the distinctive features of this embodiment will be described below, and the same parts as the first embodiment will be referenced.

[0213] Referring to FIGS. 7 to 10, an air conditioner (1) according to a second embodiment of the present invention may include an outdoor heat exchanger (100), a manifold (200) connected to one side of the outdoor heat exchanger (100), and a distributor (300) connected to the other side of the outdoor heat exchanger (100).

[0214] Since the above outdoor heat exchanger (100), the manifold (200), and the distributor (300) are identical to the configuration of the first embodiment described above, a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0215] However, in this embodiment, the check valve (15) and the expansion device (19) are characterized by being placed together between the first pipe section (130) and the first distributor (310).

[0216] Specifically, the air conditioner (1) according to the second embodiment of the present invention may include a check valve (15) for sending the refrigerant discharged from the lower portion of the outdoor heat exchanger (100) to the first distributor (310).

[0217] The above check valve (15) may be a one-way valve that allows the refrigerant to flow in only one direction. The check valve (15) functions to restrict the refrigerant discharged from the indoor heat exchanger (21) from flowing to the outdoor heat exchanger (100).

[0218] The above check valve (15) can be installed in the first branch pipe (312) of the first distributor (310) connecting the first pipe section (131) and the first distributor (310).

[0219] By the configuration in which the check valve (15) is installed in the first branch pipe (312) of the first distributor (310), the refrigerant passing through the first distributor (310) during heating operation cannot flow to the first pipe section (131) and can only flow to the second pipe section (132).

[0220] That is, during heating operation, the refrigerant discharged from the indoor heat exchanger (21) is restricted from flowing to the first pipe section (131) through the first distributor (310), so that the refrigerant does not flow to the lower portion of the outdoor heat exchanger (100), and thus no condensate is generated. Accordingly, the lower portion of the outdoor heat exchanger (100) can be prevented from freezing due to condensate.

[0221] The above air conditioner (1) may further include an expansion device (19) for controlling the flow rate of refrigerant flowing into the outdoor heat exchanger (100).

[0222] The expansion device (19) may be arranged between the lower portion of the outdoor heat exchanger (100) and the distributor (300). Specifically, the expansion device (19) may be installed in the first branch pipe (312) of the first distributor (310) connecting the first pipe portion (131) and the first distributor (310). That is, the expansion device (19) may be arranged in series with the check valve (15).

[0223] The above expansion device (19) may be placed between the first pipe part (131) and the check valve (15). And the check valve (15) may be placed between the expansion device (19) and the first distributor (310).

[0224] The above expansion device (19) has the function of reducing the pressure of the refrigerant passing through the first branch pipe (312).

[0225] For example, the expansion device (19) may include a capillary for reducing the pressure of the refrigerant.

[0226] As another example, the expansion device (19) may include an expansion valve that regulates the pressure of the refrigerant passing through it through opening control. The expansion valve may include an electronic expansion valve (EEV).

[0227] The above expansion device (19) can depressurize the refrigerant flowing into the first distributor (310) through the first branch pipe (312).

[0228] In order to configure the expansion device (19) to be installed in the first branch pipe (312), the refrigerant discharged from the first pipe section (131) during cooling operation may be depressurized while passing through the first branch pipe (312) and may flow into the first distributor (310). In this process, the flow rate of the refrigerant flowing into the first branch pipe (312) may be controlled.

[0229] Meanwhile, the manifold (200) according to the present embodiment is characterized in that the header port (220) is arranged at the middle point of the header section (210). That is, since the header port (220) is arranged at the middle point of the header section (210), there is an advantage in that the refrigerant introduced into the header port (220) during cooling operation can be evenly divided into a plurality of branch ports (231, 232, 233, 234, 235).

[0230] Fig. 11 is a piping diagram showing a temperature sensor for detecting a piping temperature according to a refrigerant flow during cooling operation of an air conditioner according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0231] Referring to Fig. 11, the air conditioner (1) according to the first embodiment of the present invention may be equipped with a temperature sensor for detecting the pipe temperature according to the refrigerant flow during cooling operation.

[0232] The above temperature sensor may include a first temperature sensor (P1) provided in the header port (220). The first temperature sensor (P1) may detect the temperature of the refrigerant passing through the header port (220) or the pipe temperature during cooling operation.

