Outdoor unit of air conditioner

Abstract

Disclosed is an outdoor unit of an air conditioner, the unit having an improved oil circulation structure. The outdoor unit of an air conditioner comprises: a compressor for compressing a refrigerant; an oil separator for separating oil contained in the refrigerant discharged from the compressor; a filter for filtering the oil separated by the oil separator; and a capillary tube into which the oil filtered by the filter is introduced, wherein the capillary tube is disposed to exchange heat with the filter.

Description

Air conditioner outdoor unit

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an air conditioner outdoor unit comprising an improved oil circulation structure.

[0002] Generally, an air conditioner is a device that uses a refrigeration cycle to regulate temperature, humidity, airflow, and distribution to suit human activity.

[0003] The air conditioner may have the indoor and outdoor units installed separately, and the outdoor unit includes a compressor for compressing the refrigerant.

[0004] To ensure the smooth operation of the compressor, oil is supplied to the compression section of the compressor, and this oil is discharged together with the compressed and discharged refrigerant; to separate the mixed refrigerant and oil, the discharge end of the compressor is connected to an oil separator.

[0005] The oil separated and recovered from the oil separator is sent back to the compressor, thereby ensuring continuous oil circulation.

[0006] However, when the ambient temperature is low, the viscosity of the oil discharged from the compressor may increase as it cools during the recovery process. As viscosity increases, flow resistance also rises, which may hinder the smooth recovery of the oil. Consequently, if oil is not supplied smoothly to the compressor, it can lead to compressor failure and a shortened lifespan. Therefore, there is a need to ensure that oil is recovered smoothly to the compressor even at low ambient temperatures.

[0007] One aspect of the present disclosure provides an air conditioner outdoor unit in which oil can be smoothly recovered to the compressor even when the ambient temperature is low.

[0008] One aspect of the present disclosure provides an air conditioner outdoor unit in which oil can be smoothly recovered to the compressor upon restarting after being stopped for a long time.

[0009] One aspect of the present disclosure provides an air conditioner outdoor unit that can reduce manufacturing costs.

[0010] The technical problems to be solved in this document are not limited to those mentioned above, and other unmentioned technical problems will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art to which this invention belongs from the description below.

[0011] To solve the above problem, an outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure comprises a compressor for compressing a refrigerant, an oil separator for separating oil contained in the refrigerant discharged from the compressor, a filter for filtering the oil separated from the oil separator, and a capillary tube into which the oil filtered from the filter is introduced, and the capillary tube may be arranged to exchange heat with the filter.

[0012] An outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a compressor for compressing a refrigerant, an oil separator for separating oil contained in the refrigerant discharged from the compressor, a filter for filtering the oil separated from the oil separator, and a capillary tube into which the oil filtered from the filter is introduced, wherein the capillary tube may include a coil portion formed in a coil shape and arranged to surround the outer surface of the filter.

[0013] According to the concept of the present disclosure, oil can be smoothly recovered by the compressor even when the ambient temperature is low.

[0014] According to the concept of the present disclosure, oil can be smoothly recovered to the compressor upon restarting after being stopped for a long time.

[0015] According to the concept of the present disclosure, manufacturing costs can be reduced.

[0016] FIG. 1 is a refrigerant circuit diagram illustrating a cycle circuit of an air conditioner according to one embodiment.

[0017] FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating a part of the internal configuration of an outdoor unit according to one embodiment.

[0018] Figure 3 is a side view of the internal configuration of the outdoor unit illustrated in Figure 2.

[0019] Figure 4 is a diagram showing the state in which the filter and capillary tube are separated in Figure 2.

[0020] Figure 5 is an exploded perspective view of the filter, connecting pipe, insulating member, and capillary tube of Figure 4.

[0021] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view showing the arrangement relationship of a filter, a capillary tube, and an insulating member.

[0022] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing the arrangement relationship of a filter, a capillary tube, and an insulating member according to one embodiment.

[0023] The various embodiments of this document and the terms used therein are not intended to limit the technical features described in this document to specific embodiments, and should be understood to include various modifications, equivalents, or substitutions of said embodiments.

[0024] In relation to the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components.

[0025] The singular form of the noun corresponding to the item may include one or multiple items, unless the relevant context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0026] In this document, each of the phrases such as "A or B", "at least one of A and B", "at least one of A or B", "A, B or C", "at least one of A, B and C", and "at least one of A, B, or C" may include any one of the items listed together in the corresponding phrase, or all possible combinations thereof.

[0027] The term "and / or" includes a combination of multiple related described components or any of the multiple related described components.

[0028] Terms such as "first," "second," or "first" or "second" may be used simply to distinguish a component from other components and do not limit the components in other aspects (e.g., importance or order).

[0029] Where any (e.g., 1st) component is referred to as "coupled" or "connected" to another (e.g., 2nd) component, with or without the terms "functionally" or "communicationly," it means that said any component may be connected to said other component directly (e.g., via a wire), wirelessly, or through a third component.

[0030] Terms such as “include” or “have” are intended to specify the existence of the features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in this document, and do not preclude the existence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0031] When it is said that a component is “connected,” “combined,” “supported,” or “contacted” with another component, this includes not only cases where the components are directly connected, combined, supported, or contacted, but also cases where they are indirectly connected, combined, supported, or contacted through a third component.

[0032] When it is said that a component is located "on" another component, this includes not only cases where one component is in contact with the other, but also cases where another component exists between the two components.

