Air conditioner

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to an air conditioner. The air conditioner of the present disclosure comprises: a case in which a suction port is formed and a discharge port is formed below the suction port; a fan which is disposed in the case and forms an air flow from the suction port to the discharge port; and a heat exchanger which is arranged under the suction port and exchanges heat with air flowing in the case due to the fan. The heat exchanger comprises: a first heat exchanger in which a plurality of pipes through which a refrigerant flows are arranged in two rows; and a second heat exchanger which is disposed on one side of the first heat exchanger and in which a plurality of pipes through which a refrigerant flows are arranged in a row. The first heat exchanger comprises: a first part extending upward from the front to the rear; a second part extending from the rear end portion of the first part toward the rear and lower side; and a third part extending downward from the front end portion of the first part. The second heat exchanger is disposed above the second part.

Description

air conditioner

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an air conditioner, and more specifically to a wall-mounted air conditioner.

[0002] An air conditioner can supply heat-exchanged air to an indoor space to regulate the temperature of the indoor space.

[0003] A wall-mounted air conditioner can have a discharge port that is open to the front or downward.

[0004] In a wall-mounted air conditioner, a heat exchanger and a fan are arranged in the internal space. Since the internal space of a wall-mounted air conditioner is formed to be relatively narrow, a cross-flow fan is used, and the heat exchanger can also be formed with a structure that forms an angle of inclination in multiple sections.

[0005] Therefore, since the internal space is limited, the size of the heat exchanger may also be limited. However, in order to heat exchange a large amount of air, it is desirable to place a heat exchanger composed of multiple rows of pipes inside, but this also requires consideration of internal space issues.

[0006] Korean Patent Publication KR 2020-0095936 discloses a heat exchanger in which two rows of pipes are arranged. In order to heat exchange a large amount of air with two rows of pipes, refrigerant ports and paths may be set by considering only one direction of refrigerant flow for cooling or heating.

[0007] Since the heat exchangers installed in such wall-mounted air conditioners have their ports determined primarily for cooling performance, there is a problem that they may be vulnerable to heating performance issues.

[0008] The present disclosure aims to solve the aforementioned problems and other problems.

[0009] Another objective is to provide an air conditioner that maintains cooling performance and improves heating performance.

[0010] Another objective is to provide an air conditioner that maintains balance between multiple passes formed in a heat exchanger.

[0011] Another objective is to provide an air conditioner with improved ease of assembly of the heat exchanger.

[0012] To achieve the above objective, an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure comprises: a case having an intake port formed therein and a discharge port formed below the intake port; a fan disposed inside the case and forming an airflow from the intake port to the discharge port; and a heat exchanger disposed below the intake port and heat-exchanging the air flowing inside the case by the fan.

[0013] The heat exchanger includes a first heat exchanger in which a plurality of pipes through which a refrigerant flows are arranged in two rows, and a second heat exchanger disposed on one side of the first heat exchanger in which a plurality of pipes through which a refrigerant flows are arranged in one row.

[0014] The first heat exchanger comprises a first part extending upward from the front to the rear, a second part extending downward from the rear end of the first part, and a third part extending downward from the front end of the first part. The second heat exchanger is positioned on the second part.

[0015] In the above-mentioned first heat exchanger, a first pass connecting a first port and a first opposite port and a second pass connecting a second port and a second opposite port are formed.

[0016] The direction of the refrigerant flowing in the first pass and the direction of the refrigerant flowing in the second pass are formed in different directions.

[0017] The initial flow direction of the refrigerant flowing in the first pass and the initial flow direction of the refrigerant flowing in the second pass are formed in opposite directions to each other.

[0018] The first port and the first opposite port are placed in the first part. The second port is placed above the first port, and the second opposite port is placed in the third part.

[0019] The first part, the second part, and the third part include a first row of pipes positioned above among two rows of pipes, and a second row of pipes positioned below among two rows of pipes.

[0020] The first port and the second port are disposed in each of the first row pipes of the first part. The first opposite port is disposed in the second row pipe of the first part.

[0021] The first opposite port is positioned higher than the first port and the second port.

[0022] The above second opposite port is placed in the above second part.

[0023] The above second opposite port is placed in the second row pipe of the above second part.

[0024] The refrigerant flowing through the first pass passes through the first row pipes of the first part and the third part, respectively, and then flows through the second row pipes of the third part and the first part, respectively.

[0025] The above first pass flows in a downward direction when flowing through the first row pipes of each of the above first part and the above third part.

[0026] When flowing through the second row pipes of each of the third part and the first part, it flows in an upward direction.

[0027] The above second pass flows through the first row pipe of the above first part to the above second part.

