Refrigerant pipe connection device and air conditioner having same

Abstract

Disclosed are a refrigerant pipe connection device and an air conditioner having same. A refrigerant pipe connection device according to the present invention comprises: a nipple including an accommodation unit for accommodating a refrigerant pipe to be connected; a grip ring accommodated in the accommodation unit while coupled to the refrigerant pipe, and having an inclined grip that is coupled to the refrigerant pipe while inclined with respect to the refrigerant pipe; and a support member for supporting the inclined grip. The support member includes an inclined support portion disposed to have an inclination, with respect to the refrigerant pipe, corresponding to the inclination angle of the inclined grip so that the inclination angle between the inclined grip and the refrigerant pipe can be maintained while the grip ring is coupled to the refrigerant pipe.

Description

Refrigerant pipe connecting device and air conditioner including the same

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a connecting device for connecting a refrigerant pipe connected to an indoor unit and an outdoor unit constituting an air conditioner, and an air conditioner including the same.

[0002] An air conditioner is a device that absorbs heat from the surrounding atmosphere by evaporating a refrigerant at room temperature and releases the absorbed heat to another system. It is composed of an evaporator that evaporates the refrigerant to cool the surrounding atmosphere, a compressor that compresses the gaseous refrigerant that has exited the evaporator to high temperature and high pressure, a condenser that condenses the gaseous refrigerant compressed through the compressor into a liquid state at room temperature, and a capillary tube that reduces the pressure of the high-pressure liquid refrigerant that has exited the condenser.

[0003] Air conditioners can be divided into separate and integrated types. Among these, the separate type air conditioner is composed of an indoor unit that is installed indoors and sucks in indoor air, exchanges heat with the refrigerant, and discharges the heat-exchanged air back into the room, and an outdoor unit that exchanges heat with the refrigerant drawn from the indoor unit and supplies it to the indoor unit after making it ready for heat exchange with the indoor air again. The indoor and outdoor units are connected by a refrigerant pipe through which the refrigerant flows.

[0004] When connecting a refrigerant pipe to an outdoor or indoor unit or connecting a separate refrigerant pipe to an existing refrigerant pipe to extend the existing refrigerant pipe, a refrigerant pipe connection structure is required that is easy to connect while stably preventing refrigerant leakage and can maintain a stable connection even when an external impact is applied.

[0005] One aspect of the present disclosure provides a refrigerant pipe connection device that enables easy connection of a refrigerant pipe between an indoor unit and an outdoor unit of an air conditioner, and an air conditioner including the same.

[0006] One aspect of the present disclosure provides a refrigerant pipe connecting device and an air conditioner including the same, which can prevent deformation of a connecting part even when excessive external force is applied to the connecting part during the process of connecting a refrigerant pipe, thereby ensuring the airtightness of the refrigerant and preventing the detachment of the refrigerant pipe.

[0007] One aspect of the present disclosure provides a refrigerant pipe connection device and an air conditioner including the same, which can maintain the connection state of the refrigerant pipe and the airtightness of the refrigerant even when an external impact is applied while the refrigerant pipe is connected to an indoor or outdoor unit.

[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] To solve the above problem, a refrigerant pipe connecting device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a nipple including a receiving portion for receiving a refrigerant pipe to be connected, a grip ring having an inclined grip that is received in the receiving portion while connected to the refrigerant pipe and is connected to the refrigerant pipe in an inclined state with respect to the refrigerant pipe, and a support member for supporting the inclined grip.

[0010] An air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include an indoor unit disposed indoors, an outdoor unit disposed outdoors, a refrigerant pipe for moving refrigerant between the indoor unit and the outdoor unit, and a refrigerant pipe connecting device for connecting the refrigerant pipe to at least one of the indoor unit and the outdoor unit, wherein the refrigerant pipe connecting device may include a support member including a nipple including a receiving portion for receiving a refrigerant pipe to be connected, a grip ring having an inclined grip that is received in the receiving portion in a state of being coupled to the refrigerant pipe and is coupled to the refrigerant pipe in a state of being inclined with respect to the refrigerant pipe, and an inclined support portion that is arranged to have an inclined angle with respect to the refrigerant pipe corresponding to the inclined angle of the inclined grip so that an inclined angle between the inclined grip and the refrigerant pipe can be maintained in a state of being coupled to the refrigerant pipe in order to support the inclined grip.

[0011] According to the invention of the present invention, the air conditioner can easily connect a refrigerant pipe between an indoor unit and an outdoor unit.

