EP4495507A1

EP4495507A1 - Heat supply apparatus

Info

Publication number: EP4495507A1
Application number: EP24189096.1A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Jeongseob SHIN; Doyong Ha; Seungtaek Oh; Hyunjong KIM; Kyongmin Kwon
Original assignee: LG Electronics Inc
Current assignee: LG Electronics Inc
Priority date: 2023-07-19
Filing date: 2024-07-17
Publication date: 2025-01-22
Also published as: CN119334014A; US20250027677A1; KR20250014102A

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a heat supply apparatus. The heat supply apparatus according to the present disclosure comprises: a compressor compressing refrigerant; a first heat exchanger being connected to the compressor through a refrigerant pipe and exchanging heat between refrigerant and water; and a second heat exchanger being connected to the compressor through a refrigerant pipe and having a plurality of pipes exchanging heat between refrigerant and air, wherein the plurality of pipes include: a first pipe disposed in the lowermost part; and the second pipesdisposed above the first pipe, wherein the first pipe directs refrigerant flow in the opposite direction to the refrigerant flow in the remaining pipes.

Description

The present disclosure relates to a heat supply apparatus and more specifically, to a heat exchanger having a piping structure for improving defrosting performance and a heat supply apparatus including the heat exchanger.
A heating system including a gas boiler supplies a heat source heated by the gas boiler to a load such as underfloor heating or a hot water tank through pipes. The pipes connecting the gas boiler and the load may be disposed buried within the building.
However, European countries are replacing gas boilers with heat supply apparatuses that utilize heat exchange between water and refrigerant to reduce carbon emissions and minimize the use of refrigerant.
The conventional heat exchanger disclosed in FIG. 1 includes a case 961; a plurality of refrigerant pipes 965 through which refrigerant flows and arranged in the vertical direction; and an outdoor fan 962 forming airflow passing through the plurality of refrigerant pipes 965; during heating operation, refrigerant flows in the order from the outer row to the inner row of the plurality of refrigerant pipes 965, and during defrosting operation, the refrigerant flows in the order from the inner row to the outer row of the plurality of refrigerant pipes 965.
The conventional heat exchanger has a problem in that frosting and freezing occur on the outer surface of an outdoor unit during heating operation. Since frosting and freezing degrade the heating performance of the heat exchanger, a defrosting operation process is required to remove them during the heating operation. However, the heating operation performance deteriorates as the defrosting operation time increases.
During the defrosting operation, as high-temperature refrigerant discharged from the compressor flows into the outdoor unit, frost and ice formed on the outer surface of the outdoor unit may be removed. However, the conventional heat exchanger has a problem that the defrosting performance of the outer surface may not be maximized because high-temperature refrigerant discharged from the compressor flows through a plurality of refrigerant pipes in the order from the inner row to the outer row. On the contrary, the refrigerant temperature decreases as the refrigerant flows from the inner row to the outer row, thereby deteriorating the defrosting performance.
In particular, although frosting and freezing begins intensively at the lower part of the outdoor unit disposed in the outdoor space during heating operation, conventional heat exchangers are unable to efficiently remove frost and ice in that area.
European registered patent No. EP 3147622 B1 (publication date: 2018. 09. 12 )
An object of the present disclosure is to provide a heat supply apparatus with improved heating performance.
Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a heat supply apparatus with improved defrosting performance.
Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide a heat supply apparatus with reduced defrosting time.
Still another object of the present disclosure is to provide a heat supply apparatus with reduced frost accumulation.
Further another object of the present disclosure is to provide a heat supply apparatus that extends the time before frosting or freezing occurs after the start of heating operation.
Yet still another object of the present disclosure is to provide a heat supply apparatus with improved frosting resistance at the lowermost part of the outdoor unit.
The technical effects of the present disclosure are not limited to the technical effects described above, and other technical effects not mentioned herein may be understood to those skilled in the art to which the present disclosure belongs from the description below.
The invention is specified by the independent claim. Preferred embodiments are defined in the dependent claims. According to one aspect of the present disclosure to achieve the object above, a heat supply apparatus may comprise a compressor compressing refrigerant; a first heat exchanger being connected to the compressor through a refrigerant pipe and exchanging heat between refrigerant and water; and a second heat exchanger being connected to the compressor through a refrigerant pipe and having a plurality of pipes exchanging heat between refrigerant and air, wherein the plurality of pipes include: a first pipe disposed in the lowermost part; and a plurality of second pipes disposed above the first pipe, wherein the first pipe directs refrigerant flow in the opposite direction to the refrigerant flow in the remaining pipes, causing the refrigerant flows of the lowermost pipe and the second pipes to be in different directions.
The second heat exchanger may include a first distributor disposed in a first direction based on the plurality of pipes and adjacent to the compressor; a plurality of connection pipes connecting the first distributor and one ends of each of the plurality of pipes; a second distributor disposed in a second direction that is different from the first direction based on the plurality of pipes; and a plurality of distribution pipes connecting the second distributor and the other ends of each of the plurality of pipes, wherein the plurality of connection pipes includes a first connection pipe connected to the first pipe, wherein the plurality of distribution pipes includes a first distribution pipe connected to the first pipe. The first pipe includes: a first pipe one end tube connected to the first connection pipe; and a first pipe other end tube connected to the first distribution pipe.
The first pipe one end tube is spaced apart from the first pipe other end tube in the first direction.
The first pipe other end tube is spaced apart from the first pipe one end tube in the second direction.
The plurality of connection pipes includes a plurality of second connection pipe connected to each of the plurality of second pipe. The plurality of distribution pipes includes a plurality of second distribution pipe connected to each of the plurality of second pipe. Each of the plurality of second pipes includes a second pipe one end tube connected to each of the plurality of second connection pipes; and an second pipe other end tube connected to each of the second remaining distribution pipes. The second pipe one end tube is spaced apart from the second pipe other end tube in the second direction.
The second heat exchanger may include: an outdoor fan that forms airflow passing through the plurality of pipes. The outdoor fan forms airflow that flows from the first direction to the second direction.
The second heat exchanger may include: a case that accommodates the plurality of pipes and has an inlet through which air flows into the case. The first pipe is spaced upward from the bottom of the periphery forming the inlet.
The first pipe one end tube is located below the first pipe other end tube.
The plurality of connection pipes includes a plurality of second connection pipe connected to each of the plurality of second pipe. The plurality of distribution pipes includes a plurality of second distribution pipe connected to each of the plurality of second pipe. Each of the plurality of second pipes includes: a second pipe one end tube connected to each of the plurality of second connection pipes; and an second pipe other end tube connected to each of the second remaining distribution pipes. The second pipe other end tube and the first pipe one end tube are located on a first row. The second pipe one end tube and the first other end tube are located on the second row spaced apart from the first row in the second dirrection.
The second heat exchanger may include: a valve that opens the first pipe during defrosting operation to allow refrigerant to flow or closes the first pipe during heating operation to block the flow of the refrigerant, thereby controlling the refrigerant flow in the first pipe.
The second heat exchanger may include: a plurality of connection pipes connecting the first distributor and one ends of each of the plurality of pipes; a second distributor disposed in a second direction that is different from the first direction based on the plurality of pipes; and a plurality of distribution pipes connecting the second distributor and the other ends of each of the plurality of pipes. The valve is disposed in the first distribution pipe connected to the first pipe.
The valve is disposed in the first connection pipe connected to the first pipe among the plurality of connection pipes and co ntrols the refrigerant flow in the first pipe according to heating operation and defrosting operation.
According to one aspect of the present disclosure to achieve the object above, a heat supply apparatus may comprise a compressor compressing refrigerant; a first heat exchanger being connected to the compressor through a refrigerant pipe and exchanging heat between refrigerant and water; and a second heat exchanger being connected to the compressor through a refrigerant pipe and exchanging heat between refrigerant and air. The second heat exchanger includes: a first distributor disposed in a first direction based on the plurality of pipes and adjacent to the compressor; a plurality of connection pipes connecting the first distributor and one ends of each of the plurality of pipes; a second distributor disposed in a second direction that is different from the first direction based on the plurality of pipes; and a plurality of distribution pipes connecting the second distributor and the other ends of each of the plurality of pipes. The plurality of pipes include: a first pipe disposed in the lowermost part; and a plurality second pipes disposed above the first pipe. The plurality of connection pipes includes a first connection pipe connected to the first pipe. The plurality of distribution pipes includes a first distribution pipe connected to the first pipe. The first pipe includes: a first one end tube connected to the first connection pipe; and a first other end tube connected to the first distribution pipe; the first other end tube is disposed below first one end tube.
The first pipe may include: a plurality of first tubes arranged in a first row formed vertically and including the first one end tube; and a plurality of second tubes disposed in a second row formed vertically and including the first other end tube. The first row is spaced apart from the second row in the first direction. The uppermost tube among the plurality of first tubes is connected to the lowermost tube among the plurality of second tubes.
The first pipe may include: a plurality of first tubes arranged in a first row formed vertically and including the first one end tube; and a plurality of second tubes disposed in a second row formed vertically and including the first other end tube. The first row is spaced apart from the second row in the first direction. Refrigerant flows through the plurality of first tubes and the plurality of second tubes in an alternate manner.
Specifics of other embodiments are provided in the detailed descriptions and drawings below.
According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, flow direction of the lowermost pipe is opposite to the flow direction of the remaining pipes, thereby improving defrosting performance of the lowermost part of the heat exchanger.
According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, the first one end tube is separated outward from the first other end tube, causing high-temperature refrigerant of the first pipe to flow from an outer row to an inner row during defro sting operation. Through the structure above, the distance between the high-temperature refrigerant and frost and ice formed on the outer surface of the heat exchanger becomes closer, thereby improving defrosting performance.
According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, the first one end tube is located on the outermost side of the plurality of pipes, allowing high-temperature refrigerant flowing into the first one end tube to remove frost and ice formed on the outer surface of the heat exchanger more directly.
According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, during a defrost operation, the first other end tube through which refrigerant at a relatively low-temperature flows is located at the innermost side of the plurality of pipes, thereby minimizing degradation of defrosting performance due to the low-temperature refrigerant during defrosting operation.
According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, the lowermost pipe is separated upward from the bottom of the periphery forming the inlet of the case, preventing frost and ice formed in the lowermost part of the case from being transferred to the lowermost pipe during heating operation.
According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, the first one end tube is located below the first other end tube, thereby allowing the first one end tube through which high-temperature refrigerant flows to effectively remove frost and ice formed in the lower part of the heat exchanger during defrosting operation and minimizing degradation of defrosting performance of the lower part of the heat exchanger due to the first other end tube through which low-temperature refrigerant flow.
According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, a valve controls the refrigerant flow in the lowermost pipe according to the operation mode of the heat supply apparatus, blocks the refrigerant flow in the lowermost pipe to reduce formation of frost and ice from being formed during heating operation, and remove frost and ice by forming a refrigerant flow in the lowermost pipe during defrosting operation. Through the process above, frost accumulation may be reduced, and time for defrosting may be shortened, thereby improving defrosting performance of the heat supply apparatus.
According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, since the first one end tube is located at the bottom of the lowermost pipe, the first other end tube is located at the top of the lowermost pipe, and high-temperature refrigerant flows from the lower side of the lowermost pipe to the upper side thereof during defrosting operation, frost and ice formed in the lower part of the heat exchanger may be removed more effectively.
The technical effects of the present disclosure are not limited to the technical effects described above, and other technical effects not mentioned herein may be understood to those skilled in the art to which the present disclosure belongs from the description below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a conventional outdoor heat exchanger.
FIG. 2 illustrates a cycle of the outdoor unit side of a heat supply apparatus according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a second heat exchanger according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 4 illustrates a refrigerant flow mechanism of the second heat exchanger during heating operation according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 5 illustrates a refrigerant flow mechanism of the second heat exchanger during defrosting or heating operation according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of a second heat exchanger according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of a second heat exchanger according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 8 illustrates a refrigerant flow mechanism of the second heat exchanger during heating operation according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 9 illustrates a refrigerant flow mechanism of the second heat exchanger during defrosting or heating operation according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of a second heat exchanger according to still another embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram of a second heat exchanger according to further another embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram of a second heat exchanger according to yet still another embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of a second heat exchanger according to yet further another embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram of a second heat exchanger according to still yet another embodiment of the present disclosure.