[0028] The refrigerant flowing into the second port and through the second pass flows upward when passing through the first heat pipe of the first part.

[0029] The refrigerant flowing from the first part and through the second part passes through at least one of the second row pipes of the second part and then flows through the first row pipe of the second part. The second opposite port is positioned in the second row pipe of the second part.

[0030] The refrigerant flowing through the first row pipe of the second part flows downward. The refrigerant flowing through the second row pipe of the second part via the first row pipe of the second part flows upward.

[0031] The number of pipes that allow refrigerant to flow downward from the first row pipe of the second part is smaller than the number of pipes that allow refrigerant to flow upward from the first row pipe of the second part.

[0032] The number of pipes flowing through the first row of pipes in the first part in the second pass is greater than the number of pipes flowing through the first row of pipes in the first part in the first pass.

[0033] The above intake port is opened in the vertical direction. The intake port is positioned above the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger.

[0034] The number of pipes through which refrigerant flows, arranged in each of the first and second parts, is greater than the number of pipes arranged in the third part.

[0035] In the second heat exchanger above, a third port into which refrigerant flows and a third opposite port into which refrigerant flows are disposed. The third port is positioned below the third opposite port.

[0036] In a heating mode where the above heat exchanger is used as a condenser, the first port and the second port are used as outlets for refrigerant to flow in.

[0037] Specific details of other embodiments are included in the detailed description and drawings.

[0038]

[0039] According to the air conditioner of the present disclosure, one or more of the following effects are provided.

[0040] First, there is an advantage in improving heating performance by placing a separate second heat exchanger above a portion of the first heat exchanger. Additionally, cooling performance can also be partially improved.

[0041] Second, by placing the inlet port at a distance from the second heat exchanger, the pass balance of the refrigerant flowing through the heat exchanger can be maintained. This also has the advantage of enhancing heat exchange performance by evenly distributing the amount of refrigerant between the first and second passes.

[0042] Third, the ease of assembly of the heat exchanger can be improved by arranging the outlet ports of the first heat exchanger so as to be spaced apart.

[0043] The effects of the present disclosure are not limited to those mentioned above, and other unmentioned effects will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description in the claims.

[0044] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0045] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the internal configuration of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0046] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a heat exchanger according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0047] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating the flow of refrigerant in a heat exchanger in a cooling mode according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0048] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating the flow of refrigerant in a heat exchanger in a heating mode according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0049] The advantages and features of the present invention and the methods for achieving them will become clear by referring to the embodiments described below in detail together with the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below but may be implemented in various different forms. These embodiments are provided merely to ensure that the disclosure of the present invention is complete and to fully inform those skilled in the art of the scope of the invention, and the present invention is defined only by the scope of the claims. Throughout the specification, the same reference numerals refer to the same components.

[0050] Hereinafter, the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings for explaining an air conditioner according to embodiments of the present invention.

[0051] With reference to FIG. 1, the configuration of the air conditioner of the present invention will be explained.

[0052] The air conditioner of the present invention includes a case (10) that forms an outer shape. The case (10) forms an intake port (12) on the upper side. Air from the upper side of the case (10) can be introduced into the interior of the case (10) through the intake port (12).

[0053] The case (10) forms a space in which a fan (50, see FIG. 2) and a heat exchanger (70, see FIG. 2), which will be described below, are placed inside. The case (10) forms a first discharge port (36) in the front. The air conditioner may include a discharge cover (30) that is placed in front of the case (10) and forms the first discharge port (36). The air conditioner may have a front vane (40) that is placed on one side of the discharge cover (30) and guides the direction of the air discharged through the first discharge port (36).

[0054] A display (170) can be placed on the front of the case (10).

[0055] An intake grille (20) may be disposed on the upper side of the case (10). The intake grille (20) is detachably disposed on the case (10).

[0056] The suction grille (20) may be positioned on the upper side of the case (10) where the suction port (12) is formed. The suction grille (20) may include a plurality of ribs (22) extending in the left-right direction or the front-back direction.

[0057] A mesh (24) for filtering foreign substances in the air entering through the intake port (12) may be disposed in the intake grille (20). A mesh (not shown) may be disposed between a plurality of ribs (22).

[0058] With reference to Fig. 2, the overall configuration of the air conditioner is schematically described.

[0059] The air conditioner of the present invention includes a case (10) that forms an external shape. The case (10) may have a structure that covers the front side and both sides. The case (10) may have a structure in which the lower side is open.

[0060] The case (10) may have a structure with an open top. The case (10) may have an intake port (12) formed on its upper surface.

[0061] The case (10) may form a first discharge port (36) in the front. A discharge cover (30) having the first discharge port (36) formed therein may be disposed in the front of the case (10). The discharge cover (30) may also be formed integrally with the case (10).

