Distribution unit and heat pump

Abstract

The heat pump may comprise: a cabinet including a side panel; a tank disposed inside the cabinet and provided to accommodate water; a base disposed inside the cabinet and provided below the tank to support the tank; and a tray disposed inside the cabinet and provided above the tank to support the tank. The tray may include a body, and a connection bracket connecting the body and the side panel.

Description

Distribution unit and heat pump

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a distribution unit and a heat pump.

[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] The heat pump may include a distribution unit installed indoors that receives heated heating water and distributes the heating water to multiple heating or hot water supply spaces.

[0005] A distribution unit that receives heating water from an outdoor unit can supply heating water to heating or hot water supply spaces through pipes, etc.

[0006] One aspect of the present disclosure provides a distribution unit having improved durability against impact during distribution and a heat pump including the same.

[0007] One aspect of the present disclosure provides a distribution unit having an improved structure and a heat pump including the same.

[0008] One aspect of the present disclosure provides a heat pump including a distribution unit including a tank and a tank within the distribution unit being stably supported.

[0009] One aspect of the present disclosure provides a distribution unit including a tray supporting a tank above a tank and a heat pump including the same.

[0010] One aspect of the present disclosure provides a distribution unit including a tray for draining water and a heat pump including the same.

[0011] One aspect of the present disclosure provides a distribution unit including a tray capable of limiting a rotation radius of a front portion and a heat pump including the same.

[0012] One aspect of the present disclosure provides a distribution unit including a tray supporting piping, an auxiliary heater, a filter, etc. within the distribution unit, and a heat pump including the same.

[0013] One aspect of the present disclosure provides a distribution unit having a built-in cushion for supporting a tank and a heat pump including the same.

[0014] 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.

[0015] A heat pump according to the invention comprises a cabinet including side panels, a tank arranged inside the cabinet and configured to contain water, a base arranged inside the cabinet and provided below the tank to support the tank, and a tray arranged inside the cabinet and provided above the tank to support the tank. The tray may include a body and a connecting bracket connecting the body and the side panels.

[0016] The above connecting bracket may include a first portion extending in a first direction and a second portion extending in a second direction intersecting the first direction.

[0017] The first part can be screw-connected to the body, and the second part can be screw-connected to the side panel.

[0018] The above body and the above connecting bracket are formed integrally by insert injection, and the second part can be screw-connected to the side panel.

[0019] The heat pump may further include a pipe at least partially disposed within the cabinet. The tray may include a drainage path for guiding water introduced or generated through the pipe and a tray hole for draining water introduced or generated through the pipe.

[0020] The above drainage path may be arranged to slope downward toward the tray hole.

[0021] The above heat pump may further include a hose for discharging water guided through the tray hole to the outside of the cabinet. The hose may be connected to the tray hole.

[0022] The above heat pump may include an electric component disposed inside the cabinet. The electric component may be rotatably coupled to the tray.

[0023] The tray may include a rotating shaft portion extending in a direction in which the electric part is coupled, and the electric part may include a shaft receiving portion into which the rotating shaft portion is inserted.

[0024] The above tray may include a rotating rib protruding toward the lower surface of the front part, and the front part may include a stopper provided to limit a rotation range of the front part.

[0025] The above heat pump may include a support bracket coupled to the tray to support the above-described electric part.

[0026] The above heat pump may include a cushion configured to surround the tank. The base may be positioned at the bottom of the cushion, and the tray may be positioned at the top of the cushion.

[0027] A portion of the outer surface of the above cushion may be arranged to be in contact with the inner surface of the above cabinet.

[0028] The above cushion may include a cushion bottom provided to surround the lower portion of the tank, a cushion side provided to surround the side of the tank, and a cushion top provided to surround the upper portion of the tank.

[0029] The above cushion includes a first fixing bracket and a second fixing bracket, and the cushion top and the cushion side can be fixed by the first fixing bracket, and the cushion side and the cushion bottom can be fixed by the second fixing bracket.

[0030] A heat pump according to the invention may include a cabinet, a tank arranged inside the cabinet and configured to receive water, a tray arranged inside the cabinet and provided on the tank to support the tank, a filtering device arranged on the tray to filter foreign substances contained in heating water supplied to or recovered from the tank, an auxiliary heater arranged on the tray to heat the heating water, and a frame arranged to support the auxiliary heater and the filtering device.