[0233] The above temperature sensor may further include a second temperature sensor (P2) provided in the header section (210). The second temperature sensor (P2) may detect the temperature of the refrigerant passing through the header section (210) or the pipe temperature during cooling operation.

[0234] The above temperature sensor may further include a third temperature sensor (P3) provided in the fifth branch port (235). The third temperature sensor (P3) can detect the temperature of the refrigerant passing through the fifth branch port (235) or the pipe temperature during cooling operation.

[0235] The above temperature sensor may further include a fourth temperature sensor (P4) provided in the sixth pipe section (136). The fourth temperature sensor (P4) can detect the temperature of the refrigerant passing through the sixth pipe section (136) or the pipe temperature during cooling operation.

[0236] The above temperature sensor may further include a fifth temperature sensor (P5) provided in the second branch pipe (313) of the first distributor (310). The fifth temperature sensor (P5) may detect the temperature of the refrigerant passing through the second branch pipe (313) of the first distributor (310) or the pipe temperature during cooling operation.

[0237] The above temperature sensor may further include a sixth temperature sensor (P6) provided in the second branch pipe (313) of the first distributor (310).

[0238] The sixth temperature sensor (P6) may be placed on the outlet side of the fifth temperature sensor (P5).

[0239] The above sixth temperature sensor (P6) can detect the temperature of the refrigerant passing through the fifth temperature sensor (P5) or the pipe temperature during cooling operation.

[0240] The above temperature sensor may further include a seventh temperature sensor (P7) provided in the joint pipe (311) of the first distributor (310). The seventh temperature sensor (P7) can detect the temperature of the refrigerant passing through the first distributor (310) or the pipe temperature during cooling operation.

[0241] The above first to seventh temperature sensors (P1 to P7) can be understood as sensors for detecting the temperature of the refrigerant passing through the sixth pipe section (136) of the outdoor heat exchanger (100) during cooling operation.

[0242] That is, the second to sixth temperature sensors (P2 to P6) can detect the temperature of the upper part of the outdoor heat exchanger (100) that functions as a condenser during cooling operation.

[0243] Additionally, the temperature sensor may further include an eighth temperature sensor (P2') provided in the first branch port (231).

[0244] The above eighth temperature sensor (P2') may be placed on the inlet side of the expansion device (19). The eighth temperature sensor (P2') may detect the temperature of the refrigerant or the pipe temperature before passing through the expansion device (19) during cooling operation.

[0245] The above temperature sensor may further include a ninth temperature sensor (P3') provided in the first branch port (231).

[0246] The ninth temperature sensor (P3') may be placed on the outlet side of the expansion device (19). The ninth temperature sensor (P3') may detect the temperature of the refrigerant passing through the expansion device (19) or the pipe temperature during cooling operation.

[0247] The above temperature sensor may further include a tenth temperature sensor (P4') provided in the first pipe section (131). The tenth temperature sensor (P4') may detect the temperature of the refrigerant passing through the first pipe section (131) or the pipe temperature during cooling operation.

[0248] The above temperature sensor may further include an 11th temperature sensor (P5') provided in the first branch pipe (312) of the first distributor (310).

[0249] The above 11th temperature sensor (P5') may be placed on the inlet side of the check valve (15). The 11th temperature sensor (P5') may detect the temperature of the refrigerant or the pipe temperature before passing through the check valve (15) during cooling operation.

[0250] The above temperature sensor may further include a 12th temperature sensor (P6') provided in the first branch pipe (312) of the first distributor (310).

[0251] The above 12th temperature sensor (P6') may be placed on the outlet side of the check valve (15). The 12th temperature sensor (P6') may detect the temperature of the refrigerant passing through the check valve (15) or the pipe temperature during cooling operation.

[0252] The first temperature sensor (P1), the seventh temperature sensor (P7), and the eighth to twelfth temperature sensors (P2' to P6') can be understood as sensors for detecting the temperature of the refrigerant passing through the first pipe section (131) of the outdoor heat exchanger (100) during cooling operation.

[0253] That is, the 8th to 12th temperature sensors (P2' to P6') can detect the temperature of the lower part of the outdoor heat exchanger (100) that functions as a condenser during cooling operation.