[0062] The case (10) may have a shape with an open rear. The case (10) may form a space in which a fan (50) and a heat exchanger (70) are placed inside.

[0063] The air conditioner of the present invention includes an intake grille (20) disposed in the intake port (12) of a case (10). The intake grille (20) has a plurality of ribs (22) extending in the left-right direction or the front-back direction. A mesh (not shown) may be disposed between the plurality of ribs (22).

[0064] The intake grille (20) can be positioned on the upper side of an upper rib (not shown) formed in the case (10).

[0065] The air conditioner of the present invention includes a discharge cover (30) forming a first discharge port (36). The discharge cover (30) is fixedly positioned on the front surface of the case (10). A first discharge port (36) extending in a left-right direction is formed in the discharge cover (30).

[0066] A plurality of front ribs (38) are arranged in the discharge cover (30), extending in the vertical direction and spaced apart in the horizontal direction. The front ribs (38) can be connected to the front vanes (40). The front ribs (38) can maintain the arrangement of the front vanes (40).

[0067] The air conditioner of the present invention includes a front vane (40) that guides the wind direction of air discharged through the first discharge port (36). The front vane (40) may be fixedly positioned on the discharge cover (30). The front vane (40) may be fixedly positioned on the case (10).

[0068] The front vane (40) can send the air flowing through the first discharge port (36) in a direction horizontal to the ground or upward from the direction horizontal to the ground.

[0069] The air conditioner of the present invention includes a lower cover (46) disposed on the lower surface of a case (10). The lower cover (46) may be disposed to cover a portion of the open lower side of the case (10). A second discharge port (48) may be formed in the lower cover (46).

[0070] The lower cover (46) is detachably disposed on the case (10). The lower cover (46) may be fixedly disposed on the case (10) or the inner body (80) described below. The lower cover (46) may be a plate shape having a roughly 'U' shape. A second discharge port (48) may be formed between the case (10) and the lower cover (46).

[0071] The air conditioner of the present invention includes a stabilizer (100). The stabilizer (100) can guide the flow of air discharged by the fan (50). The stabilizer (100) can guide the upper side of the air flowing forward and downward by the fan (50). The stabilizer (100) can support one side of the heat exchanger (70).

[0072] Vanes (120, 150) may be placed on the stabilizer (100). The vanes (120, 150) may be placed on the stabilizer (100) so that their placement may change.

[0073] A vane motor (not shown) that changes the arrangement of vanes (120, 150) may be placed in the stabilizer (100).

[0074] The air conditioner of the present invention includes a first vane (120) that opens and closes a second discharge port (48). The vane (120, 150) can guide the direction of air discharged from the second discharge port (48). The vane (120, 150) can guide air flowing through the fan (50) to the first discharge port (36).

[0075] The air conditioner of the present invention includes an inner body (80) disposed inside a case (10) and rotatably supporting a fan (50). A fan (50) may be disposed in the inner body (80). A fan motor (not shown) for rotating the fan (50) may be disposed in the inner body (80).

[0076] The inner body (80) is fixedly positioned inside the case (10). The inner body (80) can guide air flowing backward or downward by the fan (50). A louver (90) for controlling the direction of the flowing air may be disposed in the inner body (80). The louver (90) can guide the direction of the air flowing to the first discharge port (36) or the second discharge port (48) in the left and right directions.

[0077] The air conditioner of the present invention includes a fan (50) that sends air from an intake port (12) to a first discharge port (36) or a second discharge port (48). The fan (50) is rotatably positioned inside a case (10). The fan (50) may be a cross-flow fan that sucks in air radially to one side with respect to a rotation axis and discharges air radially to the other side.

[0078] The fan (50) can draw in air from an intake port (12) located on the upper side of the fan (50). Additionally, the fan (50) can discharge air through a first discharge port (36) or a second discharge port (48) located on the lower side of the fan (50).

[0079] The air conditioner of the present invention includes a fan motor (52) that rotates a fan (50). The fan motor (52) is positioned on one side of an inner body (80).

[0080] The air conditioner of the present invention includes a motor cover (not shown) that covers one side of a fan motor. The motor cover can be mounted on an inner body (80).

[0081] The air conditioner of the present invention includes a heat exchanger (70) that exchanges heat with air flowing inside a case (10). The heat exchanger (70) can exchange heat with a refrigerant and air. The heat exchanger (70) can exchange heat with air discharged into an indoor space. The heat exchanger (70) can exchange heat with air flowing to a first discharge port (36) or a second discharge port (48).

[0082] The heat exchanger (70) may have at least one bent shape. The heat exchanger (70) is positioned above the fan (50). The heat exchanger (70) can heat exchange the air flowing through the fan (50).