In the following, embodiments disclosed in this document will be described in detail with reference to appended drawings. The same or similar constituting elements are given the same reference number irrespective of their drawing symbols, and repeated descriptions thereof will be omitted.
The suffixes "module" and "unit" for the constituting elements used in the following descriptions are assigned or used interchangeably only for the convenience of writing the present document and do not have separate meanings or roles distinguished from each other.
Also, it should be understood that the appended drawings are intended only to help understand embodiments disclosed in the present document and do not limit the technical principles and scope of the present disclosure; rather, it should be understood that the appended drawings include all of the modifications, equivalents, or substitutes belonging to the technical principles and scope of the present disclosure.
Also, terms including an ordinal number such as first or second may be used to describe various constituting elements of the present disclosure, but the constituting elements should not be limited by these terms. Those terms are used only for the purpose of distinguishing one constituting element from the others.
If a constituting element is said to be "connected" or "attached" to other constituting element, the former may be connected or attached directly to the other constituting element, but there may be a case in which another constituting element is present between the two constituting elements. On the other hand, if a constituting element is said to be "directly connected" or "directly attached" to other constituting element, it should be understood that there is no other constituting element between the two constituting elements.
A singular expression should be understood to indicate a plural expression unless otherwise explicitly stated.
In the present disclosure, the term "include" or "have" is used to indicate existence of an embodied feature, number, step, operation, constituting element, component, or a combination thereof; and should not be understood to preclude the existence or possibility of adding one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, constituting elements, components, or a combination thereof.
The direction indications of up (D), down (D), left (Le), right (Ri), front (F), and rear (R) shown in the accompanying drawings are introduced only for the convenience of description, and it should be understood that the technical principles disclosed in the present disclosure are not limited by the indications.
Referring to FIG. 2, the heat supply apparatus 1 may comprise a compressor 10 compressing refrigerant, a first heat exchanger 30 exchanging heat between refrigerant and water, a second heat exchanger 60 exchanging heat between refrigerant and outdoor air, and an expansion device 40 disposed between the first heat exchanger 30 and the second heat exchanger 60.

<AWHP>

The heat supply apparatus 1 may be an Air to Water Heat Pump (AWHP) that exchanges heat between water and refrigerant. The AWHP may warm up the indoor space or supply hot water by using the heat energy from the outdoor air to warm up the water circulating the indoor space. The AWHP may be mainly used for heating and hot water supply in cold regions. Conversely, AWHP may transfer the heat energy in the indoor space to the refrigerant circulating the outdoor unit through water circulating in the indoor space, and the refrigerant may discharge the heat energy transferred from the indoor space to the outdoor space. Through the above process, AWHP may also cool down indoor spaces or supply cold water.
The compressor 10, the first heat exchanger 30, the second heat exchanger 60, and the expansion device 40 may constitute an outdoor unit. The water pipe 90 through which water circulating in the indoor space flows may be connected to the first heat exchanger 30. The water pipe 90 may include an inlet pipe 92 through which water flows into the first heat exchanger 30 and an outlet pipe 94 through which water is discharged from the first heat exchanger 30. Both the water inlet pipe 92 and the water outlet pipe 94 may be connected to the first heat exchanger 30. The pump 93 that introduces water into the first heat exchanger 30 may be disposed in the water inlet pipe 92. The water circulating the water pipe 90 may exchange heat with the refrigerant circulating the refrigerant pipe 80 in the first heat exchanger 30. Through the above process, the heat supply apparatus 1 may warm up or cool down the indoor space.

