Air conditioner

Abstract

An air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises distributors comprising: a first distributor in which refrigerant discharged from a plurality of pipe parts converges; a second distributor for distributing, to a plurality of supercooling units, the refrigerant discharged from the first distributor; and a third distributor in which the refrigerant discharged from the plurality of supercooling units converges, and which guides the converged refrigerant to an indoor heat exchanger, wherein a check valve for causing the refrigerant to flow only in one direction can be provided between any one of the plurality of supercooling units and the third distributor.

Description

air conditioner

[0001] The present invention relates to an air conditioner.

[0002] An air conditioner is a device designed to maintain the air in a designated space in the most suitable condition according to its use and purpose. Generally, an air conditioner includes a compressor, a condenser, an expansion device, and an evaporator, and a refrigeration cycle that performs the compression, condensation, expansion, and evaporation processes of a refrigerant is driven to cool or heat the aforementioned space.

[0003] When the air conditioner performs cooling operation, the outdoor heat exchanger equipped in the outdoor unit functions as a condenser, and the indoor heat exchanger equipped in the indoor unit functions as an evaporator. On the other hand, when the air conditioner performs heating operation, the indoor heat exchanger functions as a condenser, and the outdoor heat exchanger functions as an evaporator.

[0004] Meanwhile, when the air conditioner is operated for heating in an environment where the outdoor temperature is very low, there is a problem where the heating performance is degraded due to the condensation formed on the surface of the outdoor heat exchanger placed in the outdoor space freezing.

[0005] To solve this problem, conventional technology exists that prevents the evaporator from freezing by sending the high-temperature refrigerant, which has passed through the condenser during heating operation, to an auxiliary heat exchanger at the bottom of the outdoor unit.

[0006] However, in the case of conventional anti-freezing technology, the installation of an auxiliary heat exchanger limits the size of the outdoor heat exchanger, which leads to a problem of significantly reduced cooling and heating performance.

[0007] In addition, there is a problem where performance is degraded due to pressure drop in the refrigeration cycle as the supercooling stage becomes longer.

[0008] (Patent Document 1) Korean Published Patent 10-2005-0089445 (September 8, 2005)

[0009] The present invention is proposed to improve upon the problems mentioned above.

[0010] An air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a compressor, an outdoor heat exchanger, an indoor heat exchanger, a manifold for introducing compressed refrigerant into a plurality of flow paths of the outdoor heat exchanger, and a distributor for guiding refrigerant discharged from the outdoor heat exchanger to the indoor heat exchanger.

[0011] The outdoor heat exchanger may include a plurality of subcooling sections disposed at the bottom of the outdoor heat exchanger and a plurality of piping sections disposed at the top of the plurality of subcooling sections.

[0012] The above distributor may include a first distributor into which refrigerants discharged from the plurality of piping sections are combined, a second distributor into which refrigerants discharged from the first distributor are distributed to the plurality of subcooling stages, and a third distributor into which refrigerants discharged from the plurality of subcooling stages are combined and which guides the combined refrigerants to the indoor heat exchanger.

[0013] A check valve that allows the refrigerant to flow in only one direction may be provided between any one of the aforementioned multiple subcooling stages and the third distributor.

[0014] The check valve above allows the flow of refrigerant from the subcooling stage to the third distributor and can restrict the flow of refrigerant from the third distributor to the subcooling stage.

[0015] The plurality of supercooling stages may include a first supercooling stage disposed at the bottom of the outdoor heat exchanger and a second supercooling stage spaced above the first supercooling stage.

[0016] The above check valve may be positioned between the first supercooling stage and the third distributor.

[0017] The above check valve can allow the flow of refrigerant from the first supercooling stage to the third distributor during cooling operation.

[0018] The above check valve can restrict the flow of refrigerant from the third distributor to the first supercooling stage during heating operation.

[0019] The above plurality of piping sections may include a first piping section spaced above the second supercooling section, a second piping section spaced above the first piping section, a third piping section spaced above the second piping section, and a fourth piping section spaced above the third piping section.

[0020] The above manifold may include a header section forming a refrigerant flow path and a plurality of branch ports branched from the header section into a plurality of paths and each connected to the plurality of piping sections.

[0021] The header portion is formed by extending in the vertical direction, and the plurality of branch ports may each be formed by extending from the outer surface of the header portion toward the outdoor heat exchanger.

[0022] The plurality of branch ports may include a first branch port connected to the first piping section, a second branch port spaced above the first branch port and connected to the second piping section, a third branch port spaced above the second branch port and connected to the third piping section, and a fourth branch port spaced above the third branch port and connected to the fourth piping section.

[0023] The first branch port and the second branch port may be arranged adjacent to each other.

[0024] The above third branch port and the above third branch port may be arranged adjacent to each other.

[0025] The first distributor may include a plurality of branch pipes each connected to the plurality of piping sections and a connecting pipe connecting the plurality of branch pipes and the second distributor.

[0026] The second distributor may include a connecting pipe connected to the first distributor, a first branch pipe connecting the connecting pipe and the first supercooling section, and a second branch pipe connecting the connecting pipe and the second supercooling section.

[0027] The third distributor may include a first branch pipe connected to the first supercooling section, a second branch pipe connected to the second supercooling section, and a connecting pipe connecting the first branch pipe and the second branch pipe.

[0028] The above air conditioner may further include a valve device for sending the refrigerant compressed in the compressor to the outdoor heat exchanger or the indoor heat exchanger.

[0029] It may further include an expansion valve that reduces the pressure of the refrigerant condensed in the above outdoor heat exchanger.

[0030] The above expansion valve can be positioned between the third distributor and the indoor heat exchanger.

[0031] According to the air conditioner according to the embodiment of the present invention having the above-described configuration, the following effects are achieved.

