Home appliance including drain hose

Abstract

A refrigerator according to an embodiment disclosed herein may comprise: a main body having a storage compartment therein; a door rotatably connected to the main body; a cold air supply device for supplying cold air to the storage compartment; and a drain hose for discharging condensate water generated in the cold air supply device. The drain hose may include: a coupling part connected to the main body; a hose part that extends from the coupling part and includes a pair of divided bodies having a half-tubular shape; and a sealing member that surrounds a joint region between the coupling part and the hose part or a joint region between the pair of divided bodies.

Description

Appliances that include a drain hose

[0001] Various embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a home appliance including a drain hose.

[0002] A refrigerator, a type of home appliance, is a device that maintains food freshness by including a main body with a storage compartment and a cooling air supply device that supplies cold air to the storage compartment. The storage compartment includes a refrigerator compartment, which is maintained at approximately 0 to 5 degrees Celsius, for refrigerating food, and a freezer compartment, which is maintained at approximately 0 to -30 degrees Celsius, for freezing food. The storage compartment is designed with an open front for food entry and exit.

[0003] A refrigerator uses a compressor, condenser, expander, and evaporator to repeat the refrigeration cycle, in which the refrigerant compresses, condenses, expands, and evaporates. A single evaporator located in the freezer can cool both the freezer and refrigerator compartments, or the freezer and refrigerator can each have their own evaporators, allowing for independent cooling.

[0004] A refrigerator may include a drain hose for draining condensate generated from a cooling device (e.g., an evaporator) to the outside or guiding it to a drip tray. The drain hose has a three-dimensional hollow structure and may be manufactured using a blow injection molding process to achieve the hollow structure.

[0005] When manufacturing drain hoses using the blow injection process, initial equipment costs can increase compared to conventional injection molding due to the need for dedicated equipment. Furthermore, due to variations in drain hose thickness across different products during the blow injection process, the drain hose can break in thinner sections.

[0006] Various embodiments of the present disclosure can provide a home appliance including an integrated drain hose through an injection process other than a blow injection process.

[0007] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a refrigerator may include a main body having a storage compartment therein, a door rotatably connected to the main body, a cold air supply device for supplying cold air to the storage compartment, and a drain hose for discharging condensate generated in the cold air supply device. The drain hose may include a coupling portion connected to the main body, a hose portion extending from the coupling portion and including a pair of segments having a half tubular shape, and a sealing member surrounding a joint portion of the coupling portion and the hose portion or a joint portion between the pair of segments.

[0008] An air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a housing including an intake port and an exhaust port, a blower fan for forming an air flow from the intake port toward the exhaust port, a heat exchanger disposed inside the housing, a drain pan for collecting condensate generated in the heat exchanger, and a drain hose for discharging the condensate collected in the drain pan. The drain hose may include a coupling portion connected to the drain pan, a hose portion extending from the coupling portion and including a pair of segments having a half tubular shape, and a sealing member surrounding a joint portion of the coupling portion and the hose portion or a joint portion between the pair of segments.

[0009] Various embodiments of the present disclosure can manufacture an integrated drain hose by first injection-molding the portions constituting the drain hose as separate injection-molded products, and then second injection-molding a sealing member to enclose the joint portion of the injection-molded products while the injection-molded products are assembled, thereby shrinking (or hardening). In this case, since it becomes possible to manufacture a three-dimensional drain hose without using a blow injection process, the cost of equipment investment can be reduced, thereby improving economic efficiency.

[0010] The effects that can be achieved by the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure can be clearly derived and understood by those skilled in the art to which the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure pertain, from the following description. In other words, unintended effects resulting from the implementation of the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure can also be derived by those skilled in the art from the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0011] In connection with the description of the drawings, the same or similar reference numerals may be used for identical or similar components.

[0012] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0013] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0014] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0015] FIG. 4 is a drawing showing a drain hose connected to the inner case and the water receiving tank of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0016] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line I-I' shown in Figure 4.

[0017] Figure 6 is a perspective view of a drain hose according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0018] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line Ⅱ-Ⅱ' shown in Figure 6.

[0019] Figure 8 is an enlarged view of part A of Figure 7.

[0020] FIG. 9 schematically illustrates a configuration related to a refrigerant cycle of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0021] Fig. 10 is a perspective view of an air conditioner according to one embodiment, viewed from below.

[0022] Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along line Ⅲ-Ⅲ' of Figure 10.

[0023] 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.

[0024] The singular form of a noun corresponding to an item may include one or more items, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0025] 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.

[0026] 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).

[0027] 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.

[0028] 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.

[0029] 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.

[0030] 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.

[0031] The term “and / or” includes any combination of a plurality of related described elements or any one of a plurality of related described elements.

[0032] The operating principle and embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the attached drawings below.

[0033] A refrigerator according to one embodiment may include a body.

[0034] The “body” may include an inner case, an outer case placed on the outside of the inner case, and an insulating material provided between the inner case and the outer case.

[0035] The "inner case" may include at least one of a case, plate, panel, or liner forming a storage compartment. The inner case may be formed as a single body, or may be formed by assembling a plurality of plates. The "outer case" may form the outer appearance of the main body, and may be joined to the outer side of the inner case so that insulation is placed between the inner case and the outer case.

[0036] "Insulation" can insulate the interior and exterior of a storage room so that the temperature inside the storage room can be maintained at a set temperature without being affected by the external environment. In one embodiment, the insulation can include foam insulation. The foam insulation can be formed by injecting and foaming urethane foam, a mixture of polyurethane and a foaming agent, between the inner and outer layers.

[0037] In one embodiment, the insulation may include a vacuum insulation material in addition to the foam insulation, or the insulation may consist solely of the vacuum insulation material instead of the foam insulation. The vacuum insulation material may include a core material and an outer shell material that accommodates the core material and seals the interior under a vacuum or near-vacuum pressure. However, the insulation material is not limited to the foam insulation or vacuum insulation material described above, and may include various materials that can be used for insulation.

[0038] A "storage room" may include a space defined by an interior wall. The storage room may further include an interior wall defining a corresponding space. The storage room may store various items, such as food, medicine, and cosmetics, and the storage room may be configured to be open on at least one side for the entry and exit of items.

[0039] A refrigerator may include one or more storage compartments. When a refrigerator includes two or more storage compartments, each compartment may have a different purpose and be maintained at different temperatures. To achieve this, each storage compartment may be separated from the others by a partition wall containing insulation.

[0040] The storage room may be designed to maintain an appropriate temperature range depending on its intended use, and may include a “refrigerator,” a “freezer,” or a “variable temperature room,” which are distinguished by their intended use and / or temperature range. The refrigerator may be maintained at a temperature appropriate for refrigerating items, and the freezer may be maintained at a temperature appropriate for freezing items. “Refrigeration” may mean cooling items to a temperature that does not freeze them, and for example, a refrigerator may be maintained at a temperature ranging from 0 degrees Celsius to +7 degrees Celsius. “Freezing” may mean cooling items to freeze them or keep them frozen, and for example, a freezer may be maintained at a temperature ranging from -20 degrees Celsius to -1 degree Celsius. The variable temperature room may be used as either a refrigerator or a freezer, at the user’s option or not.

[0041] In addition to being called “refrigerator,” “freezer,” and “variable temperature room,” a storage room can also be called by various other names, such as “vegetable room,” “fresh room,” “cooling room,” and “ice room.” The terms “refrigerator,” “freezer,” and “variable temperature room” used hereinafter should be understood to encompass storage rooms with corresponding uses and temperature ranges.

[0042] In one embodiment, the refrigerator may include at least one door configured to open and close an open side of a storage compartment. The door may be configured to open and close one or more storage compartments, or a single door may be configured to open and close multiple storage compartments. The door may be installed on the front of the main body in a pivotal or sliding manner.

[0043] The “door” may be configured to seal the storage compartment when the door is closed. The door may include insulation, similar to the body, to insulate the storage compartment when the door is closed.

[0044] According to one embodiment, the door may include a door outer panel forming the front of the door, a door inner panel forming the back of the door and facing the storage compartment, an upper cap, a lower cap, and door insulation provided on the interior of these.

[0045] The door inner panel may be provided with a gasket that seals the storage compartment by contacting the front of the body when the door is closed. The door inner panel may include a dyke that protrudes rearward to accommodate a door basket for storing items.

[0046] In one embodiment, the door may include a door body and a front panel detachably coupled to the front side of the door body and forming the front of the door. The door body may include a door outer panel forming the front of the door body, a door inner panel forming the rear of the door body and facing the storage compartment, an upper cap, a lower cap, and door insulation provided inside these.

[0047] Depending on the arrangement of the door and storage compartment, refrigerators can be classified into French door type, side-by-side type, bottom mounted freezer (BMF), top mounted freezer (TMF), or single-door refrigerator.

[0048] According to one embodiment, the refrigerator may include a cold air supply device configured to supply cold air to the storage compartment.

[0049] A “cold air supply device” may include a system of machines, devices, electronic devices and / or combinations thereof that can generate cold air and guide the cold air to cool a storage room.

[0050] In one embodiment, the cold air supply device can generate cold air through a refrigeration cycle that includes the processes of compression, condensation, expansion, and evaporation of a refrigerant. To this end, the cold air supply device can include a refrigeration cycle device having a compressor, a condenser, an expansion device, and an evaporator capable of driving the refrigeration cycle. In one embodiment, the cold air supply device can include a semiconductor, such as a thermoelectric element. The thermoelectric element can cool a storage compartment by generating heat and cooling through the Peltier effect.