[0033] An air conditioner according to various embodiments is a device that performs functions such as air purification, ventilation, humidity control, cooling, or heating in an air-conditioned space (hereinafter referred to as "indoor"), and means a device having at least one of these functions.

[0034] According to one embodiment, an air conditioner may include a heat pump device to perform a cooling or heating function. The heat pump device may include a refrigeration cycle in which a refrigerant circulates along a compressor, a first heat exchanger, an expansion device, and a second heat exchanger. All components of the heat pump device may be housed in a single housing that forms the exterior of the air conditioner, such as a window air conditioner or a portable air conditioner. Alternatively, some components of the heat pump device may be housed separately in multiple housings that form a single air conditioner, such as a wall-mounted air conditioner, a stand-type air conditioner, or a system air conditioner.

[0035] An air conditioner comprising a plurality of housings may include at least one outdoor unit installed outdoors and at least one indoor unit installed indoors. For example, the air conditioner may be configured such that one outdoor unit and one indoor unit are connected via refrigerant pipes. For example, the air conditioner may be configured such that one outdoor unit is connected via refrigerant pipes to two or more indoor units. For example, the air conditioner may be configured such that two or more outdoor units and two or more indoor units are connected via a plurality of refrigerant pipes.

[0036] The outdoor unit can be electrically connected to the indoor unit. For example, information (or commands) for controlling the air conditioner can be entered through an input interface provided on the outdoor unit or the indoor unit, and the outdoor unit and the indoor unit can operate simultaneously or sequentially in response to user input.

[0037] The air conditioner may include an outdoor heat exchanger provided in the outdoor unit, an indoor heat exchanger provided in the indoor unit, and a refrigerant pipe connecting the outdoor heat exchanger and the indoor heat exchanger.

[0038] An outdoor heat exchanger can perform heat exchange between the refrigerant and the outdoor air by utilizing the phase change of the refrigerant (e.g., evaporation or condensation). For example, while the refrigerant condenses in the outdoor heat exchanger, the refrigerant releases heat to the outdoor air, and while the refrigerant flowing through the outdoor heat exchanger evaporates, the refrigerant can absorb heat from the outdoor air.

[0039] Indoor units are installed indoors. For example, indoor units can be classified into ceiling-mounted, freestanding, and wall-mounted units depending on how they are placed. For example, ceiling-mounted indoor units can be classified into 4-way, 1-way, and ducted units depending on the method of air discharge.

[0040] Similarly, an indoor heat exchanger can perform heat exchange between the refrigerant and the indoor air by utilizing the phase change of the refrigerant (e.g., evaporation or condensation). For example, while the refrigerant evaporates in the indoor unit, it can absorb heat from the indoor air, and the room can be cooled by blowing the cooled indoor air as it passes through the cooled indoor heat exchanger. Additionally, while the refrigerant condenses in the indoor heat exchanger, it can release heat to the indoor air, and the room can be heated by blowing the heated indoor air as it passes through the high-temperature indoor heat exchanger.

[0041] In other words, an air conditioner performs cooling or heating functions through the phase change process of a refrigerant circulating between an outdoor heat exchanger and an indoor heat exchanger; to facilitate this refrigerant circulation, the air conditioner may include a compressor that compresses the refrigerant. The compressor can draw in refrigerant gas through a suction port and compress the refrigerant gas. The compressor can discharge high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant gas through a discharge port. The compressor may be placed inside the outdoor unit.

[0042] The refrigerant may circulate through the refrigerant pipe in the order of the compressor, outdoor heat exchanger, expansion device, and indoor heat exchanger, or in the order of the compressor, indoor heat exchanger, expansion device, and outdoor heat exchanger.

[0043] For example, when an air conditioner has one outdoor unit and one indoor unit directly connected through a refrigerant pipe, the refrigerant can be arranged to circulate between the outdoor unit and the indoor unit through the refrigerant pipe.

[0044] For example, in an air conditioner, if one outdoor unit is connected to two or more indoor units through refrigerant pipes, the refrigerant may flow to multiple indoor units through refrigerant pipes branching from the outdoor unit. The refrigerant discharged from multiple indoor units may be combined and circulated to the outdoor unit. For example, multiple indoor units may each be directly connected in parallel to a single outdoor unit through separate refrigerant pipes.

[0045] Multiple indoor units can each operate independently according to an operating mode set by the user. That is, some of the multiple indoor units can operate in a cooling mode while others can operate in a heating mode. At this time, the refrigerant may be arranged to flow into each indoor unit in a high-pressure or low-pressure state along a designated circulation path through a flow path switching valve to be described later, and to be discharged and circulated to the outdoor unit.

[0046] For example, when an air conditioner is connected to two or more outdoor units and two or more indoor units through multiple refrigerant pipes, the refrigerant discharged from multiple outdoor units may be combined and flow through a single refrigerant pipe, and then branch out again at some point to flow into multiple indoor units.

[0047] Multiple outdoor units may all be driven or at least some may not be driven depending on the operating load corresponding to the operating amount of multiple indoor units. In this case, the refrigerant may be arranged to flow into and circulate to the outdoor units that are selectively driven through a flow path switching valve.

[0048] The air conditioner may include an expansion device to lower the pressure of the refrigerant flowing into the heat exchanger. For example, the expansion device may be placed inside the indoor unit or the outdoor unit, or it may be placed in both.