The heat supply apparatus 1 may include a refrigerant pipe 80 connecting the compressor 10, the first heat exchanger 30, and the second heat exchanger 60. The refrigerant pipe 80 may form a closed circuit. The refrigerant discharged from the compressor 10 may circulate through the refrigerant pipe 80.
The refrigerant pipe 80 may include a first refrigerant pipe 81 connected to the first heat exchanger 30, a second refrigerant pipe 82 connecting the first heat exchanger 30 and the expansion device 40, a third refrigerant pipe 83 connecting the expansion device 40 and the second heat exchanger 60, and a fourth refrigerant pipe 84 connected to the second heat exchanger 60. The first refrigerant pipe 81 may be located between the compressor 10 and the first heat exchanger 30. The fourth refrigerant pipe 84 may be located between the compressor 10 and the second heat exchanger 60.
The heat supply apparatus 1 may include a four-way valve 20 located between the compressor 10 and the first heat exchanger 30. The four-way valve 20 may be located between the compressor 10 and the second heat exchanger 60. The four-way valve 20 may switch the refrigerant pipe 80 depending on the operation mode. In other words, the four-way valve 20 may connect the compressor 10 and the first heat exchanger 30 during the heating operation and connect the compressor 10 and the second heat exchanger 60 during the cooling operation. For example, during the heating operation, the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 10 may flow to the first heat exchanger 30 through the four-way valve 20, and during the cooling operation, the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 10 may flow to the second heat exchanger 60 through the four-way valve 20.
The first refrigerant pipe 81 may connect the first heat exchanger 30 and the four-way valve 20. The fourth refrigerant pipe 84 may connect the second heat exchanger 60 and the four-way valve 20.
The refrigerant pipe 80 may include an inlet pipe 85 through which the refrigerant flowing into the compressor 10 flows The inlet pipe 85 may be connected to the inlet side of the compressor 10. The inlet pipe 85 may connect the compressor 10 and the four-way valve 20.
The compressor 10 may be connected to the four-way valve 20. The refrigerant pipe 80 may include an outlet pipe 86 through which the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 10 flows. The outlet pipe 86 may be connected to the outlet side of the compressor 10. The outlet pipe 86 may connect the compressor 10 and the four-way valve 20.
The heat supply apparatus 1 may include a gas-liquid separator 70 located between the four-way valve 20 and the compressor 10. The gas-liquid separator 70 may be located in the inlet pipe 85. The gas-liquid separator 70 may be located upstream of the compressor 10 in the refrigerant flow path. The gas-liquid separator may separate refrigerant flowing into the compressor at the front end of the compressor. For example, during the cooling operation, the gas-liquid separator 70 may separate the mixed refrigerant discharged from the first heat exchanger 30 into gaseous refrigerant and liquid refrigerant. Conversely, during the heating operation, the gas-liquid separator 70 may separate the mixed refrigerant discharged from the second heat exchanger 60 into gaseous refrigerant and liquid refrigerant.
During the heating operation, the outlet pipe 86 may be connected to the first refrigerant pipe 81 through the four-way valve 20, and the inlet pipe 85 may be connected to the fourth refrigerant pipe 84 through the four-way valve 20. Through the above process, the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 10 may flow to the first heat exchanger 30. During the cooling operation, the outlet pipe 86 may be connected to the fourth refrigerant pipe 84 through the four-way valve 20, and the inlet pipe 85 may be connected to the first refrigerant pipe 81 through the four-way valve 20. Through the above process, the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 10 may flow to the second heat exchanger 60.

<Water-refrigerant heat exchanger>

The first heat exchanger 30 may be a water-refrigerant heat exchanger 30 that exchanges heat between water and refrigerant. For example, the first heat exchanger 30 may be a plate-type heat exchanger through which water and refrigerant flow separately. Water circulating in the indoor space may pass through the first heat exchanger 30. The refrigerant circulating in the outdoor unit may pass through the first heat exchanger 30. The refrigerant may circulate in the outdoor unit and exchange heat with outdoor air in the second heat exchanger 60 and exchange heat with water in the first heat exchanger 30. Through the above process, the water circulating in the indoor space may be heated or cooled. During the heating operation, the heat supply apparatus 1 may heat water passing through the first heat exchanger 30 to warm up the indoor space or supply hot water. During the cooling operation, the heat supply apparatus 1 may cool the water passing through the first heat exchanger 30 to cool down the indoor space or supply cold water. Water and refrigerant passing through the first heat exchanger 30 may flow in opposite directions. In other words, water and refrigerant may form countercurrents.
During the heating operation, the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 10 may be directed to the first heat exchanger 3 0. At this time, the first heat exchanger 30 may function as a condenser. The refrigerant that has passed through the first heat exchanger 30 may sequentially flow through the expansion device 40 and the second heat exchanger 60.
During the cooling operation, the refrigerant discharged from the second heat exchanger 60 may be directed to the first heat exchanger 30. At this time, the first heat exchanger 30 may function as an evaporator.

<Air-refrigerant heat exchanger>

The second heat exchanger 60 may be an air-refrigerant heat exchanger 60 that exchanges heat between air and refrigerant. For example, the second heat exchanger 60 may be a fin-tube heat exchanger including tubes and fins through which refrigerant flows. Since the first heat exchanger 30 and the second heat exchanger 60 constitute an outdoor unit, the second heat exchanger 60 may exchange heat between outdoor air and refrigerant.
During the heating operation, the refrigerant discharged from the first heat exchanger 30 may be directed to the second heat exchanger 60. At this time, the second heat exchanger 60 may function as an evaporator.
During the cooling operation, the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 10 may be directed to the second heat exchanger 60. At this time, the second heat exchanger 60 may function as a condenser.
The second heat exchanger 60 may include a plurality of pipes (see FIG. 2, 65) through which the refrigerant flows. The refrigerant flowing into the second heat exchanger 60 may flow through each of the plurality of pipes 65.
The second heat exchanger 60 may include a first distributor 63 connected to each of the plurality of pipes 65. The first distributor 63 may be located at one side of the second heat exchanger 60. The first distributor 63 may be connected to the fourth refrigerant pipe 84. For example, the refrigerant discharged from the compressor and drawn into the fourth refrigerant pipe 84 during cooling operation may be distributed to the plurality of pipes 65 through the first distributor 63. Conversely, the refrigerant which has passed through the plurality of pipes 65 of the second heat exchanger 60 during heating operation may join at the first distributor 63 and flow into the fourth refrigerant pipe 84.
The second heat exchanger 60 may include a second distributor 67 that distributes refrigerant to the plurality of pipes 65. The second distributor 67 may be located in the other side of the second heat exchanger 60. For example, the first distributor 63 may be located at one side of the second heat exchanger 60, and the second distributor 67 may be located at the other side of the second heat exchanger 60. The second distributor 67 may be connected to the third refrigerant pipe 83. For example, the refrigerant that passes through the expansion device 40 and flows into the third refrigerant pipe 83 during heating operation may be distributed to the plurality of pipes 65 through the second distributor 67. Conversely, the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 10 and passing through the plurality of pipes 65 of the second heat exchanger 60 during cooling operation may pass through a plurality of distribution pipes 66, join at the second distributor 67, and flow into the third refrigerant pipe 83.
The second heat exchanger 60 may include a plurality of distribution pipes 66 connecting the plurality of pipes 65 and the second distributor 67. The plurality of distribution pipes 66 may be located at one side of the second heat exchanger 60. For example, the plurality of distribution pipes 66 may include a first distribution pipe 66a, a second distribution pipe 66b, a third distribution pipe 66c, and a fourth distribution pipe 66d. The first distribution pipe 66a may connect the second distributor 67 and the first pipe (see FIG. 2, 65a). The second distribution pipe 66b may connect the second distributor 87 and the second pipe (see FIG. 2, 65b). The third distribution pipe 66c may connect the second distributor 87 and the third pipe (see FIG. 2, 65c). The fourth distribution pipe 66d may connect the second distributor 67 and the fourth pipe (see FIG. 2, 65d).

The expansion device 40 may be located between the first heat exchanger 30 and the second heat exchanger 60. During the heating operation, the refrigerant may pass through the expansion device 40 from the first heat exchanger 30 to the second heat exchanger 60. During the cooling operation, the refrigerant may pass through the expansion device 40 from the second heat exchanger 60 to the first heat exchanger 30. The expansion device 40 may be located between the second refrigerant pipe 82 connected to the first heat exchanger 30 and the third refrigerant pipe 83 connected to the second heat exchanger 60. Both the second refrigerant pipe 82 and the third refrigerant pipe 83 may be connected to the expansion device 40. For example, during the heating operation, the refrigerant may sequentially pass through the second refrigerant pipe 82, the expansion device 40, and the third refrigerant pipe 83, while, during cooling operation, the refrigerant may sequentially pass through the third refrigerant pipe 83, the expansion device 40, and the second refrigerant pipe 82.
Referring to FIG. 3, the second heat exchanger 60 may include a plurality of connection pipes 64 connecting the plurality of pipes 65 and the first distributor 63, a plurality of distribution pipes 66 connecting the plurality of pipes 65 and the second distributor 67, and a plurality of tubes 650 forming the plurality of pipes 65.