[0051] According to one embodiment, the refrigerator may include a machine room in which at least some components belonging to the cold air supply device are arranged.

[0052] The "machine room" may be designed to be partitioned and insulated from the storage room to prevent heat generated by components placed within the machine room from being transferred to the storage room. The interior of the machine room may be configured to be connected to the exterior of the main body to dissipate heat from components placed within the machine room.

[0053] In one embodiment, the refrigerator may include a dispenser provided on the door to provide water and / or ice. The dispenser may be provided on the door so that it is accessible to a user without having to open the door.

[0054] In one embodiment, a refrigerator may include an ice-making device configured to produce ice. The ice-making device may include an ice-making tray configured to store water, an ice-separating device configured to separate ice from the ice-making tray, and an ice bucket configured to store ice produced in the ice-making tray.

[0055] According to one embodiment, the refrigerator may include a control unit for controlling the refrigerator.

[0056] The “control unit” may include a memory that stores or memorizes a program and / or data for controlling the refrigerator, and a processor that outputs a control signal for controlling a cold air supply device, etc. according to the program and / or data memorized in the memory.

[0057] Memory stores or records various information, data, commands, programs, etc. necessary for the operation of the refrigerator. Memory can store temporary data generated during the generation of control signals for controlling components within the refrigerator. Memory may include at least one of volatile memory and non-volatile memory, or a combination thereof.

[0058] The processor controls the overall operation of the refrigerator. The processor can control the components of the refrigerator by executing programs stored in memory. The processor may include a separate NPU that performs the operations of an artificial intelligence model. The processor may also include a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), or the like. The processor may generate control signals to control the operation of the cooling system. For example, the processor may receive temperature information about the storage compartment from a temperature sensor and generate a cooling control signal to control the operation of the cooling system based on the temperature information.

[0059] Additionally, the processor may process user input of the user interface and control the operation of the user interface based on programs and / or data stored / stored in the memory. The user interface may be provided using an input interface and an output interface. The processor may receive user input from the user interface. Additionally, the processor may transmit display control signals and image data to the user interface for displaying an image on the user interface in response to the user input.

[0060] The processor and memory may be provided as a single unit or separately. The processor may include one or more processors. For example, the processor may include a main processor and at least one subprocessor. The memory may include one or more memories.

[0061] In one embodiment, a refrigerator may include a processor and memory that control all components within the refrigerator, and may include multiple processors and multiple memories that individually control the components within the refrigerator. For example, the refrigerator may include a processor and memory that control the operation of a cooling device based on the output of a temperature sensor. Additionally, the refrigerator may separately include a processor and memory that control the operation of a user interface based on user input.

[0062] The communication module can communicate with external devices, such as servers, mobile devices, and other home appliances, via a nearby access point (AP). The AP can connect the local area network (LAN) to which the refrigerator or user device is connected to the wide area network (WAN) to which the server is connected. The refrigerator or user device can then connect to the server via the WAN.

[0063] The input interface may include keys, a touchscreen, a microphone, etc. The input interface may receive user input and transmit it to the processor.

[0064] The output interface may include a display, a speaker, etc. The output interface may output various notifications, messages, information, etc. generated by the processor.

[0065] The refrigerator (1) described below may be understood as an example to aid understanding of the present disclosure, and it is understood that it may be implemented in various modified forms. Furthermore, some of the attached drawings are not drawn to scale, and the dimensions of some components may be exaggerated to aid understanding of the present disclosure.

[0066] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating the exterior of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0067] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a refrigerator with the door open, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0068] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0069] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, a refrigerator (1) may include a main body (10), a storage compartment (21, 22, 23) formed inside the main body (10), a door (31, 32, 33, 34) for opening and closing the storage compartment (21, 22, 23), and a cold air supply device (50) for supplying cold air to the storage compartment (21, 22, 23).

[0070] According to one embodiment, the main body (10) may include an inner case (11) forming a storage chamber (21, 22, 23), an outer case (12) coupled to the outside of the inner case (11) to form an outer appearance, and an insulating material provided between the inner case (11) and the outer case (12) to insulate the storage chamber (21, 22, 23).

[0071] According to one embodiment, a machine room (13) may be provided at the lower part of the main body (10) in which some components of the cold air supply device (50) are arranged (or accommodated). For example, a compressor (51) of the cold air supply device (50) may be arranged in the machine room (13).

[0072] According to one embodiment, the storage compartments (21, 22, 23) can be divided into a plurality of compartments by horizontal bulkheads (15) and vertical bulkheads (16). The storage compartments (21, 22, 23) can be divided into an upper storage compartment (21) and a lower storage compartment (22, 23) by the horizontal bulkhead (15). The lower storage compartments (22, 23) can be divided into a lower left storage compartment (22) and a lower right storage compartment (23) by the vertical bulkhead (16). The upper storage compartment (21) can be used as a refrigerator, and the lower storage compartments (22, 23) can be used as a freezer. However, such division and use of the storage compartments (21, 22, 23) are merely an example, and the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Unlike what is shown in this drawing, the refrigerator (1) may be of the SBS (side by side) type in which the storage compartment is divided into the left and right sides by vertical bulkheads, the FDR (french door refrigerator) type in which the storage compartment is divided into the upper refrigerating compartment and the lower refrigerating compartment by horizontal bulkheads, or the 1-door type having one storage compartment and one door.

[0073] According to one embodiment, a shelf (26) for placing food and a storage container (27, 28) for storing food may be provided inside the storage room (21, 22, 23).

[0074] According to one embodiment, the doors (31, 32, 33, 34) may be rotatably connected to the main body (10). The doors (31, 32, 33, 34) may include a first door (31) located at the upper left, a second door (32) located at the upper right, a third door (33) located at the lower left, and a fourth door (44) located at the lower right. The first door (31) and the second door (32) may be referred to as a pair of upper doors (31, 32), and the third door (33) and the fourth door (34) may be referred to as a pair of lower doors (33, 34).

[0075] According to one embodiment, the upper storage compartment (21) can be opened and closed by a pair of upper doors (31, 32). The upper doors (31, 32) can be rotatably coupled to the main body (10). According to one embodiment, each of the lower storage compartments (22, 23) can be opened and closed by a pair of lower doors (33, 34). The lower doors (33, 34) can be rotatably coupled to the main body (10).

[0076] According to one embodiment, the door (31, 32, 33, 34) may include a door basket (39, 40) having a door storage space for storing food. A gasket (37) may be provided on the back surface of the door (31, 32, 33, 34) to seal the storage compartment (21, 22, 23) and to adhere to the front surface of the body (10). The gasket (37) may be arranged along the back edge of the door (31, 32, 33, 34).

[0077] In one embodiment, at least one of the doors (31, 32, 33, 34) may be configured as a double door having an inner door (35) and an outer door (36). For example, the upper left door (31) may include an inner door (35) and an outer door (36).

[0078] In one embodiment, the outer door (36) may be configured to open and close the interior space of the inner door (35). A gasket may be provided on the back surface of the outer door (36) to seal the interior space of the door. The gasket may be arranged around the interior space of the door and may be in close contact with the front surface of the inner door (35).

[0079] According to one embodiment, when the outer door (36) is opened, the inner space of the inner door (35) can be accessed. The outer door (36) can be rotatably coupled to the inner door (35) via a hinge (not shown). The outer door (36) can rotate in the same direction as the inner door (35). The outer door (36) can have a size corresponding to the size of the inner door (35). The outer door (36) can cover the entire area of ​​the inner door (35).

[0080] According to one embodiment, a decorative panel (not shown) may be detachably attached to the front of the outer door (36).

[0081] According to one embodiment, a top cover (24) may be coupled to the upper surface of the main body (10). The top cover (24) may be provided to cover hinges and various electrical components arranged on the upper surface of the main body (10). A control panel (25) may be provided on the front of the top cover (24) to display various status and operation information of the refrigerator (1) or to input various commands for the operation of the refrigerator (1).

[0082] According to one embodiment, the cold air supply device (50) may be configured to generate cold air using a cooling cycle that compresses, condenses, expands, and evaporates a refrigerant, and to supply the generated cold air to a storage room (21, 22, 23). For example, the cold air supply device (50) may maintain the temperature of the storage room (21, 22, 23) within a specified range using the circulation of the refrigerant through the cooling cycle.

[0083] According to one embodiment, the cold air supply device (50) can cool the air in the storage chamber (21, 22, 23) by utilizing the phenomenon in which a liquid refrigerant absorbs heat energy of the surrounding air while changing into a gaseous state. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the cold air supply device (50) including a cooling circulation cycle. For example, the cold air supply device (50) may include a Peltier element utilizing the Peltier effect or a magnetic cooling material utilizing the magneto-caloric effect.

[0084] According to one embodiment, the cold air supply device (50) may include a compressor (51) that compresses a gaseous refrigerant, a condenser (not shown) that converts the compressed gaseous refrigerant into a liquid state, an expansion device (not shown) that decompresses the liquid refrigerant, and an evaporator (54) that converts the refrigerant in a reduced liquid state into a gaseous state.

[0085] According to one embodiment, the cold air supply device (50) may further include a blower (55) configured to circulate cold air supplied to the storage chambers (21, 22, 23). The blower (55) may be arranged on one side (e.g., the rear) of the storage chambers (21, 22, 23). A plurality of blowers (55) may be provided, and may be arranged separately in the upper storage chamber (21) and the lower storage chambers (22, 23).

[0086] According to one embodiment, the evaporator (54) may be placed on one side (e.g., the rear) of the storage chamber (21, 22, 23). For example, the evaporator (54) may be installed to be fixed to one side of the inner case (11). A plurality of evaporators (54) may be provided, and may be placed separately in each of the upper storage chamber (21) and the lower storage chambers (22, 23).