[0012] According to the idea of ​​the present disclosure, even when excessive external force is applied to a connecting part during the process of connecting a refrigerant pipe, deformation of the connecting part is prevented, thereby ensuring the airtightness of the refrigerant and preventing the refrigerant pipe from detaching.

[0013] According to the idea of ​​the present disclosure, even when an external impact is applied while the refrigerant pipe is connected to an indoor or outdoor unit, the connection state of the refrigerant pipe and the airtightness of the refrigerant can be maintained.

[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 showing a state in which a refrigerant pipe connecting device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure connects a refrigerant pipe between an indoor unit and an outdoor unit.

[0016] Figure 2 is an exploded view showing the connection relationship between the refrigerant pipe connecting device and the refrigerant pipe of Figure 1.

[0017] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view showing the connection relationship between the refrigerant pipe connecting device and the refrigerant pipe of Figure 1.

[0018] FIG. 4 is a drawing showing the arrangement relationship between a support member and a grip ring of a refrigerant pipe connecting device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0019] Fig. 5 is a drawing showing a state in which the support member and grip ring of Fig. 4 are combined.

[0020] FIG. 6 is a drawing showing the arrangement relationship between a support member and a grip ring of a refrigerant pipe connecting device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0021] Fig. 7 is a drawing showing a state in which the support member and grip ring of Fig. 6 are combined.

[0022] FIG. 8 is a drawing showing the arrangement relationship between a support member and a grip ring of a refrigerant pipe connecting device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0023] Fig. 9 is a drawing showing a state in which the support member and grip ring of Fig. 8 are combined.

[0024] FIG. 10 is a drawing showing the arrangement relationship between a support member and a grip ring of a refrigerant pipe connecting device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0025] Fig. 11 is a drawing showing a state in which the support member and grip ring of Fig. 10 are combined.

[0026] FIG. 12 is a drawing showing the arrangement relationship between a support member and a grip ring of a refrigerant pipe connecting device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0027] Fig. 13 is a drawing showing a state in which the support member and grip ring of Fig. 12 are combined.

[0028] FIG. 14 is a drawing showing the arrangement relationship between a support member and a grip ring of a refrigerant pipe connecting device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0029] Fig. 15 is a drawing showing a state in which the support member and grip ring of Fig. 14 are combined.

[0030] It should be understood that the various embodiments of the present disclosure and the terminology used therein are not intended to limit the technical features described in the present disclosure to specific embodiments, but rather to encompass various modifications, equivalents, or alternatives of the embodiments.

[0031] In connection with the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components.

[0032] 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.

[0033] In this disclosure, 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 the corresponding phrase, or all possible combinations thereof.

[0034] The term “and / or” includes any combination of a plurality of related described elements or any one of a plurality of related described elements.

[0035] 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).

[0036] In addition, terms such as 'front', 'rear', 'top', 'bottom', 'side', 'left', 'right', 'upper', and 'lower' used in the present disclosure are defined based on the drawings, and the shape and position of each component are not limited by these terms.

[0037] The terms “include” or “have” are intended to specify the presence of a feature, number, step, operation, component, part or combination thereof described in the present disclosure, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts or combinations thereof.

[0038] 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.

[0039] 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.

[0040] Hereinafter, one embodiment is described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0041] FIG. 1 is a drawing showing a state in which a refrigerant pipe connecting device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure connects a refrigerant pipe between an indoor unit and an outdoor unit.

[0042] Referring to FIG. 1, an air conditioner (1) may include an indoor unit (10) placed indoors, an outdoor unit (20) placed outdoors, a refrigerant pipe (30) connecting the indoor unit (10) and the outdoor unit (20) for movement of refrigerant between the indoor unit (10) and the outdoor unit (20), and a refrigerant pipe connection device (100) for connecting the refrigerant pipe (30) to the indoor unit (10) and the outdoor unit (20).

[0043] The refrigerant pipe connection device (100) can be placed between the service valves (40) of the indoor unit (10) and the outdoor unit (20) and the refrigerant pipe (30), or between the refrigerant pipes (30) to connect them.

[0044] Fig. 2 is an exploded view showing the connection relationship between the refrigerant pipe connecting device and the refrigerant pipe of Fig. 1, and Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing the connection relationship between the refrigerant pipe connecting device and the refrigerant pipe of Fig. 1.

[0045] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the refrigerant pipe connecting device (100) may include a nipple (110) including a receiving portion (111) for receiving a refrigerant pipe (30) to be connected, a grip ring (120) received in the receiving portion (111) while connected to the refrigerant pipe (30), and a support member (130) for supporting the grip ring (120).

