Air conditioner

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to an air conditioner. The air conditioner of the present disclosure comprises: a compressor for compressing a refrigerant; a first heat exchanger which allows heat to be exchanged between air and the refrigerant discharged from the compressor, and which has a first part, a second part and a third part; and a second heat exchanger for performing heat exchange on the refrigerant discharged from the compressor. The air conditioner comprises: a first refrigerant pipe which is connected to the first heat exchanger and through which a gaseous refrigerant flows; a second refrigerant pipe which is connected to the first heat exchanger and through which a liquid refrigerant flows; and a third refrigerant pipe for connecting the first refrigerant pipe and the second refrigerant pipe. Each of the first part, the second part and the third part includes a plurality of refrigerant paths. The second refrigerant pipe includes a 2-1 refrigerant pipe connected to each of the first part and the second part, and a 2-2 refrigerant pipe connected to the third part. The third refrigerant pipe connects the first refrigerant pipe and the 2-1 refrigerant pipe.

Description

air conditioner

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an air conditioner, and more specifically, to an air conditioner comprising a heat exchanger that has different passes during heating and cooling.

[0002] Recently, due to decarbonization and eco-friendly policies, regulations on period efficiency and actual operation efficiency have been strengthened, leading to an increase in the grade-specific limits for existing cooling and heating efficiency, thus necessitating the improvement of cooling and heating efficiency.

[0003] To improve cooling and heating efficiency, the inherent efficiency of core cycle components is enhanced, while system efficiency is maximized by utilizing various cycle shapes.

[0004] In particular, the heat exchanger is one of the core components of the cycle; as the flow rate changes depending on cooling, heating, and load, this alters pressure loss and heat transfer characteristics. To overcome this, our company has introduced a variable pass system. This design reduces the pass during cooling to maximize heat transfer in the condenser, while increasing the pass during heating to minimize pressure loss in the evaporator.

[0005] However, since low-load efficiency contributes significantly to cooling and heating efficiency standards and actual operation is mostly concentrated at low loads, additional technology is required to improve efficiency under low load conditions. Recently, due to decarbonization and eco-friendly policies, regulations on period efficiency and actual operation efficiency have been strengthened, leading to an increase in the limit values ​​for each grade of cooling and heating efficiency; consequently, there is a need to improve cooling and heating efficiency.

[0006] To improve cooling and heating efficiency, the inherent efficiency of core cycle components is enhanced, while system efficiency is maximized by utilizing various cycle shapes.

[0007] In particular, the heat exchanger is one of the core components of the cycle; as the flow rate changes depending on cooling, heating, and load, this alters pressure loss and heat transfer characteristics. To overcome this, our company has introduced a variable pass system. This design reduces the pass during cooling to maximize heat transfer in the condenser, while increasing the pass during heating to minimize pressure loss in the evaporator.

[0008] However, since low-load efficiency contributes significantly to cooling and heating efficiency standards and actual operation is mostly concentrated at low loads, additional technology is required to improve efficiency at low loads.

[0009] Registered patent KR101233209B1 divides the heat exchanger into two parts to provide different refrigerant flow for cooling and heating. However, specifically, improvements are needed regarding the refrigerant flow considering high-load operation or low-load operation in each of the cooling and heating processes.

[0010] The present disclosure aims to solve the aforementioned problems and other problems.

[0011] Another objective is to subdivide the operating modes of the air conditioner and provide an air conditioner that follows the refrigerant flow path accordingly.

[0012] Another objective is to provide an air conditioner that uses a heat exchanger divided into three sections. Accordingly, considering the operating mode, an air conditioner that flows the refrigerant in two or three sections is provided.

[0013] To achieve the above objective, an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure comprises: a compressor for compressing a refrigerant; a first heat exchanger having a first part, a second part, and a third part for heat exchange of the refrigerant discharged from the compressor with air; and a second heat exchanger for heat exchange of the refrigerant discharged from the compressor.

[0014] The air conditioner includes: a first refrigerant pipe connected to the first heat exchanger and through which a gaseous refrigerant flows; a second refrigerant pipe connected to the first heat exchanger and through which a liquid refrigerant flows; and a third refrigerant pipe connecting the first refrigerant pipe and the second refrigerant pipe.

[0015] Each of the above-mentioned first part, the above-mentioned second part, and the above-mentioned third part has a plurality of refrigerant passes.

[0016] The second refrigerant pipe includes a 2-1 refrigerant pipe connected to each of the first part and the second part, and a 2-2 refrigerant pipe connected to the third part.

[0017] The above third refrigerant pipe connects the above first refrigerant pipe and the above second-1 refrigerant pipe.

