Heat exchanger and air conditioner having same

Abstract

This air conditioner includes a heat exchanger. The heat exchanger comprises: a plurality of heat exchange tubes through which a refrigerant flows, and which extend in a first direction and are arranged in a second direction intersecting the first direction; a first header which is connected to one-side ends of the plurality of heat exchange tubes in the first direction and which is connected with an inlet pipe through which the refrigerant is introduced from the outside and an outlet pipe through which the refrigerant is discharged to the outside; and a second header connected to the other-side ends of the plurality of heat exchange tubes. The first header comprises: a header cover forming a chamber therein; and a header partition wall provided to partition the chamber. The header partition wall includes: a flat surface portion extending in the second direction to partition the chamber into a first chamber and a second chamber arranged in the first direction; and a curved portion including a through-hole communicating the first chamber with the second chamber and curvedly extending from the flat surface portion.

Description

Heat exchanger and air conditioner including same

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a heat exchanger having a structure that allows refrigerant to flow more effectively and an air conditioner including the same.

[0002] In general, a heat exchanger is a device that exchanges heat between refrigerant and outside air by having a heat exchange tube through which refrigerant flows and exchanges heat with outside air, heat exchange fins that contact the tube to expand the heat dissipation area, and a header through which both ends of the tube are connected.

[0003] The heat exchanger may comprise an evaporator or a condenser, a compressor for compressing refrigerant, and an expansion valve for expanding the refrigerant, forming a refrigeration cycle device.

[0004] The heat exchanger may include an inlet pipe through which external refrigerant flows in, and an outlet pipe through which the refrigerant is discharged to the outside. The inlet pipe and the outlet pipe are connected to a header, and can supply refrigerant to the heat exchange tubes or receive refrigerant from the tubes.

[0005] Heat exchange tubes are arranged along the length of the header to receive refrigerant from the header or discharge refrigerant to the header. Refrigerant introduced into the header through the inlet pipe must diffuse along the length of the header to be supplied to the heat exchange tubes.

[0006] One aspect of the present disclosure provides a heat exchanger having a structure capable of uniformly supplying refrigerant to a plurality of heat exchange tubes connected to a header, and an air conditioner including the same.

[0007] One aspect of the present disclosure provides a heat exchanger having a structure capable of smoothly diffusing refrigerant within a header and an air conditioner including the same.

[0008] The technical problems to be achieved in this document are not limited to the technical problems mentioned above, and other technical problems not mentioned can be clearly understood by a person having ordinary skill in the technical field to which the present invention belongs from the description below.

[0009] A heat exchanger according to the invention includes a plurality of heat exchange tubes, each of which has a refrigerant flowing therein and extends in a first direction and is arranged in a second direction intersecting the first direction. The heat exchanger includes a first header connected to one end of the plurality of heat exchange tubes in the first direction and to which an inlet pipe for introducing refrigerant from the outside and an outlet pipe for discharging the refrigerant to the outside are connected. The heat exchanger includes a second header connected to the other end of the plurality of heat exchange tubes. The first header includes a header cover forming a chamber therein. The first header includes a header partition wall provided to partition the chamber. The header partition wall includes a flat portion extending in the second direction to partition the chamber into a first chamber and a second chamber arranged in the first direction. The header partition wall includes a through hole communicating the first chamber and the second chamber, and includes a curved portion extending in a curved manner from the flat portion.

[0010] A heat exchanger according to the invention includes a first header to which an inlet pipe for introducing refrigerant from the outside and an outlet pipe for discharging the refrigerant to the outside are connected. The heat exchanger includes a second header spaced upwardly from the first header. The heat exchanger includes a plurality of heat exchange tubes extending vertically to connect the first header and the second header, and including first row tubes arranged at the front and second row tubes arranged at the rear. The first header includes a first cover coupled to the plurality of heat exchange tubes. The first header includes a second cover connected to the first cover at a lower side of the first cover. The first header includes a chamber formed by the first cover and the second cover. The first header includes a header partition wall arranged between the first cover and the second cover and provided to partition the chamber. The header bulkhead includes a planar portion extending in the longitudinal direction of the first cover and the second cover to partition the chamber into an upper chamber and a lower chamber. The header bulkhead includes a first extension portion extending in the longitudinal direction of the first cover to partition the upper chamber into a front upper chamber and a rear upper chamber. The header bulkhead includes a second extension portion extending in the longitudinal direction of the second cover to partition the lower chamber into a front lower chamber and a rear lower chamber. The header bulkhead includes a through hole communicating the front lower chamber and the front upper chamber, and includes a curved portion extending in a curved manner from the planar portion.

[0011] An air conditioner according to the invention comprises a housing having an intake port through which air is sucked in and an exhaust port through which heat-exchanged air is discharged. The air conditioner comprises a heat exchanger disposed inside the housing to exchange heat with the sucked in air. The air conditioner comprises a fan operable to discharge the heat-exchanged air to the outside. The heat exchanger comprises a plurality of heat exchange tubes, through which refrigerant flows, extending in a first direction and arranged in a second direction intersecting the first direction. The heat exchanger comprises a first header connected to one end of the plurality of heat exchange tubes in the first direction, and to which an inlet pipe for introducing refrigerant from the outside and an outlet pipe for discharging the refrigerant to the outside are connected. The heat exchanger comprises a second header connected to the other end of the plurality of heat exchange tubes. The first header comprises a header cover forming a chamber therein. The first header comprises a header partition wall provided to partition the chamber. The header bulkhead includes a flat portion extending in the second direction to divide the chamber into a first chamber and a second chamber arranged in the first direction. The header bulkhead includes a through hole communicating the first chamber and the second chamber, and includes a curved portion extending in a curved manner from the flat portion.

[0012] According to the idea of ​​the present disclosure, the refrigerant flowing from the front lower chamber to the front upper chamber changes its flow direction in various ways by passing through the through hole and colliding with the sunken surface, so that it can be more effectively spread in the longitudinal direction of the first header.

[0013] According to the idea of ​​the present disclosure, the refrigerant flowing from the front lower chamber to the front upper chamber changes its flow direction in various ways after passing through the through hole and colliding with the first extension, so that it can more effectively spread in the longitudinal direction of the first header.

[0014] The effects that can be obtained from the present disclosure are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other effects that are not mentioned can be clearly understood by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure belongs from the description below.

[0015] FIG. 1 is a drawing illustrating an air conditioner according to one embodiment.

[0016] FIG. 2 is a drawing illustrating a heat exchanger according to one embodiment.

[0017] FIG. 3 is a drawing showing a lower portion of a cut surface of a heat exchanger according to one embodiment, taken along the a-a' cut line.

[0018] FIG. 4 is an exploded view of a first header of a heat exchanger according to one embodiment.

[0019] FIG. 5 is an exploded view of a second header of a heat exchanger according to one embodiment.

[0020] Figure 6 is a drawing showing a cross-section after assembling the components disassembled in Figure 5 and cutting along the b-b' cutting line.