[0031] The frame may include a first frame fixed to one end of the tray and a second frame fixed to the other end of the tray, wherein the first frame may be provided to support the filter device, and the second frame may be provided to support the auxiliary heater.

[0032] The cabinet may include a first side panel and a second side panel facing the first side panel, wherein the first side panel may be provided to support the first frame, and the second side panel may be provided to support the second frame.

[0033] The above heat pump may include an electric part disposed inside the cabinet and a piping at least partially disposed inside the cabinet. The tray may be provided to support the electric part and the piping.

[0034] A heat pump according to the invention comprises a cabinet including a side panel, a tank arranged inside the cabinet and configured to contain water, a cushion arranged to surround the tank, a base arranged inside the cabinet and positioned at a lower end of the cushion to support the tank, a tray arranged inside the cabinet and positioned at an upper end of the cushion to support the tank, and an electric part arranged inside the cabinet. The tray is connected to the side panel and configured to support the electric part.

[0035] Figure 1 schematically illustrates a heat pump according to one embodiment.

[0036] FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating a portion of a distribution unit and water piping according to one embodiment.

[0037] FIG. 3 is an exploded view of a portion of a distribution unit and a portion of a water pipe according to one embodiment.

[0038] Figure 4 is a drawing showing a part of the interior and water piping of a distribution unit according to one embodiment.

[0039] FIG. 5 is a perspective view illustrating a tray according to one embodiment.

[0040] FIG. 6 is a front view illustrating a portion of the interior of a distribution unit according to one embodiment.

[0041] FIG. 7 is a rear view illustrating a portion of the interior of a distribution unit according to one embodiment.

[0042] Figure 8 is a plan view illustrating a tray according to one embodiment.

[0043] Figure 9 shows a cross-sectional view along line AA' of the tray shown in Figure 8.

[0044] Fig. 10 shows a cross-sectional view along line BB' of the tray shown in Fig. 8.

[0045] FIG. 11 is an enlarged view showing a rotatably coupled front section and tray according to one embodiment.

[0046] FIG. 12 is a perspective view illustrating a tray and frame according to one embodiment.

[0047] Fig. 13 is a perspective view illustrating a tray according to one embodiment.

[0048] FIG. 14 is a perspective view illustrating a cushion and base according to one embodiment.

[0049] Figure 15 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a cushion and tank according to one embodiment.

[0050] FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a cushion, tank, and cabinet according to one embodiment, taken from a different direction than the cross-section of FIG. 14.

[0051] Figure 17 illustrates an exploded view of a tank and cushion according to one embodiment.

[0052] FIG. 18 is a drawing of a part of a cabinet with the front section open according to one embodiment.

[0053] It should be understood that the various embodiments and terms used in this document are not intended to limit the technical features described in this document to specific embodiments, but rather to encompass various modifications, equivalents, or alternatives of the embodiments.

[0054] In connection with the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components.

[0055] 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.

[0056] In this document, each of the phrases "A or B", "at least one of A and B", "at least one of A or B", "A, B, or C", "at least one of A, B, and C", and "at least one of A, B, or C" may include any one of the items listed together in that phrase, or all possible combinations thereof.

[0057] The term "and / or" includes any combination of a plurality of related described elements or any one of a plurality of related described elements.

[0058] The terms "part," "module," and "member" may be implemented in hardware or software. Depending on the embodiments, multiple "parts," "modules," or "members" may be implemented as a single component, or a single "part," "module," or "member" may include multiple components.

[0059] 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).

[0060] When a component (e.g., a first component) is referred to as being "coupled" or "connected" to another component (e.g., a second component), with or without the terms "functionally" or "communicatively," it means that the component can be connected to the other component directly (e.g., wired), wirelessly, or through a third component.

[0061] The terms "include" or "have" are intended to specify the presence of a feature, number, step, operation, component, part or combination thereof described in this document, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts or combinations thereof.

[0062] 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.

[0063] 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.

[0064] Meanwhile, the terms “front”, “back”, “left”, “right”, “up”, “down”, “vertical direction”, etc. 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.

[0065] Hereinafter, embodiments according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0066] A heat pump (1) can perform indoor cooling / heating, indoor floor heating, and hot water supply through heat exchange between air and a refrigerant, heat exchange between refrigerants, or heat exchange between a refrigerant and water.