[0083] The air conditioner of the present invention includes a control box (not shown) in which electrical components for controlling the operation of the air conditioner are arranged. The control box may be mounted on one side of the inner body (80).

[0084] The air conditioner of the present invention includes a heat exchanger holder (not shown) disposed on one side of an inner body (80) and maintaining the arrangement of a heat exchanger (70). The heat exchanger holder is fixedly disposed on the inner body (80).

[0085] The heat exchanger (70) includes a first heat exchanger (71) in which a plurality of pipes through which refrigerant flows are arranged in two rows. The heat exchanger (70) includes a second heat exchanger (82) which is disposed on one side of the first heat exchanger (71) and in which a plurality of pipes through which refrigerant flows are arranged in one row.

[0086] The first heat exchanger (71) includes a first part (71a) that extends upward from the front to the rear, a second part (71b) that extends downward from the rear end of the first part (71a), and a third part (71c) that extends downward from the front end of the first part (71a).

[0087] The first part (71a) and the second part (71b) are positioned below the intake port (12). Additionally, the first part (71a) and the second part (71b) are positioned above the fan (50). Since the first part (71a) and the second part (71b) are positioned between the intake port (12) and the fan (50), air flows at a faster velocity than in the third part (71c). Additionally, the second part (71b) is positioned closer to the fan (50) than the first part (71a). Therefore, air flows at a faster velocity in the second part (71b) than in the first part (71a). The second heat exchanger (82) is positioned above the second part (71b), where the flow velocity is formed relatively quickly.

[0088] The inner body (80) can be positioned around the fan (50). The inner body (80) is positioned on one side of the fan (50). A rear body (81) on which a heat exchanger (70) is mounted is positioned above the inner body (80).

[0089] The rear body (81) has a structure that extends upward from the inner body (80). The rear body (81) may have a structure that extends upward and downward to guide air flowing downward from the intake port (12).

[0090] The second part (71b) of the first heat exchanger (71) can be mounted on the rear body (81).

[0091] A second heat exchanger (82) may be installed in the rear body (81). One end of the second heat exchanger (82) may be installed in contact with the rear body (81).

[0092] Air introduced through the intake port (12) flows downward through the rear body (81). Air introduced through the intake port (12) passes through the second heat exchanger (82) and the first heat exchanger (71) through the rear body (81).

[0093] Air flowing downward through the rear body (81) can flow downward by the fan (50) and flow forward along the inner body (80).

[0094] With reference to Fig. 3, the specific configuration of the heat exchanger will be explained.

[0095] The heat exchanger (70) includes a first heat exchanger (71) in which a plurality of pipes through which refrigerant flows are arranged in two rows. The heat exchanger (70) includes a second heat exchanger (82) which is disposed on one side of the first heat exchanger (71) and in which a plurality of pipes through which refrigerant flows are arranged in one row.

[0096] The first heat exchanger (71) has multiple pipes through which refrigerant flows arranged in two rows. The second heat exchanger (82) has multiple pipes through which refrigerant flows arranged in one row. The second heat exchanger (82) is placed on top of the first heat exchanger (71).

[0097] Accordingly, the air flowing downward through the intake port (12) can flow through the first heat exchanger (71) or sequentially through the second heat exchanger (82) and the first heat exchanger (71).

[0098] The first heat exchanger (71) includes a first part (71a) that extends upward from the front to the rear, a second part (71b) that extends downward from the rear end of the first part (71a), and a third part (71c) that extends downward from the front end of the first part (71a).

[0099] Each of the first part (71a), second part (71b), and third part (71c) has a plurality of pipes (72, 74) arranged in two rows.

[0100] Each of the first part (71a), second part (71b), and third part (71c) includes a plurality of first row pipes (72) and a plurality of second row pipes (74) disposed below the plurality of first row pipes (72).

[0101] Each of the plurality of first row pipes (72) is arranged in a direction parallel to the direction in which the heat exchanger (70) extends. Each of the plurality of second row pipes (74) is arranged in a direction parallel to the direction in which the heat exchanger (70) extends.

[0102] In the first part (71a), a plurality of first-1 row pipes (72a) and a plurality of first-2 row pipes (74a) are arranged. In the second part (71b), a plurality of second-1 row pipes (72b) and a plurality of second-2 row pipes (74b) are arranged. In the third part (71c), a plurality of third-1 row pipes (72c) and a plurality of third-2 row pipes (74c) are arranged.

[0103] A plurality of first row pipes (72) and a plurality of first row pipes (74) included in each of the first part (71a), second part (71b), and third part (71c) are arranged side by side with each other.