[0018] It includes a 1-1 refrigerant pipe connected to the first part, a 1-2 refrigerant pipe connected to the second part and connected to the 1-1 refrigerant pipe, and a 1-3 refrigerant pipe connected to the third part and connected to the 1-2 refrigerant pipe. The 3rd refrigerant pipe connects the 1-3 refrigerant pipe and the 2-1 refrigerant pipe.

[0019] A first valve is disposed in the first-2 refrigerant pipe to connect or block the first-1 refrigerant pipe and the first-2 refrigerant pipe. A second valve is disposed in the first-3 refrigerant pipe to connect or block the first-2 refrigerant pipe and the first-3 refrigerant pipe.

[0020] A third valve is disposed in the third refrigerant pipe to connect or block the second-1 refrigerant pipe and the first-3 refrigerant pipe.

[0021] At the end of the above 2-1 refrigerant pipe, a distributor connecting the first part and the second part is disposed.

[0022] A first outdoor expansion valve is disposed in the above 2-1 refrigerant pipe to expand the refrigerant flowing to the above 1 heat exchanger.

[0023] A second outdoor expansion valve is disposed in the above 2-2 refrigerant pipe to expand the refrigerant flowing to the above 1 heat exchanger.

[0024] The third refrigerant pipe is connected to the second-1 refrigerant pipe between the distributor and the first outdoor expansion valve.

[0025] Each of the above-mentioned first part, the above-mentioned second part, and the above-mentioned third part has a plurality of passes through which the refrigerant flows.

[0026] The first part, the second part, and the third part each include a different number of passes.

[0027] The first part above includes more passes than the second part and the third part.

[0028] The above third part includes more passes than the above second part.

[0029] The above air conditioner operates in a first mode in which the first heat exchanger is used as a condenser and a high load is generated on the second heat exchanger, or in a second mode in which the first heat exchanger is used as a condenser and a low load is generated on the second heat exchanger.

[0030] In the first mode above, the first part and the second part are connected in parallel with each other, and the refrigerant flowing from the first part and the second part flows through the third part.

[0031] In the first mode above, the first valve opens the first-2 refrigerant pipe. The second valve closes the first-3 refrigerant pipe. The third valve opens the third refrigerant pipe.

[0032] In the first mode above, the first outdoor expansion valve disposed in the 2-1 refrigerant pipe is closed, and the second outdoor expansion valve disposed in the 2-2 refrigerant pipe is opened.

[0033] In the above second mode, the refrigerant flowing from the first part flows through the second part, and the refrigerant flowing from the second part flows through the third part.

[0034] In the second mode above, the first valve closes the first-2 refrigerant pipe. The second valve opens the first-3 refrigerant pipe. The third valve closes the third refrigerant pipe.

[0035] In the above second mode, the first outdoor expansion valve disposed in the 2-1 refrigerant pipe is closed, and the second outdoor expansion valve disposed in the 2-2 refrigerant pipe is opened.

[0036] The above air conditioner operates in a third mode in which the first heat exchanger is used as an evaporator and a low load occurs on the second heat exchanger, or in a fourth mode in which the first heat exchanger is used as an evaporator and a high load occurs on the second heat exchanger.

[0037] In the above third mode, the first part, the second part, and the third part are connected in parallel with each other.

[0038] In the above third mode, the first valve opens the first-2 refrigerant pipe, the second valve opens the first-3 refrigerant pipe, and the third valve closes the third refrigerant pipe.

[0039] In the above third mode, the first outdoor expansion valve disposed in the 2-1 refrigerant pipe and the second outdoor expansion valve disposed in the 2-2 refrigerant pipe are both opened.

[0040] In the above fourth mode, the refrigerant flowing from the third part flows through the second part, and the refrigerant flowing from the second part flows through the first part.

[0041] In the above fourth mode, the first valve closes the first-2 refrigerant pipe, the second valve opens the first-3 refrigerant pipe, and the third valve closes the third refrigerant pipe.

[0042] In the above second mode, the first outdoor expansion valve disposed in the 2-1 refrigerant pipe is closed, and the second outdoor expansion valve disposed in the 2-2 refrigerant pipe is opened.

[0043] Specific details of other embodiments are included in the detailed description and drawings.

[0044]

[0045] According to the air conditioner of the present disclosure, one or more of the following effects are provided.

[0046] First, the heat exchanger can be divided into three sections to subdivide the operating mode by considering the cooling and heating operation and the load level of the indoor unit. This has the advantage of maximizing cooling and heating efficiency in each mode.

[0047] Second, the heat exchanger can be divided into three or two sections as needed, which has the advantage of improving heating and cooling performance.

