Rotary compressor and home appliance comprising same

Abstract

A home appliance according to one embodiment may comprise: a compressor for compressing a refrigerant; and a heat pump that includes a heat exchanger for condensing or evaporating the refrigerant by using the refrigerant compressed by the compressor. The compressor can include: a case including an intake port and a discharge port; a compression device for compressing the refrigerant flowing in from the intake port; and a driving device, which is disposed at one side of the compression device, and which is for driving the compression device. The compression device can include: a compression chamber providing a space in which the refrigerant is compressed; a suction port communicating with the intake port; and an insulation chamber positioned outside the compression chamber so as to be spatially separated from the compression chamber.

Description

Rotary compressors and home appliances containing the same

[0001] Various embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a rotary compressor and a home appliance including the same.

[0002] A compressor is a mechanical device that uses a motor or turbine to compress air, refrigerant, or other working gas to increase its pressure. Compressors are widely used across industries, and when used in a refrigeration cycle, they convert low-pressure refrigerant into high-pressure refrigerant, which is then delivered to a condenser. For example, compressors can be incorporated into various home appliances that incorporate heat pumps, such as air conditioners and refrigerators.

[0003] If compressors are broadly classified, they can be divided into a reciprocating compressor that compresses the refrigerant as the piston reciprocates linearly inside the cylinder by forming a compression space where the working gas is sucked and discharged between the piston and the cylinder; a scroll compressor that compresses the refrigerant as the orbiting scroll rotates along the fixed scroll by forming a compression space where the working gas is sucked and discharged between the orbiting scroll and the fixed scroll; and a rotary compressor that compresses the refrigerant as the rolling piston rotates eccentrically along the inner wall of the cylinder by forming a compression space where the working gas is sucked and discharged between the eccentrically rotating rolling piston and the cylinder.

[0004] Various embodiments of the present disclosure can reduce heat loss and improve volumetric efficiency of a rotary compressor.

[0005] In one embodiment, a home appliance may include a heat pump including a compressor configured to compress a refrigerant, and a heat exchanger configured to condense or evaporate the refrigerant using the refrigerant compressed from the compressor. The compressor may include a case including a suction port and a discharge port, a compression device configured to compress the refrigerant introduced from the suction port, and a driving device disposed on one side of the compression device and configured to drive the compression device. The compression device may include a compression chamber providing a space in which the refrigerant is compressed, a suction port communicating with the suction port, and an insulating chamber located outside the compression chamber so as to be spatially separated from the compression chamber.

[0006] According to various embodiments proposed in the present disclosure, a rotary compressor can reduce heat loss of the compressor by forming a bypass path through which some of the refrigerant passing through the suction port of the compression device can bypass, and by accommodating the refrigerant in a chamber provided outside the compression chamber.

[0007] The effects that can be obtained from the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned can be clearly derived and understood by those skilled in the art to which the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure pertain from the following description. In other words, unintended effects resulting from implementing the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure can also be derived by those skilled in the art from the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0008] Figure 1a is an external view of an air conditioner according to one embodiment.

[0009] Figure 1b is an external view of an air conditioner according to one embodiment.

[0010] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration related to a refrigerant cycle of an air conditioner according to one embodiment.

[0011] Figure 3 is a perspective view of a compressor according to one embodiment.

[0012] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of a compressor according to one embodiment.

[0013] Figure 5 is a top perspective view of a compression device according to one embodiment.

[0014] Figure 6 is a bottom perspective view of a compression device according to one embodiment.

[0015] Figure 7 is a top view of a compression device according to one embodiment.

[0016] Figure 8 is a perspective view of a first flange according to one embodiment.

[0017] Figure 9 is an exploded perspective view of a first flange according to one embodiment.

[0018] Figures 10a and 10b are perspective views of a first cylinder according to one embodiment.

[0019] Fig. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a compression device according to one embodiment.

[0020] Fig. 12 is a perspective view of a refrigerator according to one embodiment.

[0021] FIG. 13 is a schematic drawing for explaining a heat pump structure included in a refrigerator according to one embodiment.

[0022] Fig. 14 is a front perspective view of a clothes dryer according to one embodiment.

[0023] Fig. 15 is a cross-sectional view of a clothes dryer according to one embodiment.

[0024] The accompanying drawings are referenced in the following description, and specific examples of implementations are illustrated within the drawings. Furthermore, other examples may be utilized and structural changes may be made without departing from the scope of the various examples.

[0025] The various embodiments used to illustrate the principles of the present disclosure, as illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 15 below and in this patent document, are for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present disclosure in any way. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the principles of the present disclosure can be implemented in any appropriately arranged system or device.

[0026] It should be understood that the various embodiments and terms used in this document are not intended to limit the technical features described in this document to specific embodiments, but rather to include various modifications, equivalents, or substitutes of the embodiments.

[0027] In connection with the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components.

[0028] The singular form of a noun corresponding to an item may include one or more of said items, unless the relevant context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0029] In this document, each of the phrases "A or B", "at least one of A and B", "at least one of A or B", "A, B, or C", "at least one of A, B, and C", and "at least one of A, B, or C" may include any one of the items listed together in that phrase, or all possible combinations thereof.

[0030] The term "and / or" includes any combination of a plurality of related described elements or any one of a plurality of related described elements.

[0031] Terms such as "first," "second," or "first" or "second" may be used simply to distinguish one component from another and do not qualify the components in any other respect (e.g., importance or order).

[0032] When a component (e.g., a first component) is referred to as being "coupled" or "connected" to another component (e.g., a second component), with or without the terms "functionally" or "communicatively," it means that the component can be connected to the other component directly (e.g., wired), wirelessly, or through a third component.

[0033] The terms "include" or "have" are intended to specify the presence of a feature, number, step, operation, component, part or combination thereof described in this document, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts or combinations thereof.

[0034] When a component is said to be “connected,” “coupled,” “supported,” or “in contact with” another component, this includes not only cases where the components are directly connected, coupled, supported, or in contact, but also cases where the components are indirectly connected, coupled, supported, or in contact through a third component.

[0035] When we say that a component is "on" another component, this includes not only cases where the component is in contact with the other component, but also cases where there is another component between the two components.

[0036] An air conditioner according to various embodiments is a device that performs functions such as air purification, ventilation, humidity control, cooling or heating in an air-conditioned space (hereinafter referred to as “indoor”), and means a device equipped with at least one of these functions.

[0037] In one embodiment, an air conditioner may include a heat pump device to perform a cooling function or a heating function. The heat pump device may include a refrigeration cycle in which a refrigerant circulates along a compressor, a first heat exchanger, an expansion device, and a second heat exchanger. All components of the heat pump device may be housed in a single housing forming the exterior of the air conditioner, such as a window air conditioner or a portable air conditioner. On the other hand, some components of the heat pump device may be housed separately in multiple housings forming a single air conditioner, such as a wall-mounted air conditioner, a standing air conditioner, or a system air conditioner.

[0038] An air conditioner including a plurality of housings may include at least one outdoor unit installed outdoors and at least one indoor unit installed indoors. For example, the air conditioner may be configured such that one outdoor unit and one indoor unit are connected via a refrigerant pipe. For example, the air conditioner may be configured such that one outdoor unit is connected to two or more indoor units via refrigerant pipes. For example, the air conditioner may be configured such that two or more outdoor units and two or more indoor units are connected via a plurality of refrigerant pipes.

[0039] The outdoor unit can be electrically connected to the indoor unit. For example, information (or commands) for controlling the air conditioner can be input through an input interface provided on the outdoor or indoor unit, and the outdoor and indoor units can operate simultaneously or sequentially in response to user input.

[0040] The air conditioner may include an outdoor heat exchanger provided in the outdoor unit, an indoor heat exchanger provided in the indoor unit, and a refrigerant pipe connecting the outdoor heat exchanger and the indoor heat exchanger.

[0041] An outdoor heat exchanger can utilize a phase change (e.g., evaporation or condensation) of the refrigerant to exchange heat between the refrigerant and the outdoor air. For example, while the refrigerant condenses in the outdoor heat exchanger, it releases heat to the outdoor air, and while the refrigerant flowing in the outdoor heat exchanger evaporates, it absorbs heat from the outdoor air.

[0042] Indoor units are installed indoors. For example, indoor units can be categorized into ceiling-mounted, stand-alone, and wall-mounted types depending on their placement. For example, ceiling-mounted indoor units can be categorized into four-way, one-way, and duct-type indoor units depending on how air is discharged.

[0043] Similarly, an indoor heat exchanger can utilize the phase change of the refrigerant (e.g., evaporation or condensation) to exchange heat between the refrigerant and indoor air. For example, while the refrigerant evaporates in the indoor unit, the refrigerant can absorb heat from the indoor air. The cooled indoor air can then be blown through the cooled indoor heat exchanger, thereby cooling the room. Furthermore, while the refrigerant condenses in the indoor heat exchanger, the refrigerant can release heat to the indoor air. By blowing the heated indoor air through the high-temperature indoor heat exchanger, the room can be heated.

[0044] That is, the air conditioner performs a cooling or heating function through a phase change process of the refrigerant circulating between the outdoor heat exchanger and the indoor heat exchanger. To circulate the refrigerant, the air conditioner may include a compressor that compresses the refrigerant. The compressor can suck in refrigerant gas through the suction port and compress the refrigerant gas. The compressor can discharge the high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant gas through the discharge port. The compressor may be placed inside the outdoor unit.

[0045] The refrigerant may circulate through the refrigerant pipe in the order of a compressor, an outdoor heat exchanger, an expansion device, and an indoor heat exchanger, or in the order of a compressor, an indoor heat exchanger, an expansion device, and an outdoor heat exchanger.

[0046] For example, if an air conditioner has one outdoor unit and one indoor unit directly connected through a refrigerant pipe, the refrigerant may be arranged to circulate between one outdoor unit and one indoor unit through the refrigerant pipe.

[0047] For example, in an air conditioner, if one outdoor unit is connected to two or more indoor units via refrigerant pipes, the refrigerant can flow to multiple indoor units via refrigerant pipes branching from the outdoor unit. The refrigerant discharged from the multiple indoor units can be combined and circulated to the outdoor unit. For example, multiple indoor units can be directly connected in parallel to a single outdoor unit via separate refrigerant pipes.

[0048] Multiple indoor units can operate independently, each according to a user-defined operating mode. That is, some indoor units can operate in cooling mode, while others operate in heating mode. In this case, the refrigerant can be selectively introduced into each indoor unit at either high or low pressure along a designated circulation path via a flow-through valve, described later, and then discharged to the outdoor unit for circulation.

[0049] For example, when an air conditioner has two or more outdoor units and two or more indoor units connected through multiple refrigerant pipes, the refrigerant discharged from the multiple outdoor units may join and flow through a single refrigerant pipe, then branch off again at some point and flow into multiple indoor units.

[0050] Multiple outdoor units may all be operated, or at least some may not be operated, depending on the operating load of the multiple indoor units. In this case, the refrigerant may be introduced into the outdoor unit, which is selectively operated, through a flow switching valve and circulated there. The air conditioner may include an expansion device to reduce the pressure of the refrigerant flowing into the heat exchanger. For example, the expansion device may be located within the indoor unit, the outdoor unit, or both.