[0021] Fig. 7 is a drawing showing the header bulkhead of a heat exchanger separated according to one embodiment.

[0022] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a header bulkhead of a heat exchanger according to one embodiment.

[0023] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a header bulkhead of a heat exchanger according to one embodiment.

[0024] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a header bulkhead of a heat exchanger according to one embodiment.

[0025] Fig. 11 is a cross-sectional drawing of a header bulkhead of a heat exchanger according to one embodiment.

[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 stand-alone air conditioner, and 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 merge 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, for example, an electronic expansion valve capable of controlling 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 valve, 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] Blowers may include indoor fans and fan motors. For example, indoor fans may include axial fans, diffusion fans, crossflow fans, and centrifugal fans.

[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 valve. 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 valve, 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] Hereinafter, a heat exchanger and an air conditioner including the same according to various embodiments will be specifically described with reference to the drawings.

[0088] Fig. 1 is a drawing illustrating an air conditioner according to one embodiment. Fig. 2 is a drawing illustrating a heat exchanger according to one embodiment.

[0089] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the air conditioner (1) can suck in outside air through an intake port (not shown). The air conditioner (1) can include a heat exchanger (10) configured to exchange heat with the sucked outside air.

[0090] The air conditioner (1) may include a housing (11). A heat exchanger (10) may be disposed internally within the housing (11).

[0091] The air conditioner (1) can discharge air to the outside through the discharge port (12). The air conditioner (1) can include a fan (not shown) that can be driven to discharge air to the outside. The air conditioner (1) can discharge heat-exchanged air to the outside.

[0092] A heat exchanger (10) may be provided to exchange heat with air. The heat exchanger (10) may include a heat exchange tube (30) through which a refrigerant flows to exchange heat with the intaked external air, an upper header (200) positioned on the upper side to communicate with the heat exchange tube (30), and a lower header (100) positioned on the lower side. A plurality of heat exchange tubes (30) may be provided.

[0093] For example, the lower header (100) may be defined and referred to as the first header (100), and the upper header (200) may be defined and referred to as the second header (200). Hereinafter, the lower header (100) will be referred to as the first header (100), and the upper header (200) will be referred to as the second header (200).

[0094] The heat exchanger (10) may include an inlet pipe (20) connected to the first header (100). For example, when the air conditioner (1) is operating a cooling cycle, external refrigerant may be introduced into the first header (100) through the inlet pipe (20). For example, when the air conditioner (1) is operating a heating cycle, refrigerant may be discharged to the outside from the first header (100) through the inlet pipe (20).

[0095] The heat exchanger (10) may include an outlet pipe (40) connected to the first header (100). For example, when the air conditioner (1) is operating a cooling cycle, refrigerant inside the first header (100) may be discharged to the outside through the outlet pipe (40). For example, when the air conditioner (1) is operating a heating cycle, refrigerant may be introduced from the outside into the first header (100) through the outlet pipe (40).

[0096] For example, when the air conditioner (1) is operating a cooling cycle, low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant may flow into the inlet pipe (20). The refrigerant flowing into the inlet pipe (20) may pass through a heat exchange tube (30) and exchange heat with the outside air, thereby changing to a high temperature. The refrigerant that has changed to a high temperature may evaporate, and the evaporated refrigerant may be discharged to the outside from the header through the outlet pipe (40). In other words, the heat exchanger (10) may function as an evaporator during the cooling cycle.

[0097] For example, when the air conditioner (1) is operating a heating cycle, high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant can be introduced into the header through the outlet pipe (40). The refrigerant introduced into the outlet pipe (40) can pass through the heat exchange tube (30) and exchange heat with the outside air, thereby changing to a low temperature. The low-temperature refrigerant is condensed, and the condensed refrigerant can be discharged to the outside from the header through the inlet pipe (20). In other words, the heat exchanger (10) can function as a condenser during the heating cycle.

[0098] For convenience of explanation, the following description assumes that the heat exchanger (10) of one embodiment of the present invention functions as an evaporator, and the description is based on the case where refrigerant is introduced through the inlet pipe (20). However, as previously discussed, it is obvious that the heat exchanger (10) can also function as a condenser.

[0099] For example, the heat exchange tube (30) may have a plurality of microchannels formed therein to allow refrigerant to flow. For example, the shape of the heat exchange tube (30) may include a roughly hollow cylindrical shape. For example, the heat exchange tube (30) may be provided so that its cross-section forms a roughly oval shape.

[0100] For example, a plurality of heat exchange tubes (30) may be arranged in two rows, a front row and a rear row. For example, the front row arranged in the front may be defined and referred to as the first row, and the rear row arranged in the rear may be defined and referred to as the second row. Accordingly, the heat exchange tubes (30) arranged in the front may be referred to and described as first-row tubes (31), and the heat exchange tubes (30) arranged in the rear may be referred to and described as second-row tubes (32).

[0101] For example, the heat exchange tube (30) may extend in a downward direction (-Z direction). For example, the downward direction (-Z direction) may be defined as a first direction (-Z direction). For example, a plurality of heat exchange tubes (30) may be arranged in a left-right direction. For example, the left-right direction may be defined as a second direction (+-Y direction) intersecting the first direction (-Z direction).

[0102] For example, the heat exchange tube (30) can be extruded from aluminum material.

[0103] Although not shown in the drawing, heat exchange fins that contact the tubes may be arranged between the heat exchange tubes (30) to increase the heat transfer area with the outside air, and the heat exchange fins may be arranged to contact the heat exchange tubes (30).

[0104] The heat exchange fins may be provided in various known forms, such as corrugated fins, and may have louvers to improve heat transfer and drainage performance. The heat exchange fins may be formed of aluminum and joined to the heat exchange tube (30) through a brazing process.

[0105] For example, a brazing process may be a method of joining base materials having a melting point higher than a certain temperature by placing a filler metal having a melting point lower than that at the joining area of ​​the base materials and heating the filler metal to that temperature to melt it, thereby joining the base materials.

[0106] The specific structure and shape of the heat exchange tube (30) described above are merely examples, and the heat exchange tube (30) may be provided in various structures and shapes through which refrigerant can flow.

[0107] The second header (200) and the first header (100) may be positioned so as to be spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance. For example, the second header (200) may be positioned above the first header (100).

[0108] A plurality of heat exchange tubes (30) can be arranged in the space formed between the second header (200) and the first header (100).

[0109] Each end of the plurality of heat exchange tubes (30) facing upward may be connected to a second header (200). Each internal space of the plurality of heat exchange tubes (30) may be provided to communicate with the interior of the second header (200). Accordingly, the refrigerant flowing in each of the plurality of heat exchange tubes (30) may flow into the interior of the second header (200).

[0110] Each of the lower ends of the plurality of heat exchange tubes (30) may be connected to the first header (100). Each internal space of the plurality of heat exchange tubes (30) may be provided to communicate with the interior of the first header (100). Accordingly, the refrigerant flowing in each of the plurality of heat exchange tubes (30) may flow into the interior of the first header (100).