[0254] Figure 12 is a graph showing the pipe temperature according to the refrigerant flow during cooling operation of an air conditioner according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0255] The horizontal axis of the graph represents the position of the temperature sensor along the flow direction of the refrigerant, and the vertical axis of the graph represents the pipe temperature detected by each temperature sensor.

[0256] Referring to Figure 12, it can be confirmed that the temperature difference between the pipe temperature of the upper part of the condenser, i.e., the 6th pipe section (136), and the pipe temperature of the lower part of the condenser, i.e., the 1st pipe section (131) during cooling operation is relatively small.

[0257] This is because, in order to uniformly distribute the temperature throughout the outdoor heat exchanger (100), an expansion device (19) that controls the flow rate of the refrigerant is installed at the front end of the first pipe section (19).

[0258] Specifically, if the density of the refrigerant flowing through the pipe is high, the volumetric flow rate of the refrigerant may decrease, and if the density of the refrigerant flowing through the pipe is low, the volumetric flow rate of the refrigerant may increase.

[0259] In this embodiment, during cooling operation, the high-temperature, high-pressure gaseous refrigerant compressed by the compressor (11) may exist in a gaseous state before being condensed in the outdoor heat exchanger (100). Therefore, since the gaseous refrigerant has a lower density than the liquid refrigerant, the volumetric flow rate of the refrigerant passing through the expansion device (19) may increase.

[0260] As the volumetric flow rate of the refrigerant passing through the expansion device (19) increases, a relatively large amount of refrigerant flows to the lower portion of the condenser, where the temperature is relatively low, thereby reducing the temperature difference between the upper and lower portions of the condenser. Accordingly, the temperature distribution throughout the condenser becomes uniform, thereby maintaining the pass balance of the heat exchanger.

[0261] In addition, since the volume flow rate of the refrigerant passing through the expansion device (19) increases during cooling operation, there is an effect of preventing the phenomenon of liquid refrigerant accumulating within the first branch port (231).

[0262] In addition, since the header port (220) with a high refrigerant flow rate is positioned adjacent to a point lower than the first branch port (231), the refrigerant accumulated in the first branch port (231) can be strongly pushed out during cooling operation, and the gaseous refrigerant remaining in the first branch port (231) can be quickly sucked in during heating operation, thereby preventing the cooling and heating performance from being lowered due to the refrigerant accumulation phenomenon.

[0263] Fig. 13 is a diagram showing the pipe temperature according to the refrigerant flow according to the operating frequency of the compressor during cooling operation of the air conditioner according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0264] Referring to Figure 13, it can be seen that in the range of 10 Hz to 33 Hz, where the operating frequency of the compressor is relatively low during cooling operation, the temperature difference between the upper part of the condenser and the lower part of the condenser is not large.

[0265] However, in the range of 33 Hz to 77 Hz, where the compressor's operating frequency is relatively high during cooling operation, it can be seen that the temperature difference between the upper and lower parts of the condenser is large.

[0266] That is, when the compressor is driven at a high frequency, it means that more refrigerant flows to the lower part of the condenser than to the upper part, so there is an effect of improving the defrosting performance during defrosting operation for defrosting the outdoor heat exchanger.

[0267] Fig. 14 is a piping diagram showing a temperature sensor for detecting a piping temperature according to a refrigerant flow during cooling operation of an air conditioner according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0268] Referring to Fig. 14, an air conditioner (1) according to a second embodiment of the present invention may be equipped with a temperature sensor for detecting a pipe temperature according to a refrigerant flow during cooling operation.

[0269] The above temperature sensor may include a first temperature sensor (P1) provided in the header port (220). The first temperature sensor (P1) may detect the temperature of the refrigerant passing through the header port (220) or the pipe temperature during cooling operation.

[0270] The above temperature sensor may further include a second temperature sensor (P2) provided in the header section (210). The second temperature sensor (P2) may detect the temperature of the refrigerant passing through the header section (210) or the pipe temperature during cooling operation.

[0271] The above temperature sensor may further include a third temperature sensor (P3) provided in the fifth branch port (235). The third temperature sensor (P3) can detect the temperature of the refrigerant passing through the fifth branch port (235) or the pipe temperature during cooling operation.