[0087] In one embodiment, the evaporator (54) may operate to lower the temperature of the surrounding air by evaporating the refrigerant through heat exchange with the surrounding air. Water vapor contained in the surrounding air may condense during the heat exchange process and form a pattern on the surface of the evaporator (54).

[0088] According to one embodiment, the refrigerator (1) may include a drain pan (14) for collecting condensate formed on the surface of the evaporator (54). The drain pan (14) may be integrally provided in the inner case (11) of the main body (10). The drain pan (14) may be provided in a part (e.g., the lower part) of the inner case (11) where the evaporator (54) is placed to collect condensate.

[0089] According to one embodiment, the refrigerator (1) may include a drain hose (100) configured to discharge condensate collected in the drain pan (14) to the outside or guide it to a water receiving tank (17) provided in the machine room (13). The condensate collected in the drain pan (14) may be collected into the water receiving tank (17) through the drain hose (100), and the condensate collected in the water receiving tank (17) may be evaporated by heat generated from a compressor (51) or a condenser (not shown). The condensate collected in the water receiving tank (17) may also be discharged to the outside through a separate drain hose (not shown) connected to the water receiving tank (17).

[0090] According to one embodiment, the drain hose (100) may be located in an internal space provided between the inner case (11) and the outer case (12). The internal space is a space in which insulation is foamed during the manufacture of the refrigerator (1), and the drain hose (100) may be fixed by the insulation foamed in the internal space.

[0091] The structure and / or shape of the drain hose (100) will be described later with reference to FIGS. 4 to 8.

[0092] FIG. 4 is a drawing showing a drain hose connected to the inner case and the water receiving tank of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0093] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line I-I' shown in Figure 4.

[0094] The embodiments of FIGS. 4 and 5 can be optionally combined with the embodiments of FIGS. 1 to 3 or FIGS. 6 to 8.

[0095] Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, a drain hose (100) for discharging condensate formed on the surface of an evaporator (e.g., the evaporator (54) of FIG. 3) may be coupled (or mounted) to the inner case (11) of a refrigerator (1) according to one embodiment. For example, the drain hose (100) may be coupled to a drain pan (14) integrally provided with the inner case (11).

[0096] According to one embodiment, the drain pan (14) may include a drain hole (141) for discharging collected condensate. The drain hole (141) of the drain pan (14) may be communicated with the inside of the drain hose (100), and the condensate collected in the drain pan (14) may flow to the drain hose (100) through the drain hole (141). The drain pan (14) may have a concave shape so as to collect the condensate. The drain pan (14) may have a structure inclined downward toward the drain hole (141) so that the condensate falling from the surface of the evaporator (54) is guided to the drain hole (141).

[0097] According to one embodiment, the drain hose (100) can connect the drain pan (14) to the outside of the refrigerator (1) or the drain pan (14) to the water receiving tank (17). For example, one end of the drain hose (100) can be connected to the drain pan (14) of the inner case (11). For example, the other end of the drain hose (100) can be extended from the one end and drawn out to the outside of the refrigerator (1) or connected to the water receiving tank (17). In this case, the condensate generated in the cold air supply device (50) can be collected in the drain pan (14) and discharged to the outside through the drain hose (100) or guided to the water receiving tank (17).

[0098] According to one embodiment, the drain hose (100) may include a coupling portion (110) coupled with a drain pan (14), a hose portion (120) extending from the coupling portion (110), and a sealing member (130) surrounding a seam of the coupling portion (110) and the hose portion (120). The coupling portion (110) or the hose portion (120) of the drain hose (100) may be formed through an injection molding process.

[0099] According to one embodiment, the coupling portion (110) of the drain hose (100) can be coupled (or mounted) to the drain pan (14). The coupling portion (110) can contact the periphery of the drain hole (141) and surround the drain hole (141). The coupling portion (110) can have a shape corresponding to the drain pan (14). For example, a portion of the coupling portion (110) that contacts the drain pan (14) can be formed into a curved surface.

[0100] According to one embodiment, the hose portion (120) of the drain hose (100) may extend from the connecting portion (110) to have a free-curved shape (see FIG. 6). The shape or length of the hose portion (120) may be designed in various ways, taking into account interference with other components arranged inside the refrigerator (1).

[0101] According to one embodiment, the hose portion (120) of the drain hose (100) may include a pair of segments (121, 122) constituting upper and lower portions of the hose portion (120). The pair of segments (121, 122) may include a first segment (121) constituting an upper portion of the hose portion (120) and a second segment (122) constituting a lower portion of the hose portion (120). Each of the pair of segments (121, 122) may have a half tubular shape. For example, each of the pair of segments (121, 122) may contact each other to form a tubular shape, and thus, a hollow space (e.g., a hollow space (123) of FIGS. 7 and 8) may be formed inside the hose portion (120) as a passage through which condensate may flow.

[0102] According to one embodiment, the joint portion (110) of the drain hose (100) may be formed integrally with at least one of the pair of segments (121, 122) of the hose portion (120). For example, the joint portion (110) of the drain hose (100) may be formed integrally with the second segment (122) through a single injection process, as illustrated in FIG. 6.

[0103] According to one embodiment, the sealing member (130) of the drain hose (100) may be arranged to surround a joint (or contact) portion of the joint portion (110) and the hose portion (120) (e.g., a flange portion (111) of the joint portion (110) and a flange portion (1214) of the first split body (121)) or a joint (or contact) portion of a pair of split bodies (121, 122) constituting the hose portion (120) (e.g., extension portions (1212, 1222) of the first and second split bodies (121, 122)).

[0104] According to one embodiment, the sealing member (130) may include a first sealing portion (130a) for joining between a pair of split members (121, 122) and a second sealing portion (130b) for joining the coupling portion (110) and the hose portion (120).

[0105] According to one embodiment, the sealing member (130) may be formed through an injection molding process. As described above, the sealing member (130) may be formed separately or through a single injection molding process, such as a joint portion (110) or a hose portion (120), by integrating the injection molded parts into a single assembly (e.g., a drain hose (100)) by utilizing the shrinkage phenomenon of the injection molded raw material that occurs during the injection molding process.

[0106] Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 6 to 8, the joint structure of the drain hose (100) through the sealing member (130) will be described.

[0107] Figure 6 is a perspective view of a drain hose according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0108] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line Ⅱ-Ⅱ' shown in Figure 6.

[0109] Figure 8 is an enlarged view of part A of Figure 7.

[0110] The embodiments of FIGS. 6 to 8 can be optionally combined with the embodiments of FIGS. 1 to 5.

[0111] Referring to FIGS. 6 to 8, a drain hose (100) according to one embodiment may include a coupling portion (110), a hose portion (120), and a sealing member (130).

[0112] According to one embodiment, the hose portion (120) of the drain hose (100) may include a first segment (121) constituting the upper portion of the hose portion (120) and a second segment (122) constituting the lower portion of the hose portion (120).

[0113] According to one embodiment, the first segment (121) may include a first body (1211) of a half tubular shape and a first extension (1212) extending horizontally from both ends of the first body (1211). The first extension (1212) may extend along the length direction of the first body (1211) from both ends of the first body (1211).

[0114] According to one embodiment, the first extension (1212) may include a first part (1212a) connected to the first body (1211) and a second part (1212b) extending horizontally from the first part (1212a). The first part (1212a) and the second part (1212b) of the first extension (1212) may form a step.

[0115] According to one embodiment, the second segment (122) may include a semi-tubular second body (1221) and a second extension (1222) extending horizontally from both ends of the second body (1221). The second extension (1222) may extend along the length direction of the second body (1221) from both ends of the second body (1221).

[0116] According to one embodiment, the second extension (1222) may include a first part (1222a) connected to the second body (1221) and a second part (1222b) extending horizontally from the first part (1222a). The first part (1222a) and the second part (1222b) of the second extension (1222) may form a step.

[0117] According to one embodiment, the first extension portion (1212) and the second extension portion (1222) of the hose portion (120) may be portions that contact each other when manufacturing the drain hose (100), and the first body (1211) and the second body (1221) of the hose portion (120) may be portions that form a hollow space (123).

[0118] According to one embodiment, the first split body (121) and the second split body (122) may have an interlocking structure for assembling the hose portion (120) into a single assembly. A fixing groove (1213) recessed from one surface (e.g., a lower surface) of the first extension portion (1212) facing the second extension portion (1222) may be provided. A fixing projection (1223) protruding from one surface (e.g., an upper surface) of the second extension portion (1222) facing the first extension portion (12121) may be provided at a position corresponding to the fixing groove (1213) so as to be inserted into the fixing groove (1213). When manufacturing a drain hose (100), a pair of segments (121, 122) constituting a hose portion (120) can maintain a pre-assembled state for injection of a sealing member (130) through an interlocking structure of a fixing groove (1213) and a fixing protrusion (1223).

[0119] According to one embodiment, the sealing member (130) may be arranged to surround the seam between the joint portion (110) and the hose portion (120) of the drain hose (100), which is a separate injection molded product.

[0120] According to one embodiment, the sealing member (130) may include a first sealing member (130a) surrounding a joint (or joint portion) of a pair of segments (121, 122) of the hose member (120), and a second sealing member (130b) surrounding a joint (or joint portion) of the coupling member (110) and the hose member (120).

[0121] According to one embodiment, the first sealing portion (130a) may extend in the longitudinal direction of the hose portion (120) from the connecting portion (110), which is one end of the hose portion (120), along the joint portion of the pair of split bodies (121, 122), to the flange portion (124) located at the other end (120a) of the hose portion (120).