[0111] For example, refrigerant may be supplied from the outside to an inlet pipe (20). The refrigerant supplied to the inlet pipe (20) may flow into a first header (100) connected to the inlet pipe (20). The refrigerant supplied to the first header (100) may flow to a second header (200) through a plurality of heat exchange tubes (30). Thereafter, the refrigerant that has completed heat exchange with air and flowed to the first header (100) may be discharged back to the outside through an outlet pipe (40).

[0112] For example, the first header (100) may be integrally joined to the inlet pipe (20) and the outlet pipe (40) by a brazing process. For example, for the brazing process, the first header (100) may include at least one of the inlet pipe (20) and the outlet pipe (40) a clad material.

[0113] FIG. 3 is a drawing showing a lower portion of a cut surface of a heat exchanger according to one embodiment, taken along the line a-a'. FIG. 4 is an exploded drawing showing a first header of a heat exchanger according to one embodiment.

[0114] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the first header (100) may be connected to one end of a plurality of heat exchange tubes (30) in the downward direction (-Z direction). An inlet pipe (20) for introducing refrigerant from the outside into the interior of the first header (100) and an outlet pipe (40) for discharging refrigerant from the interior of the first header (100) to the outside may be connected to the first header (100).

[0115] The first header (100) may include a header cover (110, 130) forming a chamber (114, 134) inside, a header partition (120) provided to partition the chamber (114, 134), and first header baffles (Baffles, 161, 162, 163, 164) that can be coupled to the header cover (110, 130) and the header partition (120) to block both ends of the chamber (114, 134) from the outside.

[0116] The header cover (110, 130) may include a first cover (110) that is directly coupled to a plurality of heat exchange tubes (30), and a second cover (130) that is positioned on the lower side of the first cover (110) and connected to the first cover (110).

[0117] The first cover (110), the second cover (130), and the header bulkhead (120) can be detachably coupled to each other.

[0118] The first cover (110) may include a first cover body (111) forming an outer shape. The first cover body (111) may be formed to extend in the left-right direction.

[0119] Both ends of the first cover body (111) may be formed to be bent downward. As will be described later, both ends of the first cover body (111) may be inserted into the header bulkhead (120), thereby allowing the first cover (110) to be coupled with the header bulkhead (120).

[0120] The first cover (110) may include a first cover internal space (114) formed by the inner surface of the first cover body (111) and the two ends (1111, 1112) of the first cover body as the two ends of the first cover body (111) are bent downward. As will be described later, the first cover internal space (114) may form a part of the chamber (114, 134).

[0121] The first cover (110) may include a first cover hole (112, 113) formed on the upper surface of the first cover body (111). The first cover hole (112, 113) may include a plurality of first cover holes (112, 113).

[0122] A plurality of first cover holes (112, 113) may include first cover front holes (112) arranged in the front and along the longitudinal direction of the first cover body (111). The first cover front holes (112) may be connected to the first row tubes (31) of the plurality of heat exchange tubes (30), respectively.

[0123] The plurality of first cover holes (112, 113) may include first cover rear holes (113) arranged at the rear and along the longitudinal direction of the first cover body (111). The first cover rear holes (113) may be respectively connected to the second row tubes (32) of the plurality of heat exchange tubes (30).

[0124] The first cover (110) may include first cover baffle joining grooves (1151, 1152, 1161, 1162) formed at each end (1111, 1112) of the first cover body. The first header baffles (161, 162, 163, 164) may be inserted into the first cover baffle joining grooves (1151, 1152, 1161, 1162), respectively, to partition the chambers (114, 134) described later from the external space.

[0125] The second cover (130) may include a second cover body (131) that forms an outer shape. The second cover body (131) may be formed to extend in the left-right direction. For example, the left-right length of the second cover body (131) may correspond to the left-right length of the first cover body (111).

[0126] The two ends (1311, 1312) of the second cover body can be formed to be bent upward. As will be described later, the two ends (1311, 1312) of the second cover body can be inserted into the header bulkhead (120), thereby allowing the second cover (130) to be coupled with the header bulkhead (120).

[0127] The second cover (130) may include a second cover internal space (134) formed by the inner surface of the second cover body (131) and the two ends (1311, 1312) of the second cover body as the two ends (1311, 1312) of the second cover body are bent upward. As will be described later, the second cover internal space (134) may form the remaining part of the chamber (114, 134).

[0128] The second cover (130) may include an inlet pipe insertion hole (132) into which an inlet pipe (20) is inserted. For example, the inlet pipe insertion hole (132) may be formed on a folded surface of the second cover body (131). The inlet pipe (20) may be inserted into the inlet pipe insertion hole (132) and connected to the second cover (130).

[0129] The second cover (130) may include an outlet pipe insertion hole (133) into which an outlet pipe (40) is inserted. For example, the outlet pipe (40) insertion hole may be formed on the lower surface of the second cover body (131). The outlet pipe (40) may be inserted into the outlet pipe insertion hole (133) and connected to the second cover (130).

[0130] The second cover (130) may include second cover baffle joining grooves (1351, 1352, 1361, 1362) formed at each end (1311, 1312) of the second cover body. The first header baffles (161, 162, 163, 164) may be inserted into the second cover baffle joining grooves (1351, 1352, 1361, 1362), respectively, to partition the chambers (114, 134) described below from the external space.

[0131] The header bulkhead (120) can be placed between the first cover (110) and the second cover (130). The first cover (110) can be coupled with the header bulkhead (120) to cover the upper side of the header bulkhead (120). The second cover (130) can be coupled with the header bulkhead (120) to cover the lower side of the header bulkhead (120).

[0132] More specifically, the header bulkhead (120) may include first coupling grooves (127a, 128a) formed at both ends of the front and rear sides (+-X side) and formed to be sunken toward the upper side (+Z side) (see FIG. 8). Both ends (1111, 1112) of the first cover bent toward the lower side (-Z side) may be inserted into the first coupling grooves (127a, 128a), respectively. Through this, the first cover (110) may be coupled with the header bulkhead (120) at the upper side of the header bulkhead (120).

[0133] In addition, the header bulkhead (120) may include second joining grooves (127b, 128b) formed at both ends of the front and rear sides and formed to be sunken toward the lower side (see FIG. 8). The two ends (1311, 1312) of the second cover bent toward the upper side may be inserted into the second joining grooves (127b, 128b), respectively. Through this, the second cover (130) may be joined to the header bulkhead (120) at the lower side of the header bulkhead (120).

[0134] The first cover (110) and the second cover (130) are coupled to the header bulkhead (120), so that the internal space (114) of the first cover and the internal space (134) of the second cover can be connected to each other. The space formed by the internal space (114) of the first cover and the internal space (134) of the second cover being connected to each other can be defined as a chamber (114, 134). The chamber (114, 134) can be designed to allow the refrigerant to flow.