[0067] Figure 1 schematically illustrates a heat pump according to one embodiment.

[0068] 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 is not limited as illustrated in FIG. 1.

[0069] 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.

[0070] 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 the phase change of the refrigerant (e.g., evaporation or condensation). 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 (20).

[0071] The heat pump (1) may include a distribution unit (30). The indoor unit may include a distribution unit (30). The distribution unit (30) may be placed indoors. The outdoor unit (10) and the distribution unit (30) may be connected via a heating water supply pipe (31) and a heating water return pipe (32). The outdoor unit (10) may supply heating water to the distribution unit (30) via the heating water supply pipe (31). The outdoor unit (10) may recover heating water from the distribution unit (30) via the heating water return pipe (32). The distribution unit (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.

[0072] 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).

[0073] The above is merely one example of various methods by which heating water can be heated, and 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 unit (30), and the heating water may be heated by the heat exchanger of the distribution unit (30). Below, a method by which the heating water is heated by the heat of the refrigerant in the outdoor unit (10) will be described as an example.

[0074] 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.

[0075] The heat pump (1) may include a first heating unit (40). The distribution unit (30) and the first heating unit (40) may be connected via a first supply pipe (41) and a first return pipe (42). The distribution unit (30) may supply heating water to the first heating unit (40) via the first supply pipe (41). The distribution unit (30) may recover heating water from the first heating unit (40) via the first return pipe (42).

[0076] 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.

[0077] 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.

[0078] 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 unit (30) and the second heating unit (50) may be connected via a second supply pipe (51) and a second return pipe (52). The distribution unit (30) may supply heating water to the second heating unit (50) via the second supply pipe (51). The distribution unit (30) may recover heating water from the second heating unit (50) via the second return pipe (52).

[0079] 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.

[0080] 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.

[0081] 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).

[0082] 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 unit (30) and the third heating unit (60) may be connected via a third supply pipe (61) and a third return pipe (62). The distribution unit (30) may supply heating water to the third heating unit (60) via the third supply pipe (61). The distribution unit (30) may recover heating water from the third heating unit (60) via the third return pipe (62).

[0083] The third heating unit (60) may include an underfloor heater (64). The underfloor heater (64) may be configured to heat the floor. That is, the third heating unit (60) may be configured to heat the floor on which the underfloor heater (64) is installed through the heat of the heating water.

[0084] 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.

[0085] 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).

[0086] 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.

[0087] 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).

[0088] The heat pump (1) may include a water pipe (W, see FIG. 3). A pipe through which water flows may be referred to as a water pipe (W). The water pipe (W) may be provided to connect an outdoor unit (10) and a distribution unit (30). The water pipe (W) may be provided to connect the distribution unit (30) and a heating unit (40, 50 and / or 60). Water may flow between the outdoor unit (10) and the distribution unit (30) through the water pipe (W). Water may flow between the distribution unit (30) and the heating unit (40, 50 and / or 60) through the water pipe (W). The number of water pipes (W) may vary depending on the number of outdoor units (10), distribution units (30) and heating units (40, 50 and / or 60).

[0089] FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating a portion of a distribution unit (30) and a water pipe (W) according to one embodiment. FIG. 3 is a view illustrating a portion of a distribution unit (30) and a portion of a water pipe (W) according to one embodiment. FIG. 4 is a view illustrating the interior of a distribution unit (30) and a portion of a water pipe (W) according to one embodiment.

[0090] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the distribution unit (30) may include a cabinet (100). The cabinet (100) may form the exterior of the distribution unit (30). The cabinet (100) may include a front panel (110) forming the front, side panels (120, 130) forming both sides, a rear panel (140) forming the rear, a top cover (150) forming the upper surface, and a base (160) forming the lower surface.

[0091] The front panel (110) may include an operation unit (111) formed to face forward (+X direction). A user may control the operation of the distribution unit (30) through the operation unit (111). 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 (111). The operation unit (111) may be provided to display information about the distribution unit (30).

[0092] The side panels (120, 130) may include a first side panel (120) forming the right side of the distribution unit (30) and a second side panel (130) forming the left side of the distribution unit (30). As will be described later, the side panels (120, 130) may be provided to support the frame (240).

