Distribution device and heat pump including same

Abstract

A distribution device is provided. The distribution device comprises: a cabinet including a front cabinet; a front cover attached to the rear surface of the front cabinet; a controller detachably seated on the front cover so that the front surface thereof is exposed to the front surface of the front cabinet, and is used as a remote controller when separated from the front cabinet; a separation prevention bracket assembled to the rear surface of the front cabinet and preventing separation of the front cover; and a rear cover for covering the rear surface of the controller, wherein the rear cover is assembled to one edge of the front cover, and is then rotated and assembled to the other edge of the front cover.

Description

Distribution device and heat pump including the same

[0001] The disclosed invention relates to a distribution device having a controller detachably assembled to a front cabinet and a heat pump including the same.

[0002] In general, a heat pump is a heating and cooling device that transfers a low-temperature heat source to a high-temperature one or transfers a high-temperature heat source to a low-temperature one by using the heat generation or condensation heat of a refrigerant.

[0003] A heat pump may include an outdoor unit having a compressor, an expansion valve, and a heat exchanger. The outdoor unit may be configured to heat a refrigerant, and the heated refrigerant may be configured to heat the heating water by exchanging heat with the heating water. The heating water heated by the refrigerant may be used for heating or hot water supply.

[0004] A heat pump may be installed indoors and include a distribution device that receives heated heating water and distributes it to multiple heating or hot water supply spaces. The distribution device, which receives heating water from an outdoor unit, may supply heating water to the heating or hot water supply spaces through pipes or the like.

[0005] The distribution device may include a cabinet forming the exterior. The cabinet may include a front cabinet forming the front of the exterior. A controller for controlling the distribution device may be assembled on the front of the front cabinet.

[0006] The above information is provided solely as background information to assist in understanding the disclosure. No determination has been made, nor is any assertion made, regarding whether the above information constitutes prior art in connection with the disclosure.

[0007] The purpose of this disclosure is to address at least the problems and / or shortcomings mentioned above and to provide at least the advantages described below.

[0008] Accordingly, one aspect of the disclosed invention provides a distribution device having a controller detachably assembled to a front cabinet and a heat pump including the same.

[0009] Another aspect of the disclosed invention provides a distribution device having a controller detachably assembled to a front cabinet and usable as a remote control when detached from the front cabinet, and a heat pump including the same.

[0010] Another aspect of the disclosed invention provides a distribution device having a controller detachably assembled to the rear of a front cabinet and a heat pump including the same.

[0011] Another aspect of the disclosed invention provides a distribution device and a heat pump including the same that can simplify the front design of a front cabinet.

[0012] Additional aspects will be partly set forth in the following description, and partly will become apparent from the description or may be learned by practicing the embodiments set forth.

[0013] According to one aspect of the disclosed invention, a distribution device is provided. The distribution device includes a cabinet including a front cabinet, a front cover attached to the rear of the front cabinet, a controller detachably mounted on the front cover so that the front is exposed to the front of the front cabinet and is used as a remote control when detached from the front cabinet, a separation prevention bracket assembled to the rear of the front cabinet and preventing separation of the front cover, and a rear cover assembled to one edge of the front cover and then rotated to be assembled to the other edge of the front cover, the rear cover covering the rear of the controller.

[0014] According to another aspect of the disclosed invention, a heat pump is provided. The heat pump includes an outdoor unit disposed outdoors to heat heating water, and a distribution device installed indoors to receive heated heating water from the outdoor unit and distribute the supplied heating water to the heating unit. The distribution device includes a cabinet including a front cabinet, a front cover attached to a rear side of the front cabinet, a controller detachably mounted on the front cover so that its front side is exposed to the front side of the front cabinet, and used as a remote control when separated from the front cabinet, a separation prevention bracket assembled to the rear side of the front cabinet to prevent separation of the front cover, and a rear cover assembled to one edge of the front cover and then rotated to be assembled to the other edge of the front cover, and covering the rear side of the controller.

[0015] Other aspects, advantages and important features of the disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, which discloses various embodiments of the disclosure together with the accompanying drawings.

[0016] The above and other aspects, features and advantages of specific embodiments of the disclosure will become more apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0017] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a heat pump according to one embodiment.

[0018] FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating a portion of a distribution device and piping according to one embodiment.

[0019] FIG. 3 is a drawing showing a part of a distribution device and a part of a piping according to one embodiment.

[0020] FIG. 4 is a drawing showing a front cover, a detachment prevention bracket, and a rear cover assembled on the rear of a front cabinet according to one embodiment, and a controller mounted on the front cover.

[0021] FIG. 5 is a drawing showing a front cover attached to the rear of a front cabinet by double-sided tape according to one embodiment.

[0022] FIG. 6 is a drawing illustrating an anti-disengagement bracket assembled to the rear of a front cabinet according to one embodiment.

[0023] FIG. 7 is a drawing showing an anti-disengagement bracket assembled to the rear of a front cabinet according to one embodiment.

[0024] FIG. 8 is a drawing showing a support portion of an anti-separation bracket according to one embodiment being attached to the rear of a front cabinet using double-sided tape.

[0025] FIG. 9 is a drawing showing a flange of a detachment prevention bracket according to one embodiment extended to form a 92 degree angle with a support portion.

[0026] FIG. 10 is a drawing showing a controller mounted on a front cover according to one embodiment.

[0027] FIG. 11 is a drawing showing the front side of a rear cover according to one embodiment.

[0028] FIG. 12 is a drawing showing an assembly hole of a rear cover assembled to an assembly hook of a front cover according to one embodiment.