[0135] The header bulkhead (120) may be provided to partition the chambers (114, 134). More specifically, the header bulkhead (120) may include a flat portion (121, 122) extending in the second direction (+-Y direction) to partition the chambers (114, 134) into a first chamber (140) and a second chamber (150) arranged in the first direction (-Z direction).

[0136] As previously discussed, for example, the first direction (-Z direction) may be a downward direction (-Z direction) from top to bottom, and the second direction may mean a left-right direction (+-Y direction).

[0137] Accordingly, the first chamber (140) may be the upper space of the chamber (114, 134) partitioned by the flat portion (121, 122), and the second chamber (150) may be the lower space of the chamber (114, 134) partitioned by the flat portion (121, 122).

[0138] For example, the flat portion (121, 122) may be in the shape of a roughly rectangular parallelepiped extending in the left-right direction and having a height smaller than the length extending in the left-right direction (+-Y direction), but is not limited thereto.

[0139] The header bulkhead (120) may include a first extension portion (123) extending in the second direction (+-Y direction) to divide the first chamber (140) into a first front chamber (141) positioned forward (+X direction) and a first rear chamber (142) positioned backward (-X direction).

[0140] The first extension portion (123) may be formed to protrude upward from the upper surface of the flat portion (121, 122). The first extension portion (123) may extend upward and come into contact with the inner surface of the first cover (110).

[0141] The first extension portion (123) may extend along the longitudinal direction of the flat portions (121, 122). For example, the first extension portion (123) may extend by a length corresponding to the length of the flat portions (121, 122) in the left-right direction. Through this, the first chamber (140) may be divided into chambers (114, 134) by a first front chamber (141) and a first rear chamber (142).

[0142] The first front chamber (141) may be referred to as the front upper chamber (141) from a positional perspective. By the same logic, the first rear chamber (142) may be referred to as the rear upper chamber (142).

[0143] The header bulkhead (120) may include a second extension (124) extending in a second direction (+-Y direction) to divide the second chamber (150) into a second front chamber (151) positioned at the front and a second rear chamber (152) positioned at the rear.

[0144] The second extension portion (124) may be formed to protrude downward from the lower surface of the flat portion (121, 122). The second extension portion (124) may extend downward and come into contact with the inner surface of the second cover (135).

[0145] The second extension portion (124) may extend along the longitudinal direction of the flat portions (121, 122). For example, the second extension portion (124) may extend by a length corresponding to the length of the flat portions (121, 122) in the left-right direction (+-Y direction). Through this, the second chamber (150) may be divided into a second front chamber (151) and a second rear chamber (152).

[0146] The second front chamber (151) may be referred to as the front lower chamber (151) from a positional point of view. In addition, the second rear chamber (152) may be referred to as the rear lower chamber (152).

[0147] The header bulkhead (120) may include a curved portion (125) extending in a curved manner from the flat portions (121, 122). The curved portion (125) may include a through hole (1253) connecting the first chamber (140) and the second chamber (150).

[0148] More specifically, the curved portion (125) may extend from a portion of the flat portion (121, 122) disposed between the first front chamber (141) and the second front chamber (151), and a through hole (1253) formed in the curved portion (125) may allow the first front chamber (141) and the second front chamber (151) to communicate with each other. A detailed description of the curved portion (125) and the through hole (1253) will be described later.

[0149] The header bulkhead (120) may include a flow hole (126) formed in a flat portion (121, 122). More specifically, the flow hole (126) may be formed to penetrate the flat portion (121, 122) disposed between the first rear chamber (142) and the second rear chamber (152).

[0150] The flow hole (126) may include a plurality of flow holes (126), and the plurality of flow holes (126) may be formed at positions symmetrical to each other with respect to the center in the longitudinal direction of the header bulkhead (120).

[0151] The inlet pipe (20) may include an inlet pipe body (21) forming an outer shape and an inlet hole (22) through which refrigerant is discharged to supply refrigerant to the chamber (114, 134).

[0152] The inlet pipe body (21) can be inserted into the inlet pipe insertion hole (132) so that the inlet hole (22) communicates with the second front chamber (151). Accordingly, the refrigerant can be supplied from the inlet pipe (20) into the interior of the second front chamber (151).

[0153] The outlet pipe (40) may include an outlet pipe body (40) forming an outer shape and an outlet hole (42) through which refrigerant is introduced to discharge the refrigerant from the chamber (114, 134).

[0154] The outlet pipe body (40) can be inserted into the outlet pipe insertion hole (133) so that the outlet hole (42) communicates with the second rear chamber (152). Accordingly, the refrigerant can be discharged to the outside through the outlet pipe (40) from the second rear chamber (152).

[0155] As previously discussed, the first row tubes (31) can be arranged in front of the first cover (110) and connected to the first cover (110). The first row tubes (31) connected to the first cover (110) can be communicated with the first front chamber (141).

[0156] Additionally, the second row tubes (32) may be arranged at the rear of the first cover (110) and connected to the first cover (110). The second row tubes (32) connected to the first cover (110) may be in communication with the first rear chamber (142).

[0157] Fig. 5 is an exploded view of a second header of a heat exchanger according to one embodiment. Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the components exploded in Fig. 5 assembled and cut along the b-b' line.

[0158] Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, the second header (200) can be connected to the upper end of a plurality of heat exchange tubes (30).

[0159] The second header (200) may include a second header cover (210) connected to a plurality of heat exchange tubes (30), and a second header housing (220) provided so as to be coupled to the second header cover (210) on the upper side of the second header cover (210).

[0160] The second header cover (210) may include a second header cover body (211) that forms an outer shape. The second header cover body (211) may be formed to extend in the left-right direction.

[0161] A second header cover (210) hole may be formed on the lower surface of the second header cover body (211) to enable a plurality of heat exchange tubes (30) to be connected.

[0162] The second header cover (210) hole may include a plurality of second header cover front holes (212) arranged in the longitudinal direction of the second header cover body (211) in front of the second header cover body (211) so as to be connected to the first row tubes (31).

[0163] The second header cover (210) hole may include a plurality of second header cover rear holes (213) arranged in the longitudinal direction of the second header cover body (211) at the rear of the second header cover body (211) so as to be connected to the second row tubes (32).

[0164] The second header cover body (211) may include both ends (2111, 2112) of the second header cover body formed at both ends of the front and rear sides and bent upward. As will be described later, the both ends (2111, 2112) of the second header cover body may be inserted into the second header body joining grooves (2211, 2212) formed in the second header housing (220).

[0165] The second header cover (210) may include second header body baffle joining grooves (2231, 2232, 2241, 2242) formed on both left and right ends of the second header cover body (211) so that second header baffles (231, 232, 233, 234) can be joined. The second header baffles (231, 232, 233, 234) may be inserted into the second header body baffle joining grooves (2231, 2232, 2241, 2242), respectively, to partition the second header chamber (241, 242) described later from the outside.

[0166] The second header housing (220) may include a second header body (221) forming an outer shape. The second header body (221) may be formed to extend in the left and right directions. For example, the length of the extension of the second header cover body (211) and the length of the extension of the second header body (221) may correspond to each other.