[0032] First, when the air conditioner is in heating operation during winter, the refrigerant does not flow through the lower part of the outdoor heat exchanger, so there is an advantage in that the lower part of the outdoor heat exchanger is prevented from freezing due to condensation.

[0033] Specifically, since a check valve is provided between the subcooling section located at the bottom of the outdoor heat exchanger and the distributor, the refrigerant passing through the distributor can be blocked from flowing into the bottom of the outdoor heat exchanger during heating operation. Therefore, there is an advantage in that the bottom of the outdoor heat exchanger is prevented from accumulating ice.

[0034] Second, the heat exchanger section where refrigerant does not flow during the heating operation of the air conditioner can be used as a subcooling section during the cooling operation, so there is an advantage in that the cooling performance is improved.

[0035] Third, the volumetric flow rate of the refrigerant flowing through the lower part of the outdoor heat exchanger can be increased by the configuration of the subcooling stage, distributor, and check valve. When the volumetric flow rate of the refrigerant flowing through the lower part of the outdoor heat exchanger is increased, the temperature distribution over the entire outdoor heat exchanger becomes uniform during cooling operation, which has the advantage of maintaining pass balance.

[0036] Fourth, during the defrosting operation to defrost the outdoor heat exchanger, relatively more refrigerant flows in the lower part of the outdoor heat exchanger than in the upper part, so there is an advantage in that the defrosting performance of the outdoor heat exchanger is improved.

[0037] FIG. 1 is a piping diagram showing the flow of refrigerant during cooling operation of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] FIG. 2 is a piping diagram showing the flow of refrigerant during heating operation of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] FIG. 3 is a drawing showing an outdoor heat exchanger and its surrounding configuration according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] Figure 4 is a drawing showing an enlarged view of the lower part of the outdoor heat exchanger of Figure 3.

[0041] FIG. 5 is a piping diagram showing an outdoor heat exchanger and its surrounding configuration according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] FIG. 6 is a piping diagram showing the flow of refrigerant flowing through the outdoor heat exchanger and its surrounding components during cooling operation of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] FIG. 7 is a piping diagram showing the flow of refrigerant flowing through the outdoor heat exchanger and its surrounding components during heating operation of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] FIG. 8 is a piping diagram showing the flow of refrigerant flowing through the outdoor heat exchanger and its surrounding components during defrosting operation of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0045] Hereinafter, some embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the exemplary drawings. It should be noted that in assigning reference numerals to the components of the drawings, the same components are given the same reference numeral whenever possible, even if they are shown in different drawings. Furthermore, in describing the embodiments of the present invention, if it is determined that a detailed description of related known components or functions would hinder understanding of the embodiments of the present invention, such detailed description is omitted.

[0046] FIG. 1 is a piping diagram showing the flow of refrigerant during cooling operation of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a piping diagram showing the flow of refrigerant during heating operation of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0047] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, an air conditioner (1) according to an embodiment of the present invention includes an outdoor unit (10), an indoor unit (20), and a refrigerant pipe (30) connecting the outdoor unit and the indoor unit.

[0048] The outdoor unit (10) and the indoor unit (20) can be fluidly connected by a fluid. For example, the fluid may include a refrigerant.

[0049] The outdoor unit (10) may be placed outside the building, and the indoor unit (20) may be placed inside the building. The indoor unit (20) may include multiple indoor units. In this case, the refrigerant piping (30) may connect the outdoor unit (10) to each of the multiple indoor units.

[0050] The above indoor unit (20) may include an indoor heat exchanger (21) for heat exchange between the refrigerant and the air.

[0051] The above indoor heat exchanger (21) can function as an evaporator when operating in a cooling mode to cool the indoor space, and as a condenser when operating in a heating mode to heat the indoor space.

[0052] The above indoor unit (20) may further include an indoor fan (22) that is positioned on one side of the indoor heat exchanger (21) and blows air that exchanges heat with the indoor heat exchanger (21).

[0053] The indoor unit (20) may further include a pipe temperature sensor (23) for detecting the pipe temperature of the indoor heat exchanger (21).

[0054] The above indoor unit (20) may further include an indoor temperature sensor (24) for detecting the temperature of the indoor space.

[0055] The above outdoor unit (10) may include a compressor (11), an outdoor heat exchanger (100), and an expansion valve (12).

[0056] The above compressor (11), outdoor heat exchanger (100), expansion valve (12), and indoor heat exchanger (21) are connected by the above refrigerant pipe (30), and the refrigerant can perform compression, condensation, expansion, and evaporation operations while circulating through the above refrigerant pipe (30).

[0057] The compressor (11) above enables the refrigerant in a gaseous state to be compressed to a high temperature and high pressure.

[0058] The above compressor (11) may include a constant-speed compressor that rotates at a constant speed to compress to a constant capacity, or an inverter compressor in which the rotational speed varies according to the load to adjust the compression capacity.

[0059] The above outdoor heat exchanger (100) is configured to allow heat exchange between air and refrigerant.

[0060] The above outdoor heat exchanger (100) can function as a condenser or an evaporator depending on the operating mode.

[0061] On one side of the above outdoor heat exchanger (100), an outdoor fan (13) for blowing air to exchange heat with the outdoor heat exchanger (16) may be provided.

[0062] Depending on the operating mode of the above air conditioner (1), either of the outdoor heat exchanger (100) and the indoor heat exchanger (21) may function as a condenser, and the other may function as an evaporator.

[0063] For example, when the air conditioner (1) performs a cooling operation (cooling mode), the refrigerant compressed in the compressor (11) can be introduced into the outdoor heat exchanger (100) and condensed. The condensed refrigerant can then be introduced into the indoor heat exchanger (21) and evaporated.