[0048] Third, it also has the advantage of performing simultaneous defrosting operation during heating operation as needed.

[0049] The effects of the present disclosure are not limited to those mentioned above, and other unmentioned effects will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description in the claims.

[0050] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0051] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a first heat exchanger according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0052] Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating the flow of the refrigerant according to the first mode in the structure of Figure 2.

[0053] Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating the flow of the refrigerant according to the second mode in the structure of Figure 2.

[0054] Figure 5 is a diagram illustrating the flow of the refrigerant according to the third mode in the structure of Figure 2.

[0055] Figure 6 is a diagram illustrating the flow of the refrigerant according to the fourth mode in the structure of Figure 2.

[0056] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of a first heat exchanger according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0057] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating the schematic structure of a first heat exchanger and the flow of refrigerant in a fifth mode according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0058] Figure 9 is a diagram illustrating the flow of the refrigerant according to the 6th mode in the structure of Figure 8.

[0059] The advantages and features of the present disclosure and the methods for achieving them will become clear by referring to the embodiments described below in detail together with the accompanying drawings. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments below but may be implemented in various different forms. The embodiments provided are merely to make the present disclosure complete and to fully inform those skilled in the art of the scope of the disclosure. The present disclosure is defined only by the scope of the claims. Throughout the specification, like reference numerals refer to like components.

[0060] Hereinafter, the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings for explaining an air conditioner according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0061] With reference to FIG. 1, the configuration of the air conditioner of the present disclosure will be explained.

[0062] The air conditioner includes a compressor (10) that compresses the refrigerant. The air conditioner includes a first heat exchanger (20) that exchanges heat between the outside air and the refrigerant. The air conditioner includes a second heat exchanger (16) that exchanges heat between the indoor air and the refrigerant.

[0063] The air conditioner includes a liquid pipe (80) connecting the second heat exchanger (16) and the first heat exchanger (20). The air conditioner includes a subcooler (18) disposed in the liquid pipe (80) to lower the temperature of the refrigerant flowing through the liquid pipe (80).

[0064] A portion of the refrigerant that has passed through the subcooler (18) can flow into the compressor (10).

[0065] The air conditioner includes an outdoor expansion valve (30, 32) positioned between the first heat exchanger (20) and the second heat exchanger (16). The air conditioner includes a second heat exchanger (16) positioned on one side of the second heat exchanger (16).

[0066] The air conditioner includes a switching valve (12) that sends the refrigerant discharged from the compressor (10) to the second heat exchanger (16) or the first heat exchanger (20). The air conditioner includes an accumulator (14) that separates the refrigerant flowing into the compressor (10).

[0067] With reference to FIG. 2, the configuration of the first heat exchanger and the outdoor expansion valve of the present disclosure will be explained.

[0068] The air conditioner includes a first refrigerant pipe (40) through which gaseous refrigerant flows, which is connected to a first heat exchanger (20). The first refrigerant pipe (40) may be connected to a switching valve (12).

[0069] The air conditioner includes a second refrigerant pipe (50) through which liquid refrigerant flows, which is connected to a first heat exchanger (20). A first refrigerant pipe (40) is connected to one side of the first heat exchanger (20), and a second refrigerant pipe (50) is connected to the other side of the first heat exchanger (20).

[0070] The air conditioner includes a third refrigerant pipe (60) connecting the first refrigerant pipe (40) and the second refrigerant pipe (50).

[0071] The first heat exchanger (20) includes a plurality of parts (22, 24, 26) through which a refrigerant flows. The first heat exchanger (20) includes a first part (22), a second part (24), and a third part (26). Each of the first part (22), the second part (24), and the third part (26) may be connected in series or in parallel.

[0072] The first refrigerant pipe (40) includes a first-1 refrigerant pipe (42) connected to the first part (22). The first refrigerant pipe (40) includes a first-2 refrigerant pipe (44) connected to the first-1 refrigerant pipe (42) and connected to the second part (24). The first refrigerant pipe (40) includes a first-3 refrigerant pipe (46) connected to the first-2 refrigerant pipe (44) and connected to the third part (26).

[0073] The first-1 refrigerant pipe (42) is connected to the first part (22) through the first header (47). The first-2 refrigerant pipe (44) is connected to the first part (22) through the second header (48). The first-3 refrigerant pipe (46) is connected to the third part (26) through the third header (49).

[0074] The second refrigerant pipe (50) includes a second-1 refrigerant pipe (52) connected to each of the first part (22) and the second part (24).