[0104] The first part (71a) can form an angle of inclination with the second part (71b). The first part (71a) can form an acute angle of inclination with the second part (71b). The first part (71a) and the second part (71b) are positioned below the suction port (12).

[0105] The first part (71a) and the second part (71b) extend in the forward and backward directions based on the portion where they come into contact with each other. The first part (71a) extends forward based on the portion where it comes into contact with the second part (71b). The second part (71b) extends backward based on the portion where it comes into contact with the first part (71a).

[0106] The upper surfaces of the first part (71a) and the second part (71b) are positioned below the intake port (12). Thus, air flowing downward through the intake port (12) can first come into contact with the upper surfaces of the first part (71a) and the second part (71b).

[0107] Each of the first part (71a) and the second part (71b) has its upper surface and lower surface arranged side by side. A plurality of first-1 row pipes (72a) and a plurality of first-2 row pipes (74a) arranged in the first part (71a) are arranged side by side between the upper surface and the lower surface.

[0108] A plurality of second-1 row pipes (72b) and a plurality of second-2 row pipes (74b) arranged in the second part (71b) are arranged side by side between the upper surface and the lower surface.

[0109] The third part (71c) is positioned facing forward. In the third part (71c), a plurality of third-1 row pipes (72c) and a plurality of third-2 row pipes (74c) are positioned between the front surface and the rear surface. The plurality of third-1 row pipes (72c) and the plurality of third-2 row pipes (74c) are positioned parallel to each other in the vertical direction.

[0110] The first part (71a) can form an angle of inclination with the third part (71c). The first part (71a) can form an obtuse angle of inclination with the third part (71c). The third part (71c) is positioned below the intake port (12). The third part (71c) is positioned to face forward.

[0111] The number of multiple pipes placed in each of the first part (71a) and the second part (71b) may be greater than the number of multiple pipes placed in the third part (71c).

[0112] Referring to the drawing, 12 pipes are arranged in each of the first part (71a) and the second part (71b). 8 pipes are arranged in the third part (71c).

[0113] The second heat exchanger (82) is placed on top of the first heat exchanger (71). The second heat exchanger (82) is placed on top of the second part (71b). The second heat exchanger (82) consists of one heat.

[0114] Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 4, the flow of refrigerant in the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger during cooling mode will be explained.

[0115] In the first heat exchanger (71), a first port (76a) and a second port (78a) are provided through which refrigerant flowing outside the heat exchanger flows into or out of the first heat exchanger (71). Each of the first port (76a) and the second port (78a) can be connected through a branched refrigerant pipe.

[0116] In the first heat exchanger (71), a first opposite port (76b) and a second opposite port (78b) are provided through which a refrigerant flowing outside the heat exchanger flows out or into the first heat exchanger (71).

[0117] The first port (76a) is connected to the first opposite port (76b). The second port (78a) is connected to the second opposite port (78b).

[0118] That is, when refrigerant flows into the first port (76a), the refrigerant is discharged through the first opposite port (76b). Also, when refrigerant flows into the first opposite port (76b), the refrigerant is discharged through the first port (76a).

[0119] When refrigerant flows into the second port (78a), the refrigerant is discharged through the second opposite port (78b). Also, when refrigerant flows into the second opposite port (78b), the refrigerant is discharged through the second port (78a).

[0120] In the cooling mode, when the heat exchanger (70) is used as a condenser, refrigerant can be introduced into the first port (76a) and the second port (78a). Additionally, in the heating mode, when the heat exchanger (70) is used as an evaporator, refrigerant can be introduced into the first opposite port (76b) and the second opposite port (78b).

[0121] Below, the flow of the refrigerant is explained based on the cooling mode.

[0122] In the first heat exchanger (71), a first pass (P1) connecting the first port (76a) and the first opposite port (76b) and a second pass (P2) connecting the second port (78a) and the second opposite port (78b) are formed.

[0123] The direction of the refrigerant flowing in the first pass (P1) and the direction of the refrigerant flowing in the second pass (P2) are formed in different directions.

[0124] The initial flow direction of the refrigerant flowing in the first pass (P1) and the initial flow direction of the refrigerant flowing in the second pass (P2) are formed in opposite directions to each other.

[0125] The first pass (P1) allows the refrigerant flowing into the first port (76a) located in the first part (71a) to flow. The refrigerant flowing through the first pass (P1) can flow sequentially through the first part (71a), the third part (71c), and the first part (71a).

[0126] The refrigerant flowing through the first pass (P1) flows sequentially through the first row pipe (72a, '1-1 row pipe') of the first part (71a) and the first row pipe (72c, '3-1 row pipe') of the third part (71c), the second row pipe (74c, '3-2 row pipe') of the third part (71c), and the second row pipe (74a, '1-2 row pipe') of the first part (71a).