[0029] FIG. 13 is a drawing showing a rear cover assembled to an assembly hook of a front cover in a rotated state according to one embodiment.

[0030] Fig. 14 is a drawing showing a rear cover assembled to a front cover by screws according to one embodiment.

[0031] FIG. 15 is a drawing showing a display cover assembled to a front cabinet when the controller according to one embodiment is separated from the front cabinet to be used as a remote control.

[0032] Identical reference numbers are used throughout the drawing to indicate identical elements.

[0033] The following description, with reference to the accompanying drawings, is provided to facilitate a comprehensive understanding of various embodiments of the present invention as defined by the claims and their equivalents. While it includes numerous specific details to facilitate understanding, these should be considered merely illustrative. Accordingly, those skilled in the art will recognize that various changes and modifications can be made to the various embodiments described herein without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention. Furthermore, descriptions of well-known functions and configurations may be omitted for clarity and brevity.

[0034] The terms and words used in the following description and claims are not limited to their bibliographic meanings, but are used solely to ensure a clear and consistent understanding of the disclosure by the inventors. Therefore, it should be clear to those skilled in the art that the following description of various embodiments of this disclosure is provided for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to limit the disclosure as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0035] Singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0036] Additionally, terms such as “include” or “have” are intended to specify the presence of a feature, number, step, operation, component, part or combination thereof described in the disclosure, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts or combinations thereof.

[0037] Additionally, in the present disclosure, each of the phrases such as “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 among those phrases, or all possible combinations thereof.

[0038] Additionally, the term "and / or" includes any combination of a plurality of related described elements or any one of a plurality of related described elements.

[0039] Additionally, terms including ordinal numbers such as "first," "second," etc., used in this disclosure may be used to describe various components, but the components are not limited by the terms, and the terms are used only for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another. For example, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, the first component may be referred to as the second component, and similarly, the second component may also be referred to as the first component. The term "and / or" includes any combination of a plurality of related listed items or any item among a plurality of related listed items.

[0040] Furthermore, the meaning of "identical" in this disclosure includes having similar properties or being similar within a certain range. Furthermore, "identical" means "substantially identical." "Substantially identical" should be understood to include values ​​that fall within the manufacturing error range or values ​​that differ from a reference value within a range that has no significance.

[0041] Additionally, terms such as "~part", "~device", "~block", "~absence", and "~module" may refer to a unit that processes at least one function or operation. For example, the terms may refer to at least one hardware such as an FPGA (field-programmable gate array) / ASIC (application specific integrated circuit), at least one software stored in a memory, or at least one process processed by a processor.

[0042] Meanwhile, the terms “front,” “rear,” “left,” and “right” used in the description below are defined based on the drawing, and the shape and position of each component are not limited by these terms.

[0043] It should be noted that each block of the flowchart and its combination can be executed by one or more computer programs containing computer-executable instructions. The entirety of one or more computer programs may be stored in a single memory device, or the one or more computer programs may be divided into different parts stored in different memory devices.

[0044] The functions or operations described herein may be performed by a single processor or a combination of processors. A single processor or a combination of processors is a circuit that performs processing and includes an application processor (AP, e.g., a central processing unit (CPU)), a communications processor (CP, e.g., a modem), a graphics processing unit (GPU), a neural processing unit (NPU) (e.g., an artificial intelligence (AI) chip), a wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) chip, a Bluetooth™ chip, a global positioning system (GPS) chip, a near-field communication (NFC) chip, a connection chip, a sensor controller, a touch controller, a fingerprint sensor controller, a display driver integrated circuit (IC), an audio codec chip, a universal serial bus (USB) controller, a camera controller, an image processing IC, a microprocessor unit (MPU), a system on a chip (SoC), an IC, or similar circuits.

[0045] Hereinafter, embodiments according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0046] Heat pumps can perform indoor cooling / heating, indoor floor heating, and hot water supply through heat exchange between air and refrigerant, heat exchange between refrigerants, or heat exchange between refrigerants and water.

[0047] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a heat pump according to one embodiment.

[0048] Referring to FIG. 1, a heat pump (1) may include an outdoor unit (10) including a compressor, an expansion valve, and a heat exchanger. The heat pump (1) may include an indoor unit connected to the outdoor unit (10) via at least one pipe. The number of outdoor units (10) and indoor units may not be limited as illustrated in FIG. 1.

[0049] The outdoor unit (10) may be arranged outdoors to perform heat exchange between a refrigerant and outdoor air. The compressor, expansion valve, and heat exchanger of the outdoor unit (10) may be arranged to allow the refrigerant to flow, thereby performing heat exchange between the refrigerant and outdoor air. The outdoor unit (10) may utilize a phase change (e.g., evaporation or condensation) of the refrigerant to perform heat exchange between the refrigerant and outdoor air. For example, the outdoor unit (10) may utilize condensation of the refrigerant to release heat to the outdoor air. Additionally, the outdoor unit (10) may utilize evaporation of the refrigerant to absorb heat from the outdoor air.

[0050] The heat pump (1) may include an indoor unit (20). The indoor device may include the indoor unit (20). The indoor unit (20) may be placed indoors. The outdoor unit (10) and the indoor unit (20) may be connected via a refrigerant supply pipe (21) and a refrigerant return pipe (22). The outdoor unit (10) may supply refrigerant to the indoor unit (20) via the refrigerant supply pipe (21). The refrigerant supply pipe (21) may include an indoor unit valve (23). The indoor unit valve (23) is provided to be openable and closable, thereby controlling the flow of refrigerant flowing in the refrigerant supply pipe (21). The outdoor unit (10) may recover refrigerant from the indoor unit (20) via the refrigerant return pipe (22). The indoor unit (20) may include a heat exchanger. The indoor unit (20) can perform heat exchange between the refrigerant and indoor air by utilizing a phase change (e.g., evaporation or condensation) of the refrigerant. For example, the indoor unit (20) can absorb heat from indoor air into the refrigerant by utilizing evaporation of the refrigerant. Additionally, the indoor unit (20) can release heat from the refrigerant into the indoor air by utilizing condensation of the refrigerant. The indoor unit (20) may be referred to as an indoor unit (20) or a heating and cooling device.