[0167] The second header housing (220) can be combined with the second header cover (210) to form a second header chamber (241, 242) therein. A refrigerant can flow in the second header chamber (241, 242).

[0168] The second header housing (220) may include a second header bulkhead (222) formed to extend downward from the inner surface of the second header body (221). The second header bulkhead (222) may extend downward and contact the inner surface of the second header cover (210).

[0169] The second header bulkhead (222) can be formed to divide the second header chambers (241, 242) into a second header front chamber (241) at the front and a second header rear chamber (242) at the rear.

[0170] The second header bulkhead (222) may include a second header bulkhead hole (225) formed to communicate the second header front chamber (241) and the second header rear chamber (242) with each other. Coolant may flow from the second header front chamber (241) to the second header rear chamber (242) through the second header bulkhead hole (225).

[0171] The first row tubes (31) connected to the second header cover front hole (212) can be communicated with the second header front chamber (241). In addition, the second row tubes (32) connected to the second header cover rear hole (213) can be communicated with the second header rear chamber (242).

[0172] Below, the flow of refrigerant in the heat exchanger (10) will be examined.

[0173] The refrigerant can be introduced into the second front chamber (151) through the inlet pipe (20). The refrigerant introduced into the second front chamber (151) can flow into the first front chamber (141) through the through hole (1253) formed in the curved portion (125).

[0174] Thereafter, the refrigerant flows through the first row tubes (31) connected to the first front chamber (141), exchanges heat with the outside air, and can flow to the second header (200). More specifically, the refrigerant that flows upward through the first row tubes (31) can flow to the second header front chamber (241).

[0175] The refrigerant flowing into the second header front chamber (241) can flow into the second header rear chamber (242) through the second header bulkhead hole (225). Thereafter, the refrigerant flows in the second row tubes (32), exchanges heat with the outside air, and can flow into the first rear chamber (142) of the first header (100).

[0176] The refrigerant flowing into the first rear chamber (142) can flow into the second rear chamber (152) through the flow hole (126) and finally be discharged to the outside through the outlet pipe (40).

[0177] Fig. 7 is a diagram illustrating a header bulkhead (120) of a heat exchanger according to one embodiment in isolation. Fig. 8 is a diagram illustrating a cross-section of a header bulkhead of a heat exchanger according to one embodiment.

[0178] Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, the header bulkhead (120) may include a curved portion (125) extending from a flat portion (122).

[0179] More specifically, the curved portion (125) may be formed to extend from a flat portion (122) positioned between the first front chamber (141) and the second front chamber (151). In other words, the curved portion (125) may extend from a flat portion (122) positioned in front of the first extension portion (123) or the second extension portion (124) among the flat portions (122) such that the through hole (1253) connects the first front chamber (141) and the second front chamber (151).

[0180] The curved portion (125) may be formed to protrude from the first chamber (140) toward the second chamber (150) and may include a curved body (1251) in which a through hole (1253) is formed. More specifically, the curved body (1251) may be formed to protrude from the first front chamber (141) toward the second front chamber (151). The curved body (1251) may extend in a direction parallel to the direction in which the flat portions (121, 122) extend.

[0181] The curved body (1251) may include a recessed surface (1252) that is formed as one side of the curved body (1251) facing the first chamber (140) and is recessed from the first chamber (140) toward the second chamber (150) and forms one end (h2) of a through hole. More specifically, the recessed surface (1252) may be formed to face the first front chamber (141).

[0182] The sunken surface (1252) may extend from one side of the flat portion (122) facing the first front chamber (141). One end (h2) of a through hole facing the first front chamber (141) may be formed in the sunken surface (1252). For example, one end (h2) of the through hole may be formed in front of the sunken surface (1252), but is not limited thereto.

[0183] The curved body (1251) may include a protruding surface (1255) formed to protrude from the first chamber (140) toward the second chamber (150) as the other surface of the curved body (1251) facing the second chamber (150). More specifically, the protruding surface (1255) may be formed to protrude from the first front chamber (141) toward the second front chamber (151). The protruding surface (1255) may be formed to face the second front chamber (151).

[0184] The protruding surface (1255) may protrude from the other surface of the flat portion (122) facing the second front chamber (151). The other end (h1) of a through hole facing the second front chamber (151) may be formed on the protruding surface (1255). For example, the other end (h1) of the through hole may be formed in front of the protruding surface (1255), but is not limited thereto.

[0185] The through hole (1253) may be formed to extend from one end (h2) of the through hole to the other end (h1) of the through hole. The through hole (1253) may be formed to penetrate the curved body (1251). For example, the through hole (1253) may be formed at the front of the curved body (1251), and the guide surface (1256) may be formed at the front of the curved body (1251), but is not limited thereto.

[0186] The curved body (1251) may include a guide surface (1256) extending from the outer circumference of one end (h2) of the through hole toward the outer circumference of the other end (h1) of the through hole. The guide surface (1256) may refer to the through surface (1256) of the curved body (1251) where the through hole (1253) is formed.

[0187] For example, the refrigerant flowing from the second front chamber (151) to the first front chamber (141) can be guided by the guide surface (1256) to change the flow direction (F1).

[0188] For example, the guide surface (1256) can guide the refrigerant so that the refrigerant passing through the through hole (1253) flows in the direction of contact with the sunken surface (1252). In other words, the guide surface (1256) can be formed on the curved body (1251) so that the sunken surface (1252) is positioned along a longitudinal extension of the guide surface (1256).

[0189] When the refrigerant passing through the through hole (1253) is guided to the guide surface (1256) and comes into contact with the sunken surface (1252), the direction in which the refrigerant flows can be changed in any direction due to the curved shape of the sunken surface (1252) (F1). For example, the refrigerant passing through the through hole (1253) can be guided to the guide surface (1256) and come into contact with the sunken surface (1252) arranged on the front side (F1).

[0190] Accordingly, the refrigerant can flow in any direction into the first front chamber (141), resulting in the refrigerant being uniformly distributed throughout the entire area of ​​the first front chamber (141). This prevents the refrigerant from being concentrated in a specific heat exchange tube (30), thereby improving the efficiency of the heat exchanger (10).

[0191] The curved body (1251) may include a groove (1257) defined as a space surrounded by a sunken surface (1252). The groove (1257) may extend in a direction parallel to the direction in which the flat portion (122) extends (+-Y direction).

[0192] The groove (1257) can be connected to the through hole (1253). The refrigerant passing through the through hole (1253) can flow in the groove (1257) and come into contact with the sunken surface (1252).

[0193] The curved body (1251) may include an opening (1254) formed to open toward the first chamber (140).

[0194] More specifically, the space formed by the two ends of the sunken surface (1252) connected to the flat portion (121, 122) being spaced apart from each other can be defined as an opening (1254). The opening (1254) can extend in a direction parallel to the direction in which the flat portion (121, 122) extends (+-Y direction).