[0051] An expansion device can, for example, utilize a throttling effect to lower the temperature and pressure of the refrigerant. The expansion device may include an orifice capable of reducing the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path. Refrigerant passing through the orifice may experience a decrease in temperature and pressure.

[0052] The expansion device may be implemented as an electronic expansion device capable of controlling, for example, the opening ratio (the ratio of the cross-sectional area of ​​the valve's flow path when partially open to the cross-sectional area of ​​the valve's flow path when fully open). Depending on the opening ratio of the electronic expansion device, the amount of refrigerant passing through the expansion device can be controlled.

[0053] The air conditioner may further include a flow diverter valve positioned along the refrigerant circulation path. The flow diverter valve may include, for example, a four-way valve. The flow diverter valve may determine the refrigerant circulation path depending on the indoor unit's operating mode (e.g., cooling operation or heating operation). The flow diverter valve may be connected to the discharge port of the compressor.

[0054] The air conditioner may include an accumulator. The accumulator may be connected to the suction port of the compressor. The accumulator may receive low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant vaporized in an indoor heat exchanger or an outdoor heat exchanger.

[0055] The accumulator can separate the refrigerant liquid from the refrigerant gas when a refrigerant mixture of refrigerant liquid and refrigerant gas is introduced, and provide the refrigerant gas from which the refrigerant liquid has been separated to the compressor.

[0056] An outdoor fan may be installed near the outdoor heat exchanger. The outdoor fan may blow outdoor air to the outdoor heat exchanger to promote heat exchange between the refrigerant and the outdoor air.

[0057] The outdoor unit of the air conditioner may include at least one sensor. For example, the sensor of the outdoor unit may be provided as an environmental sensor. The outdoor unit sensor may be positioned at any location inside or outside the outdoor unit. For example, the outdoor unit sensor may include a temperature sensor for detecting the air temperature around the outdoor unit, a humidity sensor for detecting the air humidity around the outdoor unit, a refrigerant temperature sensor for detecting the refrigerant temperature of a refrigerant pipe passing through the outdoor unit, or a refrigerant pressure sensor for detecting the refrigerant pressure of a refrigerant pipe passing through the outdoor unit.

[0058] An outdoor unit of an air conditioner may include an outdoor unit communication unit. The outdoor unit communication unit may be configured to receive a control signal from a control unit of an indoor unit of the air conditioner, which will be described later. The outdoor unit may control the operation of a compressor, an outdoor heat exchanger, an expansion device, a flow switching valve, an accumulator, or an outdoor fan based on the control signal received through the outdoor unit communication unit. The outdoor unit may transmit a sensing value detected by an outdoor unit sensor to the control unit of the indoor unit through the outdoor unit communication unit.

[0059] The indoor unit of the air conditioner may include a housing, a blower for circulating air into or out of the housing, and an indoor heat exchanger for exchanging heat with air flowing into the interior of the housing.

[0060] The housing may include an intake port through which indoor air may be drawn into the interior of the housing.

[0061] The indoor unit of the air conditioner may include a filter that is provided to filter foreign substances in the air that flows into the housing through the intake port.

[0062] The housing may include an exhaust port. Air flowing within the housing may be discharged to the exterior of the housing through the exhaust port.

[0063] The housing of the indoor unit may be provided with an airflow guide that guides the direction of air discharged through the exhaust port. For example, the airflow guide may include blades positioned above the exhaust port. For example, the airflow guide may include an auxiliary fan for controlling the exhaust airflow. However, the airflow guide is not limited thereto and may be omitted.

[0064] An indoor heat exchanger and a blower may be provided inside the housing of the indoor unit, which are arranged on a path connecting the intake and exhaust ports.

[0065] The blower may include an indoor fan and a fan motor. For example, the indoor fan may include an axial fan, a diffusion fan, a crossflow fan, or a centrifugal fan.

[0066] An indoor heat exchanger may be positioned between the blower and the exhaust, or between the intake and the blower. The indoor heat exchanger may absorb heat from air drawn in through the intake or transfer heat to the air drawn in through the intake. The indoor heat exchanger may include heat exchange tubes through which refrigerant flows, and heat exchange fins in contact with the heat exchange tubes to increase the heat transfer surface area.

[0067] The indoor unit of the air conditioner may include a drain tray positioned below the indoor heat exchanger to collect condensate generated in the indoor heat exchanger. The condensate collected in the drain tray may be drained to the outside through a drain hose. The drain tray may be provided to support the indoor heat exchanger.

[0068] The indoor unit of the air conditioner may include an input interface. The input interface may include any type of user input means, including buttons, switches, a touch screen, and / or a touch pad. The user can directly input setting data (e.g., desired indoor temperature, operating mode settings for cooling / heating / dehumidification / air purification, outlet selection settings, and / or air flow settings) through the input interface.

[0069] The input interface may also be connected to an external input device. For example, the input interface may be electrically connected to a wired remote controller. The wired remote controller may be installed at a specific location in an indoor space (e.g., a portion of a wall). A user may input configuration data regarding the operation of the air conditioner by operating the wired remote controller. Electrical signals corresponding to the configuration data obtained through the wired remote controller may be transmitted to the input interface. In addition, the input interface may include an infrared sensor. A user may remotely input configuration data regarding the operation of the air conditioner using a wireless remote controller. The configuration data input through the wireless remote controller may be transmitted to the input interface as an infrared signal.

[0070] Additionally, the input interface may include a microphone. A user's voice command may be acquired through the microphone. The microphone may convert the user's voice command into an electrical signal and transmit the converted electrical signal to an indoor unit control unit. The indoor unit control unit may control components of the air conditioner to execute a function corresponding to the user's voice command. Setting data acquired through the input interface (e.g., desired indoor temperature, operation mode settings for cooling / heating / dehumidification / air purification, outlet selection settings, and / or air volume settings) may be transmitted to the indoor unit control unit, which will be described later. In one example, the setting data acquired through the input interface may be transmitted externally, i.e., to an outdoor unit or a server, through an indoor unit communication unit, which will be described later.

[0071] The indoor unit of the air conditioner may include a power module. The power module may be connected to an external power source to supply power to the components of the indoor unit.

[0072] An indoor unit of an air conditioner may include an indoor unit sensor. The indoor unit sensor may be an environmental sensor positioned in a space inside or outside the housing. For example, the indoor unit sensor may include one or more temperature sensors and / or humidity sensors positioned in a predetermined space inside or outside the housing of the indoor unit. For example, the indoor unit sensor may include a refrigerant temperature sensor for detecting a refrigerant temperature of a refrigerant pipe passing through the indoor unit. For example, the indoor unit sensor may include respective refrigerant temperature sensors for detecting the inlet, middle, and / or outlet temperatures of the refrigerant pipe passing through the indoor heat exchanger.

[0073] For example, each environmental information detected by an indoor unit sensor can be transmitted to the indoor unit control unit described later or transmitted externally through the indoor unit communication unit described later.

[0074] The indoor unit of the air conditioner may include an indoor unit communication unit. The indoor unit communication unit may include at least one of a short-range communication module and a long-range communication module. The indoor unit communication unit may include at least one antenna for wireless communication with other devices. The outdoor unit may include an outdoor unit communication unit. The outdoor unit communication unit may also include at least one of a short-range communication module and a long-range communication module.

[0075] The short-range wireless communication module may include, but is not limited to, a Bluetooth communication module, a BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) communication module, a near field communication module, a WLAN (Wi-Fi) communication module, a Zigbee communication module, an infrared (IrDA, infrared Data Association) communication module, a WFD (Wi-Fi Direct) communication module, an UWB (ultrawideband) communication module, an Ant+ communication module, a microwave (uWave) communication module, etc.

[0076] The long-distance communication module may include a communication module that performs various types of long-distance communication and may include a mobile communication unit. The mobile communication unit transmits and receives wireless signals with at least one of a base station, an external terminal, and a server on a mobile communication network.

[0077] The indoor unit communication unit can communicate with external devices such as servers, mobile devices, and other home appliances through a nearby access point (AP). The access point (AP) can connect a local area network (LAN) to which the air conditioner or user device is connected to a wide area network (WAN) to which the server is connected. The air conditioner or user device can be connected to the server through the wide area network (WAN). The indoor unit of the air conditioner may include an indoor unit control unit that controls components of the indoor unit, including a blower, etc. The outdoor unit of the air conditioner may include an outdoor unit control unit that controls components of the outdoor unit, including a compressor, etc. The indoor unit control unit can communicate with the outdoor unit control unit through the indoor unit communication unit and the outdoor unit communication unit. The outdoor unit communication unit can transmit control signals generated by the outdoor unit control unit to the indoor unit communication unit, or transmit control signals transmitted from the indoor unit communication unit to the outdoor unit control unit. In other words, the outdoor unit and the indoor unit can communicate bidirectionally. The outdoor unit and the indoor unit can transmit and receive various signals generated during the operation of the air conditioner.

[0078] The outdoor unit control unit can be electrically connected to components of the outdoor unit and can control the operation of each component. For example, the outdoor unit control unit can adjust the frequency of the compressor and control the flow switching valve to change the circulation direction of the refrigerant. The outdoor unit control unit can adjust the rotation speed of the outdoor fan. In addition, the outdoor unit control unit can generate a control signal to adjust the opening degree of the expansion device. Under the control of the outdoor unit control unit, the refrigerant can circulate along a refrigerant circulation circuit including the compressor, the flow switching valve, the outdoor heat exchanger, the expansion device, and the indoor heat exchanger.

[0079] The various temperature sensors included in the outdoor and indoor units can transmit electrical signals corresponding to the detected temperatures to the outdoor unit control unit and / or the indoor unit control unit. For example, the humidity sensors included in the outdoor and indoor units can transmit electrical signals corresponding to the detected humidity to the outdoor unit control unit and / or the indoor unit control unit.

[0080] The indoor unit control unit can obtain user input from a user device, including a mobile device, via the indoor unit communication unit, and can obtain user input directly through the input interface or via a remote controller. The indoor unit control unit can control components of the indoor unit, including a blower, in response to the received user input. The indoor unit control unit can transmit information regarding the received user input to the outdoor unit control unit of the outdoor unit.

[0081] The outdoor unit control unit can control the components of the outdoor unit, including the compressor, based on information regarding user input received from the indoor unit. For example, when a control signal corresponding to a user input for selecting an operation mode, such as cooling operation, heating operation, ventilation operation, defrosting operation, or dehumidification operation, is received from the indoor unit, the outdoor unit control unit can control the components of the outdoor unit so that the air conditioner performs an operation corresponding to the selected operation mode.

[0082] The outdoor unit control unit and the indoor unit control unit may each include a processor and a memory. The indoor unit control unit may include at least one first processor and at least one first memory, and the outdoor unit control unit may include at least one second processor and at least one second memory.

[0083] The memory can store / remember various information necessary for the operation of the air conditioner. The memory can store instructions, applications, data, and / or programs necessary for the operation of the air conditioner. For example, the memory can store various programs for cooling, heating, dehumidifying, and / or defrosting operations of the air conditioner. The memory can include volatile memory, such as Static Random Access Memory (S-RAM) and Dynamic Random Access Memory (DRAM), for temporarily storing data. In addition, the memory can include nonvolatile memory, such as Read Only Memory (ROM), Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory (EPROM), and Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory (EEPROM), for storing data for a long period of time.