[0127] The first pass (P1) can be connected in the order of the first-1st row pipe (72a), the third-1st row pipe (72c), the third-2nd row pipe (74c), and the first-2nd row pipe (74a).

[0128] The first pass (P1) flows downward when flowing through the first row pipes (72a, 72c) of the first part (71a) and the third part (71c), respectively. The first pass (P1) flows upward when flowing through the second row pipes (74a, 74c) of the third part (71c) and the first part (71a), respectively.

[0129] Each of the first port (76a) and the first opposite port (76b) is placed in the first part (71a).

[0130] The first port (76a) may be located below the first opposite port (76b). The first opposite port (76b) may be positioned above the second port (78a). The refrigerant flowing through the first pass (P1) flows from bottom to top through the first-second row pipe (74a). The first opposite port (76b) may be located at the very top of the first-second row pipe (74a).

[0131] The second pass (P2) is connected in parallel with the first pass (P1).

[0132] The second pass (P2) allows the refrigerant flowing into the second port (78a) located in the first part (71a) to flow. The refrigerant flowing through the second pass (P2) can flow sequentially through the first part (71a) and the second part (71b).

[0133] The refrigerant flowing through the second pass (P2) flows sequentially through the first row pipe (72a, '1-1 row pipe') of the first part (71a) and the second row pipe (74b, '2-2 row pipe') of the second part (71b), and the first row pipe (72b, '2-1 row pipe') of the second part (71b) and the second row pipe (74b, '2-2 row pipe') of the second part (71b).

[0134] The second pass (P2) can be connected in the order of the first-1st row pipe (72a), a part of the second-2nd row pipe (74b), the second-1st row pipe (72b), and the remaining part of the second-2nd row pipe (74b).

[0135] The second pass (P2) flows upward when flowing through the first row pipe (72a, or 'first-1st row pipe') of the first part (71a). The second pass (P2) flows downward when flowing through the first row pipe (72, or 'second-1st row pipe') of the second part (71b).

[0136] The second port (78a) may be located above the first port (76a). The second port (78a) is placed in the first part (71a). The second port (78a) is placed in the first-1 row pipe (72a). The second opposite port (78b) is placed in the second part (71b). The second opposite port (78b) is placed in the second-2 row pipe (74b).

[0137] In the second pass (P2), the number of second-2 row pipes (74b) through which the refrigerant flows in the upward direction is greater than the number of second-2 row pipes (74b) through which the refrigerant flows in the downward direction.

[0138] The second port (78a) is placed in the first part (71a). The second opposite port (78b) is placed in the second part (71b).

[0139] The second port (78a) is placed in one of the first-row pipes (72a). The second opposite port (78b) is placed in one of the second-row pipes (74b).

[0140] The number of first-1 row pipes (72a) flowing through the second pass (P2) is greater than the number of first-1 row pipes (72a) flowing through the first pass (P1).

[0141] The direction of the refrigerant flowing in the first pass (P1) and the direction of the refrigerant flowing in the second pass (P2) are formed in different directions. The initial flow direction of the refrigerant flowing in the first pass (P1) and the initial flow direction of the refrigerant flowing in the second pass (P2) are formed in opposite directions.

[0142] The number of refrigerant pipes included in the first pass (P1) and the number of refrigerant pipes included in the second pass (P2) are the same.

[0143] In the second pass (P2), the first-1st row pipe (72a) is connected to the second-2nd row pipe (74b).

[0144] In the second pass (P2), the refrigerant pipe included in the second part (71b) connected to the first part (71a) may be the second-2 row pipe (74b).

[0145] That is, in the second pass (P2), the first-1st row pipe (72a) and the second-2nd row pipe (74b) are connected.

[0146] In the second pass (P2), the refrigerant flowing from the first-1 row pipe (72a) flows through two second-2 row pipes (74b'). At this time, the two second-2 row pipes (74b') flow downward.

[0147] In the second pass (P2), the refrigerant flowing through the two second-2 row pipes (74b') flows through the second-1 row pipe (72b). In the second pass (P2), the refrigerant flowing through the two second-2 row pipes (74b') flows into the refrigerant pipe positioned at the top of the second-1 row pipes (72b) and flows upward. As the refrigerant flowing through the two second-2 row pipes (74b') flows into the refrigerant pipe positioned at the top of the second-1 row pipes (72b), cooling performance and heating performance can be improved. Additionally, since the first opposite port (76b) and the second opposite port (78b) are not positioned too close together, the ease of assembling the heat exchanger can be improved.

[0148] A third port (84a) and a third opposite port (84b) are formed in the second heat exchanger (82). In the second heat exchanger (82), the third port (84a) is positioned at the bottom, and the third opposite port (84b) is formed at the top.