[0093] The top cover can cover a space formed by being surrounded by the front panel (110), the rear panel (140), the first side panel (120), and the second side panel (130). The top cover (150) can be detachably coupled to the upper portions of each of the front panel (110), the rear panel (140), the first side panel (120), and the second side panel (130). The top cover (150) can be formed integrally with the front panel (110), the rear panel (140), the first side panel (120), or the second side panel (130).

[0094] The distribution unit (30) may include an internal space (200, FIG. 18) formed inside the cabinet (100). For example, the internal space (200) may be defined as a space formed by a front panel (110), a rear panel (140), side panels (120, 130), a top cover (150), and a base (160).

[0095] The interior space (200) of the cabinet can accommodate components for the operation of the distribution unit (30). For example, the interior space (200) can accommodate components such as a tank (300), a tray (400), a filter device (210), an auxiliary heater (220), a power unit (230), a water pipe (W), and a frame (240).

[0096] The distribution unit (30) may include a tank (300). The tank (300) may be placed in the interior space (200). The tank (300) may be configured to accommodate water. The tank (300) may be configured to store heating water. The tank (300) may be configured to store water heat-exchanged by a heat exchanger. The tank may be configured to be connected to a water pipe (W).

[0097] The distribution unit (30) may include a tray (400). The tray (400) may be placed inside the cabinet (100). The electric part (230) may be installed (mounted) on the tray (400) so as to be rotatable via a rotation shaft (410). The tray (400) may be provided to support a water pipe (W). Water generated on the surface of the water pipe (W) may be collected in the tray (400). Water flowing in from the water pipe (W) may be collected in the tray (400). As will be described later, the water collected in the tray (400) may be drained to the outside of the cabinet (100) through the tray hole (420). As will be described later, the tray (400) may be provided to support a tank (300).

[0098] The distribution unit (30) may include a filter device (210). The filter device (210) may be placed in the internal space (200). The filter device (210) may be configured to communicate with a water pipe (W). The filter device (210) may be configured to filter foreign substances contained in heating water passing through the filter device (210). The heating water flowing from the outside to the distribution unit (30) through the water pipe (W) may be arranged to pass through the filter device (210).

[0099] The distribution unit (30) may include an auxiliary heater (220). The auxiliary heater (220) may be placed inside the cabinet (100). The auxiliary heater (220) may be configured to be connected to a water pipe (W). The auxiliary heater (220) may be provided to heat heating water passing through the auxiliary heater (220). The auxiliary heater (220) may be provided to maintain a required temperature of the heating water flowing through the distribution unit (30).

[0100] The distribution unit (30) may include a front part (230). The front part (230) may be placed inside the cabinet (100). The front part (230) may include a printed circuit board. The front part (230) may include various electronic components mounted on the printed circuit board. The front part (230) may be supported by a tray (400). The front part (230) may be rotatably coupled to the tray (400). The front part (230) may include a shaft receiving part (233). The rotational shaft part (410) of the tray (400) may be inserted into the shaft receiving part (233) so that the front part (230) and the tray (400) may be coupled. The front part (230) may be rotatably coupled to the tray (400). As will be described later, the electric part (230) may include a stopper (234) provided to limit the rotation range of the electric part (230).

[0101] The distribution unit (30) may include a frame (240). The frame (240) may be placed inside the cabinet (100). The frame (240) may be placed in the interior space (200). The frame (240) may be connected to a tray (400). The tray (400) may support the frame (240). The frame (240) may be provided to support a water pipe (W). The frame (240) may include a first frame (241) and a second frame (242).

[0102] The first frame (241) may be provided to support the filter device (210). The first frame (241) may be connected to the first side panel (120). The first side panel (120) may be provided to support the first frame (241). The first frame (241) may be provided to support the water pipe (W).

[0103] The second frame (242) may be provided to support the auxiliary heater (220). The second frame (242) may be connected to the second side panel (130). The second side panel (130) may be provided to support the second frame (242).

[0104] A portion of a water pipe (W) may be arranged inside the distribution unit (30). A portion of the water pipe (W) may be arranged inside the cabinet (100). The water pipe (W) may be arranged to be connected to a tank (300). The water pipe (W) may be connected to the tank (300) to supply heating water to the tank (300) or to recover it.