<Case>

The second heat exchanger 60 may include an outdoor fan 62 that generates an air flow passing through the plurality of pipes 65 and a case 61 that accommodates the outdoor fan 62 and the plurality of pipes 65.
The case 61 may include an inlet port 612 formed on one side and a discharge port 614 formed on the other side. The outdoor fan 62 may be disposed at the discharge port 614. The outdoor fan 62 may form airflow directed from the inlet port 612 to the discharge port 614. For example, the outdoor fan 62 may draw outdoor air into the case 61 through the inlet port 612 and discharge the drawn outdoor air to the outside of the case 61 through the discharge port 614. The plurality of pipes 65 may be disposed at the inlet port 612. Through the structure above, the refrigerant flowing through the plurality of pipes 65 may exchange heat with the air flowing in through the inlet port 612.

The second heat exchanger 60 may include a plurality of pipes 65. Each pipe 65 may form an independent flow path through which refrigerant flows. In other words, each of the plurality of pipes 65 may form a flow path that is not shared with each other. Each of the plurality of pipes 65 may be distinct from each other and may include an independent one end (not marked) and an independent other end (not marked). For example, refrigerant flowing into one of the plurality of pipes 65 may flow into one end and be discharged through the other end. Also, conversely, when the operation mode is changed, refrigerant may flow into the other end and be discharged through the one end. The one end may be formed on a one end tube 652, which will be described later, and the other end may be formed on an other end tube 658, which will be described later.
The plurality of pipes 65 may be arranged in the longitudinal direction. For example, the plurality of pipes 65 may include a first pipe 65a located at the bottom, a second pipe 65b located above the first pipe 65a, a third pipe 65c located above the second pipe 65b, and a fourth pipe 65d located above the third pipe 65c. The refrigerant which has passed through the first distributor 63 or the second distributor 67 may be distributed and introduced into each of the plurality of pipes 65, and the introduced refrigerant may pass through the plurality of pipes and flow out to the second distributor or the first distributor.
The plurality of pipes 65 may include the lowermost pipe (or 'first pipe') located in the lowermost part and the remaining pipes (or 'plurality of second pipes') other than the lowermost pipe. For example, the first pipe 65a located in the lowermost part may be the lowermost pipe, and the second pipe 65b to fourth pipe 65d may be included in the remaining pipes.

The second heat exchanger 60 may include a plurality of connection pipes 64 connecting the first distributor 63 and the plurality of pipes 65. The connection pipe 64 may be connected to one end of the plurality of pipes 65. At this time, the distribution pipe 66 may be connected to the other end of the plurality of pipes 65. For example, the plurality of connection pipes 64 include a first connection pipe 64a connected to one end of the first pipe 65a, a second connection pipe 64b connected to one end of the second pipe 65b, and a third connection pipe 64c connected to one end of the third pipe 65c, and a fourth connection pipe 64d connected to one end of the fourth pipe 65d. At this time, the plurality of distribution pipes 66 include a first distribution pipe 66a connected to the other end of the first pipe 65a, a second distribution pipe 66b connected to the other end of the second pipe 65b, a third distribution pipe 66c connected to the other end of the third pipe 65c, and a fourth distribution pipe 66d connected to the other end of the fourth pipe 65d.

<Tube>

The second heat exchanger 60 may include a plurality of tubes 65 forming a plurality of pipes 65, respectively. The circle shown in the drawing may represent the cross section of the tube 650. For example, the first pipe 65a may include four tubes 650a. The second pipe 65b may include eight tubes 650b. The third pipe 65c may include eight tubes 650c. The fourth pipe 65d may include eight tubes 650d.
The plurality of tubes 650 forming the respective pipes 65 may be arranged along a plurality of rows. For example, the plurality of tubes 65 forming the first pipe 65a to the fourth pipe 65d may be arranged side by side in the longitudinal direction along the first row r1 and the second row r2.
The number of tubes 650a forming the lowermost pipe 65a may be less than the number of tubes 650b, 650c, 650d forming other pipes. For example, the number of tubes 650a forming the first pipe 65a disposed at the bottom may be less than the number of tubes 650b forming the second pipe 65b. The number of tubes 650a forming the first pipe 65a disposed at the bottom may be less than the number of tubes 650c forming the third pipe 65c. The number of tubes 650a forming the first pipe 65a disposed at the bottom may be less than the number of tubes 650d forming the fourth pipe 65d.
The length of the refrigerant flow path formed in the lowermost pipe 65a may be shorter than the length of the refrigerant flow path formed in other pipes. For example, the length of the refrigerant flow path formed in the first pipe 65a disposed at the bottom may be shorter than the length of the refrigerant flow path formed in the second pipe 65b. The length of the refrigerant flow path formed in the first pipe 65a disposed at the bottom may be shorter than the length of the refrigerant flow path formed in the third pipe 65c. The length of the refrigerant flow path formed in the first pipe 65a disposed at the bottom may be shorter than the length of the refrigerant flow path formed in the fourth pipe 65d. Since the length of the refrigerant flow path of the lowermost pipe is shorter than the length of the refrigerant flow path of other pipes, the effect on the cooling and heating performance of the second heat exchanger may be reduced as the lowermost pipe is opened or closed by the valve.

Each of the plurality of pipes 65 may include one end tube 652 connected to the connection pipe 64. For example, the first pipe 65a may include a first one end tube 652a connected to the first connection pipe 64a. The second pipe 65b may include a second one end tube 652b connected to the second connection pipe 64b. The third pipe 65c may include a third one end tube 652c connected to the third connection pipe 64c. The fourth pipe 65d may include a fourth one end tube 652d connected to the fourth connection pipe 64d.

One end tube 652 may form one end of the plurality of tubes 650, and an other end tube 658 may form the other end of the plurality of tubes 650. For example, the first one end tube 652a and the first other end tube 658a may be disposed at one end and the other end of the plurality of tubes 65, respectively, allowing refrigerant to flow into or out of the plurality of tubes 65.

The flow direction of the refrigerant may be different between the lowermost pipe 65a and the remaining pipes 65b, 65c, 65d. For example, during defrosting or cooling operation, refrigerant may flow in the direction from the outer side to the inner side in the lowermost pipe 65a, and refrigerant may flow in the direction from the inner side to the outer side in the remaining pipes 65b, 65c, 65d. Conversely, during heating operation, refrigerant may flow in the direction from the inner side to the outer side in the lowermost pipe 65a, and refrigerant may flow in the direction from the outer side to the inner side in the remaining pipes 65b, 65c, 65d. At this time, the outer side may refer to the side surface on which the inlet port 612 is formed. Also, the inner side may refer to the side surface on which the discharge port 614 is formed. The direction from the outer side to the inner side may correspond to the direction in which the airflow formed by the outdoor fan 62 flows

The one end tube 652a of the lowermost pipe 65a may be located on the outer surface of the outdoor unit. The one end tube 652a of the lowermost pipe 65a may be separated further outward than the other end tube 658a. For example, the first one end tube 652a of the first pipe 65a, which is the lowermost pipe 65a, may be located further outside than the first other end tube 658a. In other words, the first one end tube 652a may be located in the first row r1, which is an outer row, and the first other end tube 658a may be located in the second row r2, which is an inner row. Through the structure above, high-temperature refrigerant discharged from the compressor 10 during the defrosting operation may flow into the outer side of the first pipe 65a disposed at the lowermost part and gradually flow in a direction toward the inner side. Accordingly, frost and ice formed on the outer surface of the lower part of the outdoor unit may be quickly removed.

The other end tubes 658b, 658c, 658d of the remaining pipes may be located on the outer surface of the outdoor unit. The one end tubes 652b, 652c, 652d of the remaining pipes may be separated inward from the other end tubes 658b, 658c, 658d. For example, the second other end tube 658b of the second pipe 65b, which is one of the remaining pipes, may be located further outside than the second one end tube 652b. In other words, the second other end tube 658b may be located in the first row r1, which is an outer row, and the second one end tube 652b may be located in the second row r2, which is an inner row.