[0149] In cooling mode, refrigerant flows into the third port (84a) and is discharged through the third opposite port (84b).

[0150] In the second heat exchanger (82), a third pass (P3) is formed from the third port (84a) to the third opposite port (84b). In the third pass (P3), the refrigerant flows from bottom to top. In the third pass (P3), the refrigerant flows in the opposite direction to the second pass (P2) which flows through the second-1 row pipe (72b) positioned below.

[0151] In cooling mode, after the refrigerant flows through the third pass (P3), the refrigerant can flow in parallel through the first pass (P1) and the second pass (P2).

[0152] Below, with reference to FIG. 5, the flow of refrigerant in the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger during the heating mode will be explained.

[0153] In heating mode, the direction of refrigerant flow is opposite to that in cooling mode.

[0154] In heating mode, refrigerant is introduced into the first opposite port (76b) and discharged through the first port (76a). In heating mode, refrigerant is introduced into the second opposite port (78b) and discharged through the second port (78a).

[0155] When the heat exchanger (70) is used as an evaporator in a heating mode, refrigerant can be introduced into the first opposite port (76b) and the second opposite port (78b).

[0156] Below, the flow of the refrigerant is explained based on the heating mode.

[0157] In the first heat exchanger (71), a first pass (P1) connecting the first port (76a) and the first opposite port (76b) and a second pass (P2) connecting the second port (78a) and the second opposite port (78b) are formed.

[0158] The direction of the refrigerant flowing in the first pass (P1) and the direction of the refrigerant flowing in the second pass (P2) are formed in different directions.

[0159] In the first pass (P1), the refrigerant is discharged to the first port (76a) located in the first part (71a). In the first pass (P1), the refrigerant is introduced to the first opposite port (76b) located in the first part (71a).

[0160] The refrigerant flowing through the first pass (P1) can sequentially flow through the first part (71a), the third part (71c), and the first part (71a).

[0161] The refrigerant flowing through the first pass (P1) flows sequentially through the second row pipe (74a, 'first-second row pipe') of the first part (71a) and the second row pipe (74c, 'third-second row pipe') of the third part (71c), the first row pipe (72c, 'third-first row pipe') of the third part (71c), and the first row pipe (72a, 'first-first row pipe') of the first part (71a).

[0162] The first pass (P1) can be connected in the order of the first-2 row pipe (74a), the third-2 row pipe (74c), the third-1 row pipe (72c), and the first-1 row pipe (72a).

[0163] The first pass (P1) flows upward when flowing through the first row pipes (72a, 72c) of the first part (71a) and the third part (71c), respectively. The first pass (P1) flows downward when flowing through the second row pipes (74a, 74c) of the third part (71c) and the first part (71a), respectively.

[0164] The refrigerant flowing through the first pass (P1) flows from top to bottom through the first-second row pipe (74a).

[0165] In the second pass (P2), the refrigerant is discharged to the second port (78a) located in the first part (71a). In the second pass (P2), the refrigerant introduced into the second opposite port (78b) located in the first part (71a) can flow.

[0166] The refrigerant flowing through the second pass (P2) can sequentially flow through the second part (71b) and the first part (71a).

[0167] The refrigerant flowing through the second pass (P2) flows sequentially through the second row pipe (74b, 'second-second row pipe') of the second part (71b), the first row pipe (72b, 'second-first row pipe') of the second part (71b), the second row pipe (74b, 'second-second row pipe') of the second part (71b), and the first row pipe (72a, 'first-first row pipe') of the first part (71a).

[0168] The second pass (P2) can be connected in the order of a part of the second-2nd row pipe (74b), the second-1st row pipe (72b), the remaining part of the second-2nd row pipe (74b), and the first-1st row pipe (72a).

[0169] The second pass (P2) flows downward when flowing through the first row pipe (72a, or 'first-1st row pipe') of the first part (71a). The second pass (P2) flows upward when flowing through the first row pipe (72, or 'second-1st row pipe') of the second part (71b).

[0170] In the second pass (P2), the number of second-2 row pipes (74b) through which the refrigerant flows in the downward direction is greater than the number of second-2 row pipes (74b) through which the refrigerant flows in the upward direction.

[0171] The second port (78a) is placed in one of the first-row pipes (72a). The second opposite port (78b) is placed in one of the second-row pipes (74b).

[0172] In heating mode, refrigerant flows into the third opposite port (84b) and refrigerant is discharged through the third port (84a).

[0173] In the second heat exchanger (82), a third pass (P3) is formed from the third opposite port (84b) to the third port (84a). In the third pass (P3), the refrigerant flows from top to bottom. The refrigerant in the third pass (P3) flows in the opposite direction to the second pass (P2) which flows through the second-1 row pipe (72b) positioned below.