[0046] The nipple (110) may be formed as a part of the service valve (40) and may be integrally formed with the service valve (40), may be formed by being coupled to the service valve (40), or may be coupled to one end of the refrigerant pipe (30) to connect the refrigerant pipes (30).

[0047] A grip ring (120) coupled to a refrigerant pipe (30) and a support member (130) for supporting the grip ring (120) can be accommodated in the receiving portion (111) of the nipple (110). Hereinafter, the direction toward the receiving portion (111) of the nipple (100) is defined as the front, and the opposite direction, the direction toward the fastening nut (170) to be described later, is defined as the rear, and accordingly, the side facing forward is defined as the front, and the side facing rear is defined as the rear.

[0048] The receiving portion (111) may include a first coupling hole (111a) to which a refrigerant pipe (130) can be directly coupled, and a second coupling hole (111b) for accommodating other components of the refrigerant pipe connecting device (100) to be described later, including a grip ring (120) and a support member (130).

[0049] The first coupling hole (111a) can be formed to have an inner diameter corresponding to the diameter of the refrigerant pipe (30) so that the refrigerant pipe (30) can be contacted and fitted, and the second coupling hole (111b) can be formed to have an inner diameter corresponding to the diameters of the grip ring (120) and the support member (130).

[0050] In addition to the grip ring (120) and the support member (130), the refrigerant pipe connecting device (100) may further include a sealing member (140) for preventing refrigerant leakage, a guard (150) for protecting the sealing member (140), a fixing member (160) for preventing the refrigerant pipe (30) from being separated from the nipple (110), and a fastening nut (170) provided to be coupled to the outer circumference of the nipple (110) to provide a fastening force so that the refrigerant pipe (30) is fixed to the nipple (110).

[0051] The grip ring (120), the support member (130), the sealing member (140), the guard (150) and the fixing member (160) are sequentially received in the receiving portion (111) of the nipple (110) with the refrigerant pipe (30) passing through them, and when the refrigerant pipe (30) is inserted and fixed in the receiving portion (111) in this manner, the fastening nut (170) is coupled to the nipple (110) and the fastening nut (170) is tightened, the refrigerant pipe (30) is fixed and at the same time the refrigerant pipe (30) is sealed, thereby maintaining airtightness.

[0052] The nipple (110) and the fastening nut (170) can be fastened by screw coupling, and for this purpose, threaded portions (112, 171) can be formed on the outer surface of the nipple (110) and the inner surface of the fastening nut (170). The fastening nut (170) is fastened to the outer surface of the nipple (110), and for this purpose, the threaded portion (112) formed on the outer surface of the nipple (110) can be formed as a male threaded portion, and the threaded portion (171) formed on the inner surface of the fastening nut (170) can be formed as a female threaded portion.

[0053] Accordingly, when the fastening nut (170) is rotated while the two screw parts (112, 171) are interlocked, the fastening nut (170) moves toward the nipple (110) and the connecting parts accommodated in the receiving portion (111) are pressurized, and when this pressing force compresses the sealing member (140) through the guards (150) arranged on both sides of the sealing member (140), the sealing member (140) expands in the radial direction instead of decreasing in width and comes into strong contact with the inner surface of the receiving portion (111), exerts a sealing force, and maintains the airtightness of the refrigerant.

[0054] The sealing member (140) may be formed of an O-ring made of rubber or silicone, and may be configured as a pair and placed adjacent to each other.

[0055] The guard (150) is arranged on both sides of the sealing member (140) to prevent the sealing member (140) from coming into direct contact with the grip ring (120) and the fixing member (160) having a relatively small contact surface area, and is formed in a washer shape that can form a wide contact surface area with the sealing member (140) to prevent the sealing member (140) from being damaged during the tightening process using the fastening nut (170). The guard (150) may be formed of a highly ductile metal material to prevent deformation or damage of the grip ring (120) and the fixing member (160) that are adjacent during the tightening process using the fastening nut (170).

[0056] As the fixed member (160) is pressurized during the tightening process through the fastening nut (170), the guard (150) presses the sealing member (140) so that it compresses, and at the same time, the fastening nut (170) is fastened to the nipple (110) with an appropriate torque, and is fixed in close contact with the refrigerant pipe (30), thereby preventing the refrigerant pipe (30) from being detached.