[0195] The opening (1254) can be communicated with the through hole (1253) and the groove (1257). Therefore, the refrigerant passing through the through hole (1253) can flow in the groove (1257) and pass through the opening (1254) to flow into the first front chamber (141).

[0196] For example, the center of the through hole (1253) may be arranged so as to be aligned with the center of the opening (1254) in a direction other than the first direction (-Z direction). More specifically, the center of the through hole (1253) may not be arranged simultaneously on an extension line in the vertical direction with the center of the opening (1254). This is to prevent the refrigerant passing through the through hole (1253) from directly escaping through the opening (1254) without contacting the sunken surface (1252).

[0197] The curved portion (125) can be formed to extend in the second direction (+-Y direction) in which the flat portion (122) extends.

[0198] The through hole (1253) may include a plurality of through holes (1253). For example, the plurality of through holes (1253) may be formed to be symmetrical with respect to the longitudinal center of the curved portion (125). In other words, the plurality of through holes (1253) may be formed to be spaced apart from each other by the same distance (d1, d2) with respect to the longitudinal center of the curved body (1251) of the curved portion (125).

[0199] Since the plurality of through holes (1253) are formed symmetrically with respect to the center in the longitudinal direction of the curved portion (125), the refrigerant flowing in the second front chamber (151) can be uniformly spread to all areas of the first front chamber (141).

[0200] Accordingly, the refrigerant can be evenly distributed to the first row tubes (31) and flow to the second header (200), and the phenomenon of the refrigerant being concentrated in a specific heat exchange tube (30) can be prevented, thereby increasing the efficiency of the heat exchanger (10).

[0201] Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional drawing of a header bulkhead of a heat exchanger according to one embodiment. Hereinafter, descriptions of content overlapping with the above will be omitted.

[0202] Referring to FIG. 9, for example, one end (h4) of the through hole can be formed at the rear of the sunken surface (3252), and the other end (h3) of the through hole can be formed at the rear of the protruding surface (3255), so that the through hole (3253) can be formed at the rear of the curved body (3251).

[0203] When the through hole (3253) is formed at the rear of the curved body (3251) and the guide surface (3256) is formed at the rear of the curved body (3251), the refrigerant passes through the through hole (3253) and is guided by the guide surface (3256) so as to come into contact with the front side of the sunken surface (3252) (F2).

[0204] Through this, the flow direction of the refrigerant can be changed to any arbitrary flow direction, and the refrigerant can be uniformly spread throughout the entire area of ​​the first front chamber (141).

[0205] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a header bulkhead of a heat exchanger according to one embodiment.

[0206] Referring to FIG. 10, the curved body (4251) may include a groove (4257) defined as a space covered by a sunken surface (4252). The groove (4257) is in communication with a through hole (4253), so that refrigerant passing through the through hole (4253) can flow in the groove (4257).

[0207] The groove (4257) can be communicated with the opening (4254). Therefore, the refrigerant flowing in the groove (4257) can flow into the first front chamber (441) through the opening (4254).

[0208] The diameter (l1) of the opening may be set smaller than the diameter (l2) of the groove. At this time, the diameter (l1) of the opening and the diameter (l2) of the groove may refer to the lengths in the front-back direction (+-X direction) of the opening (4254) and the groove (4257). For example, the diameter (l1) of the opening may be set equal to the diameter of the through hole (4253) or smaller than the diameter of the through hole (4253).

[0209] If the diameter (l1) of the opening is made smaller than the diameter (l2) of the groove, the phenomenon of the refrigerant flowing in the groove (4257) passing through the through hole (4253) escaping through the opening (4254) may be prevented.

[0210] In this case, the time for which the refrigerant flows in the groove (4257) can be prolonged, and the number of times it comes into contact with the sunken surface (4252) can be increased (F3). Accordingly, the flow direction of the refrigerant, which changes upon contact with the sunken surface (4252), can be changed more randomly, and can be more effectively diffused throughout the entire area of ​​the first front chamber (441).

[0211] Fig. 11 is a cross-sectional drawing of a header bulkhead of a heat exchanger according to one embodiment.

[0212] Referring to FIG. 11, the curved portion (525) may be formed to protrude from the second front chamber (551) toward the first front chamber (541) and may include a curved body (5251) in which a through hole (5253) is formed. The curved body (5251) may extend in a direction parallel to the direction in which the flat portion (522) extends.

[0213] The curved body (5251) may include a recessed surface (5252) formed as one side of the curved body (5251) facing the second front chamber (551) to be recessed from the second front chamber (551) toward the first front chamber (541).

[0214] The curved body (5251) may include a protruding surface (5255) formed as one side of the curved body (5251) facing the first front chamber (541) to protrude from the second front chamber (551) toward the first front chamber (541).

[0215] The through hole (5253) can be formed by extending one end (h5) of the through hole formed on the sunken surface (5252) and the other end (h6) of the through hole formed on the protruding surface (5255).

[0216] The curved body (5251) may include a guide surface (5256) formed by extending the outer circumference of one end (h5) of the through hole and the outer circumference of one end (h6) of the through hole. The guide surface (5256) may guide the flow direction of the refrigerant passing through the through hole (5253).

[0217] The through hole (5253) may be formed at the rear of the curved body (5251). More specifically, the through hole (5253) may be formed at the rear side of the curved body (5251) so that the refrigerant passing through the through hole (5253) flows toward the first extension (523).

[0218] The refrigerant passing through the through hole (5253) can flow toward the first extension (523) inside the first front chamber (541). Therefore, the refrigerant can come into contact with the first extension (523). The first extension (523) and the first front chamber (541) can be formed to extend in the left-right direction.

[0219] Accordingly, the refrigerant in contact with the first extension (523) can change its flow direction and be uniformly spread throughout the entire area of ​​the first front chamber (541).

[0220] The through hole (5253) can be formed in the curved body (5251) so that the first extension (523) is positioned along the longitudinal extension line of the guide surface (5256). Accordingly, the refrigerant can flow more effectively toward the first extension (523) and the flow direction can be changed by contacting the first extension (523).

[0221] The through hole (5253) may include a plurality of through holes (5253). For example, the plurality of through holes (5253) may be formed to be symmetrical with respect to the longitudinal center of the curved portion (525). In other words, the plurality of through holes (5253) may be formed to be spaced apart from each other by an equal distance with respect to the longitudinal center of the curved body (5251) of the curved portion (525).

[0222] Since the plurality of through holes (5253) are formed symmetrically with respect to the longitudinal center of the curved portion (525), the refrigerant flowing in the second front chamber (551) can be uniformly spread throughout the entire area of ​​the first front chamber (541). Accordingly, the refrigerant can be evenly distributed to the first row tubes (31) and flow to the second header (200).