[0272] The above temperature sensor may further include a fourth temperature sensor (P4) provided in the sixth pipe section (136). The fourth temperature sensor (P4) can detect the temperature of the refrigerant passing through the sixth pipe section (136) or the pipe temperature during cooling operation.

[0273] The above temperature sensor may further include a fifth temperature sensor (P5) provided in the second branch pipe (313) of the first distributor (310). The fifth temperature sensor (P5) may detect the temperature of the refrigerant passing through the second branch pipe (313) of the first distributor (310) or the pipe temperature during cooling operation.

[0274] The above temperature sensor may further include a sixth temperature sensor (P6) provided in the second branch pipe (313) of the first distributor (310).

[0275] The sixth temperature sensor (P6) may be placed on the outlet side of the fifth temperature sensor (P5).

[0276] The above sixth temperature sensor (P6) can detect the temperature of the refrigerant passing through the fifth temperature sensor (P5) or the pipe temperature during cooling operation.

[0277] The above temperature sensor may further include a seventh temperature sensor (P7) provided in the joint pipe (311) of the first distributor (310). The seventh temperature sensor (P7) can detect the temperature of the refrigerant passing through the first distributor (310) or the pipe temperature during cooling operation.

[0278] The above first to seventh temperature sensors (P1 to P7) can be understood as sensors for detecting the temperature of the refrigerant passing through the sixth pipe section (136) of the outdoor heat exchanger (100) during cooling operation.

[0279] That is, the second to sixth temperature sensors (P2 to P6) can detect the temperature of the upper part of the outdoor heat exchanger (100) that functions as a condenser during cooling operation.

[0280] Additionally, the temperature sensor may further include an eighth temperature sensor (P2') provided in the first branch port (231).

[0281] The above-mentioned eighth temperature sensor (P2') can detect the temperature of the refrigerant passing through the inlet side of the first branch port (231) or the pipe temperature during cooling operation.

[0282] The above temperature sensor may further include a ninth temperature sensor (P3') provided in the first branch port (231).

[0283] The ninth temperature sensor (P3') may be placed on the outlet side of the eighth temperature sensor (P2'). The ninth temperature sensor (P3') may detect the temperature of the refrigerant passing through the outlet side of the first branch port (231) or the pipe temperature during cooling operation.

[0284] The above temperature sensor may further include a tenth temperature sensor (P4') provided in the first pipe section (131). The tenth temperature sensor (P4') may detect the temperature of the refrigerant passing through the first pipe section (131) or the pipe temperature during cooling operation.

[0285] The above temperature sensor may further include an 11th temperature sensor (P5') provided in the first branch pipe (312) of the first distributor (310).

[0286] The above 11th temperature sensor (P5') may be placed on the inlet side of the expansion device (19). The 11th temperature sensor (P5') may detect the temperature of the refrigerant or the pipe temperature before passing through the expansion device (19) during cooling operation.

[0287] The above temperature sensor may further include a 12th temperature sensor (P6') provided in the first branch pipe (312) of the first distributor (310).

[0288] The above 12th temperature sensor (P6') may be placed on the outlet side of the check valve (15). The 12th temperature sensor (P6') may detect the temperature of the refrigerant or the pipe temperature that has passed through the expansion device (19) and the check valve (15) during cooling operation.

[0289] The first temperature sensor (P1), the seventh temperature sensor (P7), and the eighth to twelfth temperature sensors (P2' to P6') can be understood as sensors for detecting the temperature of the refrigerant passing through the first pipe section (131) of the outdoor heat exchanger (100) during cooling operation.

[0290] That is, the 8th to 12th temperature sensors (P2' to P6') can detect the temperature of the lower part of the outdoor heat exchanger (100) that functions as a condenser during cooling operation.

[0291] Figure 15 is a graph showing the pipe temperature according to the refrigerant flow during cooling operation of an air conditioner according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0292] The horizontal axis of the graph represents the position of the temperature sensor along the flow direction of the refrigerant in Fig. 14, and the vertical axis of the graph represents the pipe temperature detected by each temperature sensor.

[0293] Referring to Figure 15, it can be confirmed that the temperature difference between the pipe temperature of the upper part of the condenser, i.e., the 6th pipe section (136), and the pipe temperature of the lower part of the condenser, i.e., the 1st pipe section (131) during cooling operation is relatively large.