[0064] That is, in the cooling mode of the indoor unit, the outdoor heat exchanger (100) functions as a "condenser," and the indoor heat exchanger (21) functions as an "evaporator."

[0065] As another example, when the air conditioner (1) performs a heating operation (heating mode), the refrigerant compressed in the compressor (11) can be introduced into the indoor heat exchanger (21) and condensed. The condensed refrigerant can then be introduced into the outdoor heat exchanger (100) and evaporated.

[0066] That is, in the heating mode of the indoor unit, the indoor heat exchanger (21) functions as a "condenser," and the outdoor heat exchanger (100) can function as an "evaporator."

[0067] The expansion valve (12) above functions to reduce the pressure of the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant pipe (30).

[0068] The expansion valve (12) may be positioned on one side of the outdoor heat exchanger (100). The expansion valve (12) may be positioned between the outdoor heat exchanger (100) and the indoor heat exchanger (21).

[0069] The outdoor unit (10) may further include a valve device (14) disposed on the outlet side of the compressor (11). The valve device (14) may include a four-way valve.

[0070] The valve device (14) functions to send the refrigerant compressed in the compressor (11) to the indoor heat exchanger (21) or the outdoor heat exchanger (100). The valve device (14) may have four ports for the inflow and outflow of refrigerant.

[0071] The outdoor unit (10) may further include a check valve (15) for sending the refrigerant discharged from the outdoor heat exchanger (100) to the indoor unit (20).

[0072] The check valve (15) may be a unidirectional valve that allows the refrigerant to flow in only one direction. The check valve (15) functions to restrict the flow of the refrigerant discharged from the indoor heat exchanger (21) to the outdoor heat exchanger (100). The check valve (15) may be positioned between the outdoor heat exchanger (100) and the indoor heat exchanger (21).

[0073] The above outdoor unit (10) may further include a discharge refrigerant temperature sensor (16) for detecting the temperature of the refrigerant discharged from the compressor (11).

[0074] The above outdoor unit (10) may further include a pipe temperature sensor (17) for detecting the pipe temperature of the outdoor heat exchanger (100).

[0075] The above outdoor unit (10) may further include an outdoor temperature sensor (18) for detecting the temperature of the outdoor space.

[0076] The above refrigerant piping (30) may include a suction piping (31) that sucks refrigerant into the compressor (11).

[0077] The suction pipe (31) may extend from the fourth port of the valve device (14) to the inlet side of the compressor (11). The refrigerant discharged from the valve device (14) may be sucked into the compressor (11) through the suction pipe (31).

[0078] The above refrigerant piping (30) may further include a discharge piping (32) that guides the refrigerant discharged from the compressor (11) to the valve device (14).

[0079] The discharge pipe (32) may extend from the outlet side of the compressor (11) to the first port of the valve device (14). The refrigerant discharged from the compressor (11) may flow into the valve device (14) through the discharge pipe (32).

[0080] The above refrigerant piping (30) may further include a first connecting pipe (33) extending from the valve device (14) to the outdoor heat exchanger (100).

[0081] The first connecting pipe (33) can be connected from the second port of the valve device (14) to the inlet side of the outdoor heat exchanger (100).

[0082] The above refrigerant pipe (30) may further include a second connecting pipe (34) extending from the outdoor heat exchanger (100) to the expansion valve (12).

[0083] The above refrigerant piping (30) may further include a third connecting pipe (35) extending from the expansion valve (12) to the indoor heat exchanger (21).

[0084] The above refrigerant pipe (30) may further include a fourth connecting pipe (36) extending from the indoor heat exchanger (21) to the third port of the valve device (14).

[0085] The above refrigerant pipe (30) may further include a bonded pipe (37) extending from one side of the outdoor heat exchanger (100) to a point of the second connecting pipe (34).

[0086] The above-mentioned bonded pipe (37) can be branched from the lower part of the above-mentioned outdoor heat exchanger (100) and connected to the bonding point (38) of the above-mentioned second connecting pipe (34).

[0087] The check valve (15) may be installed in the above-mentioned joint pipe (37). The check valve (15) may be positioned between the outdoor heat exchanger (100) and the joint point (38) of the second connecting pipe (34).

[0088] The above air conditioner (1) can perform cooling operation (cooling mode) or heating operation (heating mode) of the indoor unit.

[0089] When the above air conditioner (1) is operated in a cooling mode (cooling operation of the indoor unit), the valve device (14) can be switched to a first valve mode so that the outdoor heat exchanger (100) functions as a condenser and the indoor heat exchanger (21) functions as an evaporator.

[0090] In detail, the air conditioner (1) can control the valve device (14) to flexibly connect the first port and the second port of the valve device (14), and flexibly connect the third port and the fourth port.

[0091] The refrigerant compressed in the compressor (11) can be introduced into the first port of the valve device (14) through the discharge pipe (32) and discharged through the second port. The refrigerant discharged from the valve device (14) can be introduced into the outdoor heat exchanger (100) through the first connecting pipe (33) and condensed.

[0092] Some of the refrigerant condensed in the outdoor heat exchanger (100) can be introduced into the expansion valve (12) through the second connecting pipe (34) and depressurized.

[0093] The remaining portion of the refrigerant condensed in the outdoor heat exchanger (100) flows along the joining pipe (37), through the check valve (15), to the joining point (38) of the second connecting pipe (34). The refrigerant flowing to the joining point (38) is combined with the refrigerant flowing through the second connecting pipe (34) and flows into the expansion valve (12) to be depressurized.

[0094] The refrigerant depressurized by passing through the expansion valve (12) can flow into the indoor heat exchanger (21) along the third connecting pipe (35) and evaporate.