[0057] The grip ring (120) may include an inclined grip (121) coupled to a refrigerant pipe (30) and a vertical portion (122) disposed on the outside of the inclined grip (121). The inclined grip (121) may be disposed inclined with respect to the refrigerant pipe (30) when coupled to the refrigerant pipe (30), and the vertical portion (122) may be disposed approximately perpendicular to the refrigerant pipe (30).

[0058] The inclined grip (121) may include a penetration portion (121a) at the inner end through which a refrigerant pipe (30) may pass. The inner diameter of the penetration portion (121a) may be formed to be slightly smaller than the diameter of the refrigerant pipe (30), and accordingly, the grip ring (120) may be forcefully coupled to the refrigerant pipe (30) by the inclined grip (121).

[0059] As described above, in the process of being force-fitted to the refrigerant pipe (30), the grip ring (120) can be fixed to the refrigerant pipe (30) by expanding the inner diameter of the penetration portion (121a) so that the refrigerant pipe (30) can pass through, and deforming to have a gentle inclination angle smaller than the inclination angle that the inclined grip (121) has with respect to the refrigerant pipe (30) before being coupled to the refrigerant pipe (30). The grip ring (120) can be formed of an elastic metal material, and for example, can be formed of a stainless steel material. Therefore, when the grip ring (120) is coupled to the refrigerant pipe (30), the inclined grip (121) can exert an elastic force to press the refrigerant pipe (30) so that the frictional force between the inclined grip (121) and the refrigerant pipe (30) can be maintained.

[0060] In addition, the grip ring (120) can be inserted into the refrigerant pipe (30) in such a way that the inclined grip (121) is closer to the end of the refrigerant pipe (30) than the vertical portion (122) and the vertical portion (122) is positioned toward the rear. Therefore, when the grip ring (120) is inserted into the refrigerant pipe (30), as described above, the angle of inclination that the inclined grip (121) forms with the refrigerant pipe (30) becomes small and a relatively small frictional force is applied, so that the grip ring (120) can be inserted. However, when a force is applied in the direction opposite to the insertion direction of the grip ring (120), the force is applied to the inclined grip (121) in the direction in which the angle of inclination that the inclined grip (121) forms with the refrigerant pipe (30) becomes large, and accordingly, the frictional force between the inclined grip (121) and the refrigerant pipe (30) increases in proportion to the force applied in the direction in which the grip ring (120) is detached, so that a strong fastening force can be exerted. The grip ring (120) fixed in this way not only prevents the refrigerant pipe (30) from coming off, but also fixes the position of the sealing member (140) so that the sealing member (140) can be compressed when a fastening force is applied through the fastening nut (170). The vertical portion (122) contacts the guard (150) positioned at the rear and allows the fastening force applied by the fastening nut (170) to be transmitted to the grip ring (120).

[0061] The grip ring (120) can be formed by alternately and repeatedly arranging inclined grips (121) and vertical portions (122) along the circumferential direction.

[0062] Accordingly, a plurality of inclined grips (121) can be spaced apart along the circumferential direction of the grip ring (120) so that a space can be formed between adjacent inclined grips (121), and similarly, a plurality of vertical parts (122) can be spaced apart along the circumferential direction of the grip ring (120) so that a space can be formed between adjacent vertical parts (122).

[0063] In this way, as the plurality of inclined grips (121) and the plurality of vertical sections (122) are spaced apart along the circumferential direction, the inclination angle of the inclined grip (121) can be changed when the grip ring (120) is inserted into the refrigerant pipe (30), and when it is necessary to separate the grip ring (120) from the refrigerant pipe (30), an external force can be applied to the grip ring (120) so that it can be easily separated.

[0064] The support member (130) can support the grip ring (120) to prevent the refrigerant pipe (30) from being detached due to the weakening of the bonding force between the grip ring (120) and the refrigerant pipe (30) caused by excessive external force applied to the grip ring (120) or the refrigerant pipe (30) during or after the refrigerant pipe connection process.

[0065] For example, the support member (130) can support the inclined grip (121) by contacting the inclined surface of the inclined grip (121) so that the inclined angle of the inclined grip (121) is maintained. In addition, the support member (130) can be arranged in a space between a plurality of inclined grips (121) so that the inclined angle of the inclined grip (121) is maintained so that the inclined grip (121) can support the inclined grip (121).

[0066] The support member (130) may be arranged at the rear of the grip ring (120) as shown in FIG. 3 or at the front of the grip ring (120) to support the inclined grip (121).

[0067] Fig. 4 is a drawing showing the arrangement relationship between a support member and a grip ring of a refrigerant pipe connecting device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 5 is a drawing showing a state in which the support member and grip ring of Fig. 4 are combined.