The one end tube 652a of the lowermost pipe 65a may be disposed in the same row as the other end tubes 658b, 658c, 658d of the remaining pipes. For example, the first one end tube 652a of the first pipe 65a, which is the lowermost pipe, and the second other end tube 658b to fourth other end tube 658d of the second pipe 65b to fourth pipe 65d, which are the remaining pipes, may be disposed in the first row r1. Also, the other end tube 658a of the lowermost pipe 65a may be disposed in the same row as the one end tubes 652b, 652c, 652d of the remaining pipes. For example, the first other end tube 658a of the first pipe 65a, which is the lowermost pipe, and the second one end tubes 652b to fourth one end tube 652d of the second pipe 65b to fourth pipe 65d, which are the remaining pipes, may be disposed in the second row r2.
With reference to FIG. 4, a refrigerant flow mechanism of the second heat exchanger 60 during heating operation will be described.
During heating operation, registrant may flow in the direction circulating the compressor 10, the first heat exchanger 30, the expansion device 40, and the second heat exchanger 60. In other words, based on FIG. 1, refrigerant may circulate in the counterclockwise direction. At this time, the four-way valve 20 may connect the outlet pipe 86 connected to the compressor 10 and the first registrant pipe 81.
High-temperature refrigerant discharged from the compressor 10 may be directed to the first heat exchanger 30. Low-temperature refrigerant that has passed through the first heat exchanger 30 and the expansion device 40 may flow into the second heat exchanger 60.
Low-temperature refrigerant may flow into the second heat exchanger 60 through the second distributor 67. The low-temperature refrigerant that has passed through the second distributor 67 may flow through a plurality of pipes 65 via a plurality of distribution pipes 66. The second distributor 67 may distribute the refrigerant to the plurality of distribution pipes 66. For example, the refrigerant that has passed through the second distributor 67 may be distributed to the first to fourth distribution pipes 66a to 66d, respectively. The refrigerant distributed to the plurality of distribution pipes 66 may flow into the plurality of pipes 65. The refrigerant that has passed through the distribution pipe 66 may flow into the other ends of the plurality of pipes 65. The other ends of the plurality of pipes 65 may be formed in a plurality of other end tubes 658, respectively.
The refrigerant that has passed through the lowermost distribution pipe 66a may flow into the lowermost pipe 65a through the lowermost other end tube 658a. The lowermost distribution pipe 66a may refer to a distribution pipe connected to the lowermost pipe 65a. For example, the refrigerant that has passed through the first distribution pipe 66a may flow into the first pipe 65a through the first other end tube 658a. At this time, the refrigerant flowing into the lowermost pipe 65a may flow from the inner side to the outer side of the lowermost pipe 65a. For example, the refrigerant in the first distribution pipe 66a may flow into the first pipe 65a through the first other end tube 658a located in the second column r2, which is a row disposed inside. The refrigerant flowing into the first pipe 65a may pass through two tubes disposed in the second row r2, including the first other end tube 658a, and then pass through two tubes disposed in the first row r1, including the first one end tube 652a. The refrigerant in the first pipe 65a may flow out from the first pipe 65a through the first one end tube 652a disposed in the first row r1.
The refrigerant that has passed through the remaining distribution pipes 66b, 66c, 66d may flow into the remaining pipes 65b, 65c, 65d through the remaining other end tubes 658b, 658c, 658d. The remaining distribution pipes 66b, 66c, 66d may refer to the distribution pipes other than the lowermost distribution pipe 66a among the plurality of distribution pipes 66. For example, the remaining distribution pipes 66b, 66c, 66d may include second to fourth distribution pipes 66b to 66d. The refrigerant flowing into the remaining pipes 65b, 65c, 65d may flow in a direction from the outer side to the inner side. The remaining other end tubes 658b, 658c, 658d connected to the remaining distribution pipes 66b, 66c, 66d are located in the outermost row of the remaining pipes 65b, 65c, 65d, and the remaining one end tubes 652b, 652c, 652d may be located in the innermost row of the remaining pipes 65b, 65c, 65d. For example, the refrigerant flowing into the second pipe 65b through the second other end tube 658b disposed in the first row r1 may flow out from the second pipe 65b through the second one end tube 652b disposed in the second row r2. The above process also applies to the third pipe 65c and the fourth pipe 65d.
During heating operation, as cold airflow generated by the outdoor fan passes through a plurality of pipes through which low-temperature refrigerant flows, frost and ice may develop on the outer surface of the outdoor unit.
With reference to FIG. 5, a refrigerant flow mechanism of the second heat exchanger 60 during defrosting or cooling operation will be described.
During defrosting or cooling operation, registrant may flow in the direction circulating the compressor 10, the second heat exchanger 60, the expansion device 40, and the first heat exchanger 30. In other words, based on FIG. 1, refrigerant may circulate in the clockwise direction. At this time, the four-way valve 20 may connect the outlet pipe 86 connected to the compressor 10 and the fourth registrant pipe 84.
The high-temperature refrigerant discharged from the compressor 10 may be directed to the second heat exchanger 60. The high-temperature refrigerant may remove frost and ice generated in the second heat exchanger 60 while passing through the second heat exchanger 60. Specifically, the high-temperature refrigerant discharged from the compressor 10 may pass through the first distributor 63 and be distributed to each of the plurality of connection pipes 64. For example, the high-temperature refrigerant discharged from the compressor 10 may pass through the first distributor 63 and be distributed to the first to fourth connection pipes 64a to 64d, respectively.
The high-temperature refrigerant flowing into the plurality of connection pipes 64 may flow into each of the plurality of pipes 65. For example, the refrigerant in the first connection pipe 64a may flow into the first pipe 65a, the refrigerant in the second connection pipe 64b may flow into the second pipe 65b, the refrigerant in the third connection pipe 64c may flow into the third pipe 65c, and the refrigerant in the fourth pipe 65d may flow into the fourth pipe 65d.
The first connection pipe 64a disposed at the lowermost part may be connected to the first one end tube 652a of the first pipe 65a. One end of the first pipe 65a may be formed in the first one end tube 652a. The refrigerant flowing through the first connection pipe 64a may flow into the first pipe 65a through the first one end tube 652a. At this time, the high-temperature refrigerant may begin to flow from the outermost row through the first one end tube 652a disposed in the outermost row of the first pipe 65a. For example, high-temperature refrigerant may flow into the first row r1 located at the outermost side through the first connection pipe 64a. The high-temperature refrigerant flowing into the outermost row may pass through other tubes of the first pipe 65a disposed in the first row r1 and gradually flow to those tubes disposed in the inner rows. For example, the high-temperature refrigerant passing through two tubes including the first one end tube 652a disposed in the first row r1 may pass through two tubes including the first other end tube 658a disposed in the second row r2 and flow out from the first pipe 65a. Through the above process, the high-temperature refrigerant may flow from the outermost part of the lowermost pipe, more quickly removing frost and ice generated on the outer surface of the outdoor unit.
The temperature of the refrigerant in the first other end tube 658a may be lower than the temperature of the refrigerant in the first one end tube 652a. The refrigerant that has passed through the first other end tube 658a may flow out to the second distributor 67 through the first distribution pipe 66a. The refrigerant flowing out to the second distributor 67 may be directed to the expansion device 40.
The remaining connection pipes 64b, 64c, 64d other than the first connection pipe 64a disposed in the lowermost part may be connected to the remaining one end tubes 652b, 652c, 652d of the remaining pipes 65b, 65c, 65d. The remaining pipes 65b, 65c, 65d may refer to the pipes excluding the lowermost pipe 65a among the plurality of pipes 65, and the remaining one end tubes 652b, 652c, 652d may refer to one end tubes excluding the lowermost one end tube 652a among a plurality of one end tubes 652. For example, the second connection pipe 64b may be connected to the second one end tube 652b of the second pipe 65b. The third connection pipe 64c may be connected to the third one end tube 652c of the third pipe 65c. The fourth connection pipe 64d may be connected to the fourth one end tube 652d of the fourth pipe 65d. The refrigerant flowing in the remaining connection pipes 64b, 64c, 64d may flow into the remaining pipes 65b, 65c, 65d through the remaining one end tubes 652b, 652c, 652d. At this time, the high-temperature refrigerant may begin to flow from the inner row through the remaining one end tubes 652b, 652c, 652d disposed in the inner row of the remaining pipes 65b, 65c, 65d. For example, high-temperature refrigerant may flow into the second row r2 located at the innermost side through the second to fourth connection pipes 64b to 64d. The high-temperature refrigerant flowing into the innermost row may pass through the other tubes of the remaining pipes 65b, 65c, 65d disposed in the second row r2 and may gradually flow to those tubes disposed in the outer rows. For example, the high-temperature refrigerant passing through four tubes including the second one end tube 652b disposed in the second row r2 may pass through four tubes including the second other end tube 658b disposed in the first row r1 and flow out from the second pipe 65b. The above process also applies to the third pipe 65c and the fourth pipe 65d.
The temperature of the refrigerant in the remaining other end tubes 658b, 658c, 658d may be lower than the temperature of the refrigerant in the remaining one end tubes 652b, 652c, 652d. For example, the temperature of the refrigerant of the second other end tube 658b may be lower than the temperature of the refrigerant of the second one end tube 652b. The above process also applies to the third pipe 65c and the fourth pipe 65d.
The refrigerant that has passed through the remaining other end tubes 658b, 658c, 658d may flow out to the second distributor 67 through the remaining distribution pipes 66b, 66c, 66d. The refrigerant flowing out to the second distributor 67 may be directed to the expansion device 40.
Referring to FIG. 6, the second heat exchanger 60 may include a valve 68 controlling the refrigerant flow of the lowermost pipe 65a.