[0051] The heat pump (1) may include a distribution device (30). The indoor unit may include a distribution device (30). The distribution device (30) may be placed indoors. The outdoor unit (10) and the distribution device (30) may be connected via a heating water supply pipe (37) and a heating water return pipe (38). The outdoor unit (10) may supply heating water to the distribution device (30) via the heating water supply pipe (37). The outdoor unit (10) may recover heating water from the distribution device (30) via the heating water return pipe (38). The distribution device (30) may be arranged to distribute heating water to heating units (40; 50; 60) that heat heating locations requiring heating. The heating water may refer to water used for heating.

[0052] The heating water may be arranged to be heated in an outdoor unit (10). For example, the heating water may be heated by heat exchange with a refrigerant through a heat exchanger of the outdoor unit (10).

[0053] The above is merely one example of various methods by which heating water can be heated. It is also conceivable that the heating water can be heated by a separate heating device installed indoors. For example, a heat exchanger may be installed within the distribution device (30), and the heating water may be heated by the heat exchanger of the distribution device (30). Below, a method in which the heating water is heated by the heat of the refrigerant in the outdoor unit (10) will be described as an example.

[0054] The heat pump (1) may include a heating unit (40, 50 and / or 60). The indoor unit may include a heating unit (40, 50 and / or 60). The heating unit (40, 50 and / or 60) may be placed indoors.

[0055] The heat pump (1) may include a first heating unit (40). The distribution device (30) and the first heating unit (40) may be connected via a first supply pipe (41) and a first return pipe (42). The distribution device (30) may supply heating water to the first heating unit (40) via the first supply pipe (41). The distribution device (30) may recover heating water from the first heating unit (40) via the first return pipe (42).

[0056] The first heating unit may include a hot water unit (44). The hot water unit (44) may be arranged to provide heated heating water directly to the user according to the user's request.

[0057] The first heating unit (40) may include a first heating valve (43). The first heating valve (43) may be configured to open and close the first supply pipe (41). The first heating valve (43) may open and close the first supply pipe (41) or control the flow rate of flowing heating water. The present disclosure is not limited thereto, and a plurality of first heating valves (43) may be provided.

[0058] The heat pump (1) may include a second heating unit (50). The heating units (40; 50; 60) may include a second heating unit (50). The distribution device (30) and the second heating unit (50) may be connected via a second supply pipe (51) and a second return pipe (52). The distribution device (30) may supply heating water to the second heating unit (50) via the second supply pipe (51). The distribution device (30) may recover heating water from the second heating unit (50) via the second return pipe (52).

[0059] The second heating unit (50) may include a radiator (54). The radiator (54) may be arranged to heat the indoor air by exchanging heat with the indoor air.

[0060] The second heating unit (50) may include a second heating valve (53). The second heating valve (53) may be configured to open and close the second supply pipe (51). The second heating valve (53) may open and close the second supply pipe (51) or control the flow rate of flowing heating water. The present disclosure is not limited thereto, and a plurality of second heating valves (53) may be provided.

[0061] The second heating unit (50) may include a second heating unit controller (55). The second heating unit controller (55) may control the second heating unit valve (53). The second heating unit controller (55) may be arranged to control the operation of the radiator (54).

[0062] The heat pump (1) may include a third heating unit (60). The heating units (40; 50; 60) may include a third heating unit (60). The distribution device (30) and the third heating unit (60) may be connected via a third supply pipe (61) and a third return pipe (62). The distribution device (30) may supply heating water to the third heating unit (60) via the third supply pipe (61). The distribution device (30) may recover heating water from the third heating unit (60) via the third return pipe (62).

[0063] The third heating unit (60) may include an underfloor heater (64). The underfloor heater (64) may be configured to heat the floor. For example, the third heating unit (60) may be configured to heat the floor on which the underfloor heater (64) is installed using heat from heating water.

[0064] The third heating unit (60) may include a third heating valve (63). The third heating valve (63) may be configured to open and close the third supply pipe (61). The third heating valve (63) may open and close the third supply pipe (61) or control the flow rate of flowing heating water. The present disclosure is not limited thereto, and a plurality of third heating valves (63) may be provided.

[0065] The third heating unit (60) may include a third heating unit controller (65). The third heating unit controller (65) may control the third heating unit valve (63). The third heating unit controller (65) may be configured to control the operation of the underfloor heater (64).

[0066] The types of the above-mentioned heating units (40, 50 and / or 60) and the methods of supplying thermal energy to the heating location are merely examples, and it goes without saying that the heating units (40, 50 and / or 60) can be installed and operated in various locations requiring heating and hot water supply.

[0067] The heat pump (1) may include a refrigerant pipe (R). A pipe through which a refrigerant flows may be referred to as a refrigerant pipe (R). The refrigerant pipe (R) may be provided to connect an outdoor unit (10) and an indoor unit (20). The refrigerant may flow between the outdoor unit (10) and the indoor unit (20) through the refrigerant pipe (R). The number of refrigerant pipes (R) may vary depending on the number of outdoor units (10) and the number of indoor units (20).