[0105] The distribution unit (30) may include a drainage structure. The tray (400) may include a tray hole (420) for draining collected water. The tray (400) may include a drainage channel (430) for guiding water introduced or generated through a water pipe (W). As will be described later, the drainage channel (430) may be arranged to slope downward toward the tray hole (420). The collected water may be arranged to exit the tray (400) through the tray hole (420). The distribution unit (30) may include a hose (250). The tray hole (420) may be connected to the hose (250). The water collected in the tray (400) may be arranged to exit the tray hole (420) and flow through the hose (250). The hose (250) may be connected to the outside of the cabinet (100). Water flowing inside the hose (250) can be discharged outside the cabinet (100). The hose (250) may be referred to as a tube, line, pipe, etc. The distribution unit (30) may include a base (160). The base (160) may include a drain plug (161) that communicates with the outside. The hose (250) may be connected to the drain plug (161). Water flowing inside the hose (250) can be drained outside the cabinet (100) through the drain plug (161).

[0106] Fig. 5 is a perspective view illustrating a tray (400) according to one embodiment. Fig. 6 is a front view illustrating a portion of the interior of a distribution unit (30) according to one embodiment. Fig. 7 is a rear view illustrating a portion of the interior of a distribution unit according to one embodiment.

[0107] The tray (400) may include a body (440), a connecting bracket (450), and a support bracket (460). The body (440) may be coupled to the connecting bracket (450). The connecting bracket (450) may be coupled to the side panels (120, 130). That is, the body (440) and the side panels (120, 130) may be coupled by the connecting bracket (450). The body (440) and the connecting bracket (450) may be coupled by screw coupling. The tray (400) may be referred to as a panel, a plate, a board, a horizontal member, etc.

[0108] The body (440) may include a bracket mounting portion (441) provided to accommodate a connecting bracket (450) and a supporting bracket (460). The bracket mounting portion (441) may be provided to accommodate the connecting bracket (450) or the supporting bracket (460) so that the body (440) and the connecting bracket (450) or the supporting bracket (460) may be stably coupled. The number of bracket mounting portions (441) may be provided equal to the number of connecting brackets (450) and the number of supporting brackets (460). The body (440) and the connecting bracket (450) and the body (440) and the supporting bracket (460) may be provided to be separable.

[0109] According to one embodiment, the connecting bracket (450) or the supporting bracket (460) may include a first portion (455) extending in a first direction and a second portion (456) extending in a second direction intersecting the first direction. The first direction may be the +X direction or the -X direction. The second direction may be the +Z direction or the -Z direction. That is, the first direction and the second direction may be perpendicular. The first portion (455) may be coupled to the body (440). The first portion (455) may be coupled to the body (440) through a screw connection. The second portion (456) may be coupled to the side panel (120, 130). The second portion (456) may be coupled to the side panel (120, 130) through a screw connection.

[0110] According to FIG. 6, the side panels (120, 130) may include extensions (121, 122, 131 and 132) that cover the front or rear of the interior space.

[0111] The extensions (121, 122, 131 and 132) may include a first extension (121), a second extension (122), a third extension (131) and a fourth extension (132).

[0112] The first side panel (120) may include a first extension portion (121) and / or a second extension portion (122). The first extension portion (121) may cover a portion of the front side of the internal space (200) from one end of the first side panel (120). The first extension portion (121) may extend in the -Y direction. The second extension portion (122) may extend from the other end of the first side panel (120) to cover a portion of the rear side of the internal space (200). The second extension portion (122) may extend in the -Y direction.

[0113] The second side panel (130) may include a third extension portion (131) and / or a fourth extension portion (132). The third extension portion (131) may cover the front of the internal space (200) from one end of the second side panel (130). The third extension portion (131) may extend in the +Y direction. The fourth extension portion (132) may cover the rear of the internal space (200) from the other end of the second side panel (130). The fourth extension portion (132) may extend in the +Y direction.

[0114] The connecting bracket (450) may include a first connecting bracket (451), a second connecting bracket (452), a third connecting bracket (453), and a fourth connecting bracket (454).

[0115] The first connecting bracket (451) and the second connecting bracket (452) can connect the first side panel (120) and the tray (400). The first connecting bracket (451) can be connected to the bracket mounting portion (441) formed at the front of the body (440) and connected to the first side panel (120). The first connecting bracket (451) can connect the body (440) and the first extension portion (121). The first connecting bracket (451) and the first extension portion (121) can be connected by screw coupling. The second connecting bracket (452) can be connected to the bracket mounting portion (441) formed at the rear of the body (440) and connected to the first side panel (120). The second connecting bracket (452) can connect the body (440) and the second extension (122). The second connecting bracket (452) and the second extension (122) can be connected by screw coupling.