[0075] A first distributor (56) may be placed in the second-1 refrigerant pipe (52). Through the first distributor (56), the first part (22) and the second part (24) are each connected to the second-1 refrigerant pipe (52). A first outdoor expansion valve (30) is placed in the second-1 refrigerant pipe (52).

[0076] The first distributor (56) can send the refrigerant flowing from the first part (22) and the second part (24), respectively, to the second-1 refrigerant pipe (52). Additionally, the first distributor (56) can connect the first part (22) and the second part (24) to each other. That is, the first distributor (56) can send the refrigerant flowing from the first part (22) to the second part (24), or send the refrigerant flowing from the second part (24) to the first part (22).

[0077] The second refrigerant pipe (50) includes a second-2 refrigerant pipe (54) connected to the third part (26). A second outdoor expansion valve (32) is placed in the second-2 refrigerant pipe (54).

[0078] A second distributor (58) is disposed at the end of the second-2 refrigerant pipe (54). The second distributor (58) connects the second-2 refrigerant pipe (54) and a plurality of passes of the third part (26).

[0079] The third refrigerant pipe (60) connects the second-1 refrigerant pipe (52) and the first-3 refrigerant pipe (46).

[0080] A first valve (62) is provided in the first-2 refrigerant pipe (44). The first valve (62) can connect or disconnect the first-1 refrigerant pipe (42) and the first-2 refrigerant pipe (44).

[0081] A second valve (64) is provided in the first-third refrigerant pipe (46). The second valve (64) can connect or disconnect the first-third refrigerant pipe (44) and the first-third refrigerant pipe (46).

[0082] A third valve (66) is provided in the third refrigerant pipe (60). The third valve (66) can connect or disconnect the first refrigerant pipe (40) and the second refrigerant pipe (50). The third valve (66) can connect or disconnect the second-1 refrigerant pipe (52) and the first-3 refrigerant pipe (46).

[0083] The first outdoor expansion valve (30) is positioned in the second-1 refrigerant pipe (52). The first outdoor expansion valve (30) is positioned after the second-1 refrigerant pipe (52) is connected to the third refrigerant pipe (60).

[0084] That is, at a location between the area where the first outdoor expansion valve (30) is placed and the area where the first distributor (56) is placed, the third refrigerant pipe (60) is connected to the second-first refrigerant pipe (52).

[0085] Each of the first part (22), the second part (24), and the third part (26) is provided with a plurality of passes through which the refrigerant flows. Here, a pass may refer to a refrigerant pipe connected in parallel with one another. Accordingly, a plurality of passes may mean that a plurality of refrigerant pipes connected in parallel with one another are formed in the heat exchanger.

[0086] The number of passes can refer to the number of refrigerant pipes connected in parallel.

[0087] The first part (22) may include more passes than the second part (24) and the third part (26). The third part (26) may include more passes than the second part (24).

[0088] In one embodiment, the first part (22) may include 22 passes, the second part (24) may include 10 passes, and the third part (26) may include 16 passes.

[0089] When the first part (22) and the second part (24) are connected in parallel, the number of refrigerant pipes can be connected in parallel equal to the sum of the passes included in each of the first part (22) and the second part (24).

[0090] Referring to FIG. 3, the flow of refrigerant in the first heat exchanger in the first mode of the air conditioner is explained.

[0091] The first mode may be a cooling operation mode in which the first heat exchanger (20) is used as a condenser. Additionally, the first mode may be a high-load cooling operation in which a high load occurs on the second heat exchanger (16).

[0092] In the first mode, the first valve (62) and the third valve (66) are opened. The second valve (64) closes the first-third refrigerant pipe (46).

[0093] In the first mode, the first outdoor expansion valve (30) is closed. In the first mode, the second outdoor expansion valve (32) is opened.

[0094] In the first mode, the first part (22) and the second part (24) are connected in parallel. The refrigerant discharged from each of the first part (22) and the second part (24) flows through the third part (26). The third part (26) is connected in series with the first part (22) and the second part (24).

[0095] In the first mode, the refrigerant flows through a number of passes equal to the sum of the passes of the first part (22) and the second part (24). Afterwards, the refrigerant flows through a pass included in the third part (26).

[0096] In one embodiment, the flow of the refrigerant is described based on the case where the first part (22) includes 22 passes, the second part (24) includes 10 passes, and the third part (26) includes 16 passes.

[0097] In the first mode, after the refrigerant flows through 32 passes, which are the sum of the passes of the first part (22) and the second part (24), the refrigerant can flow through 16 passes included in the third part (26).

[0098] Since the first mode is a high-load cooling operation mode, the first part (22) and the second part (24) are connected in parallel to increase the number of passes of the refrigerant flowing into the first heat exchanger (20). That is, the first part (22) and the second part (24) are connected in parallel.