[0049] For example, an expansion device can lower the temperature and pressure of the refrigerant by utilizing a throttling effect. The expansion device may include an orifice that can reduce the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path. The temperature and pressure of the refrigerant passing through the orifice can be lowered.

[0050] The expansion device can be implemented, for example, as an electronic expansion valve capable of controlling the opening ratio (the ratio of the cross-sectional area of ​​the valve's flow path in the partially open state to the cross-sectional area of ​​the valve's flow path in the fully open state). The amount of refrigerant passing through the expansion device can be controlled depending on the opening ratio of the electronic expansion valve.

[0051] The air conditioner may further include a flow switching valve positioned on the refrigerant circulation path. The flow switching valve may include, for example, a 4-way valve. The flow switching valve can determine the refrigerant circulation path depending on the operating mode of the indoor unit (e.g., cooling operation or heating operation). The flow switching valve may be connected to the discharge section of the compressor.

[0052] The air conditioner may include an accumulator. The accumulator may be connected to the suction port of the compressor. Low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant evaporated from an indoor heat exchanger or an outdoor heat exchanger may be introduced into the accumulator.

[0053] The accumulator can separate the refrigerant liquid from the refrigerant gas when the refrigerant mixed with the refrigerant gas is introduced, and supply the refrigerant gas from which the refrigerant liquid has been separated to the compressor.

[0054] An outdoor fan may be provided near the outdoor heat exchanger. The outdoor fan can blow outdoor air onto the outdoor heat exchanger to facilitate heat exchange between the refrigerant and the outdoor air.

[0055] The outdoor unit of the air conditioner may include at least one sensor. For example, the sensor of the outdoor unit may be provided as an environment sensor. The outdoor unit sensor may be placed at any location inside or outside the outdoor unit. For example, the outdoor unit sensor may include, for instance, a temperature sensor for detecting the air temperature around the outdoor unit, a humidity sensor for detecting the air humidity around the outdoor unit, a refrigerant temperature sensor for detecting the refrigerant temperature of the refrigerant pipe passing through the outdoor unit, or a refrigerant pressure sensor for detecting the refrigerant pressure of the refrigerant pipe passing through the outdoor unit.

[0056] The outdoor unit of the air conditioner may include an outdoor unit communication unit. The outdoor unit communication unit may be configured to receive control signals from the control unit of the indoor unit of the air conditioner, which will be described later. Based on the control signals received through the outdoor unit communication unit, the outdoor unit may control the operation of the compressor, outdoor heat exchanger, expansion device, flow path switching valve, accumulator, or outdoor fan. The outdoor unit may transmit a sensing value detected by the outdoor unit sensor to the control unit of the indoor unit through the outdoor unit communication unit.

[0057] The indoor unit of an air conditioner may include a housing, a blower that circulates air inside or outside the housing, and an indoor heat exchanger that exchanges heat with the air flowing into the housing.

[0058] The housing may include an intake port. Indoor air can be drawn into the interior of the housing through the intake port.

[0059] The indoor unit of the air conditioner may include a filter configured to filter foreign substances in the air entering the housing through the intake port.

[0060] The housing may include an outlet. Air flowing inside the housing may be discharged to the outside of the housing through the outlet.

[0061] The housing of the indoor unit may be provided with an airflow guide that guides the direction of air discharged through the outlet. For example, the airflow guide may include a blade located above the outlet. For example, the airflow guide may include an auxiliary fan for controlling the discharge airflow. The airflow guide may be omitted, but is not limited thereto.

[0062] An indoor heat exchanger and a blower may be provided inside the housing of the indoor unit, positioned on the path connecting the intake and exhaust ports.

[0063] The blower may include an indoor fan and a fan motor. For example, the indoor fan may include an axial fan, a mixed-flow fan, a cross-flow fan, or a centrifugal fan.

[0064] The indoor heat exchanger may be positioned between the blower and the outlet, or between the inlet and the blower. The indoor heat exchanger may absorb heat from the air introduced through the inlet or transfer heat to the air introduced through the inlet. The indoor heat exchanger may include heat exchange tubes through which refrigerant flows, and heat exchange fins in contact with the heat exchange tubes to increase the heat transfer surface area.

[0065] The indoor unit of the air conditioner may include a drain tray positioned below the indoor heat exchanger to collect condensate generated from the indoor heat exchanger. The condensate contained in the drain tray may be drained to the outside through a drain hose. The drain tray may be provided to support the indoor heat exchanger.

[0066] The indoor unit of the air conditioner may include an input interface. The input interface may include any type of user input means, including buttons, switches, touch screens, and / or touch pads. The user can directly input setting data (e.g., desired indoor temperature, setting of operating mode for cooling / heating / dehumidification / air purification, setting of outlet selection, and / or setting of airflow) through the input interface.

[0067] The input interface may be connected to an external input device. For example, the input interface may be electrically connected to a wired remote controller. The wired remote controller may be installed at a specific location within the indoor space (e.g., a part of a wall). The user can input setting data regarding the operation of the air conditioner by operating the wired remote controller. An electrical signal corresponding to the setting data obtained through the wired remote controller may be transmitted to the input interface. Additionally, the input interface may include an infrared sensor. The user can input setting data regarding the operation of the air conditioner remotely using a wireless remote controller. The setting data input through the wireless remote controller may be transmitted to the input interface as an infrared signal.