[0122] According to one embodiment, the second sealing portion (130b) may extend a predetermined distance in the circumferential direction of the hose portion (120) along the joint portion of the coupling portion (110) and the hose portion (120). For example, the second sealing portion (130b) may extend along the outer circumferential surface of the first segment (121) from the joint portion of the coupling portion (110) and the hose portion (120).

[0123] According to one embodiment, the sealing member (130) may include a receiving portion (131) for surrounding at least a portion of a joint between the components of the drain hose (100). For example, in the case of the receiving portion (131) of the first sealing portion (130a), as illustrated in FIG. 9, by receiving at least a portion of the extension portions (1212, 1222) (e.g., the second parts (1212b, 1222b)) on the inside, a pair of segments (121, 122) may be joined (or combined) into one hose portion (120).

[0124] According to one embodiment, the sealing member (130) may be injection-molded to surround the joint of the joint (110) and the hose portion (120) by inserting the previously injection-molded joint portion (110) and the hose portion (120) into separate injection molds, or may be injection-molded sequentially together with the joint portion (110) and the hose portion (120) in one injection mold.

[0125] According to one embodiment, the sealing member (130) can manufacture a drain hose (100) by joining a connecting portion (110) and a hose portion (120) and a pair of segments (121, 122) constituting the hose portion (120) to each other by utilizing the shrinkage characteristics of the injection molding raw material constituting the sealing member (130) when manufacturing the drain hose (100).

[0126] According to one embodiment, the sealing member (130) may be composed of an injection molded raw material having a shrinkage ratio of about 0.001 or more. For example, the sealing member (130) may be composed of a thermosetting resin such as a phenolic resin, a melamine resin, a urethane resin, an unsaturated polyester resin, a silicone resin, and an epoxy resin having a shrinkage ratio of 0.001 or more. For example, the sealing member (130) may be composed of a thermoplastic resin such as a polyethylene (PE), a polypropylene (PP), a polyurethane (PU), or a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) having a shrinkage ratio of 0.001 or more.

[0127] When a pair of split bodies (121, 122) constituting the joint portion (110) and hose portion (120) of a drain hose (100) are injection-molded as separate injection-molded products, and then the separated injection-molded products are joined (or integrated) into one drain hose (100) through injection of a sealing member (130), a three-dimensional drain hose can be manufactured without using a blow injection process.

[0128] This document has described the structure, shape and / or function of the drain hose (100) with a focus on the refrigerator (1), but the drain hose (100) can be applied not only to the refrigerator (1) described above, but also to other home appliances such as an air conditioner (e.g., air conditioners (200, 300) of FIGS. 9 to 11) that utilizes a refrigeration cycle to be described later.

[0129] Below, an air conditioner to which a drain hose (100) can be applied is described.

[0130] An air conditioner according to various embodiments is a device that performs functions such as air purification, ventilation, humidity control, cooling or heating in an air-conditioned space (hereinafter referred to as “indoor”), and means a device equipped with at least one of these functions.

[0131] In one embodiment, an air conditioner may include a heat pump device to perform a cooling function or a heating function. The heat pump device may include a refrigeration cycle in which a refrigerant circulates along a compressor, a first heat exchanger, an expansion device, and a second heat exchanger. All components of the heat pump device may be housed in a single housing forming the exterior of the air conditioner, such as a window air conditioner or a portable air conditioner. On the other hand, some components of the heat pump device may be housed separately in multiple housings forming a single air conditioner, such as a wall-mounted air conditioner, a stand-alone air conditioner, and a system air conditioner.

[0132] An air conditioner including a plurality of housings may include at least one outdoor unit installed outdoors and at least one indoor unit installed indoors. For example, the air conditioner may be configured such that one outdoor unit and one indoor unit are connected via a refrigerant pipe. For example, the air conditioner may be configured such that one outdoor unit is connected to two or more indoor units via refrigerant pipes. For example, the air conditioner may be configured such that two or more outdoor units and two or more indoor units are connected via a plurality of refrigerant pipes.

[0133] The outdoor unit can be electrically connected to the indoor unit. For example, information (or commands) for controlling the air conditioner can be input through an input interface provided on the outdoor or indoor unit, and the outdoor and indoor units can operate simultaneously or sequentially in response to user input.

[0134] The air conditioner may include an outdoor heat exchanger provided in the outdoor unit, an indoor heat exchanger provided in the indoor unit, and a refrigerant pipe connecting the outdoor heat exchanger and the indoor heat exchanger.

[0135] An outdoor heat exchanger can utilize a phase change (e.g., evaporation or condensation) of the refrigerant to exchange heat between the refrigerant and the outdoor air. For example, while the refrigerant condenses in the outdoor heat exchanger, it releases heat to the outdoor air, and while the refrigerant flowing in the outdoor heat exchanger evaporates, it absorbs heat from the outdoor air.

[0136] Indoor units are installed indoors. For example, indoor units can be categorized into ceiling-mounted, stand-alone, and wall-mounted types depending on their placement. For example, ceiling-mounted indoor units can be categorized into four-way, one-way, and duct-type indoor units depending on how air is discharged.

[0137] Similarly, an indoor heat exchanger can utilize the phase change of the refrigerant (e.g., evaporation or condensation) to exchange heat between the refrigerant and indoor air. For example, while the refrigerant evaporates in the indoor unit, the refrigerant can absorb heat from the indoor air. The cooled indoor air can then be blown through the cooled indoor heat exchanger, thereby cooling the room. Furthermore, while the refrigerant condenses in the indoor heat exchanger, the refrigerant can release heat to the indoor air. By blowing the heated indoor air through the high-temperature indoor heat exchanger, the room can be heated.

[0138] That is, the air conditioner performs a cooling or heating function through a phase change process of the refrigerant circulating between the outdoor heat exchanger and the indoor heat exchanger. To circulate the refrigerant, the air conditioner may include a compressor that compresses the refrigerant. The compressor can suck in refrigerant gas through the suction port and compress the refrigerant gas. The compressor can discharge the high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant gas through the discharge port. The compressor may be placed inside the outdoor unit.

[0139] The refrigerant may circulate through the refrigerant pipes in the order of a compressor, an outdoor heat exchanger, an expansion device, and an indoor heat exchanger, or in the order of a compressor, an indoor heat exchanger, an expansion device, and an outdoor heat exchanger.

[0140] For example, if an air conditioner has one outdoor unit and one indoor unit directly connected through a refrigerant pipe, the refrigerant may be arranged to circulate between one outdoor unit and one indoor unit through the refrigerant pipe.

[0141] For example, in an air conditioner, if one outdoor unit is connected to two or more indoor units via refrigerant pipes, the refrigerant can flow to multiple indoor units via refrigerant pipes branching from the outdoor unit. The refrigerant discharged from the multiple indoor units can be combined and circulated to the outdoor unit. For example, multiple indoor units can be directly connected in parallel to a single outdoor unit via separate refrigerant pipes.

[0142] Multiple indoor units can operate independently, each according to a user-defined operating mode. That is, some indoor units can operate in cooling mode, while others operate in heating mode. In this case, the refrigerant can be selectively introduced into each indoor unit at either high or low pressure along a designated circulation path via a flow-through valve, described later, and then discharged to the outdoor unit for circulation.

[0143] For example, when an air conditioner has two or more outdoor units and two or more indoor units connected through multiple refrigerant pipes, the refrigerant discharged from the multiple outdoor units may merge and flow through a single refrigerant pipe, then branch off again at some point and flow into multiple indoor units.

[0144] Multiple outdoor units may all be operated, or at least some may not be operated, depending on the operating load of the multiple indoor units. In this case, the refrigerant may be introduced into the outdoor unit, which is selectively operated, through a flow switching valve and circulated there. The air conditioner may include an expansion device to reduce the pressure of the refrigerant flowing into the heat exchanger. For example, the expansion device may be located within the indoor unit, the outdoor unit, or both.

[0145] An expansion device can, for example, utilize a throttling effect to lower the temperature and pressure of the refrigerant. The expansion device may include an orifice capable of reducing the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path. Refrigerant passing through the orifice may experience a decrease in temperature and pressure.

[0146] The expansion device may be implemented as, for example, an electronic expansion valve capable of controlling the opening ratio (the ratio of the cross-sectional area of ​​the valve's flow path when partially open to the cross-sectional area of ​​the valve's flow path when fully open). Depending on the opening ratio of the electronic expansion valve, the amount of refrigerant passing through the expansion device can be controlled.

[0147] The air conditioner may further include a flow diverter valve positioned along the refrigerant circulation path. The flow diverter valve may include, for example, a four-way valve. The flow diverter valve may determine the refrigerant circulation path depending on the indoor unit's operating mode (e.g., cooling operation or heating operation). The flow diverter valve may be connected to the discharge port of the compressor.

[0148] The air conditioner may include an accumulator. The accumulator may be connected to the suction port of the compressor. The accumulator may receive low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant vaporized in an indoor heat exchanger or an outdoor heat exchanger.

[0149] The accumulator can separate the refrigerant liquid from the refrigerant gas when a refrigerant mixture of refrigerant liquid and refrigerant gas is introduced, and provide the refrigerant gas from which the refrigerant liquid has been separated to the compressor.

[0150] An outdoor fan may be installed near the outdoor heat exchanger. The outdoor fan may blow outdoor air to the outdoor heat exchanger to promote heat exchange between the refrigerant and the outdoor air.