[0099] As the number of passes increases, the heat exchange area increases, which can improve heat exchange performance.

[0100] Referring to FIG. 4, the flow of refrigerant in the first heat exchanger in the second mode of the air conditioner is explained.

[0101] The second mode may be a cooling operation mode in which the first heat exchanger (20) is used as a condenser. Additionally, the second mode may be a cooling low-load operation in which a low load occurs on the second heat exchanger (16).

[0102] In the second mode, the first valve (62) closes the first-second refrigerant pipe (44). In the second mode, the third valve (66) closes the third refrigerant pipe (60). In the second mode, the second valve (64) opens the first-third refrigerant pipe (46).

[0103] In the second mode, the first outdoor expansion valve (30) is closed. In the second mode, the second outdoor expansion valve (32) is opened.

[0104] In the second mode, the first part (22) and the second part (24) are connected in series. The refrigerant discharged from the first part (22) flows into the second part (24). The second part (24) and the third part (26) are connected in series. The refrigerant discharged from the second part (24) flows into the third part (26).

[0105] In the second mode, the refrigerant discharged from the compressor (10) flows sequentially through the first part (22), the second part (24), and the third part (26).

[0106] In one embodiment, the flow of the refrigerant is described based on the case where the first part (22) includes 22 passes, the second part (24) includes 10 passes, and the third part (26) includes 16 passes.

[0107] In the second mode, the refrigerant flows through 22 passes included in the first part (22), and then, after the refrigerant flows through 10 passes included in the second part (24), the refrigerant can flow through 16 passes included in the third part (26).

[0108] Since the second mode is a cooling low-load operation mode, the first part (22), the second part (24), and the third part (26) are all connected in series. By reducing the number of passes of the refrigerant flowing into and into the first heat exchanger (20), the flow rate of the refrigerant flowing in each part can be increased. Accordingly, as the flow rate of the refrigerant and the heat transfer coefficient increase, the heat exchange performance of the first heat exchanger (20) can be improved.

[0109] Referring to FIG. 5, the flow of the refrigerant in the first heat exchanger in the third mode of the air conditioner is explained.

[0110] The third mode may be a heating operation mode in which the first heat exchanger (20) is used as an evaporator. Additionally, the third mode may be a low-load heating operation in which a low load occurs on the second heat exchanger (16).

[0111] In the third mode, the first valve (62) opens the first-second refrigerant pipe (44). In the third mode, the second valve (64) opens the first-third refrigerant pipe (46). In the third mode, the third valve (66) closes the third refrigerant pipe (60).

[0112] In the third mode, the first outdoor expansion valve (30) and the second outdoor expansion valve (32) are opened.

[0113] In the third mode, the refrigerant flowing from the liquid pipe flows into the first heat exchanger (20). The refrigerant discharged from the first heat exchanger (20) flows into the compressor (10).

[0114] In the third mode, the first part (22), the second part (24), and the third part (26) are connected in parallel.

[0115] In the third mode, the refrigerant flowing from the liquid pipe (80) is supplied simultaneously to the first part (22), the second part (24), and the third part (26). The refrigerant discharged from each of the first part (22), the second part (24), and the third part (26) flows to the compressor (10).

[0116] In one embodiment, the flow of the refrigerant is described based on the case where the first part (22) includes 22 passes, the second part (24) includes 10 passes, and the third part (26) includes 16 passes.

[0117] In the third mode, the first part (22), the second part (24), and the third part (26) are connected in parallel. Accordingly, in the third mode, the refrigerant flowing from the liquid pipe (80) flows through 48 passes, which is the sum of the passes of each of the first part (22), the second part (24), and the third part (26).

[0118] Since the third mode is a heating operation mode, the first part (22), the second part (24), and the third part (26) are all connected in parallel. By increasing the number of passes of the refrigerant flowing into and into the first heat exchanger (20), the residence time of the refrigerant flowing through the first heat exchanger (20) can be increased. Therefore, since more heat is absorbed in the evaporator, the performance of the first heat exchanger can be improved.

[0119] Referring to FIG. 6, the flow of refrigerant in the first heat exchanger in the fourth mode of the air conditioner is explained.

[0120] The fourth mode may be a heating operation mode in which the first heat exchanger (20) is used as an evaporator. Additionally, the fourth mode may be a high-load heating operation in which a high load occurs on the second heat exchanger (16).

[0121] In the fourth mode, the first valve (62) closes the first-second refrigerant pipe (44). In the fourth mode, the second valve (64) opens the first-third refrigerant pipe (46). In the fourth mode, the third valve (66) closes the third refrigerant pipe (60).