[0294] This is because an expansion device (19) that controls the flow rate of refrigerant is installed at the rear end of the first pipe section (19).

[0295] Specifically, if the density of the refrigerant flowing through the pipe is high, the volumetric flow rate of the refrigerant may decrease, and if the density of the refrigerant flowing through the pipe is low, the volumetric flow rate of the refrigerant may increase.

[0296] In this embodiment, during cooling operation, the high temperature and high pressure gaseous refrigerant compressed by the compressor (11) may become a high temperature and high pressure liquid refrigerant while passing through the outdoor heat exchanger (100). Therefore, since the liquid refrigerant has a higher density than the gaseous refrigerant, the volume flow rate of the refrigerant passing through the expansion device (19) may decrease.

[0297] If the volumetric flow rate of the refrigerant passing through the expansion device (19) decreases, a relatively small amount of refrigerant may flow into the lower portion of the condenser, resulting in a large temperature difference between the upper and lower portions of the condenser. Consequently, the temperature distribution throughout the condenser becomes uneven, resulting in poor pass balance in the heat exchanger.

[0298] Figure 16 is a comparative drawing showing the freezing state of the lower part of the outdoor unit during heating operation and defrosting operation according to the present invention and the prior art.

[0299] This comparative experiment was conducted in a laboratory chamber that simulated an outdoor environment during a snowy winter. The chamber's environmental conditions were -5°C and 95% relative humidity.

[0300] Referring to Fig. 16, in the conventional case, when the heating operation of the air conditioner is performed for a certain period of time, it can be confirmed that freezing (F) occurs at the lower part of the outdoor heat exchanger (100).

[0301] In contrast, in the case of the present invention, it can be confirmed that when the heating operation of the air conditioner is performed for a certain period of time, no freezing (F) occurs at the lower portion of the outdoor heat exchanger (100). That is, when the cumulative freezing prevention structure of the present invention is applied, the refrigerant does not flow at the lower portion of the outdoor heat exchanger (100), frost formation is suppressed, and cumulative freezing can be prevented.

[0302] Meanwhile, in the conventional case, when the defrosting operation of the air conditioner is performed for a certain period of time, there is a problem in that the defrosting is not completely completed up to the lower part of the outdoor heat exchanger (100).

[0303] In contrast, in the case of the present invention, when the defrosting operation of the air conditioner is performed for a certain period of time, there is an effect in which defrosting is completely achieved up to the lower part of the outdoor heat exchanger (100).

[0304] That is, when the cumulative freezing prevention structure of the present invention is applied, more refrigerant flows to the lower part than the upper part of the outdoor heat exchanger (100) that functions as a condenser during defrosting operation, so there is an advantage of improved defrosting performance.

Claims

1. A compressor that compresses the refrigerant; An outdoor heat exchanger that condenses the refrigerant compressed in the above compressor; An indoor heat exchanger that evaporates the refrigerant condensed in the outdoor heat exchanger; A manifold for introducing the refrigerant compressed in the compressor into a plurality of paths of the outdoor heat exchanger; and The refrigerant discharged from a plurality of paths of the outdoor heat exchanger is combined, and a distributor is included to guide the combined refrigerant to the indoor heat exchanger. The above outdoor heat exchanger includes a plurality of pipe sections forming the plurality of paths, An expansion device for reducing the pressure of the refrigerant is provided between one of the above-mentioned plurality of pipe sections and the manifold. An air conditioner having a check valve between the above-mentioned one pipe section and the above-mentioned distributor to allow the refrigerant to flow in only one direction.

2. In paragraph 1, The above-mentioned plurality of pipe sections are arranged spaced apart from each other in the vertical direction, An air conditioner in which the above expansion device is connected to a pipe section located at the lowest of the plurality of pipe sections.

3. In paragraph 1, The above-mentioned plurality of pipe sections are arranged spaced apart from each other in the vertical direction, The above check valve is an air conditioner connected to a pipe section located at the lowest among the plurality of pipe sections.

4. In paragraph 1, The above multiple pipe sections, A first pipe section arranged at the lower end of the above outdoor heat exchanger; A second pipe section spaced upward from the first pipe section; A third pipe section spaced upward from the second pipe section; and Including a fourth pipe section spaced upward from the third pipe section, An air conditioner in which the above expansion device is provided at a portion connecting the first pipe portion and the manifold.