[0068] Additionally, the input interface may include a microphone. A user's voice command may be acquired through the microphone. The microphone may convert the user's voice command into an electrical signal and transmit the converted electrical signal to the indoor unit control unit. The indoor unit control unit may control the components of the air conditioner to execute functions corresponding to the user's voice command. Setting data acquired through the input interface (e.g., desired indoor temperature, setting of operating mode for cooling / heating / dehumidification / air purification, setting of outlet selection, and / or setting of airflow) may be transmitted to the indoor unit control unit described later. In one example, the setting data acquired through the input interface may be transmitted externally, namely to an outdoor unit or a server, via the indoor unit communication unit described later.

[0069] The indoor unit of the air conditioner may include a power module. The power module can be connected to an external power source to supply power to the components of the indoor unit.

[0070] The indoor unit of an air conditioner may include an indoor unit sensor. The indoor unit sensor may be an environment sensor placed in a space inside or outside the housing. For example, the indoor unit sensor may include one or more temperature sensors and / or humidity sensors placed in a predetermined space inside or outside the housing of the indoor unit. For example, the indoor unit sensor may include a refrigerant temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the refrigerant in the refrigerant pipe passing through the indoor unit. For example, the indoor unit sensor may include respective refrigerant temperature sensors for detecting the inlet, middle, and / or outlet temperatures of the refrigerant pipe passing through the indoor heat exchanger.

[0071] For example, each environmental information detected by the indoor unit sensor may be transmitted to the indoor unit control unit described later, or transmitted to the outside through the indoor unit communication unit described later.

[0072] The indoor unit of an air conditioner may include an indoor unit communication unit. The indoor unit communication unit may include at least one of a short-range communication module or a long-range communication module. The indoor unit communication unit may include at least one antenna for wirelessly communicating with another device. The outdoor unit may include an outdoor unit communication unit. The outdoor unit communication unit may also include at least one of a short-range communication module or a long-range communication module.

[0073] A short-range wireless communication module may include, but is not limited to, a Bluetooth communication module, a BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) communication module, a Near Field Communication module, a WLAN (Wi-Fi) communication module, a Zigbee communication module, an infrared (IrDA, infrared Data Association) communication module, a WFD (Wi-Fi Direct) communication module, an UWB (ultrawideband) communication module, an Ant+ communication module, a microwave (uWave) communication module, etc.

[0074] The long-distance communication module may include a communication module that performs various types of long-distance communication and may include a mobile communication unit. The mobile communication unit transmits and receives wireless signals with at least one of a base station, an external terminal, and a server on a mobile communication network.

[0075] The indoor unit communication unit can communicate with external devices, such as servers, mobile devices, and other home appliances, through nearby access points (APs). The access point (AP) can connect the local area network (LAN) to which the air conditioner or user device is connected to the wide area network (WAN) to which the server is connected. The air conditioner or user device can be connected to the server through the wide area network (WAN). The indoor unit of the air conditioner may include an indoor unit control unit that controls the indoor unit's components, such as a blower. The outdoor unit of the air conditioner may include an outdoor unit control unit that controls the outdoor unit's components, such as a compressor. The indoor unit control unit can communicate with the outdoor unit control unit through the indoor unit communication unit and the outdoor unit communication unit. The outdoor unit communication unit can transmit control signals generated by the outdoor unit control unit to the indoor unit communication unit, or transmit control signals transmitted from the indoor unit communication unit to the outdoor unit control unit. In other words, the outdoor unit and the indoor unit can communicate bidirectionally. The outdoor unit and the indoor unit can transmit and receive various signals generated during the operation of the air conditioner.

[0076] The outdoor unit control unit can be electrically connected to the components of the outdoor unit and can control the operation of each component. For example, the outdoor unit control unit can adjust the frequency of the compressor and control the flow path switching valve to switch the direction of refrigerant circulation. The outdoor unit control unit can adjust the rotational speed of the outdoor fan. In addition, the outdoor unit control unit can generate a control signal to adjust the opening of the expansion valve. Under the control of the outdoor unit control unit, refrigerant can circulate along a refrigerant circulation circuit including a compressor, a flow path switching valve, an outdoor heat exchanger, an expansion valve, and an indoor heat exchanger.

[0077] Various temperature sensors included in the outdoor unit and indoor unit can each transmit an electrical signal corresponding to the detected temperature to the outdoor unit control unit and / or indoor unit control unit. For example, humidity sensors included in the outdoor unit and indoor unit can each transmit an electrical signal corresponding to the detected humidity to the outdoor unit control unit and / or indoor unit control unit.

[0078] The indoor unit control unit can obtain user input from a user device, including a mobile device, through the indoor unit communication unit, and can obtain user input directly or through a remote controller via an input interface. The indoor unit control unit can control the components of the indoor unit, including a blower, in response to the received user input. The indoor unit control unit can transmit information regarding the received user input to the outdoor unit control unit of the outdoor unit.

[0079] The outdoor unit control unit can control the components of the outdoor unit, including the compressor, based on information regarding user input received from the indoor unit. For example, when the outdoor unit control unit receives a control signal from the indoor unit corresponding to user input selecting an operation mode such as cooling operation, heating operation, fan operation, defrosting operation, or dehumidification operation, it can control the components of the outdoor unit so that the operation of the air conditioner corresponding to the selected operation mode is performed.