[0084] The processor can generate control signals for controlling the operation of the air conditioner based on instructions, applications, data, and / or programs stored in memory. The processor, as hardware, may include logic circuits and arithmetic circuits. The processor can process data according to programs and / or instructions provided from the memory and generate control signals based on the processing results. The memory and the processor may be implemented as a single control circuit or as multiple circuits.

[0085] An indoor unit of an air conditioner may include an output interface. The output interface is electrically connected to the indoor unit control unit and can output information related to the operation of the air conditioner under the control of the indoor unit control unit. For example, information such as an operating mode selected by a user input, wind direction, wind volume, and temperature may be output. Additionally, the output interface may output sensing information obtained from an indoor unit sensor or an outdoor unit sensor, as well as warning / error messages.

[0086] The output interface may include a display and a speaker. The speaker, as an audio device, can output various sounds. The display may display information input by the user or information provided to the user using various graphic elements. For example, operation information of an air conditioner may be displayed as at least an image or text. The display may also include an indicator that provides specific information. The display may include a liquid crystal display panel (LCD), a light emitting diode panel (LED), an organic light emitting diode panel (OLED), a micro LED panel, and / or a plurality of LEDs.

[0087] Fig. 1a is an external view of an air conditioner according to one embodiment. Fig. 1b is an external view of an air conditioner according to one embodiment.

[0088] FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B are examples for explaining the types of air conditioners, and the scope of the present disclosure is not limited to the types of air conditioners illustrated.

[0089] Referring to FIGS. 1a and 1b, an air conditioner (100a, 100b) may include an outdoor unit (110a, 110b) and an indoor unit (120a, 120b). The outdoor unit (110a, 11b) may be installed in an outdoor space and may perform heat exchange between outdoor air and a refrigerant. The indoor unit (120a, 120b) may be installed in an indoor space and may perform heat exchange between indoor air and a refrigerant.

[0090] The outdoor units (110a, 110b) may be located outside the air-conditioned space. The indoor units (120a, 120b) may be located within the air-conditioned space. The air-conditioned space may refer to a space that is cooled or heated by the air-conditioning units (100a, 100b). For example, the air-conditioned space may be an indoor space.

[0091] For example, the outdoor unit (110a, 110b) may be placed outside a building. For example, the indoor unit (120a, 120b) may be placed in a space separated from the outside by a wall, such as a living room or office.

[0092] Fig. 1a illustrates an air conditioner (100a) of a stand-alone air conditioner type, and Fig. 1b illustrates an air conditioner (100b) of a system air conditioner type. The refrigerant circulation structure of the heat pump of the present disclosure, which will be described later, and the structure of the compressor included in the heat pump can be included not only in the air conditioners (100a, 100b) of the types illustrated in Figs. 1a and 1b, but also in various other types of air conditioners.

[0093] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration related to a refrigerant cycle of an air conditioner according to one embodiment.

[0094] In Fig. 2, an air conditioner (200), which is one of the home appliances, is used as an example to explain.

[0095] Referring to FIG. 2, the air conditioner (200) may include a heat pump (230). The refrigerant cycle of the air conditioner (200) may be performed by the heat pump (230). The air conditioner (200) illustrated in FIG. 2 may be substantially identical to the air conditioner (100a or 100b) of FIG. 1a or FIG. 1b. The heat pump (230) of the air conditioner (200) illustrated in FIG. 2 may be included in the air conditioner (100a or 100b) of FIG. 1a or FIG. 1b.

[0096] According to one embodiment, the air conditioner (200) may include a refrigerant passage for circulating refrigerant between an outdoor unit (210) and an indoor unit (220). The refrigerant circulates between the indoor unit (220) and the outdoor unit (210) along the refrigerant passage, and may absorb or release heat through a state change (e.g., a state change from gas to liquid, a state change from liquid to gas).

[0097] According to one embodiment, the air conditioner (200) may include a liquid pipe (P1) and a gas pipe (P2) provided to circulate refrigerant. The liquid pipe (P1) may be a pipe connecting an outdoor unit (210) and an indoor unit (220) and serving as a passage through which liquid refrigerant flows. The gas pipe (P2) may be a pipe connecting an outdoor unit (210) and an indoor unit (220) and serving as a passage through which gaseous refrigerant flows. The liquid pipe (P1) and the gas pipe (P2) may extend into the interior of the outdoor unit (210) and the indoor unit (220), respectively.

[0098] According to one embodiment, the heat pump (230) may include at least one of a compressor (231), an outdoor heat exchanger (232), an indoor heat exchanger (233), a four-way valve (234), an expansion device (235), or an accumulator (236). The compressor (231) may be configured to compress a refrigerant. The outdoor heat exchanger (232) may perform heat exchange between outdoor air and the refrigerant. The indoor heat exchanger (233) may perform heat exchange between indoor air and the refrigerant. The four-way valve (234) may be configured to guide the refrigerant compressed by the compressor (231) to the outdoor heat exchanger (232) or the indoor heat exchanger (233) based on a cooling operation or a heating operation. The expansion device (235) may be configured to depressurize the refrigerant. The accumulator (236) may be configured to prevent unevaporated liquid refrigerant from flowing into the compressor (231).

[0099] According to one embodiment, the compressor (231) can operate by receiving electrical energy from an external power source. The compressor (231) includes a compressor motor (e.g., a driving device (320) of FIG. 4) and can compress a low-pressure gaseous refrigerant to a high-pressure gas using the rotational force of the compressor motor (e.g., a driving device (320) of FIG. 4). A detailed description of the compressor (231) will be described below with reference to FIG. 3.

[0100] In one embodiment, the four-way valve (234) may be adjusted to guide the refrigerant compressed in the compressor (231) to the outdoor heat exchanger (232) during cooling operation. In one embodiment, the four-way valve (234) may be adjusted to guide the refrigerant compressed in the compressor (231) to the indoor heat exchanger (233) during heating operation.

[0101] According to one embodiment, the outdoor heat exchanger (232) can condense the refrigerant compressed by the compressor (231) during a cooling operation. According to one embodiment, the outdoor heat exchanger (232) can evaporate the refrigerant depressurized in the indoor unit (220) (or the indoor heat exchanger (233)) during a heating operation. The outdoor heat exchanger (232) can include outdoor heat exchanger cooling fins to increase the surface area where the outdoor heat exchanger refrigerant tubes through which the refrigerant passes contact the outdoor air. When the surface area where the outdoor heat exchanger refrigerant tubes contact the outdoor air is increased, the heat exchange efficiency between the refrigerant and the outdoor air can be improved.

[0102] In one embodiment, the air conditioner (200) may include an outdoor blower fan (240). In one embodiment, the outdoor unit (210) may include an outdoor blower fan (240). The outdoor blower fan (240) may be disposed around the outdoor heat exchanger (232) to cause outdoor air to flow to the outdoor heat exchanger (232). Here, the outdoor air may refer to air outside the outdoor unit (210). The outdoor blower fan (240) may blow outdoor air before heat exchange to the outdoor heat exchanger (232). The outdoor blower fan (240) may blow air that has exchanged heat with the outdoor heat exchanger (232) outdoors.

[0103] In one embodiment, the expansion device (235) can depressurize the refrigerant. In one embodiment, the expansion device (235) can also adjust the amount of refrigerant provided from the outdoor heat exchanger (232) so that sufficient heat exchange can occur in the outdoor heat exchanger (232). For example, the expansion device (235) can depressurize the refrigerant by utilizing the throttling action of the refrigerant, in which the pressure of the refrigerant decreases without heat exchange with the outside when the refrigerant passes through a narrow passage. An electronic expansion valve (EEV) with adjustable opening can be used to adjust the amount of refrigerant passing through the expansion device (235).

[0104] In one embodiment, the indoor heat exchanger (233) can evaporate low-pressure liquid refrigerant during cooling operation. In one embodiment, the indoor heat exchanger (233) can condense high-pressure gaseous refrigerant during heating operation. The indoor heat exchanger (233), like the outdoor heat exchanger (232) of the outdoor unit (210), can include an indoor heat exchanger refrigerant tube through which refrigerant passes and indoor heat exchanger cooling fins to improve heat exchange efficiency between the refrigerant and indoor air.

[0105] In one embodiment, the air conditioner (200) may include an indoor blower fan (250). In one embodiment, the indoor unit (220) may include an indoor blower fan (250). The indoor blower fan (250) may be disposed around the indoor heat exchanger (233) to cause indoor air to flow to the indoor heat exchanger (233). Here, the indoor air may refer to air outside the indoor unit (220). The indoor blower fan (250) may blow indoor air before heat exchange to the indoor heat exchanger (233). The indoor blower fan (250) may blow air that has exchanged heat with the indoor heat exchanger (233) into the room.

[0106] In one embodiment, during cooling operation, the refrigerant may release heat from the outdoor heat exchanger (232) and absorb heat from the indoor heat exchanger (233). For example, during cooling operation, the refrigerant compressed by the compressor (231) may first be supplied to the outdoor heat exchanger (232) through the four-way valve (234) and then supplied to the indoor heat exchanger (233). In this case, the outdoor heat exchanger (232) may operate as a condenser that condenses the refrigerant. The indoor heat exchanger (233) may operate as an evaporator that evaporates the refrigerant.

[0107] According to one embodiment, during cooling operation, the high-temperature, high-pressure gaseous refrigerant discharged from the compressor (231) moves to the outdoor heat exchanger (232), the liquid or near-liquid refrigerant condensed in the outdoor heat exchanger (232) is expanded and depressurized in the expansion device (235), and the two-phase refrigerant passing through the expansion device (235) can move to the indoor heat exchanger (233). The refrigerant introduced into the indoor heat exchanger (233) can be evaporated through heat exchange with air. Therefore, the temperature of the heat-exchanged air is lowered, and cold air can be discharged to the outside of the indoor unit (220).

[0108] In one embodiment, during heating operation, the refrigerant may release heat from the indoor heat exchanger (233) and absorb heat from the outdoor heat exchanger (232). For example, during heating operation, the refrigerant compressed by the compressor (231) may first be supplied to the indoor heat exchanger (233) through the four-way valve (234) and then supplied to the outdoor heat exchanger (232). In this case, the indoor heat exchanger (233) may operate as a condenser that condenses the refrigerant. The outdoor heat exchanger (232) may operate as an evaporator that evaporates the refrigerant.

[0109] According to one embodiment, during heating operation, the high-temperature, high-pressure gaseous refrigerant discharged from the compressor (231) moves to the indoor heat exchanger (233), and the high-temperature, high-pressure gaseous refrigerant passing through the indoor heat exchanger (233) can exchange heat with low-temperature air. The refrigerant releases heat as it condenses into a liquid or near-liquid refrigerant, and as the air absorbs the heat, warm air can be discharged to the outside of the indoor unit (220).

[0110] Fig. 3 is a perspective view of a compressor according to one embodiment. Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a compressor according to one embodiment. Fig. 5 is a top perspective view of a compression device according to one embodiment. Fig. 6 is a bottom perspective view of a compression device according to one embodiment. Fig. 7 is a top view of a compression device according to one embodiment.