[0068] Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, the support member (130) may be positioned adjacent to the rear surface of the grip ring (120) to support the rear surface of the grip ring (120). The support member (130) may be formed to surround part or all of the rear surface of the inclined grip (121) of the grip ring (120), and may be formed in a ring shape overall to surround the inclined grip (121).

[0069] The support member (130) may include an inclined support portion (131) arranged to have an inclination with respect to the refrigerant pipe corresponding to the inclination angle of the inclined grip (121) so that the inclination angle between the inclined grip (121) and the refrigerant pipe (30) can be maintained when the grip ring (120) is coupled to the refrigerant pipe (30).

[0070] The inclined support member (131) may include an inclined surface (1311) formed to surround at least a portion of the rear surface (121a) of the inclined grip (121) along the circumferential direction of the grip ring (120). Accordingly, by supporting the rear surface (121a) of the inclined grip (121) through the inclined surface (1311), the inclined angle between the inclined grip (121) and the refrigerant pipe (30) can be maintained in a state where the grip ring (120) is coupled to the refrigerant pipe (30), and accordingly, as the inclined angle of the inclined grip (121) becomes gentle, the coupling force between the grip ring (120) and the refrigerant pipe (30) is weakened, thereby preventing the refrigerant pipe (30) from being detached.

[0071] The inclined grips (121) are formed in a plurality, and these plurality of inclined grips (121) are arranged to be spaced apart from each other along the circumference of the grip ring (120) so that a space can be formed between adjacent inclined grips (121), and the inclined support member (131) can include a support protrusion (1312) that is formed to protrude toward the space so as to be placed in the space between the spaced inclined grips (121).

[0072] The width of the support protrusion (1312) can be formed to correspond to the width of the space (S) between the spaced apart inclined grips (121) so that the width of the spaced apart space (S) can be maintained, and accordingly, the inclined grips (121) are supported so that the spaced apart space (S) between the spaced apart inclined grips (121) is maintained, thereby allowing the inclination angle of the inclined grips (121) to be maintained.

[0073] The support protrusion (1312) can be formed by bending toward the separation space (S) from the inclined surface (1311), and accordingly, a bend portion (1313) can be formed between the support protrusion (1312) and the inclined surface (1311).

[0074] Fig. 6 is a drawing showing the arrangement relationship between a support member and a grip ring of a refrigerant pipe connecting device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 7 is a drawing showing a state in which the support member and grip ring of Fig. 6 are combined.

[0075] The support member (230) includes an inclined support portion (231) for supporting the inclined grip (121), and the inclined support portion (231) may include an inclined surface (2311) formed to surround at least a portion of the rear surface (121a) of the inclined grip (121) along the circumferential direction of the grip ring (120), and a support protrusion (2312) formed to protrude toward the separation space (S) so as to be arranged in the space between the spaced-apart inclined grips (121). This point is the same as the embodiment according to FIGS. 4 and 5.

[0076] According to the embodiment according to FIGS. 6 and 7, the support protrusion (2312) may be formed to protrude from the inclined surface (2311) toward the space (S) and may be placed in the space (S). The width of the support protrusion (2312) may be formed to a size corresponding to the width of the space (S) so that the width of the space (S) can be maintained so as to be placed in the space between the spaced-apart inclined grips (121), and accordingly, the inclined grips (121) are supported so that the space (S) between the spaced-apart inclined grips (121) is maintained, thereby allowing the inclination angle of the inclined grips (121) to be maintained.

[0077] Fig. 8 is a drawing showing the arrangement relationship between a support member and a grip ring of a refrigerant pipe connecting device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 9 is a drawing showing a state in which the support member and grip ring of Fig. 8 are combined.

[0078] According to the embodiment according to FIGS. 8 and 9, the support member (330) may be formed in a ring shape overall so as to be arranged in front of the grip ring (120) and surround at least a portion of the front surface of the grip ring (120).

[0079] The support member (330) may include an inclined support portion (331) arranged to have an inclination corresponding to the inclination angle of the inclined grip (121), and a flange portion (332) arranged to circumferentially surround the front surface of the vertical portion (122) of the grip ring (120).

[0080] The inclined support member (331) may include an inclined surface (3311) arranged to circumferentially surround at least a portion of the front surface of the inclined grip (121).

[0081] The flange portion (332) can be arranged vertically with respect to the refrigerant pipe (30) in parallel with the vertical portion (122) of the grip ring (120), and the inclined surface (3311) can extend parallel to the inclined grip (121) from the inside of the flange (332).