[0151] The outdoor unit of the air conditioner may include at least one sensor. For example, the sensor of the outdoor unit may be provided as an environmental sensor. The outdoor unit sensor may be positioned at any location inside or outside the outdoor unit. For example, the outdoor unit sensor may include a temperature sensor for detecting the air temperature around the outdoor unit, a humidity sensor for detecting the air humidity around the outdoor unit, a refrigerant temperature sensor for detecting the refrigerant temperature of a refrigerant pipe passing through the outdoor unit, or a refrigerant pressure sensor for detecting the refrigerant pressure of a refrigerant pipe passing through the outdoor unit.

[0152] An outdoor unit of an air conditioner may include an outdoor unit communication unit. The outdoor unit communication unit may be configured to receive a control signal from a control unit of an indoor unit of the air conditioner, which will be described later. The outdoor unit may control the operation of a compressor, an outdoor heat exchanger, an expansion device, a flow switching valve, an accumulator, or an outdoor fan based on the control signal received through the outdoor unit communication unit. The outdoor unit may transmit a sensing value detected by an outdoor unit sensor to the control unit of the indoor unit through the outdoor unit communication unit.

[0153] The indoor unit of the air conditioner may include a housing, a blower for circulating air into or out of the housing, and an indoor heat exchanger for exchanging heat with air flowing into the interior of the housing.

[0154] The housing may include an intake port through which indoor air may be drawn into the interior of the housing.

[0155] The indoor unit of the air conditioner may include a filter that is provided to filter foreign substances in the air that flows into the housing through the intake port.

[0156] The housing may include an exhaust port. Air flowing within the housing may be discharged to the exterior of the housing through the exhaust port.

[0157] The housing of the indoor unit may be provided with an airflow guide that guides the direction of air discharged through the exhaust port. For example, the airflow guide may include blades positioned above the exhaust port. For example, the airflow guide may include an auxiliary fan for controlling the exhaust airflow. However, the airflow guide is not limited thereto and may be omitted.

[0158] An indoor heat exchanger and a blower may be provided inside the housing of the indoor unit, which are arranged on a path connecting the intake and exhaust ports.

[0159] Blowers may include indoor fans and fan motors. For example, indoor fans may include axial fans, diffusion fans, crossflow fans, and centrifugal fans.

[0160] An indoor heat exchanger may be positioned between the blower and the exhaust, or between the intake and the blower. The indoor heat exchanger may absorb heat from air drawn in through the intake or transfer heat to the air drawn in through the intake. The indoor heat exchanger may include heat exchange tubes through which refrigerant flows, and heat exchange fins in contact with the heat exchange tubes to increase the heat transfer surface area.

[0161] The indoor unit of the air conditioner may include a drain tray positioned below the indoor heat exchanger to collect condensate generated in the indoor heat exchanger. The condensate collected in the drain tray may be drained to the outside through a drain hose. The drain tray may be provided to support the indoor heat exchanger.

[0162] The indoor unit of the air conditioner may include an input interface. The input interface may include any type of user input means, including buttons, switches, a touch screen, and / or a touch pad. The user can directly input setting data (e.g., desired indoor temperature, operating mode settings for cooling / heating / dehumidification / air purification, outlet selection settings, and / or air flow settings) through the input interface.

[0163] The input interface may also be connected to an external input device. For example, the input interface may be electrically connected to a wired remote controller. The wired remote controller may be installed at a specific location in an indoor space (e.g., a portion of a wall). A user may input configuration data regarding the operation of the air conditioner by operating the wired remote controller. Electrical signals corresponding to the configuration data obtained through the wired remote controller may be transmitted to the input interface. In addition, the input interface may include an infrared sensor. A user may remotely input configuration data regarding the operation of the air conditioner using a wireless remote controller. The configuration data input through the wireless remote controller may be transmitted to the input interface as an infrared signal.

[0164] Additionally, the input interface may include a microphone. A user's voice command may be acquired through the microphone. The microphone may convert the user's voice command into an electrical signal and transmit the converted electrical signal to an indoor unit control unit. The indoor unit control unit may control components of the air conditioner to execute a function corresponding to the user's voice command. Setting data acquired through the input interface (e.g., desired indoor temperature, operation mode settings for cooling / heating / dehumidification / air purification, outlet selection settings, and / or air volume settings) may be transmitted to the indoor unit control unit, which will be described later. In one example, the setting data acquired through the input interface may be transmitted externally, i.e., to an outdoor unit or a server, through an indoor unit communication unit, which will be described later.

[0165] The indoor unit of the air conditioner may include a power module. The power module may be connected to an external power source to supply power to the components of the indoor unit.

[0166] An indoor unit of an air conditioner may include an indoor unit sensor. The indoor unit sensor may be an environmental sensor positioned in a space inside or outside the housing. For example, the indoor unit sensor may include one or more temperature sensors and / or humidity sensors positioned in a predetermined space inside or outside the housing of the indoor unit. For example, the indoor unit sensor may include a refrigerant temperature sensor for detecting a refrigerant temperature of a refrigerant pipe passing through the indoor unit. For example, the indoor unit sensor may include respective refrigerant temperature sensors for detecting the inlet, middle, and / or outlet temperatures of the refrigerant pipe passing through the indoor heat exchanger.

[0167] For example, each environmental information detected by an indoor unit sensor can be transmitted to the indoor unit control unit described later or transmitted externally through the indoor unit communication unit described later.

[0168] The indoor unit of the air conditioner may include an indoor unit communication unit. The indoor unit communication unit may include at least one of a short-range communication module and a long-range communication module. The indoor unit communication unit may include at least one antenna for wireless communication with other devices. The outdoor unit may include an outdoor unit communication unit. The outdoor unit communication unit may also include at least one of a short-range communication module and a long-range communication module.

[0169] The short-range wireless communication module may include, but is not limited to, a Bluetooth communication module, a BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) communication module, a near field communication module, a WLAN (Wi-Fi) communication module, a Zigbee communication module, an infrared (IrDA, infrared Data Association) communication module, a WFD (Wi-Fi Direct) communication module, an UWB (ultrawideband) communication module, an Ant+ communication module, a microwave (uWave) communication module, etc.

[0170] The remote communication module may include a communication module that performs various types of remote communication and may include a mobile communication unit. The mobile communication unit transmits and receives wireless signals with at least one of a base station, an external terminal, and a server on a mobile communication network.

[0171] The indoor unit communication unit can communicate with external devices such as servers, mobile devices, and other home appliances through a nearby access point (AP). The access point (AP) can connect a local area network (LAN) to which the air conditioner or user device is connected to a wide area network (WAN) to which the server is connected. The air conditioner or user device can be connected to the server through the wide area network (WAN). The indoor unit of the air conditioner may include an indoor unit control unit that controls components of the indoor unit, including a blower, etc. The outdoor unit of the air conditioner may include an outdoor unit control unit that controls components of the outdoor unit, including a compressor, etc. The indoor unit control unit can communicate with the outdoor unit control unit through the indoor unit communication unit and the outdoor unit communication unit. The outdoor unit communication unit can transmit control signals generated by the outdoor unit control unit to the indoor unit communication unit, or transmit control signals transmitted from the indoor unit communication unit to the outdoor unit control unit. In other words, the outdoor unit and the indoor unit can communicate bidirectionally. The outdoor unit and the indoor unit can transmit and receive various signals generated during the operation of the air conditioner.

[0172] The outdoor unit control unit can be electrically connected to components of the outdoor unit and can control the operation of each component. For example, the outdoor unit control unit can adjust the frequency of the compressor and control the flow switching valve to change the circulation direction of the refrigerant. The outdoor unit control unit can adjust the rotation speed of the outdoor fan. In addition, the outdoor unit control unit can generate a control signal to adjust the opening degree of the expansion valve. Under the control of the outdoor unit control unit, the refrigerant can circulate along a refrigerant circulation circuit including the compressor, the flow switching valve, the outdoor heat exchanger, the expansion valve, and the indoor heat exchanger.

[0173] The various temperature sensors included in the outdoor and indoor units can transmit electrical signals corresponding to the detected temperatures to the outdoor unit control unit and / or the indoor unit control unit. For example, the humidity sensors included in the outdoor and indoor units can transmit electrical signals corresponding to the detected humidity to the outdoor unit control unit and / or the indoor unit control unit.

[0174] The indoor unit control unit can obtain user input from a user device, including a mobile device, via the indoor unit communication unit, and can obtain user input directly through the input interface or via a remote controller. The indoor unit control unit can control components of the indoor unit, including a blower, in response to the received user input. The indoor unit control unit can transmit information regarding the received user input to the outdoor unit control unit of the outdoor unit.

[0175] The outdoor unit control unit can control the components of the outdoor unit, including the compressor, based on information regarding user input received from the indoor unit. For example, when a control signal corresponding to a user input for selecting an operation mode, such as cooling operation, heating operation, ventilation operation, defrosting operation, or dehumidification operation, is received from the indoor unit, the outdoor unit control unit can control the components of the outdoor unit so that the air conditioner performs an operation corresponding to the selected operation mode.

[0176] The outdoor unit control unit and the indoor unit control unit may each include a processor and a memory. The indoor unit control unit may include at least one first processor and at least one first memory, and the outdoor unit control unit may include at least one second processor and at least one second memory.

[0177] The memory can store / remember various information necessary for the operation of the air conditioner. The memory can store instructions, applications, data, and / or programs necessary for the operation of the air conditioner. For example, the memory can store various programs for cooling, heating, dehumidifying, and / or defrosting operations of the air conditioner. The memory can include volatile memory, such as Static Random Access Memory (S-RAM) and Dynamic Random Access Memory (DRAM), for temporarily storing data. In addition, the memory can include nonvolatile memory, such as Read Only Memory (ROM), Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory (EPROM), and Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory (EEPROM), for storing data for a long period of time.