<Valve>

The second heat exchanger 60 may include a valve 68 that controls the flow of refrigerant in the lowermost pipe among the plurality of pipes 65. The valve 68 may prevent the refrigerant from flowing in the lowermost pipe. The valve 68 may open all of the plurality of pipes 65 to allow the refrigerant to flow through all of the plurality of pipes 65 during the cooling operation and block the lowermost pipe so that the refrigerant flows only through the remaining pipes except the lowermost pipe among the plurality of pipes 65 during the heating operation. For example, the valve may be disposed in the first distribution pipe 66a connected to the first pipe (see FIG. 2, 65a), which is the lowermost pipe among the plurality of pipes 65.
The valve 68 may be a check valve 682 that allows refrigerant to flow in only one direction. For example, the valve 68 may allow the refrigerant to flow sequentially through the second heat exchanger 60, the expansion device 40, and the first heat exchanger 30.

The valve 68 disposed on the lowermost distribution pipe 66a may block the flow of refrigerant flowing into the lowermost pipe 65a. In other words, during the heating operation, the refrigerant may be prevented from flowing through the lowermost pipe 65a. Through the above process, it is possible to reduce freezing of the second heat exchanger as low-temperature refrigerant flows through the lowermost pipe during the heating operation in cold weather.
The valve disposed on the lowermost distribution pipe 66a may allow the refrigerant to flow out from the lowermost pipe 65a. In other words, during the cooling operation or defrosting operation, refrigerant may flow through the lowermost pipe 65a. This is so because high-temperature refrigerant discharged from the compressor 10 flows through the lowermost pipe during the cooling or defrosting operation, thereby eliminating the risk of freezing.
Referring to FIG. 7, the valve 68 may be disposed in the lowermost connection pipe 64a. The valve 68 may be disposed on the lowermost connection pipe 64a connected to the lowermost pipe 65a. For example, the check valve 682 may be disposed in the first connection pipe 64a connected to the first one end tube 652a of the first pipe 65a to control the flow of refrigerant flowing through the first pipe 65a. The valve 68 may be closed to prevent low-temperature refrigerant from flowing through the lowermost pipe 65a and opened to allow high-temperature refrigerant to flow through the lowermost pipe 65a. In other words, the high-temperature refrigerant discharged from the compressor 10 may flow into the lowermost pipe 65a through the lowermost connection pipe 64a.
With reference to FIG. 8, a refrigerant flow of the lowermost pipe 65a according to the valve 68 during cooling operation will be described.
During heating operation, low-temperature refrigerant that has passed through the first heat exchanger 30 and the expansion device 40 may flow into the second heat exchanger 60 through the second distributor 67. The second distributor 67 may distribute the incoming low-temperature refrigerant to a plurality of distribution pipes 66. At this time, the valve disposed on the lowermost distribution pipe 66a may prevent refrigerant from flowing into the lowermost pipe 65a. In other words, the refrigerant may flow to the remaining distribution pipes other than the lowermost distribution pipe 66a among the plurality of distribution pipes 66. For example, the check valve 682 disposed in the first distribution pipe 66a may prevent low-temperature refrigerant from flowing into the first pipe 65a. The refrigerant that has passed through the second distributor 67 may be distributed to the second distribution pipe 66b to the fourth distribution pipe 66d. Through the above process, accumulation of frost near the lowermost pipe vulnerable to frosting and freezing during heating operation may be reduced.
The refrigerant passing through the remaining pipes other than the lowermost pipe 65a among the plurality of pipes 65 may join at the first distributor 63 through the remaining pipes other than the lowermost pipe 64a among the plurality of pipes 64. The refrigerant may pass through the first distributor 63 and be discharged from the second heat exchanger 60.
With reference to FIG. 9, a refrigerant flow of the lowermost pipe 65a according to the valve during defrosting or heating operation will be described.
During defrosting or cooling operation, the high-temperature refrigerant discharged from the compressor 10 may be distributed to a plurality of connection pipes 64 through the second distributor 67. The refrigerant in the plurality of connection pipes 64 may flow into the plurality of pipes 65, respectively. At this time, the valve 68 may open the first pipe 65a.
The refrigerant in the first connection pipe 64a may flow from the outermost side of the first pipe 65a. For example, high-temperature refrigerant may flow into the first one end tube 652a located in the first row r1, which is the outermost row of the first pipe 65a. The high-temperature refrigerant flowing into the first one end tube 652a may exchange heat while flowing through the outermost side. The frost and ice formed on the outer surface of the outdoor unit may be removed by high-temperature refrigerant flowing through the lowermost pipe 65a.
The refrigerant flowing through the outermost side of the first pipe 65a may gradually move inward. For example, the refrigerant may flow through a plurality of tubes located in the first row r1 of the first pipe 65a and then flow through a plurality of tubes located in the second row r2. The refrigerant in the first pipe 65a may be discharged to the first distribution pipe 66a through the first other end tube 658a disposed in the second row r2.
Referring to FIGS. 10 and 11, the refrigerant flowing through the first pipe 65a may flow upward from an outer row to an inner row. The refrigerant in the first pipe 65a may sequentially flow through a plurality of tubes located in the outer row and then sequentially flow through a plurality of tubes located in the inner row. The refrigerant may flow upward through a plurality of tubes located in the outer row. For example, refrigerant may start flowing from the first one end tube 652a located at the bottom of the first row r1, which is the outer row, and sequentially flow upward through upper three tubes. The refrigerant flows from the tube located at the bottom of the outer row to the tube located at the top of the outer row, and the refrigerant in the tube located at the top of the outer row may flow into the tube located at the bottom of the inner row. The refrigerant may flow from the tube located at the bottom of the inner row to the tube located at the top of the inner row. The refrigerant in the tube located at the top of the inner row may be discharged into the first distribution pipe 66a. For example, refrigerant may flow from the first one end tube 652a located at the bottom of the first row r1 to the tube located at the top of the first row r1. The refrigerant in the tube located at the top of the first row r1 may flow to the tube located at the bottom of the second row r2. The refrigerant in the tube located at the bottom of the second row r2 may flow to the first other end tube 658a located at the top of the second row r2. The refrigerant of the first other end tube 658a located at the top of the second row r2 may be discharged into the second distribution pipe 66b. The high-temperature refrigerant may first circulate through the tubes located in the outermost row, quickly removing frost and ice formed on the outer surface of the outdoor unit.
The lowermost other end tube 658a may be located above the lowermost one end tube 652a. The lowermost other end tube 658a may be located at the top of the lowermost pipe 65a. The lowermost one end tube 652a may be located at the bottom of the lowermost pipe 65a. For example, the first other end tube 658a may be located above the first one end tube 652a. The first other end tube 658a may be located at the top of the first pipe 65a. The first one end tube 652a may be located at the bottom of the first pipe 65a.
Referring to FIG. 12, refrigerant flowing in the first pipe 65a may flow an outer row and an inner row in an alternate manner. The refrigerant in the first pipe 65a may gradually flow upward while flowing through the outer and inner rows in an alternate manner. For example, in the first pipe 65a, the refrigerant in the first one end tube 652a located at the bottom of the first row r1 may flow into the tube located above the first one end tube 652a. The refrigerant in the tube located above the first one end tube 652a may flow to the tube located at the bottom of the second row r2. The refrigerant in the tube located at the bottom of the second row r2 may flow to the tube located above. In this way, refrigerant may gradually move upward while flowing through the tubes located in the first row r1 and the tubes located in the second row r2 in an alternate manner. The refrigerant in the first pipe 65a may flow to the uppermost tube located in the second row r2 and may flow to the second distributor 67 through the first distribution pipe 66a.
During the defrosting operation, the most upstream tube 652a of the first pipe 65a may be located in the outermost part of the lowermost end of the first pipe 65a. For example, the first one end tube 652a may be located at the bottom of the first row r1. During the defrosting operation, the most downstream tube of the first pipe 65a may be located in the innermost part of the uppermost end. For example, the first other end tube 658a may be located at the top of the second row r2.
Referring to FIG. 13, the plurality of pipes 65 may be arranged along an outer row, a middle row, and an inner row. For example, a plurality of tubes may be arranged in the vertical direction along a first row r1 located in the outside, a second row r2 located in the inside, and a third row r3 located in the middle.
During the defrosting operation, the refrigerant in the first pipe 65a may flow into the lowermost tube of the outer row. The refrigerant flowing into the lowermost tube of the first row r1 may flow upward along a plurality of tubes disposed in the first row r1. The refrigerant that reaches the uppermost tube of the first row r1 may flow to the uppermost tube of the third row r3. The refrigerant in the uppermost tube of the third row r3 may flow in a downward direction along a plurality of tubes disposed in the third row r3. The refrigerant in the lowermost tube of the third row r3 may flow to the lowermost tube disposed in the second row r2. The refrigerant in the lowermost tube of the second row r2 may flow upward along the plurality of tubes disposed in the second row r2. Through the above process, in the first pipe 65a during the defrosting operation, high-temperature refrigerant may flow from the first one end tube 652a located in the outermost part of the lowermost end to the first other end tube 658a located in the innermost part of the uppermost end. Accordingly, defrosting performance in the lower part of the outer surface of the outdoor unit, which is vulnerable to frosting and freezing, may be improved.