[0223] A heat exchanger (10) according to one embodiment includes a plurality of heat exchange tubes (30) through which refrigerant flows and which extend in a first direction (-Z direction) and are arranged in a second direction (+-Y direction) intersecting the first direction (-Z direction). The heat exchanger (10) includes a first header (100) which is connected to one end of the plurality of heat exchange tubes (30) in the first direction (-Z direction) and to which an inlet pipe (20) for introducing refrigerant from the outside and an outlet pipe (40) for discharging refrigerant to the outside are connected. The heat exchanger (10) includes a second header (200) which is connected to the other end of the plurality of heat exchange tubes (30). The first header (100) includes a header cover (110, 130) which forms a chamber (114, 134) therein. The first header (100) includes a header partition (120) provided to partition the chambers (114, 134). The header partition (120) includes a flat portion (121, 122) extending in the second direction (+-Y direction) to partition the chambers (114, 134) into a first chamber (140) and a second chamber (150) arranged in the first direction (-Z direction). The header partition (120) includes a through hole (1253) connecting the first chamber (140) and the second chamber (150), and includes a curved portion (125) extending in a curved manner from the flat portion (121, 122).

[0224] The above-mentioned curved portion (125) may further include a curved body (1251) formed to protrude from the first chamber (140) toward the second chamber (150) and in which the through hole (1253) is formed.

[0225] The above-mentioned curved body (1251) may include a recessed surface (1252) that is recessed from the first chamber (140) toward the second chamber (150) as one surface of the curved body (1251) facing the first chamber (140) and on which one end (h2) of the through hole is formed. The above-mentioned curved body (1251) may include a protruding surface (1255) that is recessed from the first chamber (140) toward the second chamber (150) and on which the other end (h1) of the through hole is formed as the other surface of the curved body (1251) facing the second chamber (150). The above-mentioned curved body (1251) may include a guide surface (1256) that extends from the outer periphery of one end (h2) of the through hole toward the outer periphery of the other end (h1) of the through hole. The above guide surface (1256) can guide the refrigerant passing through the through hole (1253) to come into contact with the sunken surface (1252).

[0226] The above-mentioned curved body (1251) may further include an opening (1254) formed by the two ends of the sunken surface (1252) being spaced apart from each other and connected to the flat portion (121, 122) so as to be open toward the first chamber (140). The through hole (1253) may be in communication with the opening (1254) to connect the first chamber (140) and the second chamber (150).

[0227] The center of the above through hole (1253) can be arranged so as to be aligned with the center of the opening (1254) in a direction other than the first direction (-Z direction).

[0228] The above-mentioned curved portion (125) is formed to extend in the second direction (+-Y direction), and the through hole (1253) may include a plurality of through holes (1253). The plurality of through holes (1253) may be formed to be symmetrical to each other with respect to the center in the longitudinal direction of the above-mentioned curved portion (125).

[0229] The above-mentioned curved body (4251) may further include a groove (4257) formed to cover the above-mentioned sunken surface (4252). The diameter (l1) of the opening may be formed to be smaller than the diameter (l2) of the groove.

[0230] The plurality of heat exchange tubes (30) may include first row tubes (31) arranged at the front and second row tubes (32) arranged at the rear. The header bulkhead (120) may include a first extension portion (123) extending in the second direction (+-Y direction) to partition the first chamber (140) into a first front chamber (141) arranged at the front and a first rear chamber (142) arranged at the rear. The header bulkhead (120) may further include a second extension portion (124) extending in the second direction (+-Y direction) to partition the second chamber (150) into a second front chamber (151) arranged at the front and a second rear chamber (152) arranged at the rear.

[0231] The above-mentioned curved portion (125) may extend from the flat portion (122) located in front of the first extension portion (123) among the flat portions (121, 122) so that the through hole (1253) connects the first front chamber (141) and the second front chamber (151).

[0232] The first row tubes (31) may be communicated with the first front chamber (141). The second row tubes (32) may be communicated with the first rear chamber (142). The inlet pipe (20) may be communicated with the second front chamber (151). The outlet pipe (40) may be communicated with the second rear chamber (152).

[0233] The above-mentioned curved portion (525) may further include a curved body (5251) formed to protrude from the second front chamber (551) toward the first front chamber (541) and in which the through hole (5253) is formed.

[0234] The above through hole (5253) can be formed on the rear side of the curved body (5251) so that the refrigerant passing through the through hole (5253) flows toward the first extension (523).

[0235] The above-mentioned curved portion (525) is formed to extend in the second direction (+-Y direction), and the through hole (5253) may include a plurality of through holes (5253). The plurality of through holes (5253) may be formed to be symmetrical to each other with respect to the center in the longitudinal direction of the above-mentioned curved portion (525).

[0236] The header cover (110, 130) may include a first cover (110) coupled with the plurality of heat exchange tubes (30) and a second cover (130) to which the inlet pipe (20) and the outlet pipe (40) are connected. The header bulkhead (120) may be arranged between the first cover (110) and the second cover (130) and may be provided so as to be coupled with the first cover (110) and the second cover (130), respectively.

[0237] The header bulkhead (120) may include first coupling grooves (127a, 128a) into which both ends (1111, 1112) of the first cover can be inserted, respectively. The header bulkhead (120) may include second coupling grooves (127b, 128b) into which both ends (1311, 1312) of the second cover can be inserted, respectively.

[0238] A heat exchanger (10) according to one embodiment includes a first header (100) to which an inlet pipe (20) for introducing refrigerant from the outside and an outlet pipe (40) for discharging refrigerant to the outside are connected. The heat exchanger (10) includes a second header (200) spaced upward from the first header (100). The heat exchanger (10) includes a plurality of heat exchange tubes (30) extending vertically to connect the first header (100) and the second header (200), and including first row tubes (31) arranged in the front and second row tubes (32) arranged in the rear. The first header (100) includes a first cover (110) coupled to the plurality of heat exchange tubes (30). The first header (100) includes a second cover (130) connected to the first cover (110) at the lower side of the first cover (110). The first header (100) includes a chamber (114, 134) formed by the first cover (110) and the second cover (130). The first header (100) includes a header partition (120) arranged between the first cover (110) and the second cover (130) and provided to partition the chamber (114, 134). The header partition (120) includes a flat portion (121, 122) extending in the longitudinal direction of the first cover (110) and the second cover (130) to partition the chamber (114, 134) into an upper chamber (114, 134) and a lower chamber (114, 134). The header bulkhead (120) includes a first extension portion (123) extending in the longitudinal direction of the first cover (110) to partition the upper chamber (114, 134) into a front upper chamber (141) and a rear upper chamber (142). The header bulkhead (120) includes a second extension portion (124) extending in the longitudinal direction of the second cover (130) to partition the lower chamber (114, 134) into a front lower chamber (151) and a rear lower chamber (152).The above header bulkhead (120) includes a through hole (1253) that connects the front lower chamber (151) and the front upper chamber (141), and includes a curved portion (125) that extends in a curved manner from the flat portion (121, 122).

[0239] The first row tubes (31) may be communicated with the front upper chamber (141). The second row tubes (32) may be communicated with the rear upper chamber (142). The inlet pipe (20) may be communicated with the front lower chamber (151). The outlet pipe (40) may be communicated with the rear lower chamber (152).