[0095] The refrigerant discharged from the indoor heat exchanger (21) flows into the third port of the valve device (14) along the fourth connecting pipe (36) and is discharged through the fourth port. The refrigerant discharged from the valve device (14) is then sucked into the compressor (11) through the suction pipe (31). This circulation of the refrigerant can be repeated.

[0096] When the above air conditioner (1) is operated in a heating mode (heating operation of the indoor unit), the valve device (14) can be switched to a second valve mode so that the outdoor heat exchanger (100) functions as an evaporator and the indoor heat exchanger (21) functions as a condenser.

[0097] In detail, the air conditioner (1) can control the valve device (14) to flexibly connect the first port and the fourth port of the valve device (14), and flexibly connect the second port and the third port.

[0098] The refrigerant compressed in the compressor (11) can be introduced into the first port of the valve device (14) through the discharge pipe (32) and discharged through the fourth port. The refrigerant discharged from the valve device (14) can be introduced into the indoor heat exchanger (21) through the fourth connecting pipe (36) and condensed.

[0099] The refrigerant condensed in the indoor heat exchanger (21) can be introduced into the expansion valve (12) through the third connecting pipe (35) and depressurized.

[0100] The refrigerant depressurized by passing through the expansion valve (12) can flow into the outdoor heat exchanger (100) along the second connecting pipe (34) and evaporate.

[0101] At this time, the refrigerant depressurized by passing through the expansion valve (12) may be restricted from flowing toward the bonding pipe (37) by the check valve (15).

[0102] The refrigerant discharged from the outdoor heat exchanger (100) flows into the second port of the valve device (14) along the first connecting pipe (33) and is discharged through the third port. The refrigerant discharged from the valve device (14) is then sucked into the compressor (11) through the suction pipe (31). This circulation of the refrigerant can be repeated.

[0103] The above air conditioner (1) can perform a defrosting operation to defrost the above outdoor heat exchanger (100).

[0104] The above defrosting operation can be understood as an operation driven to prevent the outdoor heat exchanger (100) from freezing while the heating operation is running for a long time.

[0105] The above defrosting operation may be driven at regular time intervals or selectively driven according to the temperature detected by the pipe temperature sensor (17) of the outdoor heat exchanger (100).

[0106] The refrigerant circulation cycle of the above defrosting operation may be the same as the refrigerant circulation cycle of the above cooling operation. However, in the case of the above defrosting operation, the driving frequency of the compressor (11) and the rotational speed of the outdoor fan (13) may be adjusted. When the defrosting operation is performed, high-temperature, high-pressure gaseous refrigerant is introduced into the outdoor heat exchanger (100), and the surface of the outdoor heat exchanger (100) may be defrosted.

[0107] FIG. 3 is a drawing showing an outdoor heat exchanger and its surrounding configuration according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 4 is a drawing showing an enlarged view of the lower part of the outdoor heat exchanger of FIG. 3, and FIG. 5 is a piping diagram showing an outdoor heat exchanger and its surrounding configuration according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0108] Referring to FIGS. 3 to 5, an outdoor heat exchanger (100) according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a housing (110) forming an exterior, a fin (120) disposed inside the housing (110) and transferring heat, and a piping section (130) penetrating the fin (120) and providing a path for the movement of a refrigerant.

[0109] The housing (110) is positioned inside the outdoor unit (10) and can be extended horizontally. The housing (110) can be configured with a shape corresponding to the outdoor unit (10). The housing (110) can be installed on any one of the four sides forming the side of the outdoor unit (10).

[0110] The pin (120) may be formed in a plate shape. For example, the pin (120) may be formed in a rectangular plate shape that is elongated in the vertical direction.

[0111] The above pins (120) may be composed of multiple pins. The multiple pins (120) may be arranged parallel to each other inside the housing (110). The multiple pins (120) may be arranged parallel to each other along the length direction of the housing (110).

[0112] The above piping section (130) may be positioned to pass through the space between the plurality of pins (120). The piping section (130) may be extended lengthwise along the length of the housing (110) and may be bent multiple times. The piping section (130) may be exposed in two rows at each end of the pins (120). When viewing the outdoor heat exchanger (100) from the side, the piping section (130) may be divided into a front piping section positioned at the front and a rear piping section located at the rear of the front piping section.

[0113] The above outdoor heat exchanger (100) may further include a subcooling section (140) through which refrigerant flows.

[0114] The above subcooling section (140) can be understood as a configuration that causes the refrigerant condensed in the piping section (130) to be subcooled before it expands. That is, the above subcooling section (140) can condense the refrigerant condensed through the piping section (130) once more by heat-exchanging with air. Therefore, the cooling performance can be improved during the cooling operation of the indoor unit (20).

[0115] The above supercooling section (140) may be positioned at the bottom of the outdoor heat exchanger (100). The above supercooling section (140) may be positioned at the bottom of the piping section (130). The above supercooling section (140) may be formed to be shorter in length compared to the piping section (130).

[0116] The supercooling section (140) may be positioned to penetrate between the plurality of fins (120). The supercooling section (140) may be extended lengthwise along the length of the housing (110) and may be bent multiple times. The supercooling section (140) may be exposed in two rows at each end of the fins (120). When viewing the outdoor heat exchanger (100) from the side, the supercooling section (140) may be divided into a front supercooling section positioned at the front and a rear supercooling section located behind the front supercooling section.

[0117] The above supercooling unit (140) may be composed of multiple units. The multiple supercooling units (140) may be spaced apart in the vertical direction with respect to the fin (120).

[0118] In this embodiment, the supercooling stage (140) may be composed of, for example, two. However, it is not limited thereto, and it should be noted that there is no limit to the number of the supercooling stage (140).

[0119] Specifically, the plurality of supercooling units (140) may include a first supercooling unit (141) disposed at the bottom of the outdoor heat exchanger (100) and a second supercooling unit (142) spaced above the first supercooling unit (141).