[0122] In the fourth mode, the first outdoor expansion valve (30) is closed. In the fourth mode, the second outdoor expansion valve (32) is opened.

[0123] In the fourth mode, the refrigerant flowing from the liquid pipe flows into the first heat exchanger (20). The refrigerant discharged from the first heat exchanger (20) flows into the compressor (10).

[0124] In the fourth mode, the first part (22), the second part (24), and the third part (26) are connected in series.

[0125] In the fourth mode, the third part (26) and the second part (24) are connected in series. The refrigerant discharged from the third part (26) flows into the second part (24). The second part (24) and the first part (22) are connected in series. The refrigerant discharged from the second part (24) flows into the first part (22).

[0126] In the fourth mode, the refrigerant discharged from the compressor (10) flows sequentially through the third part (26), the second part (24), and the first part (22).

[0127] In one embodiment, the flow of the refrigerant is described based on the case where the first part (22) includes 22 passes, the second part (24) includes 10 passes, and the third part (26) includes 16 passes.

[0128] In the fourth mode, the refrigerant flows through 16 passes included in the third part (26), and then, after the refrigerant flows through 10 passes included in the second part (24), the refrigerant can flow through 22 passes included in the first part (22).

[0129] Since the fourth mode is a high-load heating operation mode, the first part (22), the second part (24), and the third part (26) are all connected in series. Under high-load heating conditions, the refrigerant flow rate can be increased to improve heat exchange performance.

[0130] Referring to FIG. 7, the first heat exchanger and surrounding connection structure according to the second embodiment will be described.

[0131] The difference from the first heat exchanger according to the first embodiment described in FIG. 2 is explained.

[0132] The air conditioner includes a second refrigerant pipe (50) through which liquid refrigerant flows, which is connected to a first heat exchanger (20). A first refrigerant pipe (40) is connected to one side of the first heat exchanger (20), and a second refrigerant pipe (50) is connected to the other side of the first heat exchanger (20).

[0133] The air conditioner includes a third refrigerant pipe (60) connecting the first refrigerant pipe (40) and the second refrigerant pipe (50).

[0134] The second refrigerant pipe (50) includes a second-1 refrigerant pipe (52) connected to each of the first part (22) and the second part (24).

[0135] The second-1 refrigerant pipe (52) can be branched into a first branch pipe (52a) and a second branch pipe (52b). The second-1 refrigerant pipe (52) can be connected to each of the first part (22) and the second part (24) through a liquid observation header (59).

[0136] Each of the first branch pipe (52a) and the second branch pipe (52b) can be connected to a liquid observation header (59). The liquid observation header (59) is connected to each of the first part (22) and the second part (24).

[0137] The liquid observation header (59) can send the refrigerant flowing from the first part (22) and the second part (24) to the second-1 refrigerant pipe (52).

[0138] The liquid observation header (59) can send the refrigerant flowing through the second part (24) to the first part (22). Additionally, it is possible to send the refrigerant flowing through the first part (22) to the second part (24).

[0139] The second-1 refrigerant pipe (52) is connected to the third refrigerant pipe (60).

[0140] In the structure according to the present embodiment, the flow of the refrigerant may be the same as the flow of the refrigerant in the structure according to the first embodiment described through FIGS. 3 to 6.

[0141] Referring to FIG. 8, the first heat exchanger and surrounding connection structure according to the third embodiment will be described.

[0142] Based on the structure illustrated in Fig. 2, the configuration added in Fig. 8 will be explained.

[0143] The air conditioner includes a discharge pipe (70) through which refrigerant discharged from the compressor (10) flows. The discharge pipe (70) can connect the compressor (10) and the switching valve (12).

[0144] In the structure according to the present embodiment, the air conditioner includes a first connecting pipe (72) connecting the second-1 refrigerant pipe (52) and the discharge pipe (70), and a second connecting pipe (74) connecting the second-2 refrigerant pipe (54) and the discharge pipe (70).

[0145] A first connecting pipe valve (76) is provided in the first connecting pipe (72) to form or block the flow of refrigerant into the first connecting pipe (72). When the first connecting pipe valve (76) opens the first connecting pipe (72), the refrigerant discharged from the compressor (10) can flow into the second-1 refrigerant pipe (52).

[0146] A second connecting pipe valve (78) is provided in the second connecting pipe (74) to form or block the flow of refrigerant into the second connecting pipe (74). When the second connecting pipe valve (78) opens the second connecting pipe (74), the refrigerant discharged from the compressor (10) can flow into the second-2 refrigerant pipe (54).