[0116] The third connecting bracket (453) and the fourth connecting bracket (454) can connect the second side panel (130) and the tray (400). The third connecting bracket (453) can be connected to the bracket mounting portion (441) formed at the front of the body (440) and connected to the second side panel (130). The third connecting bracket (453) can connect the body (440) and the third extension portion (131). The third connecting bracket (453) and the third extension portion (131) can be connected by screw coupling. The fourth connecting bracket (454) can be connected to the bracket mounting portion (441) formed at the rear of the body (440) and connected to the second side panel (130). The fourth connecting bracket (454) can connect the body (440) and the fourth extension (132). The fourth connecting bracket (454) and the fourth extension (132) can be connected by screw coupling.

[0117] The support bracket (460) can connect the front part (230) and the tray (400). The support bracket (460) can be connected to the bracket mounting part (441) formed at the front of the body (440) to connect the body (440) and the front part (230). The front part (230) can include a support part (235). The support part (235) of the front part (230) can be connected to the support bracket (460). That is, the support bracket (460) can connect the support part (235) and the body (440). The support bracket (460) and the support part (235) can be connected by screw coupling.

[0118] Fig. 8 is a plan view illustrating a tray (400) according to one embodiment. Fig. 8 illustrates a cross-sectional view along line AA' of the tray (400) illustrated in Fig. 8. Fig. 10 illustrates a cross-sectional view along line BB' of the tray (400) illustrated in Fig. 8.

[0119] According to one embodiment, the tray (400) may be configured to support a water pipe (W). The tray (400) may be provided with a plurality of water pipe holes. The water pipe (W) may pass through the water pipe holes of the tray (400).

[0120] The tray (400) may include a rotation rib (411). The rotation rib (411) may be provided around the rotation shaft (410). The rotation rib (411) may protrude toward the lower surface of the front part (230). As will be described later, a stopper (234) may be formed on the lower surface of the front part (230), so that the rotation radius of the front part (230) may be limited through the rotation rib (411) and the stopper (234).

[0121] The distribution unit (30) may include a drainage structure. The tray (400) may include a tray hole (420) for draining collected water. The tray (400) may collect water introduced or generated through a water pipe (W). The tray (400) may include a drainage channel (430) for guiding the collected water.

[0122] The drainage path (430) may be provided to slope downward toward the tray hole (420). The drainage path (430) may refer to any path provided to slope from the tray (400) toward the tray hole (420) so that water collected in the tray (400) can flow to the tray hole (420).

[0123] Fig. 9 is a drainage channel (430) according to one embodiment. Fig. 9 shows a cross-sectional view taken along line AA' of the tray (400) shown in Fig. 8. The tray hole (420) may be located on the A side along line A-A' of the tray (400). The drainage channel (430) may be arranged to slope downward toward the A side where the tray hole (420) is located. Water collected on the A' side or between A-A' may be arranged to flow toward the A side.

[0124] Fig. 10 is a drainage channel (430) according to one embodiment. Fig. 10 illustrates a cross-sectional view taken along line BB' of the tray (400) shown in Fig. 8. The tray hole (420) may be located on the B' side of line B-B' of the tray (400). The drainage channel (430) may be arranged to slope downward toward the B' side where the tray hole (420) is located. Water collected on the B side or between B-B' may be arranged to flow in the B' direction.

[0125] FIG. 11 is an enlarged view illustrating, according to one embodiment, a rotatably coupled front section (230) and a tray (400). The tray (400) may include a rotational shaft section (410). The front section (230) may include a shaft receiving section (233) provided on a lower surface into which the rotational shaft section (410) is inserted. The rotational shaft section (410) is inserted into the shaft receiving section (233), so that the front section (230) may be rotatably coupled to the tray (400). The front section (230) may rotate toward the front of the cabinet (100). When the front section (230) rotates toward the front of the cabinet (100), the internal space (200) may be exposed (see FIG. 18).

[0126] The tray (400) may include a rotation rib (411) provided around the rotation shaft (410). The rotation rib (411) may be provided to protrude toward the lower surface of the front part (230).