5. In paragraph 4, The above manifold, A header portion forming a refrigerant passage; and It includes a plurality of branch ports branching from the above header portion into a plurality of paths and each connected to the plurality of pipe portions, An air conditioner in which the expansion device is provided in a branch port connected to the first pipe section among the plurality of branch ports.

6. In paragraph 5, The above header portion is formed by extending in the vertical direction, An air conditioner in which the above-mentioned plurality of branch ports are arranged spaced apart from each other in the vertical direction on the outer surface of the header portion.

7. In paragraph 6, An air conditioner in which the branch port connected to the first pipe section is a branch port located at the lowest position among the plurality of branch ports.

8. In paragraph 6, The above multiple branch ports are, A first branch port connected to the first pipe section; A second branch port spaced upwardly from the first branch port and connected to the third pipe section; and An air conditioner including a third branch port spaced upward from the second branch port and connected to the fourth pipe section.

9. In paragraph 8, The above manifold further includes a header port for introducing compressed refrigerant into the header section, An air conditioner wherein the above header port is positioned at a lower point than the first branch port.

10. In paragraph 4, The above distributor, A first distributor that combines the refrigerant discharged from the first pipe section and the second pipe section and guides the combined refrigerant to the indoor heat exchanger; and The refrigerant discharged from the third pipe section and the fourth pipe section is combined, and a second distributor is included to guide the combined refrigerant to the second pipe section. The above check valve is an air conditioner provided between the first pipe section and the first distributor.

11. In Article 10, The above check valve, During cooling operation, the flow of refrigerant from the first pipe section to the first distributor is permitted, An air conditioner that restricts the flow of refrigerant from the first distributor to the first pipe section during heating operation.

12. In paragraph 1, An air conditioner including an expansion valve for controlling the pressure of a refrigerant through a capillary tube or an opening control for reducing the pressure of the refrigerant, wherein the expansion device is a device.

13. In paragraph 1, An air conditioner further comprising an expansion valve disposed between the outdoor heat exchanger and the indoor heat exchanger.

14. Compressor for compressing refrigerant; An outdoor heat exchanger that condenses the refrigerant compressed in the above compressor; An indoor heat exchanger that evaporates the refrigerant condensed in the outdoor heat exchanger; A manifold for introducing the refrigerant compressed in the compressor into a plurality of paths of the outdoor heat exchanger; and The refrigerant discharged from a plurality of paths of the outdoor heat exchanger is combined, and a distributor is included to guide the combined refrigerant to the indoor heat exchanger. The above outdoor heat exchanger includes a plurality of pipe sections forming the plurality of paths, An air conditioner, wherein an expansion device and a check valve are provided between any one of the plurality of pipe sections and the distributor.

15. In paragraph 14, The above-mentioned plurality of pipe sections are arranged spaced apart from each other in the vertical direction, An air conditioner in which the above expansion device and the above check valve are connected to a pipe section located at the lowest among the plurality of pipe sections.

16. In paragraph 15, The above multiple pipe sections, A first pipe section arranged at the lower end of the above outdoor heat exchanger; A second pipe section spaced upward from the first pipe section; A third pipe section spaced upward from the second pipe section; and Including a fourth pipe section spaced upward from the third pipe section, An air conditioner in which the above expansion device and the above check valve are provided between the first pipe section and the distributor.

17. In paragraph 16, The above distributor, A first distributor that combines the refrigerant discharged from the first pipe section and the second pipe section and guides the combined refrigerant to the indoor heat exchanger; and The refrigerant discharged from the third pipe section and the fourth pipe section is combined, and a second distributor is included to guide the combined refrigerant to the second pipe section. An air conditioner in which the above expansion device and the above check valve are provided between the first pipe section and the first distributor.

18. In paragraph 17, An air conditioner wherein the expansion device is positioned between the first pipe section and the check valve.

19. In paragraph 17, An air conditioner wherein the above check valve is disposed between the expansion device and the first distributor.

20. In paragraph 17, The above check valve, During cooling operation, the flow of refrigerant from the first pipe section to the first distributor is permitted, An air conditioner that restricts the flow of refrigerant from the first distributor to the first pipe section during heating operation.

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