[0120] The first supercooling section (141) may be located at the bottom of the outdoor heat exchanger (100). A check valve (15) that allows the refrigerant to flow in only one direction may be provided on one side of the first supercooling section (141).

[0121] Due to the configuration of the check valve (15) above, when the indoor unit (20) is in cooling operation, refrigerant flows inside the first subcooling section (141), and when the indoor unit (20) is in heating operation, refrigerant does not flow inside the first subcooling section (141).

[0122] Accordingly, the first supercooling unit (141) performs the function of supercooling during the cooling operation of the indoor unit (20), and can perform the function of preventing the lower part of the outdoor heat exchanger (100) from freezing or accumulating during the cooling operation of the indoor unit (20).

[0123] The above piping section (130) may be positioned above the supercooling section (140). The above piping section (130) may be composed of multiple units. The multiple piping sections (130) may be spaced apart in the vertical direction relative to the pin (120).

[0124] Specifically, the plurality of pipe sections (130) may include a first pipe section (131) spaced above the second supercooling section (132), a second pipe section (132) spaced above the first pipe section (131), a third pipe section (133) spaced above the second pipe section (132), and a fourth pipe section (134) spaced above the third pipe section (133).

[0125] In this embodiment, the plurality of pipe sections (130) may be composed of four and spaced apart in the vertical direction. However, this is not limited thereto, and the number of the plurality of pipe sections (130) may vary.

[0126] The above air conditioner (1) may further include a manifold (200) connected to one side of the outdoor heat exchanger (100). The manifold (200) can introduce refrigerant compressed in the compressor (11) into a plurality of flow paths of the outdoor heat exchanger (100).

[0127] The above manifold (200) can be connected to the above piping section (130). For example, the above manifold (200) can be connected to the front piping section exposed at the end of the pin (120).

[0128] The above air conditioner (1) may further include a distributor (300) connected to the other side of the outdoor heat exchanger (100). The distributor (300) can guide the refrigerant discharged from the outdoor heat exchanger (100) to the indoor heat exchanger (21).

[0129] The distributor (300) can be connected to a rear piping section exposed at the end of the pin (120). The distributor (300) can be connected to a rear supercooling section exposed at the end of the pin (120).

[0130] The above manifold (200) connects the valve device (14) and the outdoor heat exchanger (100). The manifold (200) can be connected to a second port of the valve device (14).

[0131] The above manifold (200) can be understood as a configuration in which refrigerant is introduced into multiple paths of the outdoor heat exchanger (100) during cooling operation, or in which refrigerant that has passed through the outdoor heat exchanger (100) is collected during heating operation.

[0132] Specifically, the manifold (200) may include a header section (210) that extends vertically and a branch port (220) that branches into multiple paths from one side of the header section (210).

[0133] The header section (210) forms a refrigerant passage through which refrigerant flows. The header section (210) may be extended in the vertical direction and positioned vertically relative to the ground. The header section (210) may be positioned to face either end of the outdoor heat exchanger (100).

[0134] The header section (210) is connected to the second port of the valve device (14).

[0135] One end of the header portion (210) may be opened and connected to the second port of the valve device (14). For example, the lower end of the header portion (210) may be opened and connected to the valve device (14).

[0136] The branch port (220) extends from one side of the header section (210) and is connected to the piping section (130) of the outdoor heat exchanger (100).

[0137] The branch port (220) may extend radially from the outer surface of the header section (210). The branch port (220) may extend in a direction approaching the outdoor heat exchanger (100). For example, the branch port (220) may extend in a direction perpendicular to the header section (210). That is, the header section (210) may extend in a vertical direction, and the branch port (220) may extend in a horizontal direction.

[0138] The branch ports (220) may be formed in multiple numbers. The multiple branch ports (220) may be spaced apart in the vertical direction from the outer surface of the header portion (210).

[0139] Specifically, the plurality of branch ports (220) may include a first branch port (221) connected to the first piping section (131) and a second branch port (222) connected to the second piping section (132).

[0140] Additionally, the plurality of branch ports (220) may further include a third branch port (223) connected to the third pipe section (133) and a fourth branch port (224) connected to the fourth pipe section (134).

[0141] The first to fourth branch ports (221, 222, 223, 224) can each extend in the same direction from the header section (210).

[0142] The above first to fourth branch ports (221, 222, 223, 224) may be arranged so that at least a portion overlaps in the vertical direction.

[0143] For example, the first branch port (221) and the second branch port (222) may be arranged adjacent to each other in the vertical direction, and the third branch port (223) and the fourth branch port (224) may be arranged adjacent to each other in the vertical direction.

[0144] Some of the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant path of the header section (210) may be introduced into the first piping section (131) through the first branch port (221).

[0145] The second branch port (222) may be spaced apart from the upper side of the first branch port (221). A portion of the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant path of the header section (210) may be introduced into the second piping section (132) through the second branch port (222).

[0146] The third branch port (223) may be spaced apart from the second branch port (222). A portion of the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant path of the header section (210) may be introduced into the third piping section (133) through the third branch port (223).

[0147] The above-mentioned fourth branch port (224) may be spaced apart from the above-mentioned third branch port (223). Some of the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant path of the header section (210) may be introduced into the fourth piping section (134) through the above-mentioned fourth branch port (234).

[0148] Among the plurality of branch ports (220), the first branch port (221) may be positioned at the lowest position. Among the plurality of branch ports (220), the fourth branch port (224) may be positioned at the highest position.

[0149] The distributor (300) connects the second connecting pipe (34) and the outdoor heat exchanger (100). The distributor (300) may be provided at the joining point (38) of FIG. 1.