Referring to FIG. 14, refrigerant may sequentially flow through an outer row, a middle row, and an inner row.
During the defrosting operation, the refrigerant in the first pipe 65a may flow upward from the lowermost tube in the first row r1 through a plurality of tubes arranged in the first row r1. The refrigerant in the uppermost tube of the first row r1 may flow to the lowermost tube of the third row r3. The refrigerant flowing into the lowermost tube of the third row r3 may flow upward through a plurality of tubes arranged in the third row r3. The refrigerant in the uppermost tube of the third row r3 may flow to the lowermost tube of the second row r2. The refrigerant flowing into the lowermost tube of the second row r2 may flow upward through a plurality of tubes arranged in the second row r2. The refrigerant in the first pipe 65a may be discharged through the first other end tube 658a located at the uppermost part of the second row r2. Through the above process, during the defrosting operation, high-temperature refrigerant may flow into an outer row adjacent to the outer surface of the outdoor unit, on which frost and ice are formed; in particular, the lower part vulnerable to frosting and freezing may be defrosted intensively. Since the temperature of the refrigerant flowing through the first pipe 65a gradually decreases along the flow path, the refrigerant may flow through the outer row adjacent to the outer surface of the outdoor unit and then flow back to the lowermost part of the middle row, further improving the defrosting performance of the lower part vulnerable to frosting and freezing.
Referring to FIGS. 1 to 14, a heat supply apparatus according to one aspect of the present disclosure may comprise a compressor compressing refrigerant; a first heat exchanger being connected to the compressor through a refrigerant pipe and exchanging heat between refrigerant and water; and a second heat exchanger being connected to the compressor through a refrigerant pipe and having a plurality of pipes exchanging heat between refrigerant and air, wherein the plurality of pipes include: a first pipe disposed in the lowermost part; and the remaining pipes disposed above the first pipe, wherein the first pipe directs refrigerant flow in the opposite direction to the refrigerant flow in the remaining pipes.
According to another one aspect of the present disclosure, the second heat exchanger may include a first distributor disposed on one side of the second heat exchanger adjacent to the compressor; a plurality of connection pipes connecting the first distributor and one ends of the plurality of pipes; a second distributor disposed on the other side of the second heat exchanger; and a plurality of distribution pipes connecting the second distributor and the other ends of the plurality of pipes, wherein the first pipe includes: a first one end tube connected to a first connection pipe disposed at the lowermost end among the plurality of connection pipes; and a first other end tube connected to a first distribution pipe disposed at the lowermost end among the plurality of distribution pipes.
According to another one aspect of the present disclosure, the first one end tube may be located on the outermost side of the plurality of pipes.
According to another one aspect of the present disclosure, the first other end tube may be located on the innermost side of the plurality of pipes.
According to another one aspect of the present disclosure, each of the remaining pipes other than the first pipe among the plurality of pipes may include a one end tube connected to the remaining connection pipes among the plurality of connection pipes; and an other end tube connected to the remaining distribution pipes among the plurality of distribution pipes, wherein the one end tube of each of the remaining pipes may be separated inwardly from the corresponding other end tube.
According to another one aspect of the present disclosure, the second heat exchanger may include: an outdoor fan that forms airflow passing through the plurality of pipes, wherein the outdoor fan forms airflow that flows from the outside to the inside.
According to another one aspect of the present disclosure, the second heat exchanger may include: a case that accommodates the plurality of pipes and has an inlet through which air flows into the case, and the first pipe is separated upward from the bottom of the periphery forming the inlet.
According to another one aspect of the present disclosure, the first one end tube may be located below the first other end tube.
According to another one aspect of the present disclosure, among the plurality of pipes, the remaining pipes other than the first pipe may include: a one end tube connected to the remaining connection pipes among the plurality of connection pipes; and an other end tube connected to the remaining distribution pipes among the plurality of distribution pipes, wherein the plurality of other end tubes and the first one end tube are located on the outermost first row, and the plurality of one end tubes and the first other end tube are located on the innermost second row.
According to another one aspect of the present disclosure, the second heat exchanger may include: a valve that opens the first pipe during defrosting operation to allow refrigerant to flow or closes the first pipe during heating operation to block the flow of the refrigerant.
According to another one aspect of the present disclosure, the second heat exchanger may include: a first distributor disposed on one side of the second heat exchanger adjacent to the compressor; a plurality of connection pipes connecting the first distributor and one ends of the plurality of pipes; a second distributor disposed on the other side of the second heat exchanger; and a plurality of distribution pipes connecting the second distributor and other ends of the plurality of pipes, wherein the valve is disposed in the first distribution pipe connected to the first pipe among the plurality of distribution pipes.
According to another one aspect of the present disclosure, the second heat exchanger may include: a first distributor disposed on one side of the second heat exchanger adjacent to the compressor; a plurality of connection pipes connecting the first distributor and one ends of the plurality of pipes; a second distributor disposed on the other side of the second heat exchanger; and a plurality of distribution pipes connecting the second distributor and other ends of the plurality of pipes, wherein the valve is disposed in the first connection pipe connected to the first pipe among the plurality of connection pipes.
Referring to FIGS. 1 to 14, a heat supply apparatus according to one aspect of the present disclosure may comprise a compressor compressing refrigerant; a first heat exchanger being connected to the compressor through a refrigerant pipe and exchanging heat between refrigerant and water; and a second heat exchanger being connected to the compressor through a refrigerant pipe and exchanging heat between refrigerant and air, wherein the second heat exchanger includes: a plurality of pipes through which refrigerant flows; a first distributor disposed on one side of the second heat exchanger adjacent to the compressor; a plurality of connection pipes connecting the first distributor and one ends of the plurality of pipes; a second distributor disposed on the other side of the second heat exchanger; and a plurality of distribution pipes connecting the second distributor and the other ends of the plurality of pipes, wherein the plurality of pipes include: a first pipe disposed in the lowermost part; and the remaining pipes disposed above the first pipe, wherein the first pipe includes: a first one end tube connected to a first connection pipe disposed at the lowermost end among the plurality of connection pipes; and a first other end tube connected to a first distribution pipe disposed at the lowermost end among the plurality of distribution pipes, the first one end tube is located at the bottom of the first pipe, and the first other end tube is located at the top of the first pipe.
According to another one aspect of the present disclosure, the first pipe may include: a plurality of first tubes disposed in a first row located at the outermost side of the first pipe and including the first one end tube; and a plurality of second tubes disposed in a second row located at the innermost side of the first pipe and including the first other end tube, wherein the uppermost tube among the plurality of first tubes is connected to the lowermost tube among the plurality of second tubes.
According to another one aspect of the present disclosure, the first pipe may include: a plurality of first tubes disposed in a first row located at the outermost side of the first pipe and including the first one end tube; and a plurality of second tubes disposed in a second row located at the innermost side of the first pipe and including the first other end tube, wherein refrigerant flows through the plurality of first tubes and the plurality of second tubes in an alternate manner.
Certain embodiments or other embodiments of the disclosure described above are not mutually exclusive or distinct from each other. Any or all elements of the embodiments of the disclosure described above may be combined with another or combined with each other in configuration or function.
For example, a configuration "A" described in one embodiment of the disclosure and the drawings and a configuration "B" described in another embodiment of the disclosure and the drawings may be combined with each other. Namely, although the combination between the configurations is not directly described, the combination is possible except in the case where it is described that the combination is impossible.
Although embodiments have been described with reference to a number of illustrative embodiments thereof, it should be understood that numerous other modifications and embodiments can be devised by those skilled in the art that will fall within the scope of the principles of this disclosure. More particularly, various variations and modifications are possible in the component parts and/or arrangements of the subject combination arrangement within the scope of the disclosure, the drawings and the app ended claims. In addition to variations and modifications in the component parts and/or arrangements, alternative uses will also be apparent to those skilled in the art.