[0080] The outdoor unit control unit and the indoor unit control unit may each include a processor and a memory. The indoor unit control unit may include at least one first processor and at least one first memory, and the outdoor unit control unit may include at least one second processor and at least one second memory.

[0081] The memory can store / remember various information required for the operation of the air conditioner. The memory can store instructions, applications, data, and / or programs required for the operation of the air conditioner. For example, the memory can store various programs for the cooling operation, heating operation, dehumidification operation, and / or defrosting operation of the air conditioner. The memory may include volatile memory such as S-RAM (Static Random Access Memory) and D-RAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory) for temporarily storing data. Additionally, the memory may include non-volatile memory such as ROM (Read Only Memory), EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory), and EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory) for long-term data storage.

[0082] The processor can generate control signals to control the operation of the air conditioner based on instructions, applications, data, and / or programs stored in memory. As hardware, the processor may include logic circuits and arithmetic circuits. The processor can process data according to programs and / or instructions provided from memory and generate control signals according to the processing results. The memory and the processor may be implemented as a single control circuit or as multiple circuits.

[0083] The indoor unit of the air conditioner may include an output interface. The output interface is electrically connected to the indoor unit control unit and can output information related to the operation of the air conditioner under the control of the indoor unit control unit. For example, information such as the operating mode, wind direction, airflow, and temperature selected by user input may be output. Additionally, the output interface may output sensing information obtained from the indoor unit sensor or the outdoor unit sensor, as well as warning / error messages.

[0084] The output interface may include a display and a speaker. The speaker may output various sounds as an acoustic device. The display may display information entered by the user or information provided to the user as various graphic elements. For example, operation information of the air conditioner may be displayed as at least one of an image or text. Additionally, the display may include an indicator that provides specific information. The display may include an LCD panel (Liquid Crystal Display Panel), an LED panel (Light Emitting Diode Panel), an OLED panel (Organic Light Emitting Diode Panel), a micro LED panel, and / or a plurality of LEDs.

[0085] Hereinafter, embodiments according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0086] Terms such as "upward," "downward," "forward," and "rearward" used in the following description are defined based on the drawings, and the shape and position of each component are not limited by these terms.

[0087] FIG. 1 is a refrigerant circuit diagram illustrating a cycle circuit of an air conditioner according to one embodiment.

[0088] Referring to FIG. 1, an air conditioner (10) according to the concept of the present disclosure may include an outdoor unit (100) installed outdoors and an indoor unit (200) installed indoors.

[0089] The outdoor unit (100) may include a compressor (110) for compressing a refrigerant, a four-way valve (120) disposed on the discharge side of the compressor (110) for switching the flow path of the refrigerant, an oil separator (130) disposed on the discharge side of the compressor (110) for separating oil contained in the discharged refrigerant, and an outdoor heat exchanger (140) for heat exchange of the refrigerant.

[0090] A discharge pipe (111) may be connected between the oil separator (130) and the four-way valve (120) so that the refrigerant separated from the oil separator (130) is moved to the four-way valve (120), and a pressure sensor (101) for measuring the pressure of the discharged refrigerant may be connected on the discharge pipe (111).

[0091] The four-way valve (120) can switch the flow of refrigerant depending on whether the air conditioner (10) is in a cooling mode or a heating mode. When the air conditioner (10) is operated in a cooling mode, the four-way valve (120) can send the refrigerant discharged from the compressor (110) to an outdoor heat exchanger (140). When the air conditioner (10) is operated in a heating mode, the four-way valve (120) can switch the flow path so that the refrigerant discharged from the compressor (110) moves to an indoor heat exchanger (210) located in the indoor unit (200).

[0092] In order to expand the refrigerant flowing into the outdoor heat exchanger (140) when operating in heating mode, a heating expansion valve (150) may be connected to the upstream side of the outdoor heat exchanger (140) based on the refrigerant flow during heating mode.

[0093] When operating in heating mode, the outdoor heat exchanger (140) can operate as an evaporator in which the liquid refrigerant in the refrigeration cycle undergoes a phase change to a gas, and the indoor heat exchanger (210) can operate as a condenser in which the gaseous refrigerant in the refrigeration cycle undergoes a phase change to a liquid.

[0094] Likewise, to expand the refrigerant flowing into the indoor heat exchanger (210) when operating in cooling mode, a cooling expansion valve (220) may be connected to the upstream side of the indoor heat exchanger (210) based on the refrigerant flow during cooling mode. When operating in cooling mode, the outdoor heat exchanger (140) may operate as a condenser in which the refrigerant in a gaseous state undergoes a phase change to a liquid state in the refrigeration cycle, and the indoor heat exchanger (210) may operate as an evaporator in which the refrigerant in a liquid state undergoes a phase change to a gas state in the refrigeration cycle.

[0095] The outdoor unit (100) may include a blower fan (141) for blowing air to be heat exchanged with the outdoor heat exchanger (140).

[0096] The outdoor unit (100) may include an accumulator (160). The accumulator (160) may be connected between the four-way valve (120) and the suction side of the compressor (110) to separate the liquid and gas so that only the refrigerant in a gaseous state flows into the compressor (110).

[0097] A return pipe (103) can be connected between the oil separator (130) and the compressor (110) to allow the oil separated from the oil separator (130) to be returned to the compressor (110).