[0111] The compressor (300) illustrated in FIGS. 3 to 7 may be substantially identical to the compressor (e.g., the compressor (231) illustrated in FIG. 2) of the air conditioner (e.g., the air conditioner (200) illustrated in FIG. 2) of FIG. 2. The compressor (300) illustrated in FIGS. 3 to 7 may be included in the air conditioner (200) illustrated in FIG. 2. The configuration of the compressor (300) illustrated in FIGS. 3 to 7 may be included in the compressor (231) of the air conditioner (200) illustrated in FIG. 2.

[0112] Referring to FIGS. 3 to 7, the compressor (300) may include a case (310), a driving device (320), a compression device (330), and a rotating shaft (340). The case (310) may be formed to accommodate the driving device (320) and the compression device (330) therein.

[0113] According to one embodiment, the case (310) may include an intake port (311) and a discharge port (312). The intake port (311) may be a port through which gaseous refrigerant passing through an accumulator (e.g., the accumulator (236) of FIG. 2) flows in. The discharge port (312) may be a port through which refrigerant compressed by a compression device (330) flows out.

[0114] According to one embodiment, the driving device (320) may be disposed within the case (310) to drive the compression device (330).

[0115] According to one embodiment, the drive device (320) may include a rotor (321) and a stator (322). The rotor (321) may be arranged to surround a portion of a rotational axis (340). The stator (322) may rotatably support the rotor (321).

[0116] According to one embodiment, a rotational shaft (340) may be arranged to connect a driving device (320) and a compression device (330). The rotational shaft (340) may be rotated by the driving device (320). The rotated rotational shaft (340) may be configured to transmit rotational power to the compression device (330). The rotational shaft (340) may be arranged to penetrate, for example, a portion of the compression device (330). One end of the rotational shaft (340) may be located, for example, within a compression chamber (331) of the compression device (330) to be described later.

[0117] According to one embodiment, the rotary shaft (340) can be coupled to a rolling piston (335) disposed within the compression chamber (331). The rotary shaft (340) can transmit the rotational force of the driving device (320) to the rolling piston (335).

[0118] According to one embodiment, the compression device (330) may include at least one of a compression chamber (331), an intake port (3321), or an insulating chamber (333). The compression chamber (331) may be a space formed to compress refrigerant.

[0119] According to one embodiment, the suction port (3321) may be connected to the suction port (311) of the case (310). Low-pressure gaseous refrigerant introduced through the suction port (311) may be introduced into the compression chamber (331) through the suction port (3321). The low-pressure gaseous refrigerant introduced into the compression chamber (331) may be compressed to a high-temperature and high-pressure state and then discharged to the outside.

[0120] According to one embodiment, the insulating chamber (333) may be formed on the outside of the compression chamber (331). The insulating chamber (333) may be spatially separated from the compression chamber. The insulating chamber (333) may be located, for example, at least on one of the upper or lower sides of the compression chamber (331). The conductive thermal resistance of the insulating chamber (333) may be relatively greater than the conductive thermal resistance of the flange (334) described later. The insulating chamber (333) may be arranged around the compression chamber (331) to increase the conductive thermal resistance around the compression chamber (331).

[0121] A high temperature may be formed in the space between the case (310) and the compression device (330) due to the high temperature and high pressure discharged refrigerant. If the high temperature heat outside the compression device (330) heats the compression chamber (331), heat loss may increase and volumetric efficiency may decrease accordingly. In the present disclosure, by forming an insulating chamber (333) of empty space around the compression chamber (331), the conductive heat resistance of the compression device (330) (e.g., flange (334)) can be increased. As a result, the degree to which the temperature of the compression chamber (331) increases due to heat from outside the compression device (330) can be reduced, and the heat loss can be reduced, thereby improving volumetric efficiency.

[0122] According to one embodiment, the compression device (330) may include at least one of a cylinder (332), a flange (334), or a rolling piston (335).

[0123] In one embodiment, a compression chamber (331) may be arranged inside the cylinder (332). For example, the inner surface of the cylinder (332) may define or partition a side surface of the compression chamber (331). The cylinder (332) may be coupled to a flange (334). In one embodiment, the cylinder (332) may include an intake port (3321). The intake port (3321) may be formed through the cylinder (332). The intake port (3321) may be formed through a space between the inner surface and the outer surface of the cylinder (332).

[0124] In one embodiment, a flange (334) can be coupled to a cylinder (332). The flange (334) can be coupled to an upper or lower side of the cylinder (332). The flange (334) can define or partition at least one of an upper surface or a lower surface of the compression chamber (331).

[0125] According to one embodiment, the flange (334) may include a discharge port (3341). The discharge port (3341) may be configured to discharge the compressed refrigerant in the compression chamber (331). The refrigerant discharged through the discharge port (3341) may be discharged into a space formed inside the case (310).

[0126] According to one embodiment, the flange (334) may include a hollow portion (3342) configured to allow the rotational axis (340) to pass therethrough. The hollow portion (3342) may be formed at the center of the flange (334).

[0127] According to one embodiment, an insulating chamber (333) may be formed within the flange (334). The insulating chamber (333) may be formed closer to the center of the flange (334) than to the outer circumferential surface of the flange (334). The insulating chamber (333) may be positioned relatively closer to the hollow portion (3342) of the flange (334) than to the outer circumferential surface of the flange (334). However, the position of the insulating chamber (333) is not limited thereto, and the insulating chamber (333) may be formed within the cylinder (332) or the middle plate (336) described below.

[0128] According to one embodiment, the insulation chamber (333) can be spatially separated from the compression chamber (331) by a flange (334). The insulation chamber (333) and the compression chamber (331) can be spatially separated so that the refrigerant introduced into the compression chamber (331) does not flow toward the insulation chamber (333).

[0129] In one embodiment, the flange (334) may include at least one of a first flange (334a) or a second flange (334b). In one embodiment, the first flange (334a) may include a first discharge port (3341a). The first flange (334a) may be located on the upper side of the cylinder (332) and may be referred to as a first flange. The first flange (334a) may be positioned relatively closer to the discharge port (312) of the case (310) than the second flange (334b). In one embodiment, the second flange (334b) may include a second discharge port (3341b). However, this is not limited thereto, and if the compressor (300) is a single rotary compressor, unlike the one illustrated, the second discharge port (3341b) may be omitted from the second flange (334b).

[0130] According to one embodiment, the rolling piston (335) may be disposed within the compression chamber (331). The rolling piston (335) may be disposed to rotate eccentrically with respect to the rotational axis (340) in the compression chamber (331). The rolling piston (335) may rotate eccentrically by the rotational axis (340). When the rolling piston (335) rotates by the rotational axis (340), the introduced refrigerant in the compression chamber (331) may be compressed. The rolling piston (335) may have, for example, a cylindrical shape, but is not limited thereto.

[0131] According to one embodiment, the compression device (330) may include a bypass passage (337). The bypass passage (337) may be configured to communicate between the suction port (3321) and the insulating chamber (333). A portion of the refrigerant passing through the suction port (3321) may pass through the bypass passage (337) and be received in the insulating chamber (333). That is, the insulating chamber (333) may be a space that receives the gaseous refrigerant that has passed through the bypass passage (337).

[0132] According to one embodiment, the bypass flow path (337) may include a first bypass flow path (337a) and a second bypass flow path (337b). The first bypass flow path (337a) may be formed (or arranged) in the cylinder (332). The first bypass flow path (337a) may communicate with the intake port (3321). The second bypass flow path (337b) may be formed (or arranged) in the flange (334). The second bypass flow path (337b) may communicate with the insulating chamber (333). The first bypass flow path (337a) and the second bypass flow path (337b) may be connected to each other.

[0133] The temperature of the refrigerant received in the insulating chamber (333) through the bypass passage (337) may be lower than the temperature of the refrigerant compressed in the compression chamber (331). Since the refrigerant in the gas phase before being compressed is received inside the insulating chamber (333), it may have a relatively higher thermal conductivity resistance than the surrounding flange (334). The refrigerant in the gas phase received inside the insulating chamber (333) may reduce the amount of heat outside the compression device (330) flowing into the compression chamber (331). That is, the degree to which the compression chamber (331) is heated by the temperature outside the compression device (330) may be reduced, thereby increasing the difference between the temperature outside the compression device and the temperature of the compression chamber (331). Since the degree to which the temperature of the compression chamber (331) is heated by the heat outside the compression device (330) is reduced, the volumetric efficiency of the compressor (300) may be increased.

[0134] The refrigerant contained in the insulating chamber (333) can be heated by heat from the outside of the compression device (330). The refrigerant heated in the insulating chamber (333) can be discharged from the insulating chamber (333) toward the suction port (3321) again through the bypass passage (337) by expanding in volume. The empty space in the insulating chamber (333) formed by the discharge of the refrigerant can be filled with the gaseous refrigerant introduced from the accumulator.

[0135] According to one embodiment, there may be a plurality of bypass passages (337). Each bypass passage (337) may connect between the suction port (3321) and the insulation chamber (333). By increasing the number of bypass passages (337), the refrigerant within the insulation chamber (333) can be circulated more fluidly.

[0136] In one embodiment, the compressor (300) may be a twin rotary compressor, as illustrated. However, this is merely exemplary, and the structure of the insulation chamber (333) for increasing volumetric efficiency in the present disclosure is not limited to a twin rotary compressor. For example, even a single rotary compressor may have a structure in which an insulation chamber is formed around the outer periphery of the compression chamber, as described in the present disclosure.

[0137] Below, the configuration will be described in detail using the case where the compressor (300) is a twin rotary compressor as an example.

[0138] According to one embodiment, the cylinder (332) may include at least one of a first cylinder (332a) or a second cylinder (332b). The shapes of the first cylinder (332a) and the second cylinder (332b) may be substantially the same, but are not limited thereto. The first cylinder (332a) may be positioned above the second cylinder (332b). The first cylinder (332a) may be coupled with a first flange (334a). The second cylinder (332b) may be coupled with a second flange (334b). The first cylinder (332a) and the second cylinder (332b) may be spaced apart from each other with a middle plate (336) to be described later therebetween.

[0139] According to one embodiment, the compression device (330) may include a middle plate (336). The middle plate (336) may be positioned between a first cylinder (332a) and a second cylinder (332b). The middle plate (336) may be arranged to spatially separate a first compression chamber (331a) formed within the first cylinder (332a) and a second compression chamber (331b) formed within the second cylinder (332b).

[0140] In one embodiment, although not shown, an insulating chamber (333) may be formed within the middle plate (336).

[0141] According to one embodiment, the compression chamber (331) may include at least one of a first compression chamber (331a) or a second compression chamber (331b). The first compression chamber (331a) may be provided within the first cylinder (332a). The second compression chamber (331b) may be provided within the second cylinder (332b).

[0142] According to one embodiment, the compression chamber (331) may be an area defined by a cylinder (332), a flange (334), and a middle plate (336). The side surfaces of the compression chamber (331) may be defined by the inner surface of the cylinder (332). The upper and lower surfaces of the compression chamber (331) may be defined by the flange (334) and the middle plate (336).