[0082] The inclined surface (3311) of the inclined support member (331) supports the inclined grip (121) so that the inclination angle between the inclined grip (121) and the refrigerant pipe (30) is maintained without becoming gradual when the grip ring (120) is coupled to the refrigerant pipe (30), thereby preventing the refrigerant pipe (30) from being detached due to weakening of the bonding force between the grip ring (120) and the refrigerant pipe (30).

[0083] Fig. 10 is a drawing showing the arrangement relationship between a support member and a grip ring of a refrigerant pipe connecting device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 11 is a drawing showing a state in which the support member and grip ring of Fig. 10 are combined.

[0084] According to the embodiment according to FIGS. 10 and 11, the support member (430) may be formed in a ring shape overall so as to be arranged in front of the grip ring (120) and surround at least a portion of the front surface of the grip ring (120).

[0085] The support member (430) may include an inclined support portion (431) arranged to have an inclination corresponding to the inclination angle of the inclined grip (121), and a flange portion (432) arranged to circumferentially surround the front surface of the vertical portion (122) of the grip ring (120).

[0086] The inclined support member (431) may include an inclined surface (4311) arranged to circumferentially surround at least a portion of the front surface of the inclined grip (121).

[0087] The flange portion (432) can be arranged vertically with respect to the refrigerant pipe (30) in parallel with the vertical portion (122) of the grip ring (120), and the inclined surface (4311) can extend parallel to the inclined grip (121) from the inside of the flange (432).

[0088] The inclined surface (4311) of the inclined support member (431) supports the inclined grip (121) so that the inclination angle between the inclined grip (121) and the refrigerant pipe (30) is maintained without becoming gradual when the grip ring (120) is coupled to the refrigerant pipe (30), thereby preventing the refrigerant pipe (30) from being detached due to weakening of the bonding force between the grip ring (120) and the refrigerant pipe (30).

[0089] The flange portion (432) includes a first support protrusion (4321) arranged in a space (S) between adjacent vertical portions (122) to support the maintenance of a gap between adjacent vertical portions (122). The first support protrusion (4321) may be formed to protrude from the rear surface of the flange portion (432) arranged parallel to the vertical portion (122) toward the space (S).

[0090] The width of the first support protrusion (4321) can be formed to a size corresponding to the width of the separation space (S) so that the width of the separation space (S) can be maintained so as to be arranged in the space between the spaced vertical portions (122), and accordingly, by supporting the vertical portion (122) so that the separation space (S) between the spaced vertical portions (122) is maintained, deformation of not only the vertical portion (122) of the grip ring (120) but also the inclined grip (121) connected to the vertical portion (122) can be prevented, and ultimately, the inclination angle of the inclined grip (121) can be maintained.

[0091] In addition, the first support protrusion (4321) can be formed in a shape corresponding to the space (S) between the vertical portions (122) so as to completely fill the space (S) between the adjacent vertical portions (122).

[0092] Fig. 12 is a drawing showing the arrangement relationship between a support member and a grip ring of a refrigerant pipe connecting device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 13 is a drawing showing a state in which the support member and grip ring of Fig. 12 are combined.

[0093] According to the embodiment according to FIGS. 12 and 13, the support member (530) may be formed in a ring shape overall so as to be arranged in front of the grip ring (120) and surround at least a portion of the front surface of the grip ring (120).

[0094] The support member (530) may include an inclined support portion (531) arranged to have an inclination corresponding to the inclination angle of the inclined grip (121), and a flange portion (532) arranged to circumferentially surround the front surface of the vertical portion (122) of the grip ring (120).

[0095] The flange portion (532) can be arranged vertically with respect to the refrigerant pipe (30) and parallel to the vertical portion (122) of the grip ring (120).

[0096] The flange portion (532) may include a first support protrusion (5321) arranged in a space (S) between adjacent vertical portions (122) to support the maintenance of a gap between adjacent vertical portions (122). The first support protrusion (5321) may be formed to protrude from the rear surface of the flange portion (532) arranged parallel to the vertical portion (122) toward the space (S).

[0097] The width of the first support protrusion (5321) can be formed to a size corresponding to the width of the separation space (S) so that the width of the separation space (S) can be maintained so as to be arranged in the space between the spaced vertical portions (122), and accordingly, by supporting the vertical portion (122) so that the separation space (S) between the spaced vertical portions (122) is maintained, deformation of not only the vertical portion (122) of the grip ring (120) but also the inclined grip (121) connected to the vertical portion (122) can be prevented, and ultimately, the inclined angle of the inclined grip (121) can be maintained.