[0150] The above distributor (300) can be understood as a configuration in which the refrigerant passing through the outdoor heat exchanger (100) is combined during cooling operation, or in which the refrigerant is distributed to the outdoor heat exchanger (100) during heating operation.

[0151] The above distributor (300) may include a plurality of distributors.

[0152] Specifically, the distributor (300) may include a first distributor (310) in which refrigerants discharged from the plurality of piping sections (130) are combined, a second distributor (320) in which refrigerants discharged from the first distributor (310) are distributed to the plurality of subcooling sections (140), and a third distributor (330) in which refrigerants discharged from the plurality of subcooling sections (140) are combined and the combined refrigerants are guided to the indoor heat exchanger (21).

[0153] One side of the first distributor (310) may be connected to the plurality of pipe sections (130), and the other side may be connected to the second distributor (320).

[0154] The first distributor (310) may include a plurality of branch pipes (311) each connected to the plurality of piping sections (130), and a connecting pipe (312) connecting the plurality of branch pipes (311) and the second distributor (320).

[0155] The refrigerant discharged from the plurality of piping sections (130) can be combined into the connecting pipe (312) through the plurality of branch pipes (311) and then guided to the second distributor (320).

[0156] One side of the second distributor (320) may be connected to the first distributor (310), and the other side may be connected to the plurality of supercooling stages (140).

[0157] The second distributor (320) may include a connecting pipe (321) connected to the first distributor (310) and a plurality of branch pipes (322, 323) each connecting the connecting pipe (321) to the plurality of supercooling stages (140).

[0158] The above plurality of branch pipes (322, 323) may include a first branch pipe (322) connecting the second distributor (320) and the first supercooling unit (141), and a second branch pipe (323) connecting the second distributor (320) and the second supercooling unit (142).

[0159] One side of the third distributor (330) may be connected to the plurality of supercooling stages (140), and the other side may be connected to the second connecting pipe (34).

[0160] The third distributor (330) may include a plurality of branch pipes (331, 332) each connected to the plurality of supercooling stages (140), and a connecting pipe (333) connecting the plurality of branch pipes (331, 332) and the second connecting pipe (34).

[0161] The above plurality of branch pipes (331, 332) may include a first branch pipe (331) connecting the third distributor (330) and the first supercooling unit (141), and a second branch pipe (332) connecting the third distributor (330) and the second supercooling unit (142).

[0162] The refrigerant discharged from the above multiple supercooling stages (140) can be combined into the connecting pipe (333) through the above multiple branch pipes (331, 332) and then guided to the above second connecting pipe (34).

[0163] Meanwhile, the check valve (15) can be placed between the outdoor heat exchanger (100) and the distributor (300).

[0164] Specifically, the check valve (15) may be positioned between the supercooling section (140) and the third distributor (330). The check valve (15) may be installed in the first branch pipe (331) of the third distributor (330) connecting the first supercooling section (141) and the third distributor (330).

[0165] Here, the first branch pipe (331) may be configured to correspond to the composite pipe (37) of FIG. 1.

[0166] By the configuration in which the check valve (15) is installed in the first branch pipe (331) of the third distributor (330), the refrigerant passing through the third distributor (330) during heating operation cannot flow to the first supercooling section (141) and can only flow to the second supercooling section (142).

[0167] That is, when the indoor unit (20) is in heating operation, the refrigerant discharged from the indoor heat exchanger (21) is restricted from flowing to the first supercooling unit (141) through the third distributor (330), so that the refrigerant does not flow to the lower part of the outdoor heat exchanger (100) and thus no condensate is generated. Therefore, the lower part of the outdoor heat exchanger (100) can be prevented from freezing due to condensate.

[0168] However, during the cooling operation of the indoor unit (20), the refrigerant is allowed to flow to the first supercooling stage (141), so that all of the supercooling stage (140) can be used, thereby improving the cooling performance.

[0169] The above air conditioner (1) may include an expansion valve (12) that reduces the pressure of the refrigerant condensed in the outdoor heat exchanger (100).

[0170] The expansion valve (12) may be positioned between the third distributor (330) and the indoor heat exchanger (21). During cooling operation of the indoor unit (20), the expansion valve (12) may reduce the pressure of the condensed refrigerant discharged from the first subcooling stage (141) and the second subcooling stage (142).

[0171] According to the configuration of the present invention, during heating operation, refrigerant does not flow at the lower part of the outdoor heat exchanger (100), thereby preventing the outdoor heat exchanger (100) from freezing, and during cooling operation, refrigerant flows at the lower part of the outdoor heat exchanger (100), thereby improving cooling performance.

[0172] In addition, the volumetric flow rate of the refrigerant flowing through the lower part of the outdoor heat exchanger (100) can be increased by the configuration of the above-mentioned supercooling section (140). When the volumetric flow rate of the refrigerant flowing through the lower part of the above-mentioned outdoor heat exchanger (100) is increased, there is an advantage that the temperature distribution over the entire outdoor heat exchanger becomes uniform during cooling operation, thereby maintaining pass balance.

[0173] The supercooling section (140) and check valve (15) according to the present invention are configured to prevent the lower part of the outdoor heat exchanger (100) from freezing or accumulating during winter, and can be named a "cumulative freezing prevention structure."

[0174] FIG. 6 is a piping diagram showing the flow of refrigerant flowing through the outdoor heat exchanger and its surrounding components during cooling operation of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0175] Referring to FIG. 6, when the indoor unit is in cooling mode, the valve device (14) can be switched to a first valve mode so that the outdoor heat exchanger (100) functions as a condenser and the indoor heat exchanger (21) functions as an evaporator.

[0176] When the indoor unit is in operation, the high-temperature, high-pressure supersaturated gaseous refrigerant compressed by the compressor (11) flows into the manifold (200) through the valve device (14).