[0068] The heat pump (1) may include a pipe (W, see FIG. 3). The pipe (W) may be provided to allow water to flow. The pipe (W) may be provided to connect the outdoor unit (10) and the distribution device (30). The pipe (W) may be provided to connect the distribution device (30) and the heating unit (40, 50 and / or 60). Water may flow between the outdoor unit (10) and the distribution device (30) through the pipe (W). Water may flow between the distribution device (30) and the heating unit (40, 50 and / or 60) through the pipe (W). The number of pipes (W) may vary depending on the number of outdoor units (10), distribution devices (30) and heating units (40, 50 and / or 60).

[0069] FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating a portion of a distribution device and piping according to one embodiment.

[0070] FIG. 3 is a drawing illustrating a portion of a distribution device and a portion of piping according to one embodiment.

[0071] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the distribution device (30) may include a cabinet (100). The cabinet (100) may form the exterior of the distribution device (30). The cabinet (100) may include a front cabinet (110) forming the front, side cabinets (31b, 31c) forming both sides, a rear cabinet (105) forming the rear, a top cover (107) forming the upper surface, and a base (109) forming the lower surface.

[0072] The front cabinet (110) may include an operation unit (31a1) formed to face forward (+X direction). A user may control the operation of the distribution device (30) through the operation unit (31a1). For example, a user may control the first heating valve (43), the second heating valve (53), and the third heating valve (63) through the operation unit (31a1). The operation unit (31a1) may be configured to display information about the distribution device (30).

[0073] The side cabinets (31b, 31c) may include a first side cabinet (101) forming the right side of the distribution device (30) and a second side cabinet (103) forming the left side of the distribution device (30).

[0074] The top cover (107) can cover the upper part of the space formed by the front cabinet (110), the rear cabinet (105), the first side cabinet (101), and the second side cabinet (103). The top cover (107) can be detachably coupled to the upper part of each of the front cabinet (110), the rear cabinet (105), the first side cabinet (101), and the second side cabinet (103). The top cover (107) can be formed integrally with the front cabinet (110), the rear cabinet (105), the first side cabinet (101), or the second side cabinet (103).

[0075] The distribution device (30) may include an internal space formed inside the cabinet (100). For example, the internal space may be defined as a space formed by the front cabinet (110), the rear cabinet (105), the side cabinets (31b, 31c), the top cover (107), and the base (109).

[0076] The internal space of the cabinet (100) can accommodate components for the operation of the distribution device (30). For example, the internal space can accommodate a tank (70), a filter device (32), an auxiliary heater (33), a power unit (34), a pipe (W), a tray (36), etc.

[0077] The distribution device (30) may include a tank (70). The tank (70) may be arranged in an internal space. The tank (70) may be configured to accommodate water. The tank (70) may be configured to store heating water. The tank (70) may be configured to store water heat-exchanged by a heat exchanger. The tank (70) may be configured to be connected to a pipe (W).

[0078] The distribution device (30) may include a tray (36). The tray (36) may be placed inside the cabinet (100). A main body (34) may be installed (mounted) on the tray (36). The tray (36) may be provided to support a pipe (W). Water generated on the surface of the pipe (W) may be collected on the tray (36). Water flowing in from the pipe (W) may be collected on the tray (36).

[0079] The distribution device (30) may include a filter device (32). The filter device (32) may be placed inside the cabinet (100). The filter device (32) may be configured to communicate with a pipe (W). The filter device (32) may be configured to filter foreign substances contained in heating water passing through the filter device (32). The heating water flowing from the outside to the distribution device (30) through the pipe (W) may be arranged to pass through the filter device (32).

[0080] The distribution device (30) may include an auxiliary heater (33). The auxiliary heater (33) may be placed inside the cabinet (100). The auxiliary heater (33) may be configured to be connected to a pipe (W). The auxiliary heater (33) may be provided to heat heating water passing through the auxiliary heater (33). The auxiliary heater (33) may be provided to maintain a required temperature of the heating water flowing through the distribution device (30).

[0081] The distribution device (30) may include a front part (34). The front part (334) may be placed inside the cabinet (100). The front part (34) may include a printed circuit board. The front part (34) may include various electronic components mounted on the printed circuit board. The front part (34) may be supported by a tray (36). The front part (34) may be rotatably coupled to the tray (36). The front part (34) may be rotatably coupled to the tray (36).

[0082] A portion of a pipe (W) may be arranged inside the distribution device (30). A portion of the pipe (W) may be arranged inside the cabinet (100). The pipe (W) may be arranged to be connected to a tank (70). The pipe (W) may be connected to the tank (70) to supply or recover heating water to the tank (70).

[0083] The distribution device (30) may include a hose (35). One end of the hose (35) may be connected to a tray (36). The other end of the hose (35) may be connected to the outside of the cabinet (100). Water collected in the tray (36) may be drained to the outside through the hose (35). The hose (250) may be referred to as a tube, line, pipe, or the like.

[0084] The distribution device (30) may include a base (109). The base (109) may include a drain plug (109a) that communicates with the outside. A hose (35) may be connected to the drain plug (109a). Water flowing inside the hose (35) may be drained to the outside of the cabinet (100) through the drain plug (109a).

[0085] FIG. 4 is a drawing showing a front cover, a detachment prevention bracket, and a rear cover assembled on the rear of a front cabinet according to one embodiment, and a controller mounted on the front cover.

[0086] FIG. 5 is a drawing showing a front cover attached to the rear of a front cabinet using double-sided tape according to one embodiment.

[0087] FIG. 6 is a drawing illustrating an anti-disengagement bracket assembled to the rear of a front cabinet according to one embodiment.

[0088] FIG. 7 is a drawing showing an anti-disengagement bracket assembled to the rear of a front cabinet according to one embodiment.