[0098] In addition, the first support protrusion (5321) can be formed in a shape corresponding to the space (S) between the vertical portions (122) so as to completely fill the space (S) between the adjacent vertical portions (122).

[0099] The inclined support member (531) may include a second support protrusion (5311) arranged in a space (S) between adjacent inclined grips (121) to support the maintenance of a gap between adjacent inclined grips (121). The second support protrusion (5311) may extend from the inner side of the flange portion (532) in parallel with the inclined grips (122) and may be formed to protrude toward the space (S) between the inclined grips (121). Since the space (S) between the vertical members (122) and the space (S) between the inclined grips (121) are one space that is connected to each other, the first support protrusion (5321) and the second support protrusion (5311) may be connected to each other and formed as one body.

[0100] The width of the second support protrusion (5311) can be formed to correspond to the width of the space (S) between the spaced apart inclined grips (121) so that the width of the space (S) can be maintained, and accordingly, the inclined grips (121) are supported so that the space (S) between the spaced apart inclined grips (121) is maintained, thereby allowing the inclination angle of the inclined grips (121) to be maintained.

[0101] Fig. 14 is a drawing showing the arrangement relationship between a support member and a grip ring of a refrigerant pipe connecting device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 15 is a drawing showing a state in which the support member and grip ring of Fig. 14 are combined.

[0102] According to the embodiment according to FIGS. 14 and 15, the support member (630) may be formed in a ring shape overall so as to be arranged in front of the grip ring (120) and surround the grip ring (120).

[0103] The support member (630) may include an inclined support portion (631) arranged to have an inclination corresponding to the inclination angle of the inclined grip (121), and a flange portion (632) arranged to circumferentially surround the front surface of the vertical portion (122) of the grip ring (120).

[0104] The flange portion (632) can be arranged vertically with respect to the refrigerant pipe (30) and parallel to the vertical portion (122) of the grip ring (120).

[0105] The flange portion (632) may include a first support protrusion (6321) arranged in a space (S) between adjacent vertical portions (122) to support the maintenance of a gap between adjacent vertical portions (122). The first support protrusion (6321) may be formed to protrude from the rear surface of the flange portion (632) arranged parallel to the vertical portion (122) toward the space (S).

[0106] The width of the first support protrusion (6321) can be formed to correspond to the width of the separation space (S) so that the width of the separation space (S) can be maintained so as to be arranged in the space between the spaced vertical portions (122), and accordingly, by supporting the vertical portion (122) so that the separation space (S) between the spaced vertical portions (122) is maintained, deformation of not only the vertical portion (122) of the grip ring (120) but also the inclined grip (121) connected to the vertical portion (122) can be prevented, and ultimately, the inclination angle of the inclined grip (121) can be maintained.

[0107] Additionally, the first support protrusion (6321) can be formed in a shape corresponding to the space (S) between the vertical portions (122) so as to completely fill the space (S) between adjacent vertical portions (122).

[0108] The inclined support member (631) may include a second support protrusion (6311) arranged in a space (S) between adjacent inclined grips (121) to support the maintenance of a gap between adjacent inclined grips (121). The second support protrusion (6311) may extend from the inner side of the flange portion (632) in parallel with the inclined grips (122) and may be formed to protrude toward the space (S) between the inclined grips (121). Since the space (S) between the vertical portions (122) and the space (S) between the inclined grips (121) are one space that is connected to each other, the first support protrusion (6321) and the second support protrusion (6311) may be formed in a shape corresponding to the space (S) between the vertical portions (122) and the space (S) between the inclined grips (121) and may be connected.

[0109] The width of the second support protrusion (6311) can be formed to correspond to the width of the space (S) between the spaced apart inclined grips (121) so that the width of the space (S) can be maintained, and accordingly, the inclined grips (121) are supported so that the space (S) between the spaced apart inclined grips (121) is maintained, thereby maintaining the inclination angle of the inclined grips (121).

[0110] The inclined support member (631) may further include an inclined surface (6312) provided to circumferentially surround at least a portion of the front surface of the inclined grip (121). The inclined surface (6312) may be formed to have an inclination with respect to the refrigerant pipe corresponding to the inclination angle of the inclined grip (121), and may connect the second support protrusions (6311) to each other. The inclined surface (6312) supports the inclined grip (121) so that the inclination angle between the inclined grip (121) and the refrigerant pipe (30) is maintained without becoming gradual when the grip ring (120) is coupled to the refrigerant pipe (30), thereby preventing the refrigerant pipe (30) from being detached due to a weakening of the coupling force between the grip ring (120) and the refrigerant pipe (30).