[0147] The air conditioner according to the present embodiment is capable of refrigerant flow in the first to fourth modes according to FIGS. 3 to 6. In this case, the first connecting pipe valve (76) and the second connecting pipe valve (78) each close the first connecting pipe (72) and the second connecting pipe (74).

[0148] Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, the flow of refrigerant in the first heat exchanger in the first split defrosting mode and the second split defrosting mode is explained.

[0149] The first split defrosting mode and the second split defrosting mode can perform defrosting and heating operations simultaneously.

[0150] Referring to FIG. 8, the flow of the refrigerant in the first heat exchanger in the first split defrosting mode is explained.

[0151] In the first split defrosting mode, the first part (22) and the second part (24) positioned at the top are used as condensers, and the third part (26) can be used as an evaporator. That is, the third part (26) positioned at the bottom is used as an evaporator, and the first part (22) and the second part (24) positioned at the top are defrosted.

[0152] In the first split defrosting mode, the first connecting pipe valve (76) opens the first connecting pipe (72). In the first split defrosting mode, the second connecting pipe valve (78) closes the second connecting pipe (74).

[0153] In the first split defrosting mode, the first valve (62) and the second valve (64) are opened. In the first split defrosting mode, the third valve (66) is closed.

[0154] In the air conditioner, a portion of the refrigerant flowing from the compressor (10) through the discharge pipe (70) flows to the first part (22) and the second part (24) through the first connecting pipe (72), thereby allowing the first part (22) and the second part (24) to be defrosted.

[0155] The refrigerant flowing through the liquid pipe can flow to the third part (26) to exchange heat. The refrigerant that has exchanged heat in the third part (26) can flow to the compressor.

[0156] Referring to FIG. 9, the flow of the refrigerant in the first heat exchanger in the second split defrosting mode is explained.

[0157] In the second split defrosting mode, the first part (22) and the second part (24) positioned at the top are used as evaporators, and the third part (26) is used as a condenser. That is, the first part (22) and the second part (24) positioned at the top are used as evaporators, and the third part (26) positioned at the bottom is defrosted.

[0158] In the second split defrosting mode, the first connecting pipe valve (76) closes the first connecting pipe (72). In the second split defrosting mode, the second connecting pipe valve (78) opens the second connecting pipe (74).

[0159] In the second split defrosting mode, the first valve (62) and the second valve (64) are opened. In the second split defrosting mode, the third valve (66) is closed.

[0160] In the air conditioner, a portion of the refrigerant flowing from the compressor (10) through the discharge pipe (70) flows to the third part (26) through the second connecting pipe (74), thereby allowing the third part (26) to be defrosted.

[0161] The refrigerant flowing through the liquid pipe can flow to the first part (22) and the second part (24) to exchange heat. The refrigerant that has exchanged heat in the first part (22) and the second part (24) can flow to the compressor.

[0162] Although preferred embodiments of the present disclosure have been illustrated and described above, the present disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments described above. Various modifications are possible by those skilled in the art without departing from the essence of the present disclosure as claimed in the claims, and such modifications should not be understood individually from the technical spirit or perspective of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A compressor that compresses refrigerant; A first heat exchanger having a first part, a second part, and a third part, which exchanges heat with air for the refrigerant discharged from the above compressor; A second heat exchanger for heat-exchanging the refrigerant discharged from the above compressor; A first refrigerant pipe connected to the first heat exchanger and through which gaseous refrigerant flows; A second refrigerant pipe connected to the first heat exchanger and through which a liquid refrigerant flows; and It includes a third refrigerant pipe connecting the first refrigerant pipe and the second refrigerant pipe, Each of the above-mentioned first part, the above-mentioned second part, and the above-mentioned third part has a plurality of refrigerant passes, and The second refrigerant pipe includes a second-1 refrigerant pipe connected to each of the first part and the second part, and a second-2 refrigerant pipe connected to the third part. The above third refrigerant pipe is an air conditioner connecting the above first refrigerant pipe and the above second-1 refrigerant pipe.

2. In Paragraph 1, It includes a first-1 refrigerant pipe connected to the first part, a first-2 refrigerant pipe connected to the second part and connected to the first-1 refrigerant pipe, and a first-3 refrigerant pipe connected to the third part and connected to the first-2 refrigerant pipe. The above third refrigerant pipe is an air conditioner connecting the above first-third refrigerant pipe and the above second-first refrigerant pipe.

3. In Paragraph 2, A first valve is disposed in the first-2 refrigerant pipe to connect or block the first-1 refrigerant pipe and the first-2 refrigerant pipe from each other, and An air conditioner having a second valve disposed in the first-third refrigerant pipe to connect or block the first-second refrigerant pipe and the first-third refrigerant pipe.