[Detailed Description of Main Elements]

10: Compressor
20: Four-way valve
30: First heat exchanger
40: Expansion device
60: Second heat exchanger
61: Case
62: Outdoor fan
63: First distributor
64: Connection pipe
65: Pipe
66: Distribution pipe
67: Second distributor
70: Gas-liquid separator
80: Refrigerant pipe

Claims

A heat supply apparatus (1) comprising:
a compressor (10) compressing refrigerant;

a first heat exchanger (30) being connected to the compressor (10) through a refrigerant pipe (80) and configured to exchange heat between refrigerant and water, and

a second heat exchanger (60) being connected to the compressor (10) through a refrigerant pipe (80) and having a plurality of pipes (65) confgirued to exchange heat between refrigerant and air,

wherein the plurality of pipes (65) include:
a first pipe (65a) disposed in the lowermost part; and

a plurality of second pipes (65b, 65c, 65d) disposed above the first pipe (65a),

wherein the first pipe (65a) is configured to direct refrigerant flow in the opposite direction to the refrigerant flow in the second pipes (65b, 65c, 65d).
The apparatus (1) of claim 1, wherein the second heat exchanger (60) includes:
a first distributor (63) disposed in a first direction based on the plurality of pipes (65) and adjacent to the compressor (10);

a plurality of connection pipes (64) connecting the first distributor (63) and one ends of each of the plurality of pipes (65);

a second distributor (63) disposed in a second direction that is different from the first direction based on the plurality of pipes (65); and

a plurality of distribution pipes (66) connecting the second distributor (63) and the other ends of each of the plurality of pipes (65),

wherein the plurality of connection pipes (64) includes a first connection pipe (64a) connected to the first pipe (65a),

wherein the plurality of distribution pipes (66) includes a first distribution pipe (66a) connected to the first pipe (65a),

wherein the first pipe (65a) includes:
a first pipe one end tube (652a) connected to the first connection pipe (64a); and

a first pipe other end tube (658a) connected to the first distribution pipe (66a).
The apparatus (1) of claim 2, wherein the first pipe one end tube (652a) is spaced apart from the first pipe other end tube (658a) in the first direction.
The apparatus (1) of claim 2, wherein the first pipe other end tube (658a) is spaced apart from the first pipe one end tube (652a) in the second direction.
The apparatus (1) according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the plurality of connection pipes (64) includes a plurality of second connection pipes (64b, 64c, 64d) connected to each of the plurality of second pipes (65b, 65c, 65d),
wherein the plurality of distribution pipes (66) includes a plurality of second distribution pipes (66b, 66c, 66d) connected to each of the plurality of second pipes (65b, 65c, 65d),

wherein each of the plurality of second pipes (65b, 65c, 65d) includes a second pipe one end tube (652b, 652c, 652d) connected to each of the plurality of second connection pipes (64b, 64c, 64d); and

a second pipe other end tube (658b, 658c, 658d) connected to each of the plurality of second remaining distribution pipes (66b, 66c, 66d),

wherein the second pipe one end tube (652b, 652c, 652d) is spaced apart from the second pipe other end tube (658b, 658c, 658d) in the second direction.
The apparatus (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the second heat exchanger (60) includes:
an outdoor fan (62) that is configured to form airflow passing through the plurality of pipes (65),

wherein the outdoor fan (62) is configured to form airflow that flows from the first direction to the second direction.
The apparatus (1) according to any one of of claims 1 to 6, wherein the second heat exchanger (60) includes:
a case (61) that accommodates the plurality of pipes (65) and has an inlet (612) through which air flows into the case (61), and

wherein the first pipe (65a) is spaced upward from the bottom of the periphery forming the inlet (612).
The apparatus (1) of claim 2, wherein the first pipe one end tube (652a) is located below the first pipe other end tube (658a).
The apparatus (1) of claim 8, wherein the plurality of connection pipes (64) includes a plurality of second connection pipe (64b, 64c, 64d) connected to each of the plurality of second pipe (65b, 65c, 65d),
wherein the plurality of distribution pipes (66) includes a plurality of second distribution pipe (66b, 66c, 66d) connected to each of the plurality of second pipe (65b, 65c, 65d),

wherein each of the plurality of second pipes (65b, 65c, 65d) includes:
a second pipe one end tube (652b, 652c, 652d) connected to each of the plurality of second connection pipes (64b, 64c, 64d); and

a second pipe other end tube (658b, 658c, 658d) connected to each of the plurality of second remaining distribution pipes,

wherein the second pipe other end tube (658b, 658c, 658d) and the first pipe one end tube (652a) are located on a first row (r1), and

the second pipe one end tube (652b, 652c, 652d) and the first other end tube (658a) are located on a second row (r2) spaced apart from the first row (r1) in the second dirrection.
The apparatus (1) of claim 1, wherein the second heat exchanger (60) includes:
a valve (20) that is configured to open the first pipe (65a) during defrosting operation to allow refrigerant to flow or close the first pipe (65a) during heating operation to block the flow of the refrigerant, preferably wherein the valve (20) is a four-way valve.
The apparatus (1) of claim 10, wherein the second heat exchanger (60) further includes:
a first distributor (63) disposed in a first direction based on the plurality of pipes (60) and adjacent to the compressor (10);

a plurality of connection pipes (64) connecting the first distributor (63) and one ends of each of the plurality of pipes (65);

a second distributor (67) disposed in a second direction that is different from the first direction based on the plurality of pipes (65); and

a plurality of distribution pipes (66) connecting the second distributor (67) and the other ends of each of the plurality of pipes (65),

wherein the valve (20) is disposed in the first distribution pipe (66a) connected to the first pipe (65a).
The apparatus (1) of claim 10, wherein the second heat exchanger (60) includes:
a first distributor (63) disposed in a first direction based on the plurality of pipes (65) and adjacent to the compressor (10);

a plurality of connection pipes (64) connecting the first distributor (63) and one ends of each of the plurality of pipes (65);

a second distributor (67) disposed in a second direction that is different from the first direction based on the plurality of pipes (65); and

a plurality of distribution pipes (66) connecting the second distributor (67) and the other ends of each of the plurality of pipes (65),

wherein the valve (20) is disposed in the first connection pipe (64a) connected to the first pipe (65a).
The apparatus (1) of claim 8, wherein the first pipe (65a) includes:
a plurality of first tubes arranged in a first row (r1) formed vertically and including the first one end tube (652a); and

a plurality of second tubes disposed in a second row (r2) formed vertically and including the first other end tube (658a),

wherein the first row (r1) is spaced apart from the second row (r2) in the first direction.
The apparatus (1) of claim 13, wherein the uppermost tube among the plurality of first tubes is connected to the lowermost tube among the plurality of second tubes.
The apparatus (1) of claim 13, wherein refrigerant flows through the plurality of first tubes and the plurality of second tubes in an alternate manner.