[0111] From another perspective, the second support protrusion (6311) may be formed to protrude toward the gap (S) between the inclined surface (6312) and the inclined grip (121).

[0112] 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.

[0113] 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 nipple including a receiving portion for receiving a refrigerant pipe to be connected; A grip ring having an inclined grip that is received in the receiving portion while being coupled to the refrigerant pipe and is coupled to the refrigerant pipe in an inclined state with respect to the refrigerant pipe; and A refrigerant pipe connecting device including a support member for supporting the above-mentioned inclined grip.

2. In paragraph 1, A refrigerant pipe connecting device including an inclined support member arranged to have an inclination with respect to the refrigerant pipe corresponding to the inclination angle of the inclined grip so that the inclination angle between the inclined grip and the refrigerant pipe can be maintained when the grip ring is coupled to the refrigerant pipe.

3. In paragraph 2, The above support member is a refrigerant pipe connecting device arranged adjacent to the front side facing the nipple or the rear side opposite to the grip ring.

4. In paragraph 3, A refrigerant pipe connecting device in which the grip ring further includes a vertical portion extending perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction of the refrigerant pipe from the outer side of the inclined grip, and the inclined grip and the vertical portion are formed in multiple pieces and arranged spaced apart from each other along the circumferential direction of the grip ring.

5. In paragraph 4, A refrigerant pipe connecting device, wherein the inclined support portion includes an inclined surface formed to surround at least a portion of the rear surface of the inclined grip along the circumference of the grip ring.

6. In paragraph 5, A refrigerant pipe connecting device including a support projection formed to protrude toward the space so as to be positioned in the space between the spaced-apart inclined grips.

7. In paragraph 6, A refrigerant pipe connecting device wherein the inclined support portion further includes a bent portion formed between the supporting projection and the inclined surface.

8. In paragraph 6, The above support protrusion is a refrigerant pipe connecting device formed by protruding from the above inclined surface.

9. In paragraph 4, A refrigerant pipe connecting device wherein the above support member further includes a flange portion arranged to surround the front surface of the vertical portion.

10. In paragraph 9, A refrigerant pipe connecting device including a first support projection formed to protrude toward a spaced apart space between adjacent vertical portions to support the flange portion so as to maintain a gap between the plurality of vertical portions.

11. In paragraph 10, A refrigerant pipe connecting device, wherein the inclined support portion further includes a second support protrusion formed to protrude toward a spaced apart space between adjacent inclined grips to support the inclined grips so that the spacing between the inclined grips is maintained.

12. In paragraph 9 or 10, A refrigerant pipe connecting device, wherein the inclined support portion includes an inclined surface extending from the flange portion and arranged to surround at least a portion of the front surface of the inclined grip.

13. In paragraph 1, At least one sealing member disposed within the receiving portion to prevent leakage of refrigerant; At least one guard disposed adjacent to the sealing member to protect the sealing member; A fastening nut coupled to the outer surface of the nipple to provide fastening force so that the refrigerant pipe is fixed to the nipple; and A refrigerant pipe connecting device further comprising a fixing member disposed between the guard and the fastening nut while being connected to the refrigerant pipe to prevent the refrigerant pipe from being detached from the nipple.

14. Indoor unit placed indoors; Outdoor unit placed outdoors; A refrigerant pipe for moving refrigerant between the indoor unit and the outdoor unit; and A refrigerant pipe connecting device for connecting the refrigerant pipe to at least one of the indoor unit and the outdoor unit; The above refrigerant pipe connecting device is, A nipple including a receiving portion for receiving a refrigerant pipe to be connected; A grip ring having an inclined grip that is received in the receiving portion while being coupled to the refrigerant pipe and is coupled to the refrigerant pipe in an inclined state with respect to the refrigerant pipe; and An air conditioner comprising a support member including an inclined support portion arranged to have an inclination with respect to the refrigerant pipe corresponding to the inclination angle of the inclined grip so that the inclination angle between the inclined grip and the refrigerant pipe can be maintained while the grip ring is coupled to the refrigerant pipe to support the inclined grip; 15. In paragraph 14, An air conditioner in which the inclined support portion includes an inclined surface formed to surround at least a portion of the front side of the inclined grip facing the nipple or the rear side opposite thereto along the circumferential direction of the grip ring.

Images