4. In Paragraph 3, An air conditioner in which a third valve is disposed in the third refrigerant pipe to connect or block the second-1 refrigerant pipe and the first-3 refrigerant pipe.

5. In Paragraph 1, An air conditioner in which a distributor connecting the first part and the second part is disposed at the end of the above 2-1 refrigerant pipe.

6. In Paragraph 5, A first outdoor expansion valve is disposed in the above 2-1 refrigerant pipe to expand the refrigerant flowing to the above 1 heat exchanger, and A second outdoor expansion valve is disposed in the above 2-2 refrigerant pipe to expand the refrigerant flowing to the above 1 heat exchanger, and An air conditioner in which the third refrigerant pipe is connected to the second-first refrigerant pipe between the above distributor and the above first outdoor expansion valve.

7. In Paragraph 1, Each of the above-mentioned first part, the above-mentioned second part, and the above-mentioned third part has a plurality of passes through which a refrigerant flows, and The first part, the second part, and the third part are air conditioners comprising a different number of passes.

8. In Paragraph 7, The first part above includes more passes than the second part and the third part, and The above third part is an air conditioner that includes more passes than the above second part.

9. In Paragraph 4, The above air conditioner operates in a first mode in which the first heat exchanger is used as a condenser and a high load occurs on the second heat exchanger, or in a second mode in which the first heat exchanger is used as a condenser and a low load occurs on the second heat exchanger. In the first mode above, An air conditioner in which the first part and the second part are connected in parallel, and the refrigerant flowing from the first part and the second part flows through the third part.

10. In Paragraph 9, In the first mode above, The above first valve opens the above first-second refrigerant pipe, and The second valve above closes the first-third refrigerant pipes, and The above third valve is an air conditioner that opens the above third refrigerant pipe.

11. In Paragraph 10, An air conditioner in which, in the first mode above, the first outdoor expansion valve disposed in the 2-1 refrigerant pipe is closed and the second outdoor expansion valve disposed in the 2-2 refrigerant pipe is opened.

12. In Paragraph 4, The above air conditioner operates in a first mode in which the first heat exchanger is used as a condenser and a high load occurs on the second heat exchanger, or in a second mode in which the first heat exchanger is used as a condenser and a low load occurs on the second heat exchanger. In the above second mode, The refrigerant flowing from the first part flows through the second part, and An air conditioner in which a refrigerant flowing from the second part flows through the third part.

13. In Paragraph 12, In the above second mode, The above first valve closes the above first-second refrigerant pipe, and The second valve above opens the first-third refrigerant pipes, and The above third valve is an air conditioner that closes the above third refrigerant pipe.

14. In Paragraph 13, An air conditioner in which, in the above second mode, the first outdoor expansion valve disposed in the 2-1 refrigerant pipe is closed and the second outdoor expansion valve disposed in the 2-2 refrigerant pipe is opened.

15. In Paragraph 4, The above air conditioner operates in a third mode in which the first heat exchanger is used as an evaporator and a low load occurs on the second heat exchanger, or in a fourth mode in which the first heat exchanger is used as an evaporator and a high load occurs on the second heat exchanger. In the above third mode, The above first part, the above second part, and the above third part are connected in parallel to each other in an air conditioner.

16. In Paragraph 15, In the above third mode, The above first valve opens the above first-second refrigerant pipe, and The second valve above opens the first-third refrigerant pipes, and The above third valve is an air conditioner that closes the above third refrigerant pipe.

17. In Paragraph 16, In the above third mode, the first outdoor expansion valve disposed in the 2-1 refrigerant pipe and the second outdoor expansion valve disposed in the 2-2 refrigerant pipe are both opened in the air conditioner.

18. In Paragraph 4, The above air conditioner operates in a third mode in which the first heat exchanger is used as an evaporator and a low load occurs on the second heat exchanger, or in a fourth mode in which the first heat exchanger is used as an evaporator and a high load occurs on the second heat exchanger. In the above fourth mode, The refrigerant flowing from the above third part flows through the above second part, and An air conditioner in which a refrigerant flowing from the second part flows through the first part.

19. In Paragraph 18, In the above fourth mode, The above first valve closes the above first-second refrigerant pipe, and The second valve above opens the first-third refrigerant pipes, and The above third valve is an air conditioner that closes the above third refrigerant pipe.

20. In Paragraph 19, An air conditioner in which, in the above second mode, the first outdoor expansion valve disposed in the 2-1 refrigerant pipe is closed and the second outdoor expansion valve disposed in the 2-2 refrigerant pipe is opened.

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