[0098] The outdoor unit (100) may include a filter (170) and a capillary tube (180). The filter (170) and the capillary tube (180) may be placed on the return pipe (103).

[0099] The filter (170) can filter out impurities contained in the oil discharged from the oil separator (130) so that the oil can be returned to the compressor (110). The capillary tube (180) can control the flow rate of the oil entering the compressor (110) by forming a flow resistance when the oil filtered by the filter (170) flows into the compressor (110).

[0100] The filter (170) is positioned upstream of the capillary tube (180) based on the flow of refrigerant on the return pipe (103), and the capillary tube (180) can be positioned downstream of the filter (170).

[0101] FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating a part of the internal configuration of an outdoor unit according to one embodiment. FIG. 3 is a side view of the internal configuration of the outdoor unit illustrated in FIG. 2. FIG. 4 is a drawing showing the filter and capillary tube separated in FIG. 2. FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the filter, connecting pipe, insulating member, and capillary tube of FIG. 4. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing the arrangement relationship of the filter, capillary tube, and insulating member.

[0102] Referring to FIGS. 2 through 6, an air conditioner outdoor unit (100, see FIG. 1) according to the concept of the present disclosure may include an accumulator (160). The accumulator (160) may include an accumulator body (161) forming a space for storing refrigerant, an inlet part (162) into which refrigerant flows, and an outlet part (163) into which refrigerant is discharged.

[0103] The accumulator body (161) may be formed in a cylindrical shape, the inlet portion (162) may be provided at the top of the body (161), and the outlet (163) may be provided at the bottom of the body (161). The outlet (163) may be connected to a suction pipe (112) through which refrigerant and oil flow into the compressor (110).

[0104] The oil separator (130) may be positioned adjacent to the accumulator (160). The oil separator (130) may be fixed to one side of the accumulator (160).

[0105] The oil separator (130) may include an inlet (131) into which refrigerant and oil are introduced, a refrigerant outlet (132) into which separated refrigerant is discharged, and an oil outlet (133) into which separated oil is discharged, connected to a discharge pipe (112) into which refrigerant compressed in the compressor (110) is discharged.

[0106] The inlet (131) of the oil separator (130) may be positioned on one side of the oil separator (130), and the refrigerant outlet (132) may be positioned at the top of the oil separator (130). The oil outlet (133) may be positioned at the bottom of the oil separator (130).

[0107]

[0108] The outdoor unit (100) may include a filter (170). The filter (170) may be arranged in series with the oil separator (130) and positioned downstream of the oil separator (130) based on the direction of oil flow.

[0109] The filter (170) may include an inlet section (171) into which oil is introduced from an oil separator (130), a main body section (172) into which the oil introduced into the inlet section (171) is filtered, and an outlet section (173) into which the oil filtered in the main body section (172) is discharged.

[0110] The inlet section (171) may be positioned at the bottom of the filter (170). The inlet section (171) may be formed in a shape in which the internal cross-sectional area expands toward the top.

[0111] The main body (172) may be positioned above the inlet section (171). The main body (172) may be positioned between the inlet section (171) and the outlet section (173). The diameter of the top of the inlet section (171) and the main body (172) may be formed to be the same. The main body (172) may be formed in a cylindrical shape. A filter member (172a) for filtering oil introduced from the inlet section (171) may be positioned inside the main body (172).

[0112] The discharge section (173) may be positioned on the upper part of the filter (170). The discharge section (173) may be formed in a shape in which the internal cross-sectional area decreases toward the top, contrary to the inlet section (171). The diameter of the bottom of the discharge section (173) and the main body section (172) may be formed to be the same.

[0113] The filter (170) may be positioned so that oil moves from the bottom to the top as in the illustrated embodiment, and cases where oil moves from the top to the bottom and cases where oil moves in a horizontal direction may also be included in the concept of the present disclosure.

[0114] The filter (170) may be formed from a metal material. For example, the filter (170) may be formed entirely from a metal material such as copper or a copper alloy. The inlet (171), the main body (172), and the outlet (173) may be formed as a single unit by being formed by plastic processing or the like and then joined together by a method such as welding.

[0115] The filter (170) may include a cover (174). The cover (174) may be positioned to surround the perimeter of the main body (172) and thereby form the outer surface of the main body (172). The cover (174) may be formed of a rubber material.

[0116] The outdoor unit (100) may include a capillary tube (180). The capillary tube (180) may be connected in series with the filter (170) and positioned downstream of the filter (170) with respect to the direction of oil flow.

[0117] The capillary tube (180) may be positioned to exchange heat with the filter (170). For example, the capillary tube (180) may be positioned so that at least a portion of it is in contact with the outer surface of the filter (170).

[0118] The capillary tube (180) may be arranged to surround and contact the outer surface of the main body (172) of the filter (170). For example, the capillary tube (180) may be wound multiple times around the outer surface of the main body (172) of the filter (170) and contact the outer surface of the main body (172).

[0119] The capillary tube (180) may include an inlet end (181) into which oil discharged from the filter (170) flows, a coil part (182) into which the oil flowing in from the inlet end (181) flows and which is formed in a coil shape and wound on the outer surface of the main body part (172) of the filter (170), and a discharge end (183) into which the oil passing through the coil part (182) is discharged.

[0120] The coil portion (182) is positioned on the outer surface of the main body portion (172) of the filter (170) so as to come into contact with the outer surface of the main body portion (172). As the cover (174) is positioned to surround the perimeter of the main body portion (172) and forms the outer surface of the main body portion (172), the coil portion (182) can come into contact with and be seated on the cover (174).