[0177] The refrigerant introduced into the above manifold (200) can be introduced into the multiple piping sections (130) of the outdoor heat exchanger (100) through the multiple branch ports (220) and condensed.

[0178] At this time, the refrigerant in the supersaturated gaseous state of high temperature and high pressure can become a two-phase state of high temperature and high pressure.

[0179] The refrigerant discharged from the plurality of pipe sections (130) is combined in the first distributor (310) and then flows into the second distributor (320).

[0180] The refrigerant introduced into the second distributor (320) can be introduced into each of the multiple subcooling stages (140) of the outdoor heat exchanger (100) through the multiple branch pipes (321, 322) and condensed.

[0181] At this time, the above high-temperature, high-pressure two-phase refrigerant can become a high-temperature, high-pressure saturated liquid state.

[0182] The refrigerant discharged from the above multiple subcooling stages (140) can be combined in the third distributor (330), then flow into the expansion valve (12) through the second connecting pipe (34) and depressurized.

[0183] At this time, the refrigerant in the saturated liquid state at high temperature and high pressure can become a two-phase state at low temperature and low pressure.

[0184] The refrigerant depressurized by passing through the expansion valve (12) can flow into the indoor heat exchanger (21) along the third connecting pipe (35) and evaporate.

[0185] At this time, the above low-temperature, low-pressure two-phase refrigerant can become a low-temperature, low-pressure gaseous state.

[0186] The check valve (15) installed in the first branch pipe (331) of the third distributor (330) allows the refrigerant to flow into the third distributor (330) through the first branch pipe (331).

[0187] The refrigerant discharged from the indoor heat exchanger (21) is drawn into the compressor (11) through the valve device (14). This circulation of the refrigerant can be repeated.

[0188] FIG. 7 is a piping diagram showing the flow of refrigerant flowing through the outdoor heat exchanger and its surrounding components during heating operation of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0189] Referring to FIG. 7, when the heating operation of the indoor unit is performed, the valve device (14) can be switched to a second valve mode so that the outdoor heat exchanger (100) functions as an evaporator and the indoor heat exchanger (21) functions as a condenser.

[0190] When the heating operation of the indoor unit is performed, the refrigerant compressed in the compressor (11) can be introduced into the indoor heat exchanger (21) through the valve device (14) and condensed.

[0191] The refrigerant discharged from the indoor heat exchanger (21) can be introduced into the expansion valve (12) through the third connecting pipe (35) and depressurized.

[0192] The refrigerant depressurized by passing through the expansion valve (12) can flow into the third distributor (330) along the second connecting pipe (34).

[0193] The refrigerant introduced into the third distributor (330) can be introduced into the second supercooling section (142) of the outdoor heat exchanger (100) through the second branch pipe (332) and evaporated.

[0194] At this time, since the first branch pipe (331) of the third distributor (330) is equipped with a check valve (15), the flow of refrigerant into the first supercooling stage (141) through the first branch pipe (331) is restricted.

[0195] That is, when the indoor unit (20) is in heating operation, the refrigerant discharged from the indoor heat exchanger (21) is restricted from flowing to the first supercooling unit (141) through the third distributor (330), so that the refrigerant does not flow to the lower part of the outdoor heat exchanger (100) and thus no condensate is generated. Therefore, the lower part of the outdoor heat exchanger (100) can be prevented from freezing due to condensate.

[0196] The refrigerant discharged from the second supercooling stage (142) can be introduced into the first distributor (310) through the second distributor (320).

[0197] The refrigerant introduced into the first distributor (310) can be introduced into each of the plurality of piping sections (130) through the plurality of branch pipes (311) and evaporated.

[0198] The refrigerant discharged from the plurality of piping sections (130) flows into the manifold (200) through the plurality of branch ports (220) and is combined.

[0199] The refrigerant discharged from the above manifold (200) is sucked into the compressor (11) through the valve device (14). This circulation of the refrigerant can be repeated.

[0200] FIG. 8 is a piping diagram showing the flow of refrigerant flowing through the outdoor heat exchanger and its surrounding components during defrosting operation of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0201] Referring to FIG. 8, the air conditioner (1) can perform a defrosting operation to defrost the outdoor heat exchanger (100).

[0202] The above defrosting operation can be understood as an operation driven to prevent the outdoor heat exchanger (100) from freezing while the heating operation is running for a long time.

[0203] The above defrosting operation may be driven at regular time intervals or selectively driven according to the temperature detected by the pipe temperature sensor equipped in the outdoor heat exchanger (100).

[0204] The refrigerant circulation cycle of the above defrosting operation may be the same as the refrigerant circulation cycle of the above cooling operation. However, in the case of the above defrosting operation, the driving frequency of the compressor (11) and the rotational speed of the outdoor fan (13) may be adjusted. When the defrosting operation is performed, high-temperature, high-pressure gaseous refrigerant is introduced into the outdoor heat exchanger (100), and the surface of the outdoor heat exchanger (100) may be defrosted.

[0205] When the defrosting operation of the outdoor heat exchanger is performed, the valve device (14) can be switched to a first valve mode so that the outdoor heat exchanger (100) functions as a condenser and the indoor heat exchanger (21) functions as an evaporator.

[0206] When the defrosting operation of the outdoor heat exchanger is performed, the high-temperature, high-pressure supersaturated gaseous refrigerant compressed in the compressor (11) flows into the manifold (200) through the valve device (14).

[0207] The refrigerant introduced into the above manifold (200) can be introduced into the multiple piping sections (130) of the outdoor heat exchanger (100) through the multiple branch ports (220) and condensed.

[0208] At this time, the refrigerant in the supersaturated gaseous state of high temperature and high pressure can become a two-phase state of high temperature and high pressure.

[0209] The refrigerant discharged from the plurality of pipe sections (130) is combined in the first distributor (310) and then flows into the second distributor (320).