[0089] Referring to FIGS. 4 to 7, a front cover (130) may be attached to the rear of the front cabinet (110). A controller (120) may be detachably mounted on the front cover (130). A separation prevention bracket (140) that prevents the front cover (130) from being detached may be assembled to the rear of the front cabinet (110). A rear cover (150) that covers the rear of the controller (120) may be assembled to the front cover (130).

[0090] The front cabinet (110) may include a first opening (111). The front of the controller (120) mounted on the front cover (130) may be exposed through the first opening (111). The distribution device (30, see FIGS. 1 to 3) may be controlled by touching the front of the controller (120) exposed through the first opening (111).

[0091] The front cabinet (110) may include an extension rib (113) formed to extend vertically rearward from the left and right sides of the rear of the front cabinet (110). The extension rib (113) may be provided for assembling a detachment prevention bracket (140) assembled to the rear of the front cabinet (110).

[0092] The front cabinet (110) may include a first rivet hole (115) formed in the extension rib (113) to assemble the anti-separation bracket (140). The first rivet holes (115) may be formed in pairs in the extension ribs (113) formed on the left and right sides of the rear of the front cabinet (110).

[0093] The controller (120) can be detachably mounted on the front cover (130). The front of the controller (120) can be exposed through the first opening (111) of the front cabinet (110). The front of the controller (120) exposed through the first opening (111) can be provided so that a user can touch it to control the distribution device (30, see FIGS. 1 to 3). The controller (120) can be detachably mounted on the front cover (130), and its rear side is covered by a rear cover (150) so that it can be detachably assembled to the rear side of the front cabinet (110).

[0094] The controller (120) detachably assembled on the rear of the front cabinet (110) can be separated from the front cabinet (110) and used as a remote control. That is, the user can separate the controller (120) from the front cabinet (110) and use it as a remote control to control the distribution device (30, see FIGS. 1 to 3) even from a distance.

[0095] The front cover (130) can be attached to the back of the front cabinet (110) using a double-sided tape (T). The front cover (130) can include a second opening (131) corresponding to the first opening (111) formed in the front cabinet (110). The second opening (131) can be formed in the center of the front cover (130). The front cover (130) can be provided in a square shape with the second opening (131) formed in the center. The front cover (130) can be attached to the edge of the first opening (111) of the front cabinet (110). The controller (120) mounted on the front cover (130) can be exposed to the front of the front cabinet (110) through the first opening (111) of the front cabinet (110) and the second opening (131) of the front cover (130).

[0096] The front cover (130) may include a support rib (133) formed on a square edge of the front cover (130). The support rib (133) may be formed on the square edge of the front cover (130) to support a controller (120) mounted on the front cover (130). For example, the controller (120) may be mounted on the support rib (133) of the front cover (130).

[0097] The front cover (130) may include an assembly hook (135) formed on the upper edge of the front cover (130). The rear cover (150) may be rotatably assembled to the assembly hook (135). Although the drawing shows that two assembly hooks (135) are provided, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the assembly hook (135) may be provided as one, or as three or more. In addition, although the drawing shows that the assembly hook (135) is formed on the upper edge of the front cover (130), the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the assembly hook (135) may be formed on the lower edge of the front cover (130) if the rear cover (150) can be rotatably assembled. In addition, the assembly hook (135) may be formed on one of the left and right edges of the front cover (130).

[0098] The front cover (130) may include a first screw hole (137) formed at the lower edge of the front cover (130). The rear cover (150) rotatably assembled to the assembly hook (135) may be assembled to the assembly hook (135) and then rotated to be assembled to the first screw hole (137) by a screw (S, see FIG. 15). Although the first screw hole (137) is shown as being formed at the lower edge of the front cover (130) in the drawing, it is not limited thereto. For example, since the first screw hole (137) may be formed at the opposite edge of the assembly hook (135), if the assembly hook (135) is formed at the lower edge of the front cover (130), the first screw hole (137) may be formed at the upper edge of the front cover (130). Additionally, if the assembly hook (135) is formed on one of the left and right edges of the front cover (130), the first screw hole (137) can be formed on the other one of the left and right edges of the front cover (130).

[0099] The front cover (130) may include a detachment prevention hook (139) formed on the left and right edges of the front cover (130). The detachment prevention hook (139) may prevent the controller (120) mounted on the front cover (130) from detaching. For example, the rear of the controller (120) mounted on the front cover (130) may be caught by the detachment prevention hook (139) to prevent detachment. Although the detachment prevention hook (139) is illustrated as being formed on the left and right edges of the front cover (130) respectively in the drawing, it is not limited thereto. For example, when the assembly hook (135) and the first screw hole (137) are formed on the left and right edges of the front cover (130), the detachment prevention hook (139) may be formed on the upper and lower edges of the front cover (130).

[0100] The anti-separation bracket (140) can be assembled to the rear of the front cabinet (110). The anti-separation bracket (140) can be assembled to the rear of the front cabinet (110) so as to be in close contact with the rear of the front cover (130). The anti-separation bracket (140) can be assembled to the rear of the front cabinet (110) so as to be in close contact with the rear of the front cover (130) to prevent the front cover (130) from being detached. The anti-separation bracket (140) can also serve as a reinforcing bracket that reinforces the strength of the front cabinet (110).

[0101] The anti-separation bracket (140) may include a support member (141) that is in close contact with the rear of the front cabinet (110). The support member (141) may be in close contact with the rear of the front cover (130). The support member (141) may be in close contact with the rear of the front cabinet (110) and the rear of the front cover (130) to support the front cover (130) so as to prevent the front cover (130) from being detached.