[0143] According to one embodiment, the space of the first compression chamber (331a) may be defined or partitioned by the first cylinder (332a), the first flange (334a), and the middle plate (336). For example, the side surface of the first compression chamber (331a) may be defined or partitioned by the inner surface of the first cylinder (332a). For example, the upper surface of the first compression chamber (331a) may be defined or partitioned by the lower surface of the first flange (334a). For example, the lower surface of the first compression chamber (331a) may be defined or partitioned by the upper surface of the middle plate (336).

[0144] According to one embodiment, the space of the second compression chamber (331b) may be defined or partitioned by the second cylinder (332b), the middle plate (336), and the second flange (334b). For example, the side surface of the second compression chamber (331b) may be defined or partitioned by the inner surface of the second cylinder (332b). For example, the upper surface of the second compression chamber (331b) may be defined or partitioned by the lower surface of the middle plate (336). For example, the lower surface of the second compression chamber (331b) may be defined or partitioned by the upper surface of the second flange (334b).

[0145] According to one embodiment, the insulating chamber (333) may include a first insulating chamber (333a) and a second insulating chamber (333b). The first insulating chamber (333a) may be provided (or arranged) within, for example, the first flange (334a). The second insulating chamber (333b) may be provided (or arranged) within, for example, the second flange (334b). For example, the first insulating chamber (333a) may reduce the degree to which heat from the outside of the compression device (330) is transferred to the first compression chamber (331a). For example, the second insulating chamber (333b) may reduce the degree to which heat from the outside of the compression device (330) is transferred to the second compression chamber (331b).

[0146] According to one embodiment, the insulation chamber (333) may be formed within at least one of the first flange (334a), the second flange (334b), the first cylinder (332a), the second cylinder (332b), or the middle plate (336).

[0147] According to one embodiment, the rolling piston (335) may include a first rolling piston (335a) and a second rolling piston (335b). The first rolling piston (335a) may be disposed within a first compression chamber (331a). The second rolling piston (335b) may be disposed within a second compression chamber (331b). The first rolling piston (335a) and the second rolling piston (335b) may be coupled to a rotational shaft (340) so as to be rotatable by the rotational shaft (340). The first rolling piston (335a) and the second rolling piston (335b) may rotate eccentrically with a phase difference of 180 degrees from each other.

[0148] Fig. 8 is a perspective view of a first flange according to one embodiment. Fig. 9 is an exploded perspective view of a first flange according to one embodiment.

[0149] The first flange (334a) illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9 may have a configuration substantially identical or similar to the first flange (334a) described in FIGS. 3 to 7. Hereinafter, the same reference numerals are assigned to configurations substantially identical or similar. Although FIGS. 8 and 9 describe the first flange (334a), the following description may also be applied to the second flange (334b).

[0150] Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, the first flange (334a) may include a first portion (334-1) and a second portion (334-2). The first flange (334a) may be formed by combining the first portion (334-1) and the second portion (334-2). The first portion (334-1) and the second portion (334-2) may be manufactured separately and combined with each other, but are not limited thereto, and may be formed as an integral part. The first portion (334-1) may be combined, for example, on top of the second portion (334-2).

[0151] According to one embodiment, the first portion (334-1) may include a first hollow portion (3342a) formed in the center. The first portion (334-1) may include an extension portion (3343) extending upward (or axially) from the center. The first hollow portion (3342a) may be formed in the center of the extension portion (3343). The aforementioned rotational axis (e.g., rotational axis (340) of FIG. 4) may be disposed to penetrate the extension portion (3343). The rotational axis (e.g., rotational axis (340) of FIG. 4) may penetrate the first hollow portion (3342a).

[0152] According to one embodiment, the second portion (334-2) may include a second hollow portion (3342b) formed in the center. The second portion (334-2) may be, for example, a plate having an overall fan shape. According to one embodiment, the second portion (334-2) may include a chamber groove (3344) for forming a first insulating chamber (e.g., the first insulating chamber (333a) of FIG. 4). The chamber groove (3344) may define or partition the lower surface and the side surface of the first insulating chamber (333a). The chamber groove (3344) may be formed to surround the second hollow portion (3342b).

[0153] When the first part (334-1) and the second part (334-2) are combined, the first hollow portion (3342a) and the second hollow portion (3342b) can overlap each other vertically. The first hollow portion (3342a) and the second hollow portion (3342b) can overlap each other to form a single hollow portion. When the first part (334-1) and the second part (334-2) are combined, the upper side of the chamber groove (3344) can be closed by the second part (334-2). That is, one surface of the second part (334-2) can define or partition the upper surface of the first insulating chamber (333a).

[0154] A first insulating chamber (333a) can be formed by combining the first part (334-1) and the second part (334-2).

[0155] According to one embodiment, the first flange (334a) may include a second bypass passage (337b). The second bypass passage (337b) may extend from the first insulating chamber (333a). The second bypass passage (337b) may be in communication with the first insulating chamber (333a). One end of the second bypass passage (337b) may be connected to the first insulating chamber (333a), and the other end may be connected to the exterior of the first flange (334a). The other end of the second bypass passage (337b) may be connected to a second bypass passage (e.g., the second bypass passage (337b) of FIG. 10a).

[0156] Figures 10a and 10b are perspective views of a first cylinder according to one embodiment.

[0157] The first cylinder (332a) illustrated in FIGS. 10a and 10b may have a configuration substantially identical or similar to the first cylinder (332a) described in FIGS. 3 to 7. Hereinafter, the same reference numerals are assigned to configurations substantially identical or similar. Although FIGS. 10a and 10b describe the first cylinder (332a), the following description may also be applied to the second cylinder (332b).

[0158] Referring to FIGS. 10A and 10B, the first cylinder (332a) may include a first bypass flow path (337a). The first bypass flow path (337a) may extend from the intake port (3321). The first bypass flow path (337a) may be in communication with the intake port (3321). One end of the first bypass flow path (337a) may be connected to the intake port (3321), and the other end may be connected to the exterior of the first cylinder (332a). The other end of the first bypass flow path (337a) may be connected to a second bypass flow path (e.g., the second bypass flow path (337b) of FIG. 9).

[0159] As the first bypass passage (337a) and the second bypass passage (337b) are connected to each other as shown in FIGS. 8 to 10, some of the refrigerant in the gas phase passing through the suction port (3321) can pass through the first bypass passage (337a) and the second bypass passage (337b) and be received into the first insulation chamber (333a).

[0160] Fig. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a compression device according to one embodiment.

[0161] The compression device (1100) illustrated in FIG. 11 may be included in the compressor illustrated in FIGS. 3 to 7 (e.g., the compressor (300) of FIG. 3). The compression device (1100) of FIG. 11 may replace the compression device illustrated in FIGS. 3 to 7 (e.g., the compression device (330) of FIG. 4). Hereinafter, the same reference numerals will be used for components that are substantially the same or similar to the components of the compression device (1100) of FIG. 11 as those of the compression device (330) described in FIGS. 3 to 7.

[0162] Referring to FIG. 11, the compression device (1100) may include at least one of a cylinder (332), a flange (334), or a rolling piston (335). In one embodiment, the compression device (1100) may include an insulating chamber (1110).

[0163] According to one embodiment, the insulating chamber (1110) may be formed on the outside of the compression chamber (331). The insulating chamber (1110) may be spatially separated from the compression chamber (331). The insulating chamber (1110) may be located, for example, at least on one of the upper or lower sides of the compression chamber (331). The conductive thermal resistance of the insulating chamber (1110) may be relatively greater than the conductive thermal resistance of the flange (334). The insulating chamber (1110) may be arranged around the compression chamber (331) to increase the conductive thermal resistance around the compression chamber (331). For example, the insulating chamber (1110) may be formed within the flange (334).

[0164] According to one embodiment, the insulating chamber (1110) may be configured to be spatially separated from the intake port (3321) and the compression chamber (331). The insulating chamber (1110) may be configured to prevent refrigerant in the gas phase passing through the intake port (3321) from entering.

[0165] According to one embodiment, the compression device (1110) illustrated in FIG. 11 may omit a bypass path (e.g., a bypass path (337) of FIG. 4), unlike the compression devices described in FIGS. 3 to 7 (e.g., the compression device (330) of FIG. 4).

[0166] In one embodiment, the insulating chamber (1110) may be in a vacuum state. In one embodiment, the insulating chamber (1110) may be configured to be sealed from the outside of the compression device (1100). By maintaining a vacuum inside the insulating chamber (1110) or being configured to be sealed from the outside of the compression device (1100), the insulating chamber (1110) may have a relatively higher conductive thermal resistance than the flange (334) or the cylinder (332). Therefore, by providing (or arranging) the insulating chamber (1110) above or below the compression chamber (331), the degree to which the compression chamber (331) is heated by heat from the outside of the compression device (330) can be reduced.

[0167] Fig. 12 is a schematic drawing showing the internal and external appearance of a refrigerator according to one embodiment.

[0168] In Fig. 12, a refrigerator (1200), which is one of the home appliances, is used as an example.

[0169] Referring to FIG. 12, a refrigerator (1200) may include a main body (1210). The main body (1210) may include an outer case (1211) and an inner case (1212) disposed inside the outer case (1211). The outer case (1211) may be disposed to form at least a portion of the outer appearance of the main body (1210). In one example, the outer case (1211) may be configured to include a metal material having excellent durability and aesthetics. The inner case (1212) may be disposed to define a space of a storage compartment (1220). For example, the storage compartment (1220) may be provided within the main body (1210).

[0170] The inner case (1212) may include a case, plate, panel, and / or liner forming a storage compartment (1220). The inner case (1212) may be formed as a single body or may be formed by assembling multiple plates. In one example, the inner case (1212) may be integrally injection-molded using a plastic material, although this document is not limited thereto.

[0171] Although not shown, a receiving space may be formed between the outer case (1211) and the inner case (1212). Insulating material (not shown) for insulating the storage room (1220) may be placed in at least a portion of the receiving space. The insulating material may insulate the inside and the outside of the storage room (1220) so that the temperature inside the storage room (1220) can be maintained at a set appropriate temperature without being affected by the external environment of the storage room (1220).

[0172] In one embodiment, the insulation may include foam insulation. In one example, the foam insulation may be formed by fixing the inner case (1212) and the outer case (1211) with a jig or the like, and then injecting and foaming a urethane foam mixed with polyurethane and a foaming agent into the space between the inner case (1212) and the outer case (1211). In one embodiment, the insulation may include a vacuum insulation in addition to or instead of the foam insulation. The vacuum insulation may include a core and an outer case that accommodates the core and seals the interior at a vacuum or near-vacuum pressure. The vacuum insulation may further include an adsorbent that adsorbs gas and moisture to stably maintain a vacuum state. The insulation of the refrigerator (1200) is not limited to the foam insulation or vacuum insulation described above, and may be formed using various materials that can be used for insulation.

[0173] According to one embodiment, the refrigerator (1200) may include a storage compartment (1220). The storage compartment (1220) may store food. Food may include edible or drinkable food, and specifically, may include meat, fish, seafood, fruits, vegetables, water, ice, beverages, kimchi, or alcoholic beverages such as wine. In addition to food, the storage compartment (1220) may also store medicines or cosmetics, and there is no limitation on the items that can be stored in the storage compartment (1220).