[0127] The front part (230) may include a stopper (234). The stopper (234) may be provided to protrude from the lower surface of the front part (230). According to FIG. 10, two stoppers (234) are illustrated, but this is not limited thereto, and the number and shape of the stoppers (234) are not limited. When the rotation range of the front part (230) exceeds a certain range, the stopper (234) of the front part (230) may be caught on the rotation rib (411) provided on the tray (400). By the stopper (234) being caught on the rotation rib (411), the rotation range of the front part (230) may be limited.

[0128] FIG. 12 is a perspective view illustrating a tray (400) and a frame (240) according to one embodiment.

[0129] The tray (400) and the frame (240) may be provided to be connected. The tray (400) may be provided to support the frame (240). The frame (240) may be provided to support the water pipe (W). The frame (240) may be provided to support the filtering device (210). The frame (240) may be provided to support the auxiliary heater (220). The frame (240) may include a first frame (241) and a second frame (242).

[0130] The first frame (241) may be placed on the side where the tray (400) is connected to the first side panel (120). The first frame (241) may be provided to support the filter device (210). The first frame (241) may support the filter device (210) from below.

[0131] The second frame (242) may be positioned on the side where the tray (400) is connected to the second side panel (130). The second frame (242) may be provided to support the auxiliary heater (220). The auxiliary heater (220) may have a roughly box shape. The second frame (242) may be provided to surround the four sides of the auxiliary heater (220).

[0132] Fig. 13 is a perspective view illustrating a tray (400) according to one embodiment.

[0133] The tray (400) may include a body (440), a connecting bracket (450), and a supporting bracket (460). The body (440), the connecting bracket (450), and the supporting bracket (460) may be formed integrally. The connecting bracket (450) and the supporting bracket (460) may be formed integrally with the body (440) of the tray (400) by insert injection.

[0134] Fig. 14 is a perspective view illustrating a cushion and a base according to one embodiment. Fig. 15 is a cross-sectional view of a cushion and a tank according to one embodiment. Fig. 16 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a portion of a cushion, a tank, and a cabinet according to one embodiment from a different direction than the cross-sectional view of Fig. 15.

[0135] The distribution unit may include a cushion (310). The cushion (310) may be placed inside the cabinet (100). The cushion (310) may be placed in the interior space (200). The lower end of the cushion (310) may be supported by the base (160). The upper end of the cushion (310) may be supported by the tray (400). The cushion (310) may include a cushion bottom (340), a cushion side (330), and a cushion top (320).

[0136] The cushion bottom (340) can support the lower part of the tank (300). The cushion bottom (340) can be supported by the base (160). The base (160) can include a press-fit bolt (not shown). The press-fit bolt can be fixed to the base (160). The cushion bottom (340) can be placed on the press-fit bolt fixed to the base (160) and a press-fit nut (not shown) can be fastened to connect the cushion bottom (340) and the base (160). The cushion bottom (340) can include a cushion sub (not shown) to minimize the gap in the portion where the press-fit nut is fitted. The cushion sub can increase the insulation effect by minimizing the gap. The cushion bottom (340) can include a cushion bottom bracket (not shown). The cushion bottom bracket can be insert-molded. The cushion bottom (340) and the tank (300) can be connected through a cushion bottom bracket.

[0137] The cushion top (320) can support the upper part of the tank (300). The cushion top (320) can be supported by the tray (400). The tray (400) can be provided to support the tank (300) by supporting the cushion top (320). The tray (400) can support the tank (300) by pressurizing the cushion top (320). By the tray (400) supporting the tank (300), the durability of the tank (300) can be improved. The cushion top (320) and the tray (400) may not be provided with a separate connecting means. The cushion side (330) and the cushion top (320) can be connected by a first cushion bracket. The first cushion bracket can include a first insert bracket (not shown) and a first fixing bracket (352). The shape and number of the brackets are not limited to those shown in the drawing. The first insert bracket can be formed integrally by insert injection into the cushion side (330) or the cushion top (320). The first fixing bracket (352) can be coupled to the insert injection-molded first insert bracket to fix the cushion top (320) and the cushion side (330).

[0138] The cushion side (330) can support the side surface of the tank (300). The cushion bottom (340) and the cushion side (330) can be connected by a second cushion bracket. The second cushion bracket can include a second insert bracket (not shown) and a second fixing bracket (362). The shape and number of the brackets are not limited to those shown in the drawing. The second insert bracket can be formed integrally by insert-molding into the cushion bottom (340) or the cushion side (330). The second fixing bracket (362) can be coupled to the insert-molded second insert bracket to fix the cushion bottom (340) and the cushion side (330).