[0121] As the coil portion (182) comes into contact with the cover (174) formed of rubber material, if an external impact is applied to the capillary tube (180) and the filter (170) or if vibration occurs between the coil portion (182) and the main body portion (172) due to vibrations generated during operation, the vibration or impact can be cushioned by the elasticity of the cover (174). Therefore, the phenomenon of the capillary tube (180) being damaged by vibration can be prevented.

[0122] The outdoor unit (100) may include an insulating member (190). The insulating member (190) may be arranged to surround the capillary tube (180) and the main body (172) while the coil portion (182) of the capillary tube (180) is wound around the outer surface of the main body (172). The insulating member (190) may be formed from an insulating material with excellent thermal insulation properties. Therefore, even when the operation of the outdoor unit (100) is stopped, the oil in the capillary tube (180) and the filter (170) can maintain its temperature for a long period of time. In particular, even when the outside temperature is low, the oil in the capillary tube (180) can maintain its fluidity without the oil hardening or excessive viscosity rising in the capillary tube (180) even when the outdoor unit (100) is restarted after being stopped for a long time due to heat exchange with the filter (170) containing a relatively large amount of oil and the insulation effect by the insulating member (190), so that the phenomenon of the oil inside the compressor (110) becoming insufficient can be prevented.

[0123] The insulating member (190) is formed in a long strip shape and arranged to surround the capillary tube (180) and the main body (172), and its two ends are joined so as to be fixed around the capillary tube (180) and the main body (172).

[0124] The insulation member (190) can be joined to both ends in various ways. For example, the two ends of the insulation member (190) can be joined by being joined through a separate fixing member (not shown), such as a clip, or by being joined through an adhesive.

[0125] In this way, by arranging the insulating member (190) to surround the capillary tube (180) and the main body (172), the occurrence of poor oil movement due to the drop in oil temperature can be prevented, so manufacturing costs can be reduced compared to the case where the insulating member is widely used.

[0126] The inlet end (181) and the discharge end (183), which are the two ends of the capillary tube (180), can be arranged adjacent to each other. The inlet end (181) and the discharge end (183) can be arranged higher than the coil portion (182).

[0127] The outdoor unit (100) may include a first connecting pipe (104) connecting the inlet end (181) and the discharge end (173) of the filter (170), and a second connecting pipe (105) connecting the discharge end (183) and the suction pipe (112) through which refrigerant flows into the compressor (110).

[0128] Additionally, the outdoor unit (100) may include a first protective member (184) disposed at the part where the first connecting pipe (104) and the inlet end (181) are connected, and a second protective member (185) disposed at the part where the second connecting pipe (105) and the discharge end (183) are connected.

[0129] The first protective member (184) may be arranged to surround the first connecting pipe (104) portion where the first connecting pipe (104) and the inlet end (181) are connected, and the second protective member (185) may be arranged to surround the second connecting pipe (105) portion where the second connecting pipe (105) and the discharge end (183) are connected.

[0130] Accordingly, as the inlet section (181) and the discharge section (183) are arranged adjacently, the first connecting pipe (104) and the second connecting pipe (105) connected thereto are also adjacent at the connection point, but the first connecting pipe (104) and the second connecting pipe (105) can be buffered and protected by the first protective member (184) and the second protective member (185) so that they do not directly collide or come into contact.

[0131] The outdoor unit (100) may include a binding member (186). The binding member (186) may be coupled between the first protective member (184) and the second protective member (185) to bind the first protective member (184) and the second protective member (185). Accordingly, a fastening force is generated by the binding member (186) so that the first protective member (184) and the second protective member (185) come into contact with each other, and they can be fixed in a state of contact between them. The first connecting pipe (104) and the second connecting pipe (105) can be fixed so that vibration generation is prevented, and the inlet end (181) and the discharge end (183) connected to the first connecting pipe (104) and the second connecting pipe (105) can also be fixed so that vibration generation in the inlet end (181) and the discharge end (183) is prevented.

[0132] The binding member (186) can be configured in various forms as long as it is of a shape and material capable of generating a fastening force that binds the first protective member (184) and the second protective member (185) to each other. For example, the binding member (186) can be configured as a cable tie.

[0133] The inlet (171) of the filter (170) and the oil outlet (133) from which oil is discharged from the oil separator (130) can be arranged adjacent to each other.

[0134] The inlet (171) of the filter (170) and the oil outlet (133) from which oil is discharged from the oil separator (130) can be connected by a third connecting pipe (106).

[0135] In this way, by arranging the inlet (171) of the filter (170) and the oil outlet (133) from which oil is discharged from the oil separator (130) adjacent to each other, the length of the third connecting pipe (106) connected thereto can also be configured to be short. Accordingly, the phenomenon of the oil temperature dropping due to heat exchange between the outside air and the third connecting pipe (106) while the oil is discharged from the oil separator (130) and moved to the filter (170) can be minimized, so that the oil inside the filter (170) can maintain a high temperature while the outdoor unit (100) is operating.

[0136] The inlet (171) of the filter (170) and the oil outlet (133) from which oil is discharged from the oil separator (130) can be positioned adjacent to each other at substantially the same height or with almost no difference in height, and the third connecting pipe (106) can be formed in a U-shape overall.