[0102] The anti-separation bracket (140) may include a flange (143) extending vertically rearward from the left and right ends of the support member (141). A plurality of flanges (143) may be provided. The flanges (143) may be provided to assemble the anti-separation bracket (140) to the extension rib (113) of the front cabinet (110).

[0103] The anti-separation bracket (140) may include a second rivet hole (145) formed in the flange (143) to correspond with the first rivet hole (115) of the front cabinet (110). The second rivet hole (145) may be assembled to the first rivet hole (115) formed in the extension rib (113) of the front cabinet (110) by a rivet (R1). For example, the anti-separation bracket (140) may be assembled to the rear of the front cabinet (110) by a rivet (R1) assembled to the first rivet hole (115) and the second rivet hole (145).

[0104] FIG. 8 is a drawing showing a support portion of an anti-separation bracket according to one embodiment attached to the rear of a front cabinet using double-sided tape.

[0105] Referring to Fig. 8, the support portion (141) of the anti-separation bracket (140) can be attached to the rear of the front cabinet (110) by a double-sided tape (T). For example, the anti-separation bracket (140) can be assembled to the rear of the front cabinet (110) by a rivet (R1) that is assembled to the first rivet hole (115) and the second rivet hole (145), and additionally, the support portion (141) can be attached to the rear of the front cabinet (110) by a double-sided tape (T). This may be to ensure that the support portion (141) is in close contact with the rear of the front cabinet (110) when a bend occurs in a portion of the support portion (141) of the anti-separation bracket (140).

[0106] FIG. 9 is a drawing showing a flange of a detachment prevention bracket according to one embodiment extended to form a 92 degree angle with a support portion.

[0107] Referring to FIG. 9, the flange (143) of the anti-separation bracket (140) may be extended to form an obtuse angle with the support portion (141). Preferably, the flange (143) of the anti-separation bracket (140) may be extended to form a 92-degree angle with the support portion (141). This may be to ensure that the support portion (141) of the anti-separation bracket (140) is in close contact with the rear of the front cabinet (110) when a bend occurs in a portion of the support portion (141).

[0108] FIG. 10 is a drawing showing a controller according to one embodiment mounted on a front cover.

[0109] FIG. 11 is a drawing showing the front of a rear cover according to one embodiment.

[0110] FIG. 12 is a drawing showing an assembly hole of a rear cover assembled to an assembly hook of a front cover according to one embodiment.

[0111] FIG. 13 is a drawing showing a rear cover assembled to an assembly hook of a front cover in a rotated state according to one embodiment.

[0112] FIG. 14 is a drawing showing a rear cover assembled to a front cover by screws according to one embodiment.

[0113] Referring to Fig. 10, the controller (120) can be detachably mounted on the front cover (130). The controller (120) can be mounted on the front cover (130) after the front cover (130) and the anti-separation bracket (140) are assembled on the rear of the front cabinet (110). The controller (120) mounted on the front cover (130) can be supported by the support rib (133). The controller (120) mounted on the front cover (130) can be fitted to prevent separation by the anti-separation hook (139).

[0114] Referring to FIGS. 11 to 14, the rear cover (150) may include an assembly hole (151) formed on the upper edge of the rear cover (150). The assembly hole (151) may be formed to be rotatably assembled to the assembly hook (135) of the front cover (130). The assembly hole (151) may be provided in two numbers to correspond to the assembly hook (135). However, since the number and position of the assembly holes (151) may correspond to the number and position of the assembly hooks (135), they may be provided to correspond to the number and position of the assembly hooks (135) formed on the front cover (130).

[0115] The rear cover (150) may include a second screw hole (153) formed in the lower edge of the rear cover (150). The second screw hole (153) may be provided to correspond to the first screw hole (137) of the front cover (130). The rear cover (150) may be assembled to the front cover (130) by assembling the assembly hole (151) to the assembly hook (135) of the front cover (130), and then rotating the lower part of the rear cover (150) to assemble the screw (S) to the second screw hole (153) and the first screw hole (137) of the front cover (130). For example, the rear cover (150) may be assembled to one edge of the front cover (130) and then rotated to be assembled to the other edge of the front cover (130).

[0116] The rear cover (150) may include a through hole (155) formed on the rear side of the rear cover (150). The through hole (155) may be formed on each of the left and right sides of the rear side of the rear cover (150). A detachment prevention hook (139) of the front cover (130) may be assembled by passing through the through hole (155). By assembling the detachment prevention hook (139) of the front cover (130) into the through hole (155), the rear cover (150) may be assembled to the front cover (130).

[0117] The rear cover (150) may include a plurality of protrusions (157) formed on the front of the rear cover (150). The plurality of protrusions (157) may push the rear of the controller (120) mounted on the front cover (130) when the rear cover (150) is assembled to the front cover (130). As the plurality of protrusions (157) push the rear of the controller (120), the front of the controller (120) may be brought into close contact with the rear of the front cabinet (110). In addition, as the plurality of protrusions (157) push the rear of the controller (120), the controller (120) may be prevented from being pushed backward. For example, when a user touches the front of the controller (120) exposed to the front of the front cabinet (110), the controller (120) may be prevented from being pushed backward.

[0118] FIG. 15 is a drawing showing a display cover assembled to a front cabinet when the controller according to one embodiment is separated from the front cabinet to be used as a remote control.

[0119] Referring to FIG. 15, when the controller (120) is separated from the front cabinet (110) of the distribution device (30) and used as a remote control, the first opening (111, see FIG. 4) formed in the front cabinet (110) can be covered by a display cover (160) assembled to the rear of the front cabinet (110).