[0174] In one embodiment, a refrigerator (1200) may include one or more storage compartments (1220). When two or more storage compartments (1220) are formed in the refrigerator (1200), each storage compartment may have a different purpose and may be maintained at a different temperature. To this end, each storage compartment (1220) may be partitioned from each other by a partition wall (1214) including an insulating material. In one example, the storage compartments may be referred to as a "refrigerator," a "freezer," or a "variable temperature compartment" depending on their purpose and / or temperature range. For example, a refrigerator compartment may refer to a storage compartment maintained at a temperature appropriate for refrigerating food, and a freezer compartment may refer to a storage compartment maintained at a temperature appropriate for freezing food. "Refrigeration" may refer to cooling food to a temperature that does not freeze it, and for example, a refrigerator may be maintained in a range of 0 degrees Celsius to +7 degrees Celsius. "Freezing" may refer to cooling food to freeze it or keep it frozen, and for example, a freezer may be maintained in a range of -20 degrees Celsius to -1 degree Celsius. A variable temperature room may refer to a storage room that can be maintained at a predetermined variable temperature, either by user selection or not. In one embodiment, a storage room may be configured so that part of it is used as a refrigerator and the other part is used as a freezer. In addition to the names "refrigerator room," "freezer room," and "variable temperature room" mentioned above, the storage room may also be called by various names such as "vegetable room," "fresh room," "cooling room," and "ice making room."

[0175] According to one embodiment, the number, size, and / or shape of the storage compartments (1220) may vary depending on the shape or position of the bulkhead (1214). According to one embodiment, the bulkhead (1214) may be formed integrally with the main body (1210). According to one embodiment, the bulkhead (1214) may be a separate partition that is provided separately from the main body (1210) and assembled to the main body (1210).

[0176] According to one embodiment, the storage compartment (1220) may be partitioned left and right by vertical bulkheads (1214v) (bulges extending vertically). The sizes of the storage compartments (1220) partitioned left and right may vary depending on the position of the vertical bulkheads (1214v). For example, the vertical bulkhead (1214v) may be provided in the center so that the storage compartments (1220) partitioned left and right may be provided in a mirror symmetry manner. According to one embodiment, there may be a plurality of vertical bulkheads. When there are a plurality of vertical bulkheads, the storage compartment may be partitioned into three or more partitions in the left and right directions.

[0177] According to one embodiment, the storage compartment (1220) may be partitioned vertically by horizontal bulkheads (1214h) (bulges extending horizontally). The size of the vertically partitioned storage compartment (1220) may vary depending on the position of the horizontal bulkheads (1214h). According to one embodiment, there may be multiple horizontal bulkheads. When there are multiple horizontal bulkheads, the storage compartment may be partitioned into three or more vertical compartments.

[0178] The refrigerator may be configured to include a plurality of storage compartments of various sizes and shapes depending on various combinations of vertical and horizontal bulkheads.

[0179] According to one embodiment, a plurality of shelves (1224) and / or a plurality of storage containers (1225) may be provided inside the storage room (1220). Each of the plurality of shelves (1224) and the plurality of storage containers (1225) may be separable from the interior space of the storage room (1220).

[0180] In one embodiment, each storage compartment (1220) may be formed to be openable on at least one side for putting food in and taking out. In one embodiment, the refrigerator (1200) may include a respective door (1230) for opening and closing each storage compartment (1220). For example, the storage compartment (1220) may have an open front. In one example, the door (1230) may be arranged on the front of the main body (1210) and the storage compartment (1220) to open and close the storage compartment (1220). The door (1230) may be configured to seal the storage compartment (1220) while the door is closed. The door (1230) may include an insulating material, like the main body (1210), to insulate the storage compartment (1220) from the external environment while the door (1230) is closed.

[0181] According to one embodiment, the door (1230) may be configured to be opened and closed by rotating around a hinge (1216), but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. In one example, the door may be configured to be opened and closed in a sliding manner.

[0182] According to one embodiment, the door (1230) may include a door panel (1230a) and / or a door body (1230b). The door panel (1230a) and the door body (1230b) may be detachably coupled. The door body (1230b) may, for example, be fixed to the main body (1210) at one end by a hinge (1216). The door panel (1230a) may form part of the front exterior appearance of the refrigerator (1200). Therefore, the door panel (1230a) may be an important aesthetic element when the refrigerator (1200) is placed indoors. The door panel (1230a) may be configured to have various colors and / or various designs and to be replaceable so that a user can decorate the front exterior appearance of the refrigerator (1200) according to his / her preference. According to one embodiment, the door panel (1230a) and the door body (1230b) may be formed integrally.

[0183] According to one embodiment, the door (1230) may include a door handle (not shown), a door shelf (1231a), a shelf support (1231b), and / or a gasket (1231c). A user may open and close the door (1230) using the door handle. The door handle may be recessed into the bottom or top surface of the door (1230) or may be protruded from the front surface of the door (1230), and is not limited to a specific shape.

[0184] A door shelf (1231a) may be arranged to store food. Shelf supports (1231b) may be arranged on both left and right sides of the door shelf (1231a) to support the door shelf (1231a). The shelf supports (1231b) may, for example, be formed to extend vertically from the door (1230). For example, the shelf supports (1231b) may be arranged to protrude from the rear surface of the door (1230) (the inner surface facing the storage compartment (1220)) toward the storage compartment (1220) and extend vertically. The shelf supports (1231b) may be arranged as a separate component detachable from the door (1230), or alternatively, may be formed integrally with the door (1230).

[0185] The gasket (1231c) may be arranged to surround the edge of the door body (1230b). The gasket (1231c) may be arranged to seal the gap between the body (1210) and the door (1230) when the door (1230) is closed.

[0186] In one embodiment, the refrigerator (1200) may include a heat pump (e.g., heat pump (1300) of FIG. 13). The heat pump (1300) may be referred to as a cold air supply device. The heat pump (1300) may include a system comprising a machine, a device, an electronic device, and / or a combination thereof that generates cold air and guides the generated cold air to a storage compartment to cool the storage compartment. In one example, the heat pump (1300) may be disposed within the main body (1210) to supply cold air to each of the storage compartments (1220), for example.

[0187] FIG. 13 is a schematic drawing for explaining a heat pump structure included in a refrigerator according to one embodiment.

[0188] The heat pump (1300) structure illustrated in FIG. 13 may be included in the refrigerator of FIG. 12 (e.g., the refrigerator (1200) of FIG. 12).

[0189] Referring to FIG. 13, a refrigerator (1200) may include a heat pump (1300). The heat pump (1300) may include a compressor (1310), a condenser (1320), an expansion device (1330), a first heat exchanger (1340), or a second heat exchanger (1350). The compressor (1310) may be configured to compress a refrigerant. The first heat exchanger (1340) may perform heat exchange between a freezer compartment (1220a) and the refrigerant. The second heat exchanger (1350) may perform heat exchange between a refrigerating chamber and the refrigerant. The expansion device (1330) may be configured to depressurize the refrigerant.

[0190] According to one embodiment, a refrigerator (1200) may include a freezer (1220a) and a refrigerator (1220b) separated by a partition wall. The storage compartment (1220) may include a freezer (1220a) and a refrigerator (1220b). "Freezing" may refer to cooling food to freeze or maintain it in a frozen state, and for example, the freezer (1220a) may be maintained in a range of -20 degrees Celsius to -1 degree Celsius. "Refrigerating" may refer to cooling food to a temperature that does not freeze it, and for example, the refrigerator (1220b) may be maintained in a range of 0 degrees Celsius to +7 degrees Celsius.

[0191] Here, the first heat exchanger (1340) may be a heat exchanger for cooling the freezer compartment (1220a). The first heat exchanger (1340) may include an evaporator. Here, the second heat exchanger (1350) may be a heat exchanger for cooling the refrigerator compartment (1220b). The second heat exchanger (1350) may include an evaporator.

[0192] A series of cycles in which refrigerant flows through a compressor (1310), a condenser (1320), an expansion device (1330), and a first heat exchanger (1340) may be referred to as a "refrigeration cycle." A series of cycles in which refrigerant flows through a compressor (1310), a condenser (1320), an expansion device (1330), and a second heat exchanger (1350) may be referred to as a "refrigeration cycle."

[0193] In one embodiment, the refrigerator (1200) may include a switching valve (1360). In one embodiment, the heat pump (1300) may include a switching valve (1360). The switching valve (1360) may be arranged to regulate the flow of refrigerant passing through the expansion device (1330) to either the first heat exchanger (1340) or the second heat exchanger (1350). The switching valve (1360) may be, for example, but is not limited to, a three-way valve.

[0194] According to one embodiment, the refrigerator (1200) may further include a first blower fan (1260). The first blower fan (1260) may be arranged to blow air to the first heat exchanger (1340). The first blower fan (1260) may be arranged to exchange heat between air in the freezer (1220a) and the first heat exchanger (1340).

[0195] According to one embodiment, the refrigerator (1200) may further include a second blower fan (1270). The second blower fan (1270) may be arranged to blow air to the second heat exchanger (1350). The second blower fan (1270) may be arranged to exchange heat between air in the refrigerator compartment (1220b) and the second heat exchanger (1350).

[0196] According to one embodiment, the compressor (1310) can operate by receiving electrical energy from an external power source. The compressor (1310) includes a compressor motor (e.g., a driving device (320) of FIG. 4) and can compress a low-pressure gaseous refrigerant to a high-pressure gas using the rotational force of the compressor motor (e.g., a driving device (320) of FIG. 4).

[0197] According to one embodiment, the compressor (1310) may be substantially identical or similar to the compressor illustrated in FIGS. 3 to 11 (e.g., the compressor (300) of FIG. 3). The structure of the compressor (300) with improved volumetric efficiency has been described above with reference to FIGS. 3 to 11, and a detailed description of the compressor (1310) will be omitted.

[0198] Fig. 14 is a front perspective view of a clothes dryer according to one embodiment. Fig. 15 is a cross-sectional view of a clothes dryer according to one embodiment. That is, Fig. 15 illustrates a cross-sectional view taken parallel to the xz plane at one point in Fig. 14.

[0199] In FIG. 14 and FIG. 15, a clothes dryer (1400), which is one of the home appliances, is described as an example.

[0200] Referring to FIGS. 14 and 15, the direction along the x-axis will be defined as the front-back direction of the clothes dryer (1400), the direction along the y-axis will be defined as the left-right direction of the clothes dryer (1400), and the direction along the z-axis will be defined as the up-down direction of the clothes dryer (1400). The terms “front-back direction,” “left-right direction,” and “up-down direction” to be used hereinafter are defined based on the drawings illustrated, and the shape and position of each component are not limited thereby.

[0201] According to one embodiment, a clothes dryer (1400) can heat the air circulating inside to dry an item. The clothes dryer (1400) can be classified into a heater type, a heat pump type, or a hybrid type based on the method of heating the air. The hybrid type can heat the air by using, for example, a heater type and a heat pump type together or alternately. It is assumed that the clothes dryer (1400) described in this document is a hybrid type.