[0137] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing the arrangement relationship of a filter, a capillary tube, and an insulating member according to one embodiment.

[0138] The capillary tube (180) may be positioned to exchange heat with the filter (170). For example, the capillary tube (180) may be positioned so that at least a portion of it is in contact with the outer surface of the filter (170).

[0139] The capillary tube (180) may be arranged to surround and contact the outer surface of the main body (172) of the filter (170). For example, the capillary tube (180) may be wound multiple times around the outer surface of the main body (172) of the filter (170) and contact the outer surface of the main body (172).

[0140] The capillary tube (180) may include an inlet end (181) into which oil discharged from the filter (170) flows, a coil part (182) into which the oil flowing in from the inlet end (181) flows and which is formed in a coil shape and wound on the outer surface of the main body part (172) of the filter (170), and a discharge end (183) into which the oil passing through the coil part (182) is discharged.

[0141] The coil portion (182) is positioned on the outer surface of the main body portion (172) of the filter (170) and can come into direct contact with the outer surface of the main body portion (172).

[0142] The outer surface of the main body (172) may be formed of a metal material, and the coil (182) may exchange heat while in direct contact with the outer surface of the main body (172) made of a metal material.

[0143] In this case, the coil part (182) can be attached to the main body part (172) by a press fit method so that the coil part (182) and the main body part (172) are in close contact.

[0144] Alternatively, the coil portion (182) may be attached to the main body portion (172) while an adhesive (not shown) is applied to the main body portion (172) so that the coil portion (182) is attached to the main body portion (172), or the coil portion (182) may be attached to the main body portion (172) while an adhesive is applied to the joint area between the coil portion (182) and the main body portion (172) so that the coil portion (182) is attached to the main body portion (172) and joined. These methods may also be included in the concept of the present disclosure.

[0145] The effects obtainable from the present disclosure are not limited to those mentioned above, and other unmentioned effects will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art to which the present disclosure belongs from the description below.

[0146] Specific embodiments have been illustrated and described above. However, the invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and those skilled in the art may make various modifications without departing from the essence of the technical concept of the invention as described in the following claims.

Claims

1. A compressor for compressing refrigerant; An oil separator for separating oil contained in the refrigerant discharged from the above compressor; A filter for filtering the oil separated in the above oil separator; It includes a capillary tube into which oil filtered by the above filter flows; and The above capillary tube is an air conditioner outdoor unit arranged to exchange heat with the above filter.

2. In Paragraph 1, The above capillary tube is positioned to be in contact with the outer surface of the above filter. An air conditioner outdoor unit.

3. In Paragraph 2, The above filter is, An inlet where oil flows in from the above oil separator; A main body portion accommodating a filter member for filtering oil introduced into the above-mentioned inlet portion; and It includes a discharge section through which filtered oil is discharged from the main body section; and The above capillary tube is an outdoor unit of an air conditioner positioned to be in contact with the outer surface of the main body.

4. In Paragraph 3, The above capillary tube is arranged to surround and contact the outer surface of the main body, and is an outdoor unit of an air conditioner.

5. In Paragraph 4, The above capillary tube is wound multiple times around the outer surface of the main body and is in contact with the outer surface of the outdoor unit of an air conditioner.

6. In Paragraph 5, An outdoor unit of an air conditioner comprising an insulating member formed of an insulating material, which is arranged to surround the capillary tube and the main body while the capillary tube is wound around the outer surface of the main body.

7. In Paragraph 6, The outer surface of the above-mentioned main body is formed of a metal material. An outdoor unit of an air conditioner.

8. In Paragraph 6, The outer surface of the above-mentioned main body is formed of rubber material. An outdoor unit of an air conditioner.

9. In Paragraph 6, The above capillary tube is, An inlet section into which oil discharged from the above filter flows; A coil portion formed in a coil shape and wound around the outer surface of the main body of the filter, into which oil introduced from the above-mentioned inlet is introduced and which is introduced; and It includes a discharge end through which oil passing through the above coil section is discharged; and The above inlet and outlet are air conditioner outdoor units arranged adjacent to each other.

10. In Paragraph 9, A first connecting pipe connecting the inlet end and the outlet end of the filter; and An outdoor unit of an air conditioner further comprising a second connecting pipe connecting the discharge end and the suction pipe through which refrigerant flows into the compressor.

11. In Paragraph 10, A first protective member disposed to surround the first connecting pipe at the portion where the first connecting pipe and the inlet end are connected; and An outdoor unit of an air conditioner further comprising: a second protective member disposed to surround the second connecting pipe at the portion where the second connecting pipe and the discharge end are connected.

12. In Paragraph 11, An air conditioner outdoor unit further comprising a connecting member for connecting the first protective member and the second protective member.

13. In Paragraph 3, An air conditioner outdoor unit in which the inlet of the filter and the oil outlet from which oil is discharged from the oil separator are arranged adjacent to each other.

14. In Paragraph 13, An air conditioner outdoor unit further comprising a third connecting pipe formed in a U-shape connecting the inlet and the oil outlet.

15. Compressor for compressing refrigerant; An oil separator for separating oil contained in the refrigerant discharged from the above compressor; A filter for filtering the oil separated in the above oil separator; It includes a capillary tube into which oil filtered by the above filter flows; and An air conditioner outdoor unit comprising a coil portion formed in a coil shape and arranged to surround the outer surface of the filter.

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