[0120] A distribution device according to one embodiment of the disclosed invention comprises a cabinet (100) including a front cabinet (110), a front cover (130) attached to the rear of the front cabinet, a controller (120) detachably mounted on the front cover so that the front is exposed to the front of the front cabinet and used as a remote control when detached from the front cabinet, a separation prevention bracket (140) assembled to the rear of the front cabinet and preventing separation of the front cover, and a rear cover (150) assembled to one edge of the front cover and then rotated to be assembled to the other edge of the front cover and covering the rear of the controller.

[0121] The front cabinet includes a first opening (111) through which the front of the controller is exposed, and the front cover is provided in a square shape including a second opening (131) corresponding to the first opening, and can be attached to the edge of the first opening.

[0122] The above front cover can be attached to the rear of the front cabinet by double-sided tape (T).

[0123] The front cover may include a support rib (133) formed on a square frame of the front cover and supporting the controller mounted on the front cover.

[0124] The front cover may include an assembly hook (135) formed on the upper edge of the front cover and to which the rear cover is rotatably assembled, a first screw hole (137) formed on the lower edge of the front cover and to which the rear cover is rotatably assembled by a screw, and a detachment prevention hook (139) formed on the left and right edges of the front cover and to which the controller mounted on the front cover is prevented from detaching.

[0125] The rear cover may include an assembly hole (151) formed on the upper edge of the rear cover and rotatably assembled to the assembly hook, a second screw hole (153) formed on the lower edge of the rear cover and provided to correspond to the first screw hole and assembled by the screw, and a through hole (155) formed on the rear of the rear cover and through which the detachment prevention hook penetrates and is assembled.

[0126] The rear cover may include a plurality of protrusions (157) that push the rear of the controller so that the front of the controller mounted on the front cover is in close contact with the rear of the front cabinet when the rear cover is assembled to the front cover.

[0127] The front cabinet may include an extension rib (113) formed to extend vertically rearward from the left and right sides of the rear of the front cabinet, and a first rivet hole (115) formed in the extension rib to assemble the detachment prevention bracket.

[0128] The above-described anti-separation bracket may include a support member (141) that is in close contact with the rear of the front cabinet and supports the front cover, a flange (143) that extends vertically rearward from the left and right ends of the support member, and a second rivet hole (145) that is formed in the flange to correspond to the first rivet hole and is assembled to the first rivet hole by a rivet (R1).

[0129] The support portion of the anti-separation bracket may be attached to the rear of the front cabinet by double-sided tape so as to be in close contact with the rear of the front cabinet.

[0130] The above-described detachment prevention bracket may include a support (141) that is in close contact with the rear of the front cabinet and supports the front cover, a flange (143) that extends rearward from the left and right ends of the support to form an obtuse angle with the support, and a second rivet hole (145) that is formed in the flange to correspond to the first rivet hole and is assembled to the first rivet hole by a rivet.

[0131] The above flange may extend rearward from the left and right ends of the support portion to form a 92 degree angle with the support portion.

[0132] When the controller is separated from the front cabinet and used as the remote control, it may include a display cover (160) covering the first opening.

[0133] According to one embodiment of the disclosed invention, a heat pump includes an outdoor unit (10) installed outdoors to heat heating water, and a distribution device (30) installed indoors to receive heated heating water from the outdoor unit and distribute the received heating water to heating units (40, 50, 60). The distribution device includes a cabinet (100) including a front cabinet (110), a front cover (130) attached to the rear of the front cabinet, a controller (120) detachably mounted on the front cover so that its front is exposed to the front of the front cabinet and used as a remote control when separated from the front cabinet, a separation prevention bracket (140) assembled to the rear of the front cabinet to prevent separation of the front cover, and a rear cover (150) assembled to one edge of the front cover and then rotated to be assembled to the other edge of the front cover, and covering the rear of the controller.

[0134] The front cabinet may include a first opening (111) formed to expose the front of the controller, an extension rib (113) formed to extend vertically rearward from the left and right sides of the rear of the front cabinet, and a first rivet hole (115) formed in the extension rib to assemble the detachment prevention bracket.

[0135] The above front cover is formed in a square shape and can be attached to the first opening edge on the rear of the front cabinet by double-sided tape (T).

[0136] The front cover may include a second opening (131) formed to correspond to the first opening, a support rib (133) formed on a square edge of the front cover and supporting the controller mounted on the front cover, an assembly hook (135) formed on an upper edge of the front cover and to which the rear cover is rotatably assembled, a first screw hole (137) formed on a lower edge of the front cover and to which the rear cover is rotated and assembled by a screw, and a separation prevention hook (139) formed on the left and right edges of the front cover and to prevent the controller mounted on the front cover from being detached.

[0137] The rear cover may include an assembly hole (151) formed on an upper edge of the rear cover and rotatably assembled to the assembly hook, a second screw hole (153) formed on a lower edge of the rear cover and provided to correspond to the first screw hole and assembled by the screw, a through hole (155) formed on the rear of the rear cover and through which the detachment prevention hook penetrates and is assembled, and a plurality of protrusions (159) that push the rear of the controller so that the front of the controller mounted on the front cover is in close contact with the rear of the front cabinet when the rear cover is assembled to the front cover.

[0138] The above-described anti-separation bracket may include a support member (141) that is in close contact with the rear of the front cabinet and supports the front cover, a flange (143) that extends vertically rearward from the left and right ends of the support member, and a second rivet hole (145) that is formed in the flange to correspond to the first rivet hole and is assembled to the first rivet hole by a rivet (R1).

[0139] When the controller is separated from the front cabinet and used as the remote control, it may include a display cover (160) covering the first opening.