[0240] The above-mentioned curved portion (125) may further include a curved body (1251) formed to protrude from the front upper chamber (141) toward the front lower chamber (151) and in which the through hole (1253) is formed. The curved body (1251) may include a recessed surface (1252) that is recessed from the front upper chamber (141) toward the front lower chamber (151) as one surface of the curved body (1251) facing the front upper chamber (141) and in which one end (h2) of the through hole is formed. The curved body (1251) may include a protruding surface (1255) that is recessed from the front upper chamber (141) toward the front lower chamber (151) as the other surface of the curved body (1251) facing the front lower chamber (151) and in which the other end (h1) of the through hole is formed. The above curved surface may include a guide surface (1256) extending from the outer circumference of one end (h2) of the through hole toward the outer circumference of the other end (h1) of the through hole. The guide surface (1256) may guide the refrigerant passing through the through hole (1253) to come into contact with the sunken surface (1252).

[0241] The above-mentioned curved body (1251) may further include an opening (1254) formed by the two ends of the sunken surface (1252) connected to the flat portion (121, 122) being spaced apart from each other so as to be open toward the front upper chamber (141). The center of the through hole (1253) and the center of the opening (1254) may be arranged so as not to be simultaneously positioned on an extension line extending in the vertical direction.

[0242] An air conditioner (1) according to one embodiment includes a housing including an intake port through which air is sucked in and an exhaust port (12) through which heat-exchanged air is discharged. The air conditioner (1) includes a heat exchanger (10) disposed inside the housing to exchange heat with the sucked in air. The air conditioner (1) includes a fan operable to discharge the heat-exchanged air to the outside. The heat exchanger (10) includes a plurality of heat exchange tubes (30) through which refrigerant flows and which extend in a first direction (-Z direction) and are arranged in a second direction (+-Y direction) intersecting the first direction (-Z direction). The heat exchanger (10) includes a first header (100) which is connected to one end of the plurality of heat exchange tubes (30) in the first direction (-Z direction) and to which an inlet pipe (20) through which refrigerant is introduced from the outside and an outlet pipe (40) through which refrigerant is discharged to the outside are connected. The heat exchanger (10) includes a second header (200) connected to the other end of the plurality of heat exchange tubes (30). The first header (100) includes a header cover (110, 130) forming a chamber (114, 134) therein. The first header (100) includes a header partition wall (120) provided to partition the chamber (114, 134). The header partition wall (120) includes a flat portion (121, 122) extending in the second direction (+-Y direction) to partition the chamber (114, 134) into a first chamber (140) and a second chamber (150) arranged in the first direction (-Z direction). The above header bulkhead (120) includes a through hole (1253) that connects the first chamber (140) and the second chamber (150), and includes a curved portion (125) that extends in a curved manner from the flat portion (121, 122).

[0243] The above illustrates and describes specific embodiments. However, the invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that various modifications and implementations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the claims below.

Claims

1. A plurality of heat exchange tubes having a refrigerant flowing therein and extending in a first direction and arranged in a second direction intersecting the first direction; A first header connected to one end of the plurality of heat exchange tubes in the first direction, and having an inlet pipe for introducing refrigerant from the outside and an outlet pipe for discharging refrigerant to the outside connected thereto; and A second header connected to the other end of the plurality of heat exchange tubes; The above first header is, a header cover forming a chamber inside; and A header bulkhead provided to partition the above chamber; The above header bulkhead is, a flat portion extending in the second direction to divide the chamber into a first chamber and a second chamber arranged in the first direction; and A heat exchanger comprising a through hole connecting the first chamber and the second chamber, and a curved portion extending in a curved manner from the flat portion; 2. In paragraph 1, A heat exchanger further comprising a curved body in which the above-mentioned curved portion is formed to protrude from the first chamber toward the second chamber and in which the through hole is formed.

3. In paragraph 2, The above curved body, A sunken surface, which is one side of the curved body facing the first chamber and is sunken from the first chamber toward the second chamber, and in which one end of the through hole is formed, A protruding surface that protrudes from the first chamber toward the second chamber as the other surface of the curved body facing the second chamber, and on which the other end of the through hole is formed; and Including a guide surface extending from the outer circumference of one end of the above through hole toward the outer circumference of the other end of the above through hole, The above guide surface is a heat exchanger that guides the refrigerant passing through the through hole to come into contact with the sunken surface.

4. In paragraph 3, The above curved body further includes an opening formed by the two ends of the sunken surface connected to the flat portion being spaced apart from each other so as to open toward the first chamber, A heat exchanger in which the above through hole communicates with the above opening and connects the first chamber and the second chamber.

5. In paragraph 4, A heat exchanger in which the center of the above through hole is arranged in a direction other than the center of the opening and the first direction.

6. In paragraph 2, The above-mentioned curved portion is formed to extend in the second direction, The above through hole includes a plurality of through holes, A heat exchanger in which the above plurality of through holes are formed symmetrically with respect to the center in the longitudinal direction of the curved portion.

7. In paragraph 4, The above curved body further includes a groove formed by covering the above sunken surface, A heat exchanger in which the diameter of the above opening is formed smaller than the diameter of the above groove.

8. In paragraph 1, The above plurality of heat exchange tubes include first row tubes arranged in the front and second row tubes arranged in the rear, The above header bulkhead is, A first extension portion extending in the second direction to divide the first chamber into a first front chamber positioned in the front and a first rear chamber positioned in the rear, and A heat exchanger further comprising a second extension portion extending in the second direction to divide the second chamber into a second front chamber positioned at the front and a second rear chamber positioned at the rear.

9. In paragraph 8, A heat exchanger in which the above-mentioned curved portion extends from a flat portion located in front of the first extension portion among the flat portions so that the through hole connects the first front chamber and the second front chamber.

10. In paragraph 9, The above first row tubes are communicated with the first front chamber, The above second row tubes are connected to the first rear chamber, The above inlet pipe communicates with the second front chamber, The above outlet pipe is a heat exchanger communicating with the second rear chamber.

11. In paragraph 9, A heat exchanger further comprising a curved body formed so as to protrude from the second front chamber toward the first front chamber and in which the through hole is formed.

12. In paragraph 11, A heat exchanger in which the above through hole is formed on the rear side of the curved body so that the refrigerant passing through the above through hole flows toward the first extension.

13. In paragraph 12, The above-mentioned curved portion is formed to extend in the second direction, The above through hole includes a plurality of through holes, A heat exchanger in which the above plurality of through holes are formed symmetrically with respect to the center in the longitudinal direction of the curved portion.

14. In paragraph 1, The above header cover, A first cover coupled with the above plurality of heat exchange tubes and Including a second cover to which the inlet pipe and the outlet pipe are connected, A heat exchanger in which the header bulkhead is arranged between the first cover and the second cover and is configured to be connectable with the first cover and the second cover, respectively.

15. In paragraph 14, The above header bulkhead is, The first coupling groove into which each end of the first cover can be inserted, and A heat exchanger including a second joining groove into which each end of the second cover can be inserted.

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