[0202] According to one embodiment, the clothes dryer (1400) may include a body (1410). The body (1410) may form the exterior of the clothes dryer (1400). The body (1410) may be formed of at least one material selected from the group consisting of metal and plastic. The clothes dryer (1400) may be provided in various shapes, but may be provided in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape.

[0203] According to one embodiment, the main body (1410) may include a front cover (1411), a top cover (1412), left / right side covers (1413), a rear cover (1414), or a bottom cover (1415). The components included in the main body (1410) may be configured individually or may be configured integrally. For example, the left / right side covers (1413) and the rear cover (1414) included in the main body (1410) may be formed integrally to form a side / rear cover. The front cover (1411), the top cover (1412), the left / right side covers (1413), the rear cover (1414), or the bottom cover (1415) included in the main body (1410) may form an internal housing. The internal housing may include an internal space in which various components that constitute the clothes dryer (1400) may be stored or mounted.

[0204] According to one embodiment, a water tank (1416) may be disposed on the main body (1410). The water tank (1416) may be disposed on the upper portion of the main body (1410). The water tank (1416) may be assembled into a recessed portion formed at a point on the upper portion of the front cover (1411). The water tank (1416) may be detachably fixed from the recessed portion. The water tank (1416) may be disposed to collect condensate generated by the refrigerant cycle of the clothes dryer (1400).

[0205] According to one embodiment, the main body (1410) may include an input / output unit (1417). The input / output unit (1417) may include an input unit (1417a, 1117c) for receiving a user's input and an output unit (1417b) for visually or audibly conveying information to the user. The output unit (1417b) may be implemented as a display (1417b).

[0206] According to one embodiment, the input / output unit (1417) may be located on a panel (1418) located on the upper side of the main body (1410). A circuit board may be arranged on the back surface of the panel (1418). The circuit board may be located inside the clothes dryer (1400). The display (1417b) or sensors may be mounted in at least a portion of the space formed in the circuit board. A processor constituting a control unit may be mounted in at least a portion of the space formed in the circuit board.

[0207] According to one embodiment, the input unit may include a dial button (1417a). The dial button (1417a) may be implemented as a dial or a jog shuttle. The dial button (1417a) may have a wheel structure. The dial button (1417a) may receive user input by rotating it clockwise or counterclockwise.

[0208] In one embodiment, the input unit may include a button (1417c). The button (1417c) may receive user input by touch or pressing. The button (1417c) may sense the user's touch using a capacitive or pressure-sensitive method, or may sense input by physical pressing.

[0209] In one embodiment, the output unit may include a display (1417b). The display (1417b) may visually output information to be conveyed to the user. Although not shown, the output unit may include a speaker. The speaker may audibly output information to be conveyed to the user.

[0210] In one embodiment, the body (1410) may include a base (1460). The base (1460) may be disposed at a lower portion of the body (1410) to form a bottom cover (1415). For example, the base (1460) may form a bottom surface in the internal housing of the body (1410). Legs (1419) for supporting the body (1410) may be disposed on the bottom cover (1415). The legs (1419) may space the body (1410) from the bottom surface by a predetermined distance. For example, a plurality of legs (1419) may be disposed on the bottom cover (1415) to stably support the body (1410).

[0211] In one embodiment, the clothes dryer (1400) may include a drum (1420) disposed within an inner housing to receive an article to be dried. The drum (1420) may include an inlet into which the article to be dried is introduced. The inlet of the drum may be defined as a first opening (1425). The drum (1420) may be rotatably disposed within the inner housing of the main body (1410).

[0212] According to one embodiment, the drum (1420) may include an inlet (1421) through which air is introduced into the interior of the drum (1423) and an outlet (1422) through which air is discharged from the interior of the drum (1423) to the exterior of the drum. The inlet (1421) may be formed on one side of the drum (1420), and the outlet (1422) may be formed on the other side of the drum (1420). The inlet (1421) may be, for example, a rear-side opening of the drum (1420). The outlet (1422) may be, for example, a front-side opening (e.g., a first opening (1425)) of the drum (1420). For example, the front-side opening of the drum (1420) may be an inlet of the drum.

[0213] In one embodiment, high-temperature dry air may be introduced into the drum (1420) through the inlet (1421) to dry the object to be dried contained in the drum (1420). The air used to dry the object to be dried may be discharged from the drum (1420) through the outlet (1422). The air discharged from the drum (1420) through the outlet (1422) may contain a large amount of moisture.

[0214] According to one embodiment, a plurality of lifters (1424) may be arranged inside the drum (1420). The lifters (1424) may raise or lower the object to be dried so that the object to be dried may come into contact with hot air while floating in the space inside the drum (1420).

[0215] According to one embodiment, a door (1430) for opening and closing the first opening (1425) may be installed on the front of the main body (1410). The door (1430) may be hinged to one side of the first opening (1425) and may be arranged to be rotatable.

[0216] According to one embodiment, a base (1460) may be placed below the drum (1420). A heat pump (1470) forming a refrigerant cycle may be mounted on the base (1460). The heat pump (1470) may include an evaporator (1471), a condenser (1472), a compressor (1473), or an expansion device (1474). In addition, a blower fan (1434) or a driving motor (1431) may be mounted on the base (1460). For example, the base cover (1464) may form a duct structure together with the base (1460).

[0217] According to one embodiment, a blower fan (1434) may be placed on a base (1460). The blower fan (1434) may generate blowing force based on power transmitted by a driving motor to form an air flow path. For example, the blower fan (1434) may discharge air in a radial direction. To this end, the blower fan (1434) may include a rotation axis formed at the center and a plurality of blades formed in a circumferential direction around the rotation axis.

[0218] According to one embodiment, the blower fan (1434) may be implemented as a variety of fans, but as an example, may be implemented as a sirocco fan. The blower fan (1434) implemented as a sirocco fan may have different wind speeds depending on the rotation direction. For example, the wind speed when the blower fan (1434) rotates clockwise (counterclockwise) may be faster than the wind speed when the blower fan (1434) rotates counterclockwise (clockwise).

[0219] According to one embodiment, a refrigerant cycle for heating and condensing air may be formed by a heat pump (1470). The refrigerant cycle may correspond to a series of cyclic processes consisting of compression-condensation-expansion-evaporation. The main body (1410) may include an evaporator (1471), a condenser (1472), a compressor (1473), and an expansion device (1474) to form the refrigerant cycle. The evaporator (1471) and the condenser (1472) may exchange heat with air. The evaporator (1471) and the condenser (1472) may be collectively referred to as a heat exchanger.

[0220] According to one embodiment, the compressor (1473) can operate by receiving electrical energy from an external power source. The compressor (1473) includes a compressor motor (e.g., the driving device (320) of FIG. 4) and can compress a low-pressure gaseous refrigerant to a high-pressure gas using the rotational force of the compressor motor (e.g., the driving device (320) of FIG. 4).

[0221] According to one embodiment, the compressor (1473) may be substantially the same as or similar to the compressor illustrated in FIGS. 3 to 11 (e.g., compressor (300) of FIG. 3). The structure of the compressor with improved volumetric efficiency (e.g., compressor (300) of FIG. 3) has been described above with reference to FIGS. 3 to 11, and therefore, a detailed description of the compressor (1473) is omitted.

[0222] According to one embodiment, while the clothes dryer (1400) performs a drying cycle or an anti-wrinkle cycle, a closed flow path may be formed inside the main body (1410). Here, the closed flow path may be understood as an air movement path (see arrows in FIG. 15) configured to allow air inside the drum (1420) to circulate around the heat pump (1470) and the drum (1420). The closed flow path may be formed to prevent air outside the main body (1410) from flowing into the drum (1420) or air inside the drum (1420) from flowing out of the main body (1410). In other words, the air flow may form a closed loop.

[0223] According to one embodiment, the clothes dryer (1400) may include a first filter unit (1480) detachably mounted on a passage through which air circulates. The first filter unit (1480) may include a filter member that filters foreign substances such as lint that flow together with the air circulating inside the drum (1420). The filter member may include at least one of wool, synthetic resin, or steel. The filter member may be mounted on a filter frame that constitutes an exterior of the first filter unit (1480).

[0224] According to one embodiment, the first filter unit (1480) may be removable / mountable to the filter duct. The filter duct may be formed by cutting or sinking a portion corresponding to the lower portion of the first opening (1425) of the drum (1420). The filter duct may form an inlet into which the first filter unit (1480) is introduced. The filter duct may be arranged on a path through which air circulates during a drying operation.

[0225] In one embodiment, the first filter unit (1480) can collect foreign substances generated when the clothes dryer (1400) performs a drying operation. A user can detach the first filter unit (1480) to remove the collected foreign substances, and mount the cleaned first filter unit (1480) on the filter duct.

[0226] According to one embodiment, the clothes dryer (1400) may include a second opening (1465) formed in the front of the main body (1410) to allow access to the heat exchanger (1470). A second filter unit (1450) may be mounted inside the main body (1410) through the second opening (1465). The second filter unit (1450) may be detachably mounted in a unit receiving portion (1461) formed inside the main body (1410) through the second opening (1465). Although not shown, a dehumidifying unit may be mounted in the unit receiving portion (1461). The dehumidifying unit may be positioned so that the clothes dryer (1400) can remove moisture contained in the outside air. That is, a second filter unit (1450) or a dehumidifying unit may be mounted in the unit receiving portion (1461), and the dehumidifying unit and the second filter unit (1450) may be provided so as to be interchangeable with each other. A unit cover (1440) for opening and closing the second opening (1465) may be placed on the front of the main body (1410).

[0227] For example, when a dehumidifying unit (1490) is mounted in the unit receiving portion (1461), the clothes dryer (1400) can perform a dehumidifying operation to dehumidify the surrounding space. While the clothes dryer (1400) performs the dehumidifying operation, the second opening (1465) can be opened.

[0228] For example, when the second filter unit (1450) is mounted in the unit receiving portion (1461), the dryer (1400) can perform a drying operation for drying items such as clothes. While the clothes dryer (1400) performs the drying operation, the second opening (1465) can be closed.

[0229] According to one embodiment, when the unit cover (1440) closes the second opening (1465), the front surface of the unit cover (1440) and the front cover (1411) of the main body (1410) can be connected to form a smooth surface without a step. The user can also remove foreign substances, including lint or dust, attached to the heat pump (1470) through the second opening (1465).

[0230] According to one embodiment, the unit cover (1440) may include a coupling protrusion (1441). The coupling protrusion (1441) may protrude from the inner surface of the unit cover (1440). The main body (1410) may include a coupling groove (1463) corresponding to the coupling protrusion (1441). When the coupling protrusion (1441) and the coupling groove (1463) are coupled, the unit cover (1440) may be in a closed state. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the main body (1410) and the coupling protrusion (1441) may be formed integrally, and the unit cover (1440) and the coupling groove (1463) may be formed integrally. That is, the coupling of the main body (1410) and the unit cover (1440) may be modified in various forms.

[0231] According to one embodiment, the unit cover (1440) may also include a coupling hinge (1442) that provides a rotation axis to rotate with respect to the main body (1410). The coupling hinge (1442) may be disposed at the bottom of the unit cover (1440). The main body (1410) may include a coupling hinge mounting portion (1462) corresponding to the coupling hinge (1442). The coupling hinge (1442) may be coupled to the coupling hinge mounting portion (1462) to rotate, and by this rotation, a space in which the dehumidifying unit (1490) or the second filter unit (1450) is mounted, i.e., a unit receiving portion (1461), may be opened and closed.