[0178] The processor can generate control signals for controlling the operation of the air conditioner based on instructions, applications, data, and / or programs stored in memory. The processor, as hardware, may include logic circuits and arithmetic circuits. The processor can process data according to programs and / or instructions provided from the memory and generate control signals based on the processing results. The memory and the processor may be implemented as a single control circuit or as multiple circuits.

[0179] An indoor unit of an air conditioner may include an output interface. The output interface is electrically connected to the indoor unit control unit and can output information related to the operation of the air conditioner under the control of the indoor unit control unit. For example, information such as an operating mode selected by a user input, wind direction, wind volume, and temperature may be output. Additionally, the output interface may output sensing information obtained from an indoor unit sensor or an outdoor unit sensor, as well as warning / error messages.

[0180] The output interface may include a display and a speaker. The speaker, as an audio device, can output various sounds. The display may display information input by the user or information provided to the user using various graphic elements. For example, operation information of an air conditioner may be displayed as at least an image or text. The display may also include an indicator that provides specific information. The display may include a liquid crystal display panel (LCD), a light emitting diode panel (LED), an organic light emitting diode panel (OLED), a micro LED panel, and / or a plurality of LEDs.

[0181] FIG. 9 schematically illustrates a configuration related to a refrigerant cycle of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0182] Referring to FIG. 9, an air conditioner (200) according to one embodiment may include a compressor (201) that compresses a refrigerant to change it into a high-temperature, high-pressure state, an outdoor heat exchanger (202) that allows heat exchange between outdoor air and the refrigerant, an expansion device (203) that expands the refrigerant to change it into a low-temperature, low-pressure state, and an indoor heat exchanger (204) that allows heat exchange between indoor air and the refrigerant. The air conditioner (200) may include a refrigerant pipe (205) that connects the compressor (201), the outdoor heat exchanger (202), the expansion device (203), and the indoor heat exchanger (204). In one embodiment, the refrigerant may circulate in the order of the compressor (201), the outdoor heat exchanger (202), the expansion device (203), and the indoor heat exchanger (204) through the refrigerant pipe (205). In one embodiment, the refrigerant may be circulated in the following order: compressor (201), indoor heat exchanger (204), expansion device (203), and outdoor heat exchanger (202).

[0183] According to one embodiment, the air conditioner (200) may include a flow diverter valve (206) that switches the circulation path of the refrigerant through the refrigerant pipe (205). The flow diverter valve (206) may include, for example, a 4-way valve. The flow diverter valve (206) may be connected to the suction side (201a) of the compressor (201). The flow diverter valve (206) may be connected to the discharge side (201b) of the compressor (201). The flow diverter valve (206) may be connected to the outdoor heat exchanger (202). The flow diverter valve (206) may be connected to the indoor heat exchanger (204). The flow diverter valve (206) may switch the circulation path of the refrigerant depending on the operating mode of the air conditioner (200) (e.g., cooling operation or heating operation mode). The euro switching valve (206) can cause the high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant discharged from the compressor (201) through the discharge port (201b) to flow to the outdoor heat exchanger (201) or the indoor heat exchanger (204), depending on the operating mode of the air conditioner (200). The euro switching valve (206) can cause the refrigerant from the indoor heat exchanger (204) or the outdoor heat exchanger (202) to flow to the suction port (201a) of the compressor (201), depending on the operating mode of the air conditioner (200).

[0184] According to one embodiment, the air conditioner (200) may include an accumulator (207). One end of the accumulator (207) may be connected to a suction port (201a) of a compressor (201). The other end of the accumulator (207) may be connected to a flow switching valve (206). Through the flow switching valve (206), low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant from an indoor heat exchanger (204) or an outdoor heat exchanger (202) may be introduced into the accumulator (207). When a refrigerant mixed with refrigerant liquid and refrigerant gas is introduced, the accumulator (207) may separate the refrigerant gas and the refrigerant liquid, and provide the refrigerant gas from which the refrigerant liquid is separated to the suction port (201a) of the compressor (201).

[0185] According to one embodiment, the compressor (201) can suck in refrigerant gas through the suction portion (201a) and compress the sucked refrigerant gas to change it into a high temperature and high pressure state. The compressor (201) can discharge the high temperature and high pressure refrigerant gas through the discharge portion (201b). The compressor (201) is a variable capacity compressor, and can vary the capacity by changing the frequency according to a driving control command.

[0186] In one embodiment, the outdoor heat exchanger (202) may be typically located outdoors. In the outdoor heat exchanger (102), heat exchange may occur between the refrigerant and the outdoor air by a phase change (e.g., condensation or evaporation) of the refrigerant passing through the outdoor heat exchanger (202). For example, during cooling mode operation, the outdoor heat exchanger (202) may condense the high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant introduced from the compressor (201). During cooling mode operation, latent heat may be released to the outdoor air while the high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant condenses while passing through the outdoor heat exchanger (202). During heating mode operation, the low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant may evaporate in the outdoor heat exchanger (202), and latent heat may be absorbed from the outdoor air while the refrigerant evaporates. Although not illustrated in FIG. 9, in one embodiment, one or more temperature sensors may be located adjacent to the outdoor heat exchanger (202) to detect the temperature of the outdoor air.

[0187] According to one embodiment, the air conditioner (200) may include an outdoor blower (208) that generates forced circulation of outdoor air to facilitate heat exchange in the outdoor heat exchanger (202). The outdoor blower (208) may be positioned adjacent to the outdoor heat exchanger (202). Although not specifically shown, the outdoor blower (208) may include one or more blower fans and fan motors. The fan motor of the outdoor blower (208) may provide driving force to the blower fan through a shaft.

[0188] In one embodiment, the expansion device (203) can lower the pressure and temperature of the refrigerant condensed in the outdoor heat exchanger (202) when operating in the cooling mode. The expansion device (203) can lower the pressure and temperature of the refrigerant introduced from the indoor heat exchanger (204) when operating in the heating mode. In one embodiment, the expansion device (203) can lower the temperature and pressure of the refrigerant by utilizing the throttling effect. The expansion device (203) can include an orifice that can reduce the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path. The refrigerant passing through the orifice can have its temperature and pressure lowered. In one embodiment, the expansion device (203) can be implemented as an electronic expansion valve that can control the opening ratio (an electronic expansion valve that can control the ratio of the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path of the valve in a partially opened state to the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path of the valve in a fully opened state). In such a case, the amount of refrigerant passing through the expansion device (203) can be controlled depending on the opening ratio of the electronic expansion valve. In one embodiment, the expansion device (203) may be implemented as a capillary device.

[0189] In one embodiment, the indoor heat exchanger (204) may be placed indoors. In the indoor heat exchanger (204), heat exchange may occur between the refrigerant and indoor air by a phase change (e.g., evaporation or condensation) of the refrigerant passing through the indoor heat exchanger (204). For example, during cooling mode operation, the refrigerant passing through the expansion device (203) may flow into the indoor heat exchanger (204) and evaporate in the indoor heat exchanger (204). While the refrigerant evaporates in the indoor heat exchanger (204), latent heat may be absorbed from the surrounding air, thereby cooling the surrounding air. During heating mode operation, high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant from the compressor (201) may flow into the indoor heat exchanger (204) and condense, releasing latent heat to the indoor air. Although not shown in FIG. 9, the indoor heat exchanger (204) may include a refrigerant passage through which refrigerant flows and a plurality of heat exchange fins arranged to increase the heat exchange area.

[0190] During cooling mode operation, due to heat exchange between the surrounding indoor air and the refrigerant in the indoor heat exchanger (204), water vapor contained in the air may condense and liquefy to form droplets on the surface of the indoor heat exchanger (204). The condensate formed on the surface of the indoor heat exchanger (204) may fall downward. Although not illustrated in FIG. 9, the air conditioner (200) may include a drain tray (e.g., a drain pan (350) of FIG. 11) disposed below the indoor heat exchanger (204) to collect the condensate falling from the indoor heat exchanger (204). The condensate collected in the drain tray may be drained to the outside through a drain hose (e.g., a drain hose (100) of FIG. 6). The drain tray may be provided to support the indoor heat exchanger (204) from below, but is not limited thereto.

[0191] In one embodiment, the air conditioner (200) may include an indoor blower (209) that generates forced circulation of indoor air to facilitate heat exchange in the indoor heat exchanger (204). The indoor blower (209) may be disposed adjacent to the indoor heat exchanger (204). Although not specifically illustrated, in one embodiment, the indoor blower (209) may be disposed downstream of the indoor heat exchanger (204) based on the air flow direction in the space in which the indoor blower (209) is installed, but the present document is not limited thereto. The indoor blower (209) may include one or more blower fans and fan motors. The fan motor of the indoor blower (209) may provide driving force to the blower fan through a shaft. In one embodiment, the blower fan may include one of an axial fan that draws air in the direction of the rotational axis of the fan motor and discharges the air in the direction of the rotational axis, a diagonal fan that draws air in the direction of the rotational axis of the fan motor and discharges the air between the axial and radial directions, a centrifugal fan that draws air in the direction of the rotational axis of the fan motor and discharges the air in the circumferential direction, and a crossflow fan, but this document is not limited thereto.