[0210] The refrigerant introduced into the second distributor (320) can be introduced into each of the multiple subcooling stages (140) of the outdoor heat exchanger (100) through the multiple branch pipes (321, 322) and condensed.

[0211] At this time, the above high-temperature, high-pressure two-phase refrigerant can become a high-temperature, high-pressure saturated liquid state.

[0212] According to the configuration of the present invention, when the defrosting operation of the air conditioner is performed, a relatively larger amount of high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant can flow through the lower part (subcooling section) of the outdoor heat exchanger (100) than through the upper part (piping section). Accordingly, defrosting can be effectively achieved up to the lower part of the outdoor heat exchanger (100).

[0213] The refrigerant discharged from the above multiple subcooling stages (140) can be combined in the third distributor (330), then flow into the expansion valve (12) through the second connecting pipe (34) and depressurized.

[0214] At this time, the refrigerant in the saturated liquid state at high temperature and high pressure can become a two-phase state at low temperature and low pressure.

[0215] The refrigerant depressurized by passing through the expansion valve (12) can flow into the indoor heat exchanger (21) along the third connecting pipe (35) and evaporate.

[0216] At this time, the above low-temperature, low-pressure two-phase refrigerant can become a low-temperature, low-pressure gaseous state.

[0217] The refrigerant discharged from the indoor heat exchanger (21) is drawn into the compressor (11) through the valve device (14). This circulation of the refrigerant can be repeated.

Claims

1. A compressor that compresses refrigerant; An outdoor heat exchanger that condenses the refrigerant compressed in the above compressor; An indoor heat exchanger that evaporates the refrigerant condensed in the above outdoor heat exchanger; A manifold for introducing refrigerant compressed in the above compressor into a plurality of flow paths of the above outdoor heat exchanger; and It includes a distributor that guides the refrigerant discharged from the outdoor heat exchanger to the indoor heat exchanger, The above outdoor heat exchanger is, A plurality of subcooling stages disposed at the lower part of the above outdoor heat exchanger; and It includes a plurality of piping sections disposed above the plurality of supercooling stages, and The above distributor is, A first distributor in which refrigerants discharged from the above plurality of piping sections are combined; A second distributor that distributes the refrigerant discharged from the first distributor to the plurality of subcooling stages; and It includes a third distributor that combines the refrigerants discharged from the plurality of subcooling stages and guides the combined refrigerants to the indoor heat exchanger, An air conditioner having a check valve between any one of the above-mentioned multiple subcooling stages and the above-mentioned third distributor to allow the refrigerant to flow in only one direction.

2. In Paragraph 1, The above check valve is, Allowing the flow of refrigerant from the above subcooling stage to the above third distributor, and An air conditioner that restricts the flow of refrigerant from the third distributor to the subcooling stage.

3. In Paragraph 2, The above plurality of supercooled stages are, A first supercooling stage disposed at the bottom of the above outdoor heat exchanger; and An air conditioner comprising a second supercooling stage spaced above the first supercooling stage.

4. In Paragraph 3, The above check valve is an air conditioner positioned between the first supercooling stage and the third distributor.

5. In Paragraph 4, The above check valve is, During cooling operation, the flow of refrigerant from the first supercooling stage to the third distributor is allowed, and An air conditioner that restricts the flow of refrigerant from the third distributor to the first supercooling stage during heating operation.

6. In Paragraph 3, The above plurality of piping sections are, A first piping section spaced apart from the upper side of the second supercooling stage; A second pipe section spaced apart from the upper side of the first pipe section; A third pipe section spaced apart from the upper side of the second pipe section above; and An air conditioner comprising a fourth pipe section spaced above the third pipe section.

7. In Paragraph 6, The above manifold is, A header section forming a refrigerant passage; and An air conditioner comprising a plurality of branch ports branched from the header section into a plurality of paths and each connected to the plurality of piping sections.

8. In Paragraph 7, The above header portion is formed by extending in the vertical direction, and An air conditioner in which the above plurality of branch ports are each formed extending from the outer surface of the header section toward the outdoor heat exchanger.

9. In Paragraph 7, The above-mentioned plurality of branch ports are, A first branch port connected to the first piping section above; A second branch port spaced apart from the upper side of the first branch port and connected to the second piping section; A third branch port spaced apart from the upper side of the second branch port and connected to the third piping section; and An air conditioner comprising a fourth branch port spaced above the third branch port and connected to the fourth piping section.

10. In Paragraph 9, The first branch port and the second branch port are arranged adjacent to each other, and The above third branch port and the above third branch port are air conditioners arranged adjacent to each other.

11. In Paragraph 3, The above-mentioned first distributor is, A plurality of branch pipes each connected to the plurality of piping sections above; and An air conditioner comprising a connecting pipe connecting the plurality of branch pipes and the second distributor.

12. In Paragraph 11, The above second distributor is, A connecting pipe connected to the first distributor above; A first branch pipe connecting the above connecting pipe and the above first supercooling stage; and An air conditioner comprising a second branch pipe connecting the above connecting pipe and the above second supercooling stage.

13. In Paragraph 12, The above third distributor is, A first branch pipe connected to the first supercooling stage above; A second branch pipe connected to the second supercooling stage; and An air conditioner comprising a connecting pipe connecting the first branch pipe and the second branch pipe.

14. In Paragraph 1, An air conditioner further comprising a valve device for sending the refrigerant compressed in the above compressor to the above outdoor heat exchanger or the above indoor heat exchanger.

15. In Paragraph 1, It further includes an expansion valve that reduces the pressure of the refrigerant condensed in the outdoor heat exchanger, and The above expansion valve is an air conditioner positioned between the third distributor and the indoor heat exchanger.

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