[0232] According to one embodiment, the second filter unit (1450) can be detachably mounted on the dryer (1400). The second filter unit (1450) can be detachably mounted inside the main body (1410) through the second opening (1465). The second filter unit (1450) can further collect foreign substances that are not filtered by the first filter unit (1480) by including a filter member. The second filter unit (1450) can be mounted on or detached from the unit receiving portion (1461). The second filter unit (1450) can prevent air from escaping on the closed flow path. That is, the second filter unit (1450) can prevent the drying efficiency of the dryer (1400) from being reduced. The second filter unit (1450) can be disposed on the base (1460).

[0233] A home appliance (200, 1200, 1400) according to one embodiment may include a compressor (300) configured to compress a refrigerant, and a heat pump (230, 1300, 1470) including a heat exchanger configured to condense or evaporate the refrigerant using the refrigerant compressed from the compressor (300). The compressor (300) may include a case (310) including a suction port (311) and a discharge port (312), a compression device (330) configured to compress the refrigerant introduced from the suction port (311), and a driving device (320) disposed on one side of the compression device (330) and for driving the compression device (330). The above compression device (330) may include a compression chamber (331) that provides a space in which refrigerant is compressed, a suction port (3321) that is connected to the suction port (311), and an insulating chamber (333) located outside the compression chamber (331) so as to be spatially separated from the compression chamber (331).

[0234] According to one embodiment, the compression device (330) may further include a bypass passage (337) configured to communicate the suction port (3321) and the insulating chamber (333).

[0235] According to one embodiment, the insulating chamber (333) may be a space in which a portion of the refrigerant passing through the suction port (3321) passes through the bypass passage (337) and is received.

[0236] According to one embodiment, the insulating chamber (333) may be in a vacuum state.

[0237] According to one embodiment, the insulating chamber (333) may be configured to be sealed from the outside of the compression device (330).

[0238] According to one embodiment, the compression device (330) may include a cylinder (332) configured to include the suction port (3321) and to have the compression chamber (331) formed therein, and a discharge port (3341) formed to discharge the refrigerant compressed in the compression chamber (331), and may include a flange (334) configured to be coupled to the cylinder (332). The insulating chamber (333) may be formed inside the flange (334).

[0239] According to one embodiment, the compression device (330) may further include a bypass passage (337) configured to communicate with the suction port (3321) and the insulating chamber (333). The bypass passage (337) may include a first bypass passage (337a) located in the cylinder (332) and configured to communicate with the suction port (3321), and a second bypass passage (337b) located in the flange (334) and configured to communicate with the refrigerant insulating chamber (333). The first bypass passage (337a) and the second bypass passage (337b) may be connected to each other.

[0240] According to one embodiment, the compressor (300) may further include a rolling piston (335) disposed within the compression chamber (331) and a rotary shaft (340) configured to transmit the rotational force of the driving device (320) to the rolling piston (335). The flange (334) may include a hollow portion (3342) configured to allow the rotating shaft (340) to pass therethrough. The insulating chamber (333) may be positioned relatively closer to the hollow portion (3342) than to the outer peripheral surface of the flange (334).

[0241] According to one embodiment, the conduction thermal resistance of the insulating chamber (333) may be relatively greater than the conduction thermal resistance of the flange (334).

[0242] According to one embodiment, the insulation chamber (333) may be located at least on one of the upper or lower sides of the compression chamber (331).

[0243] A compressor (300) according to one embodiment may include a case (310) including a suction port (311) and a discharge port (312), a compression device (330) configured to compress refrigerant introduced from the suction port (311), and a driving device (320) disposed on one side of the compression device (330) and configured to drive the compression device (330). The compression device (330) may include a compression chamber (331) providing a space in which refrigerant is compressed, a suction port (3321) communicating with the suction port (311), and an insulating chamber (333) located outside the compression chamber (331) so as to be spatially separated from the compression chamber (331).

[0244] According to one embodiment, the compression device (330) may further include a bypass passage (337) configured to communicate the suction port (3321) and the insulating chamber (333).

[0245] According to one embodiment, the insulating chamber (333) may be a space in which a portion of the refrigerant passing through the suction port (3321) passes through the bypass passage (337) and is received.

[0246] According to one embodiment, the insulating chamber (333) may be in a vacuum state.

[0247] According to one embodiment, the insulating chamber (333) may be configured to be sealed from the outside of the compression device (330).

[0248] According to one embodiment, the compression device (330) may include a cylinder (332) configured to include the suction port (3321) and to have the compression chamber (331) provided therein, and a discharge port (3341) formed to discharge the refrigerant compressed in the compression chamber (331), and may include a flange (334) configured to be coupled to the cylinder (332). The insulating chamber (333) may be formed inside the flange (334).

[0249] According to one embodiment, the compression device (330) may further include a bypass passage (337) configured to communicate with the suction port (3321) and the insulating chamber (333). The bypass passage (337) may include a first bypass passage (337a) located in the cylinder (332) and configured to communicate with the suction port (3321), and a second bypass passage (337b) located in the flange (334) and configured to communicate with the refrigerant insulating chamber (333). The first bypass passage (337a) and the second bypass passage (337b) may be connected to each other.

[0250] According to one embodiment, the compressor (300) may further include a rolling piston (335) disposed within the compression chamber (331), and a rotary shaft (340) configured to transmit the rotational force of the driving device (320) to the rolling piston (335). The flange (334) may include a hollow portion (3342) configured to allow the rotary shaft (340) to pass therethrough. The insulating chamber (333) may be positioned relatively closer to the hollow portion (3342) than to the outer circumferential surface of the flange (334).

[0251] According to one embodiment, the conduction thermal resistance of the insulating chamber (333) may be relatively greater than the conduction thermal resistance of the flange (334).

[0252] According to one embodiment, the insulation chamber (333) may be located at least on one of the upper or lower sides of the compression chamber (331).

[0253] Although the foregoing description in this disclosure has focused on specific embodiments, it should be understood that this disclosure is not limited to such specific embodiments, but rather encompasses various modifications, equivalents, and / or alternatives of the various embodiments.

Claims

1. A heat pump (230, 1300, 1470) including a compressor (300) configured to compress a refrigerant and a heat exchanger configured to condense or evaporate the refrigerant using the refrigerant compressed from the compressor (300), The above compressor (300) is, A case (310) including a suction port (311) and a discharge port (312); A compression device (330) configured to compress refrigerant flowing in from the above suction port (311); It is arranged on one side of the compression device (330) and includes a driving device (320) for driving the compression device (330). The above compression device (330) is A compression chamber (331) providing a space where the refrigerant is compressed; A suction port (3321) connected to the above suction port (311); and Including an insulating chamber (333) located outside the compression chamber (331) so as to be spatially separated from the compression chamber (331). Home appliances.

2. In paragraph 1, The above compression device (330) is It further includes a bypass path (337) configured to connect the above suction port (3321) and the above insulation chamber (333), The above insulation chamber (333) is A home appliance, wherein a portion of the refrigerant passing through the above suction port (3321) is received by passing through the above bypass path (337).

3. In paragraph 1, The above insulation chamber (333) is A vacuum-filled home appliance.

4. In one of paragraphs 1 to 3, The above compression device (330) is A cylinder (332) configured to include the above suction port (3321) and have the compression chamber (331) formed inside; and It includes a discharge port (3341) formed to discharge the compressed refrigerant in the compression chamber (331), and includes a flange (334) configured to be coupled to the cylinder (332). The above insulation chamber (333) is Formed inside the above flange (334), Home appliances.

5. In paragraph 4, The above compression device (330) is It further includes a bypass path (337) configured to connect the above suction port (3321) and the above insulation chamber (333), The above bypass euro (337) is A first bypass path (337a) positioned in the above cylinder (332) and configured to communicate with the suction port (3321); and A second bypass path (337b) is provided, positioned on the flange (334) and configured to communicate with the refrigerant insulation chamber (333). The above first bypass path (337a) and the above second bypass path (337b) are connected to each other, a home appliance.

6. In paragraph 4 or 5, The above compressor (300) is, A rolling piston (335) placed within the compression chamber (331); and It further includes a rotating shaft (340) configured to transmit the rotational force of the driving device (320) to the rolling piston (335), The above flange (334) is It includes a hollow portion (3342) configured to allow the above rotation axis (340) to penetrate through, The above insulation chamber (333) is A home appliance positioned so as to be relatively closer to the hollow portion (3342) than the outer surface of the flange (334).

7. In one of paragraphs 1 to 6, A home appliance in which the conduction thermal resistance of the above insulation chamber (333) is relatively larger than the conduction thermal resistance of the above flange (334).

8. In one of paragraphs 1 to 7, The above insulation chamber (333) is a home appliance located at least on one of the upper or lower sides of the compression chamber (331).

9. A case (310) including an intake port (311) and an exhaust port (312); A compression device (330) configured to compress refrigerant flowing in from the above suction port (311); It is arranged on one side of the compression device (330) and includes a driving device (320) for driving the compression device (330). The above compression device (330) is A compression chamber (331) providing a space where the refrigerant is compressed; A suction port (3321) connected to the above suction port (311); and Including an insulating chamber (333) located outside the compression chamber (331) so as to be spatially separated from the compression chamber (331). compressor.

10. In paragraph 9, The above compression device (330) is It further includes a bypass path (337) configured to connect the above suction port (3321) and the above insulation chamber (333), The above insulation chamber (333) is A compressor, which is a space in which a portion of the refrigerant passing through the above suction port (3321) is received by passing through the above bypass path (337).

11. In paragraph 9, The above insulation chamber (333) is A compressor in a vacuum state.

12. In one of the clauses 9 to 11, The above compression device (330) is A cylinder (332) configured to include the above suction port (3321) and have the compression chamber (331) provided inside; and It includes a discharge port (3341) formed to discharge the compressed refrigerant in the compression chamber (331), and includes a flange (334) configured to be coupled to the cylinder (332). The above insulation chamber (333) is Formed inside the above flange (334), compressor.

13. In paragraph 12, The above compression device (330) is It further includes a bypass path (337) configured to connect the above suction port (3321) and the above insulation chamber (333), The above bypass euro (337) is A first bypass path (337a) positioned in the above cylinder (332) and configured to communicate with the suction port (3321); and A second bypass path (337b) is provided, positioned on the flange (334) and configured to communicate with the refrigerant insulation chamber (333). The first bypass path (337a) and the second bypass path (337b) are connected to each other, the compressor.

14. In paragraph 12 or 13, A rolling piston (335) placed within the compression chamber (331); and It further includes a rotating shaft (340) configured to transmit the rotational force of the driving device (320) to the rolling piston (335), The above flange (334) is It includes a hollow portion (3342) configured to allow the above rotation axis (340) to penetrate through, The above insulation chamber (333) is A compressor positioned so as to be relatively closer to the hollow portion (3342) than the outer surface of the flange (334).

15. In one of the clauses 9 to 14, The above insulation chamber (333) is A compressor located at least on one of the upper or lower sides of the compression chamber (331).

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