[0192] This document focuses on the case where an air conditioner (200) is equipped with refrigeration cycle-related components, but the scope of this document is not limited thereto. In one example, the air conditioner may be configured using a thermoelectric element. A thermoelectric element can cool or heat the surrounding air through heat generation and cooling through the Peltier effect.

[0193] According to one embodiment, the air conditioner (200) may include one or more outdoor units installed outdoors, one or more indoor units installed indoors, and one or more indoor units. In one embodiment, the compressor (201), the outdoor heat exchanger (202), and the expansion device (203) described above may be arranged in the outdoor unit. In one embodiment, the indoor heat exchanger (204) described above may be arranged in the indoor unit. However, the arrangement positions of each of the components described above are not limited. For example, the position of the expansion device (203) is not limited to the outdoor unit, and may be arranged in the indoor unit as needed.

[0194] In this document, the air conditioner (200) is described as a separate type having an outdoor unit installed separately outdoors and an indoor unit installed indoors, but this document is not limited thereto. In one embodiment, the air conditioner (200) may be configured as an integrated type in which a compressor (201), an outdoor heat exchanger (202), an expansion device (203), and an indoor heat exchanger (204) are placed in a single case located indoors.

[0195] In the case of a separate type air conditioner (200), the outdoor unit may be connected to the indoor unit through a refrigerant pipe so as to be in fluid communication with the indoor unit. The outdoor unit may be communicatively connected to the indoor unit. In one embodiment, control information (or commands) of the air conditioner (200) input by a user or received from the outside may be transmitted from the indoor unit to the outdoor unit.

[0196] In air conditioners with multiple indoor units, some of the indoor units can be operated simultaneously and individually in cooling mode, while others can be operated in heating mode. To effectively address the cooling or heating loads associated with the number of indoor units in operation, air conditioners can use multiple compressors or multiple outdoor units connected in parallel.

[0197] Air conditioners (200) can be categorized based on the installation type / location of the indoor unit. For example, air conditioners can be categorized into a stand-alone type in which the indoor unit is placed upright in an indoor space, a wall-mounted type in which the indoor unit is installed to be attached to a wall, and a ceiling-mounted type in which the indoor unit is installed on the ceiling. In one embodiment, the air conditioner (200) includes multiple indoor units, some of which are stand-alone types, and some of which are wall-mounted types. This document is not limited to a specific type.

[0198] Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 10 and 11, an air conditioner (300) including an indoor unit configured as a ceiling type will be described as an example.

[0199] Fig. 10 is a perspective view of an air conditioner according to one embodiment, viewed from below.

[0200] Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along line Ⅲ-Ⅲ' of Figure 10.

[0201] The embodiments of FIGS. 10 and 11 can be optionally combined with the embodiment of FIG. 9.

[0202] The configuration of the air conditioner (300) of FIGS. 10 and 11 may be all or part of the same as the configuration of the air conditioner (200) of FIG. 9.

[0203] Referring to FIGS. 10 and 11, an air conditioner (300) according to one embodiment may include a housing (310), a blower fan (320), a heat exchanger (330), a flow guide (340), a drain pan (350), a condensate guide (360), and a ceiling panel (370).

[0204] In one embodiment, the housing (310) may be embedded at least partially inside the ceiling surface (C) (the area embedded inside the ceiling surface (C) is not shown in FIG. 10 ). In one embodiment, the housing (310) may have a hexahedral shape with an open bottom, although the present disclosure is not limited to a specific shape of the housing.

[0205] According to one embodiment, a housing (310) embedded upwardly along the Z-axis direction inside the ceiling surface (C) may include an empty space therein.

[0206] According to one embodiment, the housing (310) may include an insulating member (311) disposed on the inner outer wall of the housing (310) so as to surround the empty space inside the housing (310). The insulating member (311) may be, for example, expanded polystyrene, or the like, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0207] According to one embodiment, the internal empty space of the housing (310) may include an air conditioning space (312) in which air flow occurs and air conditioning is performed. Components of the air conditioner (300), such as a blower fan (320), a heat exchanger (330), and a condensate guide (360), may be arranged in the air conditioning space (312).

[0208] According to one embodiment, the blower fan (320) may be placed inside the housing (310) (e.g., in the air-conditioning space (312)). The blower fan (320) may be, for example, a cross-flow fan having a rotation shaft (not shown) that extends long along the longitudinal direction (e.g., in the Y-axis direction) of the housing (310). The blower fan (20) may be rotated by a motor (not shown) coupled to one side of the rotation shaft. When the blower fan (320) rotates, an air flow may be formed within the air-conditioning space (312) by the rotation of the blower fan (320). The air flow may be formed in a direction from the intake port (371) to the discharge port (375) described below. When air flow is formed by the rotation of the blower fan (320), air drawn into the housing (310) through the intake port (31) can be heated / cooled by heat exchange in the heat exchanger (330) and then discharged into the indoor space through the discharge port (375).

[0209] According to one embodiment, the heat exchanger (330) may be disposed inside the housing (310) (e.g., in the air conditioning space (312)). The heat exchanger (330) may be positioned between the suction port (371) and the blower fan (320), which will be described later. The heat exchanger (330) may be disposed at an angle inside the housing (310). For example, the heat exchanger (330) may be disposed with a lower end below the blower fan (320) and may extend from the lower end at an angle with a predetermined angle with respect to the ground toward the upper space of the suction port (371). In this case, the side space (lateral area) of the heat exchanger (330) facing the ground below or the suction port (371) increases, and the contact surface between the air sucked through the suction port (71) and the heat exchanger (30) is increased, so that the heat exchange efficiency may be improved. The inclined side of the heat exchanger (30) may be arranged to extend along the longitudinal direction (e.g., Y-axis direction) of the housing (10). In one embodiment, the heat exchanger (30) may be configured in two rows, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. In one embodiment, although not specifically illustrated, the heat exchanger (30) may be configured as a main heat exchanger and an auxiliary heat exchanger.

[0210] According to one embodiment, the flow guide (340) may be configured to guide air sucked from the intake port (371) to the discharge port (375). In one embodiment, the flow guide (340) may be configured to surround the blower fan (320) and the heat exchanger (330) arranged in the air conditioning space (312). In one embodiment, the flow guide (340) may be extended along the longitudinal direction (e.g., Y-axis direction) of the housing (310). In one embodiment, the flow guide (340) may be formed to protrude downward from the upper portion of the air conditioning space (312) inside the housing (310). In one embodiment, the flow guide (340) may be provided to have at least one portion having a curved surface to correspond to the shape of the blower fan (320) in one area of ​​the air conditioning space (312) adjacent to the blower fan (320). In this case, the euro guide (340) can guide the air sucked from the intake port (371) to flow to the discharge port (375) when the blower fan (320) is driven, and can prevent the sucked air from flowing in the opposite direction to the sucked direction (e.g., reverse flow).

[0211] According to one embodiment, the drain pan (350) may be configured to collect condensate formed on the surface of the heat exchanger (330) by a heat exchange process occurring in the heat exchanger (330). In one embodiment, the drain pan (350) may be disposed on the lower side of the heat exchanger (30). In one embodiment, the drain pan (350) may have a groove having a concave shape that supports the lower end of the heat exchanger (330). The groove of the drain (350) may accommodate condensate guided by a condensate guide (360) described below. Although not specifically illustrated, the condensate accommodated in the groove of the drain (350) may be discharged to the outside through an externally connected drain hose (e.g., the drain hose (100) of FIG. 6).

[0212] In one embodiment, the condensate guide (360) may be provided on the lower side of the inclined side of the heat exchanger (330). In one embodiment, the heat exchanger (330) may be inclinedly disposed above the intake port (371), in which case the condensate guide (360) may be located upstream of the heat exchanger (330) in the air flow path. For example, the condensate guide (360) may be disposed rearward (e.g., in the -X direction) and downward (e.g., in the -Z direction) with respect to the heat exchanger (330). According to one embodiment, condensate that forms on the surface of the heat exchanger (330) due to a heat exchange process occurring in the heat exchanger (330) and falls downward toward the ground or ceiling may fall on the condensate guide (360), and the condensate guide (360) may guide the condensate that has fallen downward to the drain pan (350). In this drawing, the condensate guide (360) is depicted as being arranged parallel to the heat exchanger (330) at the same angle with respect to the ground or ceiling surface, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0213] According to one embodiment, the ceiling panel (370) may be attached to the ceiling surface (C) to cover the lower side of the internal space of the housing (310), i.e., the lower side of the air-conditioning space (312). According to one embodiment, the ceiling panel (370) may be attached to the ceiling surface (C) to cover, in addition to the internal space of the housing (310), a separate configuration that is external to the housing (310) and embedded in the space within the ceiling surface (C), such as a lower side of a pipe connection portion and a control box, etc. According to one embodiment, the ceiling panel (370) may be provided to have a rectangular shape, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. In one embodiment, the ceiling panel (370) may be understood as a configuration included in the housing (310).

[0214] According to one embodiment, the ceiling panel (370) may include an intake port (371), an intake grille (372), an air filter (373), and an exhaust port (375).

[0215] According to one embodiment, an intake port (371) may be provided in the ceiling panel (370) so that air from an external indoor space is sucked into the interior of the housing (310). In one embodiment, the intake port (371) may be arranged on one side (e.g., in the -X direction) of the ceiling panel (370). In one embodiment, the intake port (371) may be provided on the lower side of the heat exchanger (330). In one embodiment, the intake port (371) may be opened to the lower side of the ceiling panel (370). In one embodiment, the intake port (371) may be formed to extend in the longitudinal direction (e.g., in the Y-axis direction) of the ceiling panel (370).