[0174] In heating mode, the refrigerant flows in parallel through the first pass (P1) and the second pass (P2), and then the refrigerant that has flowed through the first pass (P1) and the second pass (P2) can flow through the third pass (P3). The refrigerant that has passed through the first pass (P1) and the second pass (P2) combines and flows through the third pass (P3), exchanging heat with the air, thereby improving the heating performance of the air conditioner.

Claims

1. A case in which an intake port is formed and a discharge port is formed below the intake port; A fan disposed inside the above case and forming an airflow from the intake port to the discharge port; It includes a heat exchanger positioned below the intake port and heat-exchanging the air flowing inside the case by the fan, The above heat exchanger is, A first heat exchanger having multiple pipes through which refrigerant flows arranged in two rows, and It includes a second heat exchanger disposed on one side of the first heat exchanger, wherein a plurality of pipes through which refrigerant flows are arranged in a single row, and The first heat exchanger comprises a first part extending upward from the front to the rear, a second part extending downward from the rear end of the first part, and a third part extending downward from the front end of the first part. The above second heat exchanger is an air conditioner placed on the above second part.

2. In Paragraph 1, In the above-mentioned first heat exchanger, a first pass connecting a first port and a first opposite port and a second pass connecting a second port and a second opposite port are formed, and An air conditioner in which the direction of the refrigerant flowing in the first pass and the direction of the refrigerant flowing in the second pass are formed in different directions.

3. In Paragraph 2, An air conditioner in which the initial flow direction of the refrigerant flowing in the first pass and the initial flow direction of the refrigerant flowing in the second pass are formed in opposite directions.

4. In Paragraph 2, The first port and the first opposite port are placed in the first part, and An air conditioner in which the second port is positioned above the first port and the second opposite port is positioned in the third part.

5. In Paragraph 2, The first part, the second part, and the third part include a first row of pipes positioned above among two rows of pipes, and a second row of pipes positioned below among two rows of pipes. The first port and the second port are disposed in each of the first row pipes of the first part, and The above first opposite port is an air conditioner placed in the second row pipe of the above first part.

6. In Paragraph 2, The above first opposite port is an air conditioner positioned higher than the above first port and the above second port.

7. In Paragraph 2, The above second opposite port is an air conditioner placed in the above second part.

8. In Paragraph 5, The above second opposite port is an air conditioner placed in the second row pipe of the above second part.

9. In Paragraph 5, An air conditioner in which the refrigerant flowing through the first pass passes through the first row pipe of each of the first part and the third part, and then flows through the second row pipe of each of the third part and the first part.

10. In Paragraph 2, The above first pass flows in a downward direction when flowing through the first row pipe of each of the first part and the third part, and An air conditioner that flows in an upward direction when flowing through the second row pipes of each of the third part and the first part.

11. In Paragraph 5, The above second pass is an air conditioner that flows to the second part via the first heat pipe of the above first part.

12. In Paragraph 5, An air conditioner in which the refrigerant flowing into the second port and through the second pass flows upward when passing through the first heat pipe of the first part.

13. In Paragraph 12, The refrigerant flowing from the first part and flowing through the second part passes through at least one of the second row pipes of the second part, and then flows through the first row pipe of the second part. The above second opposite port is an air conditioner placed in the second row pipe of the above second part.

14. In Paragraph 12, The refrigerant flowing through the first row pipe of the second part above flows downward, and The refrigerant flowing through the second row pipe of the second part via the first row pipe of the second part flows upward in an air conditioner.

15. In Paragraph 5, An air conditioner in which the number of pipes for flowing refrigerant downward from the first row pipe of the second part is smaller than the number of pipes for flowing refrigerant upward from the first row pipe of the second part.

16. In Paragraph 5, An air conditioner in which the number of pipes flowing through the first row of pipes in the first part in the second pass is greater than the number of pipes flowing through the first row of pipes in the first part in the first pass.

17. In Paragraph 1, The above intake port is opened in the vertical direction, and An air conditioner having the intake port positioned above the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger.

18. In Paragraph 1, An air conditioner in which the number of pipes through which refrigerant flows, disposed in each of the first part and the second part, is greater than the number of pipes disposed in the third part.

19. In Paragraph 1, In the second heat exchanger above, a third port into which refrigerant flows and a third opposite port into which refrigerant is discharged are arranged, and The above third port is an air conditioner positioned below the above third opposite port.

20. In Paragraph 2, An air conditioner in which the above heat exchanger is used as a condenser in a heating mode, the above first port and the above second port are used as outlets into which refrigerant is introduced.

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