[0140] According to the present disclosure, the controller is detachably assembled into the front cabinet and can be used as a remote control when detached from the front cabinet.

[0141] Additionally, the controller can be detachably assembled at the rear of the front cabinet.

[0142] Additionally, the front design of the front cabinet can be simplified.

[0143] Additionally, the number of screws required to assemble the controller to the front cabinet can be reduced, shortening the work process.

[0144] 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.

[0145] It will be appreciated that the various embodiments of the present disclosure, as defined by the claims and description herein, may be implemented in the form of hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and software.

[0146] Such software may be stored on a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium stores one or more computer programs (software modules), and the one or more computer programs include computer-executable instructions that, when executed by one or more processors of the electronic device, cause the electronic device to perform the methods of the present disclosure.

[0147] Such software may be stored in a volatile or non-volatile storage form, for example, a storage device such as a read-only memory (ROM), whether erasable or rewritable, or a memory form such as a random access memory (RAM), a memory chip, device or integrated circuit, or an optically or magnetically readable medium such as a compact disc (CD), a digital versatile disc (DVD), a magnetic disk or magnetic tape or the like. It will be appreciated that the storage device and the storage medium are various embodiments of a computer program or non-transitory machine-readable storage suitable for storing a computer program comprising instructions that, when executed, implement various embodiments of the disclosure. Accordingly, various embodiments provide a program comprising code for implementing an apparatus or method as claimed in one of the claims of the present specification, and a non-transitory machine-readable storage storing such a program.

[0148]

[0149] While the disclosure has been shown and described with reference to various embodiments, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various changes in form and detail may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. Cabinet including front cabinet; A front cover attached to the rear of the above front cabinet; A controller that is detachably mounted on the front cover so that the front is exposed to the front of the front cabinet, and is used as a remote control when detached from the front cabinet; A detachment prevention bracket assembled to the rear of the front cabinet and preventing detachment of the front cover; and A rear cover that is assembled to one edge of the front cover and then rotates to be assembled to the other edge of the front cover, and covers the rear of the controller; A distribution device including:

2. In paragraph 1, The front cabinet includes a first opening through which the front of the controller is exposed, The above front cover is provided in a square shape including a second opening corresponding to the first opening, and a distribution device attached to the edge of the first opening.

3. In paragraph 1, The above front cover is a distribution device attached to the rear of the front cabinet by double-sided tape.

4. In paragraph 1, A distribution device having a front cover formed on a square frame of the front cover and including a support rib that supports the controller mounted on the front cover.

5. In paragraph 1, The above front cover, An assembly hook formed on the upper edge of the front cover and rotatably assembled with the rear cover; A first screw hole formed on the lower edge of the front cover and assembled by a screw by rotating the rear cover; and A distribution device including a detachment prevention hook formed on the left and right edges of the front cover and preventing detachment of the controller mounted on the front cover.

6. In paragraph 5, The above rear cover, An assembly hole formed on the upper edge of the rear cover and rotatably assembled to the assembly hook; A second screw hole formed on the lower edge of the rear cover and arranged to correspond to the first screw hole and assembled by the screw; and A distribution device including a through hole formed on the rear of the rear cover and through which the detachment prevention hook penetrates and is assembled.

7. In paragraph 1, A distribution device in which the rear cover includes a plurality of protrusions that push the rear of the controller so that the front of the controller mounted on the front cover is in close contact with the rear of the front cabinet when the rear cover is assembled to the front cover.

8. In paragraph 1, The above front cabinet, Extension ribs formed to extend vertically rearward from the left and right sides of the rear of the front cabinet; and A distribution device including a first rivet hole formed in the extension rib so that the above-mentioned detachment prevention bracket is assembled.

9. In paragraph 8, The above anti-separation bracket is, A support member that is in close contact with the rear of the front cabinet and supports the front cover; A flange extending vertically rearward from the left and right ends of the support member; and A distribution device comprising a second rivet hole formed in the flange to correspond to the first rivet hole and assembled to the first rivet hole by a rivet.

10. In paragraph 9, A distribution device in which the support portion of the above-mentioned anti-separation bracket is attached to the rear of the front cabinet by double-sided tape so as to be in close contact with the rear of the front cabinet.

11. In paragraph 8, The above anti-separation bracket is, A support member that is in close contact with the rear of the front cabinet and supports the front cover; A flange extending rearward from the left and right ends of the support portion to form an obtuse angle with the support portion; and A distribution device comprising a second rivet hole formed in the flange to correspond to the first rivet hole and assembled to the first rivet hole by a rivet.

12. In paragraph 11, A distribution device in which the above flange extends rearward from the left and right ends of the above support portion to form a 92 degree angle with the above support portion.

13. In paragraph 2, A distribution device including a display cover covering the first opening when the controller is separated from the front cabinet and used as the remote control.

14. An outdoor unit placed outdoors to heat heating water; and A distribution device installed indoors, which receives heated heating water from the outdoor unit and distributes the supplied heating water to the heating unit; The above distribution device, Cabinet including front cabinet; A front cover attached to the rear of the above front cabinet; A controller that is detachably mounted on the front cover so that the front is exposed to the front of the front cabinet, and is used as a remote control when detached from the front cabinet; A detachment prevention bracket assembled to the rear of the front cabinet and preventing detachment of the front cover; and A rear cover that is assembled to one edge of the front cover and then rotates to be assembled to the other edge of the front cover, and covers the rear of the controller; Heat pump including.

15. In paragraph 14, The above outdoor unit includes a compressor, an expansion valve and a heat exchanger, The heat pump comprises an indoor unit connected to the outdoor unit through at least one pipe.

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