[0216] According to one embodiment, the suction grill (372) may be disposed in the suction port (371). In one embodiment, the suction grill (372) may be provided to block foreign substances from entering the interior of the housing (310) and to protect the internal structure of the air conditioner (300). In one embodiment, the suction grill (372) may be provided in a grid structure having a regular interval, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0217] According to one embodiment, the air filter (373) may be disposed inside the housing (310) so as to be positioned above the intake port (371). In one embodiment, the air filter (373) may be provided to filter foreign substances contained in air sucked into the housing (310) through the intake port (371). The air filter (373) may include various types of filters, such as, for example, an electrostatic precipitator filter, a HEPA filter, an antibacterial filter, and a deodorizing filter, but the present disclosure is not limited to a specific type and number of filters. In this case, foreign substances contained in the air sucked into the housing (310) through the intake port (371) may be primarily filtered by the intake grill (372) and then secondarily filtered by the air filter (373).

[0218] According to one embodiment, an outlet (375) may be provided in the ceiling panel (370) so that air that has undergone heat exchange inside the housing (310) is discharged to the external indoor space. In one embodiment, the outlet (375) may be arranged on the other side (e.g., +X direction) of the ceiling panel (370) opposite to the formation position of the intake (371). In one embodiment, the outlet (375) may be formed on the lower side of the blower fan (320). In one embodiment, the outlet (375) may be opened to the lower side of the ceiling panel (370). In one embodiment, the outlet (375) may be formed to extend in the longitudinal direction (e.g., Y-axis direction) of the ceiling panel (370).

[0219] According to one embodiment, although not specifically shown, the outlet (375) may be provided with a louver structure (or, vane structure, blade structure) (not shown) configured to control the wind direction of air discharged through the outlet (35). For example, the louver structure may be provided to be rotatable up and down within a predetermined angle range with respect to the ceiling surface (C), and the wind direction of air discharged to the external indoor space through the outlet (375) may be controlled up and down according to the rotation of the louver structure.

[0220] A refrigerator (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a main body (10) having storage compartments (21, 22, 23) therein, a door (30) rotatably connected to the main body (10), a cold air supply device (50) for supplying cold air to the storage compartments (21, 22, 23), and a drain hose (100) for discharging condensate generated in the cold air supply device (50). The drain hose (100) may include a coupling portion (110) connected to the main body (10), a hose portion (120) extending from the coupling portion (110) and including a pair of half-tubular segments (121, 122), and a sealing member (130) surrounding a joint portion of the coupling portion (110) and the hose portion (120) or a joint portion between the pair of segments (121, 122).

[0221] According to one embodiment, the pair of segments (121, 122) may include a first segment (121) constituting the upper portion of the hose portion (120) and a second segment (122) constituting the lower portion of the hose portion (120).

[0222] According to one embodiment, the first segment (121) may include a semi-tubular first body (1211) and a first extension (1212) extending horizontally from both ends of the first body (1211). The second segment (122) may include a semi-tubular second body (1221) and a second extension (1222) extending horizontally from both ends of the second body (1221).

[0223] According to one embodiment, the first body (1211) and the second body (1221) may be in contact with each other and form a hollow space (123) through which the condensate flows. The first extension portion (1212) and the second extension portion (1222) may be in contact with each other and form a joint portion of the hose portion (120).

[0224] According to one embodiment, the first extension portion (1212) and the second extension portion (1222) may face each other. A fixing groove (1213) and a fixing protrusion (1223) inserted into the fixing groove (1213) may be provided on one surface of each of the facing extension portions (1212, 1222).

[0225] According to one embodiment, each of the first extension portion (1212) and the second extension portion (1222) may include a first part (1212a, 1222a) connected to each body (1211, 1221), and a second part (1212b, 1222b) extending horizontally from the first part (1212a, 1222a).

[0226] According to one embodiment, the sealing member (130) may include a first sealing portion (130a) surrounding a joint portion between the pair of split bodies (121, 122), and a second sealing portion (130b) surrounding a joint portion between the coupling portion (110) and the hose portion (120).

[0227] According to one embodiment, the sealing member (130) may include a receiving portion (131) that surrounds and receives the second parts (1212b, 1222b) of the segments (121, 122) that are in contact with each other.

[0228] According to one embodiment, the coupling portion (110) may be provided integrally with one of the pair of segments (121, 122).

[0229] According to one embodiment, the sealing member (130) may be injection molded. The injection molding raw material constituting the sealing member may be a thermoplastic or thermosetting resin having a shrinkage ratio of 0.001 or more.

[0230] An air conditioner (300) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a housing (310) including an intake port (371) and an outlet port (375), a blower fan (320) for forming an air flow from the intake port (371) toward the outlet port (375), a heat exchanger (330) disposed inside the housing (310), a drain pan (350) for collecting condensate generated in the heat exchanger (330), and a drain hose (100) for discharging the condensate collected in the drain pan (350). The above drain hose (100) may include a coupling portion (110) connected to the drain pan (350), a hose portion (120) extending from the coupling portion (110) and including a pair of segments (121, 122) having a half tubular shape, and a sealing member (130) surrounding a joint portion of the coupling portion (110) and the hose portion (120) or a joint portion between the pair of segments (121, 122).

Claims

1. In the refrigerator (1), A body (10) having a storage room (21, 22, 23) inside; A door (30) rotatably connected to the above body (10); A cold air supply device (50) for supplying cold air to the above storage rooms (21, 22, 23); and Includes a drain hose (100) for discharging condensate generated in the above cold air supply device (50), The above drain hose (100) is, A connecting part (110) connected to the above main body (10); A hose portion (120) extending from the above-mentioned joint portion (110) and including a pair of segments (121, 122) having a half tubular shape; and A refrigerator comprising a sealing member (130) surrounding a joint portion of the above-mentioned joint portion (110) and the above-mentioned hose portion (120) or a joint portion between the above-mentioned pair of split bodies (121, 122).

2. In paragraph 1, The above pair of segments (121, 122) are A refrigerator comprising a first partition (121) forming the upper portion of the hose portion (120) and a second partition (122) forming the lower portion of the hose portion (120).

3. In paragraph 2, The above first partition (121) is, It includes a first body (1211) of a semi-coronary shape and a first extension (1212) extending horizontally from both ends of the first body (1211), The above second partition (122) is, A refrigerator comprising a second body (1221) of a semi-tubular shape and a second extension (1222) extending horizontally from both ends of the second body (1221).

4. In paragraph 3, The first body (1211) and the second body (1221) are in contact with each other and form a hollow space (123) through which the condensate flows. A refrigerator in which the first extension portion (1212) and the second extension portion (1222) are in contact with each other and form a joint portion of the hose portion (120).

5. In paragraph 3 or 4, The first extension part (1212) and the second extension part (1222) face each other, A refrigerator, wherein each of the facing extensions (1212, 1222) is provided with a fixing groove (1213) and a fixing projection (1223) inserted into the fixing groove (1213) on one side thereof.

6. In any one of paragraphs 3 to 5, Each of the first extension (1212) and the second extension (1222) A refrigerator comprising a first part (1212a, 1222a) connected to each body (1211, 1221) and a second part (1212b, 1222b) extending horizontally from the first part (1212a, 1222a).

7. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 6, The above sealing member (130) is A refrigerator comprising a first sealing portion (130a) surrounding a joint portion between the pair of split bodies (121, 122), and a second sealing portion (130b) surrounding a joint portion between the connecting portion (110) and the hose portion (120).

8. In paragraph 6, The above sealing member (130) is A refrigerator including a receiving portion (131) that surrounds and receives the second parts (1212b, 1222b) of the above-described segments (121, 122) that are in contact with each other.

9. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 8, A refrigerator in which the above-mentioned connecting portion (110) is provided integrally with one of the pair of segments (121, 122).

10. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 9, The above sealing member (130) is injection molded, The injection molding raw material constituting the above sealing member is a thermoplastic or thermosetting resin having a shrinkage ratio of 0.001 or more, a refrigerator.

11. In the air conditioner (300), A housing (310) including an inlet (371) and an outlet (375); A blower fan (320) for forming an air flow from the above suction port (371) toward the above discharge port (375); A heat exchanger (330) placed inside the above housing (310); A drain pan (350) for collecting condensate generated in the above heat exchanger (330); and It includes a drain hose (100) for discharging condensate collected in the above drain pan (350), The above drain hose (100) is, A joint (110) connected to the above drain pan (350); A hose portion (120) extending from the above-mentioned joint portion (110) and including a pair of segments (121, 122) having a half tubular shape; and An air conditioner comprising a sealing member (130) surrounding a joint portion of the above-mentioned joint portion (110) and the above-mentioned hose portion (120) or a joint portion between the above-mentioned pair of split bodies (121, 122).

12. In paragraph 11, The above pair of segments (121, 122) are An air conditioner comprising a first partition (121) forming the upper portion of the hose portion (120) and a second partition (122) forming the lower portion of the hose portion (120).

13. In paragraph 11 or 12, The above sealing member (130) is An air conditioner comprising a first sealing portion (130a) surrounding a joint portion between the pair of split bodies (121, 122), and a second sealing portion (130b) surrounding a joint portion between the connecting portion (110) and the hose portion (120).

14. In any one of paragraphs 11 to 13, An air conditioner in which the above-mentioned connecting portion (110) is provided integrally with one of the pair of split bodies (121, 122).

15. In any one of paragraphs 11 to 14, The above sealing member (130) is injection molded, An air conditioner in which the injection molded raw material constituting the above sealing member (130) is a thermoplastic or thermosetting resin having a shrinkage ratio of 0.001 or more.

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