[0139] The distribution unit (30) may include a coil (301). The coil (301) may be provided inside the tank (300). Heating water supplied from the outdoor unit (10) may flow inside the coil. The heating water flowing inside the coil (301) and the water inside the tank (300) may exchange heat. The heating water may heat the water inside the tank (300).

[0140] The cushion side (330) may be provided in three layers. The cushion side (330) may be composed of EPP, vacuum insulation material, and EPS (see FIG. 17). As illustrated in FIG. 16, the cushion (310) may be formed to be in contact with the inner surface of the cabinet (100). The cushion side (330) may be provided to be in contact with the inner surface of the cabinet (100). A portion of the cushion side (330) may be provided to be in contact with the inner surface of the cabinet (100).

[0141] According to the invention, a heat pump can have an improved structure.

[0142] According to the invention, the distribution unit may have an improved structure.

[0143] According to the invention, the distribution unit may have a tank having an improved durability structure.

[0144] According to the invention, the tray can be coupled with the side panel to support devices inside the distribution unit.

[0145] According to the idea of ​​the present disclosure, the tray can be rotatably coupled to the electric part, so that the usability of a product including the electric part (e.g., a heat pump) can also be increased.

[0146] According to the invention of the present disclosure, the front part may include a stopper configured to limit the rotational range of the front part. This prevents impact that may be applied to the front part.

[0147] According to the invention, the tray can discharge leaked or generated water through the tray hole and hose. This can prevent accidents such as explosions and fires.

[0148] 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 will be clearly understood by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure pertains.

[0149] 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. Cabinet including side panels; A tank arranged inside the cabinet and designed to contain water; A base disposed inside the cabinet and provided below the tank to support the tank; and A tray disposed inside the cabinet and provided above the tank to support the tank; The above tray, body; A heat pump comprising a connecting bracket connecting the body and the side panel.

2. In paragraph 1, A heat pump, wherein the above connecting bracket includes a first portion extending in a first direction and a second portion extending in a second direction intersecting the first direction.

3. In paragraph 2, The above first part is screw-connected to the body, The above second part is a heat pump that is screw-connected to the side panel.

4. In paragraph 2, The above body and the above connecting bracket are integrally formed by insert injection, The above second part is a heat pump that is screw-connected to the side panel.

5. In paragraph 1, Further comprising a piping at least partially disposed inside the cabinet; The above tray, A drainage path that guides water flowing in or generated through the above pipe; and A heat pump including a tray hole for draining water introduced or generated through the above pipe.

6. In paragraph 5, A heat pump in which the above drainage path is arranged to slope downward toward the tray hole.

7. In paragraph 6, Further comprising a hose for discharging water guided to the tray hole to the outside of the cabinet; The above hose is a heat pump connected to the above tray hole.

8. In paragraph 1, Further comprising a front part arranged inside the cabinet; The above-mentioned heat pump is rotatably coupled to the above-mentioned tray.

9. In paragraph 8, The above tray includes a rotating shaft extending in the direction in which the above-mentioned electric part is coupled, A heat pump in which the above-mentioned electric part includes a shaft receiving part into which the above-mentioned rotary shaft part is inserted.

10. In paragraph 9, The above tray includes a rotating rib protruding toward the lower surface of the above-mentioned front part, A heat pump in which the above-mentioned electric part includes a stopper provided to limit the rotation range of the above-mentioned electric part.

11. In paragraph 10, A heat pump further comprising a support bracket coupled to the tray to support the above-mentioned main body.

12. In paragraph 1, Further comprising a cushion arranged to surround the above tank; The above base is located at the bottom of the above cushion, The above tray is a heat pump located on the top of the above cushion.

13. In paragraph 12, A heat pump in which a portion of the outer surface of the above cushion is arranged to be in contact with the inner surface of the above cabinet.

14. In paragraph 13, A heat pump comprising a cushion bottom configured to surround the lower portion of the tank, a cushion side configured to surround the side of the tank, and a cushion top configured to surround the upper portion of the tank.

15. In paragraph 14, The above cushion further includes a first fixing bracket and a second fixing bracket, The above cushion top and the above cushion side are fixed by the first fixed bracket, A heat pump in which the above cushion side and the above cushion bottom are fixed by